[Jimbo]

Funny, Detroit Iron still sells if it excites. After the bland crap shoved down our throats during the 80s and 90s, we are finally back to some exciting cars!

Challenger #001 proved the excitement by going for $400,000.

A one-of-a-kind Mustang Shelby KR 500 went for $550,000.

And Corvette ZR1 #001 went for a cool $1,000,000!

FWIW, there is is no coincidence that the more rare and powerful the car, the better it sold. That 650 HP in the Vette spoke volumes, while the relativley tame and plentiful Challengers kept the price down on Challenger #001.

I know people will poo-poo these prices because all proceeds went to charities, but you still didn't see a Nissan GT-R at Barrett-Jackson. You don't see new Mercedes or BMWs at Barrett-Jackson, selling for charities.

The fact is, the car culture is still strong and car nuts are still devoted and loyal to good-looking, exciting cars. Many people also poo-poo the "retro" trend, but the cars that are well done are sales hits and potential collectibles.

We may be seeing the last golden era of the conventional automobile, right now. With all cars required to average 35 mpg in 12 years, the horsepower wars are likely to come to a very abrupt end. Look for Detroit to continue to build limited numbers of potent cars for insane prices, because they simply can't afford let powerful cars drag down that impossible-to-meet 35 mpg standard, and the further they are from meeting that goal, the more they will be fined.

Thank goodness for the Mustang, 2008 Challenger and 2010 Camaro. Last of a dying breed, once again.

At least all of us have one last chance to get in before the final bell. After 2020, I'm sure cars will still have ample horsepower, but it will be nothing like today unless some magic technology comes along.

Good for Detroit! Challenger 001, Corvette ZR1 001 and that Shelby Mustang KR500 show that the American car culture is still alive and well for now.