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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1988 Land Rover Defender 110

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1988 Land Rover Defender 110.

Coming soon to a street or trail near you, check out this go-anywhere SUV.

The Defender series of off-road sport-utility vehicles and pickups launched 40 years ago in 1983 in the United Kingdom. The Land Rover brand has since become known for its tagline “Above and Beyond.” Today’s Defender takes that motto to new heights with LED lighting, tubular side steps, Toyo all-terrain tires, and a refurbished interior. The vehicle is being offered for auction by a dealer in Los Angeles, California, and the listing ends this Friday.

Over the course of its lifetime, the Defender model went through relatively few exterior design changes: The rugged, boxy look remained as one of its characteristic traits (kind of like how the Jeep Wrangler evolved). In fact, the vehicle’s overall silhouette stuck around until as recently as 2016. At 35 years old, today’s Defender has a list of upgrades that set it up apart from the rest. Most notably, its curb appeal has been enhanced with a blue paint job, a Project Kahn body kit, and 18-inch gloss black wheels shod in Toyo tires.

One of the important distinctions for this era of Land Rover pertained to wheelbase length: The 110 (four-door) had a 110-inch wheelbase, and the 90 (two-door) had a 93-inch wheelbase. When both the 90 and the 110 were rolling off the U.K. assembly line in the 1980s, they offered equipment that had been vastly improved from prior versions of Land Rover sport-utility vehicles. Included on that list were coil springs, a permanent four-wheel-drive system, a one-piece windshield, and more powerful drivetrains.

Speaking of drivetrains, power for today’s 110 comes from a 2.5-liter inline-four mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The selling dealer says that recent mechanical work included replacement of the brakes.

This Defender 110 is particularly unique because it originated in a non-U.S. market. The CARFAX report begins in April 2023 in Tennessee. It would be fascinating to piece together the backstory on this one-of-a-kind build.

Worth noting: The selling dealer of this Defender is motivated, because they have now lowered the reserve from a prior AutoHunter auction listing. So, this is your second chance to drive home with a unique 110-series!

The auction for this 1988 Land Rover Defender 110 ends Friday, November 3, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Rare Frazer-Nash BMW with rich racing history to be auctioned

H&H Classics is set to offer a rare 1936 Frazer-Nash BMW 319/55 Sports at its upcoming auction at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton on November 29. Expected to fetch between £150,000 – £180,000 (about $180,000 – $218,000), the car is steeped in rich motoring history, being one of just 26 319/55 Sports crafted by Frazer-Nash.

This example is recognized as the second Frazer-Nash BMW 319/55 Sports to arrive on UK shores and boasts an extensive period competition history. Originally supplied to C.G. Fitt Esq., a wealthy and accomplished amateur racing driver, ‘DHX 347’ distinguished itself at revered racing venues such as Brooklands, Shelsley Walsh, and Donington. It has also been a proud participant in numerous rallies since its acquisition by the current vendor in 2006, when it became part of a cherished private collection.

Paul Cheetham and Lucas Gomersall, the motorcar specialists at H&H Classics who consigned the car between them, commented: “The 1936 Frazer-Nash BMW 319/55 Sports is a rare motorsport heritage gem. Its storied past on iconic tracks and its imminent appearance at our Buxton auction demonstrate the timeless allure of true racing classics. The car is eligible for a host of prestigious events and ready to be campaigned again after being well kept in a private collection.”

One of the standout attributes of this 1936 Frazer-Nash BMW is its wire wheels, a specification added upon its creation. Over the years, the car has undergone thorough maintenance and mechanical attention, ensuring it remains ‘on the button’. Today, the vehicle showcases a combination of White finish offset by elegant Red leather upholstery.

Included with the car is a comprehensive history file, complete with ‘in-action’ period photographs and significant documentation. This includes correspondence from the original owner, detailing aspects of the vehicle’s vibrant racing history including a first-in-class at the 1939 Brooklands J.C.C Rally, and a competitive finish at the London to Exeter Trial.

The 319/55 Sports is regarded as one of the most desirable Frazer-Nash BMW models. With better road-holding than anything else in its class and far nimbler than a contemporary Bentley or Lagonda, the lightweight two-seater quickly distinguished itself on rallies, sprints, hillclimbs and racetracks around the UK.

“We believe this is the first time in many years that one of these rare models has been put under the hammer so we expect a significant level of interest,” concludes Cheetham.    

Butch Patrick: Munster Car-Lover

We interviewed “Eddie Munster” last year, but we feel it’s totally appropriate to revisit his story for Halloween.

Butch Patrick is one of those actors whose name you just know, even if you haven’t seen him on celluloid after his 1960s-era appearances. As the all-American Edward Wolfgang “Eddie” Munster from “The Munsters” TV show, Butch has been written in America’s consciousness, especially for GenXers who grew up with syndicated reruns. But, horror of horrors, did you know that Butch is a member of the tribe of automotive enthusiasts?

Born Patrick Alan Lilley, Butch took a liking to cars at the ripe age of seven thanks to the time spent antiquing with Grandma and her year-old 1959 Cadillac. Then, in 1962, Butch’s mother came home in a new Thunderbird, followed by a 1968 Cougar XR-7 — both cool vehicles for a kid at the time (if not an enthusiast today).

In 1969, at the height of the muscle car era, 16-year-old Butch bought a blue Mustang Mach I with the M-code 351 four-barrel and automatic, as his dad worked at Midway Ford. Though “The Munsters” ran from 1964-66, you can imagine being a teenager in Los Angeles and on top of the world with arguably Detroit’s “It” car at the time. By the time Butch was 18, the Mustang featured a 4-speed swap, cam upgrade, Holley 600 carb plus intake, headers, Detroit Locker with 4.30 gears, Mallory ignition, Ansen Ground Grabbers, Mr. Gasket 90/10 drag shocks … you get the idea. Butch also made a hole in the hood to accommodate velocity stacks for a homemade air induction system.

When he was 19, Butch bought a black, 12,000-mile 1969 Corvette T-top with a tri-carb L71 427, four-speed and 4.11 gears, which he owned for 2-3 years. In 1973, Butch started driving a new ‘Cuda 340 company car from Garden Grove Chrysler-Plymouth in Orange County, as his stepfather owned the facility. As you can see, he doesn’t have an allegiance to one particular brand, being all over the place like any good enthusiast should. Though not into building vehicles, Butch knows enough to tinker and get things going.

In the 1970s, Butch was a regular attendee at LA-area and Western dragstrips and locales with his buddy Jack Chrisman (yes, that Chrisman) like Lions, Irwindale and Keith Black’s shop. He also was tight with luminaries like Don “the Snake” Prudhomme and Roland “the Hawaiian” Leong.

“It was a good time to hang out!” says Butch. To those of us jealous of the time and place, that’s an understatement.

(Image courtesy of Michel Curi)

Today, Butch’s collection consists of several vehicles and Harleys. Notable to Hollywood mavens would be a recreation of the Barris Kustoms-built Munster Koach that features a Chevy 454 instead of the Ford 289 of the original. Another is a recreation of DRAG-U-LA, another Barris Kustoms creation that is powered by a 289 Cobra V8 with dual-quads like the original. (Both of the originals are currently owned by one collector.)

Looking back, Butch misses the 1969 Corvette the most, though he wishes he owned a Boss 429 and a big-block 1967 Corvette roadster — makes sense since both the Mustang and Corvette have made the biggest impact in his life, not to mention they’re the epitome of all-American cars for a very all-American werewolf who once lived on 1313 Mockingbird Lane.

(Image courtesy of Chad Horwedel)
(Image courtesy of Secret Playground)

Buckle up for a ‘Spooktacular’ Journey this Autumn with Nissan

As autumn casts its enchanting spell and leaves gracefully fall, Nissan invites you to hop on a broomstick and take a thrilling ride through the season’s shadows with complete confidence, powered by e-4ORCE technology.

Super-powered by its all-wheel drive system with individually controlled braking, e-4ORCE is the trusty sidekick to your superhero Nissan vehicle – supporting you to confidently conquer the unpredictable conditions of autumn without a scare in the world. Nissan’s cutting-edge e-4ORCE system commands the road, adjusting power and braking in each wheel to improve traction and performance. Feel the magic as it guides you through every twist and turn, no matter what is lurking around the corner.

Whether driving during the darkness of the witching hour or facing a spooky journey taking children trick-or-treating, the front and rear motors work seamlessly together to protect and enchant passengers and others on the road. 

Prepare to be spellbound by e-4ORCE technology’s remarkable capabilities, offering a thrilling adventure brimming with confidence, control, and power. Embrace the magic of autumn with e-4ORCE – available on the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER and fully electric Nissan Ariya – and enjoy a journey that is all treats, with no tricks.

Dive into the video below to witness the latest chapter of the ‘e-4ORCE For All Seasons’ campaign. Uncover how e-4ORCE works its magic to conjure a driving experience that is so hauntingly good, you’ll wonder whether it’s truly real. 

The SEMA Show 2023

The SEMA Show 2023 is the premier trade show geared to help small businesses thrive and succeed. The trade-only event enables automotive specialty equipment manufacturers to display alongside automotive manufacturers to debut new, innovative products, and connect with industry buyers from all over the world. The SEMA Show 2023 Sneak Peek at some builds… Mike […]

The post The SEMA Show 2023 appeared first on CarShowz.com.

Wild Horses: These Crazy Mustangs Shouldn’t Be Allowed On Roads

The Ford Mustang has been around for almost six decades as one of the most successful nameplates in the car industry. With over 10 million Mustangs leaving the factory, the Mustang’s impact on the industry is beyond immense. Over the years, many of these crazy wild horses gained worldwide recognition on a mainstream level.

However, today, we’ll not discuss those well-known models and common-spec cars. Instead, we’ll concentrate on those “evil twin” Mustangs. These cars have crazy engines and brutal performance which makes them illegal for the road – or just barely legal. All of them are rare and limited-production items. Some flew under the radar while others became household names. However, one thing is sure – all are Mustangs so crazy, they should hardly be allowed on the streets.

Photo Credit: Ford

Shelby GT350 R

Carroll Shelby started building Mustangs in 1965 as fire-breathing machines that brought Ford some much-needed recognition and performance credentials. But the cars responsible for racing success were 34 “R” models only made in 1965. They were sold to privateers and racing teams all over America and the world. Those cars were not street-legal and were used purely for racing purposes, which they did exceptionally well (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Ford

The GT350 R had numerous modifications. It was also lighter, faster, and sharper than the regular GT350. The same 289 V8 powered the R version as the standard Shelby GT350, but it had close to 400 hp and numerous racing modifications. The car was light, well-balanced, and proved extremely fast, winning multiple races in America as well as in Europe and South America.

The post Wild Horses: These Crazy Mustangs Shouldn’t Be Allowed On Roads appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Into The Jungle: Ferocious Cars That Were Named After Animals

From the beginning of the car industry, automakers have always looked for ways to make their cars seem faster and more appealing. One of these ways is naming them exciting names, which helps create an allure of performance in people’s imaginations. One way manufacturers made their cars stand out from similar machines was to name them after animals.

Animals symbolize something majestic, powerful, and beautiful and that’s exactly what car brands wanted. They believed naming a car after an animal – and the wilder the better – that success would come. At least, so it seems. Today, we’ll showcase the best cars named after an animal. In some cases, carmakers even used mythical ones. Let’s head into the jungle below.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

AMC Hornet 360

The early ’70s was the start of the end for muscle cars with engine downsizing and tightening emissions and safety standards, AMC was one of the first companies to realize that a new breed of muscle cars was needed to keep power-hungry customers happy. So in 1971, they introduced the Hornet 360 (via Auto Evolution).

Photo Credit: Ristrucasa

Based on a regular economy car called the Hornet, it was equipped with better suspension, sharper steering, and a 360 V8. This Hornet turned from an ordinary compact into a proper muscle car. Power wasn’t that big at 245 hp. But those horses could make the Hornet fly in its lightweight body. The rest of the muscle cars offered in 1971 all had problems with size and weight. They also had engines that didn’t create much power anymore. But the Hornet 360 was one of the fastest cars on sale.

The post Into The Jungle: Ferocious Cars That Were Named After Animals appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Gone In 60 Seconds: Unforgettable Rides From The Iconic Film

In the world of cinematic car chases and heists, few films have left a tire-squealing impression quite like “Gone in 60 Seconds.” This action-packed 2000 thriller starring Nicholas Cage captivated audiences with its adrenaline-pumping plot. But it also introduced an ensemble of some of the most remarkable and memorable cars ever featured on screen.

From sleek, supercharged sports cars to classic muscle cars, each car had a role to play and a character all its own. These iconic rides made “Gone in 60 Seconds” a must-see for car enthusiasts and movie lovers alike as a result. So buckle up and get ready for a ride down memory lane as we pay homage to the magnificent automotive stars from the film. Few movies reignited people’s love for cars like this movie did. due to its wide range of rides. Remember them right here.

Photo Credit: Aston Martin

1999 Aston Martin DB7 – Codename Mary

The Aston Martin DB7 is a handcrafted masterpiece from the British luxury automaker. It made its mark in the film as an emblem of timeless style and power as a result. With its sleek silhouette and distinct front grille adorned with the iconic Aston Martin badge, “Mary” exuded an aura of opulence and charm. Therefore, these details were only matched by a few of its automotive peers (via Way.com).

Photo Credit: Webbs

The DB7 was powered by a 3.2-liter supercharged inline-six delivering 335 horsepower to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic. This powerplant enabled the car to sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.7 seconds, making it a true performance machine under the elegant facade as a result.

The post Gone In 60 Seconds: Unforgettable Rides From The Iconic Film appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Cops and Cars: The Baddest Police Cars To Ever Rule The Roads

From the early days of motor vehicles, law enforcement agencies worldwide integrated the automobile as an essential part of their job. Cars allowed officers to patrol the streets, get to crime scenes faster, and help serve and protect the community. Manufacturers concentrated on the police market since they knew selling cars to local departments would help promote the brand. Today’s police cars are state-of-the-art cruisers with communication technology and beefed-up mechanics.

Back in the day, most police cars were just ordinary sedans, sometimes identical to the ones you could buy as an ordinary citizen. However, some police departments went beyond the ordinary and used rare, powerful cars for police duty. Some of those cars are valuable classics today. Back then, they were everyday cruisers that worked to catch bad guys on the streets. Check out the baddest police cars ever right here.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Citroen SM Gendarmerie

One of the coolest-looking and most exclusive Citroen cars was the gorgeous SM, introduced in 1970. This elegant coupe had some exciting features. This made the competition look outdated and old as a result (via Capital).

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The aesthetics were clearly French, with hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension and front-wheel drive. Instead of the underpowered four-cylinder engine, there was a 2.7-liter V6 by Maserati. This had enough power for a lively performance. The Gendarmerie chose the car since it could cruise at high speeds, which was ideal for catching criminals on the highways of France.

The post Cops and Cars: The Baddest Police Cars To Ever Rule The Roads appeared first on Motor Junkie.