Designated as the “Official Tire of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events,” Bridgestone’s bid for increased recognition among the car-collecting crowd seems to have clinched the sale when the gavel fell during the recent nationally televised Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“The Bridgestone brand enjoyed tremendous exposure through our partnership with Barrett-Jackson at their three premiere auctions in 2008,” says Phil Pacsi, vice president of consumer tire marketing.
“We welcomed thousands of visitors to our display area over the course of the events, where they experienced the world-class technology, high performance and style, for which Bridgestone tires are renowned,” Pacsi adds.
The company had a display transporter on-site in Scottsdale, featuring diverse show vehicles such as the Canepa Design Aston Martin Vantage and race-prepared BMW Z4 M coupe, as well as a rare Ducati Desmosedici motorcycle and a racing kart – all mounted with Bridgestone performance tires.
Employees were available on the bidding floor to educate visitors about the firm’s products, answer fitment questions and distribute literature. Auction attendees also had a chance to win a free set of Bridgestone tires for their personal vehicle.
Highlights included a record 14 vehicles that were auctioned-off for charity plus the first production Ford Thunderbird, which rolled off the assembly line on Sept. 9, 1954.
The winning bid for the 1955 T-Bird was $660,000.
Ruminating on the prices being paid for rare, unusual or otherwise unique vehicles, McKeel Hagerty of the Hagerty Insurance Agency and an authority on collector-car valuation techniques has compiled his own choices for “Hagerty’s Top 10 Future Collector Car Picks.”
“In creating this year’s list we took a look at cars available as new models for 2009 that will have collector appeal in 15 or 20 years,” Hagerty explains. “These are mass produced cars with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $50,000.” Included are a wide range of models spanning numerous market segments along with Hagerty’s commentary:
Hagerty’s Hot List
1. Acura TSX: This could be the car that the young “tuner car” enthusiasts of today choose to purchase as their “tuner collector” of tomorrow.
2. BMW 1-Series Twin Turbo: This is a new car launch that has the right ingredients: Superior engineering, affordable price, nimble and fast performance.
3. Chevrolet Camaro: Just like the new Mustang and Challenger, this is a retro throwback that will stand out as a collectible bowtie down the road.
4. Dodge Challenger SRT: Mopar enthusiasts have been waiting a long time for this much anticipated tribute to one of the icons of the muscle car era.
5. Ford Flex: This is a different (and we think cool) vehicle for Ford this year. It is edgier than the Edge, and still caters to the growing crowd who cannot decide between a station wagon, mini-van or SUV.
6. Ford Mustang: The 2010 Mustang will be available in early 2009. Even though this is a refresh of the current retro model, it has features never before offered on a Mustang. The interior creature comforts such as dual climate control, impressive stereo/navigation systems, and a back-up camera make this more than just an American muscle car.
7. Mini Clubman S: The Clubman is a slightly larger version of the already popular Mini. Mix this new model with the performance of the “S” model Mini and we’re certain this will have a following by collector car enthusiasts.
8. Pontiac G8 GXP: This new affordable family sedan with a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds definitely stands out in a segment filled with many not-so-exciting competitors.
9. Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe: The Solstice has been out for several years now, but only in the form of a convertible. The convertible has been positively received and we predict the first year for the new Coupe version will stand out in the future as well.
10. Nissan 370Z: Throughout the nearly 40-year history of the Z car, these always seem to gain collectible status. The new 370Z appears much less an evolution of the previous 350Z and more of a tribute to the original Z car design. We like this Z and expect you will too.
For more information, visit www.bridgestone-firestone.com, www.hagerty.com and www.barrett-jackson.com.
