Watching the Barrett Jackson

51hornet · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 3:56 am Post subject: Watching the Barrett Jackson

I have been watching the Barrett Jackson over the last couple of nights and is it just me or are the prices way down. Watching that hand built 300K Bentley go for 86K or the pristine red 63 Vet go for 55K and other cars going in the 20K range.

That old depressed economy must be putting the bite on.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 11:07 am Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

I noticed the same thing and that there didn't appear to be as many people as in the past. Even the people with money to spend are being cautious. When our economy isn't doing well, it becomes a world-wide affair. If people spend less, exporting countries suffer. It's just a matter of time before the world economy is on its ear.

Zephyrmec · Hornet Joined: Aug 19, 2007 Posts: 623

The early days of BJ are the lower end ones, and the cars that actually sell. Wait until prime time, it won't be long before they bring out the ring card girls like in big boxing match, instead of smokin hot babes almost naked holding a card with the round number it will be the auction lot number. Loud music, strobe lights, fireworks, confetti, the whole bit.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

So far, the value of cars sold to date are off, some by half! I don't care if Craig Jackson goes on stage naked and does helicopters to "Born To Be Wild," the cars won't sell well if the interest and money are not there.

51hornet · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:45 pm Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

That guy who got the Bentley sure got a bargain at 86K thing has something like 500 miles on it. I am sure he has already flipped that in tinsel town to some rapper for 200K.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 11:31 pm Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

Rumor has it that he sold the car to SnoopSeanDog d' Hudson.

51hornet · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 5:43 am Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

Its the truth my brother....

Dave53-7C · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 11:39 am Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

I thought so. It looks like "the" people arrived and started opening their purses. Looks like Moe was right, they saved the best for last. Still, there were some really nice cars that sold for less than I expected.

hudsonkid · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 11:09 pm Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

Still happening. I think BJ is dead this year. some deals for sure.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 12:59 am Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

Most, if not all, of the big buck cars will go into auto salons, complete with marble floors, chandeliers, fine furniture and high tech HVAC systems. They will be trophies, much like the profusion of younger blond wives you see with their Daddy Warbucks. Even if the cars are cared for, time takes it toll. Will the new owners make or lose money on them. I don't think they care. Just like they don't care that their $25.00 cigars turn into ash or if their wives spend $10,000.00 on a dress that will get tossed when it goes out of fashion.

So, what do you guys think, is it wrong for this crowd to be flaunting their wealth (with the exception of that given for charity) while the rest of the country sits on the brink of a recession? Maybe some of the masses are as amused by BJ as they were in the 1930's by movies that depicted life in high society.

Bottom line, the people spending the money earned it and it is theirs to do with as they wish. Smile

51hornet · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:14 am Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

I think most real car nuts are laughing their asses off. Why buy a car and have it sit. Lets face it the high dollar cars are trailer queens and most of these guys are status buyers. You do have some hard core car nuts but a big percentage want to be that guy on BJ looking wealthy.

I just would not spend the high bucks on these cars. I mean I want to drive the car and not have crazy insurance on it. I am into obscure anyway so let those guys buy the muscle cars.

hudsonkid · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

The best thing is when you watch them take the camera down one of those cars, that has poor bodywork, dented trim, and bad panel fit, and it still goes for a huge premium. That's what I like about the auction, people that have that kind of money, don't know what they are buying.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:44 pm Post subject: Re: Watching the Barrett Jackson

Although I think it's getting absurd, some people want bragging rights and will [seemingly] pay whatever it takes to have them.

Yeah, the cars with messed up trim and ill-fitted body panels make me laugh. Especially when the commentators say the car would have sold for tens of thousands more if one door fit better. Give me a break.