Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2017 – I Can Look, Can’t I?

Scottsdale, Arizona.

Last week, Barrett-Jackson concluded their 2017 Scottsdale auction, an event I haven’t missed since 2012. There are very few cars that I could afford, and those that I might be able to buy, I probably wouldn’t want, anyway. However that doesn’t stop me from looking at all the beautiful automotive eye candy. In the opening photo, this 1958 Corvette, a custom reconstruction by Patrick’s Classy Cars of Phoenix, Arizona demonstrates that they are as proud of the underside of this car as they are of it’s completely redesigned custom interior. In fact, the vehicle now has the name Eye Candy. One lucky bidder drove away in this classic with a wallet that was $225,500 USD lighter than when he or she arrived. More views of this beautiful vehicle are included in the gallery.

The image above features the business end of a futuristic turbine jet automobile. This 1955 Chrysler Ghia Streamline X is named Gilda. This is a one-of-a-kind creation that first appeared at the 1955 Turin Auto Show. Mostly residing in museums since built, this classic is now in the hands of a private owner. It did not sell at the auction as the minimum sale bid or “Reserve” was not achieved. A shot of the front of this Streamline X is included in the gallery.

Cars owned by the rich and famous are often an attraction at Barrett-Jackson. This year featured among others a Ferrari owned by Justin Bieber and this 1956 Austin Princess once owned by John Lennon. Dubbed “Imagine”, the California license plate reads “EMAJIN”. The hearse body style was completed by a North Hampton coach maker. It was purchased in 1971 by Mr. Lennon, revamped with two rows of airline seats and the vehicle documentation even includes the original registration featuring the musician’s signature. Imagine sold at auction for $159,500 USD.

For an entire week, vehicles of all types as well as “automobilia” (automotive related items) are sold at auction. In the image above, cars await their moment on the stage when they have a chance to receive a new owner. The gallery of images below features several of the more expensive vehicles offered for sale at this year’s classic car auction. Click on an image to enlarge it and to scroll through the gallery.