Las Vegas was more than ready for Barrett-Jackson on Friday.
Car lovers began streaming into the Mandalay Bay Events Center when the gates opened at 8 a.m., eager to admire, bid, sell or just soak up the incredible atmosphere that can only be found at a Barrett-Jackson auction.
The day began with the auction of 122 authentic items. These pieces of the past continue to be popular, with bidders taking home an eclectic mix of pedal cars, gas globes, service station signs and more - even a 1970s mini-bike and a seldom-available 1990s authorized Harley-Davidson neon dealership sign. Some of the most popular items auctioned off were several impeccably restored 1950s gas pumps.
Soon after, the unmistakable chant of the auctioneers resumed to usher today's 231 vehicles across the Barrett-Jackson block.
One major highlight of the collector car auction today was the sale of a beautiful 2013 Chevrolet COPO Camaro, VIN #005, to benefit the Fisher House Foundation - best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans' families can stay at no cost while a loved one receives treatment. The COPO was part of the collection of the late Greg Mauzy, a longtime Barrett-Jackson supporter whose generosity at auctions over the years helped many worthwhile causes.
Barrett-Jackson waives all fees on all charity cars, which means 100 percent of the winning $115,000 bid went to the charity. The winning bidder will also receive tours of Hendrick Motorsports and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as four Hot Passes via Hendrick Motorsports to the race of the bidder's choice.
