A First-Hand Look at Barrett-Jackson’s Premier Collector Car Auction

Stepping onto the sprawling grounds of WestWorld of Scottsdale during Barrett-Jackson’s 2025 Scottsdale Auction was like entering a gearhead’s dreamscape—the unmistakable hum of revving engines, the scent of high-octane fuel, and the energy of thousands of collectors, bidders, and car enthusiasts set the tone for an unforgettable week. This year’s event was held from January 18–26, and delivered record-breaking sales, exhilarating automotive displays, and the unmistakable thrill that comes with Barrett-Jackson’s signature no-reserve show format. More than 2,000 vehicles crossed the block, generating over $198 million in total sales, reinforcing Scottsdale’s reputation as the epicenter of the collector car world every January. 

The Top 10 Sales at Barrett-Jackson :

The auction floor was a constant barrage of high-stakes bidding wars, with some of the most desirable modern hypercars, classic exotics, and custom builds fetching jaw-dropping prices. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest sales: 

2023 Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster – Sold for $2,200,000 Hypercar royalty, boasting 1,817 horsepower from its twin-turbo 6.6L V8. Only 30 were made, and this one had just 683 miles on the clock. 

2014 Pagani Huayra – Sold for $1,925,000 One of only 100 produced, featuring a twin-turbo V12 and the rare $180,000 Tempesta Package. 

2020 Ford GT Liquid Carbon Special Edition – Sold for $1,760,000 - Owned by DJ Marshmello, this GT features an exposed carbon-fiber body and only 85 miles driven.

1987 Porsche 959 Komfort – Sold for $1,457,500 A legendary 1980s supercar, with extensive restoration and all original mechanicals. 

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe – Sold for $1,402,500 A true icon in Graphite Gray over Light Gray, retaining its fuel-injected inline-six. 

2019 Ford GT – Sold for $1,210,000 The only 2019 GT in Grabber Orange, with just 1,613 miles and nearly $100k in factory options. 

2022 Ford GT – Sold for $1,100,000 A nearly new example with only 16 miles, boasting a 660hp EcoBoost V6. 

1977 Ford F-150 Custom Pickup “Hoonitruck” – Sold for $990,000 Built by Ken Block’s Hoonigan team, powered by a 914hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.    

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Split-Window Coupe – Sold for $990,000 A breathtaking restomod from Jeff Hayes Customs, featuring an LS3 engine and Art Morrison chassis.    

1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible – Sold for $935,000 Another Jeff Hayes build, with an LS3 powertrain and flawless execution.  

Beyond the Auction Block: The Full Scottsdale Experience  

While the sales were at the heart of the event, Scottsdale Car Week extended far beyond the Barrett-Jackson tent. Across town, prestigious auction houses like Bonhams, Gooding & Company, and RM Sotheby’s drew in collectors looking for rare, coach-built classics and hidden gems from private collections. For thrill-seekers, the Barrett-Jackson Thrill Rides turned attendees into co-pilots in Dodge Hellcats and Ford Shelby Mustangs, drifting through high-speed corners with pro drivers at the wheel. Meanwhile, the event’s VIP Skybox lounges provided a front-row seat to history in the making, where high-profile collectors sipped champagne while debating whether air-cooled Porsches have peaked, or if the Ferrari market is poised for another climb.   One of the most exciting discussions revolved around the growing demand for movie and pop-culture cars. The Hoonitruck, an instant fan favorite, fetched nearly a million dollars, proving that enthusiast culture is alive and well in the custom and restomod market.

Charity Auctions & Giving Back  

While high-dollar collector cars took center stage, Barrett-Jackson’s tradition of philanthropy remained a focal point, with over $6.2 million raised for various charities. The most notable sale was the first 2025 Corvette ZR1 VIN 001, which fetched an astounding $3.7 million, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. Another standout was the 1962 Dodge Power Wagon Custom Truck, which sold for $1.5 million, benefitting Mike Rowe’s mikeroweWORKS Foundation. 

Final Thoughts : A Week to Remember

As the last hammer fell on Sunday night, marking the close of another record-setting year, the energy inside WestWorld of Scottsdale didn’t fade—it just shifted to next year’s plans. Some collectors left triumphant, their garages newly stocked with million-dollar icons, while others walked away empty-handed, already strategizing their next bid for 2026.   But for every attendee—whether a bidder, seller, or spectator—this week wasn’t just about cars on a stage. It was about passion, craftsmanship, and the culture that fuels the collector car world. Barrett-Jackson once again delivered a spectacle that wasn’t just a marketplace—it was a celebration of everything we love about automobiles.   If you missed Scottsdale Car Week this year, don’t worry. The road to 2026 has already begun.  

While Scottsdale Car Week has long been dominated by high-energy, no-reserve auctions, Bonhams offered a more understated yet refined experience. Unlike Barrett-Jackson, where cars are often paraded to roaring applause, Bonhams felt more like an art auction—subdued, elegant, and deeply focused on historical significance. Walking through the Westin Kierland auction tent, one could hear hushed conversations between collectors and historians, discussing chassis numbers, provenance, and factory-correct finishes. It wasn’t about who could bid the loudest—it was about who understood the significance of the automobiles on offer. Throughout the day, attendees sipped fine champagne while inspecting everything from pre-war Bugattis to 1960s Le Mans icons, each car accompanied by a detailed history of ownership and restoration records. One of the most talked-about cars was the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe, which became the auction’s biggest sale at $1.49 million. As the final bid was placed, a ripple of applause spread through the room—not the ear-splitting cheers of a muscle car auction, but the polite nods of appreciation among the most knowledgeable collectors in the world.

Final Thoughts: An Auction for Purists and Collectors 

As the sun set over Scottsdale and the final Bugatti and Ferrari chassis crossed the auction block, it was clear that Bonhams had once again delivered an event tailored to the world’s most discerning collectors. The emphasis on originality, provenance, and historical significance was evident, and the carefully curated selection of automobiles ensured that every lot was worthy of a prestigious collection. While Barrett-Jackson may have dominated the high-energy American muscle and restomod market, and Gooding & Company played host to ultra-exclusive modern hypercars, Bonhams remained the place to acquire timeless, investment-grade classics—automobiles that wouldn’t just turn heads today, but would define automotive history for decades to come. For those who appreciate fine automobiles as rolling works of art, the Bonhams Scottsdale Auction remains a pinnacle event in the collector car world.

RM/SOTHEBY'S AUCTIONS - JANUARY 2025

In January 2025, RM Sotheby's hosted its annual auction at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, marking its 27th year as a cornerstone event of Scottsdale Car Week. The auction attracted collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, offering a curated selection of classic and exotic automobiles. With a 95% sell-through rate, the event achieved total sales of $31,634,160, underscoring its prominence in the collector car market. ​The auction's highlight was a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta 'Tour de France', which sold for $3,772,500. This rare Ferrari, one of only 28 single-louver, covered-headlight examples, boasts a rich racing history and remains in highly original condition. ​Other notable sales included a 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Convertible Victoria by Murphy, fetching $3,195,000, and a 1939 Bugatti Type 57 C Atalante by Gangloff, which achieved $2,370,000. These results reflect the enduring appeal of pre-war luxury automobiles among collectors. ​ 

Top 10 Sales at RM Sotheby's Arizona 2025 Auction:

1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta 'Tour de France' – $3,772,500
1931 Bentley 8-Litre Convertible Victoria by Murphy – for $3,195,000
1939 Bugatti Type 57 C Atalante by Gangloff – $2,370,000
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing – $2,040,000
1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – $1,325,000
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – $1,259,000
2019 McLaren Senna – $1,077,500
2020 McLaren Senna GTR – $973,000
2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale – $786,000
2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series – $775,000

 The auction also featured modern supercars, such as a 2019 McLaren Senna and a 2020 McLaren Senna GTR, which sold for $1,077,500 and $973,000, respectively. Additionally, a 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale fetched $786,000, exceeding its pre-auction estimate and highlighting the strong demand for limited-production performance cars. ​Overall, RM Sotheby's Arizona 2025 auction demonstrated the robust interest in both classic and contemporary collector cars, achieving impressive results across a diverse range of marques and eras.