It’s good to be the King of Auto Auctions. The sobriquet is often applied to Craig Jackson in introductions by reverent podcasters who manage to wave him in for a pit stop as he accelerates toward the next Barrett-Jackson auto auction. The venerable collector car institution observes its 50th anniversary this year and its second show at Las Vegas Convention Center.
It’s also during the beginning of the end of the Pure Petroleum Era. Jackson is undaunted as the industry shifts from gas engines to noiseless vehicles, although, like most manual transmission devotees, he laments the imminent passing of the stick shift. He’s had a front seat to motor trends since father Russ teamed with fellow car buff Tom Barrett in 1971 to plan the first Barrett-Jackson auction that would take place that winter.
Jackson became head of the company shortly after Hummers became a familiar sight. The president and CEO continues to run the company with zestful energy and enthusiasm as a zero-emission Interstellar White 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickup heads toward the Convention Center.
“We actually sold (the first vehicle) for $2 million in Scottsdale; we did a Barrett-Jackson Hummer with Neiman Marcus,” says Jackson. “I love the petroleum cars. I’ve been buying up a lot of the last great ones of those, but the first time I drove the (Hummer) I was like, ‘Yeah!’ Those electric motors get this thing out of the hole when those turbos kick in.”
Jackson is a big fan of the electric hybrids, but some Vegas 2022 auction offerings are akin to favorites in his own 90-plus collection, such as a ’71 Hemi Cuda and a 1968 Shelby GT500 KR Fastback. There are superb classic hot rods, remodels and homages to Back to the Future, including a 1981 DeLorean “Mr. Fusion Time Machine” and a 1985 Toyota SR5 pickup.
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias brings his 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon and 2015 Bandit Edition Camaro to the block, while KISS frontman Paul Stanley offers his factory custom 2022 Chevy Corvette Convertible (VIN 001), along with an autographed Ibanez PS120 Paul Stanley Signature guitar.
A practice track will be set up again in front of the Convention Center. New this year is Barrett-Jackson partnering with Resorts World Las Vegas as host. The hotel-casino is within walking distance of the Convention Center’s West Hall, which is also easily accessible by Las Vegas Monorail. Barrett-Jackson Garage will set up temporarily at Dawg House Saloon & Sportsbook at Resorts World, while live music and shopping at the Exhibitor Marketplace provide distraction from the action on the block.
“Barrett-Jackson’s in the entertainment business as much as the car business,” says Jackson, whose organization has raised nearly $150 million for philanthropic and relief organizations. “It’s good family entertainment to come there and look at the cars, and when I see three generations walking in … I’ve had families come up to me and say, ‘This is the only thing we can bond over.’ That’s what it’s all about.”
Las Vegas Convention Center, Barrett-Jackson.com
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
