With about 2,000 cars on the WestWorld premises, there’s a vehicle for every purse and purpose at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Outside in the sunny skies, there are eight tents housing many of the vehicles that cross the block. What will you find under Tent 3? Here are several that stood out.
1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7
This is an unusual one because it looks like any 351 two-barrel Cougar out there, but this XR-7 is different because of the 428 Cobra Jet underneath the hood. Why no markings to indicate the storm brewing within? Because it was built without ram air induction, so there’s no hood scoop or stripes that may give a hint. In Mercury-speak, this is called a Q-code, as the R-code was the CJ that included ram air. Additionally, it has the neat rocker trim and side mirrors that were part of the Sports Special promotional package available for standard Cougars. Only 172 XR-7 Q-codes were built, with 32 having the four-speed.
1952 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
Chryslers of this era haven’t garnered much attention because their styling is a bit too conservative, especially compared to General Motors, but they’re very large, solid vehicles. Some may even have the 331 Hemi, an important engine in the evolution of the “Horsepower Wars.” This one reportedly has just over 16,000 miles, which means I wouldn’t want to drive it around, but this rarity will suit someone who is more inclined to pamper it for the rest of its life, just like the current owners who have maintained it for 38 years.
1919 Pierce-Arrow Model 31 Touring
Even back in the infancy of the American automobile, Pierce-Arrow showed distinction by having trademark headlights on the front fenders, which gave it what could be considered a more modern look compared to its contemporaries. This one is powered by a massive 415ci dual-valve inline-six paired with a four-speed manual—makes 1960s three-speeds sound antiquated, no? Having spent much of its lifetime in the California Central Valley, it was acquired in 2007 and restored, now living the easy life. This is the epitome of “ornate craftsmanship with advanced engineering.”
1936 Oldsmobile F-36 Sport Coupe
There is something special about an old 1930s coupe with a rumble seat. This 1936 Oldsmobile F-36 Sport Coupe was one of two available coupes, with the Business Coupe eschewing the rumble seat for a large trunk. Power comes from a 213ci inline six with 90 horsepower (a 100-horse L-head eight was available too) backed by a floor-shifted three-speed. It is finished in black paint complemented by a tan OE-style interior. A few years later, Oldsmobile would be the recipient of the world’s first automatic transmission.
1988 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Kids in high school in the 1980s dreamed about this car. Perhaps a 5.0 LX is more tasteful to the eyes of an older gent or lassie but, back then, those louvers and ground effects were an exciting addition to the 14-second ETs that some cars were pulling. This 1988 GT has all the right stuff, from the five-speed manual to 3.08 gears, power windows, speed control, and AM/FM/cassette, plus it has a low 16,521 miles—kudos to the original owner, who kept it till 2023. If mothballing a car is not offensive to your sensibilities, then this Bright Regatta Blue Metallic ragtop is a primo choice for 1980s romantics.
