Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, has built a legendary career in the world of classic car auctions.
With an estimated net worth of $300 million as of 2025, Jackson has transformed Barrett-Jackson into a global empire, pioneering the collector car auction industry.
His success is not just about financial wealth—it’s a story of family legacy, passion for automobiles, and strategic business leadership.
Early Life and Family Background
Craig Jackson was born in 1959 in Arizona to Russell and Nellie Jackson. His father, Russell, was originally from Michigan and had a background in business and mechanics.
After serving as a Chief Mechanic in the Air Force during World War II, Russell transitioned into selling and restoring classic cars. His mother, Nellie, played a crucial role in managing the business operations.
Craig was raised alongside his older brother, Brian, in a family that lived and breathed classic cars.
In 1960, the Jacksons moved from Michigan to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they founded Classic Carriage House, a business dedicated to restoring and selling vintage cars. This early exposure to the automotive world would shape Craig’s future.
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The Birth of Barrett-Jackson
In 1963, Russell Jackson met Tom Barrett, another car enthusiast, through a classified ad. Barrett was selling a 1933 Cadillac V16 Town Car, once owned by Hollywood icon Joan Crawford.
Though the deal never materialized, their shared love for classic cars sparked a lifelong friendship and business partnership.
In 1967, Jackson and Barrett launched “Fiesta de los Autos Elegantes”, a charity auction for classic car enthusiasts. This event evolved into the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, officially founded in 1972.
The first major auctioned car was Adolf Hitler’s armored Mercedes-Benz 770K, which sold for over $150,000—an unprecedented sum at the time.
Taking Over the Business
Growing up in the classic car auction scene, Craig Jackson and his brother Brian naturally became involved in the family business.
However, tragedy struck when their father, Russell, passed away in 1993 after a battle with colon cancer. Shortly after, Tom Barrett retired, leaving the company in the hands of the Jackson brothers.
Unfortunately, Brian Jackson also succumbed to colon cancer in 1995 at the age of 49, leaving Craig as the sole leader of Barrett-Jackson. In 1997, Craig officially took over as Chairman and CEO, ushering in a new era for the company.
The Rise of a Global Auction Empire
Under Craig Jackson’s leadership, Barrett-Jackson transformed into one of the most prestigious collector car auctions in the world. Key factors behind the company’s massive success include:
- The “No Reserve” Auction Model: Craig implemented a no-reserve format, meaning every car sells to the highest bidder, increasing competition and excitement.
- Annual Sales Boom: The flagship Scottsdale auction attracts over 200,000 attendees per year, generating between $100 to $150 million in annual sales.
- Expansion into Television: Barrett-Jackson’s auctions are now broadcast in over 200 countries, attracting millions of viewers.
A major milestone in the company’s history occurred in August 2022, when Endeavor, the parent company of UFC and WWE, acquired a 51% stake in Barrett-Jackson for $261 million. This deal valued the company at $520 million, further solidifying its industry dominance.
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Car Collection
Craig Jackson is not just an auction house CEO—he is a true car enthusiast with one of the most impressive private car collections in the world.
His personal garage, which took over two years and several million dollars to construct, is museum-like in design.
His collection includes:
- 1970 Hemi Cuda Convertible (one of only 14 ever made)
- 1988 Porsche Factory Slope Nose (his childhood dream car)
- 1969 Camaro ZL1 Rally Sport (one of just two produced)
- 1961 Chevy Impala Custom Coupe
- 1965 Shelby Mustang GT 350
- 1997 Dodge Viper
- Ferrari Daytona
- 1932 Ford Custom Roadster
- Custom Bugatti
Jackson’s love for cars is deeply personal. His first car, a Corvette, was a gift from his father, while the first car he purchased was a 1966 Pontiac LeMans, which he still owns today.
Luxury Arizona Mansion
In addition to his cars, Craig Jackson owns a stunning Paradise Valley, Arizona mansion, which he bought for $6 million in 2006. The 12,255-square-foot estate sits on over six acres and features:
- A custom-built garage for his car collection
- A circular rotunda showroom designed to resemble a 1967 Shelby Cobra wheel
- Leather walls, terrazzo-coated floors, and a rotating turntable for his vehicles
Due to the rising value of luxury properties in Arizona, his mansion is now estimated to be worth between $10 to $15 million. However, its one-of-a-kind design makes it difficult to find comparable sales.
Legacy and Influence
At 66 years old (as of 2025), Craig Jackson has built more than just a successful business—he has cemented his legacy in the automotive world. His contributions include:
- Transforming Barrett-Jackson into a global auction powerhouse
- Expanding the business into television and international markets
- Supporting charitable causes, especially cancer research, due to his family’s history with the disease
Despite his success, Jackson remains deeply connected to the classic car community. His leadership and vision continue to shape the industry, ensuring Barrett-Jackson remains the premier name in collector car auctions.
