Scottsdale, Arizona.

Regular readers of this humble wannabe tome know that since wintering in Arizona, I spend some time every year at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auto Auction. I like to pick Thursday for my day trip and I always enjoy the day’s selection of cars on display, many of which were sold earlier in the week. The SOLD sticker has a notation in marker as to the selling price of the vehicle. I’m always amazed at how some cars are “overpriced” and others are “stolen.” While many visitors enjoy watching and even participating in the auction’s bidding process, I prefer to wander the venue and marvel at the love and attention given to these classic beauties. Barrett-Jackson has over a hundred employees on site, not the least important of these are the white gloved vehicle handlers who are responsible for maneuvering expensive classics into and out of tight spaces with spectators all around them.

1957 Buick Century Caballero

364ci V8 engine

4-door hardtop

Sold for $102,300

This year, I am sharing galleries of more detailed images with sale details on a small collection of vehicles that appealed to me. Click on one of the images in each gallery to enlarge and to scroll through the subset.

You’ll note that I’m not a big fan of “resto-mods” that go over the top with custom redesigns. Given today’s penchant for upgrades of all kinds, major restorations are probably going to have modern technology inserted that wasn’t available at the time. I noticed many “stock” vehicles have been upgraded to digital dashboards. One model has the original car radio installed in the dash with a fancy new high-tech audio system hidden in the glove box. The Buick hardtop featured above is one of two offered in similar color schemes, the other one sold for a “bargain” $99,000.

1967 Custom Convertible

Won Texaco’s Car of the Decades in 2008

Powered by Ford 5L V8

OK, so after I just got done telling you I’m not a fan of heavy customization, I feature a 1967 Mustang that is one highly customized vehicle. That just goes to show that I appreciate fine workmanship from the Italian leather interior to the Mercedes top, this is one quality build. It sold for $74,800.

1959 Edsel Corsair Convertible

FE V8 engine and 3-speed automatic

Sold for $33,000

I’ve always been a fan of the quirky Ford sales failure known as the Edsel. Marketing blunders and poor workmanship were two factors that doomed the Edsel from the start. This car’s advert in the Barrett-Jackson docket mentions that this car is equipped with the 3-speed automatic column shifter. The much touted push-button transmission selector in the center of the steering wheel proved to be trouble-prone.

1958 Packard Hawk Coupe

Packard’s final production model

Number 266 of only 588 built

This beautifully restored Packard was the last of a great lineage of automobiles that began in 1899. Their last production year was 1956 after which the company merged with Studebaker and American Motors. Though modeled similar to the Studebakers of the year, the Packard Hawk featured upgraded leather interior and other deluxe features. This award winning example sold for $58,300.

To conclude this, my eighth visit to Barrett-Jackson – Scottsdale, I leave you with the image of a classic hood ornament. Apparently the Arizona winters are too cold for this racing dog fitted with its own custom sweater.

John