"There are a lot of "fakey-doos" out there, and if you don't know what you're looking at-or looking for-you can get hurt. I tell everyone if you're going to go to an auction to buy a car, if you don't know what you're doing, you better hire somebody to inspect the car. somebody with knowledge-a master NCRS judge, maybe one of the Bloomington Gold certification judges, you know, somebody who knows what's going on. The big thing I'm finding at these auctions more than anything is that they're a disposal ground for trim-tag cars-the ones these guys change the trim tags on-and that's real sad."
So where does one go to find that particular Corvette? Where are the best places to look for a pristine, collectible, and, perhaps, very rare vintage Corvette, assuming you have deep pockets and you're really hell-bent on getting it? Well, here are the top Corvette auctions where you're most likely to find that Corvette of your dreams. (Listed in alphabetical order for convenience sake.)
Barrett-Jackson
Thanks in large part to the cable television coverage it receives, the Barrett-Jackson auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona, every year is probably the best known of all the collector car auctions, and with good reason. In addition to putting forth a bevy of classics, race cars, street rods, and custom automobiles, Corvettes are always well represented in considerable numbers on the Barrett-Jackson auction block. Because of its high profile, great reputation, and magnetic attraction for well-heeled bidders, the Barrett-Jackson auctions are great places to find particularly desirable Corvettes, but the prices are often the highest paid for particular years and models across the board. In addition to the world-renowned Scottsdale auction, Barrett-Jackson also holds auction events in West Palm Beach, Florida, that feature Corvettes prominently.
Bloomington Gold
A premiere Corvettes-only event, the auction at Bloomington Gold is hosted and run by Mecum High Performance Auctions and was held this year in St. Charles, Illinois, on June 15-17. Typically, 350-500 Corvettes are auctioned at this three-day annual extravaganza, and, almost without exception, all of them are Bloomington Gold certified. This is an especially important point to consider if you're looking for a "correct" Corvette that's been inspected and given the stamp of approval by some very picky experts.
Corvettes At Carlisle
This premiere Corvette-only event is a pilgrimage approximately 50,000 people attend each year in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and one of the highlights is the Corvette auction held there on the first two days of the annual three-day happening.
In years past, the Corvette auction at the show was run by the Mecum organization; prior to that, Bob Gold and his crew ran the auctions. This year, however, Carlisle Events itself is hosting the auction (see the interview with Lance Miller in this issue), and it's being held indoors at the new Carlisle Expo Center across the street from the fairgrounds rather than under a tent as in the past. Over 150 Corvettes are expected to come under the gavel at this year's auction, and it's always been a terrific place to find that special Corvette you're looking for, or just to ogle and drool at all the other gorgeous cars coming on the block.
Carlisle Events also hosts a spring and fall show with auctions that usually include a good number of Corvettes and other marques, as well.