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We’re diving into one of the wildest builds ever to wear a Ford badge: Ken Block’s “Hoonitruck.” Born from the same 1977 Ford F-150 he learned to drive in, this beast’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 pushes out 914 horsepower! Features include all-wheel drive, a custom widebody stance, and a one-of-a-kind intake manifold that took over 150 hours to 3D-print. The Hoonitruck has roots in the Ford GT Le Mans program, Hoonicorn DNA, and styling that’s pure Hoonigan. From Texas to the hairpin turns of Tianmen Mountain, this truck has been everywhere. It sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction for $990,000.

This video is sponsored by OpenRoad Insurance.
You’ve probably seen recent articles in the automotive media talking about classic and collector vehicle coverage from OpenRoad Insurance. Owners have been flocking to this new program and posting testimonials praising the significant savings and better coverage they received. Some OpenRoad clients even cut their costs in half! Visit OpenRoadAutoInsuance.com today and in about 5 minutes, you’ll see how much you can save.

Two days ago, the 2025 “Easter Jeep Safari” (EJS) kicked off in Moab, Utah. Since 1967, the annual springtime Jeep gathering in in the red rock landscape has evolved and grown. Today, it is managed as a collaboration between the Red Rock 4-Wheelers club, the Bureau of Land Management and the Moab Chamber of Commerce. In addition to introducing attendees to the area’s many driving routes, EJS offers vendor exhibits and vehicle spotlights.

Perhaps most importantly, organizers of the event promote the responsible use and care of nature’s off-road trails: “We work to keep the roads that we have open for everyone to enjoy,” the website says. If you’ve ever wanted to join in on the Jeep fun to see what the excitement is all about, we have the perfect ride get the party started.

Featured on AutoHunter is this low-mileage 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ Sahara. The auction will end tomorrow, so time is of the essence.

Finished in Light Driftwood Satin Glow Metallic, the Wrangler shows only 74,130 miles on the odometer and appears to have spent most of its 31-year life on paved (or at least “improved”) roads. Exterior features include a tan removable hardtop, pinstriping, a Warn winch and newer 31-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T tires.  

The “YJ” was the first Wrangler-badged Jeep, produced from 1986 through 1995. In form and function, it was a close successor to the CJ (or “Civilian Jeep”) series. When compared to its predecessor, it offered enhanced creature comforts, improved handling and a wider track.

The CARFAX report outlines this YJ’s accident-free and damage-free history that began in June 1994 in Austin, Texas. Ownership subsequently spanned Texas and New Mexico until the latter half of 2024 when it was relocated to Georgia, where it is being offered by a private seller in Athens – about 70 miles east of Atlanta.

Power comes from a fuel-injected 4.0-liter inline-six mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The powertrain was rated at 180 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque when new. The oil was changed in August 2024, and the CARFAX report shows some historic service items, including battery replacement and brake work in 2022. In 2016 (nine years, but only a few thousand miles ago), the fuel filter, radiator hose clamp, drive belts and serpentine belt were replaced. The Sahara is ready for Moab!

We recently talked about the “C10 Nationals” as a venue for Chevrolet truck enthusiasts to connect and collaborate. The Jeep Safari works the same way. Regardless of the automotive make or model, there is bound to be a community of like-minded people who are eager to get together. So, place your bid and start planning ahead to join the EJS fun in Moab in 2026.

The auction for this 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ Sahara 4WD ends Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

U.S. drivers have suffered through a variety of cost spikes over the past several years. Rising inflation, pain at the pump due to fuel price fluctuations, material shortages driving up parts and repair costs, and the lingering effects from a surge of insurance claims during COVID-19 resulted in the largest rate increase for auto coverage in nearly 50 years. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that there is much relief ahead. All signs indicated that U.S. drivers will likely see the cost of maintenance, repairs, and parts continue to rise in 2025 and auto insurance rates are projected to increase yet again this year. But many classic and collector vehicle owners seem to have found some refuge from these costly trends and word is spreading across the auto enthusiast community.

What Can Collector Vehicle Owners Expect to See in 2025?

The recent news cycle has created a lot of uncertainty when it comes to price stability in the automotive world and unfortunately the trend of rising auto insurance costs is also expected to continue. While the rate of growth seems to be slowing, many drivers continue to pay significantly more than they did just a few years ago. Bankrate’s recent annual report indicates that drivers should expect to see an average increase of 12% in their 2025 renewals, or a 31% increase compared to what they were paying just two years ago.

Owners of classic, antique, and custom cars continue to be among the most severely impacted by these price hikes given that the vast majority of the 40M+ collector vehicles registered in the U.S. are currently covered by standard auto insurance providers. These standard auto insurance programs don’t typically offer proportionally lower rates to account for the fact that these owners are statistically less likely to get into an accident or file a claim. Their coverage is priced as if all cars and trucks on a policy are daily drivers, exposed to all the risks that come with being on the road every day. Yes, even those bundle and save type programs.

Not only are these auto enthusiasts likely overpaying for coverage, but many are also missing critical coverages best suited to protect their prized rides.

Good News, Many Collector Vehicle Owners Qualify For Relief!

Given current market conditions it’s unsurprising to read reports that 49% of auto insurance customers are actively shopping for new coverage. Beyond getting basic cost relief, classic and collector car owners face the additional challenge of ensuring they have auto insurance protections that fit their unique needs and those of their rides. The good news is that there is now a program available for these owners that accomplishes both, and auto enthusiasts have been making the switch in droves.

Word has recently been spreading across the auto enthusiast community of a program being offered by Dallas-based classic and collector vehicle insurer OpenRoad. Collector vehicle owners that were previously covered by standard auto insurance providers, as well as those with other classic car programs, have been flocking to OpenRoad citing significant savings, better coverage, and superior customer service. The collector vehicle insurer has also seen significant interest among insurance agencies and brokerages, registering over 1,000 new partners in the past few months alone who are keen to have another option for their clients.

One customer review reads, “Pricing was 20% lower than their direct competitor for the exact same coverage on multiple vehicles… These days, when insurance (cost) is outrageous, these people stepped up to the plate… Thank you, Open Road.” Another review states, “Almost half the price (of) your competitors for equal coverage.” Beyond the significant cost relief, many customers also point to the excellent customer service they received with reviews that include statements such as “The team went above and beyond to help us” and “Overall, the best experience I’ve had setting up insurance.” That’s some high praise for an auto insurance company.

OpenRoad’s insurance program not only includes specialized coverages tailored to the unique needs of classic and modern collector vehicle owners, but their pricing models also account for the reduced accident frequency associated with collector vehicles, often resulting in far lower insurance rates. But OpenRoad goes above and beyond on pricing as well, offering additional discounts to car club members as well as customers who transfer their coverage from another classic car insurer. With so many auto enthusiasts making the switch to OpenRoad, it seems that they have found everything that they have been looking for in a classic auto insurance provider.

Delivering Superior Customer Service & Specialized Coverage

With OpenRoad, paying less doesn’t mean getting less. In addition to getting all the standard coverage you’d expect with an auto insurance policy— think comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, and the like — every OpenRoad policy comes with protection tailored to car collectors that simply can’t be matched by traditional auto insurance companies.

OpenRoad’s agreed value policy guarantees that the insurance payout you’ll receive in the event of a total loss equals the actual worth of your classic car, rather than a depreciated value that most insurance programs use. This guarantees that your covered for the true value of your ride, considering the time, effort, and investments you put into your vehicle as well as its condition and rarity.

With OpenRoad, you know that if you need to file a claim, the repairs will be done right. Not only will repairs be performed with OEM parts specifically tailored to your vehicle, but you’ll also get to choose a repair shop you know and trust, one that specializes in collector vehicles and classic car restorations. This is a key differentiator from standard auto insurance programs. Even for minor repairs, standard auto insurers do not guarantee that they will cover original parts or that their approved body shop network has the expertise necessary to repair these types of vehicles. These coverage gaps and claims handling practices can put the authenticity and value of a collector’s vehicle in serious jeopardy.

OpenRoad also includes a generous emergency roadside cost reimbursement program at no additional cost as well as coverage for the relocation and temporary storage of your ride in the event of major disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires. This is just another way coverage with OpenRoad goes above and beyond other programs out there.

Rapidly Expanding Across the U.S.

To keep up with the massive market demand that they’ve seen, OpenRoad has been rapidly rolling out its insurance program across the U.S., quickly growing coverage availability to 23 states. Don’t reside in one of their currently live states? Don’t worry, the brand plans to add coverage across several more states by the summer of 2025. You can also sign up for their launch newsletter and get notified as soon as coverage is available for your area.

Get your quote today and see how much you could save in about 5 minutes.

Nineteen sixty-one was perhaps the strangest model year of the decade in the American automobile market. Manufacturers collectively had both the handsomest and ugliest cars for all the 1960s. Our Pick of the Day, a 1961 Mercury Monterey convertible, is neither, but certainly something odd was going on. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Branford, Connecticut.

Glance at General Motors’ roster for 1961 and you have stellar style across the board. Then, look at the crosstown rival in Highland Park and you’ll note funny-looking Plymouth and Dodge models. Even in Kenosha, the AMC Ambassador looked like it was designed by Virgil Exner.

Over in Dearborn, the 1961 Ford looked quite handsome, especially with the Starliner model. Mercury, on the other hand, looked like an afterthought. The corporation had some great highs in the recent past (1958 Thunderbird, 1960 Falcon), but the lows (Edsel) dwarfed them. FoMoCo certainly had fallen off a wave and was struggling to catch it again, and nowhere was it more evident than with Mercury. As recently as 1957, Mercury became a unique brand, sharing little with Ford or Lincoln, but that all went to pot for 1960 when Mercury (once again) began sharing its platform with Ford. Customizers love the 1960 Mercury, while general collector interest has never been strong.

Thanks to Ford’s past investments in unique branding that led to financial disaster (it wasn’t just the Edsel), FoMoCo’s bean counters spearheaded a restructuring plan that included reducing Lincoln to one model with a nine-year cycle, and for Mercury to share bodies with Ford. Whereas FoMoCo had six divisional bodies in 1958 (Ford, Mercury, two Edsels, and Lincoln, plus Thunderbird), it fell to three for 1961 (Ford/Mercury and Lincoln, plus Thunderbird).

Several years before, Mercury had three or four models to choose from but, for 1961, the Park Lane and Montclair were dropped, now supplanted by Meteor 600 and Meteor 800, plus Monterey. Mercury bragged that the 600 was “priced right in the middle of the low-priced field, with such cars as the Chevrolet Bel Air and Plymouth Belvedere,” while the 800 was on par with the Impala and Fury; the Monterey was more of a pure Mercury in price point and appointments. For the first time, a six-cylinder was available, though only on the Meteors and Commuter wagons; other engines included a 292 V8, big-block 352 two-barrel, and new 390 four-barrel, the latter not available on the Meteor 600. Aside from trim and interior furnishings, the Meteor 600 featured oval taillights, while Meteor 800 and Monterey utilized three individual round taillights.

(The Meteors are not to be confused with the Canadian brand based on the full-size Ford, or the mid-size American model, a companion to the Ford Fairlane, that would appear for 1962-63.)

For 1962, Mercury began to find its mojo with the introduction of the Monterey S-55, a bucket-and-console model to join the regular full-size models (now Monterey and Monterey Custom). And, for 1963, Mercury introduced Breezeway styling, to be joined by a semi-fastback Marauder sub-model midyear. For 1964, the Montclair and Park Lane returned and, by 1965, Mercury had come full circle, now advertised as “… in the Lincoln Continental tradition.”

This 1961 Mercury Monterey convertible is one of 7,053 built. “Note the touches of bright metal, tasteful and restrained against the Gold Dust metallic paint,” says the owner. “Boasting a new power convertible top, carefree driving is just a finger touch away.” The 220-horsepower 352 V8 is freshly rebuilt and is connected to a three-speed automatic. Carpeting, brakes, brake booster, exhaust system, and radial tires are also new.

While there are plenty of cars that have had similar production runs, the 1961 Mercury Monterey convertible has ended up being much rarer due to its odd place in American automotive history. There can’t be many on the road, so it’s somewhat of a dark horse in the collector world. To fulfill your duty in being the caretaker for such an inadvertent rarity, it will cost you $35,000,

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

Cars may be a way for people to display their wealth or status, but which famous rock stars truly loved cars? The late Jeff Beck was one. Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason is another. What about John Entwistle, bassist par excellence for The Who? Hard to say, but this 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Limousine he once owned will have found a new owner by the time you read this.

When it comes to The Who and cars, I tend to think of drummer Keith Moon—no, he wasn’t a car guy per se, but there are many stories about him and cars (like driving a Lincoln into a pool at a hotel—and it wasn’t even his car). One story I recall is about a tabloid or magazine doing an article on musicians and their cars. I can’t say I’ve seen the story so I don’t know what other musicians or cars appeared, but Moonie—ever the resourceful chap—scored an antique milk float (an electric milk wagon) and fitted it with a couch, liquor cabinet and, possibly, a keg. The picture I’ve seen also has John Entwistle’s long black Cadillac in the background.

Nineteen seventy-one was the year for new Cadillacs across the board. The Eldorado was completely redesigned, now featuring a convertible (absorbed from the deVille series), while the full-size Cadillac was bigger and bulkier, perhaps influenced by “fuselage” Imperials of the era. The pair of headlights on each side were spaced a bit further from each other than what you’d expect, giving a unique look that would be muted for 1972 by parking lights resting in-between.

The most aristocratic of all Cadillacs was the Series 75, part of the Fleetwood sub-series. There were three ways to enter the world of Series 75: four-door sedan, four-door limousine, or commercial chassis. The former two were based on a looong 151½-inch wheelbase, but the limo included an electric partition between rear passenger(s) and driver (plus Automatic Climate Control systems for both), special interior appointments, and doors that cut into the roof. Both sold in numbers under a thousand, with the limo the more popular of the two at 848.

Entwistle’s limo appears to be pimped out compared to the usual fare, as evidenced by the bold chrome grille, Continental-inspired trunk lid, and landau bars. Otherwise, it’s a typical black limousine originally built for rock royalty in “substantially original” condition.

If cars could talk, this one likely would require several sessions at the pub.

Whether you’re a performance car fan or a wagon lover, we have great news for you: Mercedes is doubling its U.S. longroof lineup (which is currently just one model) with the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon.

Mercedes wagons are nothing new to the U.S. market, but the E 53 will be the first performance hybrid wagon the automaker has offered here. It discontinued the twin-turbo V8-powered E 63 S Wagon several years ago, which leaves the E 450 4Matic All-Terrain as the only vehicle of its kind in the Mercedes lineup. While the E 53 Hybrid can’t be considered a direct replacement for the E 63 S, its numbers are substantial.

The internal combustion half of the E 53 is an AMG-modified turbocharged 3.0-liter I6 that generates 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes turns what would otherwise be a brisk wagon into a tire-scorching plug-in hybrid by adding a 161-horsepower, 354-lb-ft electric motor to the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission and dropping in a 400-volt battery under the cargo area. The battery is rated at 28.6 kWh, 21.2 of which is usable in everyday driving; the remaining amount is available for electric boost. No word yet on the E 53’s electric driving range, but it will be capable of traveling on pure electricity at speeds up to 87 mph.

Altogether, the ICE and electric hardware deliver 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft, which join forces with AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive to make the dragon wagon capable of hitting 60 mph in four seconds flat and topping out at 155 mph. The AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping and standard rear-wheel steering smooth out the straightaways and curves ahead.

Adding the optional Race Start feature, which Mercedes says “enables optimal vehicle acceleration from a standstill,” bumps output up to 604 horses and drops the 0-60 time to 3.8 seconds. The available AMG Dynamic Plus Package includes Race Start, active engine mounts, AMG limited-slip rear differential, and Nappa leather/microfiber AMG Performance Steering Wheel. It also enables the E 53 to reach 174 mph and come back down to legal speeds with the AMG High Performance Composite Brake System.

The E 53 Hybrid Wagon will be available in eight standard colors as well as four Manufaktur choices, all of which can be accented with the AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Plus, and/or AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package. Wheel options include a trio of 20- and 21-inch AMG rollers in different finishes.

Inside, the E 53 comes standard with a 17-speaker, 750-watt Burmester 4D surround sound system. The cabin can be configured with AMG MB-Tex/Microfiber or AMG Nappa leather upholstery, the optional AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced with strategically bolstered multi-contour buckets, and the AMG Performance steering wheel in a variety of finishes. Also on the list of available features is the MBUX Superscreen Package’s 12.3-inch passenger-side display.

Given that 2026 is the first model year for the E 53 Hybrid Wagon, Mercedes-AMG will also offer an “Edition 1” model. According to Mercedes, that features “MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey paint with unique AMG graphics, distinctive exterior accents, 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels, a specially curated interior with unique design elements, and an extensive suite of standard equipment.”

We’re inclined to say that this news comes as a surprise, but maybe it shouldn’t. Mercedes offered a performance wagon here before, and Audi still does. Plus, BMW is finally selling an M5 Touring in the States. Either way, we’re happy to hear it.

Currently on AutoHunter is this 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Limited Coupe. A product of Mercedes-Benz’s “merger of equals” with the Chrysler Corporation, the rear wheel-drive Crossfire was available for five model years, all based on the first-generation Mercedes SLK’s platform. The hand-me-downs helped give the Crossfire handling chops, but it likely was the styling that pulled enthusiast in. Looking like a cross (pun not intended) between a 1950s Chrysler-Ghia and a Talbot Lago, the Crossfire could be considered an American alternative to the revived Ford Thunderbird, though its main competition was closer to sporty coupes like the Infiniti G35. This Alabaster over Dark Slate Gray example is powered by a 3.2-liter V6 backed by a six-speed manual and comes from the selling dealer with a CARFAX report and clear title.

The Alabaster exterior features a ribbed hood, tapered boat tail, heated power-folding side mirrors, and front-fender air extractors. Staggered-width seven-spoke wheels (18 inches front, 19 inches rear) are wrapped in Continental Pro Contact radials (225/40 front, 255/35 rear).

The cabin is furnished with power and heated Dark Slate Gray leather buckets, with center console housing the manual shifter. Other features include power steering, manual telescopic steering column, cruise control, dual-zone climate control system, and factory stereo system with AM/FM and CD player.

The instrument panel consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the temperature and fuel. The odometer currently reads 121,615 miles, which is in line with the most recent CARFAX from November 2024.

The engine powering this retro-style coupe is a Mercedes 3.2-liter SOHC V6 putting out 215 horsepower. Its revs are controlled by a six-speed manual—out of 25,123 Crossfire Coupes in 2004, only 7,247 featured this transmission.

An Electronic Stability Program, in conjunction with four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS, helps maximize traction and stability. The rear differential holds a 3.27 gear. A single exhaust system leads to twin tips that poke through the rear valance.

According to Hagerty, it sees signs of this retro sports coupe (and roadster, available for the 2005-2008 model years) heading towards collector status. This 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Coupe with a six-speed manual is a fine way to get in early on this collectible, so place your bid soon as the AutoHunter auction ends on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery