Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Barrett-Jackson Weathers Powerful Storm and Continues Auction

The 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction is underway in Scottsdale through Jan. 24, 2010 at WestWorld. As a record-breaking storm rumbled through Arizona on Thursday, Barrett-Jackson company officials, employees and volunteers joined forces to ensure the safety of all auction participants, spectators, and the more than 1,200 collector cars in town for the event.

“Our thoughts and concern are with all the collector car enthusiasts in the Scottsdale area who experienced the terrible storm yesterday,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We are relieved to hear that no serious injuries were suffered by anyone attending any of the local auctions.”

A state of emergency was declared by Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer as the huge winter storm rolled across Arizona from early Thursday afternoon late into the night. Tornado watches and warnings were issued in various locations in the greater Phoenix area, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed that a tornado touched down in North Scottsdale near the Loop-101.

“As the storm approached Thursday morning, we met with city and county officials, as well as representatives from the local police and fire departments to coordinate our plans to prepare for the high winds and rain on the way,” continued Jackson. “Our crews mobilized immediately to inspect all aspects of our auction site, check the tents and poles, and strategically place additional equipment that might be needed during the storm.”

The facilities at Barrett-Jackson weathered the storm well, and no serious damage was sustained to any tent, structure, or auction vehicle located on the event site. Dozens of operations crew members joined together with customers and auction spectators who pitched in to help prepare for the wind and rain.

“It was one of the most incredible displays of teamwork I’ve ever witnessed,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “As soon as we knew all of our employees and auction participants were safe, we immediately turned our attention to protecting all these amazing collector cars. I am thrilled to report that none of the cars sustained any serious damage during the storm, and we are busy this morning getting them cleaned and detailed and ready to continue rolling across the block through the weekend.”

Barrett-Jackson sold 243 cars on Thursday, and the auction continued without interruption even during the most intense moments of the storm. Inside the main auction arena, a 9-story structure designed to withstand sustained winds in excess of 90 mph, auction participants were mostly unaware of the storm raging outside.

“As a showing of our concern and support, we will be sending meals over to the other local auction site where the crews are working on cleanup this morning,” continued Davis. “We will also be working hard to demonstrate our gratitude to the fantastic staff and customers here at Barrett-Jackson who always rise to meet the challenges of any occasion and make us so proud to be a part of this incredible collector car hobby.”

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a “one-of-a-kind” collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694