In today’s collector car auction arena, it’s hard not to compare the two top dogs in the ring. Behind the brilliant leadership of Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson invented the “bright lights, liquor, and live TV” collector car auction atmosphere. As a used-car dealership owner, I still vividly recall my 2006 Palm Beach adventure when my reasonably priced bidder’s badge got me on the stage under those bright lights, naturally with the requisite buzz. Add in an auction that is notorious for no-reserve offerings, and the excitement as each Corvette crosses the block is palpable.
After Mecum’s 2024 extravaganza in rural Kissimmee, I proclaimed Dana Mecum’s event the new champion of collector car auctions. With 72% of the 527 Corvettes hammering off to a new owner as they crossed the block and the top seven bringing in a whopping $6,814,500, it’s hard to deny who the new top dog is. Despite the no-reserve advantage, Barrett-Jackson sold 184 versus a remarkable 379 ‘Vettes that transferred ownership at Mecum Kissimmee.
How did Barrett-Jackson’s Top 7 Sales compare to Mecum’s 6.8 Million?
Let’s check out the sold merchandise!
#7
$440,000
Click Here for More Pics and Info on #7
#6
$467,500
Click Here for More Pics and Info on #6
#5
$478,500
Click Here for More Pics and Info on #5
#4
$550,000
Click Here for More Pics and Info on #4
#3
$550,000
Click Here for More Pics and Info on #3
#2
$588,500
Click Here for More Pics and Info on #2
#1
$1,100,000
Click Here for More Pics and Info on #1
Summary of This Sensational Showdown:
- Custom Corvettes reigned supreme at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, accounting for 6 out of the 7 top sales.
- The first two generations dominated the top 7.
- The BJ vs. Mecum Battle Winner Is… Mecum with a knockout punch! How close was it?
Mecum Top 7: $6,814,500 ($973,500 Average!)
Barrett-Jackson Top 7: $4,174,500 ($596,357 Average)
- VERDICT: Barrett-Jackson did not break the bank (relatively speaking), and Mecum is still the King.
I hope you have enjoyed this collector car auction battle, and a big thanks to both of these venues for bringing together some awesome Corvettes. Take a deeper dive into the Mecum Kissimmee 2024 auction here, the reigning King of Collector Car Auctions! We have the fastest-growing Corvette community on our Facebook page, with over 171,000 followers (52,000 since January 2023!). Come join other hardcore enthusiasts and say hello, Douglas B.
