BARRETT-JACKSON 2026 RESULTS: Rick Hendrick buys VIN 001 Corvette ZR1 for $3.7 million at the Scottsdale auction.
The desert air at WestWorld of Scottsdale is thick with the scent of high-octane fuel and record-breaking bids as the 2026 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction enters its final, high-stakes weekend.
On Monday evening, the arena reached a fever pitch when NASCAR team owner and legendary collector Rick Hendrick placed a winning bid of $3.7 million for the first retail production 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (VIN 001).
The sale, which saw 100% of the hammer price donated to the American Red Cross, set a new high-water mark for charity sales at the auction and signaled a massive year for the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.”
The Star of the Block: “King of the Hill” ZR1
The 1,064-horsepower “Stars & Steel” edition Corvette wasn’t just a car; it was a statement. Wrapped in a unique Dark Satin Steel matte finish, the vehicle represents the pinnacle of American engineering as General Motors gears up for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- The Buyer: Rick Hendrick’s purchase continues his tradition of snagging “VIN 001” milestones, having previously purchased the first mid-engine C8 Corvette in 2020.
- The Impact: The $3.7 million proceeds will directly fund American Red Cross disaster relief efforts across the United States.
- What’s Next: The charity momentum continues this Saturday, January 24, with the auction of the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC (VIN 001), benefiting Breakthrough T1D.
Celebrity Row: From Tim Allen to Kevin Hart
This year’s docket features an unusually high density of “star cars” that have drawn massive crowds to the viewing tents.
- Tim Allen’s 2017 Ford GT: Finished in rare Tungsten Gray with only 937 miles, the “Home Improvement” star’s supercar is expected to be one of the top five highest-priced non-charity sales of the week.
- Kevin Hart’s Retro-Bronco: The comedian is parting with a custom-built 2024 Ford Bronco that looks like a 1960s classic but houses a modern EcoBoost engine and luxury black leather interior.
- David Spade’s 1978 F-250: The SNL alum brought his “Dentside” 4×4 to the block, proving that vintage trucks remain one of the hottest segments in the 2026 market.
Top Sales & Anticipated Lots (As of Jan 22, 2026)
| Vehicle | Sale Type | Price / Estimate | Status |
| 2025 Corvette ZR1 (VIN 001) | Charity | $3,700,000 | SOLD |
| 2017 Ford GT (Tim Allen) | Reserve | $1,200,000 – $1,500,000 | Pending (Sat) |
| 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL | No Reserve | $1,800,000 – $2,100,000 | Pending (Sat) |
| 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda “Notorious” | No Reserve | $850,000+ | SOLD |
| 2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R | Reserve | $600,000+ | Pending (Fri) |
The “Notorious” Custom Steals the Show
While Ferraris and Fords dominate the numbers, the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda nicknamed “Notorious“ won the hearts of the custom community. Built by Rides by Kam, the car features a 900hp NASCAR engine capable of revving to 9,000 RPM. After a fierce bidding war that lasted nearly eight minutes, the hammer dropped at a staggering price, cementing it as one of the most valuable restomods ever sold in Scottsdale.
“We are seeing a shift where the ‘one-of-one’ customs are starting to rival the blue-chip European classics in value,” said Craig Jackson, CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “People don’t just want a car; they want a piece of art that they can actually drive at 100 miles per hour.”
