The Auto Collections at Imperial Palace Celebrates 25th Anniversary Tomorrow

1934 Cadillac 16 Shown

LAS VEGAS - When The Auto Collections at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino opened its doors as a museum in 1981, it began with 85 vehicles on display. Since then, about 3,000 cars with a total value today of nearly $1 billion have passed through its doors as it celebrates its silver anniversary tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 30.

To memorialize this noteworthy milestone, limited edition 25th anniversary commemorative casino chips in three distinct $5 designs will be issued soon.

In 2000, The Auto Collections began selling showroom cars and now averages about one sale every day. Most of the sales are from private collectors who negotiate over the telephone based on their confidence in the integrity and professionalism of owners Richie Clyne and Don Williams and general manager Rob Williams. Tens of thousands of visitors tour the showroom every month but only rarely do walk-ins walk out with a car. The most notable was six years ago when, one day after having lady luck on his side, a blackjack player plunked down $50,000 and drove out with a 1930 Cadillac V-16 coupe.

The Imperial Palace is home to the award-winning tribute show Legends in ConcertR and the DealertainersT, celebrity impersonators who deal blackjack. The hotel also hosts The Auto CollectionsR, the world's largest classic car showroom with $100 million worth of inventory for sale. Imperial Palace is the most central stop on the Las Vegas Monorail. The resort is famous for "Five-Star-Friendly Service" and includes the Karaoke Club, a race and sports book, 2,640 rooms and suites, world-class gaming and amenities, a seasonal poolside luau, 40,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, nine specialty restaurants, 10 bars and lounges, state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, business center, concierge service, medical center, wedding chapel and reception facilities.