More than 230 autos from the Jim Rogers’ Classic Car Museum Collection will be auctioned off on Feb. 27-28 outside of the museum on Gragson Avenue.
Rogers was the founder of Valley Broadcasting Co. and chief executive officer from 1979 to 2014 at KVBC-TV (now KSNV-TV, Channel 3), the NBC affiliate in Las Vegas. He also was once chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education and was named by Time magazine as one of the top 12 philanthropists in the nation as he donated $275 million to higher-education institutions.
Rogers, who died in June, also collected classic automobiles.
Museum curator Mike Pratt helped Rogers assemble his collection.
“In our 16, almost 17-years working together, we grew the collection from about 20 cars to nearly 300 at its peak,” Pratt said. “We went after mostly American cars, and we went after the rare cars that not many people had.”
The 230-piece collection is primarily made up of American classics and a few European luxury cars.
“When you buy a car from Jim Rogers’ collection, you’re not just buying a well-made or refurbished automobile, you’re buying a piece of American history,” Rogers’ widow Beverly said in a statement. “Take it to heart — enjoy it — and my heartfelt request is that someday you pass it on, and let the next generation understand and appreciate the place of the automobile in American history. That, my friends, will do Jim proud.”
Proceeds from vehicle sales and admissions will benefit the Rogers Foundation, a nonprofit group established to provide and enhance arts and education for Southern Nevada students.
A preview will run 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 27. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the auction will follow at 10 a.m. on Feb. 28 at 1480 Gragson Ave. Tickets are $20. Details are available at www.mecum.com or 262-275-5050.