When you think about the world of car collecting, one name stands above the rest: Barrett-Jackson. Over the past five decades, this legendary auction house has not only become the gold standard for collectors but has also revolutionized how we view, buy, and appreciate classic cars. What began as a modest auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, has grown into a global phenomenon, shaping the culture of car collecting in ways that few could have predicted. But what exactly is it about Barrett-Jackson that has made it so transformative? Let’s dive into how this iconic auction house has fundamentally changed the world of car collecting.
A New Era of Car Auctions
Before Barrett-Jackson, car auctions were often considered a niche market, largely reserved for elite collectors or those involved in motorsports. These events were often held in more traditional settings and were focused on only a select few rare and highly valuable vehicles. But Barrett-Jackson brought something fresh to the table—an auction format that made the excitement of bidding accessible to everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy.
Barrett-Jackson’s approach was revolutionary in the sense that it democratized the car auction experience. By opening up the bidding process to a wider audience, they allowed for both experienced collectors and first-time buyers to come together in one space. The atmosphere at a Barrett-Jackson auction isn’t stuffy or intimidating—it’s electric, filled with excitement and camaraderie among people from all walks of life who share a passion for cars.
What Barrett-Jackson did that no one else was doing at the time was elevate the entire auction experience into an event—an exciting, high-energy, and inclusive spectacle. The fast-paced bidding process, the enthusiastic crowd, and the constant stream of impressive cars crossing the block turned every auction into a celebration of automotive culture. For many, attending a Barrett-Jackson auction is like being part of a live-action movie about cars, and that excitement has played a key role in growing the collector car market.
Expanding the Market Beyond High-End Collectors
Another way Barrett-Jackson transformed the world of car collecting is by expanding the market beyond the ultra-rich. While high-profile sales of rare Ferraris, Porsches, and Duesenbergs still make headlines, Barrett-Jackson recognized that not everyone could afford to drop millions on a car. As a result, the auction house intentionally diversified the types of cars it offered, bringing everything from affordable muscle cars to entry-level classics into the spotlight.
By selling cars at all price points, Barrett-Jackson made car collecting accessible to a much wider audience. For someone who had always dreamed of owning a classic Chevy Camaro or a restored Mustang, Barrett-Jackson became the place to make that dream a reality. The auction house’s ability to feature a wide variety of vehicles helped expand the hobby to a new generation of enthusiasts, many of whom might have never thought of collecting cars as something within their reach.
In doing so, Barrett-Jackson turned car collecting from a hobby for the wealthy into a hobby for the masses. As classic cars became more popular and sought-after, their prices climbed. But Barrett-Jackson’s focus on inclusivity has allowed a whole new group of enthusiasts to jump into the market, bringing new life to the industry and expanding the reach of car collecting as a whole.
The Rise of the Modern Classic and Restomod
Another aspect of Barrett-Jackson’s transformation of the car collecting world is its role in the rise of the restomod movement. Restomods are classic cars that have been extensively modified or updated with modern parts, such as upgraded engines, suspension systems, and technology. These cars blend the best of both worlds: the timeless design of a vintage car with the performance and safety of a modern machine.
Barrett-Jackson was among the first major auction houses to embrace restomods, understanding that they offered a way to keep classic car ownership alive and accessible while meeting the expectations of modern drivers. For collectors, restomods offered the ability to own a classic car without sacrificing comfort or reliability. And for those who might have been reluctant to drive an old car regularly due to concerns about maintenance or safety, a restomod offered a more practical solution.
As the restomod trend gained traction, Barrett-Jackson began to feature these types of vehicles prominently at their auctions, helping the movement grow in popularity. The auction house not only created a space for these cars to be bought and sold, but it also helped to legitimize restomods as an important part of car collecting culture. Today, restomods are a key part of the car market, and Barrett-Jackson has been a driving force in making them a mainstream choice for collectors.
Bringing Cars into the Digital Age
In recent years, Barrett-Jackson has embraced technology in a way that has further transformed the car collecting industry. Traditionally, car auctions were exclusive, in-person events, with bidders required to be physically present to participate. Barrett-Jackson, however, recognized the potential of digital platforms and online bidding, opening up the auction experience to a much broader audience.
The introduction of online bidding allowed collectors from all over the world to participate, even if they couldn’t attend in person. This global reach significantly increased the potential buyer pool, driving up interest and prices for cars across the board. The live-streaming of auctions and the ability to watch the action unfold in real-time on platforms like Barrett-Jackson’s website and social media channels allowed fans to enjoy the experience, whether they were bidding or simply watching from their living rooms.
By embracing technology and making auctions more accessible online, Barrett-Jackson played a significant role in making car collecting a more connected, global endeavor. Collectors no longer had to be confined to regional auctions or in-person events—they could bid from anywhere in the world, making Barrett-Jackson’s auctions some of the most far-reaching in the industry.
Charity and Giving Back
Another way Barrett-Jackson has transformed car collecting is through its philanthropic efforts. Over the years, the auction house has hosted countless charity car auctions, where high-profile vehicles are sold, and all or a portion of the proceeds are donated to charitable causes. This has not only allowed collectors to own unique cars but also to support important causes like children’s hospitals, veterans’ organizations, and medical research.
These charity auctions have brought an entirely new dimension to the world of car collecting. No longer is it just about acquiring rare and valuable vehicles—it’s about using the power of car collecting to make a positive impact. By consistently incorporating charity into their events, Barrett-Jackson has shown that car collectors and enthusiasts have a responsibility to give back and make a difference in the communities they care about.
Conclusion
Barrett-Jackson has truly transformed the world of car collecting. By expanding the accessibility of auctions, embracing new trends like restomods, leveraging technology to reach a global audience, and integrating philanthropy into its model, Barrett-Jackson has redefined what it means to be a car collector. What once may have been seen as an exclusive hobby for the wealthy has now become an inclusive, dynamic, and globally-connected community, all thanks to Barrett-Jackson’s innovative approach. Today, the auction house stands as a testament to how passion, dedication, and a little bit of ingenuity can change the world of car collecting for the better.