Skip to main content

Under sweltering Florida temperatures, the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction wrapped up the weekend with the sale of the first retail production VIN 001 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ and of a 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition. These high-dollar supercar sales followed nearly a week of torrential rains that were so inundating they closed Ft. Lauderdale International Airport for more than two days.

That didn’t put a damper on the weekend events, though.

Celebrating 20 Years of the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction

This year marked the 20th Anniversary of Barrett-Jackson at the Palm Beach County Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, Florida. As in the past, there were sponsor and exhibitor displays, test drives, and more than 600 collector cars, trucks, and SUVs rolling across the block. Hemmings was there, too, looking for some highlights. Here’s what we found.

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

A Corvette for Charity

An eye-catcher, for sure, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray was shown in pre-production trim as it crossed the block. Chevrolet Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter told the crowd that the winning bidder could order production VIN 001 as they wished when the vehicle goes into production in late 2023. The winning bid was from automotive retailer and NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick, who paid $1.1 Million for 001. One hundred percent of the hammer price will benefit DonorsChoose, an organization committed to education.

The other supercar pulling in a seven-figure haul was a 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, it was delivered from the factory in the iconic blue/orange Gulf Oil livery commemorating its 1969 victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The one-owner car with 211 original miles sold for $1,457,500.

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Restomods in abundance.

At Barrett-Jackson, the restomod is king. Palm Beach continued the trend, featuring some great examples. A right-hand-drive 1967 Volkswagen Beetle had undergone a full-restoration, refreshing the Bug and its 2,185cc four-cylinder engine. It rides on a lowered suspension with BRM Riviera alloy wheels, has a four-speed manual transmission, and is finished in emerald green over black. It sold for the bargain price of $12,210.

Other Volkswagens showed well, including several 23-window Microbus recreations.

A golden olive green 1962 Chevrolet Corvette custom convertible showed strong, selling for $401,500. Listed as a 1962 Pro Touring Corvette, it essentially is a C1 Corvette with the heart of a ZR-1. Powered by a 6.2-liter LS9 crate engine with Holley electronic fuel injection, it is mated to a Tremec five-speed manual transmission. The bodywork features custom vacuum-formed carbon-fiber fenders and door coves with custom rear bumpers.

A 1969 Ford Bronco custom pickup performed exceptionally strong on Saturday, bringing the hammer down with a winning bid of $143,000. A factory half-cab design, this 4×4 has seen a body-off-frame restoration and a complete engine transplant. This Bronco is now powered by a factory Ford Coyote 5.0-liter crate motor with a contemporary 6R80 automatic transmission. It’s a far cry from the 170-cubic-inch inline-six engine it originally came with.

Carrying on the off-road restomod theme was a 1992 Land Rover Defender 110, which hammered at $82,500. A left-hand-drive example, this Defender has less than 1,800 miles on the odometer since its restoration and build. It’s now powered by a 5.7-liter LS1 Chevrolet V-8 with automatic transmission. The interior includes black diamond-quilted leather with contrasting stitching, first and second row consoles, and third-row seating. It also includes a new climate control system and a complete coolant system modernization.

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2023

Strong numbers

Overall, 622 vehicles were sold at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, all with no reserve. Combined with nearly $745,000 in automobilia sales, total auction sales came to $44.4 million.

Date: 1972

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Source: via Grandview Heights Public Library

What do you see here?

(Note: This will be the final installment of the carspotting series. Many thanks to everybody who collaborated on identifying the cars seen in these photos throughout the years and who, in turn, contributed to a broader understanding of automotive history.)

“Buick’s turbocharged V6-powered Regal Grand National was the quickest muscle car of the 1980s and still grabs all the attention, but Chevy’s V8-powered Monte Carlo SS owned the Grand National when it came to sales.” – Hagerty.com

The 1987 Monte Carlo SS is an iconic American personal luxury car that holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere. With its sculpted exterior and sporty interior, it’s no wonder that over 100,000 of these carbureted V8 Super Sports were sold from 1983-1988. And now, you have a chance to own one of the finest and possibly the lowest-mile example on the planet.

Do you know the saying, “It’s only original once?” Well, here it is. This 619-mile, unrestored 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS is a time capsule that transports you back to the fun and frolicking days of the 1980s. With its Lamp Black exterior paint, distinctive red striping and maroon velour upholstery and trim, this Detroit iron is a true piece of Americana.

But with less than 1,000 miles on its odometer, this 1987 Monte Carlo SS is more than just a collector’s item. It’s also an opportunity to support veterans’ and children’s charities. By entering the Eighties Dream Giveaway and making a donation, you could be the lucky winner of this Monte Carlo SS, and make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country and our youth. Click here to enter now.

According to Dream Giveaway, only the battery and tires needed replacing on this MTV-era time machine. It starts, rides and performs as good as a brand-new Monte Carlo SS should. The only thing is – it has been over 35 years since this American dream machine sat in a new car dealer showroom.

So, what are you waiting for? Make a donation today and enter to win this 1987 Monte Carlo SS. Not only will you be supporting a good cause, but you’ll also have a chance to own a piece of automotive history. As Bill and Ted would say, “Be most excellent, dude!”

“Buick’s turbocharged V6-powered Regal Grand National was the quickest muscle car of the 1980s and still grabs all the attention, but Chevy’s V8-powered Monte Carlo SS owned the Grand National when it came to sales.” – Hagerty.com

The 1987 Monte Carlo SS is an iconic American personal luxury car that holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere. With its sculpted exterior and sporty interior, it’s no wonder that over 100,000 of these carbureted V8 Super Sports were sold from 1983-1988. And now, you have a chance to own one of the finest and possibly the lowest-mile example on the planet.

Do you know the saying, “It’s only original once?” Well, here it is. This 619-mile, unrestored 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS is a time capsule that transports you back to the fun and frolicking days of the 1980s. With its Lamp Black exterior paint, distinctive red striping and maroon velour upholstery and trim, this Detroit iron is a true piece of Americana.

But with less than 1,000 miles on its odometer, this 1987 Monte Carlo SS is more than just a collector’s item. It’s also an opportunity to support veterans’ and children’s charities. By entering the Eighties Dream Giveaway and making a donation, you could be the lucky winner of this Monte Carlo SS, and make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country and our youth. Click here to enter now.

According to Dream Giveaway, only the battery and tires needed replacing on this MTV-era time machine. It starts, rides and performs as good as a brand-new Monte Carlo SS should. The only thing is – it has been over 35 years since this American dream machine sat in a new car dealer showroom.

So, what are you waiting for? Make a donation today and enter to win this 1987 Monte Carlo SS. Not only will you be supporting a good cause, but you’ll also have a chance to own a piece of automotive history. As Bill and Ted would say, “Be most excellent, dude!”

“Buick’s turbocharged V6-powered Regal Grand National was the quickest muscle car of the 1980s and still grabs all the attention, but Chevy’s V8-powered Monte Carlo SS owned the Grand National when it came to sales.” – Hagerty.com

The 1987 Monte Carlo SS is an iconic American personal luxury car that holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere. With its sculpted exterior and sporty interior, it’s no wonder that over 100,000 of these carbureted V8 Super Sports were sold from 1983-1988. And now, you have a chance to own one of the finest and possibly the lowest-mile example on the planet.

Do you know the saying, “It’s only original once?” Well, here it is. This 619-mile, unrestored 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS is a time capsule that transports you back to the fun and frolicking days of the 1980s. With its Lamp Black exterior paint, distinctive red striping and maroon velour upholstery and trim, this Detroit iron is a true piece of Americana.

But with less than 1,000 miles on its odometer, this 1987 Monte Carlo SS is more than just a collector’s item. It’s also an opportunity to support veterans’ and children’s charities. By entering the Eighties Dream Giveaway and making a donation, you could be the lucky winner of this Monte Carlo SS, and make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country and our youth. Click here to enter now.

According to Dream Giveaway, only the battery and tires needed replacing on this MTV-era time machine. It starts, rides and performs as good as a brand-new Monte Carlo SS should. The only thing is – it has been over 35 years since this American dream machine sat in a new car dealer showroom.

So, what are you waiting for? Make a donation today and enter to win this 1987 Monte Carlo SS. Not only will you be supporting a good cause, but you’ll also have a chance to own a piece of automotive history. As Bill and Ted would say, “Be most excellent, dude!”

Digital dashes were all the rage in the 1980s, when speedometers, trip computers, and touch-screen climate-control units started making their way into mainstream production cars (especially among luxury American automakers).

The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Buick Riviera convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Longmont, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Rare 1985 Riviera convertible,” the listing begins. “Runs and drives well.” One of the many high-end appointments that the Riviera boasted was a digital instrument panel.

The Riviera was Buick’s first entry into what became known as the personal luxury car segment, and the nameplate was first introduced in 1963. The word itself translates to “coastline” in Italian, and in line with the wealthy target market for this model, the marketing for the Riviera conveyed the appeal of the French Riviera region which has always been known for its vacation resorts and opulence.

Today’s Riviera comes from the final year of the sixth generation which was launched in 1979 on the General Motors E-body platform. The E-body was shared with the Oldsmobile Toronado and the Cadillac Eldorado, and this marked the first time the Riviera had front-wheel drive. A few years later in 1982, a convertible was offered, but it was sold in limited numbers and limited color combinations – it was only available with a white or red exterior, and all convertibles came with red leather interiors.

According to the Standard Catalog of American Cars by James Flammang, there were just 400 Riviera convertibles produced for the 1985 model year. To put that into perspective, there were 65,305 total Rivieras produced that year. That means only 0.6% of Riviera production was for convertible models. The seller of today’s Riviera is absolutely right about its rarity.

Appointments for the Riviera were indeed luxurious for the time, complete with power-retractable top, generous woodgrain trim, electronic climate control, and of course that all-important digital dash. The seller calls attention to some rust which is seen inside both door jambs. The underbody also shows some corrosion shown in the photos, so this Riviera could use some love to make it a show piece.

“Private owner sale, reasonable offers accepted,” the listing concludes.

Whether this Riviera makes you think of the glamorous life of the French Riviera or not, there’s no arguing about its rarity in the grand scheme of things.

The seller is asking $11,500 or best offer for this Riviera. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Digital dashes were all the rage in the 1980s, when speedometers, trip computers, and touch-screen climate-control units started making their way into mainstream production cars (especially among luxury American automakers).

The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Buick Riviera convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Longmont, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Rare 1985 Riviera convertible,” the listing begins. “Runs and drives well.” One of the many high-end appointments that the Riviera boasted was a digital instrument panel.

The Riviera was Buick’s first entry into what became known as the personal luxury car segment, and the nameplate was first introduced in 1963. The word itself translates to “coastline” in Italian, and in line with the wealthy target market for this model, the marketing for the Riviera conveyed the appeal of the French Riviera region which has always been known for its vacation resorts and opulence.

Today’s Riviera comes from the final year of the sixth generation which was launched in 1979 on the General Motors E-body platform. The E-body was shared with the Oldsmobile Toronado and the Cadillac Eldorado, and this marked the first time the Riviera had front-wheel drive. A few years later in 1982, a convertible was offered, but it was sold in limited numbers and limited color combinations – it was only available with a white or red exterior, and all convertibles came with red leather interiors.

According to the Standard Catalog of American Cars by James Flammang, there were just 400 Riviera convertibles produced for the 1985 model year. To put that into perspective, there were 65,305 total Rivieras produced that year. That means only 0.6% of Riviera production was for convertible models. The seller of today’s Riviera is absolutely right about its rarity.

Appointments for the Riviera were indeed luxurious for the time, complete with power-retractable top, generous woodgrain trim, electronic climate control, and of course that all-important digital dash. The seller calls attention to some rust which is seen inside both door jambs. The underbody also shows some corrosion shown in the photos, so this Riviera could use some love to make it a show piece.

“Private owner sale, reasonable offers accepted,” the listing concludes.

Whether this Riviera makes you think of the glamorous life of the French Riviera or not, there’s no arguing about its rarity in the grand scheme of things.

The seller is asking $11,500 or best offer for this Riviera. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Digital dashes were all the rage in the 1980s, when speedometers, trip computers, and touch-screen climate-control units started making their way into mainstream production cars (especially among luxury American automakers).

The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Buick Riviera convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Longmont, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Rare 1985 Riviera convertible,” the listing begins. “Runs and drives well.” One of the many high-end appointments that the Riviera boasted was a digital instrument panel.

The Riviera was Buick’s first entry into what became known as the personal luxury car segment, and the nameplate was first introduced in 1963. The word itself translates to “coastline” in Italian, and in line with the wealthy target market for this model, the marketing for the Riviera conveyed the appeal of the French Riviera region which has always been known for its vacation resorts and opulence.

Today’s Riviera comes from the final year of the sixth generation which was launched in 1979 on the General Motors E-body platform. The E-body was shared with the Oldsmobile Toronado and the Cadillac Eldorado, and this marked the first time the Riviera had front-wheel drive. A few years later in 1982, a convertible was offered, but it was sold in limited numbers and limited color combinations – it was only available with a white or red exterior, and all convertibles came with red leather interiors.

According to the Standard Catalog of American Cars by James Flammang, there were just 400 Riviera convertibles produced for the 1985 model year. To put that into perspective, there were 65,305 total Rivieras produced that year. That means only 0.6% of Riviera production was for convertible models. The seller of today’s Riviera is absolutely right about its rarity.

Appointments for the Riviera were indeed luxurious for the time, complete with power-retractable top, generous woodgrain trim, electronic climate control, and of course that all-important digital dash. The seller calls attention to some rust which is seen inside both door jambs. The underbody also shows some corrosion shown in the photos, so this Riviera could use some love to make it a show piece.

“Private owner sale, reasonable offers accepted,” the listing concludes.

Whether this Riviera makes you think of the glamorous life of the French Riviera or not, there’s no arguing about its rarity in the grand scheme of things.

The seller is asking $11,500 or best offer for this Riviera. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Of course, it’s powered by a Trans-Am-inspired 302ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include limited-slip differential, folding rear seat, rear window louvers, rear spoiler, and modern stereo upgrade with Bluetooth. Finished in yellow with black vinyl interior, this 1970 Mustang Boss 302 comes with a Deluxe Marti Report and a clear title.

During the four-year restoration, the exterior was finished in the original color of Bright Yellow (code D) with black Boss 302-specific stripes. Features include front chin spoiler, added Shaker hood, color-keyed sport mirrors with driver’s-side remote, and black taillight panel. A walk-around video can be seen on the auction page.

A set of 15-inch reproduction Scott Drake Magnum 500 wheels is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

The front bucket seats and the rest of the cabin are upholstered in black vinyl. Features include folding Sport Deck rear seat, new Borgeson power steering system, center console with storage compartment, Hurst shifter, and RetroSound AM/FM radio with Bluetooth.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 88,935 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by a correct 290-horsepower Boss 302 engine, which features 10.5:1 compression, a high-nickel-content block with four-bolt mains, and performance heads with canted valves and solid lifters. It is paired with a rebuilt RUG-AW Top Loader close-ratio four-speed manual transmission that includes a new clutch assembly.

This Boss 302 was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and 3.91:1 Traction-Lok differential. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 ends on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Of course, it’s powered by a Trans-Am-inspired 302ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include limited-slip differential, folding rear seat, rear window louvers, rear spoiler, and modern stereo upgrade with Bluetooth. Finished in yellow with black vinyl interior, this 1970 Mustang Boss 302 comes with a Deluxe Marti Report and a clear title.

During the four-year restoration, the exterior was finished in the original color of Bright Yellow (code D) with black Boss 302-specific stripes. Features include front chin spoiler, added Shaker hood, color-keyed sport mirrors with driver’s-side remote, and black taillight panel. A walk-around video can be seen on the auction page.

A set of 15-inch reproduction Scott Drake Magnum 500 wheels is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

The front bucket seats and the rest of the cabin are upholstered in black vinyl. Features include folding Sport Deck rear seat, new Borgeson power steering system, center console with storage compartment, Hurst shifter, and RetroSound AM/FM radio with Bluetooth.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 88,935 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by a correct 290-horsepower Boss 302 engine, which features 10.5:1 compression, a high-nickel-content block with four-bolt mains, and performance heads with canted valves and solid lifters. It is paired with a rebuilt RUG-AW Top Loader close-ratio four-speed manual transmission that includes a new clutch assembly.

This Boss 302 was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and 3.91:1 Traction-Lok differential. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 ends on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery