THE GAVEL DROPS ON DAY ONE IN FLORIDA: Record-Breaking Sales Start Off 20th Year of Auctions in Palm Beach
April 13, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Lot #137 – 1970 Plymouth Road Runner
When the gates opened on Day One of Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Palm Beach Auction, thousands of eager car enthusiasts explored the event which is filled with a world-class display of collector vehicles at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
In keeping with Barrett-Jackson tradition, the festivities kicked off Wednesday evening with the Opening Night Party. The auction pavilion was transformed for the festive event, where bidders, consignors, VIPs, sponsors and guests mingled, dined, danced — and celebrated. The Florida-based band Libido kept energy levels high throughout the evening with their dynamic blend of current and classic hits.
On Thursday morning, guests of all ages began enjoying many amazing experiences at the auction site, from interactive displays and demonstrations from more than 100 exhibitors and sponsors to an array of dining options.
Visitors also enjoyed exciting Thrill Rides in Dodge Challengers and Chargers, as well as Toyota Supras, around the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track. Ford and Chevrolet were also on hand for Hot Laps in Mustangs and Corvettes.
A new attraction at the auction is the Electric Vehicle Driving Experiences, which allow guests to get behind the wheel of a new Lucid Motors vehicle or an EV from Florida Power and Light.
The auction opened on Thursday with the first of three mornings’ worth of authentic and one-of-a-kind automotive collectibles crossing the block during the Automobilia Auction. The morning’s auction began with 100 examples of collectible cool on the block, where three beautiful gas pumps – a 1939 Texaco Oil Neptune Model 855, a 1950s Mobil Oil Wayne 100 and a 1950s-60s Wayne 505 Sunoco Racing Fuel model – proved to be the stars of the show.
An enthusiastic audience continued to fill the pavilion as the Collector Car Auction got underway in the early afternoon. Nearly 200 of the No Reserve collector vehicles on the Palm Beach docket took their turn on the block. The top sellers of the day included a 1970 Plymouth Road Runner (Lot #137), a 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS custom coupe (Lot #109), a 1964 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 convertible (Lot #112), a 1948 MG TC Roadster (Lot #88), and a 1961 Pontiac Catalina Tri-Power convertible (Lot #105). The sale price of each Lot sold can be viewed by logging in to the online docket.
Friday promises to build on Thursday’s high-octane action, with more cars and more activities. All of us at Barrett-Jackson look forward to sharing the excitement over the next few days. Until then, enjoy the video below of Wednesday’s Opening Night Party, as well as a gallery of activity in the auction arena and around the site today.
Auction cars on display in the South Showcase.
Lot #88 – 1948 MG TC Roadster
2023 Palm Beach Opening Night Party.
The National Anthem was performed during the first day of the 2023 Palm Beach Auction.
Lot #112 – 1964 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 convertible
2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray cutaway showing the new technology.
Dodge Display in the Main Auction Pavillion.
Lot #105 – 1961 Pontiac Catalina Tri-Power convertible
Enjoying the Chevrolet Corvette Hot Laps at the 2023 Palm Beach Auction.
1950s-60s Wayne 505 Sunoco Racing Fuel model
Lot #109 – 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS custom coupe
Dodge Thrill Rides during the 2023 Palm Beach Auction.
1939 Texaco Oil Neptune Model 855 gas pump and 1950s Mobil Oil Wayne gas pump.