SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – October 23, 2006 – Sixteen sleek, dynamic, technology-driven gravity racers built by the world’s top auto manufacturers will be sold at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from Jan. 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The engineless speedsters will be displayed in the Showcase Pavilion before being moved to the field and demonstrated for crowds at Family Value Day on Jan. 15. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the auction will feature more than 1,100 of the world’s finest collector automobiles, attract over 225,000 visitors and be featured on SPEED with 40 hours […]
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – October 23, 2006 – Sixteen sleek, dynamic, technology-driven gravity racers built by the world’s top auto manufacturers will be sold at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from Jan. 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The engineless speedsters will be displayed in the Showcase Pavilion before being moved to the field and demonstrated for crowds at Family Value Day on Jan. 15. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the auction will feature more than 1,100 of the world’s finest collector automobiles, attract over 225,000 visitors and be featured on SPEED with 40 hours of live coverage.
“The gravity racers are pure speedsters that embody a style of racing exhibited during the golden era of automobiles,” said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “They are engineered for raw competition and demonstrate absolute perfection, with no need for horsepower or supercharged engines. These racers represent the best of the best in automotive design and would be the crown jewel of any collection.”
The gravity-propelled bullets are built for downhill racing and can reach incredible speeds up to 70 mph. Professional drivers man the controls of these vehicles, which are designed by the world’s most advanced automotive companies, including Bentley, General Motors, Nissan, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Porsche and Pininfarina.
“The man hours and relentless preparation poured into these vehicles is amazing,” added Steve Davis, Barrett-Jackson executive vice president. “Thanks to timeless efforts by the biggest names in the automobile industry, they rival the design and craftsmanship of any car in the world. Bidders looking for something unique to take home from Scottsdale will have sixteen chances to scoop one up.”
The racers compete in a series of downhill races titled the “Extreme Gravity Racing Series.” The contests are organized by Extreme Gravity Racing (XGRTV), the world leader in professional gravity racing, and demand pinpoint design and execution from the 9-feet-long, 4-feet-wide racers. The series allows teams to embrace new technologies in automotive engineering, many of which are used in full-scale automotive production.
“Offering our racers at the Barrett-Jackson event will give us a chance to show true automotive enthusiasts what our sport is all about,” said Don MacAllister, Chief Executive Officer of XGRTV. “It’s the only setting where award-winning automobile designers work together and compete against each other not only for the ultimate gravity racer, but to enhance the future of their respective companies.”
Sales of the gravity racers will commence when the eye-catching Pebble Beach edition racer occupies the block. The limited-edition speedster was built to commemorate the 56th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which was celebrated on August 20, 2006. MacAllister plans to donate portions of the auction proceeds to Child Help USA®, Barrett-Jackson’s designated charity for the 2007 Scottsdale event.
Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends.
Last year, more than 300,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact: Scott Black, sblack@timepiecepr.com, or (214) 520-3430 ext. 303
