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10 Forgotten ’70s Cars That Deserve a Second Chance

The 1970s had many great cars, but not all of them got the attention they deserved. While some became famous muscle cars, others were forgotten over time. Some were well-built, fun to drive, and powerful, but people did not appreciate them back then.

Many of these cars were hurt by high gas prices, new emissions rules, or just bad timing. Others were ignored because bigger brands had more popular models. But now, these forgotten cars are getting a second chance. They had good engines, cool designs, and solid performance, even if they were not the best-sellers of their time.

Here are 10 cars from the 1970s that people overlooked but are now great finds for classic car fans!

1971 AMC Matador – A Forgotten Muscle Sedan

BAT

The AMC Matador never got the same love as other muscle cars, but it had strong V8 engine options and a unique, aggressive design. While it wasn’t the best-handling car, it was affordable, powerful, and stylish. Today, it’s a rare find, and its bold looks make it a standout classic.

1974 Chevrolet Vega – A Small Car with Big Potential

BAT

The Chevy Vega had a bad reputation for rust and engine problems, but not all of them were terrible. When properly maintained, the Vega’s lightweight body and sporty handling made it fun to drive. Plus, modified Vegas with V8 swaps have turned into serious performance machines.

1976 Ford Elite – A Luxury Coupe That Deserves More Love

Adventure Classics

The Ford Elite was a stylish, personal luxury coupe, similar to the Thunderbird but at a lower price. It had smooth ride quality, a comfortable interior, and classic ‘70s styling. While it was overshadowed by Ford’s bigger nameplates, the Elite is now a unique and affordable classic.

1973 Dodge Dart Sport 340 – A True Mopar Sleeper

Fast Lane Cars

The Dodge Dart Sport 340 was overshadowed by bigger Mopars, but it had great performance in a lightweight package. The 340 V8 was fast, and the car handled well compared to larger muscle cars. Today, the Dart Sport is underrated, making it a great classic for muscle car fans.

1975 Pontiac Grand Am – A Sporty Luxury Coupe with Muscle

Moment Car

The Pontiac Grand Am was made to be both fast and comfortable. It had a sporty look like the Trans Am but came with luxury features. The V8 engine was strong, and the ride was smooth, but high gas prices hurt sales. Today, it is a rare and stylish Pontiac classic.

1978 Chrysler Cordoba – The Forgotten Personal Luxury Coupe

All Car Collection

The Chrysler Cordoba became famous for its “rich Corinthian leather” ads, but it was more than just a fancy car. It had a strong V8 engine, a smooth ride, and a stylish design. This made it a comfortable and classy coupe. Today, it is a low-cost classic with a unique ‘70s look.

1977 Mercury Cougar XR-7 – A Mustang Alternative with Style

Classic Cars

The Mercury Cougar XR-7 was a fancier version of the Mustang. It had a strong V8 engine and a nice interior. It was heavier than older Cougars, but it still had good power. Today, it is a good choice for collectors who want a classic car with both muscle and comfort.

1972 Buick Century GS – A Muscle Car That Got Overlooked

Connors Motor Car

The Buick Century GS had strong power, with a 455 V8 that could keep up with top muscle cars of its time. However, it was often overlooked because of more popular cars like the Chevelle and GTO. Today, it is one of the more affordable classic muscle cars, and its rare status makes it a unique choice.

1979 Dodge Magnum – A Last Attempt at Mopar Muscle

Flickr

The Dodge Magnum was one of the last Mopar muscle cars from the 1970s. It had a bold look and a powerful V8, but new emissions rules reduced its power, and sales were low. Today, it is a rare classic, making it a good choice for Mopar fans who want something different.

1974 Oldsmobile Omega – The Forgotten Muscle Compact

Mecum

The Oldsmobile Omega was a smaller, sportier Olds that shared parts with the Nova. It had decent V8 options, but it was often ignored in favor of bigger muscle cars. Now, it’s a budget-friendly way to own a ‘70s Oldsmobile with classic muscle car styling.

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10 Worst SUVs Ever Made – Total Disasters You Should Avoid at All Costs!

SUVs are supposed to be safe, strong, and built to last, but some have been huge mistakes. Bad designs, weak engines, and endless repair problems made these SUVs fail in the worst ways. Some were ugly, some were unsafe, and others were just too expensive to fix. These 10 SUVs were some of the biggest letdowns ever made, and if you ever see one for sale, you should stay far away!

Pontiac Aztek – The Ugliest SUV Ever Made

GM

The Pontiac Aztek failed because of its strange design. It had odd shapes, a weird front, and lots of plastic, making it look more like a toy than an SUV. It also had cheap materials, weak power, and many mechanical problems. Many people made fun of it, and it became one of the most disliked SUVs ever.

Ford Explorer (Early 2000s) – The SUV That Flipped Over

Ford

The early 2000s Ford Explorer was involved in one of the biggest SUV scandals ever. Due to poor suspension design and bad Firestone tires, these SUVs had a high risk of rolling over at highway speeds. Many crashes happened, leading to huge recalls and lawsuits. It damaged Ford’s reputation for years.

Jeep Compass (First Generation) – A Jeep That Couldn’t Off-Road

Jeep

The first-generation Jeep Compass was a big disappointment. People expected a tough, off-road-ready SUV, but instead, they got a weak, front-wheel-drive crossover with cheap materials and a sluggish engine. It had none of the Jeep spirit and quickly became one of the most hated Jeeps ever made.

Cadillac Escalade EXT – A Luxury Truck That Made No Sense

GM

The Cadillac Escalade EXT was a mix between a truck and an SUV, but it wasn’t good at either. It couldn’t tow much, had a very small truck bed, and used too much gas. It was too fancy for truck buyers and not useful enough for SUV fans. In the end, very few people bought it, and it was quickly forgotten.

Suzuki X-90 – The SUV That Looked Like a Toy

Car Domain

The Suzuki X-90 was an SUV that made no sense. It had only two seats, a tiny trunk, and a weak 95-horsepower engine. It looked like a cartoon car, and despite its four-wheel drive, it wasn’t great off-road. It failed so badly that Suzuki pulled it from the market quickly.

Nissan Juke – A Frog-Looking SUV That Scared Buyers Away

Nissan

The Nissan Juke had a bug-eyed design that was so weird that many people refused to buy it. While it had a turbocharged engine, its harsh ride, cramped backseat, and cheap interior made it a bad choice for most drivers. It became one of Nissan’s most polarizing designs ever.

Hummer H2 – A Gas-Guzzler That Couldn’t Fit Anywhere

GM

The Hummer H2 was huge, heavy, and terrible on gas. It was too wide for most parking spaces, and despite its military-style looks, it wasn’t that great off-road. Its 6 mpg fuel economy made it one of the least efficient SUVs ever, and rising gas prices helped kill it off quickly.

Dodge Nitro – The SUV That Nobody Remembers

Dodge

The Dodge Nitro was made to look strong and bold, but it was slow, rough to ride in, and not very dependable. The inside felt cheap, it did not handle well, and the engine was not powerful. It did not sell well, so Dodge stopped making it, and now most people don’t remember it.

Land Rover Freelander – A Luxury SUV That Was Always Broken

Land Rover

The Land Rover Freelander looked premium, but it was a disaster under the hood. Owners faced engine failures, electrical problems, and costly repairs. It became known as one of the most unreliable SUVs ever made, and many owners spent more time fixing it than driving it.

Chevy Trailblazer SS – A Muscle SUV That Handled Like a Boat

GM

The Chevy Trailblazer SS had a big 6.0L V8, which made it very fast in a straight line, but that was its only strength. It had terrible handling, weak brakes, and a stiff ride, making it hard to control. It was a fun idea, but in reality, it was too dangerous for most drivers.

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10 Ultra-Rare Small Block V8 Muscle Cars from the ’70s That Almost No One Remembers!

When people think of ’70s muscle cars, they usually imagine massive big-block V8s roaring down the street. But not all muscle cars relied on huge engines to make their mark. Some of the rarest and most impressive machines of the era packed small-block V8s that delivered big power in lighter, more agile bodies. These cars were often built in low numbers, making them hard to find and highly collectible today.

From track-ready Mustangs to overlooked Mopars, these 10 rare small-block muscle cars proved that you don’t need a big engine to make a big impact. Let’s take a look at these forgotten legends of the ’70s!

1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 LT1 – A Small-Block Built for Speed

Hot Rod

The 1970 Camaro Z/28 LT1 came with a high-revving 350 V8, designed for fast acceleration and tight handling. With 360 horsepower and a 4-speed manual, it was made for the track and the street. This rare muscle car proved that big power didn’t always need a big-block engine.

1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula SD-455 – A Hidden Trans Am Powerhouse

Hot Rod

The 1973 Firebird Formula SD-455 looked like a regular Firebird, but under the hood was a high-performance V8 meant for racing. It had 290 horsepower, but many believed it made more. With its rare production numbers, this Firebird became one of the most collectible muscle cars of the ’70s.

1970 Plymouth Duster 340 – A Mopar Muscle Car That Surprised Everyone

Hemmings

The Plymouth Duster 340 was small, lightweight, and very fast. With a high-performance 340 V8, it had 275 horsepower but could outrun bigger cars. It was also affordable, making it a favorite for young muscle car fans. Today, finding a real Duster 340 in great shape is rare.

1971 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – The Last of the Trans Am Legends

Ford

The 1971 Boss 302 Mustang was the final version of Ford’s high-revving muscle car, built to compete in Trans Am racing. With a 302 V8, sharp handling, and aggressive styling, it was a track-ready machine. Only a few were built, making it one of the rarest Mustangs of the era.

1975 Chevrolet Nova SS 350 – A Sleeper Muscle Car with Hidden Power

Pinterest

The 1975 Nova SS 350 looked like a simple car, but it came with a strong 350 V8 and performance upgrades. With 155 horsepower, it wasn’t the fastest, but it had big potential with a few modifications. Today, the Nova SS 350 is a rare find among collectors.

1974 AMC Javelin AMX 401 – A Forgotten Small-Block Muscle Car

Hot Rod

The AMC Javelin AMX 401 had a small-block engine with big power. The 401 V8 made 330 horsepower, giving this car impressive speed. With its bold styling and rare production numbers, the Javelin AMX 401 is a unique piece of muscle car history that many have overlooked.

1977 Dodge Aspen R/T 360 – A Late-’70s Mopar Surprise

Hot Rod

The Dodge Aspen R/T 360 was a last attempt at a muscle car in a time of strict regulations. The 360 V8 gave it some power, but it was limited by emissions rules. Still, not many were made, and today, a real Aspen R/T 360 is a rare Mopar to find.

1978 Chevrolet Corvette L82 – A Small-Block That Brought Back Power

Auto Hunter

The 1978 Corvette L82 was one of the best performance options of the late ’70s. The small-block 350 V8 made 220 horsepower, which was strong for the time. While the Corvette was always popular, the L82 model was rare, making it a valuable piece of muscle car history today.

1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 – A Rare Small-Block with Big Speed

Inspired Pencil

The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 came with a 350 V8 engine making 325 horsepower, which was very strong for a small-block at the time. Since only a few were made, it became a hidden muscle car that could keep up with bigger engines. Today, it is rare and highly valued by collectors.

1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 351 Cobra Jet – A Luxury Muscle Car with Power

EBay

The 1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 351 Cobra Jet was a mix of power and comfort. It came with a strong 351 Cobra Jet V8, giving it good speed, but it was also smooth and stylish. Since only a few were built, this rare Cougar is now a hard-to-find muscle car.

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McLaren W1 Zooms into Jay Leno’s Garage

Despite how many automobile brands are out there, customer loyalty still exists. You can see that when you take a walk through your neighborhood and go past the house with only Fords in the driveway. Jay Leno has vehicles from multiple manufacturers, but he’s been faithful to McLaren for decades. He has one of the legendary V12-powered F1s from the 1990s as well as a 2015 version of its twin-turbo V8 hybrid successor, the P1. Leno is also on the list for the next car from the English brand’s Ultimate series, the W1. He recently received a preview of it in prototype form thanks to Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive. Luckily, he allowed the rest of us to see it up-close.

If the W1’s exterior looks a little elaborate, it’s because the W1 is a function-over-form machine. Light weight is essential to the W1 being what McLaren calls “The Real Supercar,” so the company developed an all-new carbon fiber tub known as the Aerocell, which is topped with carbon fiber bodywork and gullwing-style doors. Fully assembled, the W1 weighs 3,084 pounds.

The W1 also needs to manage airflow strategically to minimize drag and maximize downforce. Active aero, including a movable flap in the front splitter and an extendable rear Active Long Tail, keeps the W1 planted. According to Leiters, that latter part generates up to 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds) of downforce.

McLaren pairs the W1’s carbon fiber construction with a potent hybrid powertrain. The combination of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and McLaren’s E-module adds up to 1,258 horsepower and 988 lb-ft of torque, which an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic sends to the rear wheels. In an age in which so many high-performance cars use all-wheel drive to maximize power delivery, McLaren keeps things relatively old- school. It even opted for hydraulic steering and brakes.

Unfortunately, since the W1 isn’t in production yet, we’ll have to wait to see how it is on the road. So will Leno—customer deliveries start rolling out in 2026.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible LT1

I have a confession to make: I like Corvettes, but I’ve never considered myself a “Corvette guy.” However, I’m starting to think that I just may be one. The other guys in my office tease me about how I’m always writing AutoHunter Spotlight or Pick of the Day pieces about Vettes. Why wouldn’t I? They’re automotive Americana, relatively accessible, attractive, and powerful. Well, guess what: I’m writing about yet another Corvette. This time around, I’m shining the AutoHunter Spotlight on an LT1-powered 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible.

Most of the same reasoning I laid out above applies here. Just look at this restoration. It’s a ’70 Stingray, so it has a chrome bumper at each end. And those curves! Then there’s the paint. Marlboro Maroon not only looks great on the Stingray’s peaked fenders and pronounced haunches, but it also goes well with the Saddle leather interior and makes the white convertible top that much more vivid.

Of course, the engine is a big part of this C3’s appeal. All V8s are cool to a certain extant, but what’s under the hood of this Corvette is a little different. Chevrolet offered three Turbo-Fire 350ci V8s for 1970 with different levels of output. The numbers-matching LT1 under the hood of this car was the top small-block available and equipped with an aluminum intake manifold, an upgraded camshaft, solid lifters, and a special exhaust system, according to Chevy. As the most potent 350, it was factory-rated at 370 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. A Muncie M21 four-speed manual enables the LT1 to light up the rear Firestone Wide Ovals.

This Stingray drop-top also has an impressive history. As an LT1 car, it’s one of only 1,287 Corvettes made for 1970 with that engine. I’m not the only person this Corvette wowed—it’s an NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) Top Flight Award winner, meaning it scored 94 percent or more of the 4,500 available points during judging. It also won Best of Show at the 2023 Lake Mirror Classic in Lakeland, Florida.

If you are ready to make this special fiberglass sports car yours, now’s the time to bid because the auction for this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible LT1 ends on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1969 Austin America

Did you ever know a college professor with unkempt hair? Or a kid whose parents were from overseas? I can say I’ve known both, and both gravitated towards “those furrin cars” back in the day. In the case of the latter folks, the mother was British and drove an impressively British car, what? Our Pick of the Day is that very car, something that appeared like an overgrown MGB: a 1969 Austin America. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Denver.

Let’s imagine the Austin Mini (originally known as the Austin Seven in 1959), the car designed by (Sir) Alex Issigonis that set the template for every subcompact car for the future: front-wheel drive, transverse engine, and handling that made the little car quite tossable, especially in Cooper and Cooper S states of tune. After several years of production, Austin applied the same recipe to its larger stablemate, the Austin A40. The result was the Austin 1100, generically known as the BMC ADO16 because Austin was part of the British Motor Corporation that produced similar vehicles under the BMC umbrella including Morris, MG, Riley, Wolseley, Princess, and Vanden Plas. The new vehicle was initially introduced as the Morris 1100 in August 1962, with the Austin version appearing a year later.

The ADO16 wasn’t just an upsized Mini—it was a larger canvas in which Issigonis was able to apply even more sophisticated engineering (per an original flyer):

  • Front-wheel drive: for maximum traction and handling.
  • Disc brakes: for surer, safer stops.
  • Exceptional visibility: the all-around kind you associate with a station wagon.
  • A unique liquid suspension: which the press says delivers “the best possible combination of handling and ride.”
  • A revolutionary transverse-mounted engine: which makes for greater traction, better handling, improved visibility ahead, and significantly more interior space than in other economy models.

Like with the corporation’s larger cars, Pininfarina was commissioned to style the 1100. Underneath, the Hydrolastic fluid suspension system created a dynamic connection between the front and rear wheels to reduce pitch. The result was a comfortable ride while maintaining stiffness in cornering.

The first generation of the Austin 1100 was built through May 1967; the Mark II version of the Austin model now included the 1300 thanks to the addition of a larger 1275cc four. This would continue through 1971, upon which the Mark III was introduced in September. It was replaced in April 1973 with the Austin Allegro, though the ADO16 platform was produced through 1977 in South Africa.

In the U.S., the first ADO16 to hit dealerships was the MG 1100, though it was marketed as the Sports Sedan. The Austin 1100 was introduced in June 1967, to be replaced the following May as the Austin America, equipped with a 58 bhp 1275cc four. This car lasted in American dealerships through the 1971 model year, to be replaced by the Austin Marina.

Despite being a top seller in the UK, the Austin America didn’t make quite the same impact in its namesake, though almost 60,000 appeared on our shores at a price around $2,000. This restored 1969 Austin America features an automatic transmission, rebuilt engine, very good paint, and a new interior. There can’t be many left in the U.S. despite somewhat generous sales.

Even if you’re not an unkempt college professor or an ex-pat from another land, you may be the kind of guy or gal who has a thing for unusual machinery with competencies foreign to most American cars of the time. For $14,900, you can show the rest of us what America is all about.

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

350-Powered 1935 Ford Pickup Hot Rod

This 1935 Ford pickup was modified by a previous owner and is powered by a Chevrolet 350ci V8 backed by a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and an 8.8″ Ford rear axle. The cab was chopped and the body was finished in green over white along with a custom-painted tailgate and striping. The engine breathes through dual Holley carburetors mounted to an Edelbrock tunnel ram intake manifold, and additional features include open exhaust headers, an aluminum radiator, all-terrain rear tires, disc brakes, adjustable rear coilovers, a wood bed floor, a hidden audio system, and a custom dashboard filled with AutoMeter instrumentation. The seller purchased the truck in 2022 and has since added approximately 2k miles. This Ford hot rod is now offered with a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.

The chopped body features a white finish with a green roof and grille along with bronze and yellow center stripes. A mural has been applied to the tailgate along with pinstriping below the rear window. Additional details include a single side mirror, black headlight buckets, a polished windshield frame, and a custom rear valance with “35” Ford cutouts and dual taillights.

Staggered-diameter five-spoke wheels wear Goodyear Assurance tires in front and 31×10.50″ Corsa All-Terrain XLs in back. The suspension has been lowered and features hairpin radius rods and a transverse leaf spring as well as conventional shocks up front and adjustable coilovers in the rear. Braking is provided by discs at each corner.

The bed floor is constructed from wood and polished trim that was added under current ownership, and is situated high to clear the fuel tank and suspension as shown in the gallery below.

The cabin features a green-painted dashboard sourced from a 1950s Pontiac as well as a modern bench seat covered in gray leather with color-coordinated door panels and carpets. A hidden stereo with auxiliary inputs has also been fitted. The ceiling is lined with reflective insulation and the door glass has been removed. The seller notes corrosion in the floor pans.

The wood-rimmed steering wheel is mounted to an aftermarket tilting column and sits ahead of AutoMeter instrumentation. The digital odometer shows 16k miles, approximately 2k of which were added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown.

The 350ci Chevrolet V8 features dual Holley four-barrel carburetors mounted to an Edelbrock tunnel ram intake manifold. It is also equipped with a Flame Thrower ignition coil, chrome air cleaners, finned valve covers, an aluminum radiator, and open exhaust headers.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a GM TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 8.8″ solid rear axle.

The truck is titled as a 1935 Ford using the VIN 1247144, which is stamped on a plaque fastened to the driver door jamb.

Mixed Blessing: 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T

Not many of us have the luxury of buying a new car and owning it for 54 years, but Bill Dunlap is one of those folks. After coming home from the service, Bill visited Miller Motor Car Corp. in Binghamton, New York, and spec’d out a 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T. He picked “GB5” Bright Blue metallic with a matching blue interior and “V6W” white longitudinal stripes. Power came from the optional 340 Magnum engine, which was a $44.35 upgrade from the standard 383.

Other options for this Challenger included power brakes with front discs, a console, the TorqueFlite automatic, remote left-hand and manual right-hand mirrors, hood pins, an AM radio, fast-ratio power steering, Road Wheels with chrome trim rings, and F70 x 14 whitewalls.

Interestingly, Bill told the salesman he wanted the twin-scooped hood (the standard hood for the R/T), but the salesman inferred Bill wanted the Shaker, so that was added to the order. The $94.00 option may have been money he would have rather saved, but it was a mixed blessing because only 39 U.S.-spec 340 Challenger R/Ts came with a Shaker.

Join Muscle Car Campy as he and Bill take us for a ride in this special Challenger and share some stories from the past 54 years. If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out more automotive shorts from Muscle Car Campy.

302-Powered 1930 Ford Model A Pickup Hot Rod

This 1930 Ford Model A pickup was rebuilt as a hot rod between 2019 and 2023. Highlighting the build is a TCI Stage III chassis with independent front suspension, Wilwood front disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and a Ford 9″ rear end with a four-link setup and Aldan coilovers. An ATK Engines 302ci V8 was installed and a C4 automatic was sourced from Summit Racing, and the engine is topped by a Weiand intake manifold and Holley carburetor. The truck also has a tilt-out windshield, 16″ wire wheels, Vintage Air climate control, a Lokar shifter, and tubular headers linked to a dual exhaust system. Acquired by the seller in 2024, this Model A pickup hot rod is now offered with records and a clean Colorado title in the name of the seller’s wife.

The seller states the truck has been repainted but is unsure of the timeframe. The paint on the bed has cracked behind the rear fenders. The truck has a tilt-out windshield and full fenders that are painted black.

The body has been mounted on a TCI Stage III chassis with an independent front suspension, tubular upper and lower control arms, Aldan coilovers, and Wilwood discs. Out back is a four-link setup and coilovers for the Ford 9″ axle, and the truck has rack-and-pinion power steering. Oversized tires have been mounted on the 16″ wire wheels.

The interior has been redone with a bench seat trimmed in black upholstery, lap belts, an Ididit column, Vintage Air climate control, and a Lokar shifter.

The 1k miles displayed on the AutoMeter gauges represents the distance driven since completion of the build.

The 302ci V8 was sourced from ATK Engines, and it is topped by a Weiand intake manifold and a Holley four-barrel carburetor. The Walker radiator is cooled by an electric fan, and the Patriot headers flow into a dual exhaust system that exits under ahead of the rear axle.

The C4 automatic was sourced from Summit Racing in 2019 and rebuilt in 2024 according to the seller.

A GMC Truck with Pontiac Paint is Coming to Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction

There are a lot of single-cab, short-bed classic GM trucks out there. Chevrolet and GMC pumped out a lot of them, and their handsome looks and simplicity made them popular with customizers long after they were new. This particular 1966 GMC 1500 pickup has that same configuration, but comes in an unusual color combination that separates it from other C/K builds. You’ll have no problem spotting it at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction, which takes place April 24-26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

The story goes that the original buyer worked on the Pontiac production line and had this truck painted the lovely color you see here, which in Pontiac parlance is known as Iris Mist. Although that’s paired with pearl white for the top of the cab, this custom truck is officially known as “The Color Purple.”

A father and his two sons worked together to create this instantly recognizable pickup. They started the frame-off build in July 2022. Over the next two years, the trio overhauled the truck entirely. The frame was stiffened, C-notched, equipped with a driveshaft loop, and refinished. Suspension modifications included the installation of Classic Performance Products sway bars and front spindles, Simple.C10 rear suspension kit, and four-corner Air Lift Performance air suspension system, which drops the truck closer to its massive white 22-inch wheels. The family of builders didn’t touch the original paint, but it did add fresh side trim.

There’s a similar two-tone color scheme inside the single cab, which is furnished with purple and white buddy bucket seats. Modern amenities include a 12.3-inch Holley digital gauge cluster, a RetroSound head unit, and Vintage Air climate control.

No custom build would be complete without engine modifications. Under the hood, this GMC has a 5.3-liter V8, which is enhanced by ported heads, Holley Terminator X fuel injection system, upgraded camshaft, chromoly pushrods, and LSA supercharger. Not only does engine punch harder, but it also breathes better because the exhaust system was equipped with headers and Black Widow mufflers. A built 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission with a 3,000-rpm-stall torque converter sends the engine’s increased output to a 3.73:1 rear end with an Eaton locking differential.

The father and sons who put this truck together completed it in time for Hot Rod Drag Week 2024. In just a few weeks, it’ll be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction,. If you place the winning bid, you can take it home and enjoy it with your family.

Register to bid at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction by checking out these various options. To sell a vehicle, click here to start the consignment process.