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Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson

 

As published in the upcoming “Celebrating 50 Years Of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions,” Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson reflects on the company’s incredible journey from a humble car show to a world-class automotive lifestyle event and his commitment to honor his family’s legacy.

 

The original auction site next to the Safari Resort which was on Scottsdale Road just north of Camelback Road

NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT, 50 YEARS IS A MAJOR MILESTONE – whether you’re talking about a birthday, a marriage or a corporate anniversary. It’s a time to reflect, as well as a time to look forward.

When fate and a passion for classic automobiles brought my father Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett together back in the early 1960s, it led them to want to share that passion with others in the community. They achieved that through a charity car show that grew – probably beyond their wildest imaginations at the time – into what is today Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.

Tom Barrett (left) at the Fiesta de los Autos Elegantes in the 1960s

This was the world in which I grew up. I accompanied my parents to the Classic Car Club of America Grand Classics, going out on “caravans,” and sitting on the lawn at Pebble Beach with my family and a picnic basket, watching all the spectacular cars drive by in front of the lodge. From an early age I was restoring cars – first with my father, then on my own, doing restoration work for my dad, Don Williams of Blackhawk and Tom Barrett, and building cars to bring to auction myself. My older brother Brian taught me a lot about the inner workings of the automobile and helped refine my restoration skills. Both my mother Nellie and my father taught me about the importance of honesty and ethics; something that remains of paramount importance to me to this day.

With Brain Jackson

My upbringing provided me with a broad vision and understanding of car collecting and what car people like; their needs and passions. It was a toolbox of knowledge I needed to open up and use far sooner than I expected after the passing of both my father in 1993 and my brother in 1995; the first big challenge of what were to be many more to come.

There were a lot of naysayers back when I took the reins of the company; people who said, “He’s never going to make it.” But I’m the kind of guy who, if you tell me I can’t do something, will work 24 hours a day to prove that I can. I spent time at other events, asking people what they liked and what they didn’t like. I looked at the way other people ran their businesses and soaked it all up like a sponge.

The first person who stepped up to help was Steve Davis, who started out as a consignor and now serves as president of Barrett-Jackson. He’s always been a part of the family. When my brother passed, it was a tough moment in time for me, and Steve was one of the first ones who put up his hand and said, “Tell me how I can help.” That’s a team player, and that’s Steve Davis.

With lead auctioneer Joseph Mast and Barrett-Jackson

My mother helped tremendously; she was always such a force of stability, opening up the office every day and keeping the books. She passed away in 2010 and I still miss her. I am so fortunate that my wife Carolyn, who serves as Barrett-Jackson’s Vice President of Brand Strategy, has that same incredible drive for the auctions and love for the people in this industry. She is great at helping me work through decisions and at staying even-keeled and focused. One thing I’ve learned in this business is that sometimes the right decision and the more financially advantageous decision aren’t always the same decision. You’ve got to pivot; you’ve got to decide. You’ve got to do what’s right.

The company made some tough decisions back in the 1990s. But, looking back, they were the right decisions. My goal, as I saw it, was bringing new people into the hobby, and I think that’s been achieved by continuing my brother’s vision of getting corporate America and top automakers involved in the events. I expanded on that vision even further, adding Internet bidding, live television coverage, Thrill Rides, hundreds of exhibitors – everything that is around the lifestyle of cars in a festival atmosphere that is very unique.

With Nellie at the Scottsdale 35th Anniversary Auction

I feel quite gratified when I speak with movers and shakers in the automotive industry and they tell me the static “car show” isn’t that appealing anymore, nor is an all-virtual scenario. Barrett-Jackson has become the evolution of the auto show. Manufacturers recognize the need for an

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: Craig Jackson’s View From The Block
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/craig-jacksons-view-from-the-block-2/
Published Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2021 23:18:02 +0000

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.mansbrand.com/the-2022-barrett-jackson-cup-50-visionary-customs-take-center-stage/

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

Written by Barbara Toombs

Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Millions of visitors are understandably attracted to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ renowned Strip each year, where world-class resorts, casinos, shows and incredible dining options are the name of the game.

What many don’t realize is that there’s another fascinating side to the Entertainment Capital of the World, headlined by two cultural districts known simply as Downtown and Chinatown.

Downtown Las Vegas (also known as DTLV) is really where this unique desert city got its start. In 1931, construction began on what is now known as the Hoover Dam, attracting thousands of workers to a site just east of the city. To capitalize on this growing workforce, savvy businessmen began building casinos and showgirl venues along Las Vegas’ only paved road at the time: Fremont Street.

Today, DTLV is comprised of three distinct districts. Many visitors to the city are already familiar with one of them: the Fremont Street Casino District, which contains museums, restaurants and bars, as well as the original Las Vegas casinos, including El Cortez, Golden Nugget and Golden Gate. Here you’ll also find the renowned Fremont Street Experience, which debuted in 1995. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is covered by a canopy of more than two million LED lights and a state-of-the-art sound system that comes to life every night for a spectacular sound and light show called “Viva Vision.”

The Arts District

A popular attraction in this district is The Mob Museum (the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement), which showcases intriguing tales and the age-old dichotomy of good guys versus bad guys. Explore at your own pace, go on a guided tour or uncover museum surprises as part of a group scavenger hunt. Want a literal “taste” of old-school Las Vegas? Plan to dine at Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, perched on the 24th floor of Binion’s Gambling Hall. The restaurant dates back to 1965 when it was known as Top of the Mint, the signature dining spot at The Mint hotel tower. The interior design (and menu – think steak, prime rib, lobster and even Baked Alaska) is a throwback to an earlier era when the mob ran much of Las Vegas, but the real draw is the spectacular view through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 2002, the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED) is a six-block area that stretches from Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street and from Ogden Street South to Carson. FEED is pedestrian-friendly, offering diverse street life and many eateries, cafes, bars and lounges, as well as ample shopping opportunities and lively entertainment. A must-see attraction in this district is the Downtown Container Park – a dining, shopping and live music venue made of 45 colorful repurposed shipping containers, all fronted by a two-story, fire-breathing praying mantis who made its original debut at Burning Man. Nearby is the popular Bin 702 – one of many great dining choices in the area – featuring a great selection of beer and wine, as well as a tantalizing choice of charcuterie and cheese, sandwiches and small plates for sharing.

18b sign in The Arts District.

In recent years, The Arts District – or the 18b as it’s also known (a reference to it occupying 18 blocks of Downtown Las Vegas, loosely outlined by Commerce Street, Colorado Ave, Fourth Street and Hoover Avenue) – has been growing in popularity. Its monthly “First Friday” block party and art walk features food trucks and live music, serving as a backdrop for artists showing their works off at a variety of open-air and indoor galleries. These include The Arts Factory, home to over 30 artists and art galleries, and ArtSquare, a hip establishment that houses design stores, designer’s studios, wellness spots, and food and drink outlets. Behind The Arts Factory sits one of many great dining choices in The Arts District: Taverna Costera, serving up delicious Coastal Mediterranean fusion that draws inspiration from coastal Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines and beyond.

Just a couple of miles east of the Strip, along Spring Mountain Road (roughly between Rainbow Boulevard and Interstate 15), lies the city’s amazing Chinatown, which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Asian businesses in Southern Nevada, including a multitude of authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, a hair stylist, a reflexologist, home decor, an Asian supermarket and the only Chinese bookstore in Nevada.

At Chinatown’s heart is the enormous and ornate Chinatown Plaza, featuring a colorful, dragon-adorned, Tang Dynasty-inspired gate and gleaming

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/beyond-the-strip-discover-the-cultural-gems-of-las-vegas-2023/
Published Date: Fri, 19 May 2023 18:07:14 +0000

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

This red 1967 Corvette custom coupe received a complete custom restoration at Springfield Motorsports in Peachland BC, Canada. The build consists of a completely new jig-mounted tube chassis with C4 corvette front upper and lower control arms riding on coilover shocks and power rack & pinion steering. The rear differential is a custom narrowed 9-inch Ford with aluminum Dale Gerry center section with Wilwood disc brakes on all 4 corners. Filling out the wheel wells are custom offset Fikse wheels.

K&S machine in Kelowna, British Columbia took the 454ci engine and machined it to 496ci it is equipped with Comp Thumper camshaft and 800cfm carburetor and it creates a true hot rod sound through the ceramic-coated exhaust. Lee Baxter upholstery created the one-off hand-stitched red leather interior with a rear storage area. It features Vintage Air, Digital gauges, power windows and a leather-wrapped vintage-style steering wheel.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: 2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/2024-scottsdale-auction-1967-chevrolet-corvette-custom-coupe-no-reserve/
Published Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:52:01 +0000

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Motor

From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

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Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
The Honda CBX 1000 was only in production for four years, but that was enough time for it to leave a lasting impression on the motorcycle industry. First released it in 1978 as a screaming six-cylinder naked superbike, it later faced stiff competition from its stablemate—the equally iconic CB900F. So the Japanese marque redesigned it as a sport tourer, halfway through its tenure.

The updated ‘CBX-B’ had a touring fairing, optional panniers, and Honda’s new-at-the-time Pro-Link mono-shock setup. It was a hair less powerful than before, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a legend in its own right. If you park a CBX and CBX-B next to each other, you could argue that the latter has more presence.

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

It’s that mystique that prompted the owner of this 1982 Honda CBX 1000 Pro-Link to buy it. Enamored with the fusion of modern technology and ancient traditions found in Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, he was on the hunt for a classic motorcycle that embodied that philosophy. When he found the CBX, the sheer brutalism of its six-cylinder engine was impossible to ignore.

“In the eyes of this enthusiast, the engine wasn’t just a mechanical marvel; it was the soul of the motorcycle, much like the heart in a human body,” says Tiago Gonçalves, founder of the Portuguese custom shop, Unik Edition. “This revelation laid the foundation for a transformative project, one that would honor the motorcycle’s origins while infusing it with a new identity.”

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik EditionRead More

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/honda-cbx-1000-restomod
Published Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:34:54 +0000

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