Scottsdale Auction 2026 Hosts Showdown at WestWorld of Scottsdale

Fifty of the nation's most meticulously crafted custom cars are set to converge in Scottsdale, Arizona, this January. These automotive masterpieces aren't up for sale; they're vying for the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Cup. This esteemed competition brings top-tier fabricators to WestWorld of Scottsdale to determine who has engineered the finest machine.

 

The 2026 Scottsdale Auction will host this thrilling showdown from January 17 to 25. After a rigorous selection process, judges have narrowed down hundreds of applications to a final roster of 50 exceptional vehicles. These professional restomods and customs will parade across the auction block before taking center stage in the Equidome for the week. Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO, emphasized the exclusivity of this group: "To be selected as a finalist puts a custom vehicle builder into a very elite club."

 

The excitement culminates on Super Saturday, January 24, when a trio of custom car legends, Bobby Alloway, Troy Trepanier, and Chip Foose, will judge the Ultimate Best in Show. These experts will scrutinize every detail, seeking imperfections that might escape the average observer.

 

Fans also have a voice in the competition by casting online votes for the People's Choice award. Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, highlighted the dual focus of the contest: "The Barrett-Jackson Cup competition not only shines the spotlight on these incredible custom vehicles, but the story and talent of those who build them."

 

Last year's competition was fiercely contested. Classic Car Studio clinched the top prize with a 1968 Dodge Charger, while Goolsby Customs captured the popular vote with a 1986 Chevy C10. The 2026 edition kicks off with a concert by country superstar Cole Swindell on January 16, setting the stage for the automotive spectacle that follows.

 

For collectors eager to fill gaps in their garages before the gavel falls, the 2026 Scottsdale Auction Select Preview offers a glimpse into hundreds of featured collectible vehicles. Attendees can explore these automotive treasures and plan their bidding strategies accordingly.

 

The Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction has long been a cornerstone event for car enthusiasts, blending high-octane excitement with the artistry of custom car building. This year's event promises to uphold that tradition, offering both participants and spectators an unforgettable experience.