Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Reels in $25 Million With Hot Rods Rising in Popularity

    The Super Bowl of Collector Car Auctions Shatters Market Expectations

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 22 Of the 846 dazzling cars
consigned to the 30th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, a record
88 percent were sold, pushing the total sales volume to an impressive
preliminary $25 million.  This is the highest sales total in the last decade
and one of the largest in the company's history.  The extensive collection and
wide variety of vehicles attracted 3,200 pre-qualified bidders, a 63 percent
increase over last year's record.
    The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, presented by
Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge, reaffirmed its worldwide leadership position in the
collector car market by elevating the standard higher than ever before.  The
world's largest and most anticipated automobile auction, which was held
January 18 - 21 to capacity crowds, broke numerous records and provided the
collector car market with a peek into the emerging trends that will be seen in
the coming year.
    According to Barrett-Jackson President Craig Jackson, this year's sale
clearly demonstrated buyers are purchasing what they like which is driving
prices up.  "People are buying quality, well-documented vehicles," commented
Jackson.  "Baby boomers are also buying the cars they grew up with, and are
putting them on the road rather than covering them up and locking them away in
garages or showrooms.  Most of the cars purchased this year will be hitting
the streets on a regular basis."
    Jackson noted a giant surge of interest and sales in hot rods.  "Muscle
cars are hot, but top quality Hot Rods are the hottest," said Jackson.  These
chopped dream machines were generally out-selling muscle cars, which have been
rising in popularity.  This is a trend to watch."  As an example, the 1934
Ford 3-window Coddington Rod was one of the highest priced cars, selling for
$130,680.
    The most expensive car was a beautiful and rare 1931 Duesenberg J Murphy
Convertible Coupe that sold for $575,000.  Driving on the street won't be the
case for the new owner of the 1969 Ford GT-40 MkI race car that went for
$432,000.  Rounding out the top-tier cars was a stunning 1952 Chrysler
d'Elegance Ghia Coupe at $334,800; a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster at
$297,000; and another 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster at $245,160.
    The oldest car sold was a 1918 Dodge Touring that crossed the block for
$12,960, while the newest car, a 2000 BMW Z-8, sold for $178,200.  Among some
of the other notable cars were:  Jerry Seinfeld's 1957 Porsche Carrera GT
Racer was the most expensive Porsche sold, at $92,880, while two-time
Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk sold his 1999 Ferrari 360 Modena for $151,200.
Baseball's Reggie Jackson commanded $157,680 for a rare 1953 Mercedes-Benz
300 S Cabriolet, and Cecil Fielder's 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible
brought $49,680.
    A special Barrett-Jackson collector's edition Shelby Series 1 that comes
painted in Shelby Daytona blue with Wimbledon white strips was constructed in
honor of the company's 30th anniversary.  This remarkable one-off sports car
was purchased by popular violinist Shoji Tabuchi for $217,080 and will be
signed by the car's namesake, Carroll Shelby.
    The annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction continues to be one of
the most influential events worldwide.  As in past years, it was not uncommon
to see Hollywood celebrities, world-famous race- car drivers, sports stars and
serious collectors strolling through the expansive field and stopping to chat
with enthusiasts and admire the unique vehicles.
    "Barrett-Jackson has evolved into more than just an auction, it's a
lifestyle happening for many types of people," said Jackson.  "The Opening
Night Gala attracted approximately 5,000 guests and raised $3,500 for Alice
Cooper's Solid Rock Foundation by auctioning a signed Fender guitar that he
presented to the top bidder.  With an Automobilia Auction each day and a huge
vendor pavilion, there's something for everyone."  For the fashion-minded, the
Robb Report Fashion Show presented top haute couture designer Dana Buchman,
who personally introduced her spring 2001 collection to standing-room
audiences at each of her three shows.
    "This was an awesome showcase," smiled Jackson, "And we're looking forward
to digging right in and begin planning an even better 2002."
    For auction highlights, photographs and a complete listing of results, log
onto http://www.barrett-jackson.com.