Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
StumbleHundreds of classic cars hit auction block in Las Vegas
1961 Ol’ Yaller that Elvis drove in ‘Viva Las Vegas’ among celebrity cars for sale
The Barrett-Jackson car show at Mandalay Bay kicked off Wednesday and will run through Saturday.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.
If you go
- What: Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
- When: Events continue through Saturday
- Where: Mandalay Bay
- Cost: $15 per day or $30 for a three-day pass. Purchase through Ticketmaster or Barret-Jackson.com
- Details: Barrett-Jackson.com
Car Collectors Rejoice!
Viewing video requires the latest version of Adobe's Flash Player
del.icio.usBarrett-Jackson annual car show/auction returns to Las Vegas
Hundreds of collector cars will be on auction this week in Las Vegas, but none is generating more buzz than the 1961 Ol’ Yaller VIII sports car that Elvis Presley drove in the movie “Viva Las Vegas.”
The car will be sold to the highest bidder at the 2nd annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction being conducted through Saturday at Mandalay Bay.
Craig Jackson, the auction company’s chairman and CEO, said the owner of the car chose to sell it at the Las Vegas auction specifically because of its link to the movie.
“Hopefully, someone will want it to stay in Vegas,” Jackson said.
The car — Lot No. 709 — is among a number of celebrity vehicles that will be for sale. The auction will be televised by the SPEED cable network.
Actors Bruce Willis and Don Johnson are selling cars from their private collections.
Willis will be auctioning off his 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 and 1988 Lincoln limousine. Johnson is selling a 1994 Land Rover Defender 90.
And TV host Jay Leno, an avid collector, is selling a Yamaha Star V-Max motorcycle.
Jackson didn’t make any predictions on how much any of the cars might bring. But last year’s auction brought in $29 million, despite the depressed economy. Proceeds from some of the sales go to charity — a total of $6.8 million last year.
On Wednesday, the cars cruised down The Strip on their way to the southeast parking lot at Mandalay Bay.
“It was fantastic,” said Jerry Mace, a visitor from Boston. “All the cars were nice and really something to look at.”
The parking lot also gives Las Vegas locals a chance to display their classic cars.
Chuck Hume brought his 1956 F100 Ford that he rebuilt himself. “It’s a hobby of mine, but I would never sell this car,” Hume said.
Hume said he hasn’t participated in the auction but has sold eight 1956 F100 Fords that he’s rebuilt. He said his children help him work on the vehicles, and it’s a great bonding experience.
“It’s like going to Disneyland with the kids,” Hume said with a smile.
Other events associated with the auction include fashion shows, parties and a ride-and-drive track in which participants can get behind the wheel of a car and then take a ride with a professional driver.
“You drive it and then hop in and let them show you what it can do,” Jackson said.
Brothers Nathan and Jason Dietzel were all smiles after experiencing the ride-and-drive course.
“They push the cars to the limit,” said Nathan Dietzel. “Basically, they scare the hell out of you.”
Discussion: comments so far…
Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy. Additionally, we now display comments from trusted commenters by default. Those wishing to become a trusted commenter need to verify their identity or sign in with Facebook Connect to tie their Facebook account to their Las Vegas Sun account. For more on this change, read our story about how it works and why we did it.
Only trusted comments are displayed on this page. Untrusted comments have expired from this story.
No trusted comments have been posted.
Post a comment
Most Popular
- Viewed
- Discussed
- E-mailed
- South Point owner Michael Gaughan’s take on ‘Vegas Stripped’: ‘I’ll give it an 8’
- Coolican: Henderson officials out of loop on police brutality case, raising red flags
- See mug shots of 16 arrested in stolen-property police sting
- Lumberjacks — ‘Where the Big Boys Eat’ — hiring for North Las Vegas location
- Berkley draws stark contrasts with Heller over immigration
- Conceptual design unveiled for Henderson Space and Science Center
- Rebels open as a 9.5-point favorite against No. 13 San Diego State
- Send your loved one a virtual Vegas Valentine’s Day card right now
- Short memories may serve president
- Howard Miller, prominent lawyer and ‘true Las Vegas native,’ dies at 68
Blogs
The Kats Report
Live color from the scene at Thomas & Mack Center: We have a wire job! Rebels win, and Louie Armstrong sings!
South Point owner Michael Gaughan's take on 'Vegas Stripped': 'I'll give it an 8' (3 Comments)
Author relishes writing the life story of ‘larger-than-life’ Oscar Goodman (3 Comments)
Elsewhere
Landowner: All roads could lead to Uxbridge casino
Revel reveals smoke-free casino opening
Cirque du Soleil show in Sands China casino to close this month
Meet the woman behind Sheldon Adelson
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Sure do wish I could attend but my wife won't let me near auctions or any places I might find a really cool car for sale. I've never been to Hot August Nights because of this. I just don't understand her thinking in regards to this. Hmmmm She wants a `49-`52 five window Chevy truck and I try to convince her that these venues would be a good place to look. I don't know, WOMEN..........
I can not wait to see the turnout for the auction as my classic 1988 Geo Metro Convertible is for sale. Yes, I know what your thinking... how can I part with this classic? I prefer to think of this as not a sale but a opportunity to share this vehicle with some one who is as passionate as me.
Let me tell you about the special features this extraordinary car has, we painted it metal flake purple and installed cool rainbow graphics on both sides I think it looks awesome and a real head turner! We also installed carbon fiber mirrors with integrated turn signals and installed a set of 19" on my ride the 12" just weren't doing it, the toyo tires and chrome lip with gun metal spokes 5 spoke arospeed wheels are just right for this car, we had to do some customizing to the hubs and spindles to fit these big bad boys! We also installed a full body kit and installed twin turbochargers to the motor, this is the definitive DUB edition Metro!!!
The interior features full customization with LCD monitors throughout, and of course no pimpmobile is complete without a video game counsel and this one's no exception, we went all out an installed a X-Box 360, PS3 and a Wii so you can play in style. Good luck to all who a bidding on this tricked out ride, this will be a fine edition to anyone's garage.