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To mark Barrett-Jackson’s half-century in business, in this special series we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite moments from the past 50 years – as well as some little-known facts about The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.
Heading onto the famous Barrett-Jackson auction block.
Looking at the massive Barrett-Jackson auction block today, it’s hard to imagine that, some 50 years ago, the collector cars simply rolled up between two sections of bleachers from behind a fabric wall.
The Barrett-Jackson auction block is probably one of the most photographed elements of the entire event, with fans who perhaps have watched the auctions for decades on television clamoring to capture an image of themselves in front of the iconic stage.
The block itself is comprised of approximately 200 pieces and, from the point where vehicles enter to the end of the exit ramp, measures about 136 feet in length for the flagship Scottsdale Auction.
Barrett-Jackson’s unique “chassis cam” shows off the gleaming undercarriages of the auction cars.
Including the “lectern” where the auctioneers – along with Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson and President Steve Davis – stand and various other components, it takes two full days to assemble, with special care given to reinforce the structure for those gleaming collector cars – some of which weigh several tons each. Special air systems have also been incorporated to channel carbon monoxide out of the arena.
Because many of the vehicles look nearly as nice underneath as they do from above, built into the auction block floor is something unique to Barrett-Jackson: a special “chassis cam” to share images of the pristine undercarriages with those in the auction arena and watching via television and bidding online. A giant light bank hangs overhead, specially “tuned” for the live television broadcast and to suitably showcase each vehicle on the famous stage.
A small red ribbon on the “B” of the Barrett-Jackson logo on the auction block pays homage to Nellie Jackson.
Over the years, adjustments have had to be made depending on the auction venue, particularly when it comes to turning angles. If the situation requires a tight turn, Barrett-Jackson has been known to use giant turntables to facilitate the auction vehicles entering and exiting the block.
There’s also one very special element of the auction block that some may not know about: On the “B” of the Barrett-Jackson sign is a small red ribbon in memory of the company’s matriarch, Nellie Jackson, who passed away in 2010.
While the auction block may not look portable, it is! When each event is over, the entire block is disassembled and packed, Tetris-style, into a semitruck, ready for the journey to the next installment of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.
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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: BUILDING THE AUCTION BLOCK: A 50 Facts & Favorite Memories Feature
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/building-the-auction-block-a-50-facts-favorite-memories-feature/
Published Date: Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:44:18 +0000
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