DALLAS, TX.- A rare 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren from the Rolland Collection of custom exotics and racing cars sold for $308,000, making it the top seller in a $6.8 million auction of collectible vehicles. Heritage Auctions and Leake Auction Company presented the storied California collection during Leake's Feb. 23-24 Collector Car Show and Auction in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Rolland Collection's selection of 24 rarities included Indianapolis race cars, midget race cars from the 1950s and custom hot rods. The entire collection crossed the block without reserve and sparked intense bidder interest. Close to 400 lots crossed the block during the two-day auction with 77 percent of the vehicles sold.

"We knew the Rolland Collection was something special and it is wonderful to see one of its vehicles come out on top," said Jim Halperin, Co-Founder of Heritage Auctions. "The collaboration between Heritage and Leake Auction Company proved to be a complete success."

During the 1950s, William Rolland joined the Shadoff Chrysler team to help construct one of the fastest vehicles ever built. The vehicle the team created set the world land speed record in its class at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Well-known among collectors and historians, Rolland assembled the collection in 2010 for his private exhibit established in Newbury Park, California. The carefully curated selection represented Rolland's passion for performance and speed and every vehicle offered in the auction comes directly from the museum's holdings.

Additional highlights from the Rolland Collection include (all prices include the buyer's premium):

· 2001 Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge: $53,900

· 1997 Dallara Indy Race Car: $53,900

· 2006 GDT Speedster: $46,200

· 1941 Willy's Coupe: $44,000

· 2000 Dallara Indy Race Car: $38,500

· 1949 Hillegas Midget Race: $36,300

· 1933 Ford Alloway: $34,650

"This was an outstanding sale," said Richard Sevenoaks, General Manager of Leake Auction Company. "We were especially pleased with the response to the Rolland and other collections offered without reserve. No doubt, when cars are sold unreserved there is an added level of excitement."