Nine New World Records Set During Smash Hit Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction

PALM BEACH, Fla.--April 12, 2006--Nine new world records were set during the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company's fourth annual World's Greatest Collector Car Event in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thursday, March 30 through Saturday, April 1, 2006. This included a Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach record $1,728,000 for a Franay Bentley Mark VI, and many more for a variety of vehicles new and old during the 100 percent no reserve auction.

"When analyzing the results of the almost 600 cars that sold during our fourth annual Palm Beach auction, its obvious that Barrett-Jackson has an unparalleled impact on the entire car collecting hobby," said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. "The new values seen at the Florida auction weren't just for muscle cars. We saw records fall on post-war European exotics, sports cars, classic American iron and one-of-a-kind Concours-winning classics."

A 1947 Bentley Mark VI with Coachworks by Franay became the highest-priced vehicle ever sold at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach event, finishing at $1.728 million including buyer's premium. A 2005 Ford GT bearing serial No. 003, the lowest-numbered car ever available to the public, sold for $530,000. This is the highest price ever paid at auction for an actual GT; proceeds from the sale benefited the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

Several vehicle sales surprised even the pundits in Palm Beach. A pristine 1960 Austin Healey 3000 roadster hammered at a world record setting $135,000 and $248,400 to take home a 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne two-door hardtop. A specially constructed 1999 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Replica also set a record when it sold for $243,000.

The large number of Corvettes that crossed the Barrett-Jackson block included a record for a 1967 427/435 coupe. Featuring only 33,780 documented miles and a complete frame-off restoration, the Marina Blue sports car took in $259,200. Another American classic that joined it in the record books was a 1953 Buick Skylark convertible. With a near-perfect restoration and a gamut of power options, the Skylark earned its $383,400 selling price including buyer's premium.

Another American superstar moving into the record books was an ultra-rare 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 RS JL8 Coupe. This stunning white with black racing stripes muscle car is one of only 206 ever produced and featured a full 100-point Concours-quality restoration. It sold for $232,200 with bidder's fees.

The final record set at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach belonged to La Bestoni, a crowd favorite. Built on an American La France fire truck chassis and featuring a 14-liter 6-cylinder engine, "The Beast of Turin" nearly blew the roof off the South Florida Expo Center when it pulled onto the block before being sold for $167,400.

"While multiple records were dropping throughout the event, Barrett-Jackson was creating some of its own," added Jackson. "Not only did the 1947 Franay Bentley go for a new Palm Beach record, but the auction itself set its own record with over $35 million in total sales after just four years. It took us 32 years and nearly 200 more vehicles to surpass those sales at our Scottsdale event. The 2006 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction was an unprecedented success."

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 included nearly 600 quality collector cars all selling at no reserve. Television coverage was provided by SPEED.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

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 Events(TM)" in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call 480-421-6694.