Barrett-Jackson returns to Scottsdale this week with collector car auction

PHOENIX – Barrett-Jackson is restarting its engine this week with a special collector car auction in Scottsdale.

The Scottsdale-based auction house originally scheduled events for this month in Las Vegas and Palm Beach, Florida, but called them off because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers opted instead for a three-day auction starting Thursday at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

“At this time, this allows us to better safeguard the health of our guests and team members and gives us the ability to deliver the high-quality experience for which Barrett-Jackson is known,” Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, said in a press release when the schedule change was announced in July.

Hundreds of items will go on the block, from memorabilia to highly sought-after collector vehicles.

The docket includes a 2012 Lexus LFA supercar, a 2018 Ford GT, a 1970 Plymouth HEMI ’Cuda and a 1968 Pontiac Firebird Resto-Mod.

However, this week’s auction will be significantly scaled down from Barrett-Jackson’s popular annual event in Scottsdale, the last of which was held in January.

In-person attendance will be limited to bidders, consignors and their guests.

Staff will give temperature checks to everybody entering the venue and face coverings will be required. Seating will be arranged to allow for social distancing, reducing occupancy by 75%.

“Our staff reviewed the plan, and I am confident that everyone involved will see it through and ensure all necessary precautions are taken,” Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane said in the release.

If you can’t get in, you can still follow the action. The FYI channel will provide live coverage 3-8 p.m. Thursday and 3-10 p.m. Friday, and the History channel will broadcast the auction 3-10 p.m. Saturday.

Follow @kstonezone