Duane Beckett
Barrett-Jackson is world famous for its auctions. Most people think cars, but it’s far more than that. For instance, at the most recent January 17-25 Scottsdale Auction, the automobilia segment sold 949 authentic pieces from history, with no reserve, and hit a massive $4.7 million in sales.
Information from Classic Car Auctions shows that among those sales, the top three lots included:
- An $80,500 sale of a 1920s Maple Leaf Gasoline Clear Vision Model #700 twin visible gas pump (Lot 9460).
- A $78,200 sale for a circa 1950s Airport Motel neon porcelain sign (Lot 9480).
- And a $57,500 custom 1960s-style Shelby Cobra go-kart nicknamed “High Note” (Lot 9580.1).
Barrett-Jackson’s own write-up of their automobilia was “Neon, Nostalgia and Big Numbers,” with gas pumps, signs, and kiddie rides taking the spotlight. If you haven’t watched it, check out their YouTube preview, as the items were man cave treasure.
The pump that stole the room
The top selling automobilia item was the 1920s Maple Leaf Clear Vision Model #700 pump. It sold for $80,000, and it’s the kind of piece that looks like art meets industrial design, wrapped in garage décor.
Barrett-Jackson’s listing language called it a true concours-quality restoration, and that’s usually auction-speak for someone truly obsessed with every surface detail.
One look at the item and it’s easy to see why collectors hunt such items down and are willing to spend big money. It’s a statement piece, one that other collectors are unlikely to have and covet.
What makes automobilia different?
Over the thirty years I’ve been collecting, automobilia has gone from something people do quietly into one of the more common areas. It’s an extension of motoring interests, but more often accessible items that don’t cost five figures to build an attractive collection.
It ranges from signs to pumps, globes, even vending machines and old-school garage displays. Literally, any roadside artifact, the type many of us grew up seeing without thinking twice. Today, the sign you used to throw stones at is now a collector’s item, with people fighting furiously in auction rooms to own it.
CarPro reported that automobilia continued to gain traction, pointing to strong bidding beyond vehicles alone at Scottsdale.
Simple tips for first-time buyers
If you’re new, consider the following tips rather than letting passion get the better of you at auction:
- Don’t buy damaged items, as restoration can get expensive fast.
- Make sure you know what’s original vs. restored on any item you look to buy. This can and should impact the value.
- If buying based on history, for example, a celebrity once owned it, check the provenance. Make sure it’s coming from trusted sources, with paperwork to back up its history.
- Set yourself a limit and don’t go over, no matter how much you fall in love with an item.
- Always remember to factor in the buyer’s premium on top of the sale price.
- Plan for shipping and insurance with any purchase. These add-ons can cause purchases to spiral in cost.
Most importantly, collect what you’d still love in a decade’s time. Don’t just follow trends, as they can change values over time (not just positively).
The next Barrett-Jackson auction is at Palm Beach on April 16–18, 2026. It then goes to Columbus on June 25–27, and Las Vegas on September 10–12, 2026. Expect more automobilia at each and every auction.