Jeff Probst Chooses Barrett-Jackson to Auction First Date 1966 Chevrolet Corvette
Emmy Award-Winning Survivor Producer and Host Took First Date for a Spin In Candy-Apple Red Classic
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 22 -- Barrett-Jackson Auction Company today announced the consignment of a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette from Jeff Probst, host of the popular CBS reality series "Survivor." The car, which will be auctioned No Reserve, is a candy-apple red, mint-condition Corvette, which Probst drove on his very first date in 1977.
The Corvette is a beautifully restored, mint-condition 427/425 Coupe, that Probst's parents owned in his childhood hometown of Wichita, Kansas.
"I was 15 years-old when I found out we were relocating to Seattle," said Probst. "I asked my father to let me take my first girlfriend out on a date prior to moving, hoping he would disregard that I was under the legal driving age. I was shocked when he tossed me the keys to his prized 1966 Corvette, rather than our family van."
Probst plans to attend the auction, schedule permitting, to assist and watch the sale of his car when it is offered Saturday, January 24 at the Scottsdale event. His featured automobile should cross the auction podium at approximately 6:00 p.m. (schedule subject to change), and will be televised on the live SPEED Channel television broadcast.
"Jeff Probst, with his father Jerry, chose the Barrett-Jackson auction to showcase this car due to our reputation as the one of the most influential auto auctions in the world," said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Each year, we increase consignments and sales that we feel serve as the barometer for auto market trends. This car, which has such an interesting history with a celebrity owner attached to it, should command a great deal of attention for collectors of all types."
Probst's love of cars originated with his father, who is also a classic car aficionado.
"Over the years, I've have become passionate about classic car collection and restoration, all of which began with this Corvette," said Probst. "It is time for me to part with this car and start new restoration projects and hopefully create new memories. I am certain that the new owner will enjoy this beautiful ride as much as I have."
The 33rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction will be held January 21st through January 25th, 2004 at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Barrett-Jackson Auction, presented by Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep, will be aired on the SPEED Channel Network live during prime time on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Additional corporate sponsors include Meguiar's, Quaker State, Hagerty Insurance, Verizon Wireless and InterCity Lines. Comprehensive information on Barrett-Jackson and the Scottsdale auction can be found on the company website; www.barrett-jackson.com .
About Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Classic Car Auction" in Scottsdale, Ariz., and has expanded to other venues that include Palm Beach, Florida at the South Florida Expo Center and Beverly Hills at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson enjoys a unique reputation for its ability to value, market and consult in the classic car market to consistently achieve above-industry prices. The company's name is synonymous with a luxury lifestyle and high-end classic and collector automobiles. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.