Let’s take a look at what’s coming up during Arizona Car Week 2026. In this video, I cover the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale Auction, Bonham’s Scottsdale Auction, MAG Auctions, and the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026 Collector Car Auction.
Scottsdale hosts prestigious collector car and motorcycle event
The world’s most interesting and exciting automobiles are often referred to as Sculpture in Motion, their kinetic beauty expressing the joy and excitement of motoring.
Sculpture in Motion is the theme of the next Arizona Concours d’Elegance, a premiere celebration of superb vehicles from the past and present, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, on the parklike lawns of the Scottsdale Civic Center.
A professionally judged and curated assembly of 100 rarely seen dream cars and high-value collector vehicles, the Arizona Concours is presented in partnership with Scottsdale Arts, the organization responsible for an array of artistic services in the city.
Spectators admire cars on the show field. Photo: Trevor Freeman
The 8th edition of the Concours will display exceptional vehicles from around the world, guaranteed to impress and excite not only dedicated car lovers but anyone who appreciates the beauty of expressive design, enjoyed in the atmosphere of a stylish garden party.
Ed Winkler, who serves as co-chairman of the Arizona Concours, along with Chuck Stanford Jr., said, “2026 is shaping up to be a great year for the Arizona Concours.
“Once again, the Concours will be an upscale lifestyle event featuring rare and fascinating vehicles arrayed on the grass, with entrants and spectators, some in period costumes, strolling the lawns under the sparkling-blue Arizona sky.”
Donald Osborne speaks with guests at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance. Photo: Michael Ross.
The Arizona Concours committee has designated 15 judged classes for 2026, including special classes that range from the 140th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz, the event’s featured marque, to a class for dune buggies and beach cruisers.
Other classes include a celebration of 125 years of Indian motorcycles, mid-century station wagons, post-war European sports/racing cars, and exotic supercars from 2000 through 2025.
Awards are presented in each class, along with a variety of special awards and the two coveted Best of Show trophies – one for pre-World War II and one for post-war. There is also an award for favorite costume.
1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic and 2023 Bugatti Chiron SS 57 One of One. Photo: Michael Ross.
Stanford, a longtime Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, noted that 2026 is a significant year for the esteemed German car company.
“As the company that invented the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of automotive engineering and has presented the world with extraordinary examples of voluptuous design and fierce competitiveness,” Stanford said. “I’m certain that a wide variety of Mercedes-Benz style and heritage will be on display come January in Scottsdale.”
Proceeds from the Arizona Concours benefit local artists and art programs, as well as the Concours’s longtime beneficiary, Make-A-Wish® Arizona, the founding chapter of the national organization that grants wishes for children facing life-threatening medical conditions.
The Arizona Concours not only raises money for Make-A-Wish but gets some of the children involved in judging the cars and awarding a specially designed trophy to their favorite.
Tickets for the Arizona Concours d’Elegance at the Scottsdale Civic Center will be available starting August 1. For information about tickets, vehicle submissions and sponsorships, visit the Concours website at ArizonaConcours.org.
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 every January. A point of pride for the region’s car community, the non-profit event supports Make-A-Wish® Arizona, as well 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.
Since it debuted more than 60 years ago, the Porsche 911 has become one of the most iconic and recognizable sports cars of all time. Its legendary status makes it a popular choice for tuners and modifiers to enhance the car’s capabilities even further.
Porsche offers factory-tuned and limited edition models of the 911, but for those seeking something a bit more special, there are companies such as: Gunther Werks, RUF, Singer, and Canepa, as well as bespoke tuners like Magnus Walker and Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB).
A few years ago, German tuning and design company Brabus began modifying Porsches, too. Brabus is most well-known as a tuner of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. In 2020, they began production of the Brabus Rocket, a highly modified version of the 911 Turbo S.
One of these cars will be crossing the auction block at the 2026 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car is a 2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R, and it is an incredibly special car. This is a car for someone who wants a 911 that has been elevated to new heights. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this car so special.
To start, the Brabus 900 Rocket R is incredibly limited, with just 25 units produced worldwide. Adding to the exclusivity, this car is one of just two that are street legal in the United States, and the only one finished in “Mexico Blue” exterior paint. Owing to its blue exterior over blue interior, the car is appropriately nicknamed “Blue Magic.”
While the standard 911 Turbo S has about 640 horsepower, the Rocket R makes 900 horsepower from its 3.8L twin-turbo flat-six engine, and 1,000 n-m of torque. This is coupled to Porsche’s superb 8-speed PDK gearbox, which blends everyday usability with race-level performance. It is a potent combination that delivers exhilarating performance across the powerband. This allows the car to rocket from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, 0-120 mph in 7.2 seconds, and a top speed of 211 mph.
The car features a full exterior treatment including WIDESTAR front and rear bumpers, carbon fiber lip spoiler, and carbon fiber side mirrors. The car is approximately 2.6 inches wider than a stock 911 Turbo S. The air ducts in the front fenders are fully functional, helping to expel heat from the wheel arches.
Other Brabus upgrades include: Brabus height-adjustable suspension and shock absorbers, Brabus brakes, Brabus carbon fiber body package, and a full luxury interior with leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber.
The car features a Brabus Inconel high-performance exhaust system with four tailpipes. Inconel is a special alloy of steel that is developed for high temperatures. It is mostly used in the aerospace industry on rockets, making it a perfect fit for the Brabus 900 Rocket R. The exhaust has electronically controlled valves with two modes – a “Coming Home” mode that is perfect for a relaxed cruise, or a “Sport” mode that allows for experiencing the full range of the car’s powerful 900 hp engine.
The car rides on a set of Brabus Monoblock P Platinum Edition wheels with carbon aero discs, which measure 21 inches up front and 22 inches in the rear. Wrapped in Continental SportContact 7 tires, they are sure to provide maximum grip.
This is a 911 done to a very high level, and one that just a few lucky owners will get to experience.
The car’s original MSRP was $585,000 USD, so it will be interesting to see what it sells for in January 2026. This car will be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026 collector car auction, with NO RESERVE price.
For more information, see this link: https://www.barrett-jackson.com/2026-scottsdale/docket/vehicle/2023-brabus-900-rocket-r-291058
Update: The car SOLD for $1 million on 24 Jan 2026!
1929 Minerva Model AK Coupe Chauffeur by Hibbard & Darrin. Photo by: RM Sotheby’s
January in Arizona is an exciting time for car collectors, as Arizona Car Week kicks off with multiple auctions and events taking place in the mild winter climate. Near the base of Piestewa Peak mountain is the luxurious Arizona Biltmore resort, which will once again set the stage for one of the most highly anticipated collector car auctions of the year.
The RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2025 event, now in its 27th year, features a spectacular showcase of automobiles, from pre-war antiques to modern day supercars.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience:
The Arizona Biltmore’s elegant ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event, which will feature a catalog of 92 exceptional vehicles. From vintage classics to rare collector’s items, this auction is a must-see for car enthusiasts, collectors, and historians alike.
Headlining this year’s auction is the offering of 32 antique and pre-war vehicles from the personal collection of Janet Cussler. These remarkable cars are a testament to the legacy of her late husband, Clive Cussler, a renowned novelist and passionate car collector.
Clive Cussler (1931-2020) was a literary giant, best known for his thrilling adventure novels. Over his prolific career, he penned more than 80 books that captivated readers worldwide. Beyond his writing, Cussler had a passion for classic cars, amassing an impressive collection of pre-war and 1950s automobiles. With over 150 vehicles in total, the bulk of his collection resides at the Cussler Museum in Arvada, Colorado, now managed by his children.
After Clive’s passing, Janet Cussler, his devoted wife and partner since their marriage in 2008, has chosen to part with a selection of vehicles from their Arizona home. These 32 vehicles, each with its own unique story, will take center stage at RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction, offering a rare glimpse into the couple’s shared passion for automotive history.
This year’s auction catalog reflects the diversity and richness of automotive design through the ages. Whether you’re drawn to the craftsmanship of antique cars, the innovation of pre-war models, or the enduring charm of 1950s classics, this event is sure to have something for everyone.
The free preview day on January 23 provides an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the collection, appreciating the intricate details and storied pasts of these iconic vehicles. For serious collectors, the auction on January 24 is a chance to bring home a piece of history.
RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction has long been a hallmark event of Arizona Car Week. This year, the Janet Cussler Collection presents a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to see and appreciate the beauty of these vehicles, as well as celebrate the lives and passions of those who cherished them.
Whether you’re an avid collector, a casual enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of classic automobiles, the 2025 Arizona auction is an event not to be missed. Join RM Sotheby’s at the Arizona Biltmore for an extraordinary journey through automotive history and design.
For more information and to view the full catalog, visit RM Sotheby’s website. We’ll see you in Phoenix for a celebration of automotive excellence and enduring legacy.
The doom and gloom of the pandemic is over. Everywhere I turn, I am hearing news stories about travel returning to pre-pandemic numbers. The most predicted economic recession in history seems, for now at least, to have been avoided, replaced instead by the “soft landing.” Supply chains are getting back to their new normal. Consumer confidence is high, and so is consumer spending.
But this isn’t an economics website, it’s a car blog. So what does this have to do with the collector car market? Well, strong consumer confidence may have played a big role in the recent Barrett-Jackson 2024 collector car auction in Scottsdale.
Barrett-Jackson broke several of their own records for most cars sold, overall sales, and sell-through rate.
Total Consignments: In recent years, the Scottsdale auction catalog has averaged 1,600 to 1,800 vehicles. For 2024, there were a total of 2,016 vehicles consigned to sell at the auction. The previous record was 1,907 vehicles sold at the 2023 Scottsdale auction.
Sell-Through Rate: The Scottsdale 2024 auction had a 100% sell-through rate, meaning that every one of those cars sold. There were no lots which did not receive any bids.
Total Sales: Barrett-Jackson recorded automobile sales of $200.9 million and an additional $6.7 million for automobilia, for a combined auction sales of $207.6 million. The previous record was $184.2 million combined sales at the 2023 Scottsdale auction.
World Record Sales: More than 190 lots set world record prices.
In fact, demand is so high that the company has announced a second Scottsdale auction event to take place in the fall, from October 10-13 at Westworld. The fact is, the four day auction is necessary because Barrett-Jackson is hitting the limit of cars they can consign to the January auction. The second auction is necessary to meet the needs of consignors and bidders alike.
We will be there to cover the action and excitement, so subscribe to Generation High Output to stay in the loop!
Here is a look at every single car up for auction at Barrett-Jackson 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Maybe you weren’t able to make it this year or you did attend and just want to relive the experience. Possibly you are planning on making a bid and would like another look at the car that’s caught your attention. Whatever the case may be, if you are into collector cars, this 3+ hour video is definitely for you.
