Barrett-Jackson is returning to South Florida for the 3rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction, presented by Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep, at the South Florida Expo Center, March 31st-April 3rd. Building on highly successful and memorable sales at the first two Palm Beach events, this year’s auction is certain to be bigger and better! The 2004 auction achieved amazing results with $11.8 million in total sales, double that of the 2003 event! Broadcast all three days by the SPEED Channel, over 40,000 people in attendance and thousands more watching at home witnessed 302 cars sold for an amazing sales percentage of 88%.

This year’s four-day event will feature 450 of the world’s finest examples of classic, collector and special interest automobiles. Already consigned is a collection of nine (9) unique GM concept cars, all offered at No Reserve, direct from General Motors. Also being offered is a one-of-a-kind 1953 Buick Roadmaster, owned by Howard Hughes. This unique car was customized to conform to his eccentric demands and idiosyncrasies. This 5,339 original mile car was the last vehicle Howard Hughes drove and will be offered at No Reserve.

The 2005 event will begin with an Opening Night Gala on Thursday, March 31st, 2005 from 7:30pm-10:30pm. There will be an Automobilia auction of one-of-a-kind automotive collectibles, live coverage on the SPEED Channel and a Lifestyle Expo featuring over 100 exhibitors. This year’s event will be one to remember and we look forward to seeing you in Palm Beach!

The top prices paid on the auction block at the 2004 Palm Beach event included $302,400 for a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe, $190,080 for a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet, and $189,000 for a pristine 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback.

Other notable sales included $167,400 for a 2000 Bentley Arnage Red Label Sedan consigned by actor Bruce Willis and $167,400 for the 1958 Plymouth Fury featured in the John Carpenter movie Christine. In addition, America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh purchased a 1950 Jaguar Mark V Drophead Coupe for $49,140 at the auction.

The 2004 event offered car collectors a unique opportunity to purchase some specialty vehicles from General Motors that were offered for sale for the first time. The sale of 35 GM vehicles included $97,200 for a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette Indianapolis 500 Pace Car driven by the 1963 Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones, $86,400 for the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car driven by legendary pilot Chuck Yeager, and $50,600 for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird Daytona Pace Car driven by Tonight Show host Jay Leno.

Famed NASCAR driver Harry Gant was at the auction to drive a Skoal Bandit Winston Cup car from the GM Collection across the block. It sold for $32,400. In addition, NASCAR driver Mike Wallace was present when the 1965 Ford Thunderbird that he restored sold for $22,680. The buyer received the opportunity to be an honorary member of Wallace’s pit crew team at a 2004 Busch Series event.

        Thursday, March 31st 2005 10:00am– 3:00pm
Preview Day - Registered bidders and auction participants only
        Thursday, March 31st 2005 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Opening Night Gala By Invitation Only - for auction participants and sponsors
        Friday through Sunday, April 1st through 3rd, 2005 - Auction Hours:
    10:00am to 6:00pm - Friday & Saturday
    10:00am to 6:00pm - Sunday
    8:00am - Gates Open To Public daily:
    9:00am to 10:00am - Automobilia Auction runs daily