I received a 50 page preview booklet today in the mail from Barrett-Jackson.
Over 50 pages, only one Cadillac, a pre-war classic.
Tons of muscle cars, cars of all makes from the 30's on up, but only
one Cadillac.
Brian
That's something I can't spend much time watching.
Mike
The "early-bird" B-J catalog for January's auction features vehicles whose consignors paid an extra fee to have their vehicles displayed in the brochure. If you check B-J's website, you'll see lots of Cadillacs that will cross the block in Scottsdale.
I received last week a mailer on the RM Auction in January. Featured is a rare limousine, the 1955 Mamie Eisenhower Hess & Eisenhardt parade car. It has coupe C pillars and sliding rear sunroof so the rear passenger may stand and wave to the crowds. The picture depicts a shabby looking car with white strip tires and wheel covers versus the sabres and correct wide whites. Tom CLC#6866
Some very unimpressive Cadillacs brought what I'd consider insane money at last year's B-J Scottsdale sale.
They are into muscle cars, because that's where the insane money is. When
I see that kind of stuff, I just think about how many people could be a little
better off, if that wealth was better distributed. My cars are dirt cheap, because
the insanity hasn't infected 4 doors. And if all the numbers match, I haven't
owned it very long. Bruce Roe
Even when they have Cadillacs they go to a commercial break when one is approaching the bidding area. :(
Mecum auctions at least will feature our cars.
What irks me whenever I get to watch these auctions on the TV is the showmanship, without really focusing on the car, apart for a quick initial showing, and then, as you say, when an interesting vehicle, to me, comes along, they cross to an add.
Bruce. >:D
I find the commentators somewhat irritating. Not only don't they know what they're talking about half the time, they pretty much ignore Cadillacs the few times they appear on the block while slobbering all over every 'Vette and muscle car as if it was the only one ever made. I had been watching in '07 when the famous '59 Cadillac ELS "Death Car" crossed the block. Here right before them was the lowest known mileage '59 Cadillac in the world but acted as if the car were a '77 Impala, while one of them made childish ghost noises. I was completely turned off by the B-J spectacle ever since.
My present TV service provider does not include SPEED channel in the package I have so it's no great loss.
**Incidentally, were I the owner of "Death Car", B-J would've been the last auction I'd've consigned the car. Car brought no more than a typically restored '59 'Ritz.
Aside from the annoying glitz and showmanship, these auctions do more to hurt our hobby. The prices often are driven to ridiculous heights during the frenzy, that everyone thinks that that's what these cars are worth.
Sure they auction some pretty rarefied cars, but those with the more plebian versions think that their car is worth an insane amount. I did notice after the "71 Hemi Cuda Convertible that went for $1M a few yeas ago, folk with the more coomon examples were advertising their cars for ridiculous amounts. One example, a 318 powered hardtop was advertised at $27,000.
Sure, some sense has come to the market since, but it goes to illustrate what these auctions do.
I have been watching Speed since it was Speed Channel. In the early years it was wonderful. Now it seems it's NASCARS's outlet. I rarely watch it at all anymore.
Mike
I remember a photo ad that would periodically appear in Hemmings of an '80 FB d'E diesel, 3x black. After a few tries at $25K, the guy relists a year later for $50K. When that didn't work he advertises the car for $100K. Then came his last stand at a cool million. His justification? "Watching Barrett Jackson? This car is easily worth that." ??? By the way, it was a repaint.
**As good as testamony to the old adage, "A little knowledge is dangerous."
Quote from: ericdev on November 29, 2012, 10:30:40 AM
**As good as testamony to the old adage, "A little knowledge is dangerous."
I use that one a lot.
Mike