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The Return of the King…Mr. Norm’s new GSS Hemi Dart represents the 1960’s at 100th Chicago Auto Show

Grayslake, IL - February 2008 (For immediate release)

View the Full Photo Gallery of Mr. Norm's GSS HEMI Dart at the 2008 Chicago Auto Auto Show

Mr. Norm stages a Chicago homecoming as his new GSS HEMI Dart makes its 2008 Chicago Auto Show Debut. The 1968 GSS HEMI Dart has been chosen to represent the 1960’s in the 100 Years of the Chicago Auto Show display hosted by the Volo Auto Museum. “The Volo Auto Museum display, is located in the North building…” said Greg Grams, proprietor of the Lake County based auto museum. “Our educational display illustrates how much progress the industry and this show have made during the past 107 years.”

The decade of 1960 – 1969 will be illustrated by the 1968 GSS HEMI Dart with a 725 hp 528ci Hemi V8 developed by the Iconic “Mr. Norm” of Chicago’s Grand Spaulding Dodge fame. Norm Kraus and the Chicago automobile scene have been linked for more than 60 of those 100 years. In 1948 he began his automotive career selling used cars with his brother from a gas station their father Harvey owned, located at the corner of Grand and Spaulding in Chicago. The famous appellation "Mr Norm" first appeared, due to a space limitation in a newspaper ad selling performance oriented cars. The name stuck and Norm Kraus became "Mr. Norm."

The new Grand Spaulding Dodge showroom and service department was built in 1963. Tying in the performance theme that was established from the onset, the "Mr. Norm’s Sport Club" was started and the relationship with youthful performance purchasers was further developed. The first Clayton Chassis Dynamometer was installed in the service department and the dealership began selling "Mr. Norm’s" racing apparel. By 1965 Norm teamed up with Gary Dyer and began match racing with a factory altered wheel base Supercharged Hemi Dodge Coronet that changed the course of racing forever, laying the groundwork for what became the professional Funny Car Category.

Mr. Norm developed the first 383 Dart that became the prototype for the factory 383 Dart GTS in 1967. In 1968 Mr. Norm also developed the first 440 Dart GSS that became the prototype for the factory M Code 440 Dart GTS. Mr. Norm also sold the majority of the legendary Hurst/Campbell-built 1968 Hemi Darts. By this time Mr. Norm had well earned the honorary title of the “Hi-Performance King”

Many who grew up in Chicago during the 60’s will remember the “Get with the Go Group” jingle on WLS radio, the many "Mr. Norm’s" Sport Club social/dances with The Buckingham’s as feature music group took place at the dealership, hot summer nights spent hanging out in the Grand Spaulding Dodge dyno bay on South side of Chicago at 3300 West Grand Avenue.

If you are too young to have been in the bleachers to watch the Mr. Norm’s Super Charger dominate the factory backed Ramchargers on their home turf at Ubly Dragway in Michigan, you may have still witnessed many “Mr. Norm’s” vehicles crashing through Dixie Square Mall or piled up at the intersection of Illinois Routes 12 & 176, in Wauconda, IL in the film the "Blues Brothers". Grand Spaulding Dodge fleet department became so large in 1975 that it supplied many of the Chicago Police Department cars, as well as the Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Transportation and many municipalities. Special orders of police pursuit vehicles equipped with 440 Magnum V8 engines were dyno-tuned for maximum power.

It is particularly fitting that the Mr. Norm’s new Hemi GSS Dart has been chosen as the benchmark contribution of the 1960’s automotive history at the 100th Anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show. At age 72, Mr. Norm by have already received Hall of Fame Status and at least one Lifetime Achievement Award, but he is hardly content to rest on his laurels. Just like he did in 1968, Mr. Norm is once again revolutionizing the way performance vehicles are created and sold. The vehicle that will be on display is the pre-production prototype of the Limited Edition New GSS Series. These aren’t “continuation” or “tribute” cars, this is a new GSS program developed by Mr. Norm and his hand picked team.

Designed to blend the finest 21st century components and technology with classic muscle car style, this is the Hemi Dart that Mr. Norm would have offered in 1968 had the methods and products existed. The Mr. Norm’s GSS Hemi Dart exceeds the performance of the original in every category, making it a far superior vehicle. Amongst the notable features is a base 472 cubic-inch HEMI which makes street friendly 610hp on 91 octane pump gas. Each drive-train component, like the transmissions and rear-ends, are dyno tested to withstand up to 850hp to ensure they are able to take to punishment of even the biggest optional Hemi mill. This would be the all-aluminum 572 cubic inch Hemi headed monster which produces a mind bending 825 horsepower, also on everyday 91 unleaded.

Another note worthy aspect of this new GSS is the use of nearly zero body filler. Each of the 40 Limited Edition GSS Darts requires 400 hours of body prep and the use of leading-edge water-jet technology. This process means the body is stripped down to bare metal using a solution treated with a potent rust inhibitor. Each Dart is then painted in sealer, basecoat, intermediate tinted clear, final clearcoat layers, and then baked at 150 degrees for thirty minutes. Once final assembly is complete, each GSS is dyno-tuned, road tested and dialed in so its owner can enjoy hassle free performance. On the day of delivery, Mr. Norm himself will show up and present your new GSS. The customer is still king.

The 1968 GSS HEMI Dart being featured at the 100th Chicago Auto Show signals the return of the Hi-Performance King. The New GSS Dart itself marks the beginning of an entire line of classic GSS Performance Vehicles. Mr. Norm has also teamed up with noted custom vehicle designer Larry Weiner of Performance West Group and respected collectable automobile marketer Patrick Krook of Show Your Auto LLC to offer a limited edition series of 2008 Mr. Norm's Hemi Ram 1500 Super Trucks. The Super Truck promises to be the first of many modern Mr. Norm’s Super Cars.

Show Your Auto LLC is the exclusive retail sales agent for both the Mr. Norm’s GSS and Mr. Norm’s Super Car programs. For more information about Mr. Norm’s Performance Vehicles can be found at: MrNormsPerformance.com

Mr. Norm’s Super Truck- Online Auction to kick-off first new Mr. Norm’s model in 35 years.

Grayslake, IL February, 2008…For Immediate Release:

To officially kick-off the sale of the first brand new Mr. Norm’s performance model in more than 35 years, we will be auctioning off production Mr. Norm’s Super Truck Serial #1 AND the Mr. Norm’s Super Truck Concept on eBay Motors on, Wednesday February 20th. The 10 day online auction conducted by ShowYourAuto.com will end on Wednesday the 27th.

The 2008 Mr. Norm’s HEMI Ram 1500 Super Truck is built on the formula that made Mr. Norm famous; fueling passion while respecting the person. That is demonstrated once more in this collectible truck you can really drive. When Mr. Norm ordered performance oriented Mopars new at Grand Spaulding Dodge, he configured each batch to be the best model possible for performance upgrade, carefully choosing the options he knew his customers wanted, allowing them to personalize each vehicle once they took delivery. This time tested approach shows why Mr. Norm is still the King of High Performance. The result is a 2008 Super Truck that gives you real performance, real personalization, and real collectible value delivered at a tremendous value and convenience.

The Mr. Norm’s Concept Super Truck has certainly generated tremendous buzz, premiering at SEMA as the lead vehicle in the Sony Exhibit, being featured in the Dodge Exhibit at numerous auto shows, and earning a ton a magazine coverage. A steady stream of Mopar Enthusiasts began calling in asking if there were any Super Trucks left, eager to put down pre-build deposits. Now that the build have been authorized to begin, we don’t expect that the remainder of the 100 unit build to last very long. It takes approximately 12 weeks to build and deliver a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck (NST). With the ’08 production run ending in late April, the most owners should have their truck just in time for the summer driving season.

The first step is to contact a build advisor at Show Your Auto LLC to choose your colors and options. Most buyers will likely opt for a 4X2 standard cab set-up, but you can get your Super Truck in a Quad Cab and 4X4 if you choose. You can also add any available factory option available on the 2008 Ram 1500 SLT. NST Package Includes, all the factory SLT and Sport package equipment, factory 20" x 9.0" Aluminum Chrome Clad Wheels, Classic 1970 Super Bee style Graphics w/ Mr. Norm's Logo, Viper Ram Hood with integrated Scoop, Billet Fuel Door w/Mr. Norm's Logo, Simulated Chrome Hood Pins & Lanyards, Mr. Norm's Windshield Banner, Custom Tri-Tone Leather Bucket Seat Interior w/ Mr. Norms Logo embroidered on Headrests, Mr. Norm's Serial Number Plate with Signature, and THE RIGHT TO RESERVE A 2009 MR. NORM'S SRT-8 SUPER CHALLENGER. This top-quality high content package is reasonably priced at $6,750. The only other factory installed NST option is the “Viper Ram” front fascia, which includes the complete under tray and operational brake ducts.

Originally, the Super Truck was to be offered in stock color choices with custom stripes, Electric Blue with Black Stripes, Electric Blue with White Stripes, and Silver with Black Stripes. People were screaming for the concept truck color, Screaming Hemi Orange, Mr. Norm stepped up and added a Show Paint option. This would add some time to the build, and at $17,000 the option is not for the budget minded. What you do get is a show quality Sherwin-Williams Planet Color custom paint job performed by the same professionals that painted the show truck. Even the stripes and the “Super Truck” logo would be painted on and “buried” underneath the clear coat. For those who really want to stand apart, even in amongst an elite class of 100, the Show Paint option is a logical choice.

Once your NST is configured, a $1,500 deposit secures your Mr. Norm’s Super Truck serial number. They are given in a strict first-come, first served, basis. By cooperating with a single dealer for the entire production run, we have eliminated the possibility of the gross dealer markup we’ve seen pervade the market with other limited production vehicles. Just like Mr. Norm did at Grand Spaulding Dodge, we want to give all Mopar enthusiasts equal opportunity. This also gives you the flexibility to finance the NST and dispose of a trade-in in the same way you would any other new vehicle. Every single 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with the standard Mr. Norm's Super Truck Package is covered under the Chrysler Limited Lifetime Powertrain Warranty.

Once the build is complete, your Super Truck courtesy shipped to your local Dodge Dealer at no additional cost to you. They will prep the vehicle and present your new Mr. Norm’s Super Truck to you.

Owning a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck is like holding the golden ticket. Your serial number gets you exclusive Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ upgrades and custom appearance accessories. Just like Mr. Norm did at his dealership in the 60’s, these performance enhancements can be made directly at the dealership or other authorized installer. Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ options include a 50 State Legal Kenne Bell Supercharger that will boost the stock 5.7L Hemi rating to a street friendly500hp. Handling and braking can also be enhanced courtesy of Mr. Norm’s Super Handling Package by Hotchkis and 14” Cross Drilled, Slotted and Ventilated 4 wheel disc brakes by SSBC.

As you can tell, only top shelf suppliers were selected for the Mr. Norm’s brand. If they aren’t top quality and don’t actually add to the performance of the vehicle, they don’t get the Performance Proven™ Flying Ram. Mr. Norm’s objective was to offer an SRT-10 level of performance that was lighter, easier to live with day-to-day and provided better gas mileage than the venerable Viper powered SRT-10. It is safe to say, in this case, “mission accomplished” actually means something.

Whether you choose to upgrade right away or wish to drive it a while, any Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ add-on made by the first owner will be recorded in the Mr. Norm’s registry as original. This give you the flexibility to customize your truck as your needs change.

You can be one of only 100 to own a Limited Edition Mr. Norm’s Super Truck including for as low as $32,275. Even fully loaded with available Performance Proven ™ upgrades, a 4x2 standard cab comes to about $42,000 before tax, title, & license with estimating cash incentives.

If you are even thinking about buying a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck, remember, once all 100 are spoken for, there will be no more. Contact “Mr. Krook” of Show Your Auto LLC and become one of only 100 to build the Mr. Norm’s Dodge Ram Super Truck Today! Call 847-838-3749 or Email MrNorms@ShowYourAuto.com

Mr. Norm’s Super Truck- Online Auction to kick-off first new Mr. Norm’s model in 35 years.

Grayslake, IL February, 2008…For Immediate Release:

The 2008 Mr. Norm’s HEMI Ram 1500 Super Truck is built on the formula that made Mr. Norm famous; fueling passion while respecting the person. That is demonstrated once more in this collectible truck you can really drive. When Mr. Norm ordered performance oriented Mopars new at Grand Spaulding Dodge, he configured each batch to be the best model possible for performance upgrade, carefully choosing the options he knew his customers wanted, allowing them to personalize each vehicle once they took delivery. This time tested approach shows why Mr. Norm is still the King of High Performance. The result is a 2008 Super Truck that gives you real performance, real personalization, and real collectible value delivered at a tremendous value and convenience.

The Mr. Norm’s Concept Super Truck has certainly generated tremendous buzz, premiering at SEMA as the lead vehicle in the Sony Exhibit, being featured in the Dodge Exhibit at numerous auto shows, and earning a ton a magazine coverage. A steady stream of Mopar Enthusiasts began calling in asking if there were any Super Trucks left, eager to put down pre-build deposits. Now that the build have been authorized to begin, we don’t expect that the remainder of the 100 unit build to last very long. It takes approximately 12 weeks to build and deliver a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck (NST). With the ’08 production run ending in late April, the most owners should have their truck just in time for the summer driving season.

The first step is to contact a build advisor at Show Your Auto LLC to choose your colors and options. Most buyers will likely opt for a 4X2 standard cab set-up, but you can get your Super Truck in a Quad Cab and 4X4 if you choose. You can also add any available factory option available on the 2008 Ram 1500 SLT. NST Package Includes, all the factory SLT and Sport package equipment, factory 20" x 9.0" Aluminum Chrome Clad Wheels, Classic 1970 Super Bee style Graphics w/ Mr. Norm's Logo, Viper Ram Hood with integrated Scoop, Billet Fuel Door w/Mr. Norm's Logo, Simulated Chrome Hood Pins & Lanyards, Mr. Norm's Windshield Banner, Custom Tri-Tone Leather Bucket Seat Interior w/ Mr. Norms Logo embroidered on Headrests, Mr. Norm's Serial Number Plate with Signature, and THE RIGHT TO RESERVE A 2009 MR. NORM'S SRT-8 SUPER CHALLENGER. The only other factory installed NST option is the “Viper Ram” front fascia, which includes the complete under tray and operational brake ducts.

Originally, the Super Truck was to be offered in stock color choices with custom stripes, Electric Blue with Black Stripes, Electric Blue with White Stripes, and Silver with Black Stripes. People were screaming for the concept truck color, Screaming Hemi Orange, Mr. Norm stepped up and added a Show Paint option. This would add some time to the build, and at $17,000 the option is not for the budget minded. What you do get is a show quality Sherwin-Williams Planet Color custom paint job performed by the same professionals that painted the show truck. Even the stripes and the “Super Truck” logo would be painted on and “buried” underneath the clear coat. For those who really want to stand apart, even in amongst an elite class of 100, the Show Paint option is a logical choice.

Once your NST is configured, a $1,500 deposit secures your Mr. Norm’s Super Truck serial number. They are given in a strict first-come, first served, basis. By cooperating with a single dealer for the entire production run, we have eliminated the possibility of the gross dealer markup we’ve seen pervade the market with other limited production vehicles. Just like Mr. Norm did at Grand Spaulding Dodge, we want to give all Mopar enthusiasts equal opportunity. This also gives you the flexibility to finance the NST and dispose of a trade-in in the same way you would any other new vehicle. Every single 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with the standard Mr. Norm's Super Truck Package is covered under the Chrysler Limited Lifetime Powertrain Warranty.

Once the build is complete, your Super Truck courtesy shipped to your local Dodge Dealer at no additional cost to you. They will prep the vehicle and present your new Mr. Norm’s Super Truck to you.

Owning a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck is like holding the golden ticket. Your serial number gets you exclusive Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ upgrades and custom appearance accessories. Just like Mr. Norm did at his dealership in the 60’s, these performance enhancements can be made directly at the dealership or other authorized installer. Handling and braking can also be enhanced courtesy of Mr. Norm’s Super Handling Package by Hotchkis and 14” Cross Drilled, Slotted and Ventilated 4 wheel disc brakes by SSBC.

As you can tell, only top shelf suppliers were selected for the Mr. Norm’s brand. If they aren’t top quality and don’t actually add to the performance of the vehicle, they don’t get the Performance Proven™ Flying Ram. Mr. Norm’s objective was to offer an SRT-10 level of performance that was lighter, easier to live with day-to-day and provided better gas mileage than the venerable Viper powered SRT-10. It is safe to say, in this case, “mission accomplished” actually means something.

Whether you choose to upgrade right away or wish to drive it a while, any Mr. Norm’s Performance Proven ™ add-on made by the first owner will be recorded in the Mr. Norm’s registry as original. This give you the flexibility to customize your truck as your needs change.

You can be one of only 100 to own a Limited Edition Mr. Norm’s Super Truck including for as low as $32,275. Even fully loaded with available Performance Proven ™ upgrades, a 4x2 standard cab comes to about $42,000 before tax, title, & license with estimating cash incentives.

If you are even thinking about buying a Mr. Norm’s Super Truck, remember, once all 100 are spoken for, there will be no more. Contact “Mr. Krook” of Show Your Auto LLC and become one of only 100 to build the Mr. Norm’s Dodge Ram Super Truck Today! Visit www.mrnormsperformance.com Call 847-838-3749 or Email MrNorms@ShowYourAuto.com

Auction results scrutiny has been at all-time high amongst a anxious collector car community, most looking for a reason to back their fears of falling prices. True, Barrett-Jackson was off by 21% over last year, but this was still in the top three of all years. Not that it should matter. The January auction frenzy that enthralls us all each New Year was down a petty 2.9% ($3.9 million) over 2007 with only 16 fewer cars on a volume of more than 2000 trading hands. So what does that mean? Because there were noticeably fewer million dollar consignments at BJ and R&S, that prices per car actually went up.

There have been a few voices crying “Chicken Licken” in newsletters and internet publications that been talking down muscle cars as investment vehicles. Almost every week I read about how shaky the market supposedly is. The most entertaining quote comes from none other than Drew Alcazar, co-founder of Russo and Steele Auctions. When asked in a recent interview for the online magazine CollectorCarNet.com if he considers cars an investment tool, Drew replied “Absolutely not. Anybody playing with collector cars from an investment standpoint is either stoned or deluded.” I suppose this philosophy is explains why Russo-Steele has such luxurious bar accommodations.

Then again, perhaps Drew is right, muscle cars make better dining room furniture than they do investments. Personally, I’d rather eat at a warm Mahogany table than pull up a chair to the hood of a ’69 Boss 429. It is probably more cost effective to furnish with wood as well. Alas, I will reserve judgment of Drew’s decorating tastes if he will make a more measured consideration of state of mental health and sobriety of those who are so often patrons of his company’s auction events. Healthy returns were made while setting promotion-worthy records at his Scottsdale event just this past January.

Kidding aside, there is a real concern for the long-term viability of the muscle car investment market as well find ourselves in a transformation from a pure hobbyist pursuit to a real expectation of return on investment. The ones getting burned are those who haven’t been hobbyist first, not knowing what they need to in order to protect themselves and their pocketbooks while using hard earned savings (or home equity) as a way to both indulge in a long-term passion while putting their cash to work.

Just like young awkward lovers, if it hurts and seems like no fun, perhaps they were doing it wrong. That doesn’t mean they were stoned or deluded (perhaps a little deluded). I means they each had to learn a few things before getting back in the saddle. The same can be said if you’ve been burned by trying to speculate on vintage cars.

The first step in choosing to treat a classic car purchase as an investment is to determine if you can really afford to. Just like buying stocks on margin, too many people over extend themselves to take advantage of a perceived profit opportunity only to lose it all and more to a short-term shift. Home equity lines on properties financed with an adjustable rate mortgage are a potent margin-call. In normal market conditions, large short term gains are rare and risky.

If you find yourself turning a car every year, expect to break even or give a little back as the “cost of enjoyment”. Then your car fetish is truly a hobby and the money you use should be allocated as such. It is best to take a medium to long term view of your investment horizon; plan on keeping a car for a minimum of 2 and 5 years between purchase and sale. Many avid collectors hold their cars much longer.

The step is to only invest in what you love. The reason investing in a car collection is the double pay-off you get from enjoying the cars and earning a profit once you sell. If you won’t love looking in your garage at the end of the day, you may as well stick to more traditional investments. You will likely sell too soon or sell yourself short if you fill your garage with cars that may have a good potential upside, but you don’t care a thing for.

Learn as much as you can about a given breed of car before buying. Each vintage car has inherent weakness and points of desirability that very by make, model, and the community that appreciates them. For instance, replacement quarter panels may be no big deal for one type of car and a death sentence to collectible value to another. Learn these points well and use them when asking a seller questions.

Lastly, buy the most CORRECT car you can afford. There are plenty of beautifully restored cars that are money pits waiting to happen because the restoration details are wrong or expensive parts are missing. Not know what these potential items are can turn your investment financial sink hole quickly.

Those who have been in the collector car community for a while see the current correction as a market ripe for opportunity buys. The auction environment is the right place to take advantage of someone else’s mistakes. Many shrewed purchases of undervalued cars can be made because the current owner can’t afford to hang onto the car for the short term, or they are choosing to leave money on the table instead of getting the details on the car right. The best recent example is a 1971 Hemi Cuda sold recently at Russo and Steele, touted as concours, yet had a litany of detail errors the buyer could affordably correct. The most glaring was the “show ready” engine bay marred by mismatched aftermarket accessory belts. I am no concours judge, but I don’t think the factory installed either Dayco or NAPA brand belts, let alone both on the same car. Well bought at $375k, the new owner looked at it as a 50% discount on last year’s average price of $650k. Correct the small stuff and in a few years, this car will likely fetch a million. That is where you want to be, educated and positioned to take advantage of short term market conditions with a view of medium to long range gain.

The auction scene aside, the real indicator of market health for investment quality muscle cars is in the private seller sector. This also has historically been the hardest to gauge. Just like the Texas housing market, it seems that lower-end and mid-grade cars are getting the closest shave, but the six figure cars (provided that they are of good quality and pedigree) are seeing plenty of interest, commanding a healthy dollar. I can personally attest to at least six $100K - $500k private purchases made in as many weeks since the Arizona auctions ended. Inquiries and offers have also sharply increased since the beginning of the year.

Today’s cash ready buyer has learned these lessons and is more deliberate that in the recent past, mostly because now they know more of the right questions to ask. Overall, this is a market whose attitude is maturing, not abandoning confidence, toward the investment of high quality muscle cars.

It is already happening. People calling, looking for SIX PACK and Hemi Cuda with the laundry list of "must haves". Must be numbers matching, must be a for speed, must have original rear quarters, must have the original build sheet, must have a horn of pure silver growing out of the front bumper...oh, yeah and I only want to pay $90k because that is what they sold for at Barrett-Jackson.

First of all, if you took the time to walk the entire lot at BJ, you would know that the car with all the "must haves" wasn't there either.

The only thing I could see is that the numbers of consignments were down, the number of bidders seemed to be down, and the number of muscle cars (quality or otherwise) also seemed to be down. I DID see some cars draw generous, yet nonsensical prices. The consensus from most those I spoke with was that the average BJ buyer is there for a good time, buying for entertainment or recreation and is NOT really there to make a shrewd, informed, collector purchase.

While it is a spectacle and prices can be sensational and they are widely publicized, the typical buyer at BJ is NOT the same type of people who buy privately throughout the rest of the year...

One example that comes to mind in the recent auctions that bear his central point out is the story of two, low-mile, low option, 1970 Hemi Cuda's, both in black- one sold at Russo and Steele for $255k hammer price

and the other for $245k at Barrett.

The two cars could not be more different. The car at Russo seemed to wear most, if not all of her original sheet metal, was very original, very correct, was number's matching, had her broadcast sheet AND seemed to be a crisp, quality restoration. $255k plus 10% buyers fee puts the price where a HEMI Cuda should be at $280,500.

The one at BJ also purported to be numbers matching, but had obvious quarter panel reskin, floor and/or trunk pan replacement, a 1971 hood, needed other concours correction and was an older, driver quality restoration, had a broadcast sheet AND had a celebrity owner history. This was a #3 car in my humble opinion.

The connoisseur collector would and has routinely passed on a car like this one. I think the ONLY reason the prices on these two cars were even close was the fact that the #3 quality car was at Barrett. To base a collector car purchase on a BJ result like this one is not unlike asking a Black Jack dealer how to balance your stock portfolio.

Dissatisfaction over how Barrett conducted last year's auction had more to do with the reduced number and quality of consignments. The investment buyer, usually willing to battle entertainment bidder also stayed away in droves because the quality wasn't there.

Published total sales for this year put Barrett-Jackson's sales totals at $84,475,985 down from a 2007 posting of $107,919,059 for a 21.72% drop in overall sales. Does that mean market recession? Not at all. It can be said that fewer people were in the mood for the "What happens at Barrett, stays at Barrett" casino like atmosphere.

It likely means more buyers have become serious about making more investment minded choices, educating themselves, and buying in venues that attract a higher quality of consignment. Auction buyers this January went to other auctions, where they felt they could enjoy a fair bidding environment.

Gooding roared into a "down" market and made their Arizona auction debut this year soaking up $21 million in sales and a healthy 90% sell rate. This confirms the fact that if you offer quality consignments with a quality process, the money will show up.

All the action houses taken together posted revenue of $162,981,757 on a volume of 2,037 cars. Down by 3.9 million representing mere a 2.3% drop over 2007, a record year that had more multi-million dollar consignments.

So, who REALLY thinks that Barrett-Jackson has a valid place as an indicator in the collector car market? A 21% drop in sales at Barrett when compared to an overall 2.3% blip certainly says no. Regardless, their results are seldom confirmed by the private sale market because the quality or car and type of buyer do not correlate with collector car market at large. As for Barrett being a market indicator, this isn't a case of “has been", this is a case of never was.