Top 5 Mid-Century Autos from the 2014 Las Vegas Barrett Jackson Auction

As the Las Vegas 2014 Barret-Jackson Auction recently came to a close, we have been reminiscing at some of the top head turning classic MCM automobiles showcased at this year's auction.

Las Vegas 2014 closed out the 43rd year of the self acclaimed 'World' Greatest Collector Car Auction' and the 3 day event did not disappoint. Shorter in length than the original  8 day event in Scottsdale, AZ the Las vegas auction sold 705 out of 706 cars offered. Average sales we're around $48,000 per transaction and the total haul for the 3 day event was a staggering $33,434,535.00. This was Barrett-Jackson's most successful Las Vegas auction to date.

Keeping in mind we are focusing in on the Mid-Century Modern timeline (early 50's-late 60's), here are our top 5 picks.

1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible - Lot#756

If you haven't picked up on our hints that we are huge fans of the C1 & C2 Corvette, check out our blog - History of the iconic American Classic 1957 Corvette. This current example (lot#756) sold for $143,000 and was easy to understand why. The 360 HP factory fuel injected Vette was restored to concourse conditions by an owner that has owned it since 1967. If you had to pick just one American MCM classic that would stand the test of time, this should be noted "worthy"

1956 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster - Lot#793

A classic European automobile, this 1956 mercedes 190SL Roadster has been magnificently restored in a dark blue paint complimented by a rich tan leather interior. The 1.9 Liter 105 HP inline 4 motor is all original numbers matching including the correct SOLEX carburetors. A true gentlemen's vehicle and something we would enjoy taking for a cruise. 

Editors Note: "I lust for this car"

1962 Austin-Healey 3000 BT7 Roadster - Lot#692

Another International auto sparked our fancy is this remarkable Healey BT7 Roadster. Restored by Healey Lane Restoration in Oregon, this car comes with a British Heritage factory build sheet and the original California license plates. The red leather interior and a stunning jet black exterior finish completes this elegant yet aggressive look. Perfect for barreling down a windy back road in fall somewhere in Vermont or pulling into the club for a late morning round of tennis perhaps.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible - Lot#773

Even at first glance this 57 Chevy Bel Air Convertible screams the 50's. The radical rear fin instantly make you feel nostalgic and day dream of hoping in and heading down to a local diner for a burger and fries. Perhaps there is something more to the feeling you get when you see a Bel Air in person but we can't help but to day dream of a time that appeared much more simple. Having won multiple national car shows including the Classic Chevy Winter Nationals and Super Chevy honors is a direct testament to the restoration quality. This classic features a matching Larkspur vinyl interior, 283 cubic inch (CI) engine, automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes. Selling at $165,000 would be an honor to have purchased this beauty.

1965 Shelby Cobra CSX 6000 Roadster - Lot#765

Saving the best for last......although not as a much a visable stand out like some of the forementioned above this hot-rod MCM classic Shelby rendition is a true driver's car. Capable of supercar performance and break kneck speeds this 65 Cobra packs a whopping 500HP and is capable to lay down a 0-60 time in under 3 seconds and  1/4 mile times in the 10 second range. Thinking about speed milestones like this are impressive alone but consider all of this came from the Mad Hatter himself Mr. Carol Shelby in 1965. His power plant of choice was the 427 (CI) side oiler V8, VINTAGE EROTICA POWER!

This is and will always be the ultimate Muscle Roadster of all time. Good luck to all future designers and engineers, the gauntlet has been thrown...