Burt Reynolds’ Sept. 6 passing sent a shockwave through an entertainment world that mainly remembers the film star through hit movies of the ’70s and ’80s such as Smokey and the Bandit. In recent years, Reynolds had become a beloved figure in the car collector community, driving souped-up Pontiacs onto the auction block at Barrett-Jackson events and receiving standing ovations. He was to appear at this year’s annual auction in Las Vegas, but the event will now pay tribute to Reynolds in addition to offering vehicles he owned, made famous, or that pay homage to iconic cars he’s driven.
“Burt first came to our 2016 Scottsdale (Arizona) auction and very quickly became a good friend of Barrett-Jackson,” says Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson. Reynolds appeared at Barrett-Jackson auctions last year in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, then returned to Palm Beach this year in April. “He was very gracious with his time and it was amazing to see not only how he treated all our fans and everyone at Barrett-Jackson, but how incredibly well-received he was by our guests at each auction.”
Jackson says the outpouring of messages the organization received from both fans and employees in the days following Reynolds’ death “truly exemplifies how much people loved and admired him, and how close we felt to him as an organization.” Reynolds brought a number of his vehicles to auction at events in recent years, connecting collectors with their pasts through muscle cars from the late ’70s and early ’80s, and their re-creations.
The four cars Reynolds planned to sell in Vegas remain on the docket. Several are re-creations of vehicles from his movies, including a Bandit-inspired 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a 1978 Firebird Formula homage to Hooper, and a 1987 Chevrolet R30 Pickup Cannonball Run re-creation. A 1984 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am used to promote the Tampa Bay Bandits, his U.S. Football League (1983-1985) team, is also for sale.
Other highlights on the block in Vegas include a 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider owned by Muhammad Ali, a 1971 Mercedes-Benz owned by Elvis Presley and a rare 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder.
“We also offer numerous automotive lifestyle experiences at our event, including the ‘Behind the Hobby’ collector car symposiums, Motor Trend’s live stage and thrill rides,” says Jackson. “We hope people will come and enjoy all the experiences we offer for everyone ... from the hardcore automotive enthusiast to parents looking for an event to enjoy with their kids.”
In addition to acquiring auction vehicles at Barrett-Jackson, you can also try to win a 1965 Shelby Cobra Superformance MKIII Roadster Replica by earning 500 M Life Rewards slot or table games points. Until noon on Sept. 30, one drawing ticket will be awarded for every 500 M Life Rewards slot points and one for every 500 points in theoretical winnings earned on table games. Tickets must be in the drum by 2 p.m. Sept. 30.
Mandalay Bay, 8 a.m. Sept. 27-29, starting at $30 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
