On Thursday, June 22, the 2023 Las Vegas Auction began, marking 15 years of the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions in the Entertainment Capital of the World. Barrett-Jackson curated an electrifying experience, captivating bidders and guests alike in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The collector vehicle sales on Thursday showcased several styles ranging from muscle cars to SUVs. Lot #104, a 1973 Ford Mustang convertible and a 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (Lot #136) were in the spotlight, followed by a 1960 Chevrolet Impala custom sedan (Lot #151). Modern collectibles, including a 2022 Ford Bronco (Lot #138) and a 2005 Bentley Continental GT (Lot #75) demonstrated emerging trends among collectors. Another star of today’s auction was a 1982 Ford F-350 custom pickup (Lot #123) that rumbled across the block on its 10-inch lift kit.
Adjacent to the auction arena, over 50 sponsors and exhibitors enticed numerous shoppers, offering everything from a Transformers statue to log home builders and estate jewelry. Guests also had the pleasure of experiencing the vibrant Barrett-Jackson Fan Zone. Thursday’s entertainment included a performance by Robin Wilson and Jesse Valenzuela of the Gin Blossoms, presented by Hilton Grand Vacations. Fans also had the opportunity to meet and greet Miesha Tate, the former UFC Bantamweight Champion, as well as Professional Bull Rider Dakota Louis. ReRide, the PBR mascot, was also on hand to entertain guests. Other attractions in the Fan Zone included a UFC green screen “walk-out,” a Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 display, a mechanical bull and a supersized claw machine.
The atmosphere at the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track was electric, as guests immersed themselves in thrilling rides that sent their adrenaline soaring with professional drivers behind the wheel of the latest Toyota Supras, Dodge Chargers and Challenger Hellcats. Adjacent to the track, guests were able to participate in the Lucid Driving Experience. This unique opportunity offered demonstration rides and drives down the Las Vegas Strip in a new Lucid Air.
The morning started with the Driven Project, which offered “supercar therapy” in a vehicle parade across the auction block. A dozen courageous children battling serious illnesses were introduced on the auction block by Barrett-Jackson television personality Rick DeBruhl. The supercar co-pilots received heroes’ welcomes, with each supercar making a special stop for a commemorative photograph. Following this onstage experience, the co-pilots enjoyed a memorable cruise on Las Vegas Boulevard, riding in an array of exceptional vehicles that included Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens and even a Corvette. They then returned to the West Hall, where a day filled with family fun awaited them at the auction, complete with a scavenger hunt.
The morning’s Automobilia Auction was highlighted by several captivating gas pumps. A vintage Sinclair Gas Boy gas pump on a custom fuel island (Lot #6293) was an auction favorite, followed by other noteworthy pieces that included a late 1950s-early ’60s Wayne 505 Shell Oil gas pump (Lot #6291.3) and a 1949 Gulf Oil Tokheim Model 39 gas pump (Lot #6291).
Top Ten Automotive Sales for Day One
| Lot | Vehicle | Sale Price |
| 104 | 1973 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE | $66,000 |
| 136 | 1981 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM | $63,800 |
| 151 | 1960 CHEVROLET IMPALA CUSTOM SEDAN | $61,600 |
| 138 | 2022 FORD BRONCO | $60,500 |
| 75 | 2005 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT | $55,000 |
| 123 | 1982 FORD F-350 CUSTOM PICKUP | $45,650 |
| 128 | 2008 FORD SHELBY GT500 CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE | $44,000 |
| 132 | 1962 CHRYSLER 300H | $44,000 |
| 139 | 1963 CADILLAC SERIES 62 CONVERTIBLE | $42,900 |
| 134 | 2014 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER | $41,800 |
As Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Las Vegas Auction progresses into Day Two on Friday, the excitement will continue. Friday offers free admission to children under 12 years of age, as well as discount tickets for active military personnel, veterans, frontline workers and first responders.
Source: www.classiccars.com