A collector car auction to be held in Hawaii saw more than $5 million in bids for nearly 200 vehicles last weekend.

Auctioneer Kruse International of Auburn, Ind., which held the event at the Hawaii Convention Center, said bidding was more than double what was expected for the inaugural event.

Kruse said bidders came from the Mainland, Australia, New Zealand and Japan and that the strong showing suggests there’s enough interest for future auctions.

“This was one of the best inaugural events ever in the history of Kruse International,” president Dean Kruse said in a statement. “We can’t wait to return next year and have already begun working on plans for next year.”

Posted: 02|14|08 at 9:33 am. Filed under: Auction News.