Barrett-Jackson To Sell Iconic Showman Danny Gans’ Car Collection In Las Vegas
- Danny Gans collection includes eight cars, one Harley Davidson and a pickup
- Diverse group ranges from Resto-Mods to Contemporary Collectibles
- Live SPEED coverage during the sales to celebrate the Las Vegas icon
LAS VEGAS – August 16, 2010 – The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company announced today that 10 vehicles from the collection of the estate of Las Vegas headliner star and philanthropist, Danny Gans, will cross the block during the 3rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction on Sept. 23 – 25. Barrett-Jackson will sell a group of Gans’ personal and exceptional vehicles at No Reserve including Hot Rod Fords, 1950s era Chevrolets, muscle cars and modern performance vehicles. The vehicles will be sold during the SPEED television broadcast as a tribute to the memory of the Las Vegas icon.
“Danny was a renaissance man blessed with many talents,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “His career, which spanned professional sports, music, comedy and theater, endeared him to fans of all ages and backgrounds worldwide. We’re honored that his family would ask Barrett-Jackson to share his love of car collecting with the world. His amazing collection will be the cornerstone of our event in the City of Lights, which he loved as much as he enjoyed performing for his fans.”
Known as the “Man of Many Voices” Gans was a beloved headliner on the Las Vegas Strip, as well as an avid car collector. Gans was drafted by the Chicago White Sox, but turned to the entertainment business after an injury ended his baseball career. He appeared in Bull Durham, played Dean Martin in a TV mini-series, co-starred in two TV series and performed in a one man show on Broadway, which he eventually opened in Las Vegas. Danny won virtually every award Las Vegas had to offer, including Singer of the Year, Comedian of the Year, Show of the Year as well as being voted Entertainer of the Year 12 times.
“Danny’s collection was as multi-faceted as the man himself,” added Davis. “Like many collectors, he sought a variety of cars, ranging from Resto-Mod versions of those he wanted as a young man to late model iron that caught his eye. Each was personalized, driven by him and bears a memorable license plate.”
“Talking about cars and helping my dad bring them to life was always something I looked forward to while growing up,” noted Gans’ son Andrew. “He loved the hobby and relished every nut, bolt, motor and paint job. Even selecting a license plate was important him. His cars were more than sheets of metal, rubber and glass. Each was a cherished work of art and he was the artist who made sure every detail was refined and exact. When the cars were finished, he and I would take the first ride together.”
Barrett-Jackson will sell Gans’ 1932 Ford 3-window coupe, 1934 Ford 3-window coupe, 1955 Chevrolet Cameo pickup and 1955 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan. The group also contains a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko SC tribute car, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda coupe, 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, 2000 Dodge Viper and 2008 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX.
The two 1930s era Fords are both Chevy powered Hot Rods with automatics, but each has a different personality. The yellow ’32 is reminiscent of the car driven in the movie “American Graffiti” down to its chrome wheels, Moon gauges and license plate reading “GRAFFITI.” The red ’34 is a full fendered custom with a 5.7 LS1 engine, Jaguar rear end and chrome bits throughout. The plate on this car reads “1HOT34”, which is appropriate for the rod.
Both the Chevrolet Cameo pickup and Chevrolet 210 sedan were heavily customized with chrome, carbon fiber and modern drivetrains. The black 210 with the plate “DBL5” includes touches that reflect the showman’s personality, such as his logo embroidered into the trunk. The turquoise and white pickup, wearing the license “DANS55” has a satellite radio and a fuel injected Chevy motor.
The three customized muscle cars were designed to be fun to drive, as well as grab attention. The blue with white stripes ’69 Yenko SC tribute coupe with the license plate “YENKO” boasts a 427 cid engine mated to a four speed transmission. The Plum Crazy ’70 custom Barracuda coupe has a stroked small block mill, Cragar wheels, power windows and a slapstick shifter, earning it the custom plate of “MYCUDA.” The gold and black ’78 Trans Am is fully loaded with leather interior, power accessories, a 502 cid engine, automatic transmission and license plate stating “GANSAM.”
The black on black 2000 Viper coupe has silver stripes and wears the plate “TMOMV” (The Man of Many Voices). The amethyst black 2003 Corvette coupe is a stunner with ghost purple flames, a 5.7 supercharged V8, Borla exhaust and custom wheels; its plate reads “DDG.” The 2008 Harley is a 105th anniversary edition clad in black with purple ghost flames. The full dress bike is slathered in chrome and has the plate “GANS.”
“The cars were meticulously maintained and Danny often drove them to work,” explained Davis. “Not only are they wonderful collectibles, they’re a piece of Vegas history with celebrity provenance.”
“While my mother designed our house, there was no doubt the garage belonged to my dad,” added Amy Gans, Danny Gans’ daughter. “He wanted it to reflect the 1930s and 40s era. My dad carefully planned every inch to reflect the passion he had for his collection. Once the garage door opened you were immediately drawn in and treated to a piece of automotive history and in every direction you would look, you were taken to a new destination. Now, the cars will go into the garages of those who want to celebrate his life, as well as cherish the cars he loved so passionately.”
Gans’ collection will join a notable list of celebrity cars that have crossed the Barrett-Jackson auction block over the years. These have included vehicles once owned or driven by Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Bette Davis, Johnny Cash, Bruce Willis, Eddie Van Halen, Sammy Hagar and others.
“I’m glad that our family is working with the Barrett-Jackson team to showcase my dad’s precious car collection,” stated Emily Gans, youngest of Gans’ children. “Barrett-Jackson attracts collectors who love cars as much as my dad did. Their auction is similar to my dad’s shows because there’s always something for everyone. I know my dad’s cars are in good hands and his legacy will be treated with great care and respect.”
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company was established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas, and Orange County, Cali. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact
Automotive media contact: Scott Black (www.tprm-usa.com), (214) 520-3430, sblack@tprm-usa.com
Local media contact: Kelly Reeves, KLR Communications, (949) 509-1888, kelly@klrcommunications.com