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No Reserve: 307-Powered 1940 Chevrolet Pickup Rat Rod

This 1940 Chevrolet pickup was built into a rat rod under prior ownership, and it is powered by a 307ci V8 with triple Stromberg carburetors. Distressed bodywork is accented with pinstripes and a skull motif, and the truck rides on a lowered suspension with an independent front assembly, rear leaf springs, front disc brakes, and 15” steel wheels. Inside, brown vinyl upholstery is joined by a pistol-grip shifter, a dash-mounted tap handle, and a Bluetooth-capable head unit. Other highlights include a windshield visor, wood cargo bed rails, an automatic transmission, long-tube exhaust headers, and a fuel cell. Acquired by the seller in 2024, this rat rod pickup is now offered at no reserve with a clean Texas title.

A Poppy’s Patina coating has been applied to the steel bodywork, which exhibits dents, rust holes, exposed welds, and other damage that can be viewed in the gallery. Skull artwork has been added to the doors, and pinstriping accents the radiator shell, cowl vent, and headlight buckets as well as the fixed tailgate panel. The radiator support bars are constructed from roller chain links, and other details include a windshield visor, a skull radiator mascot, and front bumperettes formed from open-end wrenches.

The 307ci V8 is equipped with triple Stromberg 97 carburetors, finned valve covers, and long-tube headers that flow into a dual exhaust system with 3” pipes. An electric puller fan cools the radiator. The engine oil, air filter assemblies, and spark plugs were replaced in June 2025.

Steel 15” wheels are mounted with 185/65 Landsail LS588 tires. The truck rides on an independent front assembly and a live rear axle supported by longitudinal leaf springs with lowering blocks. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums.

The cab features bucket seats trimmed in brown vinyl, and an ammunition box is used as a center console. License plates have been added to the dashboard fascia and firewall, and the doors are secured with barrel-bolt latches. A faucet with a wood tap handle is mounted in the center of the dash, and a mini keg is located ahead of the pistol-grip shifter. A Bluetooth-capable digital media receiver is connected to an amplifier and a subwoofer behind the seats in addition to four 6×9” speakers mounted in an overhead console.

The billet steering wheel sits ahead of an Equus tachometer as well as white-dial gauges mounted below the dash. The odometer does not work, and total mileage is unknown.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through an automatic transmission. The hinged cargo floor lifts to reveal a fuel cell, a wire storage crate, and the battery.

The truck is titled using the VIN 2962773, which appears on the identification plate shown above.

No Reserve: 265 Tri-Power 1934 Ford Roeder Sports Custom Roadster

This 1934 Ford roadster is a modified Deluxe Cabriolet built between 1948 and 1953 by Robert Roeder, a metal finisher who worked for Mack Truck. It was retained by Roeder’s wife until 1998, and following the selling dealer’s acquisition in 2011 it was refreshed with a repaint in Ford Candy Apple Red urethane, off-white upholstery, and a top-end rebuilt of its Corvette 265ci V8. The seller tells us the car was hand-striped in front of the audience while on display at Amelia Island, and it was also featured on an episode of Chasing Classic Cars. The body is channeled, sectioned, and has custom details such as a narrowed ’41 Continental bumper, a ’48 Plymouth-based lift-off steel hardtop, a ’37 Packard windshield, a forward-opening louvered aluminum hood, ’40 Mercury front fenders, and ’40 Ford rear fenders. Its Tri-power 265ci V8 was installed around 1958, and it is linked to a Ford three-speed manual and a 4.11 gearset. Inside are ‘40 Bantam Phaeton seats and a Studebaker cluster. This custom ’34 roadster is now offered in Connecticut at no reserve with a clean New Jersey title.

Starting with a 1934 Deluxe Cabriolet purchased by Roeder in 1938, the build commenced in 1948 following damage sustained at an apple orchard. The body was channeled 6″ over the frame and sectioned 4″. The fabricated grille used Mack fire truck components for the surround, and the front fenders from a ’40 Mercury were integrated into the body. The windshield frame is a ’37 Packard unit that was chopped and narrowed, and the bumper is a narrowed ’41 Continental unit.

The louvered hood was fabricated from aluminum and utilizes rumble seat hinges to open forwards, with catches mounted on the cowl.

The Deluxe Cabriolet doors were cut down, and the glass was removed. The ’40 Ford rear fenders were shortened, and the wheel opening was modified. The rear valance was modified with dual exhaust outlets and a spare carrier integrated into the design. All parts were brazed and leaded into place before the original paintwork was applied, and following the selling dealer’s acquisition in 2011 the car was repainted Ford Candy Apple Red.

The lift-off steel hardtop was custom-fabricated from the rear roof section of a 1948 Plymouth.

’40 Ford hydraulic brakes and tube shocks were used, and the car rides on pie-crust whitewall tires with full wheel covers.

The bucket seats are thought to be from a 1940 Bantam Phaeton, and they were reupholstered in off-white in 2011. 

The dashboard and bezel are from a Studebaker, and a ’38 Lincoln Zephyr steering wheel was utilized. The selling dealer has added ~100 of the ~42k miles indicated.

The tri-power 265ci Corvette V8 was installed in 1958, and it underwent a top-end rebuild in 2011. The generator and carburetors were overhauled at the same time, and the selling dealer tells us a tune-up and fluid services were performed in preparation for the sale.

The car has a three-speed manual and a 4.11 gearset.

A custom-made history board and historical images are displayed in the gallery.

A replacement VIN tag has been applied, and the car is titled as a 1934 Ford.

20 Cars That You Thought Were Junk—But Were Secret Engineering Masterpieces

The automotive world is filled with stories of cars that were laughed at, ignored, or even ridiculed when they first hit the streets. Many of these vehicles were dismissed as failures—quirky oddities or commercial missteps that never found their audience. Yet, beneath their misunderstood exteriors, some of these so-called “junk” cars harbored innovative engineering that was simply ahead of its time.

From radical aerodynamics to groundbreaking technology, these hidden gems quietly influenced the industry and paved the way for future breakthroughs.

As we peel back the layers of history, we discover that some of the most maligned cars were actually secret masterpieces, waiting for the world to catch up.

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These 14 Cars Were Built to Be Cheap—But Became Icons

In the world of automobiles, affordability has often been the mother of invention. Car companies set out to build simple, budget-friendly vehicles for the masses—yet, some of these humble models defied expectations in remarkable ways.
They weren’t just about saving money; they became symbols of freedom, ingenuity, and resilience. Over time, these once-overlooked cars captured hearts, shaped pop culture, and left an indelible mark on the industry.
Their stories prove that greatness can spring from the most unassuming origins, reshaping how we see “cheap” cars forever.

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Wedge-shaped Car Exhibit Opening Soon at the Petersen Automotive Museum

The wedge-shaped cars of the 1960s-1980s are so dramatic and angular that it seems as if there were no compromises made in the transition from initial sketch to production. Unfortunately, they’re so old now that you rarely see any of them out on the street unless you count the C4 Chevrolet Corvette. The good news is that the Petersen Automotive Museum in LA will be opening an exhibit called “The Wedge Revolution: Cars on the Cutting Edge” on August 2.

Aston Martin Bulldog, 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, and 1966 Cannara I (Photo courtesy of the Petersen Automotive Museum)

According to the museum, the display, “co-curated with Tesla Chief Designer and wedge design aficionado Franz von Holzhausen, will showcase a wide range of vehicles embodying the bold, angular styling that defined this unique era in automotive design. It will highlight the transitional period when designers moved from decorative curves and chrome to clean lines, flat surfaces and geometric forms.”

Maserati Boomerang (Photo courtesy of Maserati)

Work from designers such as Marcello Gandini, Sergio Coggiola, William Towns, and Jerry Palmer will be showcased there. Some of the concept and production cars include the 1966 Cannara I, 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 “Periscopio,” 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog, and 1976 Chevrolet Aerovette. Although not from the era, the Tesla Cybertruck and the Lo Res Car from the footwear brand United Nude will also be on-site to check out. Given the designers mentioned, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the exhibit also includes the Maserati Boomerang or an Aston Martin Lagonda sedan.

Tesla Cybertruck (Photo courtesy of Tesla)

For more information about the “The Wedge Revolution: Cars on the Cutting Edge” exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum, click here. If you can’t get to Los Angeles anytime soon, don’t worry—the exhibit runs through September 2026.

Interesting Finds: 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe “Surfer Girl”

The Beach Boys have a success story worth sharing. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide, and over the course of their career—which dates back to 1961—they’ve achieved 36 “Top 40” hits. Some of the anthems the Beach Boys perform have specific ties to the automotive world, including the songs “Little Deuce Coupe” and “409.”

The carefree spirit of the 1960s was a big factor in the use of cars as prominent symbols back when those songs were written. Building on the band’s success, the “Surfer Girl” album came out in September 1963 as the third studio album from the group. Surfer Girl also happens to be the name of a car once owned by the Beach Boys’ manager. “She” is a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop, and she was one of many unique collector cars sold at no reserve during a recent Barrett-Jackson auction held in Scottsdale.

The description from Barrett-Jackson says, “This example was recently refreshed with a new paint job, contrasted by all-new chrome. It also features a full interior update with gauges replaced along with bezels in the dash.”

The color combination is a striking one indeed, bringing white and orange together for two-tone paint treatment, which continues to the bench-seat interior. Special touches include Bel Air-embroidered floor mats, custom center console with cup holders, and Bowtie-branded aluminum trim extending across the face of the dashboard. While some Bel Air buyers in 1955 opted for the new 265ci small-block V8, this car was optioned with the smaller 235ci inline-six paired with a three-speed manual transmission.

The car—or should we call her Surfer Girl?—was adopted by a new owner earlier this year who is no doubt spending the summer racking up miles. Hopefully, some of those miles involve trips to the beach to catch some gnarly waves. Hang ten!

There are hundreds of unique stories like this one to be told about the cars that are sold each year at Barrett-Jackson. We look forward to seeing what the upcoming auctions will bring. Who knows—maybe there will be some other music industry tie-ins to discuss.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1958 Chevrolet Delray Sedan

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is on this restored 1958 Chevrolet Delray two-door sedan with a very nice vintage look. Originally a special sub-model for the 1954-57 210, Delray officially became a stand-alone model for the 1958 model year, replacing the bottom-of-the-line 150. This one is powered by a 327ci small-block V8 paired with a four-speed automatic with overdrive. Other features include air conditioning, floor-mounted B&M shifter, Bluetooth-compatible AM/FM stereo, US Mags wheels, and more. Painted in two-tone Anniversary Gold and White with a matching white vinyl and tan cloth interior, this vintage performance cruiser comes from the private seller with a clear title.

The Anniversary Gold and White two-tone paint scheme is complemented by tasteful use of chrome. Other exterior features include a wraparound windshield and backlite, dual chrome side mirrors, rocker panel trim, Blue Dot lenses, and twin exhaust pipes poking out from under the bumper. A set of gold-painted US Mags wheels is wrapped in 215/70 whitewall Diamond radials.

The white and tan vinyl and cloth interior features a split bench seat up front. Interior features include under-dash air conditioning, power steering with three-spoke steering wheel, floor-mounted B&M automatic shifter, clock, and Bluetooth-compatible AM/FM retro-look stereo.

The instrument panel features a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature and fuel. Additional gauges include a column-mounted 10,000-rpm tachometer and a Sunpro cluster that includes oil pressure, temperature, and voltage. The odometer shows 37,461 miles but the title reads mileage-exempt.

The engine currently residing under the hood is a 327 V8 topped by a four-barrel carburetor and Edelbrock air cleaner. It is backed by a four-speed 700R4 transmission with overdrive, which was rebuilt 10 months ago. The undercarriage features power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system.

There’s plenty of vintage appeal with this classic Chevy. The paint scheme looks great, the presentation allows me to channel myself back to the mid-1960s, and the small-block V8 will always put out (and you can easily make it put out more). All that’s missing is your name on the title, so bid high and bid soon because the AutoHunter auction for this 1958 Chevrolet Delray two-door sedan ends on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1967 Ford F-100 4X4 4-Speed

When it comes to modern trucks, some of the things that get the most attention are the stats, such as the size of their infotainment screens or how much torque they have and how many tons they can pull. But things can be much simpler with vintage pickups: you don’t think about how many camera angles they provide while you’re towing—you can just appreciate them simply for their design. Our Pick of the Day, a 1967 Ford F-100 4X4, has great lines, plus plenty more to love. You can find it on ClassicCars.com listed by a dealer in Manhattan Beach, California.

The 1967 model year marked the introduction of the fifth-generation Ford F-Series line of trucks. Exterior updates included moving the FORD lettering to the hood, simplifying the grille, and relocating the parking lights under the headlamps.

Inside, 1967 four-wheel-drive F-100 and F-250 trucks received a wider instrument cluster, redesigned instrument panel, padded dash, three-inch-wider seat, and body-color trim, all of which made their cabins “attractive, roomier and more carlike in appearance than ever!”

“Carlike” comfort is great and all, but from the outside, an F-Series should look like a truck. This F-100 certainly does. It doesn’t need a massive lift or giant wheels and tires to do that—just a single cab, a short bed, and all-terrain rubber. A fresh coat of Boxwood Green and Wimbledon White paint, and new bumpers add to its vintage charm.

Inside the cabin, the seat belts were upgraded to three-point units, the bench seat was reupholstered in black leather, and the radio was replaced with a RetroSound stereo with Bluetooth, but nothing is jarringly anachronistic.

The engine matches the rest of this truck’s tasteful, low-key personality. It hasn’t been swapped out for a Godzilla 7.3-liter gasser; it’s a good old-fashioned 300ci inline-six, which draws fuel from a new gas tank. A four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive help it get this truck down the road and over nature’s obstacles.

Whether this 1967 Ford F-100 4X4‘s handsome looks or thoughtful updates are the first thing that you notice about it, we have good news: You can buy this truck for $37,999 (OBO) and look at it—or drive it—anytime you want.

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

20 Factory Mistakes That Accidentally Made the Car Cooler

Sometimes, the most legendary cars are born not from meticulous design, but from unexpected factory blunders and happy accidents. Throughout automotive history, a slip on the assembly line or a quirky engineering oversight has transformed ordinary vehicles into unexpected icons that enthusiasts clamor for. These “mistakes” can enhance performance, create distinctive looks, or introduce funky features that weren’t in the original plan. Over time, these rare quirks often become coveted by collectors and celebrated as unique collector’s items, adding mystique and value to the car’s legacy. In the world of automobiles, sometimes being imperfect is the key to being unforgettable.

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15 Vehicles That Looked Better After 400,000 Miles

Most vehicles are expected to show their age after clocking hundreds of thousands of miles. Yet, some defy expectations by developing a distinct character and visual appeal that only comes with time and use.

Dings, faded paint, and worn interiors can tell stories of adventure and reliability, transforming ordinary cars into cherished legends.

This phenomenon isn’t just about mechanical endurance; it’s about how certain vehicles gain personality and charm as they accumulate miles.

In this article, we explore fifteen remarkable vehicles that looked even better—and earned more admiration—after surpassing 400,000 miles, proving that true automotive beauty is more than skin deep.

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