Thomas Barrett III, Co-Founder Of Barrett-Jackson Auction Co.
Bill Schenley
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0422barrett22.html
Thomas Barrett III, who co-founded and built the
Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. into the Rolls Royce of classic
car auctions, died Tuesday of a massive heart attack. The
Paradise Valley resident was 75.
The annual Scottsdale auction, which began in 1971 with the
pairing of Barrett and fellow classic-car collector Russell
Jackson, showcased thousands of million-dollar vintage cars
over the years, drawing the attention of Hollywood
celebrities and Average Joes, alike.
He searched the garages of the world to add to his
collection and came to acquire the vehicles of both the
celebrated and feared in history. Along with a Duesenberg
owned by Clark Gable, Barrett tracked down a staff car of
Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and two of Adolf Hitler's
parade cars.
"But my dad was very patriotic," his son Thomas Barrett IV
said. "He liked to drive Cadillac limousines."
That first auction in 1971 caught the attention of the world
when Barrett's Mercedes 770 Phaeton sold for $153,000. The
auction has weathered the highs and lows of the economy but
rose to prominence in the 1980s. This year's auction in
January was the highest ever, taking in $38.5 million in
sales.
Jackson, who co-founded the auction, died in 1993 and
Barrett retired around that same time. Jackson's sons, Craig
and Brian, took over day-to-day operation. Brian died in
1995. Two years later, the Jacksons bought out the Barretts.
Craig Jackson said he was saddened by the death.
"He was larger than life; he lived life to the maximum,"
Jackson said. "He was just the most gregarious man, and he
spent money like it was water."
Jackson said his father and Barrett were at the forefront of
a burgeoning industry.
"Tom had been one of the greatest car collectors and they
really made history," he said.
The auction began in a dirt lot next to the Safari Resort in
Scottsdale. In 1979 it was moved to Phoenix Municipal
Stadium. The late Scottsdale Mayor Herb Drinkwater lured the
auction back to Scottsdale 10 years later.
A memorial service will be at noon Wednesday at Valley
Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive in Paradise
Valley.
Survivors include son Thomas Barrett IV; daughters Sandy
Barrett, Holly Barrett Coumbe and Catherine Jean Barrett;
and former wife, Bonnie Jean Barrett.
---
Also:
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/