The most prestigious award of the day, Best of Show, was bestowed on a 1931 Bugatti Type 51 from the acclaimed Nethercutt Collection, located in Southern California.

The key to a great event isn’t just timing and location; it’s a mix of exciting activities, unique experiences and creativity.  During the 29^th Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance, the staff was faced with the task of not only introducing a major component, the inaugural Dana Point Vintage Automobile Auction to the Concours, but also promoting multiple activities over a three-day weekend in the epicenter of the collector car world: Orange County.

The 2011 Dana Point Concours d’Elegance successfully accomplished its goals by offering a one-of-a-kind event with a blend of distinct vehicles, including a 1931 Bugatti type 51 coupe, 1927 Bentley 6.5 Litre BX 2416 and a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K special roadster.  Besides the exclusive Private Collection Tour, there was also an elegant selection of renowned automotive fine art by notable artists from around the world, including many members of the distinguished Automotive Fine Arts Society.

With more than 8,000 attendees flocking to the breathtaking golf links of the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort, many automotive events can take cues from this occasion, including the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 17, to Sunday, Aug. 20.

To offer a few insightful do’s and don’ts learned during the Dana Point Concours, the following tips can help anyone create a successful event.

For starters, establish what you want out of a location, such as scenery, exclusivity, size and atmosphere.  Highly-populated settings, unique areas, well-known stores or high-volume traffic locations should all be considered when picking a venue.

Sometimes out of the way locals get snubbed by tourists who don’t want to waste the travel time.  The Dana Point Concours was located at the world-renowned, exclusive Monarch Beach Resort.  If tourists weren’t swayed by the shiny metal, the hotel’s European atmosphere and glamour definitely helped.

Promoting the strongest areas of your event to specific, target audiences is also a must.  You wouldn’t promote an invitation-only event through the media, or not announce an activity that’s free to the public via a news release.

During the Dana Point Concours, many people were unaware of the Private Collection Tour because of the limited number of spots available.  When offering tickets to anything, the more people that know about it, the more likely the show will be sold out sooner.

Speaking of your target audience, they will remember effortlessly the best and worst part of your event.  No matter how big or small the activity, there are bound to be a few hiccups.  By offering an event that is different than the normal gala or dinner will spark some positive notes among visitors, especially if it was an original AND fun event.

For example, the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance was masterful in laying out the vehicles on the golf links.  You didn’t see the same car or motorcycle twice and the vast greenery definitely set the tone.

Come up with something unique that most other companies similar to yours wouldn’t think about offering.  For example, the Dana Point Concours introduced their event in Southern California where a Concours doesn’t exist.  They also presented smaller activities, such as the Private Collection Tour, surrounding the Concours that gave enthusiasts a chance to see some of the best collections in Southern California.  During any other normal automotive event, they wouldn’t have had the chance.

And last, but not least, don’t forget the bathrooms and food stations!  An event can make for some grumpy guests if you don’t organize the bathroom locations and food areas.  If it takes 15 minutes to walk to the first port-a-potty or buy a burger, chances are people will not take that lightly.  Spread it out and offer a variety of food too.  You never know who’s a vegetarian, meat-lover, vegan, or just plain picky.

No matter the style, size or list of activities, any event will be successful as long as planning and preparation are introduced at the beginning stages.  After all, you want your guests to experience the delicious food, not the line to the one bathroom.

The top car of the day was a 2010 limited edition UFC Chevrolet Camaro custom coupe from Lot #392.  Shannon Allen, a UFC fan and car enthusiast took home the Camaro for $350,000 to benefit fallen troops and their families.  Chuck Liddell, UFC hall of famer, surprised the crowd when he stepped out of the passenger seat and Dana White, president of UFC, spoke a few words via video about the special meaning of the car prior to its entrance on the block.  One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which was founded to support families of military personnel lost in service and for those veterans severely wounded.

The second highest bid of the day was also a charity car.  YMCA of Southern Nevada received proceeds from Lot #396, a production number two 2011 Chevrolet Camaro.  The bidder will have the opportunity to order the color, engine, transmission, trim and factory installed equipment.  Greg Heinrich of Fairway Chevrolet in Las Vegas donated the vehicle for the auction.

A pair of 1981 Chevrolet Corvettes added to the energy of the auction arena.  After competitive bidding for the two historic GM vehicles, which were also charity cars, the highest bidder paid $300,000 and immediately donated the ‘Vettes back to the foundation.  Lot #373 was the first ‘Vette off the assembly line in Bowling Green, Ky, June 1, 1981.  Its partner, a Lot #373.1, was the last built at the legendary St. Louis factory before the doors closed on July 31, 1981.

Driven by Kasey Kahne at road courses in Sonoma and Watkins Glen, the 2009 #9 Budweiser NASCAR Sprint Cup Dodge Charger (Lot #84) was yesterday’s top seller fetching $100,000 for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).  The charity car has a 358cid engine that produces up to 830 horsepower.

Other top sellers from yesterday include:

• Lot #91 – 1933 Chevrolet Deluxe Two Door Coupe – $77,000

• Lot #7600 – 1957 Chevrolet 150 Custom Sedan – $63,800

• Lot #74 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Coupe – $60,500

• Lot  #86.1 – 1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside Pickup – $52,800

Tomorrow’s auction will feature some of the hottest cars around.  Stay tuned to see if a 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C racecar (Lot #668) donated by actor Patrick Dempsey turns up the heat like “McSteamy” did on yesterday’s season premier.

Also to come is the crown jewel of exotics-the 2008 Bugatti Veyron (Lot #658).  It is number 80 out of 300 produced and was the fastest production car around the world in 2008.

Be sure to check out tomorrow’s results!

Barrett-Jackson auction action heats up as the sun sets on the OC Fair & Events Center.

Now that the auction action is over, everyone knows the new Barrett Jackson Orange County Collector Car event was a huge success. The first auction reported an impressive turnout with strong sales and a great response from the local community.  Restomods, hot rods, exotics and original muscle cars were the most popular among bidders.

Now that word of Barrett’s new location in Southern California has spread like wildfire, the 2011 OC event is bound to be even more exciting.  Attendance should be bigger and the cars even hotter, setting up the auction to be better and the sales even higher.

By: M. Austin Black

Results are in from Barrett-Jackson’s 39th annual Scottsdale auction.  The company recorded more than $68 million in total sales, an 11 percent increase from Scottsdale 2009.  Top sellers included a 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47 for $671,000 and a 1964 Shelby Cobra that brought $478,500.

The top 10 cars sold in Scottsdale include:

• 1929 HAMILTON METALPLANE H47 SERIAL #65 AIRPLANE – $671,000 (Lot #1307)
• 1964 SHELBY COBRA ROADSTER – $478,500 (Lot #1317)
• 1963 SHELBY COBRA ROADSTER – $401,500 (Lot #1303)
• 1935 CADILLAC SERIES 40 FLEETWOOD IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE – $302,500 (Lot #1265)
• 2011 FORD MUSTANG GT GLASS ROOF COUPE – $300,000 (Lot #1295.1)
• 1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD 2 DOOR HARDTOP – $286,000 (Lot #1289)
• 1952 WATSON ROADSTER CUSTOM BY BLASTOLENE – $280,500 (Lot #1292)
• 2008 FORD MUSTANG FR500S FASTBACK RACECAR – $275,000 (Lot #1027)
• 1970 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 429 FASTBACK – $275,000 (Lot #1283.1)
• 1967 FORD MUSTANG CUSTOM FASTBACK – $253,000 (Lot #1287)

Barrett-Jackson also saw no damage as a result of the wild rain and wind that passed through Arizona last week, which wasn’t the case for all auctions in the Phoenix area.  More than 180,000 people braved the elements to attend the automotive lifestyle event.

For a full press release on the results, CLICK HERE.  Next up, the 8th annual Palm Beach auction April 1-3, 2010.

A beautiful 1964 Shelby Cobra (CSX2281) just cross the block at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale and fetched $478,500, making it the top selling car so far at the 39th annual event.  The leader overall is a 1929 Hamilton Metalplane that went for $671,000.

The sale ends tomorrow afternoon, marking the largest Barrett-Jackson docket in history with over 1,200 vehicles.  Stay tuned for results and comments from auction officials.

Classic Designs Concepts took to the Barrett-Jackson stage in Scottsdale Thursday night to auction their Group 2 edition Dodge Challenger concept car for charity.  The modern muscle car sold for $72,000 to help notMYkid, a Scottsdale based organization dedicated to educating kids, parents, schools and communities about issues kids face including substance abuse, eating disorders, depression and more.

Stay tuned for more top sales from cool, windy Scottsdale throughout the weekend.