Historic MG TC road racer sells for $313,500

The sub-prime crisis didn't rate a mention at this month's inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas with the auction company reporting sales in excess of USD$29 million. Topping the block at $313,500 was the 1949 MG TC Roadster Race Car driven by the legendary Carroll Shelby in his first road race in 1952.

Other highlights from the top 10 post-event list include a 2003 Saleen S7 ($260,700), a 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Custom ($225,500) and 1962 Lincoln Continental ($209,000) used by President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Cars sold for various charities netted $655,000 including a Limited Edition Shelby GT signed by the judges of “American Idol” which sold for $150,000 and 10 percent of the MG’s winning bid.

In total, over 500 vehicles were sold at No Reserve and more than 15,000 visitors passed through the doors of Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino to view the auction.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of our first Las Vegas event on many levels,” said Craig Jackson, chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Collector cars prevailed in a struggling economy, proving that they can be treated as both a hobby and an investment.”

• 1949 MG TC – $313,500
• 2006 Ford Mustang GT – $300,000
• 2003 Saleen S7 – $260,700
• 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn – $225,500
• 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – $214,500
• 1962 Lincoln Continental – $209,000
• 1938 Packard Victoria – $209,000
• 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – $205,700
• 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda – $187,000
• 1958 Chevrolet Corvette – $187,000

Source: Barrett Jackson.