2012 Falcon F7 Supercar

The history of the automobile in America is filled with dreamers who saw an existing car or idea and thought to themselves “I can do better.” People such as Henry Kaiser, John DeLorean, Malcolm Bricklin, Henrik Fisker, and countless others held that dream for a short time, only to watch it slip through their fingers. Starting a car company is really, really hard to do – even for those who are blessed with talent, ideas, money, and a whole lot of luck.

Enter Jeff Lemke, an entrepreneur from Holly, Michigan (a small town about 50 miles outside of Detroit). Lemke has years of experience in building aftermarket parts for Dodge Vipers. In 2009, he decided he wanted to do his own car and started a company called Falcon Motorsports.

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Micro Cars Fetch Big Bucks at Barrett-Jackson 2014

When it comes to collectible car auctions, everyone expects muscle cars such as Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, Chevelles, and Challengers  to go for top dollar. These are the cars that most people think of when they think “Barrett-Jackson.”

But besides American Muscle cars, there seems to be a growing market for oddball cars as well. As I walked around Barrett-Jackson’s 2014 Scottsdale auction, I couldn’t help but notice how many micro cars were up for sale. Some of them genuinely surprised me with how much they sold for!

#675 – 1969 Goggomobil TS-250 Coupe
Sold for: $33,000

The Goggomobil is a micro car from Germany that seats 2 occupants. It has a 2-cylinder engine that makes 14 HP and a 4-speed manual gearbox. Top speed of 60 mph with a 0-60 time of 26 seconds. It’s an interesting little car that you definitely don’t see every day, but even given the car’s rarity, I was shocked that it went for $33 grand!

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9 Celebrity Cars Sold at Barrett-Jackson 2014

I have noticed that several of the cars for sale at this year’s Scottsdale auction belong to celebrities. Here are some of the ones I’ve spotted so far:

Lot #1319.2 – Simon Cowell’s 2008 Bugatti Veyron
Sold for: $1,375,000

This black-on-black Bugatti Veyron is the first used car to be certified by the factory. It belongs to Mr. Simon Cowell, who is best known as the outspoken asshole judge on TV’s American Idol (Seasons 1-9). Comes with a 1 year factory warranty!

#1355.1 – Alice Cooper’s 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
Sold for: $82,500

The shock rocker behind “School’s Out for the Summer” is also a famed car collector. This ’69 Camaro has been beautifully restored to look showroom new. Comes with a signed picture from the man himself. Features a 396 V8 with an automatic transmission and a new interior.

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Scottsdale Auto Auctions 2014 Calendar

January is the busy season for classic car auctions in Phoenix. For 2014, there are six different auctions coming up and two concours shows! This will be an exciting winter if you are looking to buy or sell your classic car, muscle car, hot rod, or other custom vehicle. Check out this list of upcoming Arizona car auctions for 2014:

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2014 Auction
Dates: Jan 12-19, 2014
Location: Westworld
Address: 16601 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Catalog: 1,600+ vehicles for sale
Gate Price: $15-$60 (varies by day)
Week Pass: $175
Website: barrett-jackson.com

Russo and Steele Scottsdale 2014 Auction
Dates: Jan 15-19, 2014
Location: Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road
Address: 18601 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ
Catalog: 700+ Vehicles for sale
Tickets: $20 per adult/single day
Five-Day Pass: $80
Website: russoandsteele.com

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Barrett-Jackson’s Permanent Auction Building Nears Completion

For automotive collectors and enthusiasts, the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale car auction is THE premier event of the year. For the past decade or so, the main auction has been held in a 120,000 square foot tent at WestWorld.

Then in January 2013, Craig Jackson made an announcement that Barrett-Jackson would be constructing a permanent auction arena on the grounds – with real bathrooms! His comment was met with great applause, as the restrooms were previously located in a separate building a short walk away from the main tent.

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The Pinnacle of Excess: 1972 Stutz Blackhawk

Following the carefree fifties and the rebellious sixties, the 1970s were a decade of uninhibited excess. This was the decade that brought us leisure suits, disco music, and brutalist architecture. For the most part, the 1970s are remembered as a dark age of design, and cars were no exception.

During this decade, cars got bigger and heavier, less fuel efficient, and in many cases uglier due to a combination of Federally-mandated 5mph impact bumpers and the prevailing styles of the times. There is perhaps no other automobile on earth that embodies the lavish excess, the indulgence, and the absurdity of the seventies quite like this 1972 Stutz Blackhawk. Continue reading