Looking Out for Number One at 2016 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale

Photo Credit: Acura

As part of the human condition, there is always those who quest for the first. The first piece of cake, the first spot in line for the concert that will sell-out in minutes or the first place at the Rolex 24 at Daytona; the position is often sought-after among those craving attention.

At this week's Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, the enviable low-ranking number will be incentive to sell three vehicles for 2016. A fourth car set for sale at the 2016 auction will also carry significance as a desirable early example of a potent super sport compact. In every case, these early example vehicles up for auction are putting charities first.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro COPO

Photo Credit:Chevrolet 

Estimated Auction Time: 5:00 PM Local  (7:00 PM ET) on Friday January 29, 2016

Decades ago, the acronym 'COPO' first generated a reputation of being feared and respected by the performance car community. A name standing for Central Office Production Order, COPO over time gained legendary status with the straight-line prowess of the 1969 Camaro ZL1.

Based on the all-new sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro, the COPO name returns to the General Motors pony car. This recent Camaro COPO model is the recent in a continuation of the purpose-built racing car. Reintroduction of COPO occurred in 2013 model year Camaro was built after positive reaction at the 2011 SEMA Show. the 2016 model year version continues to covet drag racing competition. One lucky bidder will be able to buy the first of 69 new edition Chevrolet Camaro COPO wearing VIN #001.

A Red Hot-painted vehicle wearing graphics created by NHRA Funny Car driver Courtney Force, the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro COPO otherwise appears much like a showroom stock version of the sports car with exception to a Goodyear racing tires and a carbon-fiber high rise hood. Under the special hood is a 350 racing engine mated with a Whippple 2.9-liter supercharger. A chrome-moly roll cage encompasses the driver presented with the support of special racing bucket seats secured by a five-point harness. Racing gauges and the deletion of the rear seat is also employed within the interior of the 2016 Camaro COPO.

Potential buyers of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro COPO should note that they're bidding on a race purpose-built vehicle designed for competition in the NHRA Stock Eliminator category. Due to its construction as a drag racer, the VIN #001 Camaro COPO is not street legal. The benefactor of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro COPO sale at Barrett-Jackson on Friday will be the United Way. 

2017 Acura NSX

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy

Estimated Auction Time: 7:30 PM Local (9:30 PM ET) on Friday January 29, 2016

For what seems like an eternity, the Acura NSX supercar has finally arrived in as a production product set to lead the Honda-backed luxury brand. After a long wait through several concept cars, the sale of the first production example of the 2017 NSX will publicly take place Friday at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.

The sexy high-end, high-performance car incorporates a three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that aligns the performance of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine with electric motor performance. Resulting in a total of 573 horsepower, the propulsion system of the 2017 Acura NSX is channelled intelligently through all-wheel drive for maximized acceleration and high speed control. A nine-speed dual-clutch transmission is another innovative mechanical feature integrated with the new Acura performance machine.

Assembled using aluminum, carbon fiber and ultra-high strength steel, the 2017 Acura NSX supercar conforms to an aerodynamic, super-sleek shape.

All proceeds VIN #001 2017 Acura NSX's auction will go to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS 

Photo Credit:Chevrolet 

Estimated Auction Time: 6:30 PM Local (8:30PM ET) on Saturday January 30, 2016

A smaller, lighter and more powerful incarnation of two-door sports car closing on its 50th anniversary in 2016, the Chevrolet Camaro premiered its sixth generation redesign last May. As was the case with the phoenix-like return of the Camaro in 2010, eight-cylinder performance for the new generation car will be led by the SS trim level. Also repeating a fifth generation step into production, the first retail-ready example of the car will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Auction.

VIN #001 of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS, the vehicle sold at the 2016 Barrett-Jackson Auction feature a black exterior and an interior accented with Adrenaline Red leather. A Corvette-derived 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 generates 455 horsepower that is sourced to the rear wheels through an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Brembo braking and 20-inch wheels are among the other features included in this first of a new generation Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Sale of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS VIN #001 will benefit Kettering University.

2016 Ford Focus RS

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

Estimated Auction Time: 7:30 PM Local (9:30 PM) on Saturday January 30, 2016

While not consigned as a VIN #001 vehicle, the sale of the 2016 Focus RS is one of the earliest possibilities to buy the hot hatchback in North America. Ford is finally sharing the RS badge's glory for drivers in the United States and Canada. Having just recently entered production in Saarlouis, Germany, the 2016 Ford Focus RS is scheduled to arrive on the west side of the Atlantic Ocean this spring.

Supporting JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), first-year Ford Focus RS model is propelled by a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generating 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Power is sourced through a performance-minded all-wheel drive system connected with a torque-vectoring system as well as a six-speed manual transmission.

The high-performance five-door hatchback is also armed with a fierce performance appearance to companion the mighty EcoBoost-powered compact. The 2016 Ford Focus RS features unique headlights and fog lights and a sport exhaust on the outside. An RS sport suspension with stiff spring rates and two-mode switchable dampers results in a certain romance with pavement. Inside, Recaro sport seats upholstered with a partial leather covering serves as a source of supportive comfort. The performance decor of the 2016 Focus RS includes a flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy pedals and unique gauges. Beside fulfilling the sport compact bill, an infortainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen backed by Ford's SYNC 3 provides power-packed performance in another form.



If not in Scottsdale, live television coverage of the 2016 Barrett-Jackson Auction on the Velocity network will provide you with a sense of the excitement as bidders face-off for these prime cars and other collectible vehicles.