Fifty custom vehicles will compete for the Barrett-Jackson Cup at the 2026 Scottsdale Auction, scheduled to take place from January 17 to 25 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The event, presented by CRC and BluePrint Engines, will feature professionally built Resto-Mod and custom vehicles selected from hundreds of applications. These finalists will vie for two major awards: Ultimate Best in Show and People’s Choice.
Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, commented on the competition’s significance. “The exceptional quality of builds competing for the Barrett-Jackson Cup is staggering,” he said. “To be selected as a finalist puts a custom vehicle builder into a very elite club. The Barrett-Jackson Cup competition honors the innovation, craftsmanship and passion that is poured into each build, and has become a standard of excellence in the collector car hobby. We’re excited to feature this year’s finalists and look forward to crowning a new Ultimate Best in Show champion this January.”
The 50 selected vehicles will be displayed starting Saturday, January 17 in the arena before moving to the Equidome for the remainder of the auction week. Each vehicle will participate in a parade across the block on that first Saturday. One finalist will be announced daily beginning Monday, January 19, with winners revealed on Saturday, January 24. Judges Bobby Alloway, Troy Trepanier and Chip Foose will select the Ultimate Best in Show winner. The People’s Choice award will go to the vehicle receiving the most public votes online.
Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, emphasized both builders’ skills and public involvement: “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,” he said. “Everyone wants to be part of this competition because it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage. It’s exciting that enthusiasts around the world can help choose one of our winners. The public’s ability to vote truly makes the Barrett-Jackson Cup competition a celebration of the skill and vision of these builders and brings the collector car family together in an exciting way.”
In last year’s contest, Ed Ganzinotti’s 1968 Dodge Charger built by Classic Car Studio won Ultimate Best in Show while Bruce Griffin’s 1986 Chevrolet C10 Squarebody built by Goolsby Customs took home People’s Choice.
Barrett-Jackson is currently accepting consignments for its upcoming auction through its website (https://www.barrett-jackson.com/). Prospective bidders can also register online (https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Bidder/Home/Register), with VIP hospitality packages available (https://vip.barrett-jackson.com/). Admission is free for children aged 12 or younger when accompanied by an adult; student tickets are priced at $10 while adult general admission starts at $27 via AXS (https://www.axs.com/events/520319/barrett-jackson-scottsdale-2026-tickets).
A concert featuring country music artist Cole Swindell is planned for Friday, January 16 as part of “Rock The Block” inside Auction Arena at WestWorld; Chase Rice will serve as opening act.
Barrett-Jackson hosts several high-profile automotive auctions throughout Scottsdale as well as other cities including Palm Beach and Columbus each year.
