Scottsdale Pavilions Cruise-in – Barrett-Jackson Night 01/10/09
Arizona’s tourism season reaches its pinnacle during January and February each year. And one of the major attractions are the multi-million classic car auctions that come to Scottsdale for roughly 10 days around the middle of January. The auctions include Russo and Steele, Gooding and Co., RM Auctions, Silver’s Auto Auction, Kruse International Auto Auction, and the "big dog" Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. Even in a down economy, combined, the Scottsdale auctions will probably see 125 to 150 million dollars of hot rods and collector automobiles cross the block this January.
This year, Barrett-Jackson will auction cars for six consecutive days (Tuesday 1/13 through Sunday 1/18) in Scottsdale, but the extravaganza actually kicks off on the Saturday of the previous week at the Scottsdale Pavilions "Rock 'n' Roll McDonalds.” Auction car sellers, car bidders and tourists from around the globe congregate at the Scottsdale Pavilions cruise-in before the B-J Auction starts to enjoy the warm winter weather, get into the “car-guy” mood, and checkout some bitchin’-looking hot rods.
I had the opportunity to talk to a few couples who are specifically in town to buy a hot rod. Some knew exactly what kind of ride they wanted while others just said they intend to leave with a vintage car, be it a street rod, muscle car, classic, resto rod, T-bucket, high-end collector car, or other. Several couples were divided regarding the kind of hot rod they wanted: the guy had one style in mind, the gal another. I must admit, in my humble opinion, this year I believe the gals have better taste in hot rods than their significant other.
Nevertheless, the Pavilions Rock 'n' Roll McDonalds parking lot was buzzing with activity, full of cars, tourists and locals. Barrett-Jackson brought a company motor home along with a band and outdoor dance floor. If I’m not mistaken, I think I even saw Elvis lurking around, checking out some of the brightly painted and polished hot rods and classics.
Although this weeks’ Scottsdale Pavilions cruise-in was overflowing with onlookers and tourists, next Saturday’s cruise-in will be even bigger. The Saturday at the end of the Barrett-Jackson Auction week always brings out the largest thong of cars and spectators of the entire year to the Pavilions cruise-in. Car aficionados not attending one of the classic car auctions that Saturday usually end up at the Scottsdale Pavilions cruise-in to showcase a car, buy a car, sell a car, talk cars, or just people watch. On that particular Saturday, the Pavilions cruise-in unofficially begins somewhere around 7 a.m. and doesn’t quit until well after dark.
Following are a few photos from the January 10, 2009 Scottsdale Pavilions Barrett-Jackson Night cruise-in. All photos were taken hand-held under ambient light.
Before wandering off, however, don’t forget to checkout my other hot rod and related galleries.