Strong sales and unexpected attendance numbers highlighted the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas, according to Barrett Jackson officials, the Collector Car auction held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center from October 16th-18th, 2008 reached a stunning total of $29 million in auction sales. The inaugural Las Vegas event brought over 50.000 visitors as well more than 120 vendors and specialized sellers and 1,200 bidders competing for some of the most desirable cars in the U.S. The event featured more than 500 cars sold at No reserve, including Carroll Shelby’s 1949 MG TC, Funkmaster Flex’s custom 2006 Ford Mustang GT, a 2003 Saleen S7 and a 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Custom.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of our first Las Vegas event on many levels. Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay welcomed us with open arms and as a strategic partner, and it’s clear that consignors, bidders and visitors were treated to a spectacular experience. Collector cars prevailed in a struggling economy, proving that they can be treated as both a hobby and an investment.” said Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson’s chairman and CEO.

As usual, the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event featured a series of special auctions benefiting several charity organizations in the U.S. Seven cars were sold for several charities, totaling over $655,000, the cars sold for charity included a 2008 Barrett-Jackson Limited Edition Shelby GT signed by the hosts and judges of “American Idol”, a 2006 custom Ford Mustang modified on ESPN2’s “Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex” and a 2007 Dodge Charger raced by NASCAR star Kurt Busch. Only in 2008, Barrett-Jackson has raised over $6.7 million for aid and charitable organizations.

“We’re thrilled about the Barrett-Jackson relationship and the outcome of the Vegas event. This is the beginning of a great strategic partnership focused on lifestyle experiences that only Mandalay Bay and Barrett-Jackson can offer in such a unique and special way. I’m very excited about the association of our brands and the synergies that it provides and look forward to building the Vegas Barrett-Jackson event into one of the largest collector car auctions in the world.” said Bill Hornbuckle, president of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

The top 10 cars sold during the Barrett Jackson Las Vegas include:

    * 1949 MG TC – $313,500 (Lot #819)
    * 2006 Ford Mustang GT – $300,000 (Lot #774.4)
    * 2003 Saleen S7 – $260,700 (Lot #805.1)
    * 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn – $225,500 (Lot #794)
    * 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – $214,500 (Lot #803.1)
    * 1962 Lincoln Continental – $209,000 (Lot #812)
    * 1938 Packard Victoria – $209,000 (Lot #801)
    * 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – $205,700 (Lot #816)
    * 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda – $187,000 (Lot #804.2)
    * 1958 Chevrolet Corvette – $187,000 (Lot #788)

PBR Las Vegas