Passion for Collector Cars Pushes Sales to $100 Million at 35th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson Auction; Crowds Electrified by Record Sales, Attendance and Vehicles at Lifestyle Event

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--Jan. 25, 2006--The strong demand for collector cars broke numerous world records and pushed total sales to more than $100 million at the Barrett-Jackson Auction, which was held from Tuesday, Jan. 17 - Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006, at WestWorld in Scottsdale. With record attendance inside the largest tent in North America, spectacular vehicles attracted high bids such as $4,320,000, including bidder's fees, for a Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus and $3,024,000, including bidder's fees, for a 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special concept car, during the 35th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson "World's Greatest Collector Car Event."

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. reaffirmed the interest in collecting cars with another record-setting year, which garnered an estimated $100,080,115 as of Jan. 2, 20063, 2006, in sales compared to the $61,687,526 record set at the 2005 auction. A total of 1,084 cars crossed the auction block during the nine-day event; all were sold at No Reserve. The 4,852 bidders representing all 50 states and 14 countries registered for a chance to own a vehicle. These bidders had a combined purchasing limit of $1 billion.

"The results of this year's auction demonstrate that the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction is the premier event to buy and sell the finest quality cars in the world," said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. "Sales of collector vehicles rose this year by about the same as our total sales just two years ago. Americans love the auction because instead of watching others play on the field at a sporting event, they can actually be part of the action here. Car collecting is becoming a great American pastime."

Six vehicles reached or exceeded the million dollar mark, including bidder's fees. Those vehicles include a pristine 1970 HEMI 'Cuda convertible, selling for $2,160,000, the oldest existing Corvette at $1,080,000, a 1952 Chrysler D'Elegance for $1,188,000, and a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS at $1,242,000. In addition, an unrivaled selection of HEMI-powered automobiles, street rods, muscle cars, classic and European sports cars were sold on the auction block as celebrities such as Carroll Shelby, Edsel Ford, Sammy Hagar, Bob Seger, Michael Anthony, Alice Cooper, Billy Gibbons, Bill Goldberg, Ian Ziering, Louis Gonzalez, Randy Johnson and Chip Foose watched.

The auction is a lifestyle event, featuring fashion shows and a pavilion where patrons were pampered with spa treatments, shopped for high-end jewelry and clothing and had access to some of Arizona's most prestigious resort communities. Two evening galas were held during the week; one for bidders and VIPs and one benefiting Childhelp USA, the auction's charitable beneficiary. Early estimates indicate that over $2 million was raised for the charity.

Throughout the auction, crowds watched bidders battle for an unparalleled selection of collectible cars. "Top quality vehicles fetched top prices in nearly all categories," noted Jackson. "For instance, the Futurliner earned the highest sale price of any American car at a Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. event and the highest sale price of a GM vehicle of this size. From Amphicars to Shelbys, we shattered a host of world record prices that reflect the value of these important pieces of history."

Barrett-Jackson continues to set the standard for the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, breaking records and serving as the barometer for market trends. This year's event was broadcast live on SPEED Channel for more than 33 hours of total coverage.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Co.

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Event" in Scottsdale, and has expanded to other venues, including Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call 480-421-6694.