Collector Car Auctions Return to Scottsdale

Today marks the start of the 38th annual Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The show will run from January 11th through January 18th with a full schedule of events lined up for the week.

Highlights of this year's show include the first ever Ford Thunderbird and a rare 1929 Ford Trimotor airplane. Celebrity cars from Evil Knievel, Jerry Seinfeld, Alan Jackson, and Eddie Van Halen will also be present.

Last year's top sale was the first production model of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which went for a million dollars. In 2008, over 1,100 cars were sold at Barrett-Jackson totaling approximately $88 million in sales. Over 1,600 unique automobiles are registered for this year's event.

The competing Russo and Steele auction will also be in Scottsdale this week from January 14th to the 18th. Russo and Steele is a much smaller event than Barrett-Jackson, with just 500 vehicles listed for sale.

What Russo and Steele lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality. A 1959 Ferrari Testarossa Special is the star of the show, along with hundreds of other hot rods, collectibles, and customs.

Other events during the week include the 5th annual ICA Auction in Gilbert from January 10th - 12th and the Gooding and Co. Auction on Saturday, January 17th in Scottsdale.

For automotive enthusiasts of every make and model, this is the most exciting time of the year! Whether you're a buyer or a browser, nothing's more fun than exploring the acres of automotive history that will invade the greater Phoenix area this week.

If you have never been to a collector car auction before, I would encourage you to get your rear in gear and check it out. Bring your camera and some sunscreen and make a day of it. You'll be glad you did. I can hardly wait!