I've watched the auction or at least parts of it for about 5 years now. Not sure whether I will watch it again. We canceled our Speed Channel from our Cable Provider as since FOX bought it, it has become less of a gearhead channel...more of a channel for NASCAR fans and Harley fans.

I don't mind NASCAR, I can get it on other channels...but my interest has waned since the '60's when NASCAR mean't Ford 406's, 427 side oilers, Chev 409's...mystery Rat 427's Chrysler 426, 413 wedge and 426 Hemi, Poncho 389/421...actually in production bodies.

I ask you...what would you rather watch...a '63 1/2 Ford Galaxie 427 side oiler, racing a '63 427 Chevy Impala, racing a Mopar 426 Wedge, racing a 421 Pontiac ...or the one size fit's all NASCAR cars raced now ?

But I digress...back to the Barratt-Jackson auction. I'm trying to make a decision...should I pop for Speed, call my cable Provider, just to watch a week of TV of auctioning cars, mostly I couldn't afford or just forget it ?

Anyways I can't stand those auction assistants that yell at the top of their lungs or whistle to get the attention of the auctioneer.

 

The sales are occasionally somewhat interesting but I don`t follow BJ auctions to any degree.

 

Those early racing years were when brand preference/loyalty meant something. What was the saying 'what wins on Sunday sells on Monday? I really think the factory involvement was awesome, but racing is still very exciting. I think they copped out a bit when they limited power/speed. Some of those cars back in the day cranked some big speeds.
Here is a histoy of Daytona 500 winners, some speeds, and the earnings compared.

DAYTONA 500 Winners - Daytona International Speedway

As for the auctions, its like a fantasy world but I really enjoy the commentary - I learn something everytime I take an hour or so to watch.

 

I quite like watching BJ auction. I find it interesting to see what old cars are selling for and what the rich are buying. For me its like looking through a classic auto trader magazine like I buy every month anyways, and I also love to watch NASCAR on speed channel. But I will admit, watching some of the old footage from years gone by is more enjoyable then now, but if they stop reducing speeds, I would personally enjoy watching NASCAR more then I do now. So for me, I still enjoy watching speed channel. When the time comes that I don't any more, I may also cancel. But for now I still enjoy watching most of the shows, even the Harley episodes.

 

i like barret jackson too, i watch to see what people are doing to cars to make them sell or how far people go to restore to original (to go so far as to get the original worker from the plant in that year to redo the grease mark on a firewall). I really prefer to see the customs that show up from time to time, too bad they are few and far between

 

I watch it from time to time. They have some really nice vehicles on there, and some of them are really built up nice, and its nice to see that.

 

I watch them all; bj, mecum, kruse, old car trader, hemmings, auto trader etc. just to keep a pulse on whats going on. Even look at the solds on ebay. Mostly because I despise reality tv and just about all the network crap.

 

With all the watching you are doing, are you seeing any trends developing as to pricing. The cars I am really interested in are late 60's, early 70's muscle cars (Mustangs, cudas, challengers, camaros, trans ams, etc).

 

The trend that I've been noticing in the last 6 mos or so is that many nice cars remain unsold by auctions end. The bids simply do not get to the reserve price. The market is depressed but instead of falling prices, you're seeing a lot more sellers just continue to relist or wait it out. The obvious exceptions are folks who need to sell for whatever reason, there's some real good deals out there but the market is not flooded with them. Be patient if looking for a particular car, you're much better off shopping now than 2-3 years ago when prices were in the stratosphere.
More specifically, Cudas are still high as the production was so low. Hemis are crazy, followed by big blocks. A nice 318 or 340 non AA/R car is probably a good bet.
TransAms/Camaros seem pretty fair but watch for junk, lots of former rust basketcases out there.
Mustangs, unless youre looking for a 428 cobra jet or a shelby, have, I think, always been the best value. Pricing down a bit, they typically do not appreciate at a fast clip but you can't use the investment appreciation potential as your primary criteria. IMHO, its a car, if you really like it, buy it, enjoy it and hopefully make a few bucks when you sell it.
Just my .02

 

Thats good to hear. IMO some of the prices that some guys were getting was just ridiculous.

A rare car is a rare car, but there are lots of non rare ones going for way to much (least it seemed that way whenever I watched a show like BJ.)

 

Thanks for the info about trends, I was just curious as a friend of mine is looking for a 1969 Mustang w/428 power. he currently ahs a 1969 Mach 1 w/351.
My old car days are over - too much other stuff on my list that this wont happen.
One 1970 Mustang w/351 for sale to the highest offer come spring!