It’s not even officially out yet, but at this year’s Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas, an early 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible went under the gavel for a healthy $207,000.

It joined a roster of high priced cars that rounded off the top five sellers at the auction; but what was interesting, is that apart from the first and second highest priced cars that sold – a 2008 Bugatti Veyron ($770,000) and 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren ($412,500); the other three were General Motors products.

Besides the Camaro ragtop, a customized 2010 Camaro coupe sold for a whopping $350,000 and a 1981 Corvette went for $150,000. Wow! Who would have thought that we’d see the day when a 1981 Corvette (the year that a de-bored 305 V8 was available), would sell for six figures. Mind you, stranger things have happened.

Not only is it not even for sale, Chevy hasn’t even officially unveiled the Camaro Convertible yet – but that isn’t stopping them from auctioning off one of the first models at the Las Vegas Barrett-Jackson even today.

That doesn’t mean the Camaro Convertible will be revealed today, however, as Chevy says the vehicle being shown at the Mandalay Bay auction will be the concept vehicle that has been touring auto shows throughout the world. Its not the first Camaro Convertible either, as that model will be kept by GM for its museum.

All proceeds from the sale of the car will go to help the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

How much would you pay for a Camaro Convertible?

GALLERY: Chevy Camaro Convertible Concept

Official release after the jump:

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A few years ago, it seemed that the price of certain collector cars, specifically muscle era Chevrolets and Mopars had no end in sight. There was the $3 million ‘Cuda and Ray Allen’s drag prepped ’70 Chevelle SS that went for a cool $1.2 million at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale parade in 2006.

Recently B-J hosted it’s first collector car event in Orange County, but despite the inclusion of a classic car rally (a cool idea we might add), cruise-in barbeque, charity fundraisers and a fashion show,  the sale price of the vehicles up for grabs, even with 18 hours of live coverage on SPEED was a far cry from the heady days of 2006. The top selling cars struggled to fetch much more than a quarter million dollars – the best performer being a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 convertible (similar to the car pictured above). When the gavel came down, the SS sold for $253,000. It’s perhaps interesting to note that another Chevelle SS 454 ragtop went for $231,000 at R-M’s San Diego Auction, which indicates that prices for prime Detroit muscle are stabilizing, witnessing a similar pattern to what happened in the early 1990s. Another Chevelle, this time a resto-mod hardtop, rang in $250,000 – making it the runner up at B-J.

Below the Chevelles, there was a whole clump of cars in the $160-190,000 range. Highlights included a highly modified Plymouth Road Runner from Fast & Furious and Tokyo Drift feature films that went for $187,000; a custom 1941 Willys coupe that sold for $181,500 and a gorgeous 1967 big-block Corvette roadster that went for just $500 less than the Willys.

It was interesting to note that the mood was quite particular, some cars bringing on enthusiastic bidding while for others it was glacial. An interesting car to cross the block  was a 1972 Dodge Challenger – a promo car built originally for the TV show ‘Mod Squad’ using a 1971 body (since no factory 72 ragtops were ever built). Yet despite it’s interesting past and being loaded with options it failed to make the top 30 list and was eclipsed by cars as diverse as a 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster ($100,000) and a 1948 Hudson Commodore 8 that ran up $85,500 under the spotlight.

Barrett-Jackson’s next auction is Las Vegas, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on the southern end of the strip, on September 23-25. It will be interesting to see how things fair in Sin City.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

At it’s past Palm Beach auction, Collector Car Auction powerhouse Barrett-Jackson experimented with a free app for the iPhone and iPod touch, in an effort to make the events, news and featured vehicles more accessible than ever before. The trial proved a success and now; Barrett-Jackson has officially released its own app.

One of the neat features about B-J’s app for the iPhone and iPod, is that it presents users with real time updates, with a regularly updated list of vehicle lot numbers, so they can see which vehicle will cross the block next. Combined with maps that direct the user to each sale, the app also allows for easier navigation of Barrett-Jackson’s auctions, which traditionally could be overwhelming at times. The app is also able to provide such features as online ticket sales and program scheduling on Speed TV.

Hit the link below to get more info and download the app.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

Barrett-Jackson’s collector car auctions have become known worldwide as a classic car spectacles, pushing the boundaries far beyond the traditional format of automotive auctions. Now, the company is going even further.

Prior to its Orange County, California event, scheduled to take place June 27-29 at the OC Fair and Event Center; Barrett-Jackson is organizing an inaugural Orange County Road Rally, which will take place on June 19th. The Rally will depart the South Coast plaza, located on Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, close to the 405 Freeway and head to the OC Fair and Event Center. Scheduled departure time for the rally is 3.00 pm. Upon arrival, B-J will host a mini car show on the Orange County Fair and Event center grounds.

The rally is an exclusive event and only 100 spots are available for participants. Car clubs and their member who wish to attend are urged to contact Danica Solesbee as soon as possible at (480) 421 6694 or dsolesbee@barrettjackson.com.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

At the recent Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction, the very first Corvette Z06 Carbon limited edition model hit the block, fetching $297,000 – roughly triple the sticker price. Along with tacking possession of a very limited edition (just 500 units) Corvette, the unnamed owner will also be given a tour of GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., where the LS7 and LS9 engines in the Z06 and ZR1 are assembled by hand, and be able to watch the car be assembled at the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Ky.

Created to celebrate 50 years since a Corvette first raced at Le Mans, the Carbon Edition Vette includes Brembo carbon ceramic brakes (straight from the ZR1), as well as 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, coated in Michelin PS2 tires. Upgraded engine and transmissions coolers are part of the package, as is a Magnetic Selective Ride Control system. And let’s not forget a special carbon fiber hood (lighter than the one used on the ZR1), as well as a carbon fiber engine cover, carbon fiber rocker panels and front splitter. There’s even a ZR1-inspired rear spoiler, plus black headlights and mirrors. Chevy claims that on a race track like Laguna Seca, the Carbon Edition model will be up to three seconds faster per lap.

Chevys have a long history of fetching high prices at auction, with the first 2010 Corvette selling from $350,000 and the first ZR1 selling for one million dollars.

GALLERY: Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

Legendary Mustang tuner ROUSH has build a special Barrett-Jackson Edition ‘Stang that will be auctioned off in April at the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach, Florida, which runs from April 1-3. The car is technically being billed as a concept car, which will be followed by 25 production models based on the 2010 Mustang and an additional 25 models based on the 2011 car.

The production models will sell from $41,495 (plus the cost of a Mustang), although the auctioned model is likely to fetch considerably more. It will, however, be put on the block without a reserve bid.

Each car will get 540-hp and 510 ft-lbs of torque thanks to a R2300 ROUSHcharger and new forged internals. Other highlights include 20-inch wheels and high performance Cooper RS3 tires, along with a fully modified suspension, upgraded brakes and a complete aerodynamic package. Owners will be able to pick from a wide variety of colors.

“The 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang ties two leading automotive brands together in an amazing package combining performance and unique styling,” said Jack Roush. “People who drive a regular production ROUSH Mustang are used to getting plenty of second looks.  But with the custom Barrett-Jackson paint in such gorgeous colors, these owners will experience envy on an entirely new level.”

The ROUSH Barrett-Jackson Edition Mustang Concept is painted “Back in Black” with “Red Hot Chili Pepper” stripes and is expected to hit the block on April 3rd.

[Source: RoushPerformance]

Official release after the jump:

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The very first street car to come from legendary racer Richard Petty’s own shop sold for a solid $130,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdate, AZ over the weekend. Built by Petty’s Garage, the Challenger SRT8 is a prototype for a future production model is features the 0001 serial number. Along with the custom body and a long list of suspension modifications, this Challenger features a HEMI V8 built by Arrington Engines to produce 585-hp and 560 ft-lbs of torque. It has also been painted a special (and trademarked) Petty Blue paint made specially by BASF.

All proceeds of the sale will go to the Petty Family Foundation, including charities like the Victory Junction and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

GALLERY: Petty’s Garage Dodge Challenger SRT8

See after the jump for more details on the Petty’s Garage Dodge Challenger SRT8:

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The lubricant experts at WD-40 and the SEMA Cares foundation have teamed up to build a wild Custom Camaro for the 2009 SEMA Show. After the show the one-off vehicle will be shipped to the Barrett-Jackson auction with proceeds going to benefit Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Painted blue and yellow, the car will get a custom aero kit, interior, wheels and a SportsRyder Extreme coilover suspension. There are also plans for under the hood, where the 6.2-liter V8 will get a power increase from 426hp to 600!

Once unveiled, the custom Camaro will be digitized and appear in Nitto’s 1320 Legends online racing game.

We’ll be sure to bring bring you photos of the WD-40 SEMA Cares Camaro with AutoGuide’s live coverage of the SEMA Show starting November 3rd.

See AutoGuide’s live SEMA Coverage here!

Looking for a real piece of American automotive history? Sure, you could saunter down to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach, Fla. this weekend and bid on a classic Corvette that speaks to all that General Motors once was, or… you could bid on a vehicle that was made just last year and is one of the greatest products to ever roll off a GM assembly line.

Yup, a Cadillac CTS-V.

Wait… not “a” CTS-V, but “the” CTS-V; the very car that John Heinricy piloted around the Nürburgring to a record-setting 7:59 lap time. With a 556hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8, this all-American sedan trounced its German competitors (the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63) in their native land.

Oh, and like any great American car, it knows how to hustle in a straight line with a 3.9 second 0-60 mph time.

See our review of the CTS-V here:

2009 Cadillac CTS-V First Drive

GALLERY: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

General Motors is heading back to the block. No, not the chopping block (not yet)… the auction block. In an effort to trim costs and create a little petty cash, the struggling automaker will send 100 vehicles to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach, Fla., which starts this Thursday and runs through the weekend.

In January GM parted with 230 vehicles though Barrett-Jackson, including some truly terrible automotive catastrophes.

Included on that list was a highly modified 2003 Chevy Aveo Xtreme in bright green, a 1989 Geo Metro Zonker, a 1986 Presidential Limo from the film The American President staring Michael Douglas and a 1998 Popemobile that was never used by the Pope.

The new lineup of cars promises to be more compelling and includes a 1920 Chevrolet Model T truck, a 1999 Camaro Z/28 from the movie “Runaway Bride,” and one of four 1978 Corvette Indy 500 pace cars.

“Every little bit counts. It costs a lot to house that many vehicles,” Greg Wallace, manager of GM’s Heritage Center “corporate” museum told the LA Times.

Car collectors will do doubt jump at the opportunity to buy a piece of GM’s history but we’d advise them not to spend all their cash at once. When GM opened the Heritage Center in 2004, they filled it with 350 of the most important vehicle’s in the company’s long history. This, however, left a lot of other vehicles standing idly by (pun intended).

Of the remainder, roughly 450 have been earmarked for auction, so if you take away the 230 that already sold and the 100 from this weekend’s Barrett-Jackson event, there are still 120 models left.

[Source: LATimes]

The upcoming Palm-Beach Barrett-Jackson auction will once again feature a a few quality collectibles from the Ford Motor Company, including a 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, as well as the 2003 Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible Concept cars. The proceeds from the sales of all three cars at the annual Palm-Beach auction will be donated to two charities with sale of the Shelby GT500 helping The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation and the sale of the concept cars helping the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

“During the last three years, Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised more than $2 million for charity through the auction of Ford vehicles,” noted Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company’s president, The Americas. “Ford and Barrett-Jackson will continue this important tradition at this year’s Palm Beach auction. The winning bidders for these fantastic Mustangs will be contributing to worthy causes while purchasing automotive history.”

The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 will be auctioned off in Kona Blue with white stripes, as chosen by Carroll Shelby.

As for the other two models, the Redline Red Metallic Ford Mustang GT Convertible Concept is a real eye-catcher with 20-inch wheels and Brembo brakes. It also features red and charcoal leather with 4-point racing harnesses, watch-style instruments and a billet-aluminum shifter for the 5-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle, it should be noted, is actually based on the Ford Thunderbird rear-wheel drive architecture.

The final model is the Tungsten Silver Ford Mustang GT Coupe Concept, with a glass roof and red and black leather inside.  Under the hood is a 400hp superchared 4.6-liter V8.

The Palm Beach Barrett-Jackson auction takes place from April 9th to 11th.

GALLERY: 2003 Mustang Coupe & Convertible Concept Cars

More on Mustangs up to Auction at Palm-Beach the after the jump:

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As manufacturers tend to do these days, General Motors put the rights to buy the first 2010 Camaro on the block at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. The lucky wealthy owner paid $350,000 for the privilege of owning what will no doubt be a serious collector’s item.

The owner will, however, have to wait until March 16th – the date GM has set to start production on the reborn icon.

While the price paid is actually more than ten times what the vehicle is worth, (the V6-powered LS priced at $22,995 and the SS starting at $33,430) the dollar amount pales in comparison to amounts paid recently for other high publicity, low volume American-made machines.

The first Challenger SRT8 left the block for $400,000, the first Shelby GT500 KR topped out at $550,000 and last year the rights to the very first ZR1 went for a whopping $1 million.

All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the American Heart Association.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

Created to celebrate Buick’s 100th anniversary in 2003, the Blackhawk Custom was one of 250 oddballs that General Motors decided to part with at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. Grouped in with modified GEOs and a first-run Pontiac Aztek, not much was expected for the lot of cars which were parted with more to free up space and cut down on up-keep costs than to raise much-needed funds for the struggling manufacturer. And yet, this one-off Buick fetched a cool $522,500.

Classified as a 1996 vehicle, the Blackhawk Custom is a 2+2 convertible fashioned from Buick body parts ranging from 1939 to 1986. To add some modern flare the vehicle boasts a retractable hardtop made of carbon fiber. The interior uses many customized 1996 Riviera components.

Under the hood you will find a 455 cubic inch V8 from 1970 that has been modified and features fuel injection. Output is 463hp and 510 ft-lbs of torque. Power hits the rear wheels thanks to a 4L80E 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Other modern touches include a fully independent front and rear suspension and Z-rated 295/35/18 front and 295/45/18 rear tires.

Looks like Barrett-Jackson is giving the U.S. Auto Industry yet another bailout.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

On January 13th at the Barrett-Jackson auction you will be able to buy a piece of General Motors history – and the company certainly hopes you do. GM has made the decision to sell off 250 rare vehicles to not only create some much-needed revenue, but also to reduce upkeep costs. Apparently each vehicle in GM’s “Heritage Collection” costs the company $2,000 a year in upkeep and storage costs.

According to a report in Business Week the vehicles marked for sale are those that the current executives aren’t big fans of, and we can’t blame them.

For starters, the list includes a 2003 Chevy Aveo Xtreme in bright green with all sorts of Fast & Furious add-ons including a big brake upgrade and 17-inch rims. Possibly worse is a 1989 Geo Metro Zonker, which features all sorts of extras above and beyond a standard Metro. GM estimates they may only get as much as $5,000 for this car. Another dud is the 2004 Saturn Ion Red Line. Arguably it’s not a terrible car with a 205hp supercharged Ecotec engine but those who really want one don’t really need to go to Barrett-Jackson.

The most notorious vehicle going up for auction is a 2001 Pontiac Aztek – the epitome of poor automotive design. Shockingly GM still plans to get at least $20,000 for this monstrosity.

Other bizarre creations include a 1986 Presedential Limo that was used in the film The American President staring Michael Douglas. Topping that is a 1998 Popemobile that was never used by the Pope. GM expects to sell each of these creations for at least $75,000.

The list also includes a 1955 Buck Centry Bolero, a 1918 Cadillac, a 1960 Chevrolet Impalla (Snoop, we’re looking at you), a 1970 Cutlas SX and a 1996 Buick Blackhawk.

One surprising item might just be the Solstic Jazz from the 2007 Transformers movie. GM expects it to fetch $50,000 but it could go for far more if the right buyers are interested.

GM’s Heritage Collection Rejects:

[Source: Business Week]