by Gary Wollenhaupt

Created on: February 09, 2009

Each January, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company hosts the greatest collector car auction in the world at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. Hundreds of collector cars are sold to the highest bidder in the week-long event.

Even if you aren't in the market for a car, there's plenty to do for the whole family. Of course the cars are the stars of the show. You can view the cars scheduled for auction, and also many other cars for sale in the car pavillion.

Vendors of all kinds line the grounds at Westworld, a large horse arena that's taken over by BarrettJackson for the event. There's shopping for men and ladies, with lots of fashion, shoes, and accessories. Check out the car repair and restoration products as well.

Auto manufacturers have new cars on display and sponsor fun events. For instance, Ford sponsored a drifting exhibition at the 2009 event, demonstrating the handling of the 2010 Mustang.

On Family Value Day, children under 5 get in free and adult admission is half-price.

To get VIP treatment, sign up as a bidder to the auction. Bidders get the best perks, bar, invitation to the Gala, designer fashion shows and VIP reception. Of course, bidders get closest to the auction block, able to inspect cars up close. You may get spotted on the hours of Speed Channel TV coverage.

Barrett-Jackson is a no-reserve auction, meaning that every car is sold to the highest bidder. In a reserve auction, the seller sets a secret minimum price that must be met before the car is sold. The seller can also lift the reserve if the bidding gets close and the auctioneer feels that lifting the reserve will spur more bids. Barrett-Jackson prefers the no-reserve approach so that buyers will know they are getting the best market price for a collector vehicle.

Generally, Barrett-Jackson is not the place to find a bargain. The cars on the block are typically high quality collector vehicles that are tops in their categories. Cars that cross the block during Speed Channel coverage often go for the highest prices as bidders get caught up in the TV drama.

A unique story, connection to the past or rare origin can turn a vehicle into a star collector car. Barrett-Jackson has been recognized for consigning vehicles like Carroll Shelby's 1966 Cobra Super Snake in 2007, which sold for $5.5 million, a record for an American-built vehicle.

Although the Scottsdale event is the largest on the Barrett-Jackson calendar, smaller auction occur throughout the year. The Palm Beach, Florida, auction usually happens in April. There's also major auction and lifestyle even in Las Vegas as well.

If you enjoy collector cars, excitement, and fun for the family, visit a Barrett-Jackson auction. Or tune in on TV to see what it's all about.

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