The 1990s were a golden era for automotive innovation, producing vehicles that combined cutting-edge technology with distinctive designs. Many of these cars have since become icons, their unique features and performance capabilities still resonating with enthusiasts today. If these 90s legends were to make a comeback in the modern era, they would undoubtedly captivate audiences and generate significant online buzz. Their blend of nostalgia and timeless appeal would make them instant sensations in today’s automotive landscape.
This ’34 Chevrolet coupe-style street rod was initially built in 2010, and it is powered by a fuel-injected 350ci Chevrolet V8 mated to a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and a Currie 9” rear end with a limited-slip differential. The Outlaw Performance fiberglass body is finished in red with snakeskin-patterned graphics, and it is mounted to a tubular steel chassis with an independent front suspension, a four-link rear setup, and adjustable coilovers. Around 2014, the interior was further customized with snake-themed vinyl upholstery, Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital instrumentation, a push-button gear selector, keyless ignition, and a Pioneer touchscreen head unit. Additional highlights include shaved exterior trim, side-exit exhaust outlets, double-staggered Foose wheels, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. It was acquired by the seller on BaT in August 2024 to commemorate their mentor’s 90th birthday. Driven ~170 miles since, this street rod is now offered at no reserve with service records and a Oregon title in the seller’s name.
The fiberglass body and tubular steel chassis were sourced from Outlaw Performance, and the car is finished in red with gold flake and snakeskin-patterned graphics along the sides. Details include a stainless-steel grille insert, a lift-off hood, shaved exterior trim, electric door poppers, rectangular side exhaust outlets, ’49 Lincoln teardrop taillights, and chrome headlight buckets, side vents, and mirrors. The windshield wiper arms have been removed and will accompany the car.
Chrome 17” and 18” Foose Legend wheels are mounted with 225/45 and 245/45 Cooper Zeon RS3-A tires. The car rides on an independent front suspension, a triangulated four-link rear setup, and adjustable coilovers all around. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has been installed along with four-wheel disc brakes and an E-Stopp parking brake.
The cabin is trimmed in red vinyl and faux snakeskin that extends to the dashboard, headliner, and center console. Snake-themed designs adorn the door panels, and Chevrolet bowtie logos have been added to the upper seatbacks. AutoLoc billet switches with blue illumination are mounted in an overhead panel, and a Dakota Digital pod atop the center console operates the Vintage Air climate control system. Additional appointments include a push-button gear selector, keyless ignition, a Pioneer AVIC-5000NEX touchscreen head unit, cruise control, and Specialty power windows and windshield wipers.
The upholstery scheme carries over to the trunk, which houses a fire extinguisher, an aluminum fuel filler cap, and a battery tender.
The three-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a tilting column and sits ahead of a round Dakota Digital display. The digital odometer indicates 7k miles, around 170 of which were added since the last auction.
The 350ci Chevrolet Performance Ram Jet V8 features electronic fuel injection, a faux eight-stack decorative cover, and a serpentine-belt accessory drive. Coated short-tube headers flow into a 2 ¼” stainless-steel dual exhaust system with Magnaflow mufflers. The aluminum radiator is cooled by a SPAL electric fan, the wiring for which was repaired in 2023. The coolant temperature sensor was replaced in 2022, and since the last auction a battery terminal was repaired, a leak was fixed on the radiator, and the oil was changed.
A 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission is linked to a Currie 9” rear end with a limited-slip differential.
A binder of records and additional items displayed in the gallery are included.
The car is titled as a 2010 CUSTO using the North Carolina DMV identification number NCS99688.
This 1941 Chevrolet AK Series is a ¾-ton AL pickup that was refurbished and modified under prior ownership with work that involved installing a 350ci V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission. The body was refinished in teal and mounted over a modified chassis with a Mustang II-style front suspension assembly, lowering springs, power rack-and-pinion steering, and front disc brakes. Inside, low-back bucket seats are wrapped in black leather, and an aftermarket air conditioning system is installed along with a Grant steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and VDO and AutoMeter gauges. Additional equipment includes a Quick Fuel Technologies carburetor, a dual exhaust system, and 15″ steel wheels with chrome hubcaps. This Chevrolet pickup hot rod was purchased by the owner in 2017 and is now offered on dealer consignment in California with a clean Washington title.
The AK series debuted for 1941 and featured a chassis based on the General Motors A Platform, which also underpinned the contemporary Chevrolet Deluxe passenger car lineup. This example was refinished in teal under prior ownership, and exterior features include a split windshield with top-mounted wipers as well as dual side mirrors, chrome bumpers, running boards, and a dropdown tailgate. LED taillights are installed along with a flush-mounted LED third brake light below the rear glass.
The bed floor is lined with wood planks and painted runners, and a fuel filler at the rear is connected to the rear-mounted fuel tank.
The truck rides on a Mustang II-style front suspension assembly and features power rack-and-pinion steering along with power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes. The 15″ steel wheels wear Chevrolet-branded hubcaps and are mounted with 215/70 BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall tires.
The cabin features low-back bucket seats upholstered in black leather, and interior appointments include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, custom door panels, under-dash air conditioning, and power windows.
The Grant three-spoke steering wheel frames a VDO 120-mph speedometer as well as gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, battery charge, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 7k miles, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown.
The 350ci V8 crate engine is topped with an aluminum intake manifold and a Quick Fuel Technologies four-barrel carburetor. The HEI distributor cap, rotor, and ignition module were replaced in 2024.
Power is routed to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. The dual exhaust system was replaced in 2019.
A few weeks ago, we shared an invitation to a grassroots car show in the Pacific Northwest called the Malaise Invitational. It was an event centered around vehicles from 1972-95—a slice of automotive history that doesn’t usually garner much attention in mainstream collector car shows and events.
Event co-founder Laec Christensen caught us up on how things went at the September 13 program. Based on the turnout, a lot of people were on board with recognizing the “Malaise Era.” Like any immersive car show experience, there were other forms of entertainment. For those who wanted to test their hand-eye coordination, a game of “spark plug toss” was held.
Laec said that most of this year’s awards were handcrafted from some 1980s Tae Kwon Do trophies, with custom 3D-printed features added. The coveted Best in Show award was a “golden smog pump” retrieved from an abandoned Dodge Dakota.
Award winners were as follows:
- Best 70s: 1974 Plymouth Valiant owned by Mike Mastrangelo
- Best 80s: 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit GTi owned by Michael Elias
- Best 90s: 1991 Jeep Cherokee owned by John Koenig
- Best American: 1973 AMC Hornet owned by Jacob Demmin
- Best Asian: 1980 Mazda Capella GTVA owned by Laec Christensen
- Best European: 1995 Volkswagen Golf GTi VR6 owned by Shaelyn Christensen
- Best in Show: 1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E owned by Mark Edington
- Best Motorcycle: 1980 Honda Express II owned by Daniel Bones
- Best Truck: 1970 Ford F-250 Sport Custom Explorer owned by Clayton Christensen
- Cutest Car: 1993 Honda Today owned by Duncan Nodarse
- Most Malaise: 1985 Pontiac 6000 owned by Nathan Jensen-Smith
- Rustiest In Show: 1972 Plymouth Fury Suburban owned by Gabe Larson
- Weirdest In Show: 1990 Consulier GTP owned by Johnny Spiva
Laec’s personal favorite vehicle was a 1982 Chevrolet Chevette owned by Michael Hill. It was powered by a twin-cam Cosworth engine from a 1976 Cosworth Vega.
The giveaway car, a brown Pontiac Phoenix, was awarded via a massive game of black-out bingo. In an unexpected twist, six different people won the game simultaneously. Following an elimination round, the final winner was determined.
Laec explains: “His name was Desmond, and he came as a humble spectator. As our third giveaway car, this is our first car not to go to a club heavy-hitter … which I think is a good thing. We have to share the Malaise any way we can. I think he fell in love with it.”
Congrats, Desmond, and kudos to Laec and your team on a successful show! Stay connected on upcoming Malaise-centric events in Oregon via the Facebook group at this link.
At the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction, ClassicCars TV got an up-close look at a distinctive 1956 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 14 Coupe, the result of VW working with the Italian designers at Carrozzeria Ghia and the German coachbuilding firm Karmann.
We make sure to point out what makes the early “Lowlight” models different from their successors and the cool stuff on this particular car. It was customized with the underpinnings from a 1967 Karmann Ghia, a larger 1,835cc flat-four engine, and a handsome luggage rack. We weren’t the only ones who loved it because someone placed the winning bid of $55,000 on this attractive build.
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Currently on AutoHunter is this restored 1972 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 convertible. The 4-4-2 became a performance and handling package for 1972, so a 4-4-2 convertible could not be determined by the VIN (aside of those equipped with the W30 package, which was a 4-4-2 exclusive). As such, the VIN will only show this car as a Cutlass Supreme convertible. However, since the engine code “V” is in the VIN, we know this car was equipped with the 270-horsepower 455, which was only available with a four-speed manual. Glance at the assembly plant document posted below and you’ll notice the “W29” code that determines this vehicle as a 4-4-2. Painted Cameo White with White top over a Saddle interior, this classic Olds comes from the seller with the Protect-O-Plate, restoration photos, original and extra parts, and more.
The Cameo Ivory paint is 11 years old and is nicely complemented with White power convertible top and Saddle Tan stripes along the sides, trunk lid, and hood. Features include “W25” fiberglass hood, black 4-4-2 grille and badges, rear bumper with notches for the exhaust pipes and extensions, dual racing mirrors, and remote trunk release. A set of 14-inch Super Stock I wheels is wrapped in G70 Goodyear Polyglas white-letter tires.
The Saddle vinyl interior features front bucket seats with power adjustment on the driver’s side. A center console houses a four-speed Hurst shifter. Other interior features include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, power steering, four-spoke steering wheel with tilt column, AM/FM stereo, and faux woodgrain trim.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, temperature, and fuel. A clock is located in the center of the tachometer, and a seat belt light is mounted at the top center of the dashboard. Currently, the odometer reads 2,940, though the title reads “Exceeds Mechanical Limits.”
Per the “V” in the fifth character of the VIN, this Olds came from the factory with a 455 Rocket V8 paired with a four-speed transmission, one of 66 cars built this way according to Oldsmobile. Though originally rated at 270 net horsepower, this one has been rebuilt and dyno-rated at 400 horsepower. Atop the four-barrel carburetor sits a vacuum-operated ram air induction plenum, though this car was not originally equipped with this system.
The undercarriage features a “G80” Anti-Spin rear axle housing 3.23 gears. Other features include power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system.
Not only did Oldsmobile switch the 4-4-2 from a model to a package, but it also downgraded the standard powerplant from a 455 to a 350 two-barrel. This convertible stands tall because it’s equipped with a “proper” engine for a 4-4-2—one of the few so equipped. Never again would Oldsmobile offer a convertible with the looks and performance of this vehicle, so don’t get caught distracted by online dramas—bid now on today’s AutoHunter Spotlight because it ends on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
Certain colors are synonymous with particular brands or types of cars. Silver has been the color of Mercedes-Benz motorsports for decades. British Racing Green is a classic go-to for English sports cars. If you see a Lamborghini on the street, there’s a good chance it’s covered in a bright shade of yellow or orange. Perhaps the most well known association of a color with a car is red with any Ferrari. But our Pick of the Day shows that Prancing Horses can look great in other colors—even the exact opposite of red. You can find this 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC4 listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Huntington Station, New York; the original owner’s manual, tool kit, jack, service records, and history report from Ferrari expert Marcel Massini come with the purchase of the car.
At the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari introduced the 365 GTC4, which the brand says effectively served as a replacement for the 365 GTC and the 365 GT 2+2 that was axed once the GTC4 was announced. It featured tamer bodywork—which seems to be the halfway point between Ferrari’s earlier curves and its wedge-shaped future—than the 365 GTB4 “Daytona.”
The 4.4-liter DOHC V12 was fitted with different heads (from the Daytona’s) and six side-draft Weber carburetors, resulting in a slightly lower 340 horsepower. A decrease in max revs made it less high-strung and easier to drive at low speeds. Flat out, the GTC4 was capable of hitting 161 mph—nearly 10 mph faster than the 365 GT 2+2. By the fall of 1972, the GTC4 reached the end of its production run, which yielded approximately 500 cars according to Ferrari’s count.
This particular GTC4 was made in the second and final model year, and comes finished in a dark, almost black shade of blue that makes the curvy bodywork more mysterious and seductive. Ferrari sold the bulk of these cars in the U.S. market; given the rectangular front and rear side markers, this was one was shipped to the States. The cockpit is furnished with matching dark blue leather seats and contrasting lighter blue carpet. Amenities include power steering, air conditioning, and the ability to row your own gears—something you haven’t been able to do in a modern Ferrari for a long time—with the shifter for the five-speed manual gearbox.
Technically, this Ferrari is a 2+2, but the back seats are better suited for children or being folded down to create more cargo space. Imagine you and your significant other throwing your luggage in the back and heading to the coast for a weekend getaway. If you buy this 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC4, you don’t have to imagine that wonderful scenario—you can live it. Contact the selling dealer to learn just how much money it’ll take to do that.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
The 1990s were a transformative period in the automotive industry, with manufacturers introducing innovative designs and technologies that inadvertently set the stage for future trends. From pioneering hybrid systems to redefining luxury standards, these vehicles not only met the demands of their time but also shaped the direction of automotive design and consumer preferences. In this article, we explore ten cars from the 90s that, perhaps unintentionally, became the catalysts for significant automotive revolutions.
It can get somewhat chilly in the twilight of Michigan summers, but the days are strong and sunny in a way that makes one appreciate the cusp of the seasons. If you’re a drag racer, this is the perfect time for good air and good rays for peak racing fun. It’s these conditions shaping the post-Labor Day weekend that make the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race (PSMCDR) a seminal car show for muscle enthusiasts.
Now in its 31st year, PSMCDR continues to draw both drivers and spectators to the little hamlet of Stanton for tire-smoking fun. With participants this year from as far as Maine and Florida, PSMCDR has developed into a brother/sisterhood of sorts, with racers interested in learning how to maximize the performance of their cars while learning about the intricacies of Brand X driven by competitors. You could say that all concerned parties have been brought up right, learning about their favorite brands while learning about others; fail to learn and you will likely find yourself going slower.
Approximately 106 cars—all in car show condition—went racing during the September 13, 2025 event. Would you believe almost 20 percent of the racers drove Buicks? And there were two 1971 AMC Hornet SC/360s present! In fact, in an interesting twist, there were more Cougars than Mustangs—how does that happen? At the PSMCDR, you never know what’s going to show up, yet you have an idea because the event is so enjoyable that racers keep on coming back.
If you’ve read past coverage of the PSMCDR, you know I work the event, so photography opportunities are slim. Hopefully the above and below images will give you an idea of the good things that fall under the Michigan sun.
Visit www.psmcdr.com to keep abreast of the dates for 2026.
Between the 1970s and 1990s, automotive executives’ competitive racing ambitions led to the creation of legendary street cars. To meet motorsport regulations, manufacturers developed ‘homologation specials’—production cars built in limited numbers to qualify for racing events. These models not only showcased engineering prowess but also became some of the most coveted machines of their era. (classicandsportscar.com)