The 15 coolest cars I saw at Barrett-Jackson 2025
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale now includes a fall auction full of amazing cars, from classics to collectors and novelties. Here are the 15 coolest cars from the 2025 fall show.
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale is a car auction that draws up to half a million attendees annually, with those numbers steadily increasing thanks to the addition of the fall show in 2024. It draws in classic collectors, car enthusiasts, and style admirers alike, all interested in exploring the fantasy and excitement of all the amazing cars, some of which sell at auction for far below MSRP. An anticipated annual event since 1971, this year’s fall event at Westworld met all of the hype with novelty cars, collector’s classics, ultra luxury vehicles, a race track, a tattoo booth from Mesa shop Sea of Ink, delicious food, and more. Ticket prices ranged in price between weekday and weekend entrance. We attended Wednesday—opening day—when it would surely be less busy and still completely full of vehicles to bid on!
The entryway to Westworld was lined with decked-out Shelby trucks, muscle cars, stacks of tires, and welcoming salespeople. Next up was a section of Corvettes, all shiny and new. To my great surprise, just past the ‘vettes was a grand celebration of subculture in the form of travel vehicles. Having traveled most of America solo while living out of my SUV, this held a special place in my heart. One standout of this area was the Ineos Grenadier, which had built-in snorkels, rooftop tents, military-grade technology, and more. This was the first of the many cool cars I saw at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale October 2025 show.
Through the double doors leading out of the first showroom was the notorious auction auditorium. Surrounding the bleachers with an auction floor were vintage signs, old coin-op child rides, and other memorabilia to be bid on prior to the car auction. It looked like grocery stores and gas stations of yesteryear! This main auction room also had the first of many food vendors, including Jamba Juice. Beyond the auction center were rooms and outdoor ports full of vintage vroom vrooms, live music, vendors of novelty and practical wares, and all of the vehicles to be put up for auction. There was even a small racetrack where newer Dodges offered a free-of-charge drifting experience for anyone 8 years of age or older. Once my very lucky kiddos took that opportunity, the excitement over the cars began.
The 15 coolest cars I saw at the show
1964 Amphicar 770
With the recent wet weather of central Arizona, this novelty car may seem like a dream come true. With a strong engine and rear propellers, this German vehicle was intended to drive on both land and water. With only 3,878 produced between 1961 and 1968, this high utility vehicle is a rare collector’s item.
Winning Bid: $99,000
2017 Jeep Wrangler 392 Sema 6×6 Pickup
One of the first 6×6 vehicles built on portal axles, this truck is one-of-a-kind and was designed for a car show in Vegas. Now it travels states on display as a powerful beast of a vehicle, redefining what it means to be ruggedly American. One note stands out: This vehicle may not be emissions-compliant in all states.
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2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
The Vanquish is listed as one of the best film cars ever, as it is what Bond, James Bond, drove. It can also reach 0-60 in 4.1 seconds thanks to the powerful V12 engine. Needless to say, there were many people stopping and drooling over this luxurious sports car. Thank goodness it was roped off, or it would have had small puddles all over it.
Winning Bid: $159,500
1956 Willy’s Jeep Custom Topless SUV
Flintstones anyone? Reimagined with a wood exterior, animal hide seats sans seatbelts, and a custom shifter, this Jeep can drive down the road, yet is mostly for show. It sure is show-stopping, and a definite upgrade from the Stone Age.
Winning Bid: $16,500
1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE
Growing up, I always heard about my Uncle’s Trans Am, but didn’t understand the magnitude of how cool he was for driving one of these. That is, until I was met face to face with this muscle car. This particular model is actually considered the last iconic muscle car of its era, which is a crying shame. Imagine the leather jacket and collected persona someone would need to drive this. Time to give my uncle some major kudos.
Winning Bid: $69,300
1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable Hardtop
One of the first mass-produced hardtop convertibles, this Fairline gives off some serious American Graffiti vibes. With plenty of horsepower via the V8 engine and a stylish look that no modern car can hold a match to, this is a classic done right.
Winning Bid: $55,000
1974 Volkswagen Thing Convertible
Had I not JUST bought a new VW, I would have bid and taken this nostalgic off-road toy home. It was only made from 1973 to 1975, then discontinued due to safety concerns. With good reason, too. The doors are removable and interchangeable, and the windshield folds down flat! While it is built rugged enough for off-roading, the non-stable parts definitely don’t spell safety. It was designed after a military vehicle, lending it an incredibly quirky—and in my opinion fun—design. This particular Thing had a bumper sticker that the next owner will surely also appreciate: “Don’t touch my Thing!”
Winning Bid: $19,250
2021 Vanderhall Carmel Roadster
This “autocycle” looks like a big kid tricycle but drives like a car. It is lightweight, has a removable roof, suicide doors, and is a modern vehicle that actually screams style. While it isn’t common to see this cruising down the highway, it is completely street legal and would add some much-appreciated flavor to the sea of white Teslas.
Winning Bid: $23,100
1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster
Datsun and Toyota both started selling in America in 1958, but Datsun is considered the first Japanese sports car to hit America by storm. With plenty of horsepower to go vroom and a stylish coupe design, this 2000 Roadster set the stage for Japanese racecars of later years.
Winning Bid: $21,450
1972 Chevrolet G10 “Mystery Machine” Recreation
Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you? If you grew up watching this crime-hunting gang, then you will be excited by this well-done Mystery Machine recreation. With a custom paint job, bright carpeting, and a dog-bone shaped table, it’s a mystery who will be brave enough to risk driving this on the 101—especially with snowbird season looming ahead.
Winning Bid: $88,000
1961 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Topless Roadster
Barrett-Jackson was loaded with Corvettes, both new and classic, but something about this custom-built beauty just stood out. In the last 3 years, 1961 Corvettes have sold for as high as $550,000! While this custom one didn’t go for quite that price, it is decked out with high speed, high style, and high class.
Winning Bid: $165,000
1969 Porsche 917k Junior Replica
The 1969 Porsche 917K Junior Replica is a drivable replica of the famous 1969 Porsche 917K Le Mans race car. While it achieves speeds reasonable in neighborhoods—up to 35 MPH—it is mostly considered a toy car for both kids and adults. My son couldn’t stop migrating to this car; something about the smaller size with workable gears really brought out the giddy spirit.
Winning Bid: $11,000
2022 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS PACE CAR
Just as my stepson migrated towards the replica, my stepdaughter lit up at the pink Camaro. This fast car fit for Barbie runs on eight cylinders and is meant for speed and power. Until the show, we’ve had to turn to Forza on Xbox to see it in pink. This is proof that ladies can race, too. Then again, so was the pink Lamborghini in the not-for-sale showroom. Drool.
Winning Bid: $150,000
2022 Devin Z Custom Roadster
This stylish and fast roadster is a one-of-a-kind design built as a tribute to 1956 SCCA champion Bill Devin. Hand-built, 6-speed manual transmission, and a lightweight carbon-fiber body combine to make this tribute a racecar driver’s dream.
Winning Bid: $93,500
Ineos Grenadier
As mentioned in the intro, this vehicle is built like a military tank and has some niche add-ons, such as a snorkel and a roof-top tent. This 4×4 has a towing capacity of over 7,000 lbs, a strong balance of modern features with analog dials, and a stylish, rugged look that makes off-roading look high-class. Pricing is on the higher end but isn’t completely inaccessible for those interested in a new truck or off-road adventure vehicle. We’ll be keeping this vehicle, as well as the Alaskan travel trailer, at the top of our most-wanted toys list.
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