mod@tech

Ladies with an attitude
Fellas that were in the mood
Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it
Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it

There were plenty of people – and cars – striking poses over the weekend at a celebration of the 1980s and 1990s in California. Madonna’s “Vogue” from 1990 was a perfect soundtrack.

For almost 10 years running, RADwood has created a name for itself as the most vibrant, active car-show scene for vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s. RADwood’s website says the event is “the car show that blends period-correct attire with killer music of the most radical era.”

One of the organization’s signature events each fall is held in the Los Angeles area, and I have made it an annual tradition to be part of it. Here is a link to a story about the 2024 program.

This year, I elected to take my 1995 Acura Legend coupe. It is a RAD-period car I acquired about four years ago and subsequently spent two years restoring, so it was rewarding to finally show it in the SoCal car scene. Our convoy of rides from Arizona included an Acura Integra, two Acura Legends, a BMW 540i, a Buick Reatta, a Dodge Dakota, two Honda Insights, and a Mitsubishi Pajero. Quite the mix!

The show venue, for the third year in a row, was the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, which offered a nice combination of both indoor and outdoor display areas. There was entertainment galore – besides the obligatory automotive eye-candy, there were vendor booths, food trucks, live music, VIP hospitality areas, and even a fashion contest.  

Here were 10 of the vehicles that stood out to me, in order by model year.

1985 Ferrari Testarossa

The Testarossa was an iconic Italian “poster car” for many people in the 1980s and 1990s. Its wedge shape, functional side strakes, and 4.9-liter flat-12 engine made it unlike anything else on the road. Assembly for the “Type F110” took place in Maranello, and the car went through a refresh in 1991 with some changes to design, but it was later phased out after 1994.

1986 Chrysler LeBaron

Riding on the famous “K-Car” platform, the LeBaron had been facelifted for 1986. It had a more rounded design when compared to the original, but it was still very square by modern standards. Power for the car on display at RADwood came from 2.5-liter inline-four paired with a three-speed automatic. It even had a department store mannequin in the passenger seat! Some people at RADwood go all-out with their period-correct memorabilia.

1991 Eagle Talon TSI

In the 1990s, Chrysler was partnered with Mitsubishi, and together, they formed Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). The Talon TSI was a hot sports coupe for its time, sharing architecture with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Plymouth Laser. I loved how clean and unmodified the car looked. The window sticker showed that had a total price of $18,254 and was equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

1991 Lotus Elan

The “M100” Elan was the first front-wheel drive Lotus, and it used an Isuzu 1.6-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine paired with a synchromesh five-speed manual transmission. Magazines loved the car’s sexy style and adept handling. The sticker with this car showed an original retail price of $39,900, and the original dealer was listed as “Woeste Lotus.”

1991 Nissan NX

The compact, front-wheel drive NX2000 used a robust inline-four engine called the SR20DE. Its bubble-shaped styling was characteristic of the era, and the car was known for being fun-to-drive. According to signage at RADwood, the NX was still owned by its original owner and it was repainted in 1998 in its original color of “Cherry Red Pearl.” Upgrades installed by the owner included a Stillen ECU, an HKS intake, a VIS Racing body kit, and custom 15-inch wheels.

1993 Chevrolet S-10 2WD

America loves its trucks, and the compact S-10 was a strong seller known for its durability. Showing fewer than 90,000 original miles, this clean black example was built with $4,952 in options when new including the Tahoe equipment group, a chrome step bumper, power steering, a locking rear differential, and air conditioning. Power came from a 4.3-liter V6 and a five-speed manual.

1993 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4×4

The “XJ” Cherokee was produced from 1984 to 2001 and was reputable for its off-road capability. Engineering wise, it was assembled on a unibody platform and powered by a 4.0-liter inline-six. The XJ was marketed as a “sportswagon,” but it paved the way for the growth of the SUV marketplace in the years and decades to come.

1994 Dodge Stealth

Here again we saw one of the fruits of the Chrysler-Mitsubishi partnership (as seen above with the Talon). This time, the car in question was a rebadged Mitsubishi 3000GT. The R/T twin-turbocharged variant had a long list of features like all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and hidden (later, projector) headlights. These still look pretty great today, I think!

1995 Ford Probe

By 1995, this front-wheel drive Ford coupe was in its second generation. As a popular sport-compact, it had been developed as a partnership with Mazda, and it even included a Mazda-produced engine. The car’s rounded look was futuristic for its time, and the Probe was named Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1993. When sales declined, it was discontinued after 1997.

1996 Lexus GS300

The GS had a lot to offer as a mid-range offering in the Lexus lineup – it had rear-wheel drive and a smooth 220-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The window sticker for this Cashmere Beige Metallic GS showed the car’s original delivery to Betts Lexus of Des Moines, Iowa. It even had 12-disc CD changer!

As always, I had an incredible time kicking the tires of some amazing vehicles out in California! I am glad to see the continued interest in “neo-classic” cars of the 1980s and 1990s.

Lancia’s Aurelia B24 S Spider America is the rare car in which engineering firsts and coachbuilt beauty meet. Born from the postwar Aurelia program, it pairs the world’s first series-production V6 with a rear-mounted transaxle and a fully independent suspension – technology that made a small-displacement car feel big on the road and formidable in competition. The Spider America’s Pinin Farina bodywork is all about proportions: a long hood, a wraparound windscreen, clean flanks, and a neatly pitched tail. Built in very limited numbers from 1954 through 1955, the Spider America distilled Lancia’s Mille Miglia and Targa Florio credibility into a road car that feels light, precise, and modern decades later!

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Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2, which is powered by a 289ci connected to a TREMEC five-speed manual gearbox. Features include R-134a air conditioning, and power brakes and steering. Finished in Arcadian Blue over a light and dark blue vinyl interior, this classic pony car is now offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with a clear title.

The eternally cool fastback body is covered in Arcadian Blue and accented with chrome bumpers and bright trim. Exterior features include dual mirrors, sail panel louvers, and dual exhaust outlets.

A set of 14-inch Styled Steel wheels with 225/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised white-letter radial tires help this pony gallop down the road.

The cockpit is a combination of two-tone blue vinyl seats, dark blue dashboard, matching door panels, and light blue carpeting. Other features include power steering, aftermarket wood-rimmed steering wheel, R-134a air conditioning, AM/FM/Bluetooth retro-look radio with updated speakers, and an aftermarket center consolette with cup holders.

Instrumentation consists of a 140-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, amps, and temperature. The Rally Pac adds a 6,000-rpm tachometer and a clock. The odometer shows 52,602 miles, but the title for this vehicle indicates it’s mileage-exempt.

Under the hood is a replacement 289ci V8 equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and bright air cleaner. The original three-speed automatic was replaced with a TREMEC five-speed manual transmission. Power front disc and rear drum brakes keep this horse reigned in.

If you want a classic American car with some useful upgrades, bid until you win this 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2. You only have a few days left to do that because the auction ends on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Color often makes the car. You could have a perfectly nondescript vehicle, but when painted an interesting color, the car suddenly becomes spectacular, if not more sporty or luxurious. Last week, one of our Picks of the Day was an unusual 1966 Dodge Monaco 500 painted Mauve; today, we have another Dodge in this interesting color. This time it’s a 1966 Dodge Charger fastback, and it’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Torrance, California.

The 1966 Dodge Charger was a show car that came to life. With a special fastback body style and an even more special interior, the Charger could wear several hats, from sporty mid-size coupe to performance car to personal luxury car for those who were too young for a Thunderbird. Say what? A Dodge fastback that competed against the likes of a Pontiac Grand Prix? Perhaps a loose claim, especially when the Charger was considered the leader of the Dodge Rebellion. What does Dodge have to say about that?

Dodge touted the hidden headlights as rotating and turning on automatically when a switch was pulled: “You’d expect this kind of feature on a luxury car.” Then, “Charger’s a luxury car that is nimble enough and quick enough and challenging enough to make you glad you can’t afford a chauffeur.” Nonetheless, it’s still difficult to imagine the Charger as a luxury car, though we understand what Dodge’s marketing department was trying to do.

Engine options ran the gamut, from utilitarian to scorching. The 318 “Poly” was standard, available with a three-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 361 two-barrel, 383 four-barrel, and 426 Hemi all were available with an automatic or a four-speed. Considering the console was standard, it is strange Dodge did not offer a three-speed on the floor.

The standard Charger interior was full of features, from 2+2 seating to front and rear consoles. Additionally, the rear seats folded, providing a generous amount of cargo room—so much room, you’d swear it was a Barracuda.

This restored 1966 Dodge Charger fastback is painted Mauve, the same color that was featured on a 1966 Dodge Monaco 500 for last week’s Pick of the Day. It’s a pretty, feminine color—something not often seen on a sporty car like the Charger, but we could see it on a luxury car like the Charger. “An obviously always garage kept example with the original floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas completely solid and rust-free,” says the seller. “The dashboard, the headliner, the carpets and all the seats and all the chrome work are in exceptional condition, and the car has factory correct wheels and tires.”

But perhaps even more special than the color is the plate placed in the middle of the console. This car is a three-on-the-tree, so there is a “delete plate” on the console to fill the hole where a four-speed or automatic shifter would normally be. We’d expect more from a luxury car, but the uniqueness of this Charger makes us think you won’t find another like it for $32,500.

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

Ford introduced a concept in April 1964 that changed the course of the 1960s: the pony car. Below, we have four distinct features of several pony cars that are currently listed for sale on AutoHunter. Can you tell us what these cars are?

Post your answers in the Comments section below. Be sure to tell us the year, make, and model. Need a hint? Click on an image to score a gimme.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

When it’s Tuesday, you know it’s game day at The ClassicCars.com Journal. For even more fun, check out past puzzles you can play!

Traveling for work can be dull. Drive to the airport, go through the security line, cram into a tiny coach seat, pick up your bland rental car, then head to your budget hotel. Blah blah blah. However, it looks as if a small Ford crew recently went on the ultimate work trip for off-roaders: driving a Bronco equipped with a Google Maps camera to put all 5,900-plus miles of the TransAmerica Trail (TAT) on Street View.

Starting on the Oregon coast, media marketing manager Alexis Beck and the rest of the TransAmerica Trail Ford Convoy Team loaded up their three adventure vehicles: a four-door Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch Package and its 35-inch all-terrain tires plus other upgrades, a Ranger Lariat FX4, and an Expedition Tremor, the latter two of which served as support vehicles.

There were many stops on the journey to the ultimate destination of North Carolina, but that was just the endpoint, not the goal. The whole purpose of the trip was to make the TAT more visible to people so they can preview its various trails and better plan their own treks on it.

According to Beck, “Along the way, we camped, stayed at motels, cooked meals on the side of the road, and ate at charming small-town restaurants, all while following Tread Lightly! principles: always stay on the trail, and leave places as we found them.” Over the course of 32 days, Beck and her colleagues drove around and over obstacles, crossed the vast nothingness of the Great Salt Lake Desert, survived the dangerous ascent up the San Juan Mountains, and even gave Street View users an up-close look at cows that blocked their path.

By the time Beck and her teammates arrived at the coast of North Carolina, they had traversed dirt, mud, rocks, and treacherous elevations across 13 states. In the process, they helped future adventurers know which hazards to look out for and point out the must-see spots in the long journey.

That sure beats powdered eggs and tiny pastries from a hotel breakfast buffet.

If you’re ready to party like it’s 1999, we have the perfect car to get you to the venue. Featured on AutoHunter is this 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. It is being sold by a private seller in Pelham, New Hampshire, with the auction ending on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Prince’s famous “1999” song came out in 1982. That would be like someone in 2025 singing about “partying like it’s 2042.” Wild how time flies. Either way, can you believe the “996” version of the Porsche iconic 911 came out 26 years ago? The eye-catching Arena Red body of this cabriolet is color-matched to a removable hardtop. Exterior features include a rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin tires.

The CARFAX report classifies the car as an accident-free, damage-free example. It has had New England-region ownership its entire life, was originally registered in Goffstown, New Hampshire, and spent short lengths of time in Florida and Massachusetts over the years. The most recent record was for service performed in late September at European Motorsports in Lawrence, Massachusetts. All in all, it’s a well-maintained example, showing 24 total service records on the report. The window regulators were replaced this year.

The “996” series of the 911 was special for a lot of reasons, but, most notably, it became known for being the first water-cooled model in the 911’s history. It also had some significant engineering differences when compared to its predecessor: It was 1.2 inches wider and 6.7 inches longer, yet 110 pounds lighter than the outgoing car. One thing that didn’t change was the overall driver-centric formula and engaging experience. Car and Driver said, “The 996 feels, sounds, and drives so much like the previous edition that some will falsely suspect it’s just another remake of the original 911.”

With performance in mind, Porsche emphasized that the 911 was built to be driven—and driven hard. One magazine advertisement said, “Flogging it is acceptable. Garaging it is torture.” The car’s 3.4-liter flat-six was rated at 296 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and it was capable of getting the 911 to 60 miles per hour in about six seconds when equipped with the Tiptronic S automatic transmission as seen here. A manual-equipped version could get to 60 about 0.6 seconds quicker, but some enthusiasts don’t want to be troubled with a third pedal, especially in a car that is such a great grand tourer.

Cue the party playlist because at only 54,220 miles, this sports car is just starting to get its groove on.

The auction for this 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet ends Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

One of the most fun modern cars I have ever driven is the Fiat 500 Abarth. My Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in St. Louis. The car I drove not only looked cool, it also sounded cool, was fast enough to be more than entertaining, and (despite their size) they are quite roomy—even for drivers over six feet tall. In addition, the awesome Italian DNA is there, with Italian design, great chassis engineering, and one of the best exhaust notes ever. If that wasn’t enough, the Fiat 500 Abarth had the best car ad campaign I have seen in decades. The TV commercials were so good I immediately wanted to run out and buy one. I have not done so yet, but the 500 Abarth is on the top of my list.

The dealer describes this 500 Abarth as an original 79k mile car that is in excellent condition. The car is finished in Nero paint with Red Abarth side stripes. The 500 Abarth is also equipped with the Safety and Convenience Packages and factory 17-inch forged aluminum Hyper Black wheels. The exterior of the car looks to be in great shape and in original condition with no add-ons.

The interior is equipped with optional Nero leather, which also looks to be in great shape with no noticeable wear. As a bonus, this is a manual transmission-equipped 500 Abarth, making it all the more fun to drive on a twisty road, thankfully with a great limited-slip differential.

Under the hood is the Abarth-tuned 1.4L 16v MultiAir® Turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine which has 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm, with torque is rated at 170 lb-ft/2500 rpm. These might not sound like astronomical numbers today, but it’s enough to propel the 500 Abarth from 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. That may not sound fast but, from behind the wheel, it feels more like you are driving a supercar. This car has also been modified with a K&N air filter and an ECU tune, which is likely to give it a bit more acceleration. The top speed of the 500 Abarth is only 130 mph, but you honestly do not want to travel any faster in a car as small as this one.

This 2012 Fiat Abarth is from the launch year of a car that I honestly feel is going to get to be more collectible in the future, as they were discontinued a few years ago and good ones are becoming harder to find. It is an alternative to a Mini Cooper S and, to me, offers a lot more fun for the dollar while having all the Italian-designed goodness that makes people swoon over Ferraris, but in a much smaller and affordable package. Don’t just take my word for it—Ben Timmons at Motor Trend said, “I can’t recall the last time I had this much fun with a press car,” and Tony Swan at Car and Driver described the handling stating that the “Abarth attacks corners like a terrier working a roomful of rats.” Yes, the car really is this good, and I think the asking price for this 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth of only $8,960 represents a great value.

The 500 Abarth is to Ferrari what the JCW Mini Cooper is to BMW M cars. A great value for an Italian car that is fun to drive and affordable to buy and keep. It is the definition of a car batting above its average, and my advice is to get one now before everyone else figures this out.

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