A Piece of History Hits the Auction Block; The Auto Collections to Sell Howard Hughes' Chrysler

LAS VEGAS--Aug. 12, 2005--The Auto Collections at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino is putting a piece of Las Vegas, entertainment and aviation history up for sale when the 1954 Chrysler New Yorker, previously owned by legendary recluse Howard Hughes, hits the auction block at the 2005 Hershey Auto Auction.

The customized Chrysler was owned by Hughes during his years living in his suite at the Desert Inn. It has been customized with an elaborate air purification system, which cost more than the purchase price of the vehicle. The sky blue New Yorker has a mere 1,600 original miles and has been displayed for years at The Auto Collections.

The auction comes on the heels of the sale of another Hughes vehicle at the 2005 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction, where his 1953 Buick Roadmaster went to the high bidder for $1.62 million. The New Yorker will hit the auction block at the Hershey auction Oct. 5, 2005 - 8 in Hershey, Pa.

Interested parties can find more information on the Hughes New Yorker by contacting The Auto Collections at 702.794.3174 or visiting the Web site at www.theautocollections.com. The car will be on display at The Imperial Palace until Sept. 25.

The Imperial Palace is home to the award-winning tribute show "Legends In Concert" and the Dealertainers. The hotel also hosts The Auto Collections, "The World's Largest Classic Car Showroom." Imperial Palace is the most central stop on the Las Vegas Monorail. In addition, the resort is famous for "Five Star Friendly Service;" and includes a race and sports book; 2,700 rooms and suites; world-class gaming and amenities; a seasonal poolside "Luau;" 40,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space; 10 specialty restaurants; 10 bars and lounges; state-of-the-art spa and fitness center; business center; concierge service; medical center and two new wedding chapels with reception facilities.

For more information, visit the hotel's Web site at www.imperialpalace.com.