PHOENIX — Rev those engines, Phoenix, because "Arizona car week" is here.
Before the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale or the Spring Training games, car enthusiasts, collectors, buyers and sellers come to Phoenix for one of the first staple events of the year -- car auctions. While Barrett-Jackson may arguably have the highest billing, there are at least three other auctions that overlap with one another.
Here is a look at each.
Barrett-Jackson
Nearly 2,000 vehicles -- including the personal collections of late actor Paul Walker and former American Idol judge Simon Cowell's collection -- are expected to cross the auction block at Barrett-Jackson's annual auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale, marking the first time that the auction docket has sold out in its history, according to CEO Craig Jackson. As a result, a second stage has been added to the WestWorld Equidome, which sits south of the arena, and where some 100 vehicles will be sold. The nine-day auction runs Jan. 11-19, 2020.
Admission varies between $15-$85 per day. Friday, Jan. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 18, are the most expensive days, but also when some of the higher-profile vehicles will be sold. People can expect to see a variety of classic, restored, muscle, and exotic cars up-close. Other activities include thrill rides, test drives, paneled discussions, test drives, and restoration demos (certain days). The auction has also adopted a clear bag security policy, similar to what several NFL and other performance venues have adopted in recent years. Visit Barrett Jackson's website for more information.
Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions
Russo and Steele focus on European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. This year, the auction celebrates its 20th year, and has moved its operations to a 20-acre site in north Scottsdale near the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road. The auction preview begins on Wednesday, Jan. 15 and the actual auction runs Jan. 16-19, 2020.
A 1998 Bentley Continental T Coupe once owned by actor Will Smith and a 1963 Bentley S3 Continental James Young once owned by Dudley Moore, an English actor who appeared in several films between the 1960s and 1980s (he died in 2002), are scheduled to be put up for auction. Admission is $20-$30, depending on the day. Visit Russo and Steele's website for more information.
Gooding and Company
For 13 years, the Gooding and Company auction has been part of Arizona Car Week. More than 150 vehicles, including a 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast, 1967 Ferrari 300 GTS, and a 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, will be up for auction outside Scottsdale Fashion Square mall in Scottsdale on Jan. 17 & 18, 2020. The auction starts at 11 a.m. both days. Admission is $40 per person.
Visit Gooding and Company's website for more information.
RM Sotheby's Auction
The 2020 RM Sotheby's will have 145 blue-chip collector cars and memorabilia available for sale at its auction, Jan. 16-17, 2020, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix. The auction previews days are free and open to the public, but the official auction is only open to registered bidders.
Public preview times are available on Jan. 15, 16, and 17. However, the previews end at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday when the auction begins. Visit RM Sotheby's website for more information.
