The Inaugural Barrett-Jackson collector-car auction in Orange County California, truly reflected the laid-back, top down Southern Californian lifestyle. Plenty of convertibles and sports cars were on hand as well as some “new collectibles” such as a 2001 Lamborghini Diablo and a custom 2008 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake. 

The cities of Costa Mesa and nearby Newport Beach embraced the event and even designated June 20-27 as Barrett-Jackson Week. They hung signs and banners along the streets, and auto enthusiasts, vendors and bidders alike experienced a week's worth of rallies, cruise-ins, parties and a charity gala which preceded the main auction. The auction was held at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, which proved to be a favorable location, drawing a crowd of almost 5,800 auto enthusiasts. Speed TV brought the auction action to many more viewers with 18 hours of live coverage. It was reported that the Barrett Jackson California sales reached over $15 million as nearly 400 customs, classics, hot rods and original models hit the block. Over $1 Million was raised for charity as well. It was interesting that 58% of the bidders were first-time Barrett-Jackson buyers and that 57% of sellers were first time Barrett-Jackson consignors. 

Adding this Southern California location tapped into this area's culture and introduced more people to the hobby. The auction results proved that So Cal bidders wanted classics, restomods and customs that they could actually cruise around in, which is not surprising since Southern California is the birthplace of hot-rodding. 

Some of the cars sold. • 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Convertible, which went for $253,000. • 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Custom Coupe, selling for $250,000. • 1936 Ford Custom 5 window coupe-owner Jesse James-sold for $165,000.00 • 2008 Shelby GT Barrett Jackson edition coupe sold for $130,000.00 • 1962 Ford Thunderbird limited edition sports roadster sold for $100.000.00 

Superformance / Shelby Distribution were present at this auction event, displaying their range in the vendor area. On display were GT40s, Superformance MKIIIs , Cobras and a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe.

Hillbank Motor Corporation, the local dealer, was on hand to assist customers in the Superformance/ Shelby Distribution booth and they also had a Daytona coupe on display in the lobby of the Barrett-Jackson host hotel, the Hilton in Costa Mesa. Link to article 

The Orange County Barrett-Jackson auction was a strong reflection of the automotive lifestyle that pervades Southern California, and presented a different experience from Barrett-Jackson’s three other annual events held in AZ, NV and FL. Next auction for Barrett-Jackson will be at Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.