Leesl: If you haven’t figured it out yet, we have another weakness besides a cold pint: horsepower! Watching Barrett-Jackson for years, it’s been the ultimate dream to get up close not just to the cars, but to the entire high-stakes behind-the-scenes playbook.

So, what better way to celebrate Andy’s birthday this past week but to make a pilgrimage to Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona! Folks, this is not just a car auction – it’s a carnival for the senses – the rumble of the engines, the gleam of beautifully restored cars, the energy of the crowd and the buzz of anticipation for that next winning bid!

Well, birthday boy – did it live up to your expectations?

Andy: Lived up and exceeded! Just the scale of it all – the endless tents of cars, rare collectibles and automobila up close, the rapid-fire of the auctioneer, the people-watching. It was a powerful first impression stepping into the main auction area, feeling the energy of the crowd, watching those supercars roll across the block – it was unforgettable!

Leesl: I loved how relaxed, family-friendly the auction environment was. I was a little worried about an intimidation factor of all these people bidding hundreds of thousands of dollars on cars but it was surprisingly relaxed and welcoming. There’s activities and attractions for everyone!

Andy: No pretense – hardcore car enthusiasts looking for a fun day out! But, let’s start at the beginning before the auction.

Leesl: So we bought the bidder passes. But, let’s be real, you don’t need to do that if you want to attend and see the cars and the action. General admission tickets are cheaper and you can see and have access to pretty much everything. But, with the bidder passes we did get the catalog in advance. Or, should we call it the “treasure hunt”!

Lot #980, hiding in plain sight!

A 1970 black-on-black Mercury Cyclone Spoiler with a 429 Super Cobra Jet engine – exceptionally special & rare! Only 341 Spoilers in 1970 were equipped with this engine & drag pack option.

The heart of this car is not only its powerful engine but the obvious Nascar influenced design. This car is built for racing!

It’s menacing, but also very sophisticated for a muscle car.

And, it sold for $180,000.

Spoiler alert!

Andy: This Spoiler is not parked in our driveway tonight! But, let’s talk about something we could afford and our other favorite thing on our visit to Scottsdale – Arizona brews!!

What we really enjoy about visiting the Phoenix area is they have a beer for every kind of beer enthusiast! Their brewers are putting their own unique interpretation on classic styles – they honor tradition and push some boundaries to create some distinct and memorable beers!

Our favorite when visiting Scottsdale is the Desert Rose Prickly Pear Kolsch at the Goldwater Brewing Co. located in Old Town Scottsdale!

This is a well balance Kolsch with a subtle tartness from the local Arizona prickly pear.

Leesl: i also love that if you haven’t visited Old Town it’s a cool, vibrant blend of Old West charm with streets filled with art, shops, restaurants and a farmers’ market – it’s truly a lovely stroll if you are visiting the Phoenix area.

And, I want to give a shout out to another local brewing company – SanTan. I loved the Sky Harbor Lager. If you want a beer on the lighter side, this blonde lager is for you – bright, crisp and easy-drinking.

Andy: This wraps up our stop in the Valley of the Sun! Barrett-Jackson delivered on the bucket list and was a great start to our journey, but the road trip has just begun. Next stop? Sin City! We’re moving from muscle cars to money lines!