Barrett-Jackson might be best-known for its popular selection of American classics, muscle cars, sports cars and customs, but there is another side to the annual Scottsdale, Arizona, auction.
Among the more than 1,700 collector vehicles offered during the Scottsdale company’s signature January event are a group of premium cars that make up the Salon Collection, highlighted by rare and historic models from the finest brands, such as Rolls-Royce, Packard and Ferrari, as well as creative pieces of custom workmanship.
The oldest car in the collection is one of the most coveted among early vehicles, a 1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Landaulette by Barker (Lot #1378.1) that is the last of the 116 B-Series Silver Ghosts produced. Most impressive is that it retains its original elegant landaulette Barker coachwork.
There are several other pre-war Rolls-Royces on the docket, such as the unique 1937 Phantom III Freestone & Webb Sedanca de Ville (Lot #1385) known as the Copper Kettle that gleams with swaths of copper cladding and accents. Also, a 1927 Phantom I Piccadilly Roadster (Lot # 1391) made in Springfield, Missouri, and a 1934 Phantom II Binder (Lot #1395) with a history of prominent owners.
Another British thoroughbred comes from Aston Martin, a gorgeously restored 1966 DB5 coupe (Lot #1389) with matching-numbers 4.0-liter 282-horsepower inline-6 engine mated to a ZF 5-speed manual transmission.
A spectacular, one-of-a-kind 1951 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Coupe (Lot #1381) is acknowledged as an automotive work of art as well as the fastest touring car built in France in its day.
From Italy comes a rare 1952 Ferrari 212 Europa (Lot # 1378), the third of just 11 built by Pininfarina. The Europa is lavishly restored and has an extensive record of awards and honors. Another famous Italian is the 1963 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder (Lot #1394), a classic convertible for al fresco driving.
Included among the American pre-war classics are a pair of special Packards, a beautiful 1934 1101 Cabriolet (Lot #1380) with a 320 cid straight-8 engine and a 1920 Twin Six Roadster (Lot #1384) with what is regarded as the first production V12 engine. Also, a 1932 Cadillac V16 Special Phaeton (Lot #1387) with coachwork by Fisher and powered by its groundbreaking 16-cylinder engine.
One of the most eye-catching cars in the Salon Collection is the 1954 Plymouth Belmont Concept Car (Lot #1383), a unique showpiece that heralded some of the company’s future production design cues.
Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction takes place January 13-21 at WestWorld during the famous Arizona Car Week of auctions and events. For more information, visit the auction website.