Las Vegas Weekly

July 24, 2008 · 8 AM

Barrett-Jackson classic car auction to be a real gas

By Robin Leach

Under the tent at the internationally renowned Barrett-Jackson auction.

Photo: Barrett-Jackson

It’s now definite that collector-car aficionados from around the world will descend on Vegas for Barrett-Jackson’s first-ever auction here on Oct.15-Oct. 18 at Mandalay Bay- - as was first revealed in Luxe Life. At two earlier events this year, in Scottsdale, Ariz., and West Palm Beach, Fla., Barrett-Jackson wooed more than 340,000 fans who shelled out more than $110-million to buy the 1,672 beauties –- and they’re expecting it to be a bigger and better bonanza here in Sin City!

“We always believed that adding Vegas was a natural step in our evolution,” said Craig Jackson, chairman of Barrett-Jackson, confirming our earlier Luxe Life exclusive. “ We’re looking forward to bringing our high-octane excitement brand to the Strip. Our two auctions this year were completed very successfully and we have already received an overwhelming response for the Vegas auction. Every vehicle will be offered at ‘No Reserve,’ which will ensure an accurate, honest marketplace for our customers.” The policy means that every vehicle that crosses the auction block will be sold to the highest bidder.

With Vegas now definitely added as the third jewel in a triple-crown series, Craig says it’s unmatched in the collector car world. Millions of TV viewers around the world will be able to watch the action -- and participate simultaneously via the Internet -- thanks to round the clock high-definition coverage by the Speed cable TV network. Barrett-Jackson, which has presented the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events” in Arizona for the past 37 years, claims proudly that the initial Vegas auction will have an extraordinary lineup of vehicles to appeal to both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers.

The debut 2008 Vegas event kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 15, with a live entertainment party on the Mandalay Bay Beach to benefit our local Lili Claire Foundation, which enhances the lives of children living with Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism and other neurogenetic disorders. Numerous Hollywood and Vegas celebrities, along with pop-world rockers, have supported this charity previously at the annual fundraising dinner and concert also held at Mandalay Bay. A high performance muscle car, a 2008 Edition Ford Shelby GT Mustang –- one of just 100 ever built --

will be auctioned on opening night with all proceeds from the sale being donated to Lili Claire.

Auction bidding will proceed over all three days, but interspersed with other lifestyle attractions including auto-memorabilia displays, car vendors and a garage venue of live music. Luxe Life will continue to post up-to-the-minute developments about the auctions, its VIP and celebrity visitors and the entertainment acts as we get closer to the actual dates -- but better book your hotel rooms now because Vegas will be packed to the rafters for this unique affair.

Mandalay Bay President Bill Hornbuckle commented: “This represents the gold standard in classic car auctions with an exhilarating mix of vintage vehicles, high energy crowds, thrilling bidding -- and the energy and excitement of Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas are the perfect complement to this highly-anticipated event.”

Share This