The Arizona Auctions take place this weekend beginning Thursday, January 23, 2025 with exceptional lots being offered by Barrett-Jackson (underway since Monday), Bonhams, and RM Sotheby’s. Lucky for you, your fairy godmotor had given you a $2,025,000 check last month. What will you bid on? Use the auction house’s high estimate and make your picks in the comments below.

Example:
We’ll begin the weekend at the reason there’s an Arizona Auction Week to begin with: Barrett-Jackson. Now in its 54th year, it continues to be the largest draw, expanding to cover the entire week (January 18 – 26). While its beginnings were rooted in pre-war classics, the past decades have seen Barrett-Jackson become a premier source for American muscle. We’ll head over on the evening of the 23rd looking to pick this up:

Lot 852.1 – 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am

This restored 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is one of 3,130 produced for the model year and is powered by its matching-numbers 455ci V8, recently rebuilt and upgraded with Edelbrock heads, an intake manifold and HEI ignition, paired with an automatic transmission. It is factory-equipped with power steering, power brakes and a limited-slip rear axle. It rides on 15×7 Rally II wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich tires. The exterior is finished in Cameo White paint. It features a deluxe white interior with factory-optioned air conditioning. This Trans Am has PHS paperwork.

High estimate: $80,000*

Funds remaining: $1,925,000

* Moto-match high estimate. Barrett-Jackson does not provide estimates

At 10:00 a.m. on the 24th, we’ll head over to RM Sotheby’s at the Arizona Biltmore where we’ll be bidding on this:

Lot 133 – 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ‘Bolt-On Fliptail’

One of just 16 “bolt-on fliptail” V8 Vantages, its numbers-matching Vantage-spec V-8 engine has been confirmed by a BMIHT certificate. A comprehensive restoration completed in 2017 by RSP Motorsports of Komoka, Ontario. Originally an English home-market example, the car was professionally converted to left-hand-drive during restoration and recently treated to over $50,000 in sorting by Fast Cars of Redondo Beach, California.

High estimate: $200,000

Funds remaining: $1,725,000

We’ll stay at RM and wait for our chance to buy this:

Lot 151 – 1970 Iso Grifo 7-Litri Series I by Bertone

This is the final 7-Litri Series I constructed and one of just 15 7-Litri Series I Grifos factory equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, it retains its numbers-matching 7-liter Chevrolet V-8 engine. Factory equipped with desirable optional air conditioning. A comprehensive restoration was completed in 2023, upon which it completed the 2023 Copperstate 1000.

High estimate: $650,000

Funds remaining: $1,075,000

Followed by:

Lot 157 – 1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Fuorilegge by Thornley Kelham

Inspired by a legendary “Olivetti” Mille Miglia and Le Mans entrant, this was built using a hot-rodded Flaminia drivetrain fitted in an original B20GT body modified to period competition style. Produced by Thornley Kelham, one of the world’s foremost Lancia specialists, it’s an incredible piece of engineering and craftsmanship, ideal for any number of historic rallies.

High estimate: $800,000

Funds remaining: $275,000

The following day, we’ll end up at the Bonhams sale, where we’ll vie for this:

LOT 130 – 1961 Land Rover Series II 88-inch Hardtop

This Land Rover Series II was purchased new and delivered at the factory to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Arthur Miller during his famous marriage to Marylin Monroe. It retains it original Sand color with factory hard top. Offered directly from a Miller family member, it is accompanied by the factory invoice and original title in Miller’s name.

High estimate: $80,000

Funds remaining: $195,000

We’ll stay at Bonhams, where not long after acquiring Lot 130, we’ll try to fetch a fetching Pagoda:

LOT 146 – 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL

This rarest of the W113 SL Pagodas with only 5,196 built, this 250 SL is all the more rare for having a factory removable hardtop with a Webasto sliding sunroof. Beautifully presented in light metallic green over tan trim, appointments also include a Becker radio and fitted luggage. It underwent a highly detailed, photo-documented restoration while retaining it numbers matching engine mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox.

High estimate: $180,000

Funds remaining $15,000

It was once referred to as “bargain day.” Sunday at Barrett-Jackson. We’ll finish the weekend there and with our remaining funds, why not go for a Ferrari Rosso Cina 250 GT California Spider:

LOT 191 – 2022 Junior Classic 250 GT California Spider

The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a Ferrari. Even if it’s only half of one. This half-scale 2022 Junior Classic 250 GT California Spyder is powered by an air-cooled 4-stroke engine displacing 110cc. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 3-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox with reverse gear. Despite being a Junior Car, in standard tune, it is rated for a top speed of up to 40 mph. Finished in Ferrari Rosso Cina, it was chosen to harken back to the 1960s Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, Chassis No. 4137GT, which holds the distinction of being the last SWB California Spyder constructed by Ferrari.

High estimate: $15,000*

Funds remaining: 0

* Moto-match high estimate. Barrett-Jackson does not provide estimates