EDDIE VAN HALEN To Auction A Pair Of 1956 Chevy Classics

A pair of Chevrolet classics from the personal collection of rock 'n' roll icon Eddie Van Halen will be sold at no reserve during the 38th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 11-18, 2009. The 1956 Chevy 210 (Lot #1259) and 1956 Chevy Nomad (Lot #1259.1) will each be auctioned with matching, one-of-a-kind EVH Brand "Wolfgang" guitars and a pair of red, white, and black EVH striped sneakers. Hailed as "The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions", the Scottsdale auction and lifestyle event will feature a diverse mix of the world's most desirable collector vehicles. SPEED will broadcast nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition coverage of all six auction days.

"Rock 'n' roll and collector cars go hand in hand," said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "And Eddie's cars, although from the same year, represent the diversity of the collector car hobby. The Nomad is restored to original specifications while the 210 is a custom-built street rod with modern performance gear. I expect these cars to enter special collections that salute both rock 'n' roll and automobiles."

The maroon 1956 Chevrolet 210 is a Pro Street hot rod built by customizer Jim Van Gordon. The car features a powerful 454 c.i.d. big block Chevy engine that pumps out more than 600 horsepower, making it suitable for the drag strip while still street legal. Additional highlights include a narrowed 9-inch Ford rear end with Detroit Lockers' Mark Williams' axles, 4.30 gears, 4-link coil-over suspension, disc brakes, and custom wheels and tires. Racing gauges and a dark grey color scheme underline the interior of the 210."

Van Halen's 1956 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon sports a classic "Cashmere Blue" and white paint scheme and was once part of the famed "The Harrah Collection" in Reno, Nev. The car underwent a frame-off restoration and features a 265 c.i.d., 210 horsepower "Power Pack" V8 engine, power steering and power brakes. An upgrade to disc brakes was added for improved stopping and safer driving."

"Out of all the cars I have owned over the years, I hung onto the '56 Sedan and Nomad because I was closely involved in restoring and building them, so they are very special to me," explained Van Halen. "I almost hate to let them go, but I don't have the time to drive them. It kills me to see them sit there when someone else could be driving them and have the pleasure and joy of owning these beautiful classic cars."

"Since they are so dear to me, I thought I would make it even more special by having two custom-made Wolfgang guitars built to match each car," Van Halen added. "I hope the new owners enjoy these cars as much as I have and keep the guitars and cars in their families for a long time, because they are all one-of-a-kind."

In 2007, Eddie, president of ELVH Inc., partnered with Fender Musical Instrument Corporation to launch EVH Brand guitars, amps and musical products. A limited run of Van Halen Frankenstein replica guitars were introduced in addition to the EVH 5150III amplifier line and EVH guitar accessories. In January, Eddie will launch an all-new Wolfgang guitar. More information on the EVH Brand is available at www.evhgear.com.

The Van Halen cars and guitars will be joined by the world's most desirable collector vehicles and automobilia to be sold at the historic Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. Lifestyle attractions will also return to Barrett-Jackson in January in the form of luxury vendors, galas and fashion shows. Barrett-Jackson's trendy night-spot, "The Garage," will be the site of exclusive gatherings throughout the event.