Big spenders were out in force at last month's Barret-Jackson Orange County classic car auction, with over $14 million laid on the line by the bidders during the event.

It is estimated that 54,000 people headed over to the auction event, although only a few had the finances to actually invest in one of the classic and custom vehicles on offer.

A number of classic cars made serious money when they went under the hammer, including a 1970 Oldsmobile 442 convertible, which was the second most valuable lot to be sold during one of the show's charity auction events.

The Oldsmobile 442 in question had been extensively restored by a team in Pennsylvania and it was able to make $154,000 on the day.

This was not quite as high as the $200,000 which was fetched by a Lotus Evora S coupe, nor the $300,000 which was spent on a brand new Dodge Viper, which was fresh off the production line.

Interestingly, about 40 per cent of the classic cars that were sold were purchased by people who were experiencing their first auction of this kind, which shows that there is always interest in vintage vehicles.