STARTING UP THE SUMMER: Craig Jackson’s View From The Block

June 2, 2022
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Resorts World – unquestionably the coolest place to stay for the hottest event in town.

Craig Jackson – Chairman/Chief Executive Officer

We are ready for some electrifying auction excitement in Las Vegas! The docket is heating up with some fantastic offerings as we put the final touches on our 2022 Las Vegas event, June 30 to July 2 at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. What makes this year even more exciting is our partnership with the brand-new, high-tech Resorts World – unquestionably the coolest place to stay for the hottest event in town. Apart from the fact that Resorts World is the most-talked-about destination in Vegas right now, it’s also just a few minutes to Barrett-Jackson’s entrance.

With that short of a commute, you’ll have plenty of time to get up-close looks at the great cars getting ready to cross the block, like the factory custom 2022 Chevrolet Corvette 3LT convertible VIN 001 owned by Paul Stanley, the co-founder, front man and rhythm guitarist of the iconic rock band KISS. As an extra bonus, “Starchild” is also throwing in an autographed Ibanez PS120 Paul Stanley Signature guitar with the sale.

Lot #742 – PAUL STANLEY’S FACTORY CUSTOM 2022 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE VIN 001 – NO RESERVE

Star power always plays a big role at Barrett-Jackson. Also going home with the highest bidder will be cars belonging to the popular comedian Gabriel Iglesias. Of course we’ll also have a number of cars selling for worthy causes, as well as our usual diverse selection of some of the most desirable collector vehicles to be had in one place at one time.

Our Las Vegas event will continue to build on the incredible energy Barrett-Jackson has experienced so far this year. Our history-making return to Palm Beach in April had unparalleled results, with over 675 collector vehicles all selling with No Reserve, bringing in $59.6 million, including nearly $3.8 million for charity. Automobilia was also incredible in Florida, seeing the most successful non-Scottsdale auction ever with more than 400 pieces sold for more than $1 million.

I personally want to extend my sincerest thanks to the bidders, consignors, sponsors and guests who made the 2022 Palm Beach Auction the most successful Florida auction in Barrett-Jackson’s history and for their support and friendship throughout the years. The camaraderie and support of the entire collector car community is something we truly treasure.

Craig Jackson’s 1966 Pontiac LeMans

Barrett-Jackson is proud to be part of that collector car universe and – as we often say – is comprised of people who are “car guys” through and through. That is clearly evidenced by what goes on at the company in between our auctions around the country. We’re all about meeting fellow enthusiasts, sharing ideas and advancing our love for the collector car hobby.

A perfect example of this is a project we are working on right now with The Roadster Shop. It’s pretty special to me because it began in the years leading up to getting my driver’s license in 1976. My grandmother had given me a 1966 Pontiac LeMans so naturally I began swapping out parts on it right away. Through my freshman and sophomore years of high school I changed out the 2-speed automatic for a Turbo 400 with a ’70 GTO “His and Hers” shifter, and rebuilt the 326 with a hot cam, high-compression pistons, headers and Thrush side pipes. A new paint job was also completed and when it was done, I took it – where else? – to the drive-in movies. Now, that very first daily driver of mine is being given a new lease on life as a Resto-Mod with a custom chassis from The Roadster Shop to bring it into the 21st century and to fit the new LT4 under the hood.

No. 23 DRR Palermo’s/Barrett-Jackson Chevrolet driven by Santino Ferrucci

Another “first car” moment that I am incredibly proud of is Barrett-Jackson’s recent participation in the Indianapolis 500. Having the Barrett-Jackson logo on one of the 33 cars competing in The Greatest Spectacle in Racing was a milestone moment for me. I have many fond memories of attending the Indy 500 in my teens and twenties with Tom Barrett, co-founder of Barrett-Jackson. Bringing that full-circle was truly exciting.

I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming Las Vegas Auction and perhaps swapping stories with you about your first cars!

— Craig Jackson

An avid car collector, award-winning restorer and racing enthusiast. With Craig at the helm, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company is celebrating over 50 successful years in the collector car hobby.