Barrett-Jackson’s C.E.O. on Hypercars Being Instant Collectibles

Leading automotive auction house Barrett-Jackson is returning to a format that it pioneered during the advent of the internet, and resuscitated in the dark days of the Covid pandemic—the online auction. No, this isn’t another ubiquitous website platform where bids for cars of unknown origin (and at times questionable quality) are seemingly submitted into the ether, and each party hopes for the best. Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural Digital Select Auction, taking place from November 5 through 12, will replicate the live experience with a curated selection and representatives on hand to monitor and manage the proceedings.

“Back in 2000, we did eClassics auctions where we used to tie television, we did a half-hour TV show, and then we sold cars. And what we ran into back then was technology,” Barrett-Jackson’s chairman and C.E.O., Craig Jackson, tells Robb Report. “We were on the internet in ’94 with a full catalog, streaming in ’95 . . . basically, what we’re going back to is our roots in online.”

Jackson explains that, early on, the hardware and software capabilities were the limiting factors, and thus the experience could not come close to competing with an in-person auction. “Barrett Jackson, over the last three years, has completely renovated all of its technology and the online bidding process . . . we’ll have hosts talking about the cars, and if people text in questions, we can answer them,” he explains. “You know you’re bidding against a real person. You get the car, you’ll get it delivered to you, and we’re in the middle holding the title and the paperwork on both sides—and the money.”

Headlining the initial sales event will be a 2019 McLaren Senna. Built near the middle of the model’s 500-example production run, it is one of just two to wear the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division’s Atlantic Blue Metallic. The road-legal rarity is fit with a 789 hp, 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8—mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission—and has a black interior dressed in exposed carbon fiber and Alcantara. The odometer shows 1,598 miles.

“[You’ve] got to want one of these cars and understand what it is,” notes Jackson. “They’re pretty awesome on the track, and that’s what this car was built for, but you can also drive it on the street.”

Other compelling cars include two restomod Chevrolet Corvettes from Jeff Hayes Customs, a meticulously restored 1965 Ford Mustang GT K-code fastback, a 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia, a 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider, and a 2026 Corvette ZR1.

The earliest of the two reimagined ‘Vettes, each with an Art Morrison chassis as its foundation, is a 1963 Corvette Split-Window Coupe with an LS3 engine delivering 500 hp. Prior to its restoration, it was under the same stewardship for 63 years. The other lot from Hayes is a 1967 Corvette Custom Convertible carrying a 540 hp, LS3 Hot Cam V-8. “He’s known for his craftsmanship, but also the drivability of his cars, and he’s been doing it for decades. So, he brings that gold standard to restomods,” says Jackson of Hayes and his creations.

As for the Mustang GT K-code, this car has the same 271 hp Hi-Pro V-8 it was born with, and had a “completed and documented nut-and-bolt restoration in 2026,” according to the lot description. “The K code fastback is what the ‘65 Shelbys were based off of,” notes Jackson.

Then there are the Prancing Horses. With 562 hp, the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia features $25,679 in options and, according to the lot description, “approximately $32,000 in services and upgrades were completed in 2025.” It’s being presented with 10,229 miles on it. The 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider, delivering 560 hp, has 16,152 miles logged and $46,932 in options.

Boasting 1,064 hp (the same output as the Aston Martin Valhalla) and a top speed of 233 mph, the 2026 Corvette ZR1 on offer has been driven only 380 miles. Jackson himself owns a ZR1X, and acknowledges that modern hypercars are fast becoming among the most coveted commodities among collectors.

“You’re seeing generational shifts. When I took over Barrett-Jackson, we were primarily selling prewar classics,” says Jackson. “You got to really keep up with the times . . . modern hypercars are almost instant collectibles, and it’s all based on how many they make . . . [and] the spec on the cars is also very important.” Jackson speaks from personal experience as he, too, has been acting on this increasing demand. “I also changed my own collection. I still have a lot of these great muscle cars and great classics, but most of my focus now is on modern hypercars.”

Jackson cites technology and drivability as the factors that draw him to the category, as well as the return on investment. “If you can get your hands on an ultrarare, modern hypercar that you’re not paying too much over sticker, it’s like money in the bank.” Yet he also believes they should definitely be driven and not just sequestered away. “The first day I drove my [Bugatti] Chiron, I put 700 miles on it,” he admits.

Spanning the course of eight days, the Digital Select Auction can be viewed on Barrett-Jackson’s website for those who register. “We want to start small, but quality-focused,” explains Jackson, mentioning that his goal was “at the max, 20 cars” crossing the virtual auction block. His message to the public? “Check it out. Hopefully it’s entertaining, too. Even if you’re not bidding, watch it. We look forward to the feedback.”

Click here for more photos previewing Barrett-Jackson’s Digital Select Auction.