Smokin’ BBQ, and Orange Place. What Are Some of the Most Notable Cars ▼ Culture Start Your Engines Here’s what you need to know about the final weekend of Barrett- Jackson. BY BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN T he Barrett-Jackson collector car auction has come a long way over the past 50 years. What started as a one-off event at a dirt lot next to Scott- sdale’s now-defunct Safari Hotel in the early 1970s with only 150 vehicles and 3,000 people in attendance has since grown into one of the nation’s biggest an- nual events for discerning auto enthusiasts. Barrett-Jackson now spans nine days and attracts upward of 250,000 motor- heads to WestWorld of Scottsdale to wit- ness more than 1,000 luxury and vintage cars being auctioned off to the highest bid- der. And the selection typically features a wide variety of rides, ranging from rare classics and high-end dream machines to automotive oddities and vehicles used in movies. (To wit: This year’s selection in- cludes 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, Pitbull’s custom 2022 Karma GS-6 EV 305 Edition, and a re-creation of the Mystery Machine van from Scooby- Doo.) Everything is absolutely gorgeous and astronomically priced, as the event is geared toward big spenders. Llast year’s auction totaled close to $100 million in sales. But even if you don’t have a seven-fig- ure salary to burn, there’s plenty of fun to be had just checking out all the cars or getting in some people-watching. You might even see a celebrity or two in the crowd. Jim Louvau The 2022 edition of Barrett-Jackson continues through Sunday, January 30. Organizers will be celebrating the event’s 50th anniversary and will reportedly have more than 1,800 up for auction. If you’re interested in attending, the following is a guide to the event featuring everything you need to know. When and Where Is This Year’s Barrett- Jackson? This 2022 edition runs from Sat- urday, January 22, to Sunday, January 30, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 North Pima Road. What Are the Event Hours? Gates opening at 8 a.m. daily. Closing times will vary. How Much Is Admission? Ticket prices will vary depending on the day, as prices will increase throughout the event’s run. You can also save $30 or more by purchas- ing admission online at least a day before you plan to attend. Advance admission prices range from $23 to $90 for adults; $20 to $75 for seniors 55 and older, students, and military mem- bers; and $14 to $40 for children 6 to 12. (Kids 5 and under are free.) An “all-event pass” is also available covering all eight days. Advance prices are $181 for adults; $146 for seniors, students, and military; and $76 for children. Are There Age Limits? Nope. Barrett- Jackson is open to all ages (though you’ll Fuel your car fantasies at this year’s Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale. want to be mindful of your kiddos around the cars). Where Can You Park? It will be com- pletely free to park at WestWorld during the event, and plenty of spaces will be available. What About COVID-19 Policies? Masks are not required to attend, nor is proof of vaccination nor a negative test result. Or- ganizers “kindly request that all unvacci- nated guests wear face coverings” at the event. According to Barrett-Jackson’s website, WestWorld features “advanced filtration and air treatment technologies,” including bipolar ionization, ultraviolet lighting, and air exhaust systems that use outside air. Hand sanitizer dispensers will also be lo- cated throughout the venue. Will Food and Drinks Be Available? Yes. More than three-dozen vendors, restau- rants, and eateries will have food and drink available for purchase. The list includes such options as Arizona Buffalo Company, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Black Rock Coffee Bar, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Island Noodles & Poke Bowls, Macayo’s, Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers, Guac Girl, Can’t Stop This Year? During any given year, Barrett- Jackson will have a number of noteworthy vehicles previously owned by celebrities up for sale. True to form, this year’s auction will feature a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE from Smokey and the Bandit that was once the property of Burt Reynolds. It’s scheduled to be sold on Saturday, Janu- ary 29, and will include an autographed copy of the late actor’s autobiography. That same day, you can also purchase David Spade’s 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Custom Coupe, a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette 427 convertible owned by astronaut Alan Shepard, Buster Posey’s 1967 Ford Mus- tang Eleanor Tribute Edition, and 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS from the collection of NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace. A trio of muscle cars used in the Fast & Furious films, including a 1956 Ford Fairlane and a 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline will also be auc- tioned on January 29. Other highlights on the auction block this year will include rare gems like a 1970 Plymouth HEMI Superbird (which sports a ridiculously huge spoiler), a 1955 Mer- cedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, and the final 1987 Buick Grand National ever made at GM’s now-defunct plant in Michigan. Which Celebrities Will Appear At This Year’s Auction? Poison frontman and one- time Valley resident Bret Michaels is scheduled to be at Barrett-Jackson on Fri- day, January 28, when his 2007 Bentley Continental GT will be auctioned off for charity starting at 3:25 p.m. (A custom “Ev- ery Rose Has Its Thorn” guitar auto- graphed by the rocker will also be included.) Rap star Pitbull will make an ap- pearance on Saturday, January 29, to over- see the auction of his 2022 Karma GS-6 EV 305 Edition will be auctioned off at 6:30 p.m. What Else Is There to Do? If you need a break from gawking at high-end cars, the event will feature live music from local bands (read: rock and pop acts), a large vendor marketplace, various “automobilia” displays, interactive exhibits, STEM activi- ties, and BMX exhibitions. Speed demons can hop into souped-up hot rods with pro- fessional drivers behind the wheel and go for heart-pounding rides around a perfor- mance track. 28 JAN 27TH– FEB 2ND, 2022 PHOENIX NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | FEATURE | NEWS | OPINION | FEEDBACK | CONTENTS | phoenixnewtimes.com
