How to Buy a Vehicle at Barrett-Jackson: A Guide for First-Time Buyers

Oct 1

Barrett-Jackson is one of the most exciting collector car auctions in the world, offering everything from rare classics to high-performance exotics. But once the gavel drops and you've secured your dream vehicle, the next big question is: How do I get it home—especially if I’m outside the U.S.?

At Royal Shipping Lines, we specialize in helping international buyers ship their newly purchased vehicles from Barrett-Jackson events to destinations throughout Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Carribbean and Africa..

Here’s everything you need to know about buying a vehicle at Barrett-Jackson—and how we make international shipping smooth and stress-free.

1. Register to Bid at Barrett-Jackson

Start by registering as a bidder. You can do this online or on-site at the auction. You’ll need:

A valid photo ID
Proof of funds (bank letter or credit authorization)
A bidder registration fee (starts at ~$200)

Once approved, you’ll receive a bidder badge and access to the auction floor.

2. Choose Your Dream Vehicle

Use Barrett-Jackson’s online docket to preview vehicles in advance. Most cars are sold with no reserve, meaning they will be sold to the highest bidder no matter what.

Before you bid, consider:

Title type (clean, salvage, export-ready)
Vehicle condition
Restoration history
Matching VINs or documentation for classics

If you're an international buyer, Royal Shipping Lines can help you verify title eligibility for export.

3. Bid, Win, and Pay

Barrett-Jackson’s auction is fast-paced. If you're the winning bidder:

You'll pay the hammer price plus a buyer's premium (typically 10–12%)
Payments are made via wire transfer or certified funds
You’ll need to complete paperwork for title transfer and release

Royal Shipping Lines can assist with paperwork coordination if you're not present on-site.

4. Let Royal Shipping Lines Handle the Shipping

Once you’ve secured your vehicle, it’s time to ship it home—and this is where we come in.

We offer:

🚗 Vehicle Pickup from Barrett-Jackson
We coordinate transport from the auction location to our U.S. ports.

🌎 International Shipping
We handle container or roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) shipping directly to final destinaiton.

🛃 Customs Clearance Support
We navigate the paperwork, import duties, and local compliance requirements so you don’t have to.

📦 Full-Service Logistics
From insurance to delivery coordination, we’ve got your shipment covered every step of the way.

Why Choose Royal Shipping Lines?

✅ Licensed & Bonded International Carrier
✅ 15+ Years Experience Shipping Collector Cars
✅ Bilingual Support for Spanish-Speaking Clients
✅ Door-to-Port & Port-to-Port Options Available
✅ Transparent Pricing & Reliable Schedules

Ready to Buy at Barrett-Jackson? We’ll Handle the Rest.

Don’t let logistics stop you from owning the car of your dreams. Whether you’re buying a show car, a restomod, or a future collectible—Royal Shipping Lines makes sure your investment gets home safely.