Ashley Van Dyke does Barrett Jackson Auction

Road's American correspondent, Ashley Van Dyke had to hold on tight to her dollars the other day – as she attended a huge, amazing car auction with www.barrett-jackson.com, at the Orange County Fair Grounds, in front of over 100,000 punters.  Here's what Ashley had to say: "When you first think of Barrett Jackson, you know it’s going to be a high dollar showdown of big car collectors dueling it out for their favorite rare and unique automobiles. Some are one of a kind and some not found anywhere else in the world. What you may not know, if you’ve never been to Barrett Jackson before, is that there is so much else to see and do while you’re there on top of the eye-watering auction.
"The range of vehicles the show brings together is quite amazing and truly has something for everyone –with pavilion halls lined up with classics like a pristine ‘69 Caramo and ’67 Mustang to new car models like the Chevrolet Volt found at the GM booth. Of course, there is no shortage of exotic cars like the Bugatti Veyron and Ford GT as well. You could literally spend hours in just one hall gazing over the craftsmanship and detail in your favorite foreign and domestic USA beauties. You will find interesting looks and designs in automobiles made and customized from all parts of the world that has everyone holding a camera to get snaps of their favorite rides."
Outside the auction, Ashley got some high speed action: "The biggest kick of the weekend for me was getting my hands behind the wheel on the autoX track with the GM ride and drive experience. The instructors were there from the Ron Fellow’s Corvette School, located at Spring Mountain Raceway, which always makes a little drive time better when you have guys there that know what they’re doing! I was impressed with the line-up of test vehicles GM had brought out for anyone to drive. Anyone who bought a ticket to Barrett Jackson was welcomed at the driving experience.
She adds: "The Cadillac CTS V is a car I’ve had my eyes on for a while and this was my first chance at getting to drive one. The instructor was wondering where my hand was going when I leaned over from the driver’s side to reach between his legs…guess what!...the traction control button on the V is no longer located inside the glove box but rather on the steering wheel. Talk about more convenient!  Needless to say this baby has way to much horse power for a parking lot, but I did enjoy the jump off the line and the smooth ride as I over-steered the corners!
"I always have a soft spot for charity and thought one of the coolest auctions of the weekend was a Chevrolet Camaro that was donated by GM to support Cell Phones for Soldiers. This cause helps place cellular phones with our troops and aids in covering their services charges while serving our country overseas. The car was won with a bid of $100k and brought tears to the eyes of many who where there just to support this effort.
"For the first time, in person, I was able to check out the newest hot rod to the Chevrolet family, the Sonic. A fun small car that comes as a hatchback or sedan with a 1.4L turbo engine. Many are hopeful this car maker in on to something with this new small car product.  I’m looking forward to learning more about the Sonic and what role it will take up against its competitors in the near future... more here and in www.roadmagazine.co.uk soon. Ashley... out!"
(Picture: John Grahman)