An Unprecedented Beginning to Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Northeast Auction
June 23, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson’s distinctive Opening Night Gala on Wednesday night that kicked off the much-anticipated Northeast Auction provided the first hint that this was going to be an event like no other.
As the doors to Mohegan Sun’s Uncas Ballroom opened, nearly 1,700 bidders, consignors and invited guests streamed in to witness an incredible welcome song and several traditional dances performed by members of the Mohegan Tribe. Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, Executive Director of Cultural and Community Programs, said the volunteer dancers represent the approximately 2,000 members of the Mohegan Tribe and ranged from tribal elders to young children. “Through dancing, we provide a blessing for the event and show how happy we are to have Barrett-Jackson here with us,” she said.
After a formal blessing in the Tribe’s recently resurrected native language from Mohegan Chief Dr. Lynn Malerba, Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson, President Steve Davis and Vice President of Consignment Gary Bennett welcomed everyone to this first-ever event in the Northeast. “It’s been a long time coming, and we’re very excited to be here,” said Jackson. “We couldn’t do this without all of you.”
“Our primary goal is to make this all it can be for all of you,” added Davis. “The site is incredible – the architecture is absolutely amazing.”
As the auction itself got underway today, guests streamed into Mohegan Sun, eager to wander among the auction cars displayed around the site, discover the interactive sponsor displays, shop in the Exhibitor Marketplace and watch as hundreds of pieces of authentic automobilia and the first round of collector cars crossed the block in the auction arena.
The day turned out to be one for the history books, as Barrett-Jackson set a new attendance record for any event at Mohegan Sun (read today’s press release HERE). Bidders filled the seats early on, eager to capture a piece of nostalgia during the automobilia auction, where porcelain signs and vintage gas pumps were the big winners of the day.
Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Kevin Brown with Craig Jackson.
After Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman and 25-year U.S. Army veteran Kevin P. Brown “Red Eagle” presented Craig Jackson with a ceremonial talking stick, the collector cars began to roll. Among them were the first two charity cars of the auction. NFL and Carolina Panthers all-pro tight end Greg Olsen was on hand to auction Lot #3000, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Custom Convertible, which hammered at $100,000 to benefit Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation, supporting the HEARTest Yard Program. Soon after, a 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom Motorcycle (Lot #3001) benefiting The Wounded Warrior Project came to the block, raising $40,000 for the worthy organization. As always, Barrett-Jackson waives all fees on charity vehicles, which means 100 percent of the hammer price goes directly to the deserving charities.
Please enjoy the videos below of the Opening Night Gala and today’s top-selling cars, as well as a gallery of memorable moments from the Gala and highlights from today’s activity around the auction site:
Mohegan Tribal Dancer
Craig Jackson tries out the tribal drum.
Mohegan Chief Dr. Lynn Malerba gives a formal blessing to open the event as Gary Bennett, Steve Davis and Craig Jackson look on.
Dancers at the Opening Night Gala
Craig Jackson poses with Chris Smith (second from left), Richard Rawlings, Dennis Collins and other members of the Gas Monkey crew.
The Soul Survivors
Lot #3000, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Custom Convertible, hammered at $100,000 to benefit Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation.
Barrett-Jackson Executive Vice President/General Manager Nick Cardinale, Hendrick Performance General Manager Dale Ledbetter, Velocity Executive Vice President/General Manager Robert Scanlon, Greg Olsen and Craig Jackson.
DEWALT Marketing Executive John Hopkins, Craig Jackson and Trevor Dombeck from the Wounded Warrior Project with Lot #3001, a 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom Motorcycle.
Lot #95 – 1970 DODGE CORONET 500 CONVERTIBLE
Lot #96 – 1966 FACTORY FIVE COBRA RE-CREATION
Lot #58 – 1968 DODGE CORONET CUSTOM HARDTOP
Lot #72 – 1969 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO CUSTOM PICKUP
Lot #73 – 1973 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE
Lot #78 – 1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO CONVERTIBLE
Lot #79 – 1959 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO PICKUP
Lot #90 – 1940 FORD HALF-TON PICKUP
Lot #94 – 1972 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396 RE-CREATION
Lead auctioneer Joseph Mast gets ready to roll.
Craig and Hunter Jackson chat with Greg Olsen.
More than 100 pieces of authentic automobilia crossed the block on Thursday, with vintage gas pumps being among the big winners of the day.
Velocity’s Steve Magnante and Rick DeBruhl kick off the network’s “Barrett-Jackson Live” program.
View from the block
The Shell/Pennzoil Staging Lanes
Auction vehicles on display.