SUPERCARS AND MEGA STARS: A 50 Facts & Favorite Memories Feature
December 22, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Muhammad Ali and Carroll Shelby at the 2008 Scottsdale Auction
To mark Barrett-Jackson’s half-century in business, in this special series we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite moments from the past 50 years – as well as some little-known facts about The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.
Jay Leno at the Scottsdale 2012 Auction
Since its inception Barrett-Jackson has attracted a starry crowd – you never know who or what you’ll encounter while wandering the grounds at auction. No other collector car event gives you the chance to see supercars and mingle with mega stars, all under the same roof. It’s part of the Barrett-Jackson experience – and a large part of why the Barrett-Jackson experience is unlike any other.
Tim Allen and Craig Jackson
Over the years boldfaced names from the entertainment world, Hollywood, sports and, of course, auto racing have flocked to Barrett-Jackson keen to share their love and passion for automobiles and the collector car hobby. As Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson has put it, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction has evolved into the ultimate celebration of the high-octane lifestyle. “The auctions are a common ground for car people, whether you’re a celebrity or not,” he said. “Barrett-Jackson is definitely a place where car guys from all walks of life hang out. Celebrities who are as passionate about cars as we are also love to be part of the action.”
President George W. Bush on the auction block
Only at Barrett-Jackson can you find yourself bidding alongside the likes of globally renowned actor and comedian Kevin Hart or the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. More than a few celebrities have taken to the block to auction incredible cars and raise money on behalf of charitable causes. Actor Gary Sinise helped raise $1.3 million for wounded veterans with the sale of a special one-off 1981 Jeep CJ7, and former U.S. President
George W. Bush, along with comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno, made their presence felt on the auction stage, raising $1.4 million during the sale of the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Carbon 65 Edition VIN 001. Other celebrities who have joined Barrett-Jackson for charity and more include boxers Floyd Mayweather and Sugar Ray Leonard, actor/comedian Tim Allen, pop star Justin Bieber, Peter Fonda, rockers Steven Tyler and Sammy Hagar, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, racer Jeff Gordon, General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Masters champ Bubba Watson, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and NFL great Reggie Wayne, along with racing legends Sir Stirling Moss, Parnelli Jones, Tony Stewart, Phil Hill, Joey Logano, Don Prudhomme, John Force, Rusty Wallace and oh so many more.
Floyd Mayweather and Craig Jackson
Barrett-Jackson always draws celebrities together in full force, and at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, a very special Barrett-Jackson moment occurred when boxing legend Muhammad Ali – The Greatest – arrived at Barrett-Jackson. Ali and the legendary Carroll Shelby had the opportunity to come together at the unveiling of the Limited Edition Barrett-Jackson Ford Shelby Mustang. A monumental convergence like this could happen only at Barrett-Jackson.
“We have built a world-class automotive lifestyle event known for its collector cars and celebrities,” said Craig Jackson. So be sure to join Barrett-Jackson in celebrating its 50th Anniversary at the 2022 Scottsdale Auction – you never know who you’ll run into!