Barrett-Jackson set to come back in June

COSTA MESA — The Barrett-Jackson car auction will be back in town June 24 to 26, company officials said Friday.

The renowned car auction sees car enthusiasts pay millions for some of the oldest and newest cars in the world. It made its inaugural stop at the Orange County Fairgrounds over the summer.

City officials had been hoping it would return.

Barrett-Jackson only holds four events a year, with the newest addition being at the fairgrounds. The company also hosts classic, rare and exotic car auctions in Palm Beach, Fla.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Las Vegas, which concluded last month.

This year's inaugural auction raked in $15 million for the company, with more than 400 cars going on the auction block. More than 58,000 people attended. Company officials said it was a strong showing and solidified Orange County's place in the annual schedule.

City officials and business leaders praised the event, saying it add sales taxes to the local economy and boosted local hotel, restaurant and retail revenues.

The most expensive car at Orange County's auction was a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 convertible, which sold for $253,000.

Joseph Serna