Collector car aficionados from around the world will descend on Las Vegas Oct. 15-18, 2008, when the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company brings its acclaimed auction and lifestyle event to the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino for the first time.
Hundreds of desirable collector vehicles will be sold at No Reserve during the auction at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, while SPEED cameras capture live, high-definition coverage.
Barrett-Jackson has been producing "The World's Greatest Collector Car Events(TM)" for 37 years in Scottsdale, Ariz., and West Palm Beach, Fla. To date this year, more than 347,000 attendees and millions of SPEED viewers around the world have witnessed 1,672 vehicles being auctioned off for approximately $111 million. The addition of the Las Vegas event represents the third jewel in a triple-crown series that is unmatched in the collector-car world.
"Now that we've completed two successful auctions in Scottsdale and Palm Beach this year, we're looking forward to bringing the Barrett-Jackson brand of high-octane excitement to Las Vegas," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "We've always believed that adding a Las Vegas event was a natural step in the evolution of the company and have received an overwhelming response from consigners and bidders who want to participate in our Vegas auction. As with all Barrett-Jackson auctions, every vehicle in Las Vegas will be offered at No Reserve, which will ensure an accurate, honest marketplace for our customers."
Barrett-Jackson's No Reserve policy means that each and every vehicle that crosses the auction block will be sold to the highest bidder. Barrett-Jackson's consignment staff reviews thousands of applications to create a diverse mix of cars that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
"When consignors want maximum value for their collector cars, they bring them to Barrett-Jackson," added Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson. "And bidders know that our selection is second to none and that every vehicle is sold when it crosses the auction block. We'll continue that tradition in Las Vegas with a lineup that appeals to seasoned collectors, as well as first-time buyers. We encourage people to consign their vehicles as early as possible in order to take advantage of our world-class marketing that attracts the hobby's top collectors."
The 2008 Las Vegas event will kick off Wednesday, Oct. 15, with a festive party on the famed Mandalay Bay Beach, featuring live entertainment, libations, and a significant charity component benefiting the Lili Claire Foundation. Lili Claire was established to enhance the lives of children living with Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, autism and other neurogenetic disorders, while providing hope and resources for the families who love them.
The foundation will also be showcased during the auction when an '08 Barrett-Jackson Edition Ford Shelby GT Mustang crosses the block along with appearances from Lili Claire's celebrity supporters. Only 100 of these high-performance muscle cars were built, and all proceeds from the sale of the car will be donated to the charity.
The first ever collector vehicle to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson in Las Vegas will cross the block on Thursday, Oct. 16, with auction action continuing through Saturday, Oct. 18. Beyond the auction, the event will encompass a wide range of lifestyle offerings, including an automobilia auction, a vast display from a diverse mix of vendors, and The Garage venue for live music, all taking place at Mandalay Bay.
"Barrett-Jackson represents the gold standard in classic-car auctions by providing an exhilarating mix of vintage vehicles, high-energy crowds, and thrilling bidding action made possible by their No Reserve policy," said Mandalay Bay President and COO Bill Hornbuckle. "The energy and excitement of Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas will provide the perfect complement to this highly anticipated event."
Those planning on attending Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas event are encouraged to plan their visit early. Special room rates and packages can be found at www.barrett-jackson.com.