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This 1954 Mercury Monterey convertible was acquired by the prior owner in 2016 and subsequently refurbished and customized. The car was nosed and decked, the door handles were shaved, the headlights were frenched, and faux lake pipes were added along with a fabricated body-color cover during the build, and the body was painted in Sunset Pearl. The interior is trimmed in beige and white, and a Vintage Air climate control system and power windows have been fitted. Additional details include a Continental kit, chrome bumpers with guards, dual spotlights, rear fender skirts, and MagnaFlow dual exhaust outlets. Power is provided by a 256ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, and the 15″ wheels wear full chrome covers and whitewall tires. This custom Monterey was acquired by the selling dealer in 2024 and is now offered with a Connecticut registration document.

The body was nosed and decked, the door handles were shaved, the headlights were frenched, and a custom rocker cover was fabricated to conceal faux lake pipes before the car was finished in House of Kolor Sunset Pearl. Additional details include a power-operated tan soft top, rear fender skirts, dual spotlights, and a Continental spare tire kit. Paint cracks and touched-up chips are pictured in the gallery below.

The 15″ steel wheels wear full covers and are mounted with 205/70 Broadway Classic Radial tires. The car is equipped with power steering and power-assisted drum brakes, and the seller notes that Monroe shocks were installed and the brakes were serviced in preparation for the sale.

The interior features custom beige and white upholstery on the seats and door panels along with a painted dash panel and tan carpets. A Vintage Air climate control system has been added along with power windows, a power antenna, a clock, and an AM radio.

The two-spoke steering wheel has a chrome horn ring, and it frames a 110-mph speedometer along with gauges for engine temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and battery charge. The five-digit odometer shows 5k miles, approximately 30 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 256ci V8 is equipped with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and is accompanied by an aluminum radiator. The selling dealer states the fluids and carburetor were serviced and the battery, spark plugs, ignition wires, points, and cap and rotor were replaced in preparation for the sale.

Power is routed to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. The dual exhaust system utilizes glasspack mufflers and terminates with MagnaFlow tips below the rear bumper. The underside has been sprayed with black undercoating.

Decoding the data plate reveals the following production information:

  • Style: BR76B – Monterey two-door convertible
  • Paint: 03 – Lakeland Blue
  • Trim: 476 – Dark Blue and Ivory vinyl
  • Date: 14D – April 14 production date
  • Production number: 109 – Production number for the day

The car is being sold on its Connecticut registration, which serves as the ownership document for a vehicle of its age in the state.

This 1950 Oldsmobile 76 Club Coupe was refurbished and modified around 2015 by its current long-term owner. Power comes from a 350ci Chevrolet V8 linked to a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a 9” rear end, and the car rides on an independent front suspension with disc brakes, Fatman dropped spindles, and a CPP steering box. Custom tan leather upholstery was installed by Ron Mangus Interiors of Yucaipa, California, and a Vintage Air climate-control system was added along with cruise control, a concealed Sony CD head unit, and a banjo-style steering wheel. Other equipment includes an Edelbrock carburetor, a batwing-style air cleaner, short-tube exhaust headers, a twelve-volt electrical system, wheel covers, and whitewall tires. This custom Oldsmobile coupe is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with a clean California title in the name of the owner’s trust.

The car was repainted in Royal Jade Pearl Metallic during the aforementioned refurbishment, according to the seller, and the exterior brightwork was polished or refinished. Details include a split windshield, round side mirrors, dual exhaust outlets, and chrome bumpers and trim.

Steel wheels wear spinner-style covers and are mounted with BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall tires. A Chevrolet Camaro–sourced independent front suspension assembly with disc brakes has been installed along with a Classic Performance Products 500-series steering box, Fatman Fabrications 2” dropped spindles, and brake-system hydraulics from ABS Power Brake in Orange, California.

The cabin was reupholstered in tan leather by Ron Mangus Interiors, and a cupholder console was added along with color-coordinated three-point front seatbelts. Vintage Air climate control was also installed along with a Rostra 16-R cruise-control system and a Sony CD head unit mounted in the glove compartment.

The banjo-style steering wheel is attached to a tilting column and frames a sweeping 110-mph speedometer with inset auxiliary gauges, while an 8k-rpm tachometer is positioned atop the dash. The five-digit odometer shows 25k miles, approximately 3k of which have been added under current ownership; total mileage is unknown.

The trunk is trimmed to complement the cabin, and the trunk lid is fully lined. A JBL GT5 amplifier, an Optima Red Top battery, and a battery tender are concealed behind a removable panel emblazoned with Oldsmobile lettering.

The 350ci Chevrolet V8 is equipped with a batwing-style air cleaner, an Edelbrock carburetor, short-tube exhaust headers, and valve covers accented with Oldsmobile script. Polished accessories have been installed, and the electrical system has been converted to twelve-volt operation. The aluminum multi-pass radiator is cooled by a Spal electric puller fan.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a 9” rear end. A remote transmission-fluid cooler has been added.

This 1931 Pontiac Big Six two-door sedan was acquired by the seller in 2020 and subsequently built into a street rod. Power comes from a 350ci Chevrolet V8 with a Holley carburetor, a Weiand aluminum intake manifold, and a dual exhaust system with cutouts, and the engine is backed by a Powerglide two-speed automatic. Finished in red with maroon fenders, the car rides on a boxed frame with a Fat Man independent front suspension, a C3 Corvette rear assembly, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. Other highlights include Foose 18” alloy wheels, wood running boards and interior trim, two-tone upholstery, a Jensen digital media receiver, and aftermarket gauges. This custom Pontiac is now offered with a clean North Carolina title in the seller’s name.

The steel body was removed from the frame and stripped before the car was repainted in red with maroon fenders. A klaxon-style horn is mounted to the headlight bar, and other exterior details include a mesh grille insert, louvered hood side panels, round side mirrors, wood running boards, and a rear-mounted spare. Paint imperfections are noted by the seller, and chips around the car are shown up close in the image gallery below.

Foose 18” alloy wheels are wrapped in 225/45 front and 235/55 rear Yokohama YK740 GTX tires. The steel frame has been boxed, and a Fat Man independent front suspension with unassisted rack-and-pinion steering has been added along with a C3 Corvette rear assembly. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs, and the booster is mounted below the floor

The cabin features front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in beige vinyl with maroon diamond-stitched inserts, and the upholstery scheme carries over to the door panels. The front headrests are embroidered with Pontiac lettering, and wood trim accents the dashboard fascia. A Jensen MPR210 digital media receiver is mounted in a custom overhead console, and a Speedway Motors aluminum throttle pedal has been installed. The seller notes that the car is not equipped with a climate control system.

The wood-rimmed steering wheel frames aftermarket instrumentation consisting of a 140-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The digital odometer indicates 365 miles, which is said to represent the distance driven since the build was completed.

The 350ci V8 was source from a 1995 Chevrolet truck and rebuilt prior to installation according to the seller, and it is equipped with a Holley carburetor, a Weiand aluminum intake manifold, “rams horn” exhaust manifolds, and T-bar valve cover bolts. The aluminum radiator is cooled by an electric puller fan.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Powerglide two-speed automatic and a rear end said to be sourced from a 1978 Corvette. The dual exhaust system has solenoid-actuated cutouts and oblong finishers.

The car is titled as a 1931 Pontiac using the North Carolina assigned VIN NCS106771.

Photos taken at various stages of the build are presented in the gallery.

Wagons from the 2000s often get overlooked in favor of SUVs and sedans, but some of these long-roof legends packed serious performance and remain budget-friendly today. Whether turbocharged, V8-powered, or just shockingly quick for their time, these wagons prove practicality and speed can go hand in hand. Here are ten forgotten wagons from the 2000s that deliver both thrills and value.

2005 Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi

SAAB

The 2005 Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi was a turbocharged sleeper with Scandinavian flair. With a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four pushing 250 horsepower to the front wheels, it could hustle from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. It was well-equipped, had unique styling, and could be picked up for under $5,000 today. Enthusiasts love it for its balance of utility and European charm, and while Saab’s gone, these wagons remain quirky bargains.

2006 Dodge Magnum R/T

Dodge

The Dodge Magnum R/T was Chrysler’s bold return to muscle car roots—just in wagon form. With a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 under the hood making 340 horsepower, the R/T could roar its way to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds. Rear-wheel drive and mean looks gave it road presence, while the cargo space made it oddly practical. It’s a full-blown muscle wagon that you can still find for well under $10,000.

2004 Volvo V70 R

Volvo

Volvo doesn’t usually scream “performance,” but the 2004 V70 R flipped the script. With a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five producing 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive, this wagon could move. The adjustable suspension and six-speed manual option made it a driver’s car hidden in a family-friendly body. Prices have started climbing, but patient buyers can still snag deals under $10k if they’re lucky.

2004 Volvo V70 R

Volvo

Volvo doesn’t usually scream “performance,” but the 2004 V70 R flipped the script. With a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five producing 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive, this wagon could move. The adjustable suspension and six-speed manual option made it a driver’s car hidden in a family-friendly body. Prices have started climbing, but patient buyers can still snag deals under $10k if they’re lucky.

2003 Audi RS6 Avant (European Market)

BAT

While not officially sold in the U.S., enthusiasts still fantasize about the 2003 Audi RS6 Avant. It packed a twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 with 444 horsepower, quattro all-wheel drive, and aggressive styling. In Europe, it’s often found at bargain prices compared to today’s performance wagons. Importing one isn’t cheap, but for the daring few, it’s a forgotten beast worth chasing.

2005 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon

BAT

Before the WRX wagons stole the spotlight, the Legacy GT wagon offered all-wheel drive, turbocharged fun, and grown-up styling. It came with a 2.5-liter turbo flat-four making 250 horsepower and could be optioned with a manual transmission. Quick, reliable, and practical, it’s a great alternative to the pricier WRX. Today, they’re rare but still affordable if you can find a clean example.

2007 Mazda6 Sport Wagon V6

BAT

Mazda’s 2007 Mazda6 Sport Wagon was sleek, spacious, and sneaky quick with its 3.0-liter V6 producing 220 horsepower. While it wasn’t a track monster, the sharp handling and smooth engine made it more fun than most family haulers. It flew under the radar back then and still does now, making it a budget gem for those wanting sporty utility with Japanese reliability.

2002 BMW 540i Touring (E39)

BAT

The E39 540i Touring is the very definition of a stealthy luxury wagon. With a 4.4-liter V8 pushing out 282 horsepower and BMW’s legendary chassis dynamics, it was the closest thing to a wagon-shaped sports sedan. Enthusiasts rave about its balance, refinement, and analog feel. High-mileage examples can be found for a steal, but maintenance costs should be considered before diving in.

2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon VR6 4Motion

BAT

The Passat VR6 4Motion wagon from 2008 had a smooth 3.6-liter VR6 engine making 280 horsepower and all-wheel drive. It was stylish, had upscale interior materials, and drove more like a premium car than its price suggests. Though maintenance can be tricky, it’s a solid pick for those wanting luxury and grunt in an overlooked German wagon.

2001 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Wagon (W210)

BAT

AMG wagons are rare unicorns, and the W210 E55 AMG Wagon is no exception. Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 producing 349 horsepower, it blended brutal acceleration with old-school Benz luxury. It’s harder to find now, but occasionally one pops up in the $10k range. If you want a fast wagon with serious street cred, this is it.

2005 Chrysler Pacifica AWD with 3.5L V6

BAT

Okay, it’s not exactly a “wagon” by traditional standards—but the first-gen Chrysler Pacifica was a low-slung crossover that functioned like one. The 3.5L V6 delivered 250 horsepower and AWD gave it stability in all conditions. It was fast enough for its time, especially in an era of sluggish minivans. Dirt cheap now, it’s a budget hauler that still has some punch.

Source

The saga of late-model Dodge Chargers has taken an interesting turn. No, no official announcement of the Hemi returning to the portfolio, but the Charger EV is on a death knell of sorts thanks to President Trump’s tariffs.

Unless you’re an absolute Dodge-head, it’s difficult to keep track with Dodge’s marketing for the redesigned Charger. There are two primary Charger models: the first is the Charger Daytona, the EV variant that has been part of the initial roll-out. Within the Daytona are the Daytona R/T and the Charger Daytona Scat Pack, with the latter offering 174 more horsepower for a total of 670. Both are currently only available as an all-wheel drive two-door coupe. A four-door is supposed to reach dealerships shortly.

(Image courtesy of Dodge)

Also due sometime in 2025 is the SixPack—this is the one for the Dodge purist, as it is powered by an ICE powerplant. Though past Six Packs (note the difference in spelling) have suggested three two-barrel carburetors, the modern definition means that a vehicle is equipped with a “Hurricane” twin-turbo inline-six in one of two flavors: a four-door with 420 horsepower, and a high-output two-door with 550 horsepower.

However, Dodge CEO Matt McAlear tells Car and Driver that “production of the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is postponed for the 2026 model year as we continue to assess the effects of U.S. tariff policies.” This is due to the Dodge Charger Daytona being built in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Sure, it’s just a short bridge or tunnel jaunt from the Motor City, but crossing the border will subject the vehicle to a 25 percent tariff.

(Image courtesy of Dodge)

As such, Dodge says the EV-powered Charger Daytona will be reduced to just the Scat Pack for 2026, with the R/T being postponed. Blame the tariffs? Considering only 1,947 Charger Daytonas were sold in the first quarter of 2025, no one would consider it an auspicious start. Additionally, the Daytona four-door will be delayed until the 2026 model year.

Also confirmed is the delay of the Charger SixPack, now slated for the second half of 2025. Two trim levels will be available out of the gate: GT and Outlaw, and we bet the standard-output version will be the former, with the high-output version being the latter. No word whether it will debut as a 2025 or 2026 model.

For years, the Thunderbird was one of the more important cars for Ford. The original 1955 T-Bird was initially designed to compete with the new-at-the-time Chevrolet Corvette. In a lot of ways, these first-generation T-Birds were the better car in every way, not only featuring g better build quality, but also more performance, as they came equipped with a V8 engine from the start. After the first three years of the two-seat T-Bird, Ford switched the focus to more of a personal luxury car as opposed to a sports car, adding two seats and focusing more on high-end options and comfort. This proved to be a great move, as these second-generation Thunderbirds outsold the Corvette by a huge margin. Sure, it was no longer a sports car – but it was a sales success. These personal luxury Thunderbirds lasted until the end of production for the model in 1997.

Then, a few years later, a funny thing happened in the car world. Chrysler introduced the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler, followed closely by Volkswagen with their new Beetle. Almost overnight, manufacturers started to build retro-modern takes on their classic cars, including the Chevy SSR and the BMW Z8, among many others.

Ford, not wanting to be left out of the game, decided to bring back the T-Bird – not just a new version of the old four-seater, but a flashback to the first-generation two-seaters. Ford anointed Jack Telnack as the lead designer on the project, but after Telnack’s retirement, J. Mays brought it to completion. The project was well received, with MotorTrend naming the new Thunderbird their 2002 Car of the Year.

The AutoHunter Spotlight for today is one of these cars, a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. The auction ends Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

The seller states that this Thunderbird is powered by its original 3.9-liter V8 (Ford owned Jaguar at the time, and the car has a detuned version of the Jaguar V8 under the hood) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It is painted in its original Evening Black with a black convertible top over a Midnight Black leather interior and includes its factory hardtop. This T-Bird has covered a total of 73,044 original miles from new and is offered by the selling dealer with the color-matched hardtop, clean CARFAX report and a clear title.

The exterior of this T-Bird features a hood scoop and dual side mirrors. All the panels look to be in good driver-level condition. The seller notes there are minor scuffs and discoloration on front bumper, a minor dent on driver’s-side door, and a few other minor exterior scuffs and scratches.

The interior looks to be in good shape as well, with some minor bolster wear on the driver’s seat. The carpets, door cards and dash all look to be in nice condition. The leather looks good on the seats and everything appears clean. Looking at the photos of the convertible soft-top, I’m guessing it will need to be either cleaned or replaced at some point.

Under the hood, the engine compartment is quite tidy, with the 280-horsepower 3.9-liter V8 looking to be leak-free. The photos of the engine compartment and underside of the car reveal nothing that would cause me any serious concern.

These final 11th-generation Ford Thunderbirds were one of my more favorite cars from the whole retro-modern car design era of the 1990s to 2000s. The T-Bird was a great mix of classic design with modern convenience. It has the look of the original with none of the hassles. It is in no way a sports car, but instead a nice two-seat drop-top GT car that would be fun for road trips.

This 2002 Thunderbird is the perfect car for someone who loves the idea of a classic T-Bird but doesn’t want to deal with the reality of classic car ownership. Over the years, these cars have proven to be reliable and easy to own. This 2002 Thunderbird takes all of the old and combines it with the new to make for a modern classic car that is in many ways the “easy button” to classic Thunderbird ownership. Sure, it’s not a 1955 – but it is simply a better-driving and more comfortable car that offers much of the look of the old model. At the same time, it’s becoming a true classic itself.

The auction for this 2002 Ford Thunderbird ends on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), so if you are interested, why not make a few bids?

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Yet another puzzle for Tuesday! Here we have four vehicles listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. They all share something in common though, by initial impressions, they have no connection. Can you tell us what that may be?

You can post your answer in the Comments section below. While you’re at it, why not tell us the make, model, and year for bonus points?

Click on a photo to reveal each car

Every Tuesday, The ClassicCars.com Journal offers automotive fun like this puzzle. You can play previous car games for more challenges!

In some classified ads, it’s straightforward to call out specific features that have been modified, added, or upgraded with a vehicle. With others, it would probably be easier to call out the few things that haven’t been changed. One seller in particular has an “Equipment Features” paragraph that is over 500 words long, encompassing everything from mechanical, to cosmetic, to interior – and everything in between. In fact, it uses the word “custom” an incredible 46 times. We’ll highlight some of the key items and let you take it from there! Let’s dive in. The Pick of the Day is a custom 1948 Chevrolet 3100 pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Bakersfield, California.

From front to back, the truck has been put through a comprehensive cosmetic rework. The front bumper has been deleted, and exterior upgrades include a custom grille, frenched-in headlights, tinted glass, chrome side mirrors, a smoothed and filled body, shaved door handles, a tubbed bed, and a chopped top (2.5 inches were deleted at the front, and two inches in the rear). Capping it all off is a Matador Red Mica paint job that does well to accentuate the clean body lines. And traction comes from a set of Hankook tires wrapped around Billet Specialties 17-inch polished aluminum wheels.

The interior, upholstered with black leather bucket seats and a custom center console, benefits from a fabricated dash, a Classic Instruments gauge set, cruise control, Vintage Air HVAC, a Flaming Rivers tilt-adjustable steering column (with a Lecarra steering wheel), power windows, a wool carpets, Lokar pedals, and a modern audio system with kick-panel speakers and a Pioneer 10-inch subwoofer behind the passenger seat. Many other in-cab features abound, but those are some of the basics. It is no wonder this truck is a National Street Rod Association (NSRA) show winner – and the windshield has a sticker to prove it.

Power comes from a BluePrint 355ci small-block crate motor that was rated at 375 horsepower. Performance upgrades include aluminum heads, a Speed Demon 650cfm carburetor, an Edelbrock “EnduraShine” intake manifold, a March Performance polished pulley system, Accel Extreme 9000 spark plug wires, and MSD ignition components.

One thing is for sure: This truck’s builder picked a popular platform: Chevrolet’s Advance Design trucks were sold from 1947 through 1954, and they were indeed advanced for their time. One of the advertisements from the period said: “More than a farm day’s work – in less than a farm day’s time. Yes, you can do more farm work in less time with these latest and greatest Chevrolet trucks.” The trucks were promoted for what Chevrolet called “Triple Economy.” The three aspects of that model included low operating cost, low upkeep cost, and the lowest list prices in the volume field.

Our guess is that this Matador Red truck won’t spend much time working around a farm. Rather, it will be an eye-catching conversation piece at parades, shows, and everywhere it goes. The asking price is $54,900.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

The Ford Mustang wasn’t the only animal hungry for higher performance in the late-1960s. The Mercury Cougar wanted it, too. So Mercury created the Cougar Eliminator, which had cosmetic and performance upgrades, such as the Boss 302 V8, that made it clear it was a different breed of cat. Unfortunately, the Eliminator was only offered in the 1969 and 1970 model years, so Autohunter Cinema was lucky to spot this 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator at a Barrett-Jackson auction.

As part of a restoration, this Cougar Eliminator was painted the hard-to-miss color of Competition Green and accented with black stripes on the hood and sides. Under that black scoop in the middle of the hood is a numbers-matching 300-horsepower 351ci Cleveland V8 that’s kept under control by an FMX three-speed automatic, plus features such as a Competition Suspension, Magnum 500 wheels with Goodyear tires, and power front disc brakes. But none of that hardware stopped someone from buying this final-year Cougar Eliminator.

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Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 17,502-mile 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria, Ford’s term for a two-door hardtop. “The roof follows a new thin-line design that increases that wonderful ‘wide-open’ convertible feeling,” Ford wrote in its new-car brochure. This one is powered by a rebuilt 292ci “Y-block” V8 paired with a three-speed Fordomatic Drive automatic. Features include a Continental kit, rocker panel trim, a grille guard, skirts, and more. Painted in two-tone Flame Red and Colonial White with a white and red vinyl and cloth interior, this ’50s flyer is offered by the selling dealer in Virginia with engine and transmission rebuild receipts, service records, a clear title, and more.

The Flame Red and Colonial White exterior (a 2013 repaint from the original Woodsmoke Gray and Colonial White) is complemented by chrome rocker panel trim, a grille guard, left- and right-side mirrors, fender skirts, a Continental kit, and chrome exhaust extensions. A set of 14-inch wheels with full wheel covers is wrapped in 205/75 BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall radials.

The cabin has front and rear bench seats in white vinyl and red cloth. Features include an AM radio, power steering, a clock, MagicAire ventilation system, and a column-mounted automatic shifter.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel. The odometer shows 17,502, which is the true mileage per the title.

Powering this Fairlane 500 is a Thunderbird 292 V8 that was originally rated at 212 horsepower with a two-barrel carburetor. It is backed by a three-speed Fordomatic Drive automatic transmission. During the 2013 rebuild, the engine received hardened valve seats.

The undercarriage features front power disc brakes and a dual exhaust system that routes emissions to the rear. Gears are 3.10 single-traction.

Nineteen fifty-seven was an interesting time at Dearborn because Ford offered two bodies for its lineup, with the Fairlane and Fairlane 500 getting a larger, slightly more stylish body. This top-of-the-line 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria exploits that to the hilt, so time to pony up and buy that dream car you’ve always wanted! The auction for this Blue Oval ends on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), so think hard and quick, and bid. Good luck!

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery