After much speculation, Barrett-Jackson Auctions has officially announced that it will hold a 2008 collector car sale in Las Vegas, October 16-18. Considering the circus-like atmosphere of B-J's Scottsdale event and the Vegas lifestyle, it seems a perfect fit: anyone purchasing a classic car for the purpose of making a profit is definitely taking a risk while anyone approaching the tables for the same reason is clearly a gambler. The mid-October date is designed to attract serious buyers who might stay away during summer's tourist season, while offering the incentive of added vacation time.

But it's not just the cars. Barrett-Jackson says the event will "encompass a wide range of lifestyle offerings, including an automobilia auction, a vast display from auto vendors, The Garage venue for live music and fashion shows and a grand gala with a significant charity component benefiting the Lili Claire Foundation." The event takes place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, an award-winning destination resort set on 60 lush acres and offering 3,644 rooms and suites. It includes Mandalay Beach, an 11-acre tropical pool environment featuring California sand, a wave pool and a lazy river. If nothing seems quite real, well... neither is speculating in classic cars.