Bernie's Top 75 Picks from the 2015 Barrett-Jackson Auction: Scottdale Part I

Happy New Year everyone. I know I haven't been writing on my blog like I should. But it doesn't mean that I abandoned my site. I decided to switch platforms and also have an all new design that I'm currently working on. Posts will be few are far between until I officially move the blog in March, but I will update with the key events that's going on in January.

In the automotive world, when there's a New Year, something else is also around the corner-- the first world's greatest auction of the year, Barrett Jackson. Held in their flagship city of Scottsdale on January 10-18th, this year's docket will remind you why Barrett Jackson's auction isn't one to miss. There's some great looking vehicles and also my actual dream car is up for auction. I have 75 vehicles that I fell in lust with. Actually it was 74 cars and my dream car that I'm in love with. Enough talking, time to show off part one of my selections.

Starting off my selection in Lot 5, we have a 1978 Puma GTE. This car is extremely unique and has the styling and design features of a Ferrari Dino. It's been maintained in excellent condition. Powered by a 1,600cc VW engine. Features VDO instruments. A blast to drive, lightweight, and very fast.

Parked in Lot 7.1 is a 197 BMW 2000. This is a rare BMW 4 door sedan. Originally an automatic BMW installed a 4-speed for a better performance. Rust-free Arizona car.

Fast forward to Lot 20 where a 1959 Edsel Ranger is parked in it. Nice older restoration 1959 Ford Edsel Ranger. Car is complete and in exceptional condition. It is a very solid and fun car to own and drive.

Stationed in Lot 24 is a 1957 Buick Special. 364cid Nailhead, Dynoflow 2-speed automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, heater/defroster, factory Sonomatic push-button radio, factory in-dash clock, padded dash, dual chrome side mirrors and white wall radials with Buick wheel covers.

A 1966 Renault Caravelle Hardtop is up for auction in Lot 25.1. This is a very attractive European sports car with optional hardtop.

Parked in Lot 29 is a colorful 2001 Volkawagen Beetle. Custom paint by Mike Lavallee of Killer Paint. 61,500 original miles. Stock, unmodified, fully loaded, 5-speed, air conditioning, sunroof, cruise control, heated seats, leather, CD changer, 5,000 miles on new tires, stone guard, superb service record.

Located in Lot 32 is a 1922 Ford T-Bucket. This T-Bucket roadster was built by Don Woodley with a Chevrolet 350/330hp GM performance crate engine, Turbo 350 with shift kit, 2,500 stall converter, Lokar shifter, Ford 9" with 3.25 gears, disc brakes and AM/FM/CD player with remote. 

A 1969 Chevy Nova is up for grabs in Lot 33. Complete restoration on a rust-free car. Power plant is a new 3350/330hp crate engine from GM performance. Turbo 350 transmission with shift kit, 2,500 stall converter, posi-traction 10-bolt with 3.42 gears, power steering and power disc brakes. 

Currently occupying Lot 42 is a 1957 BMW Isetta 250. This is a rare European version 250 Isetta. Restored correctly with correct materials, 62 mpg and a top speed of 56 mph (Bernie says... with specs like that, it's practically a golf cart.)

In Lot 50, expect to find a 1967 Buick Gran Sport GS 400 parked in it. This Buick has automatic transmission, yellow exterior with black top and black interior, family owned since 1972 and has always been parked in a garage. Has been repainted one time several years ago. Power windows, power steering and power brakes. 

Residing in Lot 54 is a 1967 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible. This 98 has a 425 engine, automatic, loaded with power steering, brakes, windows, trunk and seat. Also features speed alert and air conditioning. New black top with glass back window.

Sitting in Lot 56 is a 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express. This is an excellent rust-free example of 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express truck. Factory 360cid engine, special 727 automatic transmission, 3.55 rear end and black bucket seat interior.

Halfway on the list is a 1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau Hardtop in Lot 61. This 'bird has 428cid, C6 automatic transmission, full power windows, power seats, power brakes, power steering and factory air conditioning. Restored form the ground up with low miles on restoration. Excellent driver. Original Candy Apple Red with gold pearl accents. 

Parked in Lot 75 is a 1951 Crosley Firetruck. This is a rare Crosley built by Overland Amusement in Lexington, MA. Only 400 were made in 1951. Street legal; can haul 20 kids or adults in a hook-and-ladder trailer with dual benches. 

A beautiful turquoise 1960 Chevrolet Biscayne is up for grabs in Lot 87. This Biscayne has a 355cid 4-speed with 20" and 22" wheels, disc brakes and a custom one-off interior. I really love the color... 

Lot 92 has a classic 1965 Ford Mustang parked in it. Powered by its original 6 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. Body is solid with good glass, chrome and trim. All-new interior, including gauge cluster and new power top. Runs and drives great.

Nine more left, and the coveted 1986 Buick Grand National speeds into Lot 201. This very popular Grand National has had one recent repaint. Very rare climate control and with a T-Top roof.

Lot 204 is the temporary home for a 1974 Volkswagen Thing. This Volkswagen Thing 181 with the stunning Dove Blue paint and a clean, simple stock black interior. It features its factory original 1.6 Liter highly detailed engine with dual Weber carburetors. Laid out on Satin Black wheels. 

Parked in Lot 208 is a 1948 Lincoln Continental. This stately car is from Arizona. It has not been restored, so it is not perfect, but the V12 is smooth and quiet. Great looking dark blue exterior with a blue interior and a great car to get in and drive.

Stationed in Lot 223 is a 1971 Buick GS. This is a frame-off restored real GS 455cid with Stage 1 upgrade, Muncie 4-speed Rock Crusher transmission, 12-bolt posi-traction rear with 3.73 gears, power steering and front disc brakes, AM radio with new Rally wheels and tires.

Lot 236.1 has a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass W31 parked in it. This is a real W31 with one fresh repaint on original rock solid body. Matching numbers motor with professional build, cold air induction Ram Air hood and automatic transmission.

Only four more to go, and this 1969 Plymouth Barracuda in Lot 240 is definitely up for grabs. This 1969 M Code 440 Barracuda has original Broadcast Sheet, date code 440 engine, original sheet metal and no rust. Fresh paint and body.

Resting in Lot 247 is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. This Bel Air has a 283cid V8 with automatic transmission. Blue-on-blue two tone color with fender skirts. Power brakes, power steering, power windows, and power dual antennas and Vintage Air.

Four spots away from the Bel Air is a 1967 Chevy Camaro SS that's parked in Lot 249.1. Full rotisserie restoration on an SS 396 with a 4-speed, 12-bolt with factory traction bar, console, tachometer and gauges. Bolero Red with black top and interior, power top, power disc brakes and power steeriing. 14"x6" Rally wheels.

And rounding out my first set of picks is a 1965 Pontiac GTO parked in Lot 250. Approximately 200 miles on a rebuilt motor. 389cid bored to 0.030, three Rochester carburetors, larger Be Cool aluminum radiator, 3.17 posi-traction in rebuilt rear end and a powder coated frame. 

Parts II and III are coming soon...

Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Bernie's Top 10 Picks from the AJC Auto Show

After going to the 2013 New York International Auto Show, my perception of auto shows has changed. I went from the enormous New York Auto Show to the cozy Atlanta Journal Constitution Auto Show. Yes, you noticed the adjectives I used- enormous and cozy. 

Last week I went to the 2014 AJC Auto Show. It took me awhile, but I was able to come up with my top 10 picks based off the selection at this particular auto show. This is in no particular order, except for the last vehicle, which will always be my number one vehicle.

10. An Audi A7. What I like most about this particular Audi is the body. Aside from the R8 and the uber tiny TT, it doesn't have the traditional Audi body. Specs: 3.0 L V-6 engine, 8 speed automatic transmission, 310 hp with 325 lb-ft of torque, MPG: 18/28, 0-60 mph: 6.19 seconds, and MSRP: $65,500

9. MINI Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works. What I like most about this Mini Cooper Countryman is (I know I'm about to sound girly, but...) that it's a cute, small car. It's a fun car that you would use for perfect weather locations, it's roomy, and it has a lot of options in it. Specs: 1.6 L I-4 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, 208 hp with 192-ft lbs of torque, MPG: 25/31, 0-60 mph: 7.83 sec and MSRP: $35,000

8. Maserati Ghibli Q4. For a entry level Maserati, the Q4 packs a punch... Specs: 3.0 L V-6 engine, 8 speed automatic transmission, 404 hp with 369 ft-lbs of torque, MPG: 15/25, 0-60 MPH: 5.45 seconds and MSRP: $76,900

7. Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. I've been in love with the body and the performance. I like the boomerang rear, and the amount of horsepower/torque isn't too shabby. Specs: 6.2L V-8 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, 556 hp with 551 ft-lbs of torque, MPG: 14/19, 0-60 MPH: 4.35 seconds, and MSRP: $63,600

6. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Coupe. I like the performance, plain and simple. Specs: 7.0 L V-8 engine, 6 speed manual transmission, 505 hp and 481ft-lbs of torque, MPG: If you're worrying about this, this isn't the car for you, 0-60 mph: 4.50 seconds, and MSRP: $72,700

5. BMW M4 Coupe. Again, it's another performance pick, although I'm not a fan of the loud color. Specs:  3.0 L I-6 engine, 6 speed manual transmission, 425 hp and torque is not yet released, MPG: is not yet released, 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds, and MSRP: $65,125.

4. Nissan GTR Nismo. Somehow, Nismo found a way to improve the Nissan GTR, and raised the MSRP an extra $50,000. Specs: 3.8 L V-6 engine, 6 speed auto shift manual transmission, 600 hp and 481lbs-ft of torque, 0-60: 3.52 seconds, and MSRP $150,000. Notice how I didn't include the gas milage...

3. Dodge Challenger: This was definitely going to be my next car, but my insurance would have been through the roof. My insurance is expensive and I drive an Envoy. Specs: 6.4 L V-8 engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 470 hp and 470 lbs-ft of torque, MPG: 14/23, 0-60: 4.75 seconds and the MSRP: $44,700

2. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Now this is a strong contender as my next vehicle. Drove it from Boston to Providence, RI and although I need a running board to help me get in and out the vehicle, I enjoyed driving it. Specs: 3.6L V-6 engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 285 hp with 260 lbs-ft of torque, MPG: 16/21, 0-60: 7.06 seconds, and MSRP: $35,000

And the number one pick... the 2015 Ford Mustang. Basically, see this post highlighting the specs. But he looked great in person.

Trust me, I'll have an easier time picking my top picks from the 2014 New York International Auto Show. P.S. Notice how Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, and Land Rover wasn't in the lineup, that's because they didn't come. 

Bernie's Top 30 Picks from Barrett Jackson: 2013 Reno Auction

Barrett Jackson has another world famous auction coming up this upcoming weekend (August 8-10). However, there's a little twist to this auction. This time around, they're holding the auction in a different city. Usually, Barrett Jackson has four auctions a year in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Florida. This  year, they're holding it in Arizona, Florida, and twice in Nevada- Las Vegas, and introducing the city of Reno.

Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Orange County, and Palm Beach are self explanatory cities because the people who reside in those cities are car enthusiasts that have money. I have no idea about Reno, but I decided to have an open mind, and take a look at the list. There weren't a lot of newer vehicles up for auction (and by new, I mean from 2000 to present). The majority of the vehicles would do great in Los Angeles (Lowriders) or Georgia (potential Donks and Boxes), but the list as a whole lacks the umph that the other cities have. I'm trying to say that the list has a lot of common old school vehicles (i.e. Mustangs, Bel Airs, Chevelles, Camaros, etc). Regardless of what's up for auction, you know I can find a lot of vehicles to lust after, or vehicles I know that I can bid/win and then flip for a profit.

At Lot 22, we have a 1971 Chevy El Camino Custom Pickup. According to Barrett Jackson, motor and transmission are rebuilt, but have been driven less than 500 miles since completion. New custom seat upholstery, carpet and headliner. Fresh paint GM code 26 two stage has a few blemishes. I like that particular shade of blue.

At Lot 40, we have a 1965 Chevy Chevelle 300 Custom 2 Door Coupe. Barrett Jackson says, 350cid V8 engine with Edelbrock high rise intake, Hurst shifter, Mallory ignition, and Flowmaster exhaust.

At Lot 80, we have a 1967 Lincoln Continental 4 Door Convertible. According to Barrett Jackson, it's the last year of the suicide door convertibles. New paint, top, leather interior, engine detail, and new trunk kit. California car. New tires. Runs and drives great.

Parked at Lot 85, resides a 1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. Barrett Jackson states that it was freshly painted about two years ago. Always garage kept and top works fine. Power windows, power seat, and power top. Seats look great with no tears. Motor is quiet and transmission is good. It basically sounds like the previous owner upgraded this 'bird.

Resting in Lot 89, you can find a 1928 Ford Model A Roadster. Barrett Jackson says that it has an all-steel body and fenders, smooth running 4 cylinder engine, 3-speed transmission, rumble seat and wide whitewall tires. Runs and drives very nice. Looks like it would be fun to drive.

At Lot 92, up for auction is a 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe. This coupe is a GT/CS California Special Mustang with 31,000 original miles.

Stationed at Lot 105, is a 1955 Buick Special 2 Door Coupe. According to Barrett Jackson, this coupe has a nice older restoration. Runs and drives excellent. Correct color scheme and starts great. Great entry level collector car. Been in California many years. Automatic transmission, power steering, and wide whitewalls.

Located in Lot 118, you can find a 1970 Chevy Chevelle Custom 2 Door Coupe. Barrett Jackson says that this Chevelle is powered by a 572 motor with Hotchkis suspension and custom exhaust. Unbelievably fast. Gear Shifters transmission.

Waiting to be purchased at Lot 125, we have a 1958 Chevy 3100 Custom Pick Up Truck. 1/2 ton step side with a 350 cid V8, Turbo 350 transmission, 12-bolt rear end and JVC sound system. The restoration was just completed.

At Lot 134, we have a 1978 Volvo Bertone Custom 2 Dr Coupe. This wide body Volvo was built to compete with the best in road racing, drag racing or just crusing around. It has a modified LS3 motor, Ford 9", completely custom suspension, Wilwood brakes, super high end audio system and nitrous. 

Located at Lot 146, we have a 1957 Buick Super 2 Dr Hardtop. This restored Buick has some modern upgrades to make it more enjoyable to drive. Great car for long distance cruises.

Parked at Lot 151, you can find a 1951 Ford Victoria 2 Dr Hardtop. It’s fully restored with documentation including receipts, photos, manuals, and sales brochure.

At Lot 153, there is a 1971 Chevy Chevelle Malibu Convertible. This Chevelle features a 350cid V8, automatic transmission, and a 4 barrel carburetor. Frame-off restoration with minor upgrades, fresh paint and Rally stripes.

Take a walk with me to Lot 340, where a 2006 Ford Mustang GT Custom 2 Dr Coupe is waiting. It was customized for the SEMA Show in 2006 and 2007. It was the show car for KAO Autostyling and Giovanna Wheels. Less than 48,000 original miles. This is a great looking, great sounding, and great running car.

At Lot 363, there’s a 1961 Ford Econoline Pickup. This is one of the most unusual new concepts of design is illustrated by this 1961 Econoline truck. Just completed with custom compliments.

Parked at Lot 379, you can find a 1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. This T-Bird has a 292 engine, converted to 12-volts. Automatic transmission, power steering, power seats, power windows and hardtop only. And as you can see, it's red with a black and white interior.

Found at Lot 381.1, there’s a 1955 Chevy Bel Air Custom 2 Dr Hardtop. This Resto-Mod features a 400cid V8, automatic transmission, power steering, disc brakes and Vintage Air.

Next, at Lot 394, there’s a 1999 Plymouth Prowler Convertible. This Prowler has a 3.5 Liter 6 cylinder engine with 253hp. This car has had two owners. It also has less than 3,500 original miles and shows great. 

At Lot 410 waiting to be purchased is a 1967 Chevy Camaro RS Custom Convertible. Painted triple black with a 350 V8 automatic transmission. Center console, factory Rally Sport package, Rally wheels, bucket seats, deluxe interior, power top, new paint and tissue box holder. 

To continue the tour, Lot 427 has a 2013 Chevy Camaro Copo 2 dr coupe. This 2013 COPO has a 427cid factory motor, factory 2-speed Powerglide transmission, factory ultra-light brakes, factory roll cage and Hoosier slicks on factory COPO alloy wheels. Not street legal, sold on Bill of Sale only. 

Lot 431 has some interesting eye candy- a 1961 Chevy Corvette Convertible. Painted a beautiful white with a silver cove. 283cid V8 with manual transmission, black interior, white softop and wide white wall tires. 

Number 22 on this countdown is a 1972 Plymouth Road Runner Custom located at Lot 440. This Road Runner is painted petty blue with a rebuilt performance transmission and upgraded with a 440 V8.

Stationed at Lot 452, there's a 1940 Oldsmobile Series 90 4 Dr Touring Sedan. Custom 8 cruiser touring sedan with Hydramatic drive. A true time capsule that spent many years on an Oldsmobile dealer's showroom floor.

At Lot 649, you can find a 1966 Shelby Daytona Recreation Coupe. Features a 406cid stroker motor, TCI automatic transmission with overdrive, Currie 9" rear end, Vintage Air and heat, power windows and race tuned suspension. Titled as a 1966 Ford Special Construction.

Resting in Lot 701 is a 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Station Wagon. One of just 1391 ever built. This '57 New Yorker is built to cruise in comfort. It has Vintage Air, cruise control, power windows, fuel injection, overdrive transmission, disc brakes, front and rear sway bars, modern gauges and radion with CD player. 

At Lot 714 we have a 1934 Ford Custom Roadster. This is the 2004 SEMA car built by the Hall of Fame Builder of the Year, Rick Dore. This is the 1934 Ford Roadster "Flashback". Incredible build quality with stunning pedigree and results. This vehicle has no top.

Then we have a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Custom located in lot 716. This gasser themed Hot Rod defines the term "ATTITUDE." Highly detailed from front to back. Very drivable with hidden air conditioning and stereo. A very professional build. Ready for Hot August Nights. 

Parked in lot 721.1 there's a 1966 Volkswagen 21 Window Samba Bus. Beautifully restored 21 window samba bus finished in Sealing Wax Red and Cream White. Very rare original walk through bus with skylights and folding ragtop. Every inch of this bus has been professionally restored to concourse quality.

We're almost done... Lot 723 has a 2013 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Race Car, some serious eye candy. Number 38 of 50 build. Brand spankin' new, never raced. Black with Cobra graphics. Supercharged with CNC port matched manifold and heads. Sadly, it's not street legal, sold on Bill of Sale only. 

And at number 30… Ironically the newest vehicle up for auction, at Lot 3001, there’s a 2014 Cadillac CTS-V. This 3rd generation CTS sedan is in the heart of the midsize luxury segment with Cadillac's first twin turbo engine. All procees to benefit the SAE Foundation. Will be sold at approximately 5:30 pm on Friday, August 9th, 2013.