Well, it's that time of year again. Barrett Jackson is happening. Rory always does a fine job in holding the Automobilia Auction. The inventory holds something for everyone. Kick off it today and runs for the week. Paul www.severngaspumps.com

Yep, we're here all week … the whole event is quite a show.

Quite a show for sure!! People with no knowledge, playing "MY WALLET IS BIGGER THAN YOURS"!!

my guess Blair is that you've never been here.

I have been there and it is quite a show, plenty to do, and yes you must have lots of money. There is always a show off aspect to every male event for sure and this is no exception. Plenty of great people and plenty of egos for sure. But to tell you the truth, you have to go once at least to enjoy everything, even the people watching and looking at the beautiful cars and everything else that is sold.

I was a vendor for 4 years. Does that qualify me Duane?

I'd say it definitely would! I don't disagree with your observation in regard to bidding /purchasing … but I've noticed in recent years the auction(s) is almost becoming secondary to the event. Tesla and BMW joined the other car companies in the manufacturing pavilion this year … the new Tesla SUV is off the hook. Got to drive the new Ford Edge Sport model at the Ford display, bought a bunch of detailing supplies at half off, and just tons of other fun stuff. I guess all I'm saying is if you're a car guy … BJ is an awesome place to spend a week in January when you live in the cold Midwest. And … I did pick up a sign at the auction that I had been looking for … didn't overpay and won't go back to the automobilia auction the rest of the week.

Duane, Thanks for sharing your real-world experience to those of us who haven't been there.

as for auction items... plenty of items go for absurd prices... thats the Barrett Jackson effect! But that is not the norm, at least not this year. Tons of items went super reasonable, borderline cheap in most cases. I am far from rich and I was able to purchase 7 items from the automobilia auctions... each one I felt went well below retail value.

I will say, what a magnificent collection of Tire signs that was consigned this year... possibly the best collection of tire signs that I've seen or heard of.

Descriptions also seemed better than in the past... lots of details and mentioning of touchup if there was some.

Since Ringling Bros isn't an option, it is a viable circus like event. I enjoyed my time and the stupid money people will spend. I eventually was at 150% of my normal retail price and still cheaper than the other guys. My last show expenses were just over $3500.00 for 4 days, which sounds like a lot, but $65,000.00 in sales is kind of a good investment!!