If you're planning a visit to the 2014 classic car auctions in Scottsdale you need a guide to what's happening. What was once dominated by Barrett-Jackson with a couple of tasty side dishes from RM and Russo and Steele has expanded into a week-long celebration of auctions, seminars, and for the first time, a concours d'elegance. Without a guide you could miss some important events.
Fortunately Sports Car Market has published a 72-page Insiders Guide to the Arizona Auctions and made it available both for viewing online and for your cellphone and tablet. I've just looked through the Guide and was mightily impressed by the amount of information it contains. Especially useful is a timetable of events in the form of an easy-to-read, multi-colour chart. You'll definitely want to become a subscriber, then print that page before leaving home.
While turning the pages (electronically, of course) I noted that the great international auction house, Bonhams, is moving on stage with an auction that will no doubt include some rare and desireable classics. Along with RM, Russo and Steele, Gooding & Company, Silver Auctions and Barrett-Jackson the addition of Bonhams guarantees that more cars will be sold during one week in the Phoenix area than anywhere else in the world.
I enjoyed the photos and even the ads, which can be quite informative, though I do have one complaint. Looking through the Insiders Guide to the Arizona Auctions left me desperately wanting to join the crowd in January when, as I've lamented in Marque1 before, my budget has no reserves for travel. But for those among you who do plan to make the trip I heartily suggest reading the online Guide here. Smartphone and tablet readers can view the PDF here.
11/27/2013
Philip Powell
Automobile journalist specialising in classic cars and transportation.
Thanks for the information about the auctions very helpful. http://www.policeauctions.com/
Posted by: Beth | 01/13/2014 at 03:24 PM