Auto auction sales reach $23 million
The fifth Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Las Vegas generated more than $23 million in sales over its three-day run at Mandalay Bay, about the same as last year, the company reported Tuesday.
Some 500 classic and collectible vehicles crossed the auction block, including a 1967 Mustang Shelby Super Snake that sold for $330,000. Runner-up was a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird that fetched $297,000.
The auction company increased its overall "hammer" average, or the average winning bid, from 2011, showing that the collector car market is on the rebound, said Craig Jackson, chief executive officer of Barrett-Jackson.
Merchandise sales reached more than $660,000, a 45 percent increase from 2011, he noted.
More than 68,000 car enthusiasts attended the event, up 10 percent from the previous year. Attendance has more than doubled since the first auction in 2008.
Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.
