As predicted, the hype for the forthcoming Scottsdale mega-auctions is well under way, with Barrett-Jackson announcing another raft of classics for sale at its 15-22 January sale.
With virtually all the major auction houses now having a high-profile event in Arizona around the same time, we can promise that the 128 cars consigned from 12 "collections" entered for B-J's 41st Scottsdale outing will be just the tip of the iceberg.
But for now, we will have to make do with the mouthwatering teasers from a mixture of private sellers and a few rather more commercial "collections" (hence our use of the speech marks).
Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, said: "This year Barrett-Jackson is honouring its roots and the tradition of selling great classics and pre-war vehicles which was inspired by our founders Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett. Many of these collections honour that tradition and others lay a new foundation for future collectibles. We’re proud to present the world’s most valuable, collectible and coveted cars."
With the largest collection crossing the block – 27 no-reserve classics from his Big Pop’s Garage Museum, including the well-known '69 Camaro The Intimidator (lead picture) – North Carolina's Jimmy Richardson added: "I’m just an old car guy who loves the hobby. I enjoy collecting. I’m keeping a few and I will keep buying."
Star of the 19-car Richard Hubbard entry is a custom 1939 Lincoln Zephyr convertible that has been on television several times and is a multiple concours invitee.
Ron Pratte is selling 15 cars, most interesting of them a 1947 Bentley Franay MkVI drop-top. In 1999 it won the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club's Royce Memorial Trophy and "best of the bests of show" award.
If that is a little too conventional, Thomas Gephart is sending four of his Wild Rides cars including Mere Image, the 1934 Ford roadster that was declared Most Beautiful Roadster at the Oakland Roadster Show.
Other collections (with a single teaser we've decided to add for each, plus a couple of extra for Blackhawk due to sheer wow factor) include:
