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.

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

Steve Davis (far left) an Gary Bennett (far right) of Barrett-Jackson presented three "Choice Awards" during last year's Palm Beach Cruise-In.

Collector car enthusiasts in South Florida have had the April 1-3 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction dates circled on their calendars for months. But an event getting similar buzz in the Palm Beach collector car community is the auction company’s annual Cruise-In at a local dealership.

Barrett-Jackson recently announced that this year’s Cruise-In will be held on March 28 at Wayne Akers Ford in Lake Worth, Florida from 10 a.m.-2p.m. Entry into the car show is free and all makes and models are welcome. Barrett-Jackson officials will be on hand to meet enthusiasts, judge entries and present three “Barrett-Jackson Choice Awards.” A “People’s Choice Award” will also be voted on by car show participants.

The first 100 registered entries will receive two free tickets to the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Hot dogs, hamburgers and additional refreshments will be on sale to benefit charity, along with a “split-the-pot” raffle. A live radio remote and DJ are also scheduled for entertainment at the cruise-in.

The 2011 Shelby GT350 prototype is scheduled to be on site during the event. Rights to serial number 350 of the limited edition Mustang will be sold during the Barrett-Jackson auction on April 3. Wayne Akers Ford is located at 2000 10th Ave. North, Lake Worth, Fla., just west of Interstate 95. For early vehicle registration, visit www.wayneakersford.com. For general information, email Frank Perdomo at frank.perdomo@wayneakers.com or call Mike Knapp at (561) 582-4444 ext. 414.

The 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama is underway at the GRB Convention Center in downtown Houston. Throngs of Houston-area car nuts are walking off their Thanksgiving feasts and enjoying the stellar collection of custom vehicles at the golden anniversary event. Visitors also lined up for autographs from pin-up model/writer Heidi Van Horne, who appeared from 12-4 p.m.

The event goes until 9 p.m. this evening and continues tomorrow and Sunday.

Let’s get one thing straight. This year’s 50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston is all about the cars. But much like the Houston AutoRamas of the 1960s, the Thanksgiving Weekend event (Nov. 26-29) offers something for everyone in the form of celebrity appearances and daredevil performers.

Leading the way this year will be pin-up model/writer Heidi Van Horne and actress Jennette McCurdy. Van Horne (above) is one of the most recognizable models in the hot rod world, as well as an accomplished writer and actress. Her weekly automotive column in the Houston Chronicle is a must read. Van Horne will appear from 12-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28.

McCurdy plays the rebellious and comedic “Sam Puckett” on the acclaimed kids TV show “iCarly.” Her previous TV credits include “Lincoln Heights,” “Will and Grace” and “Law and Order:SVU” among many others. McCurdy will greet fans and sign autographs on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

More information about the cars and stars of the O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama in Houston is available here.

Barrett-Jackson president, Steve Davis, with one of last year's winners.

With the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Las Vegas just a week away, the auction house is inviting local enthusiasts to bring their rides to Gaudin Ford for the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Cruise-In on Saturday, Oct. 3. Open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., it’s an incredible grassroots event that gives local gear heads a chance to discuss trends and tips with Barrett-Jackson executives Steve Davis and Gary Bennett.  Steve and Gary will also hand out three “Barrett-Jackson Choice Awards.”

The car show is open to all makes and models and free to all entries. In addition, the first 100 cars receive 2 free tickets to the Las Vegas auction, which will be held Oct. 7-10 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Burgers, hot dogs and drinks will be on sale to benefit Keep Memory Alive.

Gaudin Ford is located at 2121 E. Sahara Avenue in Las Vegas.