Throughout automotive history, certain vehicles were initially conceived as temporary solutions to meet immediate market demands or to bridge production gaps. However, these models often exceeded expectations, resonating with consumers and becoming enduring fixtures in the automotive landscape. Their unexpected success transformed them from short-term fixes into long-term icons. This phenomenon underscores the unpredictable nature of the automotive industry, where even the most transient designs can leave a lasting impact.
mod@tech
The automotive world has witnessed some truly unconventional vehicles that challenged traditional design principles. These “backward” designs, often defying logic and expectations, have showcased the ingenuity and creativity of engineers and designers. From vehicles with reversed controls to those with unconventional layouts, these innovations have sometimes led to unexpectedly successful, if peculiar, machines that challenged automotive norms. In this article, we explore 12 such vehicles that, against all odds, worked and left a lasting impact on automotive history.
In the automotive world, manufacturers often adhere to established brand identities and philosophies, crafting vehicles that align with their traditional values. However, there are instances when these companies take bold departures from their norms, introducing models that challenge their own conventions. Such audacious moves can redefine industry expectations, captivate public attention, and sometimes even reshape the brand’s future trajectory. These vehicles stand as testaments to innovation, risk-taking, and the ever-evolving nature of automotive design.
If the winter weather is hitting you hard, I’m sorry. It seems the cold is even affecting the internet because when I had the Random Word Generator spit out three words for this week’s installment of Car Connections, a game in which I link random words to automobiles, it gave me fund, winter, and north. Bundle up and keep reading.
Fund: Fundraising. Lee Iacocca. Yes, he secured government loans to keep the Chrysler Corporation out of bankruptcy but, for some reason, what first came to my mind was the fundraising he did for the restoration and preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the 1980s. He found the money, but where did he find the time to do all that?
Winter: Cold. Ice. Frozen. BMW! The BMW Individual division offers a variety of special and bespoke paint colors in four finishes: non-metallic, metallic, pearl, and Frozen. What exactly is Frozen? That’s BMW-speak for matte (and a one-word warning to not take your Frozen Portimão Blue M3 Competition through a touchless car wash unless you want a burnished look).
North: The second I read this word, the voice in my head whispered, “North Edition.” No, that’s not the name of a Canadian boy band—it’s the name of a line of special-edition models Jeep released in 2020. To prepare the North Editions for the cold, Jeep equipped them with features that included all-season or all-terrain tires, heated seats and steering wheel, remote start, all-weather floor mats, power heated mirrors, and the Jeep Trail Rated kit. As it gets colder here in Arizona, I can’t help but envision taking a North Edition up to Flagstaff for a winter getaway.
How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. And be sure to share your ideas for random words to use in a future installment of Car Connections. Looking for your next Chrysler, BMW, or Jeep? Find them on ClassicCars.com and AutoHunter.com.
An informal poll among enthusiasts I know shows that they absolutely love the AMC AMX, but how many of them own one? They had limited appeal and sales due to their two-seat configuration, but they are easy to find if you want one. Alas, it seems few of these Brand Xers have stepped up to the plate.
A little-known secret is that the most popular AMX engine was the biggest one from 1968-70, which means the 390—yes, it was more popular than the 290, 343, or 360. The 390 was rated at 315 horsepower for 1968-69, then went up 10 for 1970. Four-speeds, as a whole, were more popular than automatics, which suggests AMC did a fine job attracting enthusiasts. Perhaps some of them were conquest sales from those who previously were never in the market for an AMC product?
Join Muscle Car Campy as he gives us a tour of this Hunter Green metallic 1969 AMX. Owned by Gary Kelly, it is equipped with a tan leather interior, four-speed, the Go Package, and 3.54 gears. And, as it is from Kenosha, it features AMC’s famous reclining seats!
Click here to view other Muscle Car Campy videos at The ClassicCars.com Journal!
When I was in high school in the 1980s, the Toyota 4X4 pickup was one of the “it” cars. So many of the cool kids had them. Given how much time has passed since then, today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is a truly rare find: a mint-condition 1982 Toyota Deluxe 4X4 pickup.
Many people think that the sales of the Toyota 4X4 were due to its memorable appearance at the end of the movie “Back to the Future,” but it is the other way around: young people discovered the Toyota 4X4 years before the release of the film, which reflected the culture of the time by featuring the truck.
The reason is that Toyota trucks were reliable and capable off-road vehicles that were also pretty civilized on the road. In addition, they were supported by a huge aftermarket. which enabled you to turn a Toyota pickup into just about any kind of custom truck you wanted. These were the trucks that really put Toyota on the map as a manufacturer of great utility vehicles, ones that could hold their own with anything built in America.
The downside is that the great majority of these fine trucks were literally driven into the ground. Due to the multitude of available customization options, they were jumped, raced off-road, and just used up. Those that escaped such fates were used as daily transportation for hundreds of thousands of miles—until they literally died.
According to the selling dealer, this 1982 Toyota 4X4 is powered by a 2.4-liter 22R inline-four mated to a four-speed L45 manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Finished in white over a blue vinyl interior, this four-wheel-drive truck is now offered by the dealer with a clean AutoCheck report and a clear title.
The exterior appears to be in amazing condition with straight body panels, paint that looks to be in exceptional shape, and no rust or corrosion issues anywhere. The brightwork also seems excellent. The fact that this 44-year-old truck is this nice is simply amazing.
The blue vinyl interior is the same, with no cracks in the seats, door cards, or dash. While the term “time capsule” is overused in car descriptions, it truly fits this truck. I also love that it has a period aftermarket Craig AM/FM/cassette stereo, which is right on point for the era. The pop-out sunroof is also a period mod that looks just right here. In addition, there is a sliding rear window, which will help a lot with keeping this truck cool in the summer months.
The engine bay is possibly more immaculate than the paint, with the 22R engine looking to be extra clean and completely stock. I honestly see no wear at all. It looks as if this truck was extremely well maintained with Toyota factory parts over the years.
The same goes for the underside, although there is possibly a small amount of surface rust on the catalytic converter. The suspension and floors all look as great as the rest of this truck, which you could probably win a car show with tomorrow.
I fully expect this great example of an ’80s Toyota to easily meet its reserve price. If you grew up when these were new or simply want to experience the generation of Toyota trucks that literally created the brand, then you had better bid ASAP. The auction for this 1982 Toyota Deluxe 4X4 pickup ends on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. (MST).
A couple of years ago, I published a story about a web-based resource containing a wealth of information on BMW M Coupes and M Roadsters. The site, maintained by Jon Martin, is still active today and continues to be a handy source of data. One of the cars we can learn about there is our Pick of the Day: a 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in London, Ontario, Canada.
“Very rare, low-production, future collectible M Coupe,” the listing says. According to Jon Martin’s Z4 M Coupe Buyer’s Guide, total production across the three model years for the Z4 M Coupe was 1,815 units. Drilling down even further, we see there were 212 cars built in Titanium Silver Metallic, and only 46 of those contained Imola Red interiors. This is one of those 46 cars. Talk about rarity – fewer than 50 were built in its combination.
From the beginning, the M Coupe and M Roadster were high-performance variants of the Z3 and Z4. They were seen as raw, driver-focused sports cars, and were produced between 1997 and 2002 for the first generation, and 2003 through 2008 for the second generation. Production took place in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the world’s largest BMW manufacturing facility, which even today is still cranking out cars.
In the interest of performance, the M Coupe had the heart of an M3: an S54 3.2-liter inline-six, which was paired with a six-speed manual. The S54 was a legendary engine, worthy of its own Wikipedia section even. It boasted “double VANOS” variable-valve timing, offering 330 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The seller of this M Coupe says that service is up to date (complete with documented service history dating back to 2012), and the “car needs nothing.”
There are 73,000 miles on the odometer, and the car is said to be largely original with the exception of a set of H&R lowering springs. The seller says that a pre-purchase inspection has been performed, and importation to the United States should be a breeze. (We recommend that any interested buyers perform their own due diligence.)
The asking price is $35,500 USD or $49,900 CAD; the price will include the car’s original springs. A small price to pay to own a one-of-46, limited-edition collectible!
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
This Factory Five Racing ’33 Hot Rod is powered by a 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8 linked to a Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual transmission, and its composite body is mounted on a steel box frame. The car rides on a cantilever-style front suspension that utilizes tubular upper control arms and adjustable lowers, a three-link rear end, and adjustable coilovers, and staggered chrome Torq Thrust-style alloys are mounted over Wilwood brakes. The interior features bucket seats, Simpson racing harnesses, a gated Tremec shifter, Speedhut gauges, Vintage Air, and a hidden Custom Autosound radio. It was assembled under previous ownership and purchased by the current owner on BaT in January 2024. This ’33 Hot Rod is now offered by the seller on behalf of its owner with a clean Oregon title in the owner’s name that lists the vehicle as a 2014 ASVE.
The hand-laid composite body is styled after a 1933 Ford three-window coupe and has been painted black with a red pearl effect coat. The roof, fenders, running boards, and side panels are removable, and the car also has rear-hinged doors, LED taillights, and dual exhaust outlets.
It rides on adjustable coilovers at all four corners and features a cantilever-style front suspension with tubular upper control arms and adjustable lowers, while a three-link setup is used out back.
Five-spoke chrome wheels measure 17″ in diameter up front and 20″ out back and are mounted with older Bridgestone Potenza tires measuring 245/40 and 285/30, respectively. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood calipers mounted over cross-drilled and slotted rotors at all four corners, and the car has electric power steering.
The bucket seats are trimmed in black vinyl upholstery and fitted with Simpson latch-and-link harnesses, while additional elements include Vintage Air climate control, power windows, LED lighting, a Custom Autosound SRMS Secret Hidden Radio, Factory Five-branded floor mats, drilled billet pedals, and a Tremec shifter with a gated shift plate.
The leather-wrapped Factory Five Hot Rod steering wheel is mounted to a tilting Ididit column and sits ahead of Speedhut instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph GPS-enabled speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. The digital odometer indicates 1,200 miles since completion of the build.
The build utilized a Gen 2 5.0-liter Coyote V8 fitted with BBK tubular headers, a Spectre intake, and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan.
The Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual transmission is linked to an 8.8″ axle with a Ford Racing-logo cover.
The car is titled as a 2014 Assembled Vehicle using VIN F5R1000720HR.
Automotive history spans much more than just classic cars themselves. Over the last century (and beyond), the automotive industry has impacted fashion, architecture, hospitality, infrastructure, culture, and – most importantly – individual families. In some instances, a family-run service station may date back many generations.
Some stations I’ve featured include my great-grandfather’s station in Logan, Utah, the “snow cone” Art Deco station in Tucson, Arizona, and Bob’s Sinclair in Kanosh, Utah. Each was full of personality and history. As the saying goes, “If walls could talk …”. It would be fascinating to hear about some of the vehicles – and people – that have been to those sites.
In the 20 years I’ve lived in Arizona, I’ve stopped by a specific abandoned service station in Fredonia for photos countless times (and in many different vehicles). On a recent trip over Thanksgiving, I noticed a for-sale sign out front. I decided to inquire with the real estate agent, and I arranged a time to view the interior of the building.
Buckskin Tavern
During my five-hour drive from Phoenix to Fredonia, I had worked up an appetite, so I decided to hit up a local favorite: Buckskin Tavern. It was located a few miles up the road, just a bit shy of the Utah state line. Greeting visitors near the neon Buckskin sign out front was a 1955 Chevrolet 3200 pickup, complete with a skeleton sitting in the driver seat and a Christmas tree in the bed. While showing its fair share of patina, the truck had a relatively straight body from what I could tell in the dim lighting.
For 1955, Chevrolet was moving into what became known as the “Task Force” generation of light-duty and medium-duty trucks. Exterior features included an eggcrate grille, fender-mounted emblems, and a stepside bed. The truck on display looked like it had been parked there for quite some time. My curiosity got the best of me, so I looked on Google Maps to see if I could figure out when it was first parked. The 2018 street view image shows it there – and that the paint was in quite a bit better condition then. The Buckskin Tavern, by the way, holds the title for being home to Arizona’s “longest bar” at 96 feet in length.
Pratt Street Station
As for the Fredonia service station, information online is relatively light. Fredonia was laid out in 1886. At one point, Pratt Street was the major east-west route through town (it was later bypassed by a newer alignment of Highway 89A). The station probably got its start in the 1920s. I’ve been able to come up with only one historic photo of the property, but it provides a lot of clues about the building’s history. A few observations:
- The pump out front was a gravity-fed, hand-crank-style pump. One of the signs was for Vico Motor Oil. Vico was a brand produced by the Utah Oil Refining Company (Utah’s first refinery) from 1908 through 1948, and it was sold alongside “Pep 88” gasoline.
- The station was a multi-purpose roadside stop that offered bread and groceries – common in rural areas where people needed more than just fuel.
- The flat roof and stucco finish were typical of buildings in the Southwest.
- The wardrobe said a lot about the era, too, featuring high-waisted trousers for the men.
- The commercial truck out front was probably used for fuel deliveries and similar tasks.
The 1920s marked a time when automobiles were becoming mainstream and tourism was beginning to boom. The fact the station was only 73 miles from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon meant it was part of a key tourism route for the region.
Getting inside the barn-style front doors was like taking a step back in time. Littered throughout the interior were relics of the past – old cans, jars, boxes, and equipment. The smell was consistent with an “old building.” I was surprised there were no bathroom facilities apparent – just a stove, some shelving, and lots of memorabilia.
If I had a week to spare, I’d offer to help the family comb through it; if I had a quarter-million dollars to spare, I’d make an offer. Some friends and family were supportive of the idea. In fact, one of them developed an AI rendering of what the place would look like as an automotive-themed coffee shop (see below). We could all use a shot of high-octane espresso sometimes.
Interested in the property? Here’s a link to the listing on Zillow.
Historically, either Indiana or Ohio can be considered #2 after Michigan in terms of automotive impact in the United States. However, Wisconsin was the final holdout for an independent manufacturer outside of the Big Three. Located in Kenosha, the former headquarters for Nash, American Motors Corporation managed to survive through 1987. Several of Kenosha’s hottest were on display at the 2025 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals.
After the Nash and Hudson merger, AMC first produced a performance car beginning with the 1957 Rambler Rebel, but the manufacturer’s dedication to the performance segment (in a bid to compete toe-to-toe with the Big Three) arguably began with the 1965 Rambler Marlin, to be followed by the 1966 Rambler American with the 290. That was upgraded to a 343 (with mandatory four-speed) in 1967, which would then be followed by the 1968 Javelin and AMX, 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler, and 1970 Rebel Machine. Through 1974, AMC produced the Javelin and Javelin AMX, upon which it seems AMC reverted to being a more practical producer of automobiles.
The NashNutz display at the 2025 MCACN gives us a taste of most of the above. Though not a meaty display this year, I am sure you will agree they all nicely competed with equivalents from the Big Three.
Click here to check out other displays from the 2025 Muscle Cars and Corvette Nationals.
