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

Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction once again delivered one of the most energetic and well-attended events of the week, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and first-time bidders to WestWorld of Scottsdale for a full schedule of high-volume, no-reserve sales. As a cornerstone of Scottsdale Auto Week, the event continues to set the tone for the broader collector car market, with strong attendance and consistent bidder engagement observed throughout the auction. Held over several days and featuring a diverse docket of vehicles, Barrett-Jackson maintained a steady pace from start to finish, supported by both in-person participation and active online bidding. The auction’s no-reserve format continues to create a dynamic environment, where vehicles change hands with regularity and buyers remain engaged across a wide range of price points and categories. From entry-level collector cars to high-end exotics and custom builds, the breadth of offerings once again contributed to the overall strength and accessibility of the event.

One of the more notable aspects of this year’s auction was the overall presentation. From staging and lighting to the organization of the event grounds, Barrett-Jackson delivered a highly polished and well-executed experience that enhanced both the in-person and broadcast viewing environments. The consistency of vehicles crossing the block, combined with a strong visual presentation, helped sustain momentum and contributed to a competitive bidding atmosphere throughout the week.

The Top 10 Sales at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ:

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X “Stars & Steel” Edition – $2,600,000 (charity lot)
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe – $2,530,000
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – $1,870,000
2019 McLaren Senna – $1,870,000
2011 Ferrari 599 GTO – $1,622,500
2021 McLaren Elva – $1,512,500
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse S (VIN 001) – $1,250,000 (charity lot)
2022 Ford GT ’64 Heritage Edition – $1,237,500
1966 Lincoln Continental Custom Convertible – $1,100,000
2022 Ford GT – $1,100,000

The Full Scottsdale Experience 

Beyond the auction tents, Arizona Auto Week once again offered a broader experience that extended across multiple venues throughout the area. In addition to Barrett-Jackson, auction houses such as RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and Gooding & Company presented highly curated selections of significant collector cars, attracting buyers focused on rarity, provenance, and originality. At WestWorld, Barrett-Jackson’s interactive elements and large-scale presentation continued to draw strong crowds, reinforcing its appeal to both seasoned collectors and newer enthusiasts. From live bidding and display areas to premium viewing spaces, the event maintained a level of energy and accessibility that remains a defining characteristic of Scottsdale each year. Taken together, the combination of high-volume auctions, curated sales, and enthusiast-driven experiences continues to make Arizona Auto Week one of the most dynamic and influential gatherings in the collector car calendar.

RM/SOTHEBY'S AUCTIONS - JANUARY 23, 2026

RM Sotheby’s returned to Arizona Car Week with a focused and highly curated offering that emphasized quality, rarity, and provenance. As one of the premier auction houses operating during the week, RM Sotheby’s once again delivered a refined atmosphere that stood in contrast to the high-volume energy seen at other venues, attracting seasoned collectors seeking significant and investment-grade automobiles. 

Held in its traditional Arizona setting, the auction featured a carefully assembled selection of blue-chip classics, European sports cars, and historically important vehicles, many of which were supported by strong documentation and known ownership history. This year’s sale reflected continued strength at the upper end of the market, with discerning buyers competing for well-presented examples that met the expectations of serious collectors.