Barrett-Jackson Partners With Cessna, Kansas Aircraft and Okoboji Classic Cars

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Barrett-Jackson, The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, announced today that a unique part of United States military history will cross the auction block and that these charitable lots will benefit veterans at the 43^rd Annual Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 12-19, 2014. A Cessna liaison plane and a Dodge Utility vehicle will be auctioned to benefit The Armed Forces Foundation and their ongoing efforts to assist active-duty and retired military personnel.   

"Barrett-Jackson takes pride in our long history of charitable efforts," said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "Yet any time where the vehicles crossing the block benefit the men and women of our armed forces that is a special day at Barrett-Jackson."

One unique offering at Scottsdale consists of two lots, sold as one package; Lot #3008 and #3008.1 are a part of military history, including a restored Cessna '59 L-19 Bird Dog liaison plane and '58 Dodge M37 Utility vehicle. The 1959 model L-19E Bird Dog is being donated by Cessna Aircraft Company with special thanks to experts at Kansas Aircraft Corporation, who are responsible for sourcing the plane. Cessna, Kansas Aircraft Corporation and Okoboji Classic Cars partnered to bring a restored L-19 Bird Dog and Dodge M37 truck to the 2014 Barrett-Jackson auction.

Cessna's L-19 Bird Dog, a liaison and observation plane that entered service in 1951, was known to be "worth its weight in gold" for its artillery spotting, medevac operations and search and rescue missions. The L19 Bird was renowned for its maneuverability and performance while on the front line. Praised by pilots for its dependability in life-and-death situations, the L-19 Bird Dog was soon incorporated into the arsenal of other military branches at home and abroad.

In addition, a 1958 Dodge M37 three-quarter pickup truck restored and donated by Okoboji Classic Cars of West Okoboji, Iowa, a Cessna customer, will also be included in the auction. The M37, used extensively by the United States Military as a utility vehicle, was known for its solid performance and field reliability. Together this duo is an impressive piece of both military and aviation history that will not only add substantial interest to any collection, but will also honor the work of one of our country's most respected veteran's organizations.

"My family and I are extremely thankful to AFF, Barrett-Jackson, Cessna and Okoboji for the opportunity to help raise awareness and support for veterans like myself who suffer from PTSD," said Gunnery Sergeant Sam Deeds.  "It's not just the veteran who needs support, but the family of the veteran as well.  With the funds raised at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction Scottsdale and the donations made, AFF can provide the support needed for veterans and their families.  It's time to support those who defend our freedoms; please help save our troops." 

The proceeds from the auction will benefit The Armed Forces Foundation which offers vital assistance to active-duty and retired military personnel, National Guard, Reserve Components and military families. This includes direct financial assistance, therapeutic recreational and outreach programs, hospital dinners and national education initiatives. With the launch of our Help Save Our Troops campaign, the AFF proactively educates Americans about the hidden wounds of war, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and advocates for those troops and veterans who have suffered these hidden wounds.

"Lot #3008 and 3008.1, a restored Cessna '59 L-19 Bird Dog liaison plane and '59 Dodge M37 Utility vehicle, are important lots in this auction. First because of their pedigrees and, more important, because of the charitable impact these lots will have. These lots simultaneously help The Armed Forces Foundation and allow the owner to acquire a significant piece of U.S. military history," said Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. "The Barrett-Jackson team appreciates any opportunity we have to help assist and support the men and women who have served our country."

For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com or call 480-421-6694.  To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.barrett-jackson.com/scottsdale/tickets/. 

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson, the world's leading collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, specializes in providing products and services to astute classic and collector car owners and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™ in Scottsdale, Ariz., Palm Beach, Fla., Reno Tahoe, Nev. and Las Vegas, Nev., where hundreds of the world's most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. With an unprecedented expert staff, including Craig Jackson, Steve Davis and Gary Bennett who have over 130 years of combined experience in the automotive field, Barrett-Jackson offers the most diverse and desirable inventory accompanied with trustworthy and transparent customer service. More information about Barrett-Jackson, including details on expanded television coverage on the FOX family of networks which includes the National Geographic channel, can be found at www.barrett-jackson.com, or by calling (480) 421-6694. 'Like' us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @Barrett_Jackson.  

Each description contained herein is provided by the consignor for the purpose of describing the item offered for sale. The accuracy of a description is the responsibility of the consignor and Barrett-Jackson is not responsible for any errors contained in a description or for the failure of a consignor to produce any item for sale. Please conduct your own inspection before making a purchase and refer to the Barrett-Jackson website for complete terms and conditions of sale.

SOURCE Barrett-Jackson