Judge cries foul but this Judge isn't in the courtroom. He's the former owner of a 1970 Hemi Cuda that sold for $300,000 in just 2 minutes and 11 seconds at Barrett-Jackson's Collector Car Auction this past January. David Clabuesch, the former Cuda owner happens to be a probate court judge. He protested the Barrett-Jackson bidding procedure almost as fast as the gavel hammered down on the sale of his collector car. 

Unhappy may be an understatement for Clabuesch. After the car was rolled off the auction block, he placed a small chain on the car and signs stating the sale was void.

Greatest Collector Car Event as Barrett-Jackson claims or auction irregularities and fastest gavel in the West? It appears the jury will decide.

Barrett-Jackson is suing Clabuesch. They claim his actions are "outrageous and defamatory" according to court documents filed by Barrett-Jackson in U.S. District Court (Phoenix). The documents are public (review here).

In January I read "The Dark Side of Auctions" published in the SL Market Letter, a newsletter written by our friend John Olson. The article is published on his website so you can read it also. Clabuesch should have read John's article:

"The entire 1,100 car Barrett-Jackson auction is now conducted with no-reserve pricing, which ensures a high percentage of cars sold. But don't pack your suitcase just yet." << MORE >>