The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company reported more than $15 million in total sales during its inaugural Southern California automotive lifestyle event on June 25-27, 2010 in Costa Mesa, Calif. Nearly 400 vehicles including customs, classics, hot rods, restomods and original collector cars were sold at No Reserve at the OC Fair & Events Center. The auction, which attracted over 58,000 people, included ride ‘n drives by Ford and GM, Meguiar’s seminars, Ford Drifting and other exciting activities.
“As we expected, Southern California supported our first Orange County auction with amazing attendance,” said Craig Jackson, chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Barrett-Jackson week was a whirlwind of excitement, entertainment and experiences unlike anything held in this area. From collector cars to an inaugural road rally, charity receptions and a local cruise-in, we delivered a fantastic event. We’re absolutely delighted with this year’s results, and look forward to building on this year’s success in 2011.”
During the three-day auction, nearly 400 vehicles crossed the Barrett-Jackson auction block as SPEED TV captured the action live for 18 hours. Classic cars were high on the bidders list at the auction as many were sold at top dollar. These cars included a Fathom Blue 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 convertible with matching numbers for $253,000. A 1970 Plymouth Road Runner custom two door hardtop that appeared in two of “The Fast and the Furious” films sold for $187,000. A 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible sold for $181,500 and the 1940 Willys custom two door coupe fetched $181,500. Jesse James’ personal 1936 Ford custom five window coupe, built at West Coast Choppers, went to a new home for $165,000.
“All eyes were on our first auction in Orange County this weekend,” stated Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Barrett-Jackson is a barometer for the collector car market and people were excited to see what trends would emerge. This auction proved true to So Cal as bidders went for classics, restomods and customs that they could cruise around in. It’s not surprising that those types of vehicles would be in such demand since Southern California is the birthplace of hot rodding.”
Barrett-Jackson auction also helped raise more than $1 million for charity at the event. The Darrell Gwynn Foundation raised $280,000, including a 1990 Darrell Gwynn Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel Dragster replica ($150,000) and a limited edition 2008 Barrett-Jackson Edition Ford Shelby GT ($130,000). The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation received over $100,000 with the sale of a 2011 Ford Mustang two door custom coupe DUB wide body. The 1970 “Project American Heroes” Chevelle SS custom coupe sold for $250,000 with all proceeds benefiting the Armed Forces Foundation.
The Main Auction Pavilion was the heartbeat of the event with crowds vying for their own piece of Barrett-Jackson Orange County inaugural auction history. The top ten cars at the Orange County auction included:
- Lot #370 – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Convertible – $253,000
- Lot #350 – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Custom Coupe – $250,000
- Lot #362 – 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Custom 2 Door Hardtop – $187,000
- Lot #375.1 – 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible – $181,500
- Lot #383 – 1940 Willys Custom 2 Door Coupe – $181,500
- Lot #354 – 1931 Packard 840 Roadster – $170,500
- Lot #355 – 1938 Packard Victoria Convertible – $170,500
- Lot #382 – 1936 Ford Custom Five Window Coupe – $165,000
- Lot #378 – 2004 Maybach MOD 62 Four Door Sedan – $154,000
- Lot #386.1 – 1990 Darrell Gwynn Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel Dragster replica – $150,000
“Our Orange County auction was designed to tap into So Cal’s car culture and introduce more people to the hobby,” noted Jackson. “The result was a great success. About 58 percent of bidders were first time buyers to the auction scene and 57 percent were first time consignors. They’re coming to Barrett-Jackson because of the great cars and the confidence inspiring transparency that you can only find at our auctions.”
“Something for everyone” was the theme of the weekend as people strolled through Ford and GM exhibits, checking out the latest automotive toys and custom rides. The Kids Kar Zone was set up to provide bean bag tosses, a milkshake drinking contest by Ruby’s, face painting, balloon twisting and spin art, while parents sipped on wine at the Orange County Wine Society booth.
The Road Rally kicked-off the week long automotive lifestyle event on Saturday, June 19, with more than a hundred cars roaring down Bristol Street and ending at the OC Fair & Event Center with a mini car show that followed. The Father’s Day Cruise-In at Connell Chevrolet hosted 164 vehicles. First time owners and serious collectors mingled to the sounds of rock music and the smell of BBQ. President Steve Davis and Gary Bennett, vice president of consignment at Barrett-Jackson, were on hand to pass out three Barrett-Jackson Choice Awards.
The week included a special reception to celebrate the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund in Memory of Russ and Brian Jackson as well as the Childhelp Drive the Dream Charity Gala where $150,000 was raised to help abused, neglected and at-risk children. Barrett-Jackson hosted the Opening Night Party on Thursday, June 24 with models clad in the latest designs by Oscar de la Renta, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, MaxMara and Ermenegildo Zegna during the South Coast Plaza fashion show.
“The Orange County auction was a one-of-a-kind experience that is unlike our other destinations,” added Davis. “The event’s local flair meant a relaxed atmosphere that only So Cal can provide. With tens of thousands of people in attendance over the weekend, we created a new tradition for Southern Californians to enjoy every summer. We look forward to coming back again with even more cars and high-energy entertainment.”
