So a buddy of mine in Nebraska called me this week, and says 'Hey... another friend and I were talking about going to Barrett Jackson in January... interested in going?'. I looked into flights, contacted my aunt and uncle that live in Phoenix to see if Tina and I could stay with them, and the next thing I know we have booked flights and have it on the calendar!
We are going to be there for the Thursday and Friday sessions, then spending time in Phoenix with family. I'll miss the Jan. club meeting, but will be thinking of you guys as we see the circus that is Barrett Jackson.
Should be a blast!
I know Gearlube has gone a couple of times, anyone else been and any handy tips other than DON'T get a bidders pass with my rotating garage door disease currently in check!?!?
Back in Black said
Dec 21, 2014
Been there the last two years. You'll love it. There is a lot to see. Glad to see you'll be there two days. One day is not enough to see everything.
BLyke said
Dec 22, 2014
sounds like a fun plan, we will have to see how well you deal with the temptations.
Back in Black said
Dec 22, 2014
BLyke wrote:
sounds like a fun plan, we will have to see how well you deal with the temptations.
The $$ takes care of that for me.
SShink said
Dec 22, 2014
BLyke wrote:
sounds like a fun plan, we will have to see how well you deal with the temptations.
Having my wife with me for part of it will help me follow the 'program' of having 1 collector car at a time, and not bid on anything.
Derek69SS said
Dec 29, 2014
Hey Stan, can you bid the Two Lane Blacktop '55 up to a million for me?
I promise to pay you back in a timely manner.
Lost in the 60s said
Dec 30, 2014
SShink wrote:
BLyke wrote:
sounds like a fun plan, we will have to see how well you deal with the temptations.
Having my wife with me for part of it will help me follow the 'program' of having 1 collector car at a time, and not bid on anything.
With your previous history of cars, I'm confident you are aware of the "when I buy this one, I'll sell the other one" concept.
Never say never.....
SShink said
Jan 18, 2015
Really long post with pics... beware.
Well, back from BJ, so thought I'd post an update and some pics.
BJ Lessons learned:
-Patience... patience... patience... Think about combining a professional sporting event, cage wrestling, Las Vegas, and the circus all in one! People everywhere, and doing the showcar shuffle as people stop, stare, and decide to stand in one place in the middle of people traffic. I had to go into my overseas 'happy place' mode like when in Tokyo or Shanghai. In other words, if mass humanity isn't your thing, this isn't for you.
-Have buddies that are good at navigating huge dirt parking lots without any friendly animal pictures posted for reference points when you go to look for your car in the dark... We did fine, but saw a few people hitting their Panic buttons on their remotes looking for their cars.
-Have your camera ready at all times for celebs, sugar daddy's with arm candy, lots of interesting tat's, and some cool cars.
-Everything is $10 min., other than bottled water for $5 a bottle... But, have to say prices were less than a pro sports game.
-As much fair type food as you can devour is available
-Don't pay for the 'Twilight' pass unless you are only going after 5 p.m. for the evening session... We did and then we figured out if you buy a day pass, it really means all day, even though they have twilight passes listed on the website as if you have to buy both.
-Don't eat In-N-Out food 2 nights in a row. It's the most awesome west/SW coast burger place with handcut fries, but that's all I will say. In-N-Out Burger Link
-Even though you'll have to stand in long lines, go to the Ford, GM, and Dodge drive/Hot Lap events. I drove the 2015 turbo 4 cylinder Mustang, and that thing could kick my Chevelle's butt all day. Also drove a 2015 Colorado, and it was a neat truck. Did the ride along hot lap in a Ford HP 2015 Mustang and 2015 Corvette, and they were both awesome and pulled a few G's on the parking lot. Here's a link that GM records when you do the ride: Ride Link
-Just because you have money, doesn't make you smart... saw some excessive alcohol related winning bids that the new owner may say 'I did what?' the next day.
-There are actually people that look just like Richard Rollins from Gas Monkey Garage, but it wasn't him. Stood right next to this guy in the staging lanes that was a poser, but it wasn't the real guy.
Overall, prices seemed to be down other than what I guess are pre-agreed upon charity car prices. Mopar's really seemed to be soft, and resto-mod's continue to be popular for the six figure cars. We saw a lot of driver quality cars, some high end builds, and some cool unique cars, but I was expecting more high end cars for some reason.
Would I go again, probably not. It was a great time, and something I wanted to do once, but other than the cars being different year over year, I wouldn't think the experience would be much different. Probably on to the next car bucket list item. Hershey, PA maybe?
Here's some pics of some of the event and some of the cars that I thought you guys might enjoy:
Starting at the beginning of Day 1 for us on Thursday about 10:30 A.M.:
And into the beast. For some reason, displaying cars on their side seemed to be the in thing this year (2015 Mustang):
'69 Modified:
Cool Super Bird:
Another on it's side view of a '15 Camaro:
Some of the humanity right after you walk in:
Nice '70:
Some of the Gas Monkey cars that were being sold:
Corvair Wagon for Mitch:
Heavily optioned '66 for you two headlight guys (Sold for $60K NOTE IF YOU LOOK AT ANY OF THE SOLD STICKERS ON THIS AND THE FOLLOWING PICS, YOU WILL SEE BLACK SHARPIE PEN VALUES FOR THE CARS SHOWING WHAT IT SOLD FOR):
One for Scott P.:
One for Karl and Bisquick (No Sold sticker, so I looked it up on BJ website and it sold for $88K!):
My attempt to stay with Bryan and his photographer skills (image in image):
In the staging lanes by the Toby Keith Bar:
Thursday night staging lanes going into the auction block:
Near the auction block:
The 4 Amigos (1 Alaskan, 2 Nebraskan's, and 1 Minnesotan/Former Nebraskan):
Friday Morning Ride N Drive:
Burned up tires from the Corvette hot lap cars. They are Pirelli's. We talked to the GM guy when he saw me taking a pick from the backside of the truck, and he said they had only gone through about 10 tires in the 3 days of driving them. The rubber 'worms' on the tire are actually rubber bits on the asphalt that the tires picked up when driving back to the cool down area:
And the Vette's that burned the tires:
A way cool Canadian Beaumont that I thought sold for low money:
And I couldn't ignore this '66 Aztec Bronze one for Mitch. Interesting car, but it was originally white, so that might have hurt the price:
Then on Saturday, my aunt and uncle took us on some scenic Arizona desert driving:
And a couple hundred year old saguaro cactus dwarfing Tina and me:
Oh... no I didn't have any itch whatsoever to get a bidder's pass, so I guess I passed the 12 step program for obsessive collector car buyer!
Scott Parkhurst said
Jan 18, 2015
Great post! Thanks for sharing. Those cacti are a lot larger in person than I ever thought.
The GN was a relative deal!
Lost in the 60s said
Jan 18, 2015
I'll believe you're past the "obsessive buyers affliction" when something more affordable passes under your nose and you don't get goose bumps....
LOVE that Blue on Blue '66....just like the Malibu I bought should be.
The Aztec Bronze looks like a few shades off from correct. I've read on TC where it's really hard to get the correct color and then to spray it without stripes. When mine gets to that point, I'll have to pony up the big bucks to have it done right...
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Sunday 18th of January 2015 06:00:18 PM
gearlube said
Jan 18, 2015
I second everything that Stan said. I too had fun but would not likely go again. Just different cars. Food was crazy expensive, and you have the people who can't get past shiny things. But it's worth doing once. I plan on Mecuum in Seattle in June. I Hear it's a little different format...I was looking for your avert there though Stan ;0)
BLyke said
Jan 19, 2015
thanks for the "common man coverage" and picture, looks like a good time was had by all.
dashboard said
Jan 19, 2015
Thanks for taking the time to post Stan; what a nice break from the Minnesota winter.
Jon H said
Jan 19, 2015
SShink wrote:
Oh... no I didn't have any itch whatsoever to get a bidder's pass, so I guess I passed the 12 step program for obsessive collector car buyer!
Stan,
I think that is called step 1.
66 RAT said
Jan 19, 2015
Nice write-up and pics. Who was the guy with the big grin while riding in the Vette? Was it a long wait in line for the ride-alongs?
SShink said
Jan 19, 2015
66 RAT wrote:
Nice write-up and pics. Who was the guy with the big grin while riding in the Vette? Was it a long wait in line for the ride-alongs?
Not sure who the grinning guy was, other than most people were grinning AFTER the ride because it was a blast!
The lines weren't too long on Friday morning. I'm guessing we waited 20-25 min. for each of them. For some reason, Friday morning was pretty dead until about Noon, then the humanity started showing up again.
So a buddy of mine in Nebraska called me this week, and says 'Hey... another friend and I were talking about going to Barrett Jackson in January... interested in going?'. I looked into flights, contacted my aunt and uncle that live in Phoenix to see if Tina and I could stay with them, and the next thing I know we have booked flights and have it on the calendar!
We are going to be there for the Thursday and Friday sessions, then spending time in Phoenix with family. I'll miss the Jan. club meeting, but will be thinking of you guys as we see the circus that is Barrett Jackson.
Should be a blast!
I know Gearlube has gone a couple of times, anyone else been and any handy tips other than DON'T get a bidders pass with my rotating garage door disease currently in check!?!?
The $$ takes care of that for me.
Having my wife with me for part of it will help me follow the 'program' of having 1 collector car at a time, and not bid on anything.
Hey Stan, can you bid the Two Lane Blacktop '55 up to a million for me?
I promise to pay you back in a timely manner.
With your previous history of cars, I'm confident you are aware of the "when I buy this one, I'll sell the other one" concept.
Never say never.....
Really long post with pics... beware.
Well, back from BJ, so thought I'd post an update and some pics.
BJ Lessons learned:
-Patience... patience... patience... Think about combining a professional sporting event, cage wrestling, Las Vegas, and the circus all in one! People everywhere, and doing the showcar shuffle as people stop, stare, and decide to stand in one place in the middle of people traffic. I had to go into my overseas 'happy place' mode like when in Tokyo or Shanghai. In other words, if mass humanity isn't your thing, this isn't for you.
-Have buddies that are good at navigating huge dirt parking lots without any friendly animal pictures posted for reference points when you go to look for your car in the dark... We did fine, but saw a few people hitting their Panic buttons on their remotes looking for their cars.
-Have your camera ready at all times for celebs, sugar daddy's with arm candy, lots of interesting tat's, and some cool cars.
-Everything is $10 min., other than bottled water for $5 a bottle... But, have to say prices were less than a pro sports game.
-As much fair type food as you can devour is available
-Don't pay for the 'Twilight' pass unless you are only going after 5 p.m. for the evening session... We did and then we figured out if you buy a day pass, it really means all day, even though they have twilight passes listed on the website as if you have to buy both.
-Don't eat In-N-Out food 2 nights in a row. It's the most awesome west/SW coast burger place with handcut fries, but that's all I will say. In-N-Out Burger Link
-Even though you'll have to stand in long lines, go to the Ford, GM, and Dodge drive/Hot Lap events. I drove the 2015 turbo 4 cylinder Mustang, and that thing could kick my Chevelle's butt all day. Also drove a 2015 Colorado, and it was a neat truck. Did the ride along hot lap in a Ford HP 2015 Mustang and 2015 Corvette, and they were both awesome and pulled a few G's on the parking lot. Here's a link that GM records when you do the ride: Ride Link
-Just because you have money, doesn't make you smart... saw some excessive alcohol related winning bids that the new owner may say 'I did what?' the next day.
-There are actually people that look just like Richard Rollins from Gas Monkey Garage, but it wasn't him. Stood right next to this guy in the staging lanes that was a poser, but it wasn't the real guy.
Overall, prices seemed to be down other than what I guess are pre-agreed upon charity car prices. Mopar's really seemed to be soft, and resto-mod's continue to be popular for the six figure cars. We saw a lot of driver quality cars, some high end builds, and some cool unique cars, but I was expecting more high end cars for some reason.
Would I go again, probably not. It was a great time, and something I wanted to do once, but other than the cars being different year over year, I wouldn't think the experience would be much different. Probably on to the next car bucket list item. Hershey, PA maybe?
Here's some pics of some of the event and some of the cars that I thought you guys might enjoy:
Starting at the beginning of Day 1 for us on Thursday about 10:30 A.M.:
And into the beast. For some reason, displaying cars on their side seemed to be the in thing this year (2015 Mustang):
'69 Modified:
Cool Super Bird:
Another on it's side view of a '15 Camaro:
Some of the humanity right after you walk in:
Nice '70:
Some of the Gas Monkey cars that were being sold:
Corvair Wagon for Mitch:
Heavily optioned '66 for you two headlight guys (Sold for $60K NOTE IF YOU LOOK AT ANY OF THE SOLD STICKERS ON THIS AND THE FOLLOWING PICS, YOU WILL SEE BLACK SHARPIE PEN VALUES FOR THE CARS SHOWING WHAT IT SOLD FOR):
One for Scott P.:
One for Karl and Bisquick (No Sold sticker, so I looked it up on BJ website and it sold for $88K!):
My attempt to stay with Bryan and his photographer skills (image in image):
In the staging lanes by the Toby Keith Bar:
Thursday night staging lanes going into the auction block:
Near the auction block:
The 4 Amigos (1 Alaskan, 2 Nebraskan's, and 1 Minnesotan/Former Nebraskan):
Friday Morning Ride N Drive:
Burned up tires from the Corvette hot lap cars. They are Pirelli's. We talked to the GM guy when he saw me taking a pick from the backside of the truck, and he said they had only gone through about 10 tires in the 3 days of driving them. The rubber 'worms' on the tire are actually rubber bits on the asphalt that the tires picked up when driving back to the cool down area:
And the Vette's that burned the tires:
A way cool Canadian Beaumont that I thought sold for low money:
And I couldn't ignore this '66 Aztec Bronze one for Mitch. Interesting car, but it was originally white, so that might have hurt the price:
Then on Saturday, my aunt and uncle took us on some scenic Arizona desert driving:
And a couple hundred year old saguaro cactus dwarfing Tina and me:
Oh... no I didn't have any itch whatsoever to get a bidder's pass, so I guess I passed the 12 step program for obsessive collector car buyer!
The GN was a relative deal!
I'll believe you're past the "obsessive buyers affliction" when something more affordable passes under your nose and you don't get goose bumps....
LOVE that Blue on Blue '66....just like the Malibu I bought should be.
The Aztec Bronze looks like a few shades off from correct. I've read on TC where it's really hard to get the correct color and then to spray it without stripes. When mine gets to that point, I'll have to pony up the big bucks to have it done right...
-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Sunday 18th of January 2015 06:00:18 PM
Stan,
I think that is called step 1.
Not sure who the grinning guy was, other than most people were grinning AFTER the ride because it was a blast!
The lines weren't too long on Friday morning. I'm guessing we waited 20-25 min. for each of them. For some reason, Friday morning was pretty dead until about Noon, then the humanity started showing up again.