It was billed as The World's Greatest Auto Auction, and one walk through the place confirmed it. The 2005 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction was an outrageous automotive event, even for the jaded veterans. It was a glitz and glamour affair with nearly 900 automobiles and over 4,000 serious bidders. The auctioneers kept the excitement level high, and with free booze flowing (courtesy of Mopar) and large quantities of lit and unlit Bolivar cigars about the place, it reminded us of a Las Vegas Casino. however, instead of slot machines and poker tables, there were rare and desirable musclecars. You had to be there to fully comprehend the massive size and the excitement of it all.
Even clones like this '70...
Even clones like this '70 'Cuda convertible with a Shaker hood, front elastomeric bumper, 600hp Hemi, and a four-speed brought a good penny. This one garnered $93,960.
Chrysler product aficionados had a lot to view at the 34th annual running of this famous Arizona classic car auction. the Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep pavilion was "front and center" as you walked into the show, and showcased the latest DCX product lineup, with particular emphasis on the new Hemi-powered vehicles, as well as references to the past Hemi powerplants from the '50s through the '71 model year.
Outside the tents was a large Mopar Speed Shop display, complete with test drive opportunities for new Mopars. While there were some checking out the '05 models, most seems more intrigued with the vintage Hemis under the hoods of the various B- and E-body cars that were scattered everywhere you looked. There's no question that Mopar products have gained respect in the new car and collector car worlds, and it's about time.
Who wouldn't want a '68 Hemi...
Who wouldn't want a '68 Hemi Road Runner with flip-out rear windows? Featuring a four-speed, redline tires, dog-dish hubcaps, and the original invoice, this beauty sold at $151,200.
The event also featured an ample supply of slightly tamer Mopars, as well as other rare vehicles, including Li'l Red Express Trucks, original drag package cars, vintage race cars, and several early Chrysler letter cars. The place was Mopar Heaven!
The crowd loved the mighty Mopars when it came time for them to roll up on the auction block, and the prices were high, especially for cars with matching numbers and low production figures. But who was buying? What we saw were jet-setting computer geeks that think Mopars are cool. They have no real kinship with them; they just see it as a purchase. Then, in a year or so, when they grow tired of the car, they'll sell it. The problem with that is since they paid so much, they have to ask a huge price to recoup their funds. All this, because they thought they wanted a cool car, not because they are true enthusiasts. So what has that done to the market place? Take a look at the top selling 20 Mopars (prices include buyer/seller commissions). We're pretty sure that some people have more money than brains.
 This '70 'Cuda convertible...  This '70 'Cuda convertible features a 340 with a three-speed transmission, factory luggage rack, is a 1-of-19 in this trim, and, even rarer, a 1-of-1 with Jamaican Blue with a white leather interior. It sold for $62,640. |  |  This is one of the original...  This is one of the original 80 or so Hurst '68 Hemi Darts. The car sported original-style primer on the body and gel-coated fiberglass fenders. Restored in 1991, it sold for $207,900. |