Hundreds of classic cars hit auction block in Las Vegas

1961 Ol’ Yaller that Elvis drove in ‘Viva Las Vegas’ among celebrity cars for sale

Justin M. Bowen

The Barrett-Jackson car show at Mandalay Bay kicked off Wednesday and will run through Saturday.

By Tiffany Gibson (contact)

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

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!

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Barrett-Jackson annual car show/auction returns to Las Vegas

Barrett-Jackson Car Show

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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: 2 comments so far…

By PETEO

10/8/09 at 11:48 a.m.

Suggest removal

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..........
By acrosby85254

10/9/09 at 9:28 a.m.

Suggest removal

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.