By Liam Benninger
Photo Credit: Barrett-Jackson
The success of the Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction is no secret. The event is responsible for $1,640,400 in primary revenue for the City of Scottsdale and generates nearly $168 million annually for the State of Arizona as a whole. After 53 years of experience starting in its hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona and having flourished to a worldwide audience, Barrett-Jackson has decided that some more love should be brought home to celebrate its passion for cars with its first ever Fall Scottsdale car auction.
The benefits of this significant accomplishment do not stop for just the collectors and businessmen, but also reach out to blue collar workers that put these events together and allow them to run smoothly; after all, Barrett-Jackson creates 1,437 direct and indirect jobs in a variety of fields. With the current economy and a pressing need for tradesmen a second event as massive as this could help bolster needed income for both new and experienced men and women in trades.
The Fall auction will cover four days, from October 10th – 13th, and along with the new season comes new entertainment and lifestyle elements. Barrett-Jackson seeks to elevate the guest experience; lofty words for some but with their experience and reputation I am sure they are up for the challenge.
One big pull for this Fall’s auction is already in place with Sammy Hagar’s LaFerrari, which has become the centerpiece of the auction. Originally planned for the January auction, the 2015 supercar was moved to the Fall auction as Hagar decided to replace the supercar’s battery as it was nearing the end of its lifespan. He is looking to auction off the car for $5 million which is a steep climb above its original $1.5 million price tag. Thanks to its uniqueness, history, and name it will be no surprise to see such a car reach this or even surpass this goal price.
The additional event serves as an indicator of healthy growth for this auction, Scottsdale, and Arizona as a whole. With it, Barrett-Jackson continues its charity support, and potentially helps offset WestWorld’s debt from 2016 – 2017 renovations and expansions. This world class car auction continues to support the growth of Scottsdale and establish itself as an economic hub for Arizona. Keep the roar of those engines coming.