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goodbye TO ONE OF
TOP: The infamous tow truck at the 1989 Scottsdale Auction.
BOTTOM: Loading some of my consignments that were headed to Arizona in the early days of
the Scottsdale Auction.
The common thread is how many times Barrett-Jackson
has gone into these one-off, worst-case-scenario-type
situations and prevailed; often having some of our
most successful events ever. I really think in many ways
Barrett-Jackson helps overcome adverse situations by
jumpstarting the healing process and really reinforcing
that incredible spirit that makes America great.
That’s the spirit that’s kept us going through this
pandemic. We needed to be conscious and careful
and take the lead in our industry by postponing
and cancelling events for the safety of our fans and
customers, and by doing so we were able to hold an event
in Scottsdale in October, hosting an unprecedented and
incredibly successful Fall Auction. We raised the bar on
what an event in the COVID era would look like. It was
our prototypical effort, having all the restrictions but
still delivering a signature Barrett-Jackson experience to
everyone who attended.
And now the stage is set for what will become the most
unique Scottsdale Auction ever in history; something
special for all of us to be proud of and a part of. I think
we’ve taken Barrett-Jackson beyond the excitement of
the auction block, and we’ve created a force that really
generates enthusiasm and goodwill. We’ve shown that
we can provide a safe haven to come and have a great
time and enjoy the spirit of our automotive world and
our hobby – and do it in a unique way that you can only
experience at Barrett-Jackson.
THE GREATEST GENERATION
WILLIE ASHFORD EMBODIED THE
FAMILY SPIRIT OF CAR COLLECTING
The entire team at Barrett-Jackson was deeply
saddened to hear of the recent passing of Willie
Ashford. The father of Janie Davis, Willie was much
more than a father-in-law to company president
Steve Davis. “Janie’s father, Willie, was truly my
best friend,” Steve said in a 2016 interview. “He
went to all the auctions with me, since 1979, when
I began coming to Barrett-Jackson as a consignor.
We hauled those cars, we worked on those cars. He
was right by my side.”
Willie was born in 1928 in Shawnee, Oklahoma,
eventually heading west with his family to settle
in Visalia, California. While attending Union High
School he met the love of his life, Nina, at a roller
rink, and the two were married a remarkable 66
years until she passed away in 2014. He was drawn
to the automotive world early on, becoming part
owner of Visalia Truck & Trailer, working on big rigs
and trailers.
In fact, the automotive bug bit Willie early on – he
loved vintage cars, especially Fords, and became an
avid NASCAR fan, as well as a familiar fixture (often
with his late brother Murray) at Barrett-Jackson
auctions, where he always had a smile on his face.
“My grandpa never knew a stranger, and was dearly
loved by everyone,” said Willie’s granddaughter Misty
McLaren (shown below with Willie, sons Blake and
Connor, and mother Janie Davis).
“The collector car hobby is a collision of memories
and passion and the love of the people around you,”
remarked Steve Davis. “Willie’s spirit lives on in
that. It’s part of his heritage and his time with me
and my family together.”
Willie Ashford’s legacy and commitment to his
family will live on forever.
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