INAUGURAL BARRETT-JACKSON LAS VEGAS EVENT KICKS OFF WITH STRONG SALES AND REMARKABLE ATTENDANCE
October 17, 2008
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Las Vegas – Oct. 17, 2008 – Strong sales and extraordinary attendance highlighted opening day of the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas. Approximately $4.6 million (including buyer’s premium) was spent on a variety of desirable collector cars, while more than 15,000 visitors packed Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino to witness the auction and browse over 150 vendor and sponsor displays. The event will continue today and tomorrow, with gates opening at 8 a.m. and the automotive auction starting at 11:30 a.m.
“We’re underway in Las Vegas and all aspects of the event have surpassed our expectations,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We threw an amazing beach party to welcome our special guests on Wednesday night, and the first auction day delivered solid results. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of opening day was the attendance. More than 15,000 enthusiasts took part in this milestone day, proving that collector car passion is stronger than ever.”
Yesterday’s sale was led by a pair of NASCAR racers that crossed the block during SPEED’s live, high-definition TV coverage. Robby Gordon’s No. 7 Dodge Charger (Lot #162.1) that raced earlier this year in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol fetched $77,000. The No. 2 Dodge Charger (163) driven by Kurt Busch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2007 went for $85,000. All proceeds from the sale of Busch’s car, which was autographed by Kurt Busch, Roger Penske and Pat Tryson, benefited The Kurt Busch Foundation, which supports the Victory Junction Gang Camp (www.victoryjunction.org) in North Carolina.
“A diverse selection of cars, an innovative new auction block design and the electric atmosphere at Mandalay Bay were among the highlights of our amazing start in Las Vegas,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “More than half of those registered to bid in Las Vegas were first-timers, which signifies our leadership role in growing the hobby.”
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
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