HAMDEN, Conn. -

Central Auto Auction recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special sale on March 1.

This event marked a milestone for the family-owned auction centrally located at the “Crossroads of New England,” the intersection of Interstates 95 & 91 in New Haven, Conn.

“(It was) our best sale ever,” said Central Auto Auction president and founder Peter Saldamarco.

One of the highlights was a complimentary brick-oven pizza, baked and served fresh on the auction premises by the Big Green Pizza Truck (biggreentruckpizza.com), officials noted.

“For a new auction to survive, let alone thrive, in the economic and automotive climate of the last several years is monumental,” said Saldamarco. “I attribute our success to the cornerstone of our business philosophy, ‘The Central Difference,’ which, in part, emphasizes to our employees that we need and greatly value our consigners and buyers. They are, in fact, the reason we exist.”

Saldamarco added, “I have instilled my values and business approach into all of our employees, which is comprised of several family members in key positions.”

The facility’s live auction runs every Tuesday beginning at 10:30 a.m. And, in addition to simulcast, now includes “The New Car Store Feature Auction,” along with dealer consignment, fleet, lease, repossessions and more.

Central Auto Auction offers approximately 250 vehicles to a consistent audience of between 150 and 200 bidders each week.