Gear Up

Auto Shows Roar Into the Valley for the Internationally Recognized Car Week

The Valley of the Sun is known worldwide for its famous January vintage and collector car auctions and lifestyle events. Thousands from around the world head to the Valley to view, bid, and enjoy the energy of the auctions. Whether you’re a serious collector or just an auto enthusiast, these events will get your engines revving.

THIS 1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD WILL CROSS THE AUCTION BLOCK AT BARRETT-JACKSON

Gear up for this month’s auctions

WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

Coming off the most successful year in the auction company’s 50-plus year history, Barrett-Jackson returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale for its annual Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 21-29, with more than 1,800 collector cars crossing the auction block with No Reserve.

Some of the automobiles available include a 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang, built for Ken Miles (though sadly, Miles died in a crash while this vehicle was still being built); a 1970 Plymouth HEMI Superbird in Lemon Twist Bright Yellow and one of just 77 built with an automatic transmission; a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT (original new price $452,989), which is one of the 644 examples sold new in the U.S. during the entire 2004-2006 production run; and a 2020 Ford GT Carbon Series.

Barrett-Jackson is also more than just an auction—it’s an automotive lifestyle event. Attendees can shop in the exhibitor marketplace; explore displays and unveils from leading automotive manufacturers in the sponsor pavilion; take hot laps and thrill rides on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track with Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Dodge; enjoy off-road experiences with RAM and Toyota; learn at one of the collector car symposiums; listen to music from the live music stage; stop by the cigar lounge; and explore dozens of food and beverage options.

The event kicks off its first day (Jan. 21) with Family Day, where children 12 and under have free admission. That day will also feature STEM Fest, with dozens of interactive and educational exhibits for STEM learning.

Sunday features the event’s first Future Collector Car Show, a concours-style event geared towards the next generation of collector car enthusiasts coming together to celebrate the future of the collector car industry and their passion for these vehicles.

The famous event also features the Barrett-Jackson Cup, a renowned custom car and truck competition. All 50 entries will be paraded across the auction block on Jan. 21 and will remain on display throughout the entire week until the winners are announced the following Saturday (Jan.28).

Tip: Children, students, seniors, military, and first responders receive ticket discounts.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; www.barrett-jackson.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 1999 LAMBORGHINI DIABLO VT ROADSTER (RM SOTHEBY'S); 1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL (ARIZONA CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE); 1935 JAGUAR SS-90 PROTOTYPE (ARIZONA CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE)

Arizona Concours d’Elegance

Approximately 100 of the world’s rarest and most valuable collector cars from all eras were invited to the Arizona Concours d’Elegance to be considered for judging and exhibition. The event is held on Jan. 22 in the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center in Downtown Scottsdale.

This is the first year it will be held in this location—it was previously held at the Arizona Biltmore resort—and the first year there is a partnership with Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). A nonprofit event, it will support the arts and local artists.

Judges from the United States, Canada, and Europe participate, determining winners in a number of classes and the coveted Best of Show.

One vehicle of note that will be showcased is a 1935 Jaguar SS-90 prototype, which served as the factory's first competition car.

Other automobiles range from early runabouts and pre-war classics to notable sports cars and modern exotics.

Tip: Children under 10 are admitted free with a ticket holder. Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org

RM Sotheby’s

Resort & Spa on Jan. 26.

Admission to the preview, held on Jan. 25, is free and open to the public. The auction on Jan. 26 is for registered bidders and consignors only.

Just a few of the automobiles crossing this year’s auction block include a 1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, believed to be one of less than 200 made with few in the U.S; a 2007 Chevrolet Impala SS NASCAR ‘Jimmy Johnson’, a key component of Jimmy Johnson’s unbeaten five-season NASCAR Cup championship streak, which Johnson drove to victory during the 2007 season; and a 1992 Aston Martin Virage, one of just 54 examples exported to North America.

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix; www.rmsothebys.com

MAG Auctions

Motorsport Auction Group is holding its MAG Auctions event from Jan. 27-28 at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell.

Some of the automobiles up for auction include a 1930 101 Roadster, a 1966 Cobra Roadster Shelby Kit Car, a 1926 Ford Model T Tall T Hot Rod, and a 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GTS Coupe.

Each day there will also be a memorabilia auction in addition to the automobile auction.

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell; www.motorsportauctiongroup.com