This is the second year for Barrett-Jackson's auction in Orange County, California, and the company proved there's no such thing as a sophomore jinx by drawing more than 60,000 attendees to the three-day event. As with other Barrett-Jackson auctions, this one attracted a mix of serious car collectors, casual buyers, and even a smattering of celebrities.
Saturday is always the biggest day at any automotive auction, and while Orange County wasn't primarily a performance-car event (like B-J Scottsdale), it still drew a respectable selection of high-powered muscle machines, including Corvettes.
"The Corvette segment of the car hobby is one of my favorites," says Steve Magnante, one of the Speed channel's auction commentators. "Few other vehicle types have as many models, engine possibilities, and rare options as do Corvettes. Naturally, we're all frustrated by the lack of factory-applied metal trim tags on pre-1963 cars, so it is extremely important to make certain your prospective purchase really is what it appears to be."
"Corvettes will always hold their value. It's an American icon that even the younger folks can relate to," added one anonymous bidder.
This year's Orange County auction grossed an impressive $14 million in sales. Additionally, 63 percent of the bidders were new, as were 60 percent of consignors. New bidders also purchased 48 percent of the vehicles.
"This event has grown exponentially," said Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson chairman and CEO. "We brought out a portion of the renowned Scottsdale Auction tent, which is nearly two football fields in length, to accommodate our Southern California customers and fans. Record-breaking attendance, as well as an increase in new bidders and consigners, led to a very successful auction."
02 Collector David Parker...
02 Collector David Parker cleaned out his warehouse for this year’s Orange County auction, and one of the Corvettes he decided to sell was this attractive Roman Red/Red ’61 model equipped with a dual-quad 283. One lucky bidder took it home for $78,100. (Note: All prices include buyer’s premium.)
03 This ’67 390hp Goodwood...
03 This ’67 390hp Goodwood Green car was equipped with a non-matching-number 390hp 427. It rolled off the block for a respectable $57,200.
04 Waiting in the wings...
04 Waiting in the wings for its time to shine was this ’65 coupe. It was a pilot car—the sixth ’65 Corvette built—and had fully matching numbers. Hurting its overall value was the original Powerglide automatic transmission. It sold for $50,600.
05 This Mosport Green ’66...
05 This Mosport Green ’66 roadster sold for $46,200. It featured a black leather interior, a 300-horse 327, and a teak steering wheel.
06 This matching- number,...
06 This matching- number, Rally Red ’66 sold for $82,500. Its options included a 425hp 427, a black leather interior, a telescopic teak steering wheel, power windows, and knock-off wheels.
07 Another Vette from Parker’s...
07 Another Vette from Parker’s collection was this white ’67 coupe. This matching-number car went through a frame-off restoration and is powered by a 350hp 327. The only non-original item appeared to be the “stinger” hood. It rolled off the block after the auctioneer hammered down a $52,800 bid.