HEATING UP IN HOUSTON: Day One Rides Momentum Of Opening Night Party, Fantastic Cars Start To Cross The Block
October 20, 2022
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson’s return to the great state of Texas kicked off with the Opening Night Party on Wednesday, followed by a special selection of automobilia and vehicles crossing the block on Thursday.
Guests were greeted by two Texas Longhorn steers at the entrance to NRG Center for the Opening Night Party. The auction arena was transformed for the kick-off event, complete with Jeff Hayes’ sleek 1967 Corvette perched above the bar. The National Football League’s Houston Texan Cheerleaders fired up the partygoers with a special appearance while the acclaimed Emerald City Band kept the party dancing.
In keeping with tradition, the morning’s auction started with automobilia. Restored, authentic gas pumps were popular on the block with top sales including a 1940s-50s Phillips 66 Oil Bennett Model #646, followed by a Model #656 and a 1950s-60s Wayne 505 Shell Oil example. A Harley-Davidson light-up sign and a vintage Exxon Oil porcelain sign rounded out the morning’s top five.
Vehicles started rolling across the auction block in the early afternoon after a spectacular performance of the national anthem by A.J. Cabrera. Thursdays highlights included a 1981 Jeep CJ7 Laredo custom SUV, a 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 and a 1985 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet. A 1972 Dodge Challenger and a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro custom coupe were also among bidder favorites. Additionally, the first vehicle in Tyler Hoover’s collection crossed the block today, a 1990 Mazda MX5 Miata convertible.
Adjacent to the auction arena, a variety of sponsors and exhibitors attracted the auction guests looking to take home everything from a designer handbag to a statue of Mini Mouse, helicopters to watercraft.
The Barrett-Jackson Performance Track saw lots of smiles per mile as guests took Thrill Rides in Dodge Chargers and Challengers and new Toyota Supras. Chevrolet offered Hot Laps in the C8 Corvette, while Cadillac brought the heat with its CT4-V performance sedan.
The excitement continues to build as Barrett-Jackson’s 2022 Houston Auction rolls into Day Two on Friday. Enjoy this gallery of highlights from the auction site on Thursday.
LOT #75 – 1985 FERRARI MONDIAL CABRIOLET
JEFF HAYE’S 1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ABOVE THE BAR AT THE OPENING NIGHT PARTY.
LOT #69 – 1969 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO SS 396
1940S-50S PHILLIPS 66 OIL BENNETT MODEL #646 GAS PUMP AND A 1940S PHILLIPS 66 BENNETT MODEL #656 GAS PUMP.
LOT #70 – 2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM COUPE
GUESTS DANCING TO EMERALD CITY BAND.
LOT #63 – 1972 DODGE CHALLENGER
CENTERPIECE AT THE OPENING NIGHT PARTY.
