Author Archives: Trevor Freeman

About Trevor Freeman

Trevor is a real gearhead who loves everything from classic American muscle cars to high-performance exotics. When he's not reading about cars or taking photos at a car show, he's probably out cruising around. He is currently working on restoring a 1980 Chevrolet Monza hatchback.

Top 10 Most Expensive Cars Sold at Barrett-Jackson 2023 Scottsdale Auction

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Barrett-Jackson returned to Scottsdale for their 51st annual collector car auction, which took place January 21-29, 2023 at Westworld of Scottsdale. The event drew more than 300,000 spectators and a record-breaking 1,907 vehicles consigned to sell at the no-reserve auction.

Here is a look at the Top 10 most expensive cars sold during Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale 2023 auction:

1. 1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione in Nardo Grey (Lot #1405.1) – $2,750,000
2. 2005 Porsche Carrera GT (Lot #1405) – $1,595,000
3. 2019 Ford GT Lightweight Carbon Series (Lot #1419) – $1,320,000
4. 2020 Ford GT Carbon Series (Lot #1390) – $1,320,000
5. 1966 Shelby Group II Mustang – Built for Ken Miles (Lot #1396) – $770,000
6. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot #1367) – $770,000
7. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Lot #1353) – $770,000
8. 2012 Lexus LFA (Lot #1382) – $748,000
9. 2021 Ferrari SF90 (Lot #1391) – $742,500
10. 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (Lot #1407) – $671,000

Overall, the collectible vehicles totaled more than $184.2 million in auction sales and $6.41 million for 1,100 pieces of automobilia collectibles, bringing the total auction sales to $190.6 million.

Barrett-Jackson also had five special auctions with 100 percent of the hammer price of each vehicle benefiting a nonprofit organization. The five vehicles at this year’s auction raised $1.89 million for charity.

The charity vehicles that sold during the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction included:

1. 2021 Shelby Super Snake Count’s Kustoms Edition (Lot #3000) – $350,000 to benefit Camp Freedom
2. 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew Pickup (Lot #3001) – $275,000 to benefit Fighter Country Foundation
3. 2024 GMC Hummer EV Edition SUV VIN 001 First Retail Production (Lot #3002) – $500,000 to benefit Tread Lightly!
4. General Colin L. Powell’s 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (Lot #3003) – $200,000 to benefit America’s Promise Alliance
5. 2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001 (Lot #3004) – $565,000 to benefit JDRF. The Mustang hammered for $490,000 and received an additional $75,000 in donations from generous guests on the auction block.

For more information on the Scottsdale auction and other events, visit https://www.barrett-jackson.com/

 

Arizona Concours d’Elegance Returns in Splendid Fashion

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The Arizona Concours d’Elegance recently put on a splendid event on Sunday, January 22, 2023. The event took place at the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center.

Previously, the Arizona Concours was held at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel & Spa from 2014-2017, and went on hiatus following the 2017 event. The 2023 Concours marks a long-awaited return of this exciting event, which is both a car show and charity fundraiser. Proceeds go to benefit local artists and the arts community through a partnership with Scottsdale Arts.

The theme of the 2023 Arizona Concours is The Art of Aerodynamics, with cars ranging from the early beginnings of streamlined vehicles, including classic race cars, up to the most exotic supercars of today.

Approximately 90 cars were on display at the Scottsdale Civic Center, organized into the following classes:

  • Brass Era (pre-1916)
  • Vintage Era (1916-1927)
  • Aerodynamic Pre-war Sports and Race Cars
  • 1930’s Aerodynamic American Coachwork
  • 1930’s Aerodynamic European Coachwork
  • 1930’s Aerodynamic French Coachwork
  • 1940’s Coachwork
  • 1950’s Leading-Edge Coachwork
  • Preservation: Pre-1973
  • Iconic 1950’s Aerodynamic Customs
  • Sports & Racing Cars, 1948 through 1975
  • Exotic Sports Cars, 1975 through 2000
  • Contemporary Hypercars (display only)

In addition to the regular classes, a number of special and significant automobiles were on display that exemplified the theme of “The Art of Aerodynamics.”

These included a 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Dubos Coupe from the Nethercutt Collection, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Light Metal Version, and a 1953 Alfa Romeo BAT 5 concept car.

The Best of Show winner went to the 1947 Talbot Lago T26 Record Cabriolet featuring striking coachwork from Figoni et Falaschi. The vehicle was recently acquired by its owners at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2022 auction, where it hammered for $2.975 million.

The car has numerous other wins including a class award and an Elegance in Motion Award at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Best Postwar European Car at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Best of Show at the 2013 Cavallino Classic, and Best of Show at the 2013 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance.

Overall the Concours was a very enjoyable event. My only feedback would be that the cars were parked very close together, making it difficult to get clear photos. A little more spacing would have been great, but that is just my personal opinion. I look forward to more great events from the Arizona Concours d’Elegance in the future.

2023 Arizona Concours d’Elegance Celebrates the Art of Aerodynamics

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The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is back, returning as the highlight of Arizona Car Week in January 2023. The much-admired show and competition of fine automobiles will be held on the grass at the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center, bordered by Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA).

The Arizona Concours, scheduled for January 22, 2023, will again invite about 100 select rare and exotic automobiles to be considered for judging and exhibition, with the best among them awarded class prizes and the coveted Best-of-Show.

The theme for the 2023 Concours is “The Art of Aerodynamics.” Such famed classic brands as Bugatti, Duesenberg and Pierce-Arrow will be joined by vehicles ranging from early 20th Century horseless-carriages to the latest in exotic supercars.

Some of the cars participating in the show include include:

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Light Metal Body

Just 24 aluminum-bodied Gullwing coupes were produced for 1955, and they are the ultimate production versions of the iconic sports cars, and by far the most valuable.

1935 Jaguar SS-90 Prototype

The SS-90 set the stage for all Jaguar sports cars to come, as well as launching the marque’s legendary reign in motorsports – the prototype served as the factory’s first competition car.

For information about tickets, vehicle entries and sponsorships, please visit ArizonaConcours.com or scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event/arizona-concours-delegance.

About the Arizona Concours d’Elegance

A curated and judged exhibition of the world’s finest collector cars, the Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a celebration of automotive design held each January during Arizona Car Week. A point of pride for the region’s car community, the non-profit event supports the arts and local artists.

About Scottsdale Arts

Through its partnership with the city of Scottsdale, the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and educational opportunities that foster active, lifelong community engagement with the arts. Since its founding in 1987, Scottsdale Arts has grown into a nationally recognized, multi-disciplinary arts organization offering an exceptional variety of programs through four acclaimed branches — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art and Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation — serving more than 600,000 participants annually.

Future Collector Car Show Returns for 2023

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If you still subscribe to the idea that “young people today don’t care about cars,” then you need to get yourself over to the Future Collector Car Show so you can see for yourself what is really going on.

Founded in 2016, the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) was established as a way to showcase the next generation of collector cars, covering model years from approximately 1975 to 2005. Though traditional car collectors do not bat an eye at anything from the Malaise Era and newer, cars produced since 1975 are starting to gain recognition from a wider audience.

Vehicles such as the GM F-body and G-body platforms, Squarebody and OBS trucks, and Ford’s Fox body platform have had have a dedicated and loyal fan base for many years, but were largely overlooked by the collector car community. Now, they are starting to take notice.

To give one example, at the 2018 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction, there was an incredible collection of Mustangs from every year of production between 1982 and 1993. This drew a lot of interest from Fox body enthusiasts who were keen to snap up low mileage examples of these cars which had not been modified.

Within the collector car community is a growing group of enthusiasts of Japanese cars. This is a change from previous generations that focused exclusively on American cars. But, it is a welcome change for those who grew up in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s and drove these cars.

The Datsun/Nissan Z cars, the 210, and the 200 and 240SX, the Toyota Supra and Celica, the Honda NSX, and models from Subaru and other manufacturers are now regulars at enthusiast car meets like Future Collector Car Show.

Another example is the rise in popularity of Radwood, which held its first event in 2017 and has since expanded to multiple events throughout the U.S. Radwood focuses on cars of the “Rad” era of the 1980s and 1990s.

Finally, the rise of enthusiast auction sites like BringATrailer and Cars & Bids is a sign that demand for late model collector cars has staying power, and is not just a flash in the pan.

This year, the FCCS show has a new home at Westworld of Scottsdale, alongside the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction.

Come out on Sunday, January 23, 2023 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm to check out a variety of vehicles from the 1980s, 90s, and today that represent the future interests of the collector car hobby.

There will be 10 categories for vehicles, which include:

  • Best of Show
  • Best Preserved
  • Best Restored
  • Best Period-Correct Modifications
  • Best Purpose-Built Performance
  • Visionary
  • Elegance of Heritage
  • Best Electro-Mod
  • Rookie of the Year
  • People’s Choice

The show will be held on the Polo Field at Westworld.

SEMA Show Announces Expanded Format for 2023

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At the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, show organizers made one of the biggest announcements in the history of the show. Beginning in 2023, the SEMA Show will be expanded into a new format. Read the full press release below.

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2022) – SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) announces a five-year vision to expand the SEMA Show into an “all-city” experience. Officially called SEMA Week, the expansion’s goal is to create the most passionate and exciting automotive event in the world. SEMA Week will kick off in 2023 with new concepts, activities, and events introduced over the five-year roll-out period.

SEMA Week will be headlined by the SEMA Show, which will remain a trade-only event Monday through Friday. On Friday, the final day of the SEMA Show, a limited number of enthusiasts will be able to attend the SEMA Show through the Friday Experience program, which launched at the 2021 SEMA Show. Beginning on Friday evening of SEMA Week, SEMA will take over the Las Vegas Festival Grounds through Saturday Night with an all-new SEMA Fest.

“We have been watching the connection between enthusiasts and our industry grow for more than a decade and, as the industry’s trade association, I have a responsibility to help facilitate that connection in new and meaningful ways,” said James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman of the Board. “By creating SEMA Week and SEMA Fest, we will be able to maintain the integrity of the trade show that makes it a must-attend event for automotive professionals while introducing a new platform for enthusiasts and the industry to engage with one another.”

For 2023, SEMA Fest will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds and be open to everyone, bringing together automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry in a high-octane and immersive festival-like celebration of car culture. SEMA Fest will feature top music and entertainment, car show and cruise, VIP experiences, craft food, automotive celebrities, and motorsports. It will run alongside the popular SEMA Ignited Cruise and SEMA Show after-party, which draws thousands of enthusiasts on Friday night.

SEMA Week is also scheduled to include a SEMA Auction, featuring some of the best builds from SEMA and many more amazing vehicles to headline the festivities. SEMA will continue to expand and refine SEMA Week over the next five years, rolling out new events and activities throughout the city of Las Vegas. The evolution of SEMA Week preserves the trade aspects of the industry and business components of the SEMA Show, while enabling enthusiasts from all over to join in the festivities and enjoy car culture-focused events throughout the SEMA Week experience.

Additional details for the 2023 SEMA Show, SEMA Week, and SEMA Fest will be announced in the coming months.

About SEMA

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com or www.performanceracing.com.

Lexus LS400 Common Problems

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The 1990-2000 Lexus LS400 is widely regarded as a dependable and reliable vehicle that is well designed and built. However, there is no such thing as a perfect, trouble-free vehicle. While it is better than average, the LS 400 has a few common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.

Starter Motor

On most small block V8 engines from Ford or Chevrolet, the starter motor is easily accessed from the bottom of the vehicle. The 1UZFE 4.0L V8 engine in the Lexus LS400 has the starter located in a very inconvenient place – underneath the intake manifold. The starter is prone to failure between 100,000 and 200,000 miles. During the removal of the intake manifold, it is also likely that the heater control valve will crack and will also need to be replaced.

LS400 Starter Motor Location under the Intake Manifold

Engine Mounts

The Lexus LS400 uses special fluid-filled engine mounts that reduce vibrations in the car. Over time, they may collapse and fail, resulting in increased vibration. They are surprisingly expensive to replace on the LS 400 compared to the simple rubber mounts used on other vehicles.

These fluid-filled engine mounts have collapsed, and one of them has completely sheared off.

Timing Belt

The timing belt sets the timing for the entire engine, keeping the camshafts and the crankshaft synchronized. This is not thin like a fan belt – a timing belt is a heavy duty belt with rubber teeth that loops around a number of pulleys and tensioners. The 1UZ 4.0L V8 engine uses a timing belt because Lexus engineers determined that it would be quieter than using a traditional timing chain.

Timing chains generally last for the life of the engine, whereas the timing belt should be replaced every 90,000 miles or 7 years. In addition, there are two timing belt idler bearings that must also be replaced with the belt. While the car is apart, it is strongly recommended to change the water pump too. This is absolutely a dealership level repair and should not be attempted by the home mechanic.

The 1990-1997 1UZ-FE engines are non-interference engines, however the 1998-2000 engines with the VVT-i intake manifold ARE interference engines. A broken timing belt on these engines would be catastrophic.

Power Steering Pump

The LS400 has variable power steering, but with time and age the seals and hoses of the pump may develop leaks. In this case, any leakage is likely to take out the alternator as it is located directly beneath the power steering pump. You can do this yourself, but it is pretty involved. Watch my video below to see how I replaced my own power steering pump.

Tips for Potential LS400 Buyers

If you are in the market for a Lexus LS400, you should ask the seller for records of when the timing belt was last changed. If the engine mounts have collapsed due to age, you may notice some vibration when idling or when shifting from Park into Reverse or Drive. A starter motor that is on its way out may take longer than normal to crank, or may not show any symptoms at all until the day it fails.

These items should not scare you away from buying an LS 400, but they are definitely worth knowing about before you buy!