Barrett-Jackson
| Company type | Privately held company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Auctioneering Entertainment Live events Collector cars |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founders | Tom Barrett & Russ Jackson |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Craig Jackson (chairman and CEO) Steve Davis (president) |
| Products | Automobiles Memorabilia Merchandise |
| Services | Collector car sales Automotive restoration |
| Owner | IMG (2022–present) |
| Website | www |
Barrett-Jackson stands as a premier American auction firm specializing in collector automobiles, with its main office based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Established in 1971 by Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson, the company originated from their 1967 automotive exhibition, Fiesta de los Autos Elegantes, which was initially designed to support community organizations in Scottsdale. The inaugural auction held in December 1971 drew considerable attention and quickly became an annual hallmark event, fostering the development of collector car auctions throughout the area.
In 1995, Craig Jackson took over full operational control, broadening the company's approach by integrating vendor participation and live entertainment to elevate the auction atmosphere. The firm's prominence surged after Speedvision broadcasted its auctions starting in 1996—marking the first televised collector car auction—thereby amplifying its international reach and brand visibility.
Since 1989, the Scottsdale auction hosted at WestWorld has been recognized as Barrett-Jackson’s flagship event each January. The company later introduced additional auctions in Palm Beach, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada. These events are open to the public with paid admission and frequently showcase vehicles owned by celebrities or featured in movies, along with automotive collectibles. Certain auctions also contribute proceeds to charitable organizations.
In August 2022, IMG acquired a controlling 55% interest in Barrett-Jackson for around $261 million, representing a strategic move to accelerate the company's expansion and strengthen its market position.
History
The inception of Barrett-Jackson traces back to Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson’s relocation to Scottsdale, Arizona during the 1960s. At that time, Jackson ran a car wash and restoration service while Barrett was engaged in automobile sales. Their collaboration began after connecting via a newspaper advertisement, leading to the launch of a charitable car show in 1967 aimed at supporting local arts and library initiatives.
Motivated by a classic car auction they had witnessed in Auburn, Indiana, Barrett-Jackson organized its first Scottsdale auction in December 1971 featuring 150 vehicles from multiple consignors. Though initially planned as a single event, it attracted an audience of approximately 3,000 attendees and swiftly became an annual tradition that shaped the collector car auction landscape regionally.
The Jackson family played a vital role in operations; Nellie Jackson managed administrative duties while Russ concentrated on vehicle restorations. The contrasting strengths of the founders—Barrett’s flair for presentation paired with Jackson’s practical automotive expertise—formed a balanced foundation for their enterprise.
After Russ Jackson passed away in 1993 and Tom Barrett retired (he died in 2004), leadership responsibilities shifted to their sons Brian and Craig Jackson. Following Brian’s death in 1995, Craig assumed sole leadership as chairman and CEO. Under his guidance, Barrett-Jackson embraced internet-based bidding and increased vendor involvement along with entertainment options to improve client engagement.
Throughout the 2000s, Barrett-Jackson expanded beyond its Scottsdale base while retaining its headquarters there. The company achieved peak revenues of $108 million in 2007 before experiencing setbacks during the Great Recession; it fully rebounded by 2018.
In 2021, Barrett-Jackson acquired Phoenix-based Collector Car Network—which includes classic automotive publications and the Future Collector Car Show—to expand its audience reach and solidify its standing within the collector car market.
Auction overview
Barrett-Jackson ranks among the world's most prominent and well-known automotive auction houses. In 1990, Peter W. Frey from The New York Times described it as "the Superbowl for collectible cars," highlighting its ability to attract elite vehicles and distinguished buyers. The auctions frequently see participation from celebrities, some of whom consign their own automobiles, including Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Jay Leno, Nicolas Cage, William Shatner, and Larry Fitzgerald.
These events span several days and are accessible to the public for a fee. By 2002, the Scottsdale auction was drawing crowds as large as 150,000 each year, although only a small portion—approximately 5,000 in 2015—actively placed bids. The auctioneer team is assisted by ringmen who engage the audience and identify prospective purchasers.
Most vehicles are sold without reserve prices; since 2005, every car has been offered without minimum bids. Sellers have the option to pay for detailing services to improve how their vehicles are presented.
Originally concentrating on automobiles from before World War II, Barrett-Jackson shifted its focus in the mid-2000s toward American muscle cars from the 1950s through the 1970s. By 2017, Millennials emerged as a growing segment of attendees, showing increased enthusiasm for Japanese imports and classic SUVs.
Vehicles with distinctive histories—such as those owned by celebrities or with racing backgrounds—are prioritized by the company and verified through an authentication team. For example, a Rolls-Royce Phantom V once linked to evangelist Billy Graham was withdrawn in 2020 due to questions about its ownership. Likewise, a 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance purportedly associated with President John F. Kennedy was sold despite uncertainties regarding its provenance.
Beyond automobiles, Barrett-Jackson also auctions automotive collectibles like gas pumps and neon signage, generating millions in revenue and broadening its inventory through vendor partnerships.
Locations
Barrett-Jackson's primary auction takes place annually every January in Scottsdale, Arizona—the site where it originated in 1971 on a dirt lot near the Safari Hotel. After a brief move to Phoenix Municipal Stadium in 1977, the event returned to Scottsdale in 1989 at WestWorld, an arena constructed to accommodate its expanding size.
By 2001, Barrett-Jackson ventured internationally with vintage race car auctions held biennially in Monaco during the Historic Grand Prix and opened a second U.S. location at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, which operated until 2004.
In 2003, the company launched an annual auction at the South Florida Fairgrounds in Palm Beach, Florida, typically held in late March or early April. A Las Vegas auction was introduced in 2008 at Mandalay Bay resort; this event relocated in 2021 to the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and shifted to June dates.
Between 2010 and 2012, auctions were hosted at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. Despite drawing nearly 54,000 visitors and generating $14 million by 2012, high costs and scheduling conflicts led to discontinuing events there.
In 2013, Barrett-Jackson partnered with Hot August Nights to create a Reno, Nevada auction specializing in hot rods and muscle cars. Although it achieved record sales in 2015, Reno remained the least lucrative venue and was subsequently discontinued.
The company expanded into the northeastern United States in 2016 with an annual June auction at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut; this event was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic prior to its fifth iteration.
A Texas auction debuted in 2021 at Houston’s NRG Center, while a New Orleans event is planned for September 2023.
These varied venues demonstrate Barrett-Jackson's deliberate expansion strategy and growing influence across key domestic markets and abroad.
Noteworthy Auctions
Barrett-Jackson often presents vehicles with celebrity provenance, including those previously owned by figures like Howard Hughes, Debbie Reynolds, Lucille Ball, Paul Walker, and Simon Cowell. The auction house also highlights automobiles linked to popular film series such as Fast & Furious and Transformers. This includes replicas like the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters and a 1993 Ford Explorer featured in Jurassic Park. In addition, cars from television productions like The Sopranos have been part of the sales.
| Vehicle | Sale Price | Auction Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K roadster | $240,000 | Phoenix, 1982 | Gifted by Adolf Hitler to Eva Braun. Restored by Tom Barrett, who donated $15,000 of the proceeds to the Simon Wiesenthal Foundation. |
| 1940 Mercedes-Benz 770 limousine | $153,000 | Scottsdale, 1973 | Used as a parade car by Hitler; at the time, it was the highest-grossing vehicle sold at auction. |
| 1950 GM Futurliner #11 | $4.1 million $4 million |
Scottsdale, 2006 Scottsdale, 2015 |
One of only twelve constructed; set the record for the top Barrett-Jackson sale in 2006. The 2015 sale's proceeds were donated to the Armed Forces Foundation. |
| 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 | $3.2 million | Scottsdale, 2005 | A singular concept vehicle; achieved the highest auction price at that time. |
| Batmobile | $4.6 million | Scottsdale, 2013 | Originally a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car transformed by George Barris for the 1960s Batman television series; this was its first auction appearance. |
| 1956 Bentley S1 | $50,000 | Phoenix, 1981 | Previously owned by John Lennon (1966–68); auction earnings were donated to his Spirit Foundation. |
| 1961 Ol' Yaller | $198,000 | Las Vegas, 2009 | Built by Max Balchowsky and driven by Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas. |
| 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake | $5.5 million | Scottsdale, 2007 | Carroll Shelby's personal automobile; represented the highest sale in Barrett-Jackson history until matched in 2021. |
| 1967 Volkswagen Samba (21-window) | $120,000 | Palm Beach, 2018 | Featured in the television show That '70s Show. |
| 1968 Ford Econoline | $59,400 | Scottsdale, 2019 | Customized as the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo. |
| General Lee | $450,000 $110,000 |
Scottsdale, 2008 Scottsdale, 2012 |
'69 Dodge Charger modified for The Dukes of Hazzard; later purchased by golfer Bubba Watson in 2012. |
| 1976 AMC Pacer | $37,400 $71,500 |
Las Vegas, 2016 Scottsdale, 2022 |
Featured in the movie Wayne's World. |
Broadcasting
In 1996, Craig Jackson arranged a contract to air the auction on the newly launched Speedvision network (which later became Speed Channel), marking Barrett-Jackson as the pioneer in televising collector car auctions. Initially, coverage consisted of edited highlight reels; however, by 1997, live broadcasts extended to six hours in response to increasing viewer interest. Jackson’s objective was to expand the collector-car market’s reach beyond specialized publications.
Following Speedvision’s acquisition by Fox Entertainment Group in 2001 and its subsequent rebranding as Speed Channel, the network continued airing Barrett-Jackson auctions for the next ten years. In 2004, Barrett-Jackson collaborated with Speed on Car Search, a brief reality series featuring teams that purchased and auctioned vehicles to benefit college charities.
After Speed Channel discontinued operations in 2013, auction broadcasts transitioned among various Fox-owned networks such as FS1, Fox Sports 2, Fox Business Network, and National Geographic Channel. That same year, the Scottsdale auction was additionally broadcast on the over-the-air Fox network.
In 2015, broadcasting rights shifted from Fox to Discovery Channel and Velocity (which later rebranded as Motor Trend), beginning with the Scottsdale event. The coverage featured hosts like Chris Jacobs and Ray Evernham, supported by experts including Rick DeBruhl, Mike Joy, and Steve Magnante.
By January 2020, Barrett-Jackson announced a new media partnership with A&E Networks, moving its coverage to History and FYI. This strategic realignment aimed to broaden audience engagement and enhance market presence.
Charity work
Barrett-Jackson is widely acknowledged for its impactful philanthropic efforts, raising significant funds through auctions of select vehicles. Automobile manufacturers frequently contribute inaugural production models to bolster these charitable initiatives, resulting in considerable donations. Notable figures such as Steven Tyler, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Gary Sinise, and Travis Barker have also donated cars to support various causes.
In 2010, CEO Craig Jackson founded the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund at TGen in honor of his father and brother. The company’s auctions have further supported organizations like JDRF, the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
During the 2018 Scottsdale auction, Barrett-Jackson exceeded $100 million in cumulative charitable contributions. The event featured former President George W. Bush, who aided in raising $1.4 million for the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s military service program through the sale of a 2018 Chevrolet Corvette.
That year also saw the launch of Barrett-Jackson’s Driven Hearts initiative benefiting the AHA, alongside an exclusive Barrett-Jackson-themed Arizona license plate that generates additional funding for the association.
Co-branding and licensing
In 2001, Barrett-Jackson teamed up with Mattel to produce a collection of Matchbox toy cars modeled after vehicles sold at their auctions. In 2008, Barrett-Jackson partnered with Sherwin-Williams to introduce a 25-color automotive paint line under the Planet Color label, available through Sherwin-Williams and NAPA outlets.
The Barrett-Jackson Endorsed Collector Car Insurance program was launched in 2009, providing tailored insurance policies via providers including AIG Private Client Group as the principal carrier. This offering covers homes, everyday vehicles, fine art collections, and more, with licensing across all U.S. states and international markets.
Since 2011, Woodside Credit has been the exclusive automotive financing partner at Barrett-Jackson events. During auctions, live "Estimated Monthly Payment" displays help bidders navigate financing options amid fast-paced bidding. Woodside Credit’s ongoing multi-year endorsement highlights its integral role in supporting Barrett-Jackson’s financial services framework and enhancing customer experience.
Arizona VIN modification
In early 2022, Arizona's governor, Doug Ducey, enacted legislation permitting the temporary removal of older vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to aid in vehicle repairs and restoration projects. This change, supported by Barrett-Jackson, targets automobiles produced before 1981, the year when the 17-digit VIN format was standardized. Craig Jackson highlighted that the inconsistent locations of VINs on vintage cars often pose challenges during restoration efforts.
Controversies in 2007
At the Scottsdale auction in 2007, the final verified race car associated with the Ramchargers fetched $300,000. The vehicle’s owner, David Clabuesch, accused Barrett-Jackson of cutting the auction short prematurely, which he claimed suppressed the final price. In response, Barrett-Jackson filed a lawsuit against Clabuesch for defamation, citing actions such as physically chaining the car’s wheels and declaring the sale null and void. The dispute concluded in 2008 with a settlement wherein Clabuesch cleared Barrett-Jackson of wrongdoing.
Also during this event, Keith Martin—editor of Sports Car Market and commentator for Speed Channel—was expelled by Barrett-Jackson. Martin had authored critical articles about the collector car industry and was alleged to have made disparaging remarks about Barrett-Jackson’s operations during the auction. Subsequently, at Barrett-Jackson’s request, he was removed from his Speed Channel position.
See also
- Auction theory
- Auto auction
- Antique car
- Classic car
- Game theory
- Online auction business model
- Winner's curse