WEST PALM BEACH, FLA., April 17, 2003 – Barrett-Jackson Auction Company today announced it sold 159 cars, totaling nearly $6 million, at its inaugural Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction - Palm Beach, held April 11-13 at the South Florida Expo Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The three-day event, sponsored by Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep, drew crowds exceeding 30,000 and resulted in the sale of 60 percent of the cars consigned to the auction. 

The top prices paid on the auction block were $214,920 for a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe, followed by $165,240 for a 1996 Bentley Azure Convertible, and $153,360 for a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster.

Other notable sales included a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Convertible, which sold for $89,100; a rare 1941 Hollywood Graham Four-Door Sedan that sold for $86,400; and an award winning 1963 Jaguar XKE Roadster, which commanded $83,700.

“South Florida welcomed our auction event and witnessed why the Barrett-Jackson auctions continue to set the pace for the classic and collector car markets,” said Craig Jackson, president of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company.  “This was a very successful first-year event that represents our company’s intentions to expand the South Florida auction to the size and significance of our 33-year-old Scottsdale, Ariz. event.  We look forward to returning for the second in what we expect will become an annual destination automotive and lifestyle event in Palm Beach County.”

The Palm Beach auction kicked off April 10 with a gala reception and charity auction for 1,300 guests that raised $32,500 for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Darrell Gwynn Foundation to cure spinal cord injuries.  During the festivities, auction sponsor, DaimlerChryler, presented a check for $10,000 to Marc Buoniconti and to former NHRA world-champion Darrell Gwynn, athletes that now suffer paralysis following tragic accidents, which occurred during participation in the sports they loved.

Brantley "Buck" Christian, president and CEO of the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, said,  "We’re very pleased that Barrett-Jackson selected Palm Beach County and our venue for its inaugural East Coast auction.  With the success of this years event, we anticipate that Barrett-Jackson will soon become one of the premiere tourist destination events, and bring a significant economic impact to Palm Beach County." 

The Second Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Classic Car Auction is scheduled for March 18 -21, 2004, at the South Florida Expo Center.  Barrett-Jackson’s next auction will be at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, June 21-22, 2003