The Barrett-Jackson auction has been a major force on TV for two decades.
This spectacular event is one of the best ways to feed the habit that is the old car hobby when the car show season is in hibernation.
The 2015 auction is like an all-star version because this year the listed entries include some incredible vehicles so this is definitely the year to attend Barrett-Jackson.
My first impressions of Phoenix, Arizona are very positive because the people are friendly and the weather is basically like Alberta’s—in July.
I’m travelling with some hardcore car guys who also like to party so the day started with a number of activities including massive amounts of beer.
The Barrett-Jackson vibe is all over the place here even though Phoenix is going to host the Super Bowl in a few weeks.
The hotel is right next to a golf course that features a piper every day at sundown so this reaches into my Scottish roots in a big way but behind him there were choppers and planes flying over the Scottsdale venue all night.
His bagpipes were drowned out a few times so the non-Scottish hotel guests got a break but the rest of us wanted this guy to rock on.
There was one very real piece of automotive culture parked right in front of the hotel. It was an Aston Martin convertible and this car was like a Hollywood celebrity-it spoke volumes about what lies ahead.
Barrett-Jackson is going to be a quest for many things, including Christine, the demonic movie car, the Beverly Hillbillies movie car and the ‘55 Chevy from Two Lane Blacktop but the biggest reward will be meeting The King.
There’s no clear evidence Richard Petty will be at the auction but if he is, he’s going to have two huge fans there. Jim and I both have press passes so if there’s any car guy Karma you’ll see us in a picture with the King.
Failing that, it’s still going to be a hell of a show.
Jerry Sutherland
