A 1965 Shelby Cobra Roadster was the biggest sale at Barrett-Jackson's car auction in Las Vegas.

According to the auctioneers, it was the first time the CSX2568 had been shown to the public in about 40 years and the first time it has been offered for sale since 1968.

Boasting a princess blue exterior and 289 engine, the Cobra sold for $440,000.

The 1965 Shelby Cobra Roadster ($440,000)

In contrast to the '60s Cobra, the second-highest selling lot was from 2009. The 2009 Ford Mustang Coupe "Iacocca" 45th Anniversary sold for $352,000.

Only 45 examples of the 4.6 litre, coach-built, fastback Mustang will be built and sold exclusively at Galpin Ford, billed as "the number one Volume Ford Dealership in the World."

Other big sellers included a 1967 Shelby GT500 SE Super Snake for $330,000; a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake Prudhomme Edition for $302,500; a 2006 Mercury Volga Milan four-door hardtop for $300,000 and a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door for $297,000.

The 2009 Ford Mustang Coupe "Iacocca" ($352,000): only 45 will be built

The sale was also notable for including three cars from the personal collection of Hollywood star Bruce Willis.

The actor's 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible sold for $165,000, one of the event's high sales.

Bruce Willis's 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible ($165,000)

In other Hollywood memorabilia news, a faithful recreation of the 1960s Batmobile also went under the hammer.

The customised 1974 Lincoln, "probably one of the most beautiful and stunning movie cars ever created," sold for $126,500.