Barrett Jackson 2014
Las Vegas, NevadaSaturday, September 27, 2014
BARRETT-JACKSON 2014
The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction
By Gary Rosier
Welcome to the 7th Annual Las Vegas auction presented by Barrett-Jackson. Held at Mandalay Bay’s Event Center, this was my first visit with media credentials from Motorhead Media (Internet Brands). I was so excited that I failed to even get up to the 4th level to check out the official on-site Media Center!
I visited the event Friday and Saturday, walking all the way there from my Wyndham Vacation Resort location about three miles away (hey - so I‘m a cheap bastard and wouldn't spend the bucks for a taxi!). The weather was perfect as it was 98 degrees most days ( I LIKE it HOT!) and about 78 for a low. The event center of course was air-conditioned anyway which made it all the more comfortable for the hundreds of bidders on over 700 plus vehicles- most with no reserve.
I was everywhere, it was all I could do to keep from running! I walked through every row - wish I had the money just from the carpet installed on the event floor between all the cars! There were Motor-coaches, jewelry, chairs that vibrated-reclined and spun in every direction as well as art, die-cast and so much more.
I especially liked that I was allowed to get right down on the floor, next to the bidders themselves and all the action that went on the stage. Video monitors were everywhere it seems, HUGE video screens following all the cars, bidding and results by the second. I found several areas that allowed me to get a few nice shots of the vehicles in and around the stage, including way up in the back to oversee the whole event. Did I say it was LOUD? I watched this on TV and there is no way it represented just how loud it was - how the heck the auctioneers and bidders heard everything was even more amazing.
While there was security and bag checks (purses and back-packs), everyone was courteous and friendly. This event has been around for many years now and it all seemed to flow smoothly. Out in the staging lanes you’d better watch out because as the cars come in and out (most under their own power by the way), if you weren't paying attention, you would catch the wrath of many of the security staff both male AND female! Reminded me of the ARMY, MAKE WAY!
I can’t wait to go back next year armed with the knowledge and lay of the land to try and do a better job of covering this. I know I missed a free lunch and several cool cars along the way. I don’t have the knowledge or expertise of some of the serious pro’s here (can you say BRIGHT LIGHTS!), but learned a lot and most importantly; had a BLAST seeing all the beautiful craftsmanship of so many neat vehicles. Barrett-Jackson 2015, here I come!
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10