If you love cars, you have to get to Phoenix this weekend for the Arizona Concours d’Elegance to see some of the finest vintage cars on display at the Arizona Biltmore. You’ll also want to drive 16 miles Northeast to Scottsdale to take in the first big auction of the season at Barrett-Jackson. With a big and eclectic group of cars for sale, the 45th annual Barrett-Jackson Arizona Auction begins Tuesday, January 26th through the 31st, with previews and events happening this weekend. Here are a few of our favorite cars that will cross the block this week. You can bid over the phone as well as in person. Register online at www.barrett-jackson.com/bid.
Lot #1325.2
1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS “TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE”
This is the actual “Bumblebee,” Resto-Mod built to use in the “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” directed by Michael Bay, the current owner of the vehicle. Fuel-injected Corvette LS3 engine, 6-speed overdrive transmission, custom suspension, mini tubs, 9″ Ford rear end, touchscreen navigation stereo system, custom three-piece racing wheels, Nitto low-profile tires, hideaway headlights, custom Halo LED yellow headlights, yellow Ridetech “TigerCage” rollcage, custom-made carbon-fiber fender flares and front splitter, power hood latch, satin black paint with high-gloss yellow accents, carbon-fiber engine covers, Auto Meter Cobalt gauges, Eddie Motorsport hood hinges, custom billet core support bars with yellow accents, smoothed firewall, hydraulic braking assist. Audi flush-mount door handles. Late-model Camaro seats. Autographed by Michael Bay.
Lot #3007
2017 Acura NSX VIN #001
Powered by a bespoke twin-turbocharged, dry-sump V6 engine coupled to a lightning-quick 9-speed dual-clutch transmission and three-motor Sport Hybrid system the Acura NSX makes 573 total system horsepower. Acceleration from 0-60 takes about three seconds and top speed exceeds 190 mph. Marrying this advanced and electrified new expression of Acura performance with timeless elements of NSX design, including innovative body construction and superior cabin ergonomics, the next-generation NSX faithfully translates the inputs of the driver with incredible fidelity and virtually zero delay. The result is a new supercar paradigm, one that only Acura could create. Proceeds of this sale will benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.
Lot #1348
1971 PONTIAC GTO JUDGE CONVERTIBLE
One of only 17 produced and, among collectors, one of the most desirable GTOs to own. It was built on December 29, 1970, at the Pontiac Assembly Plant in Pontiac, MI. The current owner commissioned this GTO convertible to have a recent no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration in 2009. No stone was left unturned, and the interior was completely redone with nothing but the best of correct materials. The restoration on this GTO is 100% “factory correct,” right down to the correct T-3 headlamps and original-style Firestone white lettered tires. Since completion, the GTO has received the 2010 Pontiac-Oakland Club Gold points judging of 375 out of 400 points. It comes with a complete set of Pontiac Historic Services (PHS) paperwork, copies of awards and Pontiac Division Window Sticker.
Lot #1398
1934 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM II KELLNER CABRIOLET
This magnificent car, originally delivered in May 1934 to Edmond Blawl of St. Cloud, France, is a happy marriage of one of the most desirable chassis of its day with the striking coachwork of one of France’s most respected body builders, Kellner. It was then purchased by a K.C. Dobson of Surrey, England, in October 1946 and was subsequently owned by Sir Ashley Haveden in 1951. In 1956, it came to the U.S., where it has had but a few owners – the first keeping it for some 25 years. It was restored by one of California’s premier facilities. This low-mileage car was the Gwenn Graham Award winner for the most elegant open car at the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, followed by Best of Show at the 1991 Chicago International Concours d’Elegance and Best of Show at the 1991 Fisher Island Concours d’Elegance. Included are original copies of factory Build Sheets. Manual transmission.
Lot #1395
1950 FERRARI 195 S INTER SUPERLEGGERA
The only thing needed to return this beautiful 1950 Ferrari 195 S Inter Superleggera to concours specifications is the original “city-style” exhaust. In either trim, there is no question that this 0081 S would make a fine dual-purpose machine eligible for events such as the Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand, Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti and even the Shell Ferrari-Maserati Challenge. This early 5-speed Ferrari is particularly well-suited for rallies and driving events. This sophisticated 195 Inter is not only one of the most visually appealing early Ferrari road cars, it is extremely authentic, thoroughly documented and beautifully restored. As the first chassis in the 195 series and a former Tornio show car with singular features, 0081 S exudes the character and distinction sought after by the most discriminating connoisseurs. For the collector who seeks only the very vest, this breathtaking Touring Coupe presents a most enticing opportunity.
Lot #1376
1939 MERCEDES-BENZ 540K WITH “CABRIOLET A” BODY CONVERSION
This 5.4-liter straight-8 Mercedes with 4-speed transmission started life with a Cabriolet B body configuration and has been updated to a highly desirable Cabriolet A body configuration. It was purchased in 1991 by Fred M. Kemp Sr., who founded the Kemp Auto Museum through Coys of Kensington in London. The chassis, driveline and supercharger are original to the car. Winner of multiple prestigious awards, including Most Significant Mercedes-Benz at the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance, Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence at the 2009 Amelia Island Concours and Best in Class, European Class Pre-War at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours.