Jackson Barrett Collector car auction
 

Has anyone ever gone to the Florida Jackson Barrett auction from The Villages? Just wondering and would love to hear more about it. Thanks

There is a Mecum auction coming up Jan 18. in Kissimmee,Fl.

Barrett Jackson Auction
 

I think it's Barrett Jackson and my husband and three of his buddies are going to the Mecum auction in Kissimmee at the end of this month. They are all so excited to see the cars in person. They got gold tickets to sit in the very front right where the cars are. I'm very excited for them!!

We went to the Barrett Jackson auction this past summer. We stayed in west palm beach and then went to the auction. Too long of a drive for a one day trip. It was interesting and the auction was very fast paced.. They had an auto show outside and inside and a lot of vendors. We bought a two day pass left the villages early morning and got our motel room then went to the auction. Then we spent the night and went back the next day. Stayed until the afternoon and then went home. You could do it in one day and take in everything but you would have to leave super early and then arrive back home super late. I don't know if we will do it again but it was fun to see it for the first time. It was crowded in the auction arena and there was limited seating if you wanted to experience the auction. We want to take in the Mecum auction this year.

Thanks for the info. Never heard of the Mecum auction. It looks like it would be an enjoyable car day event to visit.

Here's the link to the Kissimmee auction info on Mecum's web site:

Mecum Auction - Kissimmee, FL auction info

Bill :)

I enjoy watching both the Mecum & Barrett-Jackson auctions on tv, I believe on the Velocity channel. Quite often there seems to be some good deals on classic cars, but isn't it pretty risky to buy ANY car, and especially one that may be 40-50 years old, without being able to drive it beforehand?

Mecum is on Velocity.......Barrett-Jackson is on Speed.

To your "risky" query: Many of the cars sold through those auctions are bought strictly as show pieces - not really intended to be driven at all. But regardless - - - - yes, there's definitely an element of risk involved. On the supposition you attend the auction in person (versus bidding via the web), you do have the opportunity to inspect the cars ahead of time - ask questions of the owner (or whoever is representing the vehicle) - start them/hear them run - and so forth. There IS an element of trust involved.......

Bill :)

Thanks for your reply, Bill. I'm sure you can't beat one of these auctions for being able to see large quantities & varieties of cars, but I'm of the opinion it would be wiser to perhaps pay a little more, but buy direct from the owner & have the opportunity to drive before buying.

I've also wondered if these auctions are where old cars that appear in movies are bought. If I ever own a prized classic, I doubt I'll ever part with it for fear of it falling into the wrong hands. It really pains me to see nice cars, old or new completely destroyed in movies. For each of the Smokey & the Bandit movies didn't they trash at least a half dozen or so new Trans-Ams? Shame-shame.

A car lovers dream
 

:coolsmiley:I went to the Barrett-Jackson auction in West palm to work a booth in 2006. I got to tell you it was GREAT! This is truly one of the best car shows I have ever attended. You will see cars that are so rare, they were in thermo controlled rooms since new and this is the first time they have been seen in public. If you want to buy a car, West Palm is the place to buy because they sell cheaper than Scottsdale. If you got something special, Scottsdale will get you bigger bucks. If you are a car buff, treat yourself and drive to West Palm and have a blast:coolsmiley:.

Are you able to get close to the cars to admire them? Or does that require a special pass, or registered bidders only?

For a minimal entry fee you have access to the whole facility. The only off limit area is the bidder seating area which includes the actual auction block. There you have to be a registered bidder to sit or go on stage. Last time I checked it was a $20 entry fee. It could be a little more now. Best 20 bucks you will ever spend to see that caliber of cars.

Getting close
 

With a General Admission ticket you can get right next to the cars and if the windows down, even stick your head inside but don't touch. You can get right up next to the stage where the cars enter and exit but you can't walk right in front of the stage. I was working a booth selling automobile lifts and in the vendor area they have huge screens to watch the auction from any angle. They have people selling Lear Jets, million dollar motorhomes and offshore race boats. It is too cool to describe. This is somethind that every car buff needs to see at least once in their life.

I've been watching all four of the Barrett-Jackson shows every year on Speed Channel for at least five years or more. I like the way the Barrett shows are presented on the Speed Channel and the announcers provide a lot of knowledge. The Meacum Auctions don't seem to come off as well and don't hold my interest like Barrett-Jackson.

If you haven't seen a Barrett-Jackson Auction, their biggest event every year is the Scottsdale, AZ show that will start in a couple of weeks. Here is a link to their website. Barrett-Jackson Auction Company - World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions and Events




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