Two Harley Earl Masterpieces Sell for a Combined $6.8 Million at Barrett-Jackson Auction; Vehicles to Be Centerpieces of Private Collection

Business Wire, Jan 22, 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- A 1950 General Motors Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus and 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special concept car designed by the legendary Harley Earl will be rejoined as the centerpieces of a private collection after selling for a combined US$6,800,000 at the 35th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson "World's Greatest Collector Car Event." The Futurliner crossed the block at $4,000,000, while the Bonneville Special fetched $2,800,000, with both being sold at "no reserve." The Barrett-Jackson auction continues through January 22, 2006, at WestWorld in Scottsdale.

"To have both of these magnificent vehicles cross the block during the same event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Barrett-Jackson Auction Company President and CEO Craig Jackson. "Now they will have the distinction of remaining together for years to come, just as they were intended."

With thousands of excited fans filling the nine-story auction tent with booming cheers, two bidders remained neck and neck through the final gavel of the Futurliner bus. After a miscommunication during the bidding process, the high bidder deferred the sale to his opponent, who had purchased the Bonneville Special mere minutes before.

"This is the way we believe that Harley Earl would have wanted the sale of these masterpieces to come to a close," added Jackson. "It was a deafening, adrenaline-pumping experience that anyone would enjoy experiencing again in a heartbeat. We promised excitement for our 35th anniversary celebration, and can truthfully say that we delivered on that promise."

With multiple million-dollar plus sales occurring throughout the auction weekend, Barrett-Jackson continues to set the standard for the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, breaking records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Each event is broadcast by the SPEED Channel television network.

About Barrett-Jackson

Established in 1971, Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. The company produces the "World's Greatest Classic Car Auction" in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has expanded to other venues including Palm Beach, Fla. For more information, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.