AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS.(Special Report)

Byline: Larry Edsall

Barrett-Jackson

If you're wondering how big the giant auction can grow, consider this year's sale-the 35th anniversary event-will be conducted under what Barrett-Jackson proclaims to be merely the "world's largest tent,'' which is just about three times larger than the humungous big-top used last year.

The new tent covers 6.5 acres. To put that in perspective, John Force and the fellas could have a full-fledged drag race down its length, and while the crew was rebuilding engines between rounds, they could just about play the Super and a few other bowl games across its width (okay, so the tent is only 90 yards wide, not 100). Point is, it's big.

It needs to be, because somewhere around 4700 people will be bidding on more than 1000 vehicles-all of which will sell, since there is no reserve at Barrett-Jackson-and that includes 100 Corvettes, among them Corvette No. 003. Since 001 and 002 no longer exist, this is the earliest 1953 production model there is.

Several 001 serial number vehicles will be offered up, including the first 2007 Ford Shelby GT 500, the first Baldwin-Motion '69 Camaro SuperCoupe, the first 40th anniversary Shelby GT350SR, the first 2003 Aston Martin AR1, the first of Chip Foose's limited run of '69 Camaros, the first 2006 Ford Stallion from Foose and Unique Performance, and the one and only Barrett-Jackson 35th anniversary chopper by Covingtons Customs.

The It car figures to be a 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special concept (left), a Corvette clone similar to the Oldsmobile F-88 concept that fetched $3.24 million at the 2005 Barrett-Jack-son auction. The bubble-top Bonneville, one of two built, has generally been regarded as more significant than the Olds, but the F-88 sale was considered a fluke. Whatever the Pontiac sells for, it's sure to be a key talking point.