It has taken me almost two weeks, but I have finally recovered enough from Scottsdale auction fever to write a semi-coherent blog post. It sure was a whirlwind of activity; there are things going on from early in the morning 'til midnight just about everyday. Although it's not for everyone, if you're a real car enthusiast, you should make the trek at least once in your life. That January week in Arizona simultaneously embodies all that's great and all that's wrong with the collector car world. Great cars, great people, unmatched greed and pervasive element of deceit; how can you resist?
Barrett-Jackson: The former eight hundred pound gorilla has become an absolute parody of itself. Lots of cars that nobody really cares about (even the hardcore Camaro guys complain about how many show up) and an atmosphere which can only be described as "second-rate circus meets third-rate flea market". Better watched from home and, even then, limit your viewing time for risk of numbing your mind.
RM: The people who brought class to the Scottsdale auction scene did their typical fine job at the finest facility of any auction in the country, the Arizona Biltmore. I felt the overall quality of the cars was down a bit this year but they still had a successful sale totaling nearly $20 million.
Gooding and Company: Relative newcomers to the Arizona auction arena, they absolutely stole the show this year. The cars were outstanding across the board and they recorded four of the top five highest individual sales of the entire week. The location at Fashion Square was convenient and, even though it was in a tent, all arrangements were first class.
Silver: The good people at Silver never disappoint in providing a solid array of good cars for the entry level collector. Don't look for Duesenberg and Bugattis here, but there are great deals to be had on very cool and accessible cars like Cosworth Vegas and Studebaker Hawks.
Russo and Steele: By now, everyone has seen the tragic photos of the damage caused at this auction by the severe weather on Thursday. The county sheriff commandeered the site and didn't allow organizers and car owners on property until Saturday. Kudos to Russo and Steele owner Drew Alcazar for the open and forthright way he managed this natural disaster but, unfortunately, many of the auction cars were damaged to the point where they could not be sold. An abbreviated event started on Sunday, but many of the star cars and bidders were absent.
Kruse: This pioneering auction company's troubles continued with a minor sale outside of the general Scottsdale area and a different week. Let's hope Dean Kruse can resurrect his company once again.
I can't end this post without mentioning my favorite event of the whole weekend. The giant cruise-in at the Pavillions shopping center is in its twentieth year and draws an amazing number and variety of vehicles. Whether you're looking for Classics, European sports cars, customs, rods, etc. you're sure to find things you'll like among the two thousand or so cars that show up. Although the signs say that for sale signs aren't allowed, just about everything is for sale and the owners are there to tell you about their cars. In addition to the great variety of cars at this event, it also is a venue for world-class people watching!
Last week I asked a fellow collector is he was attending the Arizona car auctions. He said that, instead, he was staying home and watching wrestling on TV. Many collectors must wonder if the only way to buy or sell a collector car any more is at an auction. There are so many auctions now it’s hard to believe that there are actually that many collector cars available. In fact, some of these cars seem to be perpetually for sale; they appear in one auction after another. Nowhere is all of this more apparent than in Arizona in January, where all of the major car auction companies are now conducting auctions. Thousands of people head to Arizona to take in one or more auctions—Barrett-Jackson, RM, Gooding, Russo & Steele and Kruse. (I may have missed someone.)
Although there are some great cars in these auctions there are also a plenty of cars to avoid. If ever the Latin phrase “Caveat Emptor” applied, this is it! When considering a car at auction it’s absolutely imperative that you do your homework—or as some folks like to say your “due diligence.” I have first-hand experience as both a buyer and seller at high-end auctions. Learn everything you can about the car prior to the sale. If you have any doubts about certain aspects of a car, bid accordingly—or don’t bid at all. I once bought a car that had been judged nearly perfect by a national car club—only to discover that everything that had been done to the drive train, including the motor, was cosmetic. It was a tired car that needed major mechanical attention. Had I made a couple of strategic phone calls prior to the sale I would have learned more about the quality of restoration on that car. I learned my lesson. (In fact, the best auction houses will tell you the same thing—do your homework.) If you enjoy the auction scene, have fun—but proceed cautiously.
It's that time of year when throngs of enthusiasts and their letters of credit flock to Scottsdale for the bevy of collector car auctions happening this week. Barrett-Jackson is the most highly publicized with about a zillion hours of coverage on the Speed cable network but there are actually several other auctions being held around Scottsdale at the same time. RM is a mainstay at the Arizona Biltmore with a fantastic array of large American Classics and historic European sporting vehicles. Gooding moved in last year and has already come close to trumping RM at their own game. The three ring circus and flash of Russo and Steele is something to behold while the entry level collectables at the Silver Auction at Fort McDowell are accessible to just about anyone. And, despite everyone's predictions over the past few months, Dean Kruse has figured out a way to do an auction in Arizona this year also.
If you're a car guy*, Scottsdale in January is a rite of passage; something you should do at least once in your life. Watching it on television is fun, but there's nothing like being there. I've convinced my wife to go with me this year and I can't wait to hear what she thinks about the events. Anyone care to share their thoughts and predictions about the collector car auction scene, especially in today's economy?
First, a disclaimer…I am only a pseudo “car guy”*. My everyday driver is a Saturn Vue, I do not own a classic, and I can’t tell you what year ANY car is by looking at the headlights, taillights, windshield or fenders. But, while my knowledge is limited my appreciation is great.
In my younger days my interest in the “classics” was limited to Mustangs. I’ll admit these are still near and dear to my heart but over the last few years, thanks to some friends who knew it was time for my horizons to be expanded, I have been introduced to some of the most beautiful automobiles ever produced. I am star struck traveling to the wonderful car shows that are held every summer in northeast Ohio. Someday I will make my way to Amelia and Meadow Brook but with Stan Hywet and the Glenmoor Gathering so close to home I’m in no hurry. These events draw spectacular cars from around the country and I am always amazed at how many find their way home to garages in our area. My automotive education is far from complete but I am thoroughly enjoying the journey.
Are you a casual observer, an eager student or a true car guy*?
The all important December car sales numbers are in and Ford is the big winner. Unit sales increased more than 30% over December, 2008. All in all, this capped off a banner year for Ford sales relative to the rest of the industry. Toyota, Honda and Nissan all showed double digit increases over last December's sales but the other two major U.S. manufacturers registered sales declines. General Motors sales were down nearly 6% and Chrysler showed a 4% decrease.
As you may recall, Ford was the only major U.S. auto company to refuse the government's bailout money. They obviously had a plan and it's working. Unfortunately, we the people are effectively the proud owners of GM and Chrysler through the federal bailouts. Seeing as how these companies were in trouble to begin with and our government has never been known as a model of efficiency ($600 screwdrivers anyone?), I don't have a very optimistic outlook for these companies as quasi-government entities. What do you think about the future prospects for GM and Chrysler's?
Having given up long ago on resolutions concerning better diet and exercise habits, I like to focus my goals for the New Year to things that interest me. Specifically, that means cars. I have several perennial resolutions such as:
-Checking the tire pressures on my daily cars weekly
-Automatically replacing the wiper blades on my wife's car every three months
-Driving my old cars more often
-Selling (or just getting rid of) some of my piles of old parts
Every year, I also try to come up with a couple new things to accomplish, just to keep things interesting. My dream this year would be to attend Europe's largest automotive swap meet in Essen, Germany and/or (preferably and) go to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
OK, we've talked about the old cars of our dreams and the new ones we aspire to. Now it's time to wish for car stuff. You know, things that have a chance of actually fitting under the tree. When I say car "stuff", a lot of people's thoughts immediately go to tools. Wrenches, ratchets, creepers, lights, etc. are all very cool but, due to my limited mechanical skills, are never high on my wish list.
Also, "stuff'" to me does not mean swag. NASCAR t-shirts, Ferrari driving shoes, Porsche fanny-packs and pre-frayed Ford Truck baseball caps all have their place but they don't qualify as "stuff".
True car stuff is cool first and, if it serves any purpose at all, its function is secondary. A perfect example is the drag racing "Christmas Tree" clock on my desk. Press the red button and you are immediately attacked with the raucous sounds of a dragster revving its powerful engine as the yellow pre-stage lights are illuminated. More revving and, now, tire squealing happen as the burn-out and staging is accomplished and the staging lights go on. Then, all of the sudden, you are encompassed in a fury of sounds as three yellow lights lead to the green "go" signal. As the sounds fade off into the distance, the bottom red light goes on to signify the end of the imaginary race. Oh, in addition to these amazing functions, there's a microscopic, innaccurate thermometer, a totally useless barometer and a clock that only loses about four minutes a day. This ideal example of car "stuff" could only be made more perfect if it puffed some appropriate smoke.
The variety of great car stuff out there is absolutely amazing. The best place in the area I've found for these gems is Summit Racing's flagship retail store in Tallmadge. It's a good idea to take the spouse and kids along to browse with you so you can be surprised on the big day. I've dropped some hints for the supercharged V8 gas barbecue grill this year. What "stuff" are you hoping for?
OK, now that I've narrowed down my wish for an old car, it's time to move on to a different category. Let's go with a new car wish today.
While most people know what their new dream car is, it is very difficult for me. Although I love the technology of new cars, I'm more of an old car buff. Playing the cat and mouse game with some new car dealers is also something I don't love. As a result, buying a new car has always been a bit of a chore for me. But, we're just wishing here, so let's put the worries aside.
The stipulations I've made for today's wish is that the car must be in current production and must be available through an authorized dealer in the United States. That quickly eliminated a lot of the cool European and Japanese stuff that we don't see over here. Effectively, that eliminates any small sports car that would interest me. Although trucks are our national vehicle, the only truck I would ever drive would be an honest beater of a work truck. In my book, the only convertibles to drive would be at least forty years old so you can truly enjoy a hint of uncatalyzed exhaust. Finally, even though I love our Suburban (and our daughter keeps asking for a G-Wagen), no SUV should ever be anyone's dream car.
That leaves me with wishing for a (gasp)sedan. If you think of it, today's sedans have probably seen the greatest level of improvement of any market segment in the auto industry. Imagine the BMW M Type, Cadillac V, S Class AMG Mercedes and Audi A8. Even the Ford Taurus and Chevy Malibu are head and shoulders over what they were just ten years ago. But, to me, one sedan stands out among the crowd; the Porsche Panamera Turbo. A true ultra luxury four door sedan with 500 horsepower, a top speed of 188 mph and a sub-four second 0-60 time. I don't know if I've been good enough this year for Santa to spring for the nearly $133,000 price tag but, again, that's what Christmas is for! What new car are you wishing for this holiday?
It's that time of year and, for car guys*, there are endless lists of automotive related things to lust after. In trying to make my own personal wish list, I have tried to discipline myself into picking one thing from each category. Today's choice: an old car.
When it comes to antique cars, my tastes are varied. Some people have even suggested that I have a severe case of Automotive Attention Deficit Disorder. This might be true, but only for older cars since I generally keep my daily drivers until they die. Anyway, I've decided my next old car should be an authentic, '40's or '50's Rod or Custom. I've never had one before and they played such an important role in our country's mid-century renaissance that I consider them true historic artifacts. As such, original cars are difficult to find, most of them having been destroyed or modified beyond recognition over time. Of course, there are clones of the most famous Customs out there but I don't believe in owning anything that requires a footnote.
I guess my first choice would be something from one of the great Custom houses such as Barris, Valley Customs, Coach Craft, Alexander Brothers, etc. Second on the list might be a high quality individual build which was an award winner and received great notoriety in its day. I'm not sure if I can afford either scenario, but Christmas is when dreams come true, right? What is your old car dream?
It was just announced by Toyota that they would be marketing a plug-in electric automobile in 2010, that is, a car that can be plugged into an electrical outlet for re-charging when not in use. Great idea—but it was done more than 100 years ago! At the turn of the century there were three types of horseless carriages—cars powered by steam, electricity and the internal combustion engine. Steam was the proven power source. Electricity was all the rage, thanks, in part, to Thomas Edison. And while the internal combustion engine was getting better it was still smelly, erratic, noisy and hard to start. The electric car proved to be popular with women drivers in cities. They could drive the cars from their homes to downtown department stores or clubs, where charging stations had been installed; their cars’ batteries could be charged while they did their business. Women loved electrics because they were easy to start, quiet and easy to operate. The last electric car was built in the U. S. in the early 1930’s. Steam had proved to be too complicated. And the internal combustion engine jumped to number one with the invention of the self-starter. Several electric cars were manufactured in Cleveland for many years, including the Baker and the Rauch & Lang.
hevy Malibu are head and shoulders over what they were just ten years ago. But, to me, one sedan stands out among the crowd; the Porsche Panamera Turbo. A true ultra luxury four door sedan with 500 horsepower, a top speed of 188 mph and a sub-four second 0-60 time. I don't know if I've been good enough this year for Santa to spring for the nearly $133,000 price tag but, again, that's what Christmas is for! What new car are you wishing for this holiday?
It's that time of year and, for car guys*, there are endless lists of automotive related things to lust after. In trying to make my own personal wish list, I have tried to discipline myself into picking one thing from each category. Today's choice: an old car.
It was just announced by Toyota that they would be marketing a plug-in electric automobile in 2010, that is, a car that can be plugged into an electrical outlet for re-charging when not in use. Great idea—but it was done more than 100 years ago! At the turn of the century there were three types of horseless carriages—cars powered by steam, electricity and the internal combustion engine. Steam was the proven power source. Electricity was all the rage, thanks, in part, to Thomas Edison. And while the internal combustion engine was getting better it was still smelly, erratic, noisy and hard to start. The electric car proved to be popular with women drivers in cities. They could drive the cars from their homes to downtown department stores or clubs, where charging stations had been installed; their cars’ batteries could be charged while they did their business. Women loved electrics because they were easy to start, quiet and easy to operate. The last electric car was built in the U. S. in the early 1930’s. Steam had proved to be too complicated. And the internal combustion engine jumped to number one with the invention of the self-starter. Several electric cars were manufactured in Cleveland for many years, including the Baker and the Rauch & Lang.
