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The 35th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson 'World's Greatest Collector Car Event' kicked off to a resounding success as over 25,000 people packed the auction grounds during the event's first ever Family Day on January 15, 2006. The auction ran from January 17 through January 22, 2006, at WestWorld in Scottsdale.

'This is an affirmation that the hobby is still gaining enormous popularity just like we had suspected,' commented Craig Jackson, president and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. '25,000 enthusiasts crowded WestWorld, which meant that it's not only the auction, but the vehicles themselves that people flock to see. This proves Barrett-Jackson is truly the automotive lifestyle event.'

Some of the Many Highlights
33 extraordinary Hemi muscle cars including stars like a 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T and one of the rarest muscle cars in the world; a 1970 Hemi Cuda convertible. 'The matching numbers 1970 Plymouth Cuda convertible comes complete with the original 426 c.i.d. Hemi, an automatic transmission and 4:10 gears. We're exceptionally proud of the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible that is one of only 14 built,' stated Craig Jackson, president of The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. 'It would be the gem of any collector's stable. Clad in the bright ‘High Impact Vitamin C' color, it is a dazzling car. We've also attracted other significant Mopar such as Cuda coupes and a one of only two Dodge Hemi Coronet R/T's in the world. If you like Mopars, this is the year to be at Barrett-Jackson.'

Four of the most unique concepts ever built by American automotive manufacturers ranging from a stunning special edition roadster to a 1950 GM Futurliner tour bus. Perhaps the most exclusive of the concept cars is a 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama designed by GM legend Harley Earl. The striking emerald green beauty is one of only two Bonneville Specials created for the Motorama auto shows. Featuring a 268 c.i.d. 8-cylinder engine, this was the first GM vehicle to carry the Bonneville name. 'Harley Earl created some of the most stunning vehicles ever during his tenure at General Motors,' noted Jackson. 'The Bonneville Special is considered to be one of his greatest masterpieces.' Two additional GM concept cars will be sold at no reserve including a 1950 Futurliner 'Parade of Progress' tour bus and a John DeLorean-penned 1964 Pontiac Banshee XP-833 coupe. The red and white Futurliner, one of only nine that remains of the wild concepts, features a six-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed transmission.
The Pontiac Banshee is one of two drivable prototypes that were built. It has been featured in some of America's most famous automotive events including the 2001 Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance. While GM executives believed the Banshee to be a threat to the Corvette, many of the concept's prominent features were later incorporated in the legendary sports car, making it a rare opportunity to own an exquisite piece of GM history.

Elvis's personal Lincoln limousine and a 1967 Shelby G.T.500 that was restored by Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar, were available at no reserve during the event. 'We're hosting the greatest collection of music legends and their cars at Barrett-Jackson this year,' commented Craig Jackson. 'From the Bonspeed cars owned by Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar to a customized 1939 Lincoln Zephyr from Alice Cooper, there have never been so many great vehicles from renowned rock stars at a collector car auction. Rounding out this stellar lineup is Bob Seger, who plans to watch Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels perform at our opening night gala. For fans of both rock and cars, this will be a moment in history!'

Seven serial number 'one' vehicles were offered at no reserve.

'We'll auction the first 40th Anniversary Shelby GT350SR, Baldwin Motion '69 Camaro, 2003 Aston Martin AR1, Foose-edition 1969 Camaro, 2006 Foose Stallion Mustang and a very special one-off Barrett-Jackson Covingtons Customs' 35th Anniversary Chopper', said Jackson.

A total of 22 Shelbys, ranging from Cobras to the rights to the first 2007 Shelby G.T.500 coupe offered for sale to the public were sold at no reserve during the 35th anniversary event. 'Carroll Shelby and his companies have built some of the most spectacular and collectible cars in the world,' said Craig Jackson. 'We're pleased that Carroll will attend and help us offer so many Shelby cars this year. We believe this will be the largest collection of high caliber, authenticated Shelbys offered for sale at no reserve in history.'

Carroll Shelby
Carroll Shelby, who celebrated his 80th birthday at a gala conducted in his honor at Barrett-Jackson in 2003, enjoyed success in sports car and formula series around the world. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959 and was named Sports Car Illustrated's 'Driver of the Year.' After retiring from racing due to a heart ailment, he founded Shelby American and reinvented the performance world with his Cobras and Mustangs in the 1960s. The automotive icon reunited with Ford later that year to develop enhanced editions of the company's vehicles.

Conclusion
The event can best be described as overwhelming, like a kid in a candy store – if the candy store was the size of a couple of football arena's. Under each of the many tents were hundreds of automobiles. A paper next to, or inside, of the vehicle described information pertaining to that automobile. The information often included the history of the model and vehicle. Some displayed information about the engine, transmission, and if it had been restored. All proudly stated 'No Reserve'. It became a common theme to list 'rare' or 'one of a kind' on the descriptions. While many were rare based on the numbers that were produced and numbers that have survived, others were rare based on their features, such as engines, colors, or body-style that may have been produced in limited numbers.

Young and old enjoyed the show. The younger generation often yelled 'Cool' when they found their vehicle of choice. The other generations often noted 'Boy, ya dont see many of those any more', 'They didnt make many of these', or 'Wow, a 57 Chevy'. The ''57 Chevy' comment often left the younger generation confused, wondering if Chevrolet only produced one model during that year or if it did not have a model designation. Many discussed their individual experiences with the vehicle - they had owned one, their dad had owned one, or they knew someone who had one when they were younger. Their nostalgic stroll down memory-lane inspired by these machines was priceless.

Over 1,000 collector vehicles were offered at no reserve in all price categories including a pair of 300 SL Mercedes, a coupe and a convertible, from their original owner and a Corvette selection featuring examples from all eras including the oldest known 1953.

Barrett-Jackson continues to set the standard for the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, breaking records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, the company conducted its most successful car auction to date, breaking records in numerous categories, including overall attendance and sales during the 34th annual Barrett-Jackson 'World's Greatest Collector Car Event.' This year's event was broadcasted live on SPEED Channel for over 30 hours of total coverage.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the 'World's Greatest Classic Car Event' in Scottsdale, Ariz., and has expanded to other venues, including Palm Beach, Fla.
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