We have a close, car-enthusiast friend that’s been involved with Barrett-Jackson for years. Bryan is retired from his career in city government, freeing up even more time to happily work tirelessly at the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction”. As a matter fact, his daughter Emily works at Barrett-Jackson full time, playing a much larger role keeping things moving along smoothly behind the scenes. Technically, she’s her dad’s boss. What a hoot.
Bryan and his daughter Emily take a break just long enough to get a photo.
And, just in case you were questioning her automotive prowess, I must remind you she’s Bryan’s daughter, and… I give you this:
Yep, that’s her truck.
Steve and Bryan go way back to their college days together. I first met Bryan when Steve and I had our first fight. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Way back in 1980, Steve and Bryan drove from NAU to go to the Long Beach Grand Prix. I wasn’t invited. Steve had not yet understood how much I love racing. I used to drag my best friend Pam to all the local So-Cal races; bracket, drags, motocross, you name it. Anything but the expensive races. Who had the money for that?
By-passing my house, the guys went straight to Long Beach. Granted, Bryan invited Steve, but c’mon! He didn’t even think to stop by? This was back in the days of waiting for the phone to ring, or the mailman to arrive to hear from my long distance boyfriend. There were no such things as answering machines, much less cell phones and email. He was busy with his life in Northern Arizona, but I was working full time, going to night school, and lived for the letters and phone calls between actual visits. Now, not only did he drive right past my hometown, but he was going to a race, and I was not invited.
I think you understand.
In the years following, the Long Beach Grand Prix became an annual event for us. Bryan, Steve, me, and at first our friends, then our parents joined in. Bryan became acquainted with the founder of the event, Chris Pook, and we had the inside track to future developments. We eventually were neighbors with the likes of Mario Andretti and Paul Newman, in an eight RV secured compound on the back straight of the race track. We were the only private party in the compound, not corporate sponsored, not involved with any racing team. Imagine that. Three twenty-somethings and their guests. We pulled out all the stops, catering breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 25, decorating with linen tablecloths, checkered flags, and astroturf on the pavement. A long way from our early years at LBGP, just a bunch of college kids with guitars, a case of beer, and a borrowed RV. Oh, the memories!
Fast forward many, many years, and everything aligned just right. Steve and I are on a cross-country RV trip, soon to be in West Palm Beach, Florida. Bryan and Emily are due to be at Barrett-Jackson’s event also in West Palm Beach, Florida. Bryan invited us to join them, and presto! We are Bryan and Emily’s guests at the famed auction, behind the scenes, and, in an unexpected moment, actually up on the auction block!
Up on the auction block!
Such a different perspective from up on the block.
We were free to roam the dozens of tents shading the cars going up for sale, or have already had their time on the auction block.
Bryan keeping things moving along.
Quick! Snap the pick! This guy’s time here is all business.
Many years, many models, all remarkable.
Sentimental car right there.
Stopped by to check in with Bryan, only to see this. I’ll just leave him to do what he does best.
We went on the hunt for Emily, and it may have been a bit of a wait, since she was coordinating the live online broadcast. We captured her just long enough:
President George W. Bush’s Texas ranch truck. Regardless of your politics, kinda cool.
Take a good look, in a moment you’ll see, out of all the available drivers, who was trusted with this big draw.
Oh my, how I would LOVE to own this beauty!!!
Soooo purdy.
Purists look the other way, but I love this detail.
This was Bryan’s favorite car at this particular auction. If it’s his favorite, you know it’s special.
This photo is for our dear friend, Becky. That last name listed is her Dad’s.
Wish you were here with us, Becky!
$?!
Oh, and the president’s truck? Here it is on it’s way to the auction block:
Yep, none other than this girl was the trusted driver:
Way to go, Emily!
All we can say after all this car nirvana is, thank you SO MUCH Bryan and Emily! Great to see you both!!!