The Ultimate Guide to This Month's Greatest Collector Car Auction
Barrett-Jackson 2026 is finally here. From January 17 – 25, WestWorld of Scottsdale transforms into the epicenter of the automotive world as the legendary Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction opens its doors for nine days of world-class collector car sales. As the kickoff event for Scottsdale Car Week – an internationally recognized automotive celebration that draws enthusiasts and collectors from every corner of the globe – the 2026 Barrett-Jackson auction represents the market barometer for the entire collector car season.
With over 2,000 vehicles expected to cross the block, combined with celebrity appearances, live entertainment, and exclusive previews, this is the automotive event you cannot miss. Here’s everything you need to know about Barrett-Jackson 2026 and why it matters.
Why Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Matters in the Collector Car Market
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale has earned its reputation as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction” for good reason. The event does far more than facilitate transactions – it sets the tone for market sentiment across the entire collector car industry.
Recent market data underscores the significance. At 2025’s Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event, the auction moved 2,000+ vehicles with total sales of $194.3 million and a 100% sell-through rate, averaging $97,000 per vehicle. The 2025 results also revealed compelling trends: resto-mods and modern supercars are commanding premium prices, with younger collectors gravitating toward performance, rarity, and contemporary engineering over traditional classics.
The 2026 event arrives at a pivotal moment. Online auction sales surged 6% in 2025 to reach over 50,000 vehicles, yet Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale remains the gold standard for live auction spectacle and price transparency – every single vehicle sells with no reserve, meaning the final gavel price reflects true market appetite.
The Celebrity Lineup: Tim Allen's Ford GT and More
The headline consignment for Barrett-Jackson 2026 is impossible to ignore: Tim Allen’s pristine 2017 Ford GT with just 937 actual miles. This is no ordinary supercar – it’s a modern icon owned by a Hollywood legend, finished in stunning GT silver paint, and crossing the block with absolutely no reserve. For collectors seeking a contemporary hypercar with both performance credentials and provenance, this car represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
But supercars extend well beyond the Ford GT. The exclusive 2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R – one of only 25 produced worldwide and one of just two street-legal examples in the United States – is finished in rare Mexico Blue and arrives at Barrett-Jackson 2026 with fewer than 1,000 miles on the odometer. Producing 900 horsepower and capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, this German performance masterpiece also carries a no-reserve status, inviting open bidding from enthusiasts worldwide.
Custom Corvettes by Jeff Hayes: Restomod Excellence
Scottsdale Car Week has always been the domain of Jeff Hayes Customs, and 2026 is no exception. The builder is bringing two freshly completed masterpieces to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale block: a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe in Mediterranean Sky Blue and a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible in Ferrari Bianco Fuji Pearl White.
These aren’t stock restorations. Both carry LS3 Hot Cam engines producing 540 horsepower, modern Art Morrison chassis, and premium interiors that honor classic proportions while incorporating contemporary comfort. Hayes’ Corvettes have consistently exceeded $1 million at Barrett-Jackson auctions, testament to his meticulous craftsmanship and the broader restomod renaissance that’s reshaping the collector market.
Authentic Muscle: The Mopar Heavy Hitters
For traditionalists at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, authentic muscle cars deliver the nostalgia and investment case. The 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible in Hi-Impact Lemon Twist Yellow represents one of the rarest examples from the muscle car era – a rotisserie restoration powered by the legendary 440 cubic inch Six-Barrel V8 with a 4-speed manual. Of the 29 convertible Cudas produced with this engine configuration in 1970, only 17 received the desirable 4-speed manual, making this one of approximately 17 examples still in existence. With its original Broadcast Sheet and Galen Govier documentation, this car’s authenticity is beyond question.
Also commanding attention is a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 – a concours-level restoration retaining the original matching-numbers LS6 V8 and a Muncie 4-speed manual (Chevrolet warranty replacement, 1972). In today’s market, nut-and-bolt restorations of this caliber are increasingly scarce, making them essential acquisitions for serious collectors attending Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale.
Trucks and Customs: The New Collector Focus
Scottsdale Car Week 2026 reflects a fundamental market shift: trucks and SUV-based customs are no longer niche offerings – they’re center-stage attractions. The 1957 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup, an award-winning build on a Roadster Shop RS4 chassis with an LS3 pushing 525 horsepower, exemplifies this trend. Finished in a timeless two-tone palette with modern creature comforts (Dakota Digital gauges, Restomod Air climate control, Bluetooth audio), it appeals equally to first-time buyers and seasoned investors.
The 1976 Ford Bronco Widebody Edition Serial No. 001 – the first in a limited series featured at SEMA 2025 – arrives at Barrett-Jackson 2026 in striking Highlander Green. Paired with a Coyote V8 and 6-speed automatic, it combines classic SUV aesthetics with contemporary reliability and off-road capability.
Complementing these modern builds is the 1950 Mercury “The Rebel,” a professionally chopped hot rod from the legendary Joe Bailon, finished with a mid-1980s Lincoln fuel-injected V8 and 4-speed automatic. This custom bridges decades of hot rod culture – from hand-formed custom shops to contemporary powertrain technology.
The Broader Market: Diversity and Health
Barrett-Jackson 2026 attracts over 2,000 vehicles because the market itself is thriving across virtually every segment. British sports cars (including a 1951 Jaguar XK120), contemporary supercars (a 2021 Aston Martin DB11 AMR), and entry-level classics all coexist on the auction block. This diversity is precisely why Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale matters as a market barometer – it tests buyer appetite across price points, eras, and categories simultaneously.
Automobilia: The $1M+ Segment Often Overlooked
Over 1,000 pieces of automobilia will cross the block at Barrett-Jackson 2026 – all selling with no reserve. This segment encompasses vintage gas pumps, neon signs, automotive-themed furniture (including a 1959 Cadillac car couch and matching coffee table), restored juke boxes, and rare service station memorabilia. For collectors who appreciate the broader automotive lifestyle and nostalgia, this segment often delivers remarkable value and investment potential.
Entertainment and the Scottsdale Car Week Experience
Scottsdale Car Week extends far beyond the auction block. Country music superstar Cole Swindell, along with multi-platinum artist Chase Rice, will headline the 2nd Annual “Rock The Block” concert on Friday, January 16. This tradition blends live entertainment with automotive celebration – uniquely Barrett-Jackson.
General admission to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale starts at just $27 for adults, with children 12 and under receiving complimentary admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Students (ages 13 through college) enjoy $10 admission, making Barrett-Jackson 2026 accessible to the next generation of enthusiasts.
Beyond the auction, the WestWorld facility hosts the Sponsor Pavilion, Exhibitor Marketplace, fantasy bid experiences, STEM Fest, family activities, and thrill rides – transforming Scottsdale Car Week into a comprehensive automotive lifestyle event.
Broader Scottsdale Car Week Context
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale is merely the anchor tenant of Scottsdale Car Week, which runs January 16 – 25, 2026. The week encompasses multiple world-class auctions: RM Sotheby’s (January 22 – 23 at Arizona Biltmore) holds its 28th consecutive year as the premium curated sale; Bonhams returns (January 23 at Westin Kierland) for its 15th year; and the Arizona Concours d’Elegance showcases 100 of the world’s rarest vehicles (January 18 at Scottsdale Civic Center).
This convergence of events makes January the unofficial “Car Month” for Fountain Hills and Scottsdale – a designation recognized by the community as the most anticipated automotive period of the year.
Market Signals From Barrett-Jackson 2026
What should collectors and investors watch for at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026? Historical trends offer guidance:
Modern Performance Continues to Command Premiums. The 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale saw a 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S achieve $341,000 and a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren reach $330,000, signaling ongoing collector confidence in modern analogs.
Resto-Mods Remain in the Golden Era. Well-executed restorations emphasizing drivability, modern technology, and presentation outperform stock survivors at equivalent price tiers. Jeff Hayes’ Corvettes exemplify this trend.
Bronco and Blazer Builds Are Now Six-Figure Fixtures. Full-size Ford and Chevrolet SUV builds consistently achieve six-figure results, reflecting the broader market embrace of usable, classically-styled performance vehicles.
Ford Dominance Persists. From Mustangs to Broncos to the upcoming Tim Allen Ford GT, Ford-branded vehicles command consistent premiums across all segments.
The Bottom Line: Why Attend or Watch Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale represents the true pulse of the collector car market. With 2,000+ vehicles, a 100% sell-through rate on no-reserve auctions, and headline consignments spanning Tim Allen’s Ford GT to rare Mopar muscle cars to Jeff Hayes’ custom Corvettes, this is where market trends crystallize and real-money deals happen.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first-time buyer, an investor tracking market sentiment, or simply an automotive enthusiast, Scottsdale Car Week and the Barrett-Jackson 2026 auction offer unparalleled access to the world’s greatest collector cars. The select preview is live on Barrett-Jackson.com, allowing you to browse the full docket, register to bid, and secure tickets.
January 17 – 25 is the moment the collector car world watches, analyzes, and learns from. Mark your calendar. Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2026 awaits.