Barrett-Jackson hits $31.2 million for Palm Beach Auction

Resto-mods and modern exotics led the results during Barrett-Jackson’s 17th annual Palm Beach Auction in Florida, showing the rising influence of Gen Xers and millennials, with 632 vehicles and 258 pieces of automobilia selling for a total of $31.2 million, including auction fees. The sell-through rate for the mostly no-reserve auction was 98.6 percent.

More than $550,000 was generated in charity sales, the auction company reported, topped by NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon’s 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 that sold for $350,000 to benefit the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation. The 2015 Petty’s Garage Ford Mustang GT sold for $110,000 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

The top seller collector car was a unique 1947 Buick Super 8 custom convertible that sold for $412,500, followed by a 2012 Lexus LFA that went for $352,000 and a 2018 McLaren 720s for $324,500.

“This marks the company’s largest 3-day Palm Beach Auction to date with a record number of collector vehicles, nearly 1,500 bidders and strong attendance,” Barrett-Jackson said in a news release. “Results show that Resto-Mods continue to be in high demand while supercars command record hammer prices.”

Special performance cars from the 1980s and ’90s that appeal to younger collectors were in high demand, the release noted, with sales including a 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo cabriolet sold for $143,000, 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra R for $132,000, 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo for $99,000 and a 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo liftback for $62,700.

“This rising generation of collectors has been watching our auctions on television, igniting a new wave of passion for this incredible hobby,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson.

Top 10, Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2019

1. 1947 Buick Super 8 custom convertible, $412,500.
2. 2012 Lexus LFA, $352,000.
3. 2018 McLaren 720s, $324,500.
4. 2017 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn convertible, $297,000.
5. 1957 Chevrolet Bal Air custom, $286,000.
6. 2017 Dodge Viper ACR, $286,000.
7. 2005 Ford GT sold, $275,000.
8. 1964 Chevrolet Corvette custom coupe, $275,000.
9. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle custom Convertible, $253,000.
10. 1967 Shelby Cobra CSX 4000 roadster, $231,000.

All results include buyer’s fees)

Barrett-Jackson’s Northeast Auction takes place June 26-29 at the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut.

For more information, visit the auction website.