Scottsdale auto auction set to break records

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A car on the auction block at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. (POSTMEDIA)

Auction company Barrett-Jackson claims its flagship Scottsdale auto auction, running until this Sunday at WestWorld of Scottsdale, will be the largest event in its 42-year history.

Upon completion, nearly 1,400 classics, exotics, muscle cars, hot rods, resto-mods and contemporary collectibles will cross the auction block, setting a new world record for the largest offering of "No Reserve" vehicles at one auction.

Barrett-Jackson’s 2013 Scottsdale event will also set another company record for the largest offering of Shelby vehicles at one auction, with more than 40 Shelby automobiles set to be sold ranging from a 1965 GT350 previously owned by Ford, to a 2012 GT500 50th Anniversary Super Snake, to the rarest Shelby Mustang in existence, "The Green Hornet."

Collectors from all over the world will have the chance to bid on these rare vehicles.

The company will also pay tribute to the late Carroll Shelby, one of the world’s greatest automotive icons, during the weeklong event.

The 2013 event has also seen the return of the company’s 5000 Series, with more than 50 automobiles crossing the block. The 5000 Series also includes the Salon Collection, a grouping of hand-selected vehicles including:

• a rare 1971 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda Convertible,
• Clark Gable’s 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe, and
• the 1966 Original #1 Batmobile, created by customizer, George Barris. 

These vehicles will sell on Saturday, Jan. 19 beginning at approximately 5 p.m. See the full Scottsdale 2013 car list.

"At Scottsdale we try to bring together the very best in car collecting for our bidders, and the 2013 Scottsdale auction is a perfect example of that," Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson said in a release.

"Whether you’re a Shelby fan or classic die-hard, this is the most impressive group of vehicles we’ve ever offered at one auction in the 42 years of Barrett-Jackson. We look forward to sharing this experience with our consigners, bidders and fans."

The 2013 Scottsdale auction also features expansion of the number of car tents and the exhibitor pavilion, with more vendors and sponsors at a Barrett-Jackson event than ever before. Auto enthusiasts can shop for unique car-related items while enjoying live music, cocktails and snacks, and various demonstrations.

The company is also on track to surpass the $50-million mark for charitable giving. Twenty-one vehicles set to take the stage in Scottsdale with proceeds benefiting various organizations across the country.