Las Vegas Weekly

September 23, 2010 · 4:59 AM

Danny Gans’ car collection among Barrett-Jackson Auction attractions

By Robin Leach

Jay Leno at the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction at Mandalay Bay.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Hundreds of exciting, exotic and eclectic vehicles, including 10 from the collection of the late Las Vegas entertainer Danny Gans, go under the hammer at the Barrett-Jackson Auction over the next three days. Speed TV has increased its live broadcast programming this third year to feature more than 21 hours of telecasts, and stars and auto-enthusiast high rollers are set to attend the auction at Mandalay Bay.

Last year at the 2nd Collector Car Auction, more than 400 cars generated $23 million in sales during the 19 hours of HDTV coverage, including a 1965 Shelby Roadster that went for $440,000. This year, despite the economy, sales are expected to increase with one of the world’s fastest cars, plus many one-of-a-kind exotics.

High-stakes bidding for the prestigious auction begins today. Yesterday, festivities kicked off with a showcase of more than 100 Hot Rods, Resto-Mods, classics, new collectibles and muscle cars during the 2nd Road Rally from the Las Vegas Convention Center and down The Strip to the Mandalay Bay parking area.

“It all proves we will become an annual fixture on the Las Vegas calendar for many years to come,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Our attendance is up from previous years, and we’re selling some of the most impressive vehicles we’ve ever offered. The energy and excitement of Las Vegas as a destination city where people really let loose helps create an auction experience that’s unlike any other.”

Celebrities who took part last year included Jay Leno, John Schneider, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and Don Johnson. The 10 vehicles from Danny include Hot Rod Fords, 1950s era Chevrolets, muscle cars and modern performance vehicles. The vehicles will be sold during the Speed broadcast as a tribute to The Strip icon.

“Danny was a renaissance man blessed with many talents,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, which is celebrating its 40th year. “His career, which spanned professional sports, music, comedy and theater, endeared him to fans of all ages and backgrounds worldwide. We’re honored that his family would ask Barrett-Jackson to share his love of car collecting with the world. His amazing collection will be the cornerstone of our event.”

Danny’s son Andrew added: “Talking about cars and helping my dad bring them to life was always something I looked forward to while growing up. He loved the hobby and relished every nut, bolt, motor and paint job. Even selecting a license plate was important to him. His cars were more than sheets of metal, rubber and glass. Each was a cherished work of art, and he was the artist who made sure every detail was refined and exact. When the cars were finished, he and I would take the first ride together.”

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Danny Gans.

Barrett-Jackson will sell Danny’s 1932 Ford 3-window coupe, 1934 Ford 3-window coupe, 1955 Chevrolet Cameo pickup and 1955 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan. The group also contains a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko SC tribute car, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda coupe, 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, 2000 Dodge Viper and 2008 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX.

“The cars were meticulously maintained, and Danny often drove them to work. Not only are they wonderful collectibles, they’re a piece of Vegas history with celebrity provenance,” Steve said.

“While my mother designed our house, there was no doubt the garage belonged to my dad,” added Amy Gans, Danny’s daughter. “He wanted it to reflect the 1930s and ’40s era. My dad carefully planned every inch to reflect the passion he had for his collection. Once the garage door opened, you were immediately drawn in and treated to a piece of automotive history, and in every direction you would look, you were taken to a new destination. Now, the cars will go into the garages of those who want to celebrate his life, as well as cherish the cars he loved so passionately.”

His youngest daughter Emily added: “I’m glad that our family is working with the Barrett-Jackson team to showcase my dad’s precious car collection. Barrett-Jackson attracts collectors who love cars as much as my dad did. Their auction is similar to my dad’s shows because there’s always something for everyone. I know my dad’s cars are in good hands, and his legacy will be treated with great care and respect.”

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

John Schneider at the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction at Mandalay Bay.

Other highlight cars to be sold include a 2008 Bugatti Veyron, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren convertible and Italian super cars 1988 Ferrari 512 Testarossa, a 1994 Ferrari 348 Spyder, a 2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello, a 1999 Ferrari 355 F-1 Spyder and a 2003 Ferrari 456 M GT. Known as the crown jewel of exotics, the 2008 Bugatti Veyron is number 80 out of 300 produced and was the fastest production car around the world in 2008. With only 11,800 original miles on it, the rare high-performance car has a top speed of 253 mph and goes 0 to 60 in 2.47 seconds. And that’s not a typo!

“The Veyron is a prize that all car aficionados would like to have in their collection,” Steve said. “The smooth acceleration and handling of the car, powered by 1,000 horsepower, makes you feel like you’re in the cockpit of a fighter jet.”

Vegas DeLuxe will have photo coverage and reports through the weekend.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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