Six can't-miss collector car auctions

For car collectors and enthusiasts, January is one of the busiest times of the year, with tons of collector car events across the Valley.

From Jan. 23-31, thousands of hot rods, pre-war classics, sports cars and other collectibles will be on display. And if you’re lucky enough to have the money, you can bid on one of the many cars up for auction.

Here are six collector car events you don't want to miss.

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Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction

The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction will commemorate its 45th anniversary with a nine-day celebration where more than 1,500 vehicles are expected to cross the auction block.

To help mark the occasion the company is introducing an experts’ symposium to help enthusiasts master the ins-and-outs of automobile auction shopping. Highlighting the collectibles up for grabs is a 1947 Talbot-Lago T-26 Worblaufen Cabriolet and a 1938 Coddington V12 Hemi.

Details:  8 a.m. to auction close, Jan. 23-31. Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. $11-$60; $7-$20  for children; $175 All Week Pass. 480-421-6694, barrett-jackson.com.

Arizona Concours d’Elegance

Exceptional and unique cars are the stars of this exclusive show. The third annual event once again will take place on the lawns of the Arizona Biltmore. This year’s featured classes include Duesenberg, Coachwork by Zagato and Exceptional Cars of Great Britain. Everyone from private hobbyists to automobile museums is invited to apply for entry. This year’s Arizona Concours will also honor the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, so expect to see some historic race cars from the Hall of Fame of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Awards will be given, including a best-in-show award judged by a group of Make-A-Wish kids. Event proceeds will benefit the Arizona chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. More than $70,000 was raised in 2015. Only 2,000 tickets are available for spectators, so be sure to purchase yours before they sell out.

There will also be a free public showing on Monday, Jan. 25. The cars will roll into Old Town Scottsdale at noon and be on display on Marshall Way between Third and Fifth avenues for about two hours. About 60 cars will be on display along with entertainment.

Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24. Arizona Biltmore Resort, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. $80 in advance, $100 at the door. 602-625-9594, arizonaconcours.com.

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Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction

You have to hit a certain mark to be considered “The World’s Most Exciting Collector Automobile Auction.” Bringing together a collection of high-end collector automobiles and auctioning them off starting at $50,000 up to a cool couple of million dollars will certainly get the blood pumping and earn you that title. Locally-owned and operated Russo and Steele is in its 16th year of hosting the spectacle, and promises not only an auto auction but drama, suspense and entertainment over the course of five days. The auction will showcase more than 750 automobiles. Featured cars include a 1966 Lamborghini 350GT, a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe, and a 2014 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster.

Details: Jan. 27-31. Preview Day 9 a.m. Wednesday; auction noon Thursday-Sunday, with preview daily at 9 a.m. 18398 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. $20-$30. 602-252-2697, russoandsteele.com.

RM Auctions

While the auction is open to registered bidders only, there is a three-day preview that is open to the public. Last year’s auction brought in $63.7 million in sales and featured the most valuable automobile sold in Arizona auction history: a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that sold for $9,625,000. Organizers hope to continue breaking records, and will present more than 100 blue-chip automobiles from around the world, including pre-war classics, important sports and racing cars, and contemporary supercars. Featured lots include a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO and a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Carbriolet A.

Details: Jan. 27-29. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday (preview). 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday (auction). Arizona Biltmore, 24000 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. $200 for bidder registration, which includes admission for two and an official auction catalogue. rmsothebys.com.

PHOTOS: 2015 RM Auctions Friday Night

Gooding & Co. Scottsdale Auctions

This auction has a four-day viewing showcase before the bidding commences in Scottsdale Fashion Square. Lots include 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sedanca Drophead Coupe and Andretti Autosport No. 28 DHL Honda Dallara DW12.

Details: Jan. 27-30. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 (preview). 11 a.m. Friday-Saturday (auction). 4700 N. Scottsdale Road. $40 admits one to all events, $100 admits two to all events and includes catalog. $200 bidder registration, includes catalog, admission for two to the viewing and auction with two reserved seats. Free for children under 12. Cash or credit card only. goodingco.com.

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Silver Auctions

This auction is a good alternative for collectors looking for more affordable cars. This event features both vehicles and memorabilia. Silver has been in the Valley since 1992 and bills itself as offering real buyers and sellers, real cars and real deals.

Details: Jan. 28-30. Noon-10 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. Fort McDowell Resort and Casino, 10438 N. Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell Reservation.   $20; free for children under 12; $5 discount for Casino Fountain Club Card holders. silverauctions.com.

PHOTOS: 2015 Barrett-Jackson auction at WestWorld in Scottsdale