For many in the northern hemisphere in late January, the radiant glow of an Arizona sun may be enough to draw. However, when this warmth in midwinter is combined with 1,800-plus high-value collector cars the result is an automotive enthusiast’s paradise called the Barrett-Jackson auction in the City of Scottsdale. For a chance to purchase a piece of motoring nirvana, more than 203 million in American dollars in sales of automobiles and automobilia changed hands during the eight-day 2022 edition of the auction.
Every vehicle sold at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson auction obviously had admirers while a few exceptional examples can capture the theme of the recently-concluded event.
Alan Shepard’s 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Hammer Price: $308,000 US ($393,268 Canadian)
Storied kinship between NASA astronauts and the Chevrolet Corvette was forged when Alan Shepard set foot back on terra soil shortly after his first tour to space. The first American to travel beyond the borders of our planet was provided with a 1962 Corvette for the nominal sum of a dollar. A later Corvette driven by the famous spaceman was sold at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson auction.
Alan Shepard’s white 1968 Chevrolet Corvette convertible was optioned with power coming from an L89 427 cubic-inch Tri Power engine. Lacking the typical qualities of a high-value collector car with a non-original engine, considerable wear on the front seats, paint peel around some of the instruments and noticeable signs of corrosion although, the sale of the 1968 Corvette convertible was tied to its documented connection to an intrepid explorer.
1970 Plymouth Superbird Hemi
Hammer Price: $990,000 US ($1,264,076 Canadian)
The Plymouth Superbird (along with its corporate sister the Dodge Charger Daytona) was perhaps the wildest creations that surfaced from the muscle car era. It's wind-cheating silhouette sculpted for NASCAR included a slanted front nose with hidden headlights and an outrageously tall spoiler. Aerodynamics of the Superbird was complemented by performance from large V8 Mopar engines. The majority of the predicted 1,935 examples of the Plymouth Superbird came with a 440 Super Commando engine but a handful of vehicles were also sold with the iconic 426 Hemi V8 that produced 425 horsepower. With only 135 Superbirds equipped with the latter powerplant, the scarcity clearly results in increased collectability.
One such rare example of the rare Hemi Superbird was a well-preserved vehicle finished in a Tor Red exterior colour. Driven just in excess of 6,000 miles, the Hemi-powered 1970 Plymouth Superbird sold at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale appeared in largely original, unrestored condition accompanied with a full array of documents including the original dealer's window sticker.
1967 Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaro
Hammer Price: $632,500 US ($807,604 Canadian)
The Chevrolet Camaro’s premiered for the 1967 model year with no shortage of performance bravado in the emerging pony car category by the 350 cubic-inch V8 and the SS 396 model. However, a handful of enterprising Chevrolet dealers saw the potential of dropping a big block 427 cubic-inch V8 into the Camaro in order to create a pure performance beast. Don Yenko owned one such dealer who is currently celebrated as a muscle car era icon.
One of only 54 to enter existence, the 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaro being sold at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson auction was a Deep Water Blue coupe that originated as a SS 396. Through Yenko, the L78 engine was swapped with an L72 427 cubic-inch V8 engine generating 450 horsepower. A heavy-duty clutch as well as upgraded cooling and suspension were also fitted on the Yenko Super Camaro.
1966 Ford Bronco Custom
Hammer Price: $275,000 US ($351,132 Canadian)
Ford’s revival of the Bronco sport utility vehicle nameplate last year prominently featured flexibility and customizable elements that connected brilliantly with the nature of the original, free-spirited four wheeler. The 2022 edition of the Barrett-Jackson auction hosted the sale of many early Ford Broncos receiving their own personality aided by aftermarket touches and modifications.
Combining a grey exterior with a red interior, a recently-restored, heavily-modified 1966 Ford Bronco custom sport utility serves as a sample of some trends. Propelled by a modern 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission, this 1966 Bronco was heavily-loaded with hardware such as Flowmaster mufflers, Duff Tuff suspension lift as well as a JBL Bluetooth radio system.
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Hammer Price: 3,600,000 US ($4,596,638 Canadian)
There’s often a particular honour attached to being the first. For many years Barrett-Jackson auctions have presented opportunities for a lucky bidder to obtain the first retail offering of newly-released vehicles. Recognizing the hype for the imminent release of the new 670-horsepower 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, General Motors provided the chance to purchase the coveted VIN 001 production example with proceeds going to charity.
Crossing the block in a prime date slot during a period called “Super Saturday” at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, the tempting upcoming sports car drew some feverish bidding. The 3.6 million American dollar final bid for the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 VIN 001 immediately went to the charity Operation Homefront assisting United States military families. In addition to being the first of the new Z06 performance line, the 2023 Corvette will also be the initial production example of the 70th Anniversary Edition package featuring details such as unique badging, exterior colouring as well as a custom luggage set.