AUBURN, IN.- Auctions America kicked off its 2013 auction calendar this past weekend with a highly successful sale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, generating more than $17.5 million* in total sales with 74 percent of all lots sold. Held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center, the three-day sale more than lived up to its reputation as South Florida’s premier collector car auction, attracting bidders from 15 countries around the world and 38 states across the United States.

“We’re thrilled with the results from the weekend’s sale which continued our strong track record in South Florida and provided a great start to our 2013 auction season,” said Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America. “From American classics to European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs, the offering truly presented something for everyone, attracting a significant crowd across the weekend with bidders in the room joined by a large volume of collectors participating remotely via the phone and Internet. Reflecting our team’s extensive marketing and promotional efforts, 42 percent of bidders represented first time clientele. We’re thrilled to see such positive growth and strong interest from collectors and look forward to continuing the momentum at our upcoming spring events in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and Auburn, Indiana.”

Taking top sale honors was an iconic, concours-quality 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing”, which attracted enthusiastic bidding during Saturday’s sale session, realizing a final sales price of $880,000 to applause from the crowd. Other highlights included a legendary 1963 Shelby Cobra which spurred a lively bidding war, eventually selling for an incredible $533,500; a stunning 2012 Lexus LFA, just 400 miles from new, which achieved $319,000; and an exceptional 1932 Lincoln KB Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton, which garnered $275,000. The highly anticipated 1951 Chevrolet Styleline DeLuxe Convertible, formerly owned by the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, and featured in the final movie of his illustrious career, The Hunter, sold for $88,000. Owners Rick and Corey Harrison of the History Channel’s hit TV series Pawn Stars were thrilled to be on the block to witness the car sell before a lively crowd.

Additional sale highlights include a pair of Shelbys - a 1967 Shelby GT500 and a 1967 Shelby GT350 which sold for $151,250 and $110,000 respectively; a beautiful pair of Mercedes-Benz 190SLs - including a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL and a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL which achieved $155,100 and $110,000; an impeccably restored 1953 Buick Skylark, for $181,500; and a pristine 1960 Fiat Jolly 600 Convertible which attracted enthusiastic bidding, realizing a strong $77,000.

Auctions America Fort Lauderdale Collector Car Auction Top 5 Sales:

1. Lot 586 - 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” $880,000

2. Lot 581 - 1963 Shelby Cobra $533,500

3. Lot 590 - 2012 Lexus LFA $319,000

4. Lot 588 - 1932 Lincoln KB Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton $275,000

5. Lot 563 - 1931 Cadillac V-12 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton $203,500

Auctions America continues its 2013 auction calendar in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, April 25-26, with its third annual Spring Carlisle Auction held during Carlisle Events’ highly anticipated Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Corral weekend. Spring Carlisle will be closely followed by the ultimate collector car weekend, Auctions America’s Auburn Spring event, May 9-11 at the Company’s headquarters in Auburn, Indiana. In addition to a multi-day auction and an extensive car corral and swap meet presented by Carlisle Events, this year’s Auburn Spring event will feature a new attraction, the inaugural Antique Automobile Club of America Central Division National Spring Meet.