A week-long auction hosted by collector car specialist Barrett-Jackson raised million (£58.5 million) – including £3.7 million for charity. That total compares with million (£44.6 million) achieved in 2011.

The 41st annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction, held in Arizona, USA from 15-22 January, attracted more than 270,000 attendees, including Tonight Show host, petrolhead and Octane columnist Jay Leno.

The sale achieved a world record price of £1.857 million for a 1948 Tucker Torpedo, one of only 51 ever made. It was the top-selling vehicle of the week, closely followed by a 1947 Bentley MkVI with Coachwork by Franay, which achieved £1.75 million.

Around half the bidders were first-timers, and the event saw a 99.69% sell-through rate for the whole week.

Generous donations and proceeds from 22 vehicle sales raised £3.7 million for various good causes, including the ChildHelp Charity which benefits victims of child abuse and neglect.

Jay Leno donated his New Holland Tractor, which was signed by himself and ex-President George W Bush. The tractor raised £340,363 for the Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organisation that helps the families of wounded service men and women.