Cooler January temperatures traditionally debut the prime tourist season and the start of the hot collector car auctions in the Greater Phoenix Valley.

At least seven collector car auctions are scheduled from Jan. 10-20.

One change this year is the absence of Silver Auctions AZ at We-Ko-Pa Resort and Conference Center at Fort McDowell. Construction of a new casino into parking areas forced the auction to relocate to the Peoria Sports Complex.

Even if your bank account doesn’t stretch to purchase one of the collector or vintage cars, the auctions make for a great learning experience and people-watching.

Sellers enjoy talking about their cars and the years of restoration that went into making them auction ready.

The larger auctions – Barrett-Jackson and Russo and Steele – draw vendors who sell fine art, apparel, jewelry and automotive memorabilia, such as neon signs, antique gas pumps and collectible automotive advertising metal signs.

Silver Auctions AZ

When: Silver Auctions AZ will offer about 400 vehicles at a new location, Peoria Sports Complex, from Jan. 11-13.

Bidding will start on memorabilia at 10 a.m., followed by vehicles at 11 a.m. Gates open daily at 9 a.m.

Where: Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria.

Admission: $15 daily, $10 for seniors and first responders with ID, veterans and active military. Children under 12 are free.

Website: SilverAuctionsAZ.com.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Event

When: Saturday, Jan. 12, to Sunday, Jan. 20. Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale.

Items of interest: Domestic supercars, like a 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition, will be among the most anticipated vehicles. The car was built to honor the 40th anniversary of the GT40’s first, second and third finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

The first Ford pre-production of the 1965 Mustang hardtop to receive a VIN.

Admission: Various packages are available from single daily tickets to week-long advance passes. Advance all week tickets for adults are $190; $150 for seniors. Advance daily tickets are $21 or $18 for seniors or $25 and $20 at the door.

Website: barrett-jackson.com.

Russo and Steele

When: Auction preview will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. The auction starts at noon, Thursday, Jan. 17, and continues through Saturday, Jan. 19. The auction on Sunday, Jan. 20, will begin at 11 a.m.

Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, off Loop 101 and Indian Bend.

Items of interest: The in-the-round auction specializes in European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and custom vehicles. More than 800 classic autos are expected. Vendor pavilion for 130 vendors and food trucks.

Admission: $30 general admission, Thursday through Saturday; Sunday general admission, $20. Bidder registration is $250.

Highlights: A 1964 Cheetah race car previously driven at Daytona; the winner of the 1985 Great American Race, an 1914 Dodge Brothers race car, and a rare 1952 Buick Roadmaster convertible, one of only seven registered.

Website: russoandsteele.com.

RM Sotheby’s

When: The 20th annual Arizona sale will feature approximately 120 blue-chip vehicles from prewar classics to contemporary supercars on Thursday, Jan. 17, and Friday, Jan. 18. Cars will be available for preview at 10 a.m. Bidding will start at 5 p.m. both days.

Where: Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix.

Items of interest: The Calumet Collection consisting of 11 British vehicles including eight Rolls Royce models. Another prized vehicle is a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO with less than 3,000 miles offered for auction for the first time.

Admission: Open to the general public during preview hours only. Auction admission is limited to registered bidders and consignors. Bidder registration at $200 includes admission for two.

Website: rmsothebys.com.

Gooding & Company

When: Bidding will begin at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan.18, and Saturday, Jan. 19.

Where: Scottsdale Fashion Square, 4700 N. Scottsdale Road, corner of N. Scottsdale Road and E. Highland Ave., Scottsdale.

Items of interest: A trio of Shelby Cobras – a 1964 289m a 1965 289 and a 1966 427 – will be among the feature cars A 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SK Gullwing will be one of the stars. Also on deck will be Aston Marin, De Tomaso, Porsche, Ferrari and Austin-Healey.

Admission: Auction catalogue is $100 and includes admission for two to the viewing and the auctions. General admission tickets are $40 per person. Children are free.

Website: goodingco.com.

Bonhams Classic Car Auction

When: A one-day auction will be Thursday, Jan. 17. Previews will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16, and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 17.

Where: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale.

Admission: $30 admits one person to the preview, auction and gallery guide; $100 allows two people entry and auction catalogue. Bidder registration, $150 includes one gallery guide and entry for two into preview and auction days.

Items of interest: A 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider that was owned, raced and admired by four cultural icons, James Dean, Porfirio Rubirosa, John Von Neumann and Phil Hill, will be sold.

58 Porsche 550A Spyder with LeMans racing history is regarded as one of the most iconic Porsches every produced. It is expected to bring between $4.5 and $5.5 million. A 1957 300 SL roadster, the first ever introduced to the U.S. market, also is a premium entry and valued to sell at $1.4 to $1.7 million.

Website: bonhams.com/Scottsdale.

Worldwide Auctioneers

When: One-day auction featuring American muscle cars, exotics and classics at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Where: 6460 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale.

Admission: Bidder passes are $100 for catalogue and seating for two. Admission for spectators is $45.

Items of interest: A 1931 Duesenberg Model J Custom Berline Judkins sedan, 1935 Auburn 851 SC Boattail Speedster and 1925 Bugatti Type 35A Grand Prix.

Website: worldwideauctioneers.com.