SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The auction arena at Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, was the most coveted ticket for some of the biggest names during its 45th Anniversary Auction from Jan. 23-31, 2016, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Luminaries from Hollywood, professional sports and business helped make the event the biggest party in the car collector world.
“Barrett-Jackson has become the most desirable destination for people who enjoy a high-octane lifestyle,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Celebrities, captains of industry and sports stars mingle here with fellow enthusiasts to create moments that will be treasured for a lifetime. Barrett-Jackson has become a serious must-have ticket for A-listers.”
This year’s Opening Night Gala was among one of Barrett-Jackson’s most epic events in its 45-year history. With the help of Acura, this year’s gala sponsor, Barrett-Jackson surprised guests with an acoustic performance by three-time Grammy award-winning country music artists, Zac Brown Band. The band rocked out to a full arena for the invite-only event after recently wrapping up their largest North American stadium tour to date.
Other Hollywood A-list celebrities at the event included Jay Leno and Frankie Muniz. In one of those special Barrett-Jackson moments, “Eastbound and Down” played as the original 1977 “Smokey and the Bandit” movie promo car (Lot #7004) carried movie icon Burt Reynolds onto the stage. The famous Pontiac Trans Am sold for a world record $550,000 and is headed to John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams Museum in Florida.
Another incredible Hollywood moment happened when Transformers stars Optimus Prime (Lot #1325.1) and Bumblebee (Lot #1325.2) were introduced with powerful video presentations produced by director Michael Bay. Bay was on the block and offered walk-on roles in the next Transformers movie to the winning bidders of the vehicles.
In addition, some of the most successful business leaders convened at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. The roster included Mark Fields, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company; John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda; Roger McCormack, Director Performance Motorsports for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac; Gerald Johnson, GM Vice President, Operation Excellence; and Steven J. Hill, who is North America Vice President at General Motors.
“Barrett-Jackson has become the gathering place for many influential automotive industry leaders,” Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We hosted high-profile political leaders, CEOs and business people who love to share their passion for the car culture with peers and fellow enthusiasts.”
Some of the biggest names in the entertainment and sports world attended this year, including:
- Detroit rocker Ted Nugent
- Steven Seagal, actor
- Two-time Masters champ Bubba Watson
- Pro rally driver Ken Block
- INDYCAR champion Will Power
- Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon
- Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart
- 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski
- Professional NASCAR driver Joey Logano
- 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force
- NHRA superstar Courtney Force
- Four-time NHRA Funny Car champion Don Prudhomme
- Marco Estrada, Major League Baseball player
- Jacoby Ellsbury, Major League Baseball player
- Paul Konerko, retired Major League Baseball player
- Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson
- Shane Doan, National Hockey League player
- Mike Smith, National Hockey League player
- Andrew Ladd, National Hockey League player
- Jason Sehorn, retired National Football League player
“Only at Barrett-Jackson can you rock out with Zac Brown Band, listen to Jay Leno crack jokes, see a Hollywood legend like Burt Reynolds and then chat with industry executives,” said Jackson.
For full results of the event, follow the link to www.barrett-jackson.com.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. The company produces auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, and Las Vegas, Nevada. With broadcast partners, Velocity and Discovery Channel, Barrett-Jackson will feature live television coverage in 2016, including broadcasts in over 100 countries internationally. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com, or call (480) 421-6694.
