I’d like to respond to your point (question) regarding Hot Rods. I don’t think that interest or prices in quality Hot Rods is dropping or falling off in any way.

This is one element of BJ’s that Craig has a great degree of control over. No one can argue the gift Mr. Jackson has regarding what’s “hot” in the market and what his potential bidders are looking for in any given year. But on the same token, the influence he has over which cars he accepts (especially during the Fri. evening, Sat. slots) can distort the Market picture painted during this one, sensory overload week in Scottsdale. In the past couple years He has really put an emphasis on assembling high numbers of 60’s muscle cars. Not just too many years back it was the other way around. Yes we have always looked to BJ’s as an indicator of the Market and the year ahead. But to a high degree the influence Craig and his company exert has a tendency to push others in the same direction.

Regardless of how crazy I may be to own that 63′ Corvette or 65′ Shelby I always wanted while in high school, in my opinion the Troy Trepanier, Pete Chapouris, Dave Lane restored hot rods will always command a premium in the collector car world and will continue to appreciate long after the muscle car bubble has popped.

I enjoyed your B-J insights. I agree that B-J and the like are not ruining the car hobby. Instead they are finding and attacting cars that would not be readily available for all (at least Speed viewers) to see, experience and potentially own. I also believe that B-J has raised the standards of restoration. They let the world know what a real #1 condition car looks like.

The market speaks for itself. Barrett-Jackson merely reflects the market, albeit at the very high end.