At its recent annual auction of collector automobiles, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company raised nearly $4 million US for charities. The company, celebrating 40 years in the collector car auction business, waived its fees and commissions on the no reserve sale of 21 vehicles and a General Motors engine during its Jan. 17 to 23 auction event in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"Due to the generosity of our consignors and bidders, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise more than $31 million for charities over the past five years," said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "It's a tradition that our customers have wholeheartedly supported. Charity is part of the Barrett-Jackson culture, and we look forward to continuing this tradition throughout our year-long 40th anniversary celebration."

Two top cars sold for charity were a 2012 one-off Ford Boss Mustang and a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible pace car. The Mustang, donated by Ford, fetched $450,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and included driving instruction at a racing school. The pace car, donated by GM, raised $225,000 and includes the opportunity to ride in the car during the parade laps at the 100th Indianapolis 500 coming up in May 2011.

A number of other stellar vehicles went under the auction spotlight, some achieving prices well beyond initial estimates, and others selling for far below their value. Here's a list of highlights:

The GM Futurliner, one of 12 built, ? ? is a self-contained display and transport vehicle created under legendary designer Harley Earl's direction. It was used in the Parade of Progress touring exhibit, which complemented the GM Motoramas from 1940 through 1956.

One of only three survivors restored to its original Parade of Progress configuration, this Futurliner is fully functional and features a side opening, event lighting, retractable stage, distinctive "cupola" cockpit driving position and dual-wheel front axle.

It is powered by a 400-cubic-inch truck engine and includes an onboard generator and updated air conditioning for the driver's compartment. The Futurliner is a matchless symbol of the American auto industry at the height of its power and influence. It was restored in Montreal and sold in Scottsdale for $4.32 million.

Vehicles associated with former U.S. ? ? president John F. Kennedy typically generate a lot of interest at auction. This event featured a 1963 Pontiac ambulance that is said to have carried Kennedy to hospital the day he was shot. It was undersold for $132,000 because its provenance was called into question, but it could well could be the original. Tammy Allen, an experienced car collector, purchased it and says she will add it to her museum when its restoration is complete.

-A nicely restored 1956 De Soto Fireflite convertible sold for $368,500, with a 10-per-cent buyer's fee, as the third-highest sale of the auction.

Street rodders were excited by the ? ? sale of a multiple-award-winning 1932 Ford roadster finished in silver paint that sold for $341,500. It took 10 years to complete.

A 1950 Mercury Green custom coupe, $330,000s was sold at 12: 30 a.m. Sunday morning -there were no so snoozers in this year's crowd. Nelson Bender is a car collector and

president of Appreciated Vehicle Appraisal Group of Edmonton

Q&A;

Nelson Bender had the chance to sit down with Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, and Gary Bennett, vice-president of consignments. Jackson is a respected car collector and restoration expert. Bennett has participated as both a buyer and a seller in all Barrett-Jackson auctions since the auction's introduction in 1971. Bennett joined the company in 2002.

Bender: How was the Futurliner bus first brought to your company's attention?

Jackson: The Canadian consignors wanted to get $600,000 for their unique bus, and since this auction is a no reserve auction, they were a little concerned (whether or not) they would achieve this price. Needless to say, they were ecstatic when it sold for $4,320,000 US.

Bender: What was your first car and where is it today?

Jackson: It is a 1966 Pontiac Tempest two-door hard-top that I obtained from my grandmother. It is still in my possession and is the longest-owned vehicle that I own amongst my other favourite cars in my collection.

Bender: What does it take for a Canadian to sell a vehicle at your Scottsdale auction? Would shipping a vehicle in early December be sufficient time to get the necessary paperwork?

Bennett: Yes, shipping in that time frame is fine. Make sure you consign early to ensure your vehicle's photo is published in our auction guide and listed on our website.

The seller will need to get a U.S. title issued from the Motor Vehicle Department. Our staff can do this for you at a nominal cost. The title will be issued in your name and then transferred to the new owner when the sale is completed. There is an eight-per-cent fee, with buyers paying a 10-per-cent commission when the hammer goes down.

Where else can you go for a 100-per-cent sales guarantee?