We are confident that you know just how popular SUVs are nowadays. Almost all cars on the streets are SUVs of some kind, with standard sedans and station wagons nearly extinct. But how did SUVs gain such popularity? For decades, they were just a niche vehicle, rugged and low-optioned. Here is how the SUV class started and influenced today’s car market.
Toyota 4Runner
Photo Credit: Auto WP
The 4Runner came in time to battle with the second generations of the Bronco and the K5. While it obviously couldn’t compete with the two due to its lack of V8 power, it gained recognition due to its ruggedness and durability. Even without the V8 under the hood, the 4Runner was an excellent SUV for the period. It was competent in off-road conditions—better all-terrain capabilities than its big-engine counterpart.
The 2004 Chevrolet Corvette marked the end of an era. It was the final model year of the fifth-generation model. It was also the end of the road for pop-up headlights and the LS1 V8. But this 22K-mile 2004 Chevrolet Corvette convertible featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, could be the beginning of unforgettable open-top adventures for you.
It’s what you’d call “turn-key” – in a few ways. Just look at it. Red is always a great color for a Vette, especially this rich Magnetic Red Metallic. What’s not here is also attractive. There’s no roof unless you want it there and that Light Oak soft top pairs so well with color of the body. And when the weather gets bad, it has a heated rear window you can look through to see everyone behind you clearly (a common experience for Corvette drivers).
Then there are the features. On sunny days, you can crank up the dual-zone automatic climate control system’s A/C and the Light Oak leather bucket seats won’t scorch you like black ones will. This C5 hasn’t been modified, so you get its original gear, including the AM/FM/CD audio system and the cool and helpful head-up display.
Of course, this Corvette has performance to go with its looks and bells and whistles. You’ll thunder toward the horizon with the 350 horsepower of the LS1 5.7-liter V8 under the curvy hood and the convenience of a four-speed automatic. And when you blast into curves, the Z51 suspension will be there to keep all four run-flats on the road.
If you place the winning bid for this C5 and actually turn its key to start it up, you’ll see another wonderful sight: There are only 22,144 miles on the odometer.
We at The Journal love featuring stories about vehicles being restored as sentimental artifacts of family history. Back in August, we talked about an Acura that I restored in memory of my friend’s mother, who had passed away. I came across a similar story, except this one had to do with a truck that was fixed up for its owner who, despite having some health struggles, was still around to drive and enjoy it.
“We are offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of our family’s history,” the listing says. “This truck has been in our family for over 50 years and holds a special value in our hearts. It was my father’s daily driver during his 25-year tenure at the General Motors assembly plant in Van Nuys, California, and the truck that my entire baseball team would pile into the bed of for a drive to practice.”
Chevrolet’s “Advance Design” light-duty and medium-duty pickups were produced from 1947 to 1955. They were incredibly popular in the marketplace, with sales numbers outpacing those of other manufacturers during that span. Chevrolet promoted its trucks for having “All-around value, all around the farm.” One of the features that set them apart was a cab that was “flexi-mounted” (cushioned on rubber) and had more foot room, more seating space and better visibility compared to prior models.
The listing itemizes some of the key attributes of this special truck. It rides on a lowered coilover suspension and is equipped with a Mustang II steering system, four-wheel power-assisted Wilwood disc brakes, a stainless-steel exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers, new chrome trim, and custom American Racing wheels. The complete restoration was performed by Kandy Shop Creations in Mesa, Arizona, and the truck has been driven just over 1,000 miles since that time.
Power is provided by a 383ci small-block V8 equipped with a Fi-Tech fuel-injection system, and a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission sends torque to the rear wheels.
The listing concludes, “This truck is not just a vehicle; it is a testament to American craftsmanship. It has been meticulously restored with attention to detail and care, making it a perfect addition to any classic car collection.”
Let’s help find the truck a good home! The asking price is $64,000.
In today’s episode of Collectible Corner, we take a look at the customizable Toyota Tacoma available from the Hot Wheels Elite 64 Mod Shop series. And since this year is almost over, we also preview some of the upcoming castings for 2025.
From the start, the AMC concentrated on the economy car field. For a few decades, this company presented a tough competitor to the Big Three with numerous small and cheap models that sold well and were common on American roads. Constantly trying to invent something new and stay relevant and profitable in the market, AMC presented many memorable models like the AMC Gremlin, Hornet, Pacer, and muscle duo – Javelin and AMX. Despite being much smaller than the Big Three, AMC was always innovative and resourceful. Today, we will tell you about those cars.
AMC Marlin 343
Photo Credit: Edmunds
For the 1967 model year, AMC decided to introduce a 343 V8 version of the Marlin with 280 HP on tap. Although it wasn’t very much, it was enough to give the Marlin decent performance and driving dynamics. Today, 343 V8-powered Marlins are very rare, but there were even rarer options, which consisted of a factory-tuned 343 V8 engine with 320 HP, which provided the Marlin with some real power.
Volkswagen’s model lineup is well-known worldwide. The VW Beetle (the classic one) was one of the most popular cars ever produced, with over 20 million examples. Other VW models also enjoyed much success and high-volume production numbers. However, some Volkswagen models are scarce and unknown even to the most knowledgeable enthusiasts. Here are the 20 Volkswagens you might not know.
KDF Wagen
Photo Credit: Pinterest
The KDF Wagen, or Strength Through Joy Car, was the predecessor to the Volkswagen Beetle. It was designed by Ferdinand Porsche and was intended to be an affordable car for German families during the 1930s. Due to World War II, only a few KDF Wagen models were produced before production shifted to military vehicles like the Kübelwagen. Fewer than 700 units of the civilian KDF Wagen were made, making it a sought-after collector’s item.
Even if you are not a keen car enthusiast, you have probably heard of the term “homologation special.” Most of the world’s racing championships only allow racing cars they base on regular production models. So, manufacturers often produce special limited runs of their vehicles to get an advantage on the race tracks. They equip them with unusual features, wild aero kits, and specially tuned engines, transforming them into thoroughbred race cars. The homologation specials are always interesting models since they are different than their more mundane cousins. They feature components or specially designed racing parts you couldn’t get any other way.
Lancia 037 Stradale
Photo Credit: Pinterest
To homologate the car for the infamous Group B rally series in 1982, Lancia needed to produce at least 200 road-going examples. So, they presented the 037 Stradale later that year. The street-legal car was almost as extreme as the racing model. The Stradale featured a lightweight plastic body. Depending on the tune, it had a mid-mounted 2.0 or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 280 HP. The Stradale has the same stiff suspension, Spartan interior, racing seats, plastic windows, and a close-ratio gearbox.
Chevrolet had its big blocks, Ford had its Cobra Jet, and Chrysler got the Hemi. For over 6 decades, the Hemi engine has been the top-of-the-line option in various Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and Imperial models and a sure sign that you have considerable firepower under the hood. Even if you are not familiar with car terminology, the name “Hemi” certainly rings a bell. So, what are the best cars with this legendary engine?
Chrysler New Yorker
Photo Credit: Sm Classic Cars
Even though Chrysler introduced the Hemi engine in 1951, it became a hot item only in 1954 when Chrysler’s engineers managed to squeeze 235 HP, which is considered ludicrous power. Installed in an elegant and restrained New Yorker model, the 331 Hemi V8 proved to be fast, durable, and a record-breaker.
The pickup trucks can be considered one of the definitive American car classes. Even though you might be familiar with recent models such as the Ram SRT-10 or Ford Raptor, the truth is that muscle trucks date way back to the ’60s and the original muscle era. Today, we will tell you about the most interesting and best-known hot rod trucks and pickups that can tow, carry, load, and burn rubber.
Dodge D-Series High-Performance Package
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
Back in the early ’60s, Dodge’s truck lineup was behind that of Ford and Chevrolet. Competitors had newer models, more options, and wider engine choices. However, Dodge did not give up and introduced an interesting special edition from 1964 to 1966 that took the pickup world by storm. It was called the High-Performance Package, and it featured a lot of go-faster goodies from Mopar. First, there was the mighty 426 Wedge V8 engine with 375 hp.
Back in 1953, Chevrolet changed sports car history with the introduction of the very first Chevrolet Corvette. Over its illustrious history, Chevrolet has produced more than 1.5 million Corvettes—a remarkable feat for a performance vehicle. While many Corvettes are iconic in their own right, some models stand out as rarer and more valuable, making them highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
1953 Corvette – $660,000
Photo Credit: Silodrome
The 1953 Corvette is honored to be the car that started it all. Chevrolet produced just 300 examples in this inaugural year, all featuring white exteriors with red interiors and powered by a modest six-cylinder engine. Fewer than 100 of these groundbreaking vehicles are estimated to remain today, which explains their sky-high value. Owning a 1953 Corvette is like owning a piece of automotive history.
