We were at the 48th annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona just a few months ago. Now the world’s greatest collector car auction is heading to Florida for their 17th annual Palm Beach Auction in Florida starting Thursday, April 11 and ending Saturday, April 13.
We covered the 16th annual auction last year and this year is going to be even bigger and better according to chairman and CEO Craig Jackson.
“Barrett-Jackson is featuring its biggest offering for a three-day auction at Palm Beach. We will have over 600 vehicles crossing the block nearly all at no reserve.” said Jackson. “Additionally, we have sold out sponsor and vendor space showcasing over 100 sponsors, exhibitors and food vendors. We are also selling several celebrity vehicles, including Reggie Wayne’s 2010 Spyker, Jimmy Buffett’s Chevrolet El Camino and Jeff Gordon’s 2009 Chevrolet ZR1, among others.”
Just a few weeks ago, we wrote an article about trends in the collector car market that Barrett-Jackson has been noticing. One of those trends is the rising demand for Resto-Mods.
“This year’s Scottsdale Auction showed the trends we predicted are now in full play,” said Craig Jackson, “For nearly two decades we’ve seen a steady growth in the demand for professionally built Resto-Mods, as well as coveted imports from Asian and European manufacturers. Knowing these trends were on the horizon gave us a head start on building dockets that drive the collector car market, especially among younger buyers who are becoming more active in this amazing hobby. We’re looking forward to nourishing these trends in Palm Beach by featuring some of the most highly coveted Resto-Mods and imports on our auction block.”
There will be plenty od custom resto-mods to be had at the Palm Beach auction including some from the well-known William “Chip” Watkins Collection. All vehicles in the collection (spanning 7 decades) will be sold at no reserve. Craig Jackson commented on the collection… “From classic Resto-Mods to low-mileage future classics, the Chip Watkins Collection represents an enviable diversity of performance vehicles. Not only does the collection represent a seven-decade span of makes and models, but the quality of each vehicle is unsurpassed as well. For anybody looking to add an incredible vehicle to their garage, the Chip Watkins Collection should be on the must-see list during our Palm Beach Auction.”
Another beautiful collection of vehicles being auctioned off at no reserve is the World of Classics Collection. This 30-vehicle collection is owned by Leif-Ivan Karlsson, a Swedish entrepreneur who fell in love with American classic cars as a young boy. He has amassed an incredible collection of collector cars and trucks over the years and has built the World of Classics Museum in Stockholm, Sweden to showcase his cars. More collector cars are also showcased in his second museum in Florida.
“We’re honored to work with Leif-Ivan Karlsson on the sale of his incredible collection in Palm Beach,” said Craig Jackson. “Mr. Karlsson has built an enviable collection of classic American vehicles that will all sell at No Reserve. Each one represents the incredible craftsmanship and spirit of American automakers over the years. These vehicles have been meticulously cared for under Karlsson’s ownership and will make a wonderful addition to any collection.”
If you are familiar with any of the Barrett-Jackson auctions, then you know there is plenty to do other that watch vehicles being auctioned off. There will be automobilia and other items for sale and a completely sold-out sponsor and exhibitor space full of everything from major automakers and aftermarket parts, to automotive-themed furniture and art – not to mention the wide array food vendors.
If you are looking for some exhilaration, then head on over to the short track where BMW will be offering Hot Laps for the first time, alongside Dodge, who will be returning with their Thrill Rides.
If you are like us and unable to attend the Florida event, you can still catch all the action streaming live on Barrett-Jackson.com from 9 a.m. to auction close Thursday through Saturday, as well as broadcasting live on Motortrend and Discovery Networks international.