January 26, 2016
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson

THE STARS SHINE: Zac Brown Band headlines glamorous 45th Anniversary Gala, cars begin to roll

THE STARS SHINE: Zac Brown Band headlines glamorous 45th Anniversary Gala, cars begin to roll

January 26, 2016
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

A surprise appearance by the Zac Brown Band highlighted Barrett-Jackson's 45th Anniversary Gala.

A surprise appearance by the Zac Brown Band highlighted Barrett-Jackson’s 45th Anniversary Gala.

A surprise appearance by three-time Grammy winners and multi-platinum artists Zac Brown Band was the highlight of a glittering Gala Monday night to officially kick off Barrett-Jackson’s 45th Anniversary Auction. The exciting evening was sponsored by Acura, who are donating a VIN #001 2017 NSX to be auctioned the evening of Friday, January 29, with 100 percent of the hammer price going to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground, which is the passion project of Zac Brown.

Dr. Jesse McGuire opened the Gala evening with the National Anthem.

Dr. Jesse McGuire opened the Gala evening with the National Anthem.

Bidders, consignors and Barrett-Jackson VIPs holding the hottest ticket in town were amazed as they entered the Gala to see auction arena’s stunning transformation. Throughout the site were elements highlighting Barrett-Jackson’s 45 years of collector car auctions and memorable charity moments over the years. Noted jazz trumpeter Dr. Jesse McGuire opened the event with a stunning rendition of the National Anthem, which he has performed for three U.S. presidents and at many sporting events. In addition to the special performance by the Zac Brown Band, guests sampled delicious offerings from a number of food and drink stations throughout the site and later danced the night away to sounds from Soul Survivors.

Earlier in the day, visitors to the auction spent the day previewing the more than 1,500 collector cars that started crossing the block today. The arena was bursting with colorful automobilia up for auction yesterday and this morning. A number of exquisite porcelain and neon dealership signs – including fine examples from the Gordon Apker and Art Redford collection – were once again big sellers, as well as a number of pristine pedal cars from the Richard LeRoy Collection.

In keeping with Barrett-Jackson’s longstanding tradition of auctioning vehicles for worthy causes, the first charity car of the auction was on the block today. IHRA and NHRA legend Doug Herbert’s 2008 Top Fuel Dragster sold for $100,000, with 100% of the hammer price benefiting the B.R.A.K.E.S. Foundation, as Barrett-Jackson waives all fees for charity cars. The design and graphics of the car are dedicated to Herbert’s sons Jon and James, who lost their lives in a tragic 2008 car crash. Put On The B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) trains and educates teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving.

This 2008 McKinney Top Fuel Dragster sold for $100,000, with 100 percent of the hammer price going to B.R.A.K.E.S. Foundation.

This 2008 McKinney Top Fuel Dragster (Lot #3000) sold for $100,000, with 100 percent of the hammer price going to B.R.A.K.E.S. Foundation.

Check out Velocity’s video of the top three sellers of today’s collector car auction and a gallery of some memorable moments from Monday night’s 45th Anniversary Gala:

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Bob Scanlon Rick Hendrick

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Dennis Collins Kimberly Collins Governor Doug Ducey Mrs. Angela Ducey

Carolyn Jackson Craig Jackson George Benson Johnnie Benson

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