LAS VEGAS -

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. revealed last week that its recent 4th annual Las Vegas auction event eclipsed the $24 million mark for gross sales and notched records for vehicles sold and attendance.

More specifically, the three-day event — which featured exotic, custom and classic cars, as well as hot rods, resto-mods and original collector vehicles — generated sales of 580 units, which was an all-time high for Vegas.

Moreover, the 60,000 in attendance was also a Vegas record.

Additionally, the Barrett-Jackson revealed it saw its strongest sell-through rate (97 percent) since it brought back the “hybrid auction model” of reserve/no-reserve consignment. Barrett-Jackson merchandise sales at the event — which was held Sept. 22-24 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino — was up 25 percent, with ticket sales climbing 16 percent.

Outside of the numerical landmarks, the sale also attracted such celebrities as actors Josh Duhamel and Tom Arnold, magician Criss Angel, and more.
The event also generated $1.4 million for charity.

“Results from the Las Vegas auction demonstrate that the collector car market is incredibly strong within all segments of the hobby, despite an uncertain global economic climate,” said chairman and chief executive officer Craig Jackson.

“In addition to the impressive sales numbers, Barrett-Jackson continues to lead as the collector car auction for all audiences with compelling charitable moments, celebrity appearances and activities for everyone — all under the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip at the beautiful Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino,” he added.

Barrett-Jackson president Steve Davis chimed in, noting: “The 2011 Las Vegas auction brought our 40th anniversary to close as 60,000 fans witnessed a very diverse offering of vehicles and a demonstration of charitable moments that are a cornerstone of Barrett-Jackson."

Davis’ 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 fetched $700,000, the highest of any car sold.

“The outpouring of goodwill that we experienced is very gratifying and the sale of my 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 is a moment that I will always remember. We thank the Las Vegas community for making us feel so welcome over the past four years and look forward to returning next year for another successful event,” he continued.