Page 101 - Experience Magazine Summer 2023

era” of cars. At one point, Williams had more classic flagship Scottsdale Auction. It featured an array of
Bugattis in his possession than any other collector. some of the most rare, valuable, collectible and coveted
Despite his new venture back in California, Williams, vehicles anywhere. Among the offerings in the first
highly regarded for his classic car knowledge and Salon Collection back in 2012 was Williams’ own 1954
determination in seeking out the finest-quality and Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, which rocked the world
most unique vehicles available, remained a vital part when it sold for $2.2 million in just minutes.
of the Barrett-Jackson world over the years. He was also “If you think about the collector car world as the intricate
an invaluable mentor to many. One of Williams’ many tapestry that it is, featuring a colorful and diverse group
great pieces of advice led to an important collaboration of people from all walks of life, then Don was that thread
between him and Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO that wove us all together,” said Craig Jackson. “While he
Craig Jackson. was a founding member of Barrett-Jackson, his legacy is
When the collector car market began to diversify, evident in many auction houses and countless careers. I
Williams felt it was important to bring back a focus considered Don a valued resource and trusted advisor,
on cars that originally launched Barrett-Jackson – the and not a day will go by that I won’t miss his influence
prewar classics he loved so much. The result was the and friendship.”
Salon Collection, which would only be part of the Don was a beacon at the Barrett-Jackson events over the
years, proudly wearing Bidder Badge Number One. The
entire collector car community understands what he
Remembering did to advance the hobby, as well as for the passion he
enthusiastically spread to all who witnessed him hunting
DON WILLIAMS down the world’s greatest cars, restoring them and

trading them.
Craig Jackson and the entire team at Barrett-Jackson
extend their deepest condolences to the entire Williams
family. Don Williams will truly be missed.

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IF YOU THINK ABOUT THE COLLECTOR CAR WORLD
AS THE INTRICATE TAPESTRY THAT IT IS, FEATURING
A COLORFUL AND DIVERSE GROUP OF PEOPLE FROM
ALL WALKS OF LIFE, THEN DON WAS THAT THREAD
THAT WOVE US ALL TOGETHER
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