The annual Barrett-Jackson car auction kicks off this weekend. Let’s look at a few of the coolest vehicles going on the block—including the Super Snake 1966 Cobra owned by Carroll Shelby.
The big event was originally scheduled as part of Arizona Auction Week, which is usually held in January. Event organizers postponed the seven-day auto extravaganza due to the pandemic. At last, the Barrett-Jackson auction - opens in new window or tab. is now set to kick off in Scottsdale on March 20 and run through March 27. The auction will offer more than 1,200 vehicles and related automobilia.
The Arizona auctions set the trend in the collector car market for the coming year. The value of the winning bids tells us which makes and models are in demand and those falling out of favor.
Also, set your calendar now to participate in the Barrett-Jackson Fantasy Bid, presented by eBay Motors and Dodge. Check out all the rules - opens in new window or tab. and the big prizes. The game plays out during the Barrett-Jackson auction from March 24 to 27.
Meanwhile, here are four auction cars that we will be keeping our eyes on.
Super Snake 1966 Shelby Cobra
The Shelby Cobra Super Snake is equipped with twin Paxton superchargers.
The 1966 Shelby Cobra up for auction at Barrett-Jackson was dubbed the “Cobra to End All Cobras.” It earned that name because it belonged to Carroll Shelby himself, who worked his magic on this roadster. The car is equipped with twin Paxton superchargers - opens in new window or tab.. The lightweight Cobra has a projected 800 horsepower.
Unfortunately, the owner of the other similarly outfitted Cobra destroyed the car and himself in a fatal crash, circa 1969. That makes this Cobra a unique vehicle. It sold in 2007 for $5.5 million and then for $5.1 million. Interest in Carroll Shelby continues to swell, thanks to the 2019 hit movie Ford v Ferrari.
The Cobra started life as one of the 23 example built by Shelby Cobra Competition Cars. After a time in Europe, the racer was returned to America, where Shelby transformed it into a 427 Cobra and reclassified it as a Semi-Competition car. To make the car street legal, Shelby added a windshield, mufflers, and bumpers.
1965 Mustang GT350
This Wimbledon White 1965 Mustang GT350 was sold in 2016 after being owned by a single family. The buyer? None other than Craig Jackson, the chief executive of Barret-Jackson. The ’65 ‘Stang underwent an extensive restoration before collecting a slew of gold awards.
Despite the major restoration, the Mustang GT350 kept the original 289 CID V-8 engine. It produces 306 horsepower. You row through the gears using a Borg-Warner four-speed manual transmission. This GT350 has Shelby/Cragar wheels, a fiberglass hood, and a wood steering wheel.
Jackson has confidence in the auction process because he is listing this Mustang with no reserve.
1975 Ford Bronco
This 1975 Bronco received a two-inch body lift for a little more clearance.
Jackson told us a few years ago that Broncos and Blazers would be hot - opens in new window or tab. for the coming years. And he was right.
The 1975 Ford Bronco 4X4 available at this year’s auction shows what is possible with a full restoration. This rock crawler mates a Mustang 5-liter crate engine with a four-speed manual transmission. A Dana transfer case moves the power to all four wheels. The auction truck features Borla mufflers, while Wilwood brakes with Bilstein shocks to smooth the ride. The Bronco has a 2-inch body lift.
Builders sprayed the interior of the Bronco with a bed liner material for toughness. A JL audio system finishes up this ride, owned by another Barrett-Jackson exec: vice-president Nick Cardinale.
1972 Chevy C-10 Truck
The truck has a wicked stance and a cleaner look without the side mirrors.
Chevy C-10 pickups are still red hot. The 1972 beauty on auction this year might raise collector interest to a fever pitch. The two-tone 1972 Chevy C-10 truck comes with a 383 C.I.D. stroker V-8 motor producing 430 horsepower. It links up to a turbo 350 automatic transmission.
A full set of Wilwood brakes help slow this beast down. The restoration build took off the mirrors, smoothed the bed pockets, and cleaned up the wiper cowl for a slick look. The exhaust exits from cutouts by the rear wheels.
On the inside, warm brown leather lines the cabin. Two air compressors and a tank for the Ridetech Air Ride rest on a dark stained wood bed.
This collectible truck is one of 26 C-10 pickups offered at this year's Barrett-Jackson auction. Hundreds more C-10s are for sale on eBay - opens in new window or tab. throughout the year.
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