|
 Gary Bennett, Craig Jackson and Steve Davis, the powerhouse behind Barrett-Jacskon
Steve Davis is the President of Barrett-Jackson and an innovator in the industry. He has been instrumental in raising the standards for the Collector Car Auction industry. Steve is also a Mustang collector himself.
MG: What is the biggest change in Barrett-Jackson you've seen since your start with the company in 1996?
SD: I have seen many changes in Barrett-Jackson over the years. One of the most significant was watching the "auction" evolve into a unique lifestyle event appealing to millions of people around the world. With our incredible relationship with the Speed Channel, our live broadcasts, our "Life on the Block" reality show, and our web site, we have a powerful platform to attract people from all walks of life into our beloved collector car hobby.
MG: We enjoy coming here every year and it really is its own lifestyle. How many Mustangs are in your personal collection?
SD: My Mustang collection is always a work in progress and a labor of love. Currently I have ten ponies in my corral. They range from one of the first Mustang convertibles built in San Jose in 1964 (my next restoration project) to the 2007 40th Anniversary GT500 Concept Convertible that was on display in 2007 in the Ford booth at SEMA along with my 1970 Boss 302.
MG: Wow, that's some collection! We know this will be hard, but which of your Mustangs means the most to you and why?
SD: I love all my Mustangs, but clearly my '67 Shelby factory supercharged GT350 is like one of the family. I originally purchased the car in 1977, and with my wife's permission, obtained a second mortgage on our home in order to swing the deal. Every time I look at that car it is a passionate reminder of why these cars are so special.
MG: It's nice to have a spouse that understands your passion! Which one is the most fun to drive?
SD: I enjoy driving my '65 GT convertible, as it is so user friendly and always ready to roll. There is also something magical about cruising down the road with the top down and glass packs howling as you go through the gears. Driving my original '65 GT convertible today is even more gratifying with all the late-model Mustangs on the road, which provide a rolling testament to the influence and timeless design of the first generation Mustangs.
MG: Yes, I bet that is fun-- a convertible Mustang with modified exhaust is a bit of heaven. Let's talk a little about the industry. Which Mustang, year and model, do you think is destined to be the next "classic" Mustang?
SD: There are many phenomenal late-model Mustangs on the market and in the pipeline that in my opinion will achieve collectible stature, but without a doubt the new generation Shelbys and especially the most anticipated of all, the GT500KR, will reign as the most sought after, rarest, and most collectible of the new Mustangs. They call it "King of the Road" for a reason; north of 500 horsepower, all the creature-comforts of a luxury car, and enough torque to pull a freight train. That's the formula for a future classic. Thanks to Ford and Carroll Shelby, this is the new golden era of muscular Mustangs.
MG: We would have to agree. One of the most popular Mustangs with enthusiasts is the 2003-2004 Cobra, or "Terminator." Do you see this ever becoming a collector’s item?
MG: The '03-'04 Cobra Mustangs were as good as it got at that time. They were the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever built until that time, and that was saying something. SVT's DNA was all over that car, and as a result, the "Terminator" represented an amazing driving experience and value. I feel they will become more collectible and appreciated as time goes by. Unfortunately, they are now living in the shadow of the contemporary Shelbys, primarily because Coletti's SVT division did not have the relationship with Carroll Shelby and his organization that the SVT of today enjoys.
MG: Yes, this new relationship in the past few years has really sparked some creativity in the Mustang line. Steve, it's been a pleasure! Is there anything else you want our readers to know about your passion for Mustangs?
SD: All Mustang lovers have had that defining moment when they were bitten by the bug and infected for life. I remember mine clearly, and it came at an early age, long before I would be able to afford any car or even drive for that matter. It happened when I first looked through the window of an early fastback; equipped with a rally-pak, it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. It prompted me to start collecting anything Mustang. That passion eventually led me to dumpster diving in the alley behind my local Ford dealer, diving for anything Mustang-related-- brochures, advertising pieces, showroom displays, even matches. If it was there, I would capture it. I would then promptly secure my bounty and carefully store it for future reference, as actually owning one of these cars was only a dream. Today, some of my most prized Mustang possessions are those dumpster finds that I have maintained and cherished all these years. It is that passion, and the spirit it represents, that keeps me grounded and helps guide me as president of Barrett-Jackson first and foremost as an enthusiast.
We all feel it, we all have it-- turn the key and you hear it. It is this “Passion for a Legend” that binds us together through all generations to enjoy an American creation that outlives any hard times and rejuvenates us, and as Steve said, keeps us grounded.
 Steve Davis with Carroll Shelby and the Shelby Barrett-Jackson Edition
Photos Courtesy of Barrett-Jackson, www.barrettjackson.com
|
