NETWORK NEWSMAKER: A 50 Facts & Favorite Memories Feature
October 14, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
FOX’s Mike Joy (left) and Steve Magnante provided color commentary of the 2014 Barrett-Jackson Auction as history was made – it was the first and only collector car auction to be aired live on regular network television – no cable subscription needed.
To mark Barrett-Jackson’s half-century in business, in this special series we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite moments from the past 50 years – as well as some little-known facts about The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.
It was a thrilling moment on live FOX network television when the [1969 Chevrolet Corvette #57 Rebel Race Car](http://1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE #57 REBEL CONVERTIBLE RACE CAR) sold for $2.86 million.
For cable television viewers, watching The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions in the comfort of their homes or a neighborhood sports bar had been a commonplace occurrence since the late 1990s. But, in 2014, Barrett-Jackson made history, becoming the first and only collector car auction to be aired live on regular network television – no cable subscription needed.
On Saturday, January 18, 2014, FOX Broadcasting Company aired two hours of live coverage from the flagship Scottsdale Auction. The special coverage featured a portion of the prestigious Salon Collection that year – a tribute to larger-than-life Americana automotive offerings. The sales on live network television included several exceptional, rare and highly collectible Corvettes – such as a 1967 L88 and the [“Rebel” Corvette ](http://1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE #57 REBEL CONVERTIBLE RACE CAR)– as well as the “Snake” and “Mongoose” historic Funny Cars and transporters made famous by Don Prudhomme and Tom McEwen on the nation’s drag strips.
FOX network viewers were undoubtedly thrilled to see the famous “Snake” funny car take to the stage, with Don Prudhomme on the block for the sale.
As a result of the expanded network coverage, Barrett-Jackson was televised to the largest audience in collector car auction history, providing the auction company an opportunity to both reach the already dedicated automotive enthusiast and to introduce its high-energy presentation and collector car lifestyle to a broad new audience.
“Thanks to our partnership with FOX,” said Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson, “our 2014 Scottsdale Auction was made available to tens of millions of new viewers, with our legendary auction expanding to an event carried live on nationally broadcast television across the FOX network.”
It was undoubtedly an unexpected experience for those at home flipping through the channels and a delightful addition for Barrett-Jackson’s legion of seasoned fans.