4oz. Auto Air Pearl Gold on 2040-parts.com

Secrets of bidders: Is this your year to steal a car at the Arizona auctions?

Each January, enthusiasts flock to Arizona for the most exciting events on the auction calendar. Seven companies--Barrett-Jackson, RM Auctions, Gooding & Co., Russo and Steele, Kruse International, ICA Auctions and Silver Auctions--will duke it out, with more than 3,000 collector cars on the block. But with real estate tanking, the economy in a tailspin, consumer confidence at an all-time low, retail car sales bottoming and automakers begging for loans in Washing-ton, is this any time to buy an old car at auction?

Keep Cruisin', Marv Spector

For the last 30 years or so, you could belly up to the service counter at Specter Off Road in scorching Chatsworth, Calif., deep in the Valley, underneath the red-and-white arrow that stretches the length of the squat stucco building. You'd first have to stroll past the long and dark row of dizzying Toyota Land Cruisers -- Japanese fire trucks, FJ60s with roof-mounted machine guns and a propane-powered 1973 Baja 1000 champion. Past the glass cases of old photos and model kits and RC cars from Japan.

Video: Auto Design Night retrospectives

Since its introduction at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, Auto Design Night has established itself as the event for professional designers to meet up and unwind after a hard day at the auto show. Hosted on the evening of the first press day, this informal gathering has already provided hundreds of designers with a stylish, informal venue in which to eat, drink and relax with their peers, as well as providing top-class entertainment and some surprise concept unveils. Click on the ADN link below for details of upcoming events.