Barrett-Jackson once again demonstrated why it is widely regarded as one of the most influential names in the global collector car auction industry, delivering a landmark performance during its 2026 Palm Beach Auction. Held from April 16–18 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, the event brought together collectors, enthusiasts, celebrities, and philanthropists for a three-day celebration that blended automotive excellence with lifestyle experiences and charitable impact.
A Record-Setting Auction with 100% Sell-Through
The 2026 Palm Beach Auction stood out not just for its scale but for its remarkable efficiency and demand. With a carefully curated docket of 610 collectible vehicles, the auction achieved a rare and impressive 100% sell-through rate—meaning every vehicle offered found a buyer. This outcome underscores the continued strength and resilience of the collector car market, particularly at the high end.
Even more notable was the record-breaking participation. A total of 1,617 registered bidders took part in the auction, marking the highest number ever recorded for a Palm Beach event. This surge in bidder engagement translated directly into strong financial performance, with vehicle sales exceeding $47 million. When combined with automobilia sales, total auction revenue surpassed $48.5 million.
According to Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, the success of the event reflects both the quality of the vehicles offered and the trust placed in the company by buyers and consignors alike. He emphasized that the auction featured an exceptional mix of classic icons and modern supercars, appealing to a broad spectrum of collectors.
Supercars and Restomods Take Center Stage
One of the defining trends of the 2026 Palm Beach Auction was the dominance of high-performance European supercars among the top-selling lots. Leading the pack was a 2016 Pagani Huayra, which achieved a staggering $3.19 million, setting a new all-time record for the Palm Beach Auction. Close behind was the 2025 Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale, which sold for $1.87 million, further highlighting the growing demand for cutting-edge hybrid hypercars.
Other standout sales included:
- A 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista fetching $819,500
- A 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series Project One Edition reaching $770,000
- A 2024 Porsche 911 S/T selling for $665,500
Porsche models, particularly high-performance variants like the 911 GT3 RS Weissach, were especially popular, with multiple examples appearing in the top 10 sales. These results indicate a strong collector appetite for track-focused, limited-production sports cars that combine performance with exclusivity.
At the same time, classic American muscle and vintage icons continued to hold their own. A 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T sold for $368,500, while a 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Targa—famously associated with the television series Magnum P.I.—brought in $379,000.
Restomods also maintained their appeal, blending classic styling with modern engineering. A standout example was the 1951 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, which sold for $330,000, illustrating the enduring popularity of custom-built classics.
Celebrity Adds Star Power
The Palm Beach Auction was not just about cars—it was a full-scale lifestyle event that attracted a wide range of high-profile personalities. Among those were NASCAR champion Kyle Busch and his wife Samantha, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, and entrepreneur Daymond John.
Political and military figures also played a significant role in the event. Tom Wright attended alongside four Medal of Honor recipients, including David Bellavia and Kyle Carpenter. Their presence added a powerful sense of patriotism and purpose, particularly during the charity auctions.
Television personality and custom bike builder Jesse James also joined the festivities, contributing to the event’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Charity at the Heart of the Event
Beyond the impressive sales figures and celebrity appearances, one of the most meaningful aspects of the Palm Beach Auction was its commitment to philanthropy. Barrett-Jackson raised a total of $1.635 million for charitable causes through the sale of four special vehicles.
The highlight of these efforts was the sale of a 2026 GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility (ISV-U), which brought in $1 million to benefit the Medal of Honor Foundation. The moment was made even more powerful by the of Medal of Honor recipients, who were honored on stage in a moving tribute.
Other charitable sales included:
- A 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition, which raised $285,000 for the American Heart Association
- A 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible, which sold for $250,000 benefiting the Ellis Island Honors Society
- A 1979 Porsche 911 SC, which generated $100,000 for Space Coast Honor Flight
Additionally, Samantha Busch announced that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her 1957 Ford Thunderbird would support the Bundle of Joy Fund, an initiative focused on infertility awareness and support.
These contributions bring Barrett-Jackson’s total charitable fundraising to over $171 million, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to giving back.
Automobilia Auction Breaks New Ground
In addition to vehicle sales, the Palm Beach event featured a highly successful automobilia auction, which achieved its best performance in the event’s history. A total of 264 items were sold, generating more than $1.5 million in revenue.
Top-selling items included a vintage Gulf Oil service station sign, a 1958 Corvette Sting Ray pedal car, and a classic Shell Oil neon sign. These pieces highlight the growing interest in automotive memorabilia, which allows collectors to own a piece of automotive history beyond vehicles themselves.
Columbus and Las Vegas Auctions
Following the success of Palm Beach, Barrett-Jackson is preparing for its inaugural Columbus Auction, scheduled for June 25–27 at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds. The company is already accepting consignments and anticipates strong participation, building on the momentum from both Scottsdale and Palm Beach.
Later in the year, Barrett-Jackson will return to Nevada for its Las Vegas Auction, set to take place from September 10–12 at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. These upcoming events are expected to continue the company’s tradition of high-energy auctions and significant sales.
A Reflection of Market Strength
The 2026 Palm Beach Auction serves as a powerful indicator of the health and evolution of the collector car market. The strong demand for modern supercars, combined with sustained interest in classic and custom vehicles, suggests a diverse and expanding collector base.
Equally important is the role of auctions like Barrett-Jackson in fostering community, celebrating automotive culture, and supporting charitable causes. By combining commerce with philanthropy and entertainment, the company continues to set a high standard for what a collector car auction can achieve.
As the automotive world evolves—with electrification, digitalization, and new performance technologies shaping the future—events like the Palm Beach Auction provide a bridge between heritage and innovation. And based on the results of 2026, that bridge is stronger than ever.
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