RM's Automobiles of Arizona event wasn't the only big car sale at the start of 2010. Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction, also held in Arizona, saw a number of high-profile sales last month.

As we previously reported, most valuable among these was a machine from the air rather than the race circuit: a rare, fully-restored 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47.

Billed by Barrett-Jackson as "the most beautifully restored classic aircraft in the world," it soared to a final price of $671,000.

Just behind the Metalplane were two historic Shelby Racers, lead by a 1964 Cobra Roadster painted in Wimbledon white with blue stripes.

With a history that includes participating in several concours events and featuring in the Ford Racing Heritage exhibit at the 2004 Northwest Historics, this lightening fast racer shot to $478,500.

This 1964 Shelby Cobra Roadster realised $478,500

Also commanding in excess of $400,000 was another Cobra from Ferrari's foremost 1960s racing opponent, this time a Roadster from 1963.

Boasting a rebuilt, dyno tested 417hp engine, and a fully restored body and interior restoration, the jet-black Cobra raced to a final price of $401,500.

"With an 11 percent increase in sales, we showed that buyers have confidence in the market... What a great way to start the 2010 auction season." - Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson.

Overall, Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale 2010 event netted a total of $68m in sales.

A restored 1963 Shelby Cobra Roadster, sold for $401,500

Meanwhile, the auction house has begun accepting consignment applications for its 8th annual Palm Beach auction.

The event will be held at The Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds, US, from April 1-3.