mod@tech

Ford has such a long, rich history of producing vehicles in the U.S. that it’s easy to assume it has the most significant ones in a museum. Yes, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation has vehicles in it, but those aren’t its main focus. As the following video from CBS Saturday Morning shows, it wasn’t until several years ago that Ford became serious about organizing a collection of significant models here.

According to Ford historian Ted Ryan, Henry Ford II was of the opinion that Ford Motor Company should build cars, not collect them. Luckily, current CEO Jim Farley has a different way of looking at things, but it took him visiting a Ford collection in the UK to realize there should be something similar in the States. In late 2023, he sent out an email which said, “Go find the best of the vehicles in America and find a way to get them together so that our employees can learn from what we’ve done and enjoy the best of what Ford has done over the years,” as Ryan puts it.

After that, other Ford employees started coming out of the woodwork to tell Ryan about the cars they had squirreled away in various company buildings, such as the first F-150 and the last Mustang produced at Dearborn Assembly in 2004.

Overall, the Ford Heritage Fleet totals approximately 500 vehicles, nearly 200 of which are in the United States. Fifty of those are currently housed in the executive parking garage at Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. They range from first- and second-generation GT supercars to the doomed Ranger EV of the late-1990s and the 2004 Bronco concept, along with plenty of other one-offs that never made it into production. Of course, there are plenty of Mustangs in the collection, including the 10-millionth produced and the 2015 model that was disassembled, carried up the Empire State Building in pieces, and then put back together on the 86th floor to commemorate the pony car’s 50th anniversary.

If you were in charge of the Ford Heritage Fleet, what would you add to it? A first-year Thunderbird? A Harley-Davidson F-150? A 1968 Mustang GT 390? Tell us in the comments below.

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega hatchback coupe. This model, produced from 1975-76, was supposed to be the future of high-performance cars in America but, due to emissions issues and high cost, the Cosworth Vegas didn’t quite make the bang that was anticipated. Powering this Bow Tie is an aluminum, fuel-injected 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four with four valves per cylinder—pretty heavy stuff at the time regardless of country of origin. This particular ’76 is equipped with the optional five-speed manual, manual front disc brakes, racing mirrors left and right, gold cast-aluminum wheels, and more. Painted Black with gold stripes over a black vinyl interior, this landmark car is offered by the selling dealer with the original owner’s manual, sales brochures, and clear title.

One of 1,447 built for 1976, this Cosworth Vega is painted Black with complementary gold striping. Other features include dual racing mirrors and gold, 13-inch cast-aluminum wheels, which are wrapped in 205/70 Grand AM Radial GT tires.

The Custom black vinyl interior features a pair of bucket seats (adjustable on the driver’s side) with a manual shifter mounted in-between on the floor. Other features include engine-turned instrument panel, four-spoke sport steering wheel, manual steering, and manual left-hand remote mirror. Additions include an aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo with Pioneer rear speakers, and an added power outlet.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the temperature, voltage, and fuel. A clock is also housed among the gauges, and an aftermarket Sunpro gauge is mounted underneath the dashboard. The odometer shows 54,446 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The aluminum 122ci DOHC four-cylinder features electronic fuel injection and factory headers, giving it a factory rating of 110 horsepower. This little powerhouse is hooked up to a five-speed manual.

The undercarriage features manual front disc brakes and a single exhaust exiting from behind the rear left tire.

The Cosworth Vega held plenty of promise in a time when everything at dealerships were mega-bummers. Eager performance, ahead-of-the-curve specs, and Cosworth tie-in make this 1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega hatchback coupe a Malaise-era pocket rocket before that term was coined. Don’t get caught napping if you plan to make a bid on this rare vehicle—the auction ends on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Now’s your chance to win not just one, but two iconic pieces of American muscle car history—all while supporting the families staying at Ronald McDonald House Central Valley.

First up is a true classic: the 1965 Pontiac GTO. Known as the original muscle car, this GTO boasts a powerful 389 V8 engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and unmistakable style. Features include power steering, power front disc brakes, posi-traction rear differential, power windows, and more.

But that’s not all—you could also win a stunning 1969 Camaro SS in Lemans Blue. Inside, it’s outfitted with striking black-and-white houndstooth upholstery, factory in-dash tachometer, Rosewood steering wheel, and a beautifully restored dash with woodgrain trim. Under the hood, a built, date-correct 396CI engine puts out 375HP, paired with a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission, Edelbrock Air Gap intake, Holley 750 CFM carburetor, and MSD ignition. This true Super Sport was lovingly restored and it shows—from the immaculate engine bay to its smooth drivability.

Every ticket you buy helps keep families together during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Ronald McDonald House Central Valley offers a “Home Away From Home” for families with children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The House features 18 private guest rooms with two queen beds, TVs, and restrooms, plus shared kitchens, laundry, and living spaces. Families stay for an average of 15 nights—sometimes much longer—and never receive a bill.

Your donation makes this possible. Show your support today and enter to win at www.rmhccv-win.com.
Use code CLASSICCARS at checkout for a special offer!

Let’s come together to support these families—and maybe drive away in your dream car!

Of all the classic David Brown-era Aston Martin models, the one I feel is the best value (and also the most usable and pleasant to drive) is the DB6. I know some of you think the DB6 is not nearly as good a car—either as a styling exercise or as a driver—when compared to the DB4 or 5, but I beg to disagree.

There are a few big reasons for this. First, the DB6 is the most comfortable of the classic Aston Martin DBs. It has more headroom and legroom and is a perfect GT car. Second, I actually love the updated Kamm tail on the DB6; the car still has the classic DB4/5 lines but has that subtle update that made it more modern. Finally, of all the classic DB Astons, the DB6 is much less expensive than the earlier cars, so much so that I am calling it a bargain.

The Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 1966 Aston Martin DB6 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Southampton, NY.

The seller describes this DB6 as a nicely optioned left-hand-drive US-market example finished in the classic livery of British Racing Green over tan Connolly leather trim. Its chassis and twin-cam 3,995 DOHC inline six-cylinder engine are matching and, unlike some DB6 cars that came with automatic transmissions, it is equipped with a desirable 5-speed manual gearbox. Options include electric windows, Blaupunkt radio, and electric antenna.

The seller also provides this car’s recent service history, which includes a new fuel pump, new fuel sender, new fuel lines, rebuilt carbs, a full brake service with a rebuilt master cylinder, and a new battery.

Most importantly, this car includes its original owner’s manual, Heritage Trust Certificate, and factory service manual. According to the seller, this DB6 is in excellent condition and has been fully sorted by vintage Aston Martin experts.

Now if this were a DB4 or 5, the price would be well in excess of $500,000 but, because it is a model many Aston “experts” don’t like as much, it is being offered for only $395,000. To me, that seems like a lot of car for the money.

If you have always wanted a classic Aston Martin, this DB6 may be the perfect choice (especially if you’re tall).

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