Skip to main content

Which Automobiles Used These Headlights?

Think you know your cars? Then try the below automotive puzzle highlighting headlights of vehicles that are currently listed on AutoHunter.

Sealed beam headlights were introduced on all American cars for 1940. In 1957, quad headlights became legal in all 48 states and, in 1974, regulators permitted rectangular sealed beam headlights. For 1984, the Lincoln Mark VII became the first American vehicle to feature composite headlamps with a replaceable bulb. The 1990s brought high-intensity discharge headlights, which seems like the first step in today’s nutty variety of front-end illumination.

So put on your thinking hat and identify the below quartet of vehicles in the comment section below, then click on each image to learn whether you guessed correctly. Have fun!

Click on each image to reveal the vehicle and year

Be sure to check out our other puzzles with taillights and dashboards! And if you have an idea for another automotive puzzle be sure to tell us below!

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1979 VW Super Beetle Convertible

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this frame-off restored 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible. This vehicle has been with the seller for 42 years, which is practically the car’s whole life. This VW is powered by a fuel-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a four-speed manual transaxle. Features include European-style headlights and heated rear glass. Finished in Alpine White with white convertible top over a white vinyl interior, this garage-kept Super Beetle comes with plenty of extra parts (check the auction page for the complete list) and a clear title.

Not only was 1979 the last year for the Beetle convertible, but it also was the final year for the Beetle in America. It’s likely a vehicle that more people alive have had experience with than any other. Though its origins may come from a dark place, the Beetle and its offshoots have brought millions of people to a happy place. Even if it’s not American, the Beetle is an American institution almost as much as the Model T.

In 1997, the body was bead-blasted and refinished in the original color of Alpine White (code L90E). Additionally, the frame for the manual convertible top was restored and the top was replaced. Features include European-style headlights with chrome rings, dual side-view mirrors, and heated rear windshield. Four of the videos in the auction page show walk-around footage of the exterior as well as the interior.

A set of 15-inch gray Volkswagen steel wheels is wrapped in 165R15 Arizonian Premium Metric steel-belted radial tires.

The front bucket seats and rear seat were reupholstered in white vinyl, plus new black carpeting was installed in 2022. Features include Motorola AM/FM radio and a newer steering bushing.

The instrument panel includes a 100-mph speedometer and fuel gauge. The odometer reads 104,384 miles, which includes 72,000 miles added during the seller’s 42 years of ownership.

Power is provided by a fuel-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a four-speed manual transaxle. The engine was replaced in 1983, and currently has logged fewer than 2,000 miles since being rebuilt and tuned for high-altitude (8,000 feet) driving in 2018. A video on the auction page shows a cold start of the engine.

This Volkswagen is equipped with four-wheel independent suspension that was rebuilt and fitted with urethane bushings in 2022, with the rear axle shafts being rebuilt in 2021. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. The exhaust exits at the rear through a single outlet.

As part of the sale, the seller will include a black convertible top boot, black bra, two-piece car cover, tools, new wiper relay, removed original parts, spare parts and miscellaneous components, seat upholstery, service records, and owner’s and service manuals.

The auction for this 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible ends Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 12:50 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1965 Buick Special Convertible

We recently wrote about an elegant 1965 Lancia Flaminia with a V6 that originated from the 1950 Lancia Aurelia, the first mass-produced car to feature a V6. With that inspiration, today’s Pick of the Day is a 1965 Buick Special V6 convertible. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)

The Buick Special traces its origins from General Motors’ “Senior Compacts” of 1961. Of the trio (which included the Oldsmobile F85 and Pontiac Tempest), the Special vied for the most interesting of the bunch, thanks to its aluminum 215 V8. That engine was the basis for the iron-block 1962 198 Fireball V6, which was another advanced mechanical bit for GM. That engine was increased to 225cid in 1964 and was produced through 1967, plus it was shared with the Oldsmobile F-85 from 1964-65. The tooling was sold to Kaiser in 1967, and AMC used it after picking Jeep from Kaiser. After the first gas crisis, GM bought back the tooling and created the 231 V6. The rest, they say, is history.

When the 1964 Special was introduced, it grew into a conventional mid-size car. The available models were Special, Special Deluxe, and Skylark. Interestingly, a convertible was available in the base Special in addition to the Skylark — somewhat unusual for a bottom-of-the-line series, as compact and mid-size convertibles tended to be in higher trim levels. Perhaps Buick’s upscale positioning was a factor?

This 1965 Special convertible features the V6 engine, one of 3,357 built that year (another 3,365 were built with the 300cid V8, which was an iron-block evolution of the 215). Painted Silver Cloud, this Buick is an older redux that is begging to be driven or some gentle refurbishment. “Virtually dent- and ding-free, the exterior is holding up well … with some slight areas of orange peel,” plus a few chips on the rockers. The power-operated black convertible top is clean without any tears or rips, though the plastic backlite is slightly yellowed. Inside, the original red interior is in “very good condition for its age” though there is “slight age wear” in various parts. Of special note is that “the upper padded dash is crack-free.” The Fireball V6 is connected to a two-speed ST300 automatic with 3.08 gears.

What you have here is an unusual 1960s American car with a powerplant that would do the Italians proud. “A quick starter, and effortless drive [with] smooth acceleration and a smooth ride.” For $23,500, you can just hop in and drive, or you can give it a little TLC and make it irresistible. With the right color combo and interesting tech, this 1965 Buick Special convertible is arguably irresistible already.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Interesting Finds: 2003 Bentley Azure

The ClassicCars TV feature we’re highlighting today is a 2003 Bentley Azure Mulliner Final Edition, one of 62 Final Edition vehicles and the only one finished in Monaco Yellow. A turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower is paired to four-speed automatic transmission. At the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction this Bentley sold for $74,800.

Want to see more interesting finds and car reviews? Check out the ClassicCars TV channel on YouTube!

Blast From The Past: The Best & Worst Retro-Futuristic Cars Ever Made

For over two decades, retro-futurism has been a part of modern car design. This is when car designers borrow shapes, ideas, and details from car history to revive the famous models of the past. Cars like Volkswagen’s New Beetle, the Ford Mustang, and the Mini Cooper are examples of perfect revivals in modern form.

Designers turned these once-classic shapes into modern vehicles with unmistakable charm, designs, and appearance. During the height of retro-futurism, it looked like any car with classic lines was a sales hit, so many manufacturers decided to introduce such models. As always, there were ones that implemented this style perfectly and ones that failed miserably. Today, we will cover them all.

Photo Credit: Dodge

Dodge Challenger

After the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro got their own fantastic retro versions, the Challenger was next to receive a reimagining of a classic shape. It was a success, staying on the market for over 10 years with minimal changes. Drawing inspiration from the classic 1970 to 1974 model, the Challenger is one of the most successful retro-futuristic cars ever. This is especially true for its high-performance models, the SRT, Scat Pack, and Hellcat versions. This includes the insane Demon model (via Dodge).

Photo Credit: Hot Rod

With standard fuel, the Demon delivers an insane 808 hp, but if you use high-octane stuff, it will pump out almost 840 hp. The rest of the Demon package is equally insane from its special transmission, suspension, and brakes to the widebody stance and exterior details. Its acceleration time from 0 to 60 is less than 3 seconds, and under full power, the Demon will accelerate with 1.8 G force. The car is capable of covering a quarter-mile sprint in less than 10 seconds straight out of the box.

The post Blast From The Past: The Best & Worst Retro-Futuristic Cars Ever Made appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Pick of the Day: 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC

Ferrari as a marque needs no introduction. They are the most mythic brand in the world of sports cars due to their history on the race track and the scores of celebrity owners the cars have had. Ferraris also offer world class performance and some of the most amazing styling to ever grace a sports car.

Of these cars there is a single model that has been wildly popular over the last 7 or 8 years due not only to its performance and styling but also due to the fact that it is the easiest to drive V12 powered Ferrari GT car that they have ever built. That car is the 330 GTC.

The 330 GTC shared the short wheelbase as well as its independent rear suspension of the outgoing 275 models nut in a more refined GT car package than other Ferrari cars of the time. They we quieter, easier to drive, and more comfortable behind the wheel, much like the 2+2 models but in a two seat configuration. Journalists at the time were heard to say that the 330 GTC “was probably the first Ferrari in which you could actually enjoy listening to the radio”.

The 330 GTC was introduced in March of 1966 at the Geneva Motor Show. Featuring a two seat configuration with striking yet subdued styling by Pininfarina combined with a powerful 4 liter Ferrari V12 engine with a 5 speed gearbox with a gated shifter. I can say from personal experience that the 330 GTC is a wonderful car behind the wheel and completely delivers on the whole Ferrari V12 GT car deal.

The Pick of the Day is one of these amazing cars, a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC for sale on ClassicCars.com located in Christchurch, New Zealand. Before you let the location put you off, consider that you can ship this car to the U.S. for around $10,000.

The seller describes this 330 GTC as a very original 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC that is powered by a 4 liter V12 engine with a 5-speed transaxle gearbox and is one of 598 cars produced from 1966 to 1968.

The car is equipped with factory air conditioning and it has received a beautiful repaint back to the the car’s original color of Grigio Fumo/grey with a restored black leather interior. It is equipped with period correct Michelin tires with its original Campagnolo magnesium wheel rims.

The seller adds that the engine recently underwent an engine and 5-speed trans axle gearbox rebuild that included all seals, restoration of downdraught weber carburetors, new correct fuel hoses, new pumps, a restored fuel tank, a radiator rebuild, and all cooling hoses also replaced. In addition, the wiring was all completely overhauled or replaced and the dashboard was removed and restored at that time. The engine and mechanical work was mostly carried out by AutoRestorations of Christchurch, New Zealand.

This 330 GTC was imported into New Zealand from the USA in January 2020 and the seller can provide all paperwork needed for importation back. The car also includes all books, a complete original Ferrari factory toolkit, and service records.

The 330 GTC tends to be an expensive car, often selling for more than $600,000. The best part of this listing, other than the amazing car itself, is the price. This 1967 330 GTC has an asking price of only $466,000, and if I were again in the market for one of these cars I would contact the seller immediately to set up a pre-purchase inspection and then take it home.

No other car delivers the feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment like a Ferrari in the garage, so don’t miss this amazing car.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1941 Cadillac Series 61 Coupe

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this frame-off restored 1941 Cadillac Series 61 five-passenger coupe. It is powered by a 346cid V8 backed by a three-speed manual transmission. Features include interior woodgrain appliqué, AM radio, and heater. Finished in black over a tan cloth interior, this Cadillac with the original sales paperwork and clear title.

Nineteen forty-one was the first year since 1929 that Cadillac relied solely on V8s. That wasn’t a bad thing because the 1940s were full of new values and new style, plus the (re)introduction of the Series 61 series that played the role of the discontinued LaSalle.

The exterior of this 1941 Cadillac was refinished in original black hue during restoration. Features include chrome bumper guards, hood ornament, dual mirrors, fender and rocker trim, and rear wheel skirts.

A set of Vincennes Red steel wheels with chrome hubcaps caps and trim rings are wrapped in whitewall bias-ply tires.

The interior is upholstered in tan ribbed cloth. Features include manual steering, woodgrain appliqué, column-mounted manual transmission shifter, AM radio, heater, and white two-spoke steering wheel. 

The instrument panel consists of a 100-mph speedometer plus gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, battery, and temperature. A clock is mounted on the right side of the dashboard. The odometer reads 63,028 miles.

Power is provided by a 346cid L-head V8 and backed by a three-speed manual transmission. An electric fuel pump and PerTronix electronic ignition system have been added for reliability.

This Cadillac was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. A single exhaust outlet exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1941 Cadillac Series 61 Five-Passenger Coupe ends Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Netflix plans NASCAR docuseries backed by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

NASCAR is about to get a Netflix documentary series similar to the “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” series that has helped catapult F1’s popularity, particularly in the U.S.

Announced by NASCAR and Netflix on Monday, the new series will air in early 2024 and focus on the 2023 Cup Series Playoffs.

The first of the 2023 playoff races is scheduled for Sept. 3 at South Carolina’s Darlington Raceway.

Five episodes, each spanning 45 minutes, is planned, and filming has already begun. The episodes will show drivers and team members, both during races and away from the track.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. is among the list of executive producers, along with Ben Kennedy, Tim Clark, Matt Summers, and NASCAR Studios’ Tally Hair.

The announcement of the new series follows the successful “Race for the Championship” series that aired in 2022 on the USA Network, and covered that year’s NASCAR season. Like the new Netflix series, which hasn’t been named, “Race for the Championship” focused on several drivers and team members and how they balanced their personal lives with the pressures of racing.

Netflix is no stranger to NASCAR series. Last year saw the airing of “Race: Bubba Wallace” on the popular streaming service. The series followed the Michael Jordan-backed 23XI NASCAR team driver and featured six episodes.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

How To Find Out If Your 1967 Chevelle SS396 Is Real or Fake

Few cars have cut as deep a mark on the auto industry as the Chevelle SS. The car was a true legend that merged performance with aggressive looks. GM built many memorable muscle cars during this era but the Chevelle formulated a following of its own. The SS396 took the performance numbers of the base models to a new level and gave the car an insane amount of performance for the time. True muscle car fans know the “Super Sport” lineup was uniquely unlike anything else on the road.

The Chevelle is a car that resonated with nearly everyone who came into contact with it. The bold styling and the burly sound from the exhaust truly changed the game. And one edition of the car stands above the rest. Finding a true 1967 Chevelle SS396 is worth tons of money nowadays. We looked at the clues that signify you have a true rare survivor via Motor Trend right here. Buckle up, because the Chevelle SS396 is a car unlike anything else from even that era.

Photo Credit: GM

1967 Chevelle SS396 VIN

The very first thing that you’ll obviously want to do with an authentic Chevelle or any muscle car is check the VIN number. There are specific features that an authentic SS396 will have that separate it. Like most muscle cars from this era, the SS396 was produced in very low numbers. You won’t find a lot of these still on the road, and the few that are available are usually in mint condition (via Motor Trend).

1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396
Photo Credit: Hot Rod

These details are uniquely tailored to unaltered, genuine vehicles. The “13817” signifies the SS396’s two-door hardtop body style, “7” denotes the year 1967, “A” represents Atlanta, Georgia, and “175704” serves as the matching VIN sequence number for the engine stamp sequence. As long as the car that you’re looking at has these features, you’ve got an authentic ride.

The post How To Find Out If Your 1967 Chevelle SS396 Is Real or Fake appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Modified 1960 DeSoto Fireflite 2-Door Hardtop

This 1960 DeSoto Fireflite two-door hardtop was modified and refurbished under previous ownership from 2009 to 2018 and was acquired by the seller in 2020. The custom bodywork is finished in turquoise over two-tone white and turquoise upholstery, and power is supplied by a 361ci V8 paired with a push-button three-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes Holley Sniper fuel injection, an airbag suspension system, four-wheel disc brakes, 15″ steel wheels, wheel covers, whitewall tires, a power-adjustable front bench seat, air conditioning, electric door openers, and an Apple CarPlay–capable Kenwood head unit. Modifications adapted under current ownership include the brakes, fuel injection, air conditioning, head unit, and LED headlights. This modified DeSoto is now offered with build records and photos, service records, and a clean Maryland title in the seller’s name.

Under previous ownership, the body was disassembled, sanded, and modified with shaved door handles, trunk and hood trim, side trim, reverse lights, and license-plate lights. The front fenders were molded into the rocker panels and cowl, and the hood corners were rounded. The factory headlight location was tunneled and fitted with quad Harley-Davidson LED headlights, and a 2003 Ford F-150 grille housing was molded into the metal. Grille parts from a 1956 Chrysler Windsor were mounted inside the front opening, while 1961 Imperial taillight bezels were modified to affix 1959 Cadillac taillights on custom stanchions. The front bumper was sourced from a 1961 Buick LeSabre, the chrome rear bumper was moved approximately 2″ closer to the body, and the license-plate opening was trimmed and modified. The right-front headlight is misaligned, and the windshield wipers have been removed.

In 2016, a custom shade of turquoise was mixed by Matthew Means of Anaheim Rod and Custom in California using House of Kolor Shimrin 2 with seafoam sealer and a blend of iced mint pearl. The body was applied with 18 coats of paint followed by three coats of clearcoat before being wet-sanded and applied with an additional three coats of clearcoat. The roof, C-pillars, and rocker panels were painted pearl white, while white accents outlined in black were applied to the hood. Additional equipment includes front vent windows, a driver-side mirror, and dual exhaust outlets exiting ahead of the rear wheels. The seller notes the driver’s door popper function is inoperable.

Body-color 15″ steel wheels are fitted with covers and wrapped in 215/75 Coker Classic whitewall tires. A spare is housed in the trunk. The suspension is fitted with adjustable airbags, and braking is handled by four-wheel discs with an electric vacuum pump. Blemishes are noted on the wheel covers.

The cabin was reupholstered in white vinyl with turquoise inserts on a 1961 Chrysler power-adjustable front seat as well as the rear bench seat and the door panels. Replacement black carpeting has also been installed, and additional equipment includes air conditioning, a heater, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, bright headliner supports, and lap seatbelts. A Kenwood head unit with Apple CarPlay functionality is located in a custom enclosure, and a Holley Sniper control unit is positioned on the dashboard.

The two-spoke steering wheel fronts a horizontal-sweep 120-mph speedometer above twin pods containing auxiliary gauges as well as buttons for gear selection and other functions. The mechanical odometer has been removed, and true chassis mileage is unknown. The seller estimates that 5k miles have been added under current ownership.

The 361ci V8 has been modified with a Holley Sniper fuel-injection kit and sends power to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite push-button automatic transmission. The engine was rebuilt in September 2019 with aluminum cylinder heads.

Additional photos of the underside are provided in the gallery below, and corrosion is noted on some underbody components.

Photos taken during various stages of the build can be viewed in the gallery.