FIRST-TIMERS GUIDE: Going to the Barrett-Jackson 2023 Palm Beach Auction

April 3, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

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We’re excited to welcome you to Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach Auction for the very first time! With so much to see and do, you won’t want to miss a thing. Enhance your auction experience with these tips and navigate the event like a pro.

The Palm Beach Auction is a three-day event held April 13-15 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The auction features over 600 collector vehicles with both indoor and covered outdoor car displays, along with over 300 automobilia items, all selling with No Reserve to the highest bidder. The event offers Hot Laps and Thrill Rides from top automakers, indoor and outdoor shopping as part of the vast Exhibitor Marketplace, fascinating sponsor displays and a festival of food and beverages.

CPS_4810To optimize your event experience, check out the Barrett-Jackson website or download the Barrett-Jackson Live app ahead of the event to see the schedule of events, vehicles and automobilia offered for sale, ticket information and more.

The South Florida Fairgrounds provides a bit of that of beach vacation vibe with just the right sprinkling of palm trees and grassy areas to suggest a tropical oasis. Upon entering the auction site, you are greeted with spectacular sponsor displays showcasing new vehicles, aftermarket accessories, official merchandise and more. As you reach the far side of this pavilion, you’ll notice a hallway that leads to the auction arena, or you can continue out the glass doors to a beautiful atrium full of lush vegetation that would be considered delicate houseplants most anywhere else in the world. To the left you will find auction vehicles and to the right the auction offices, where you may register to bid or settle up with a cashier after placing the winning bid on your dream vehicle. From there you can make your way to the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track, the Showcase Pavilion (where many of the not-to-be-missed vehicles are on display), the Midway for a bite to eat and a close-up look at the vehicles in the staging lanes, and the Auction Arena, where all the exciting bidding action takes place.

PB22_ThrillRides_003MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS
The main attraction is the spectacular array of collector vehicles. To make the most of your visit, plan to spend some time browsing the Lots. A “Lot” is the object, or vehicle in this case, that is offered for sale at the auction as a single unit. You can even give your favorite Lots a “heart” in the Barrett-Jackson Live app and store them in your “garage” so you can easily see when they will be sold and what their sale price was.

Another can’t-miss attraction is the Automobilia Auction, featuring nostalgic collectibles on the auction block each day prior to the sale of vehicles. Automobilia includes everything from authentic period-correct neon signs to kiddie rides, vintage gas pumps and other collectibles.

If you have a need for speed, be sure to check out the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track and go for a breathtaking Hot Lap or Thrill Ride with a professional driver in the latest vehicles from top manufacturers.

For those who love shopping, check out the vast Exhibitor Marketplace, where you will find everything from one-of-a-kind sculptures to jewelry, unique home décor and maybe even a new die-cast car or two.

PB22_Site_042Fast facts to get you moving at top speed while visiting the event:

PB22_Site_053Pro Tips

Because there is so much to see and do, plan on spending more than one day at the event. You will want to wear sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Thursday offers an energetic atmosphere and Friday ramps it up a bit, while Saturday is your opportunity to see the showcase vehicles cross the auction block, the highest chance to see a vehicle sell for an auction world record price or catch a glimpse of a celebrity.

There is ample free parking available, or you can opt for the valet and drop your car off right at the front door. You can also skip parking altogether and use rideshare services.

While Florida is known as the Sunshine State, it’s also known to have a rain shower or two. With that in mind, most of the auction site is under cover and air-conditioned, with the exception of the outdoor exhibitors. As any Florida native will tell you, it’s always best to be prepared and pack a small umbrella.

Becoming a Bidder
The first step is obtaining a bidder badge (it’s different than what you see in the movies, where people raise a paddle). Once you’ve registered, your starting bid can be as low or as high as you’d like.

Going through the registration process and getting your bidder badge just takes a few simple steps. You can start online at Barrett-Jackson.com, call the bidder department at 480-421-6694 or easily sign up on-site at the auction office.

You will need to provide evidence of financial credibility in the form of a Bank Letter of Guaranty, pre-approval with Woodside Credit (a nationwide collector car finance company) or a Wire Transfer Guaranty, each with a minimum limit of $30,000. Alternatively, you can provide a cashier’s check or bank wire transfer deposit of 10% of the limit you desire (the minimum deposit required is $9,000 for a bid limit of $90,000). Proof of vehicle insurance is also required.

PB22_Site_044Directions and Parking
The event is located at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33441.

Directional signage will guide you to general parking at the Fairgrounds as well as overflow lots. Both paid and complimentary parking options are available, and there is a free shuttle that will take you from the lot to the main entrance. There is also a designated area for rideshare pick-up and drop-off located near the main entrance.

Where to Stay

Barrett-Jackson partners with Hotels for Hope, which donates a portion of all hotel room rates booked to charity. A link is available on the Barrett-Jackson website by clicking “Hotels” on the navigation bar. Popular options include the West Palm Beach Marriott and Hilton West Palm Beach, which are both just minutes from the auction site.

All of us at Barrett-Jackson look forward to seeing you at the Palm Beach event. If we can be of any assistance, whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been to the event dozens of times, please visit our website at Barrett-Jackson.com, reach out to us with questions at 480-421-6694 or email information@Barrett-Jackson.com.