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Jay Leno Hits the Road in a 1954 Dodge Coronet Station Wagon

To many people, the words “station wagon” bring to mind a frumpy, boring family-hauler. But those who are more into cars know that not all station wagons are bland vessels for large cargo. About 15 years ago, GM dropped a 556-horsepower LSA 6.2-liter supercharged V8 into the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon. In the 1990s, GM put a (detuned) version of the C4 Corvette’s LT1 into the Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon. As the 1954 Dodge Coronet Suburban Two-door Station Wagon in a recent “Jay Leno’s Garage” video shows, Dodge had its own dragon wagon decades earlier.

In 1954, Dodge offered six station wagon configurations. You could get the Coronet Sierra Four-door with seating for six or eight passengers, powered by a 230ci “Get-Away Six” or 241ci “Red Ram” OHV V8 with hemispherical heads and 7.5:1 compression that helped it generate 150 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. The six-passenger Coronet Suburban Two-door was available with the same engine options. Surprise, surprise—Leno’s Coronet has the Hemi.

There’s more to the Coronet Suburban than just power, though. Leno also loves it for its bright and fun turquoise and white two-tone paint and old-school wire wheels and whitewalls. The JC Whitney radio signal booster may be more form than function, but it adds to the longroof’s charm.

That explains why Leno largely left the car alone. Although he had the generator converted into an alternator for more power and consistency, the car still runs on a six-volt electrical system and doesn’t have power steering.

Clearly, as you’ll see in the video below, neither of those retained features diminish the driving experience or Leno’s enjoyment of it.

Bonhams Shows off Porsches, More for AZ Auction Week

During Arizona Auction Week, several other niche auction houses crash Scottsdale and make The West’s Most Western Town more about automobiles than horses. Bonhams, the global auction house that was founded in London in 1793, always has an assortment of vehicles that leans towards the sporting and luxury set.

Held at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, The Scottsdale Auction had several vehicles worthy of note, including a 2024 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport in a hue called Éléphant Blanc (“White Elephant”). It sold for over $5 million, which isn’t a world record, believe it or not. Porsches dominated, but there always has been a smattering of American vehicles, mainly unusual pre-war classics, several 1950s cruisers, and 1960s muscle and sporty cars like Corvettes, Mustangs and Shelbys, and a lone Hemi’Cuda.

The below gallery shows most of the Bonhams vehicles that crossed the block on January 23, 2026.

1913 Pope-Hartford

Used Cars That Are Still Worth Buying in 2026

The used car market in 2026 offers a diverse array of vehicles that combine reliability, mechanical realism, and unexpected ownership experiences. Advancements in automotive engineering over the past two decades have produced mass-market and enthusiast models that continue to deliver enduring value. Notably, the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic has emerged as a top contender, earning a reliability score of 93/100 and an impressive total cost of ownership rating of 8.6/10. (motorbiscuit.com) This model’s affordability and dependability make it a standout choice for used car buyers seeking long-term satisfaction.

The post Used Cars That Are Still Worth Buying in 2026 appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Engines That Failed Way Earlier Than Expected

Throughout automotive and aviation history, numerous engines have been developed with high expectations, only to fail prematurely due to design flaws, manufacturing issues, or unforeseen challenges. These early failures not only impacted the manufacturers but also influenced the evolution of engine technology. This article explores several notable examples of such engines, examining the reasons behind their unexpected shortcomings and the lessons learned from their failures.

One prominent example is the Westinghouse J40, an early high-performance afterburning turbojet engine developed in the 1940s. Despite initial success, attempts to scale it up to its full design power failed, leading to its abandonment in 1955. The program’s failure was primarily due to a lack of investment in research and experimental resources by Westinghouse, leaving them unable to resolve the issues with the various models of the engines. (en.wikipedia.org)

Another example is the Manly-Balzer engine, the first purpose-designed aircraft engine built in 1901 for the Langley Aerodrome project. Despite its innovative design, the engine failed to deliver the expected performance, leading to the project’s failure. (en.wikipedia.org)

These cases highlight the complexities involved in engine development and the importance of thorough testing and research to ensure reliability and performance. By examining these failures, we gain valuable insights into the challenges of engineering and the critical need for innovation and resilience in the face of setbacks.

The post Engines That Failed Way Earlier Than Expected appeared first on Motor Junkie.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 2007 Bentley Continental GTC

The Bentley Continental GTC took a “bigger is better” approach to automotive engineering. Despite being a two-door convertible, it was only about four inches shorter than a Ford Explorer. It also weighed two and a half tons, and it was powered by a 6.0-liter W12. Featured on AutoHunter is a low-mileage 2007 Bentley Continental GTC listed by a dealer in Woodland Hills, California. The auction will end on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

When it was sold new, the Continental GTC listed for about $190,000. The car was crafted in Bentley’s Crewe, England, facility on a purpose-built line with high-quality materials. As a reflection of that, the car tipped the scales at about 5,500 pounds—approximately twice the weight of a same-year Nissan Versa. Still, the Continental managed to accelerate and handle with authoritative confidence. Motor Trend said, “Despite all the mass and weight, there is an unexpected lightness in the controls. The steering is a two-finger job at all speeds, the brakes respond eagerly to the tips of your toes, and the paddle-shift transmission juggles ratios in an amazingly efficient fashion.”

This GTC’s AutoCheck report shows accident-free ownership in Oregon and California under two owners. The odometer shows just 74,193 miles, which is a relatively low reading for a car that’s now 19 years old. Speaking of the car’s age, it’s hard to believe the design—riding on the Volkswagen Group D1 platform—came out 23 years ago. Even today, the look conveys opulence and class. Exterior features include quad headlamps, a matrix grille, a power-folding cloth soft-top, chrome trim, LED taillights, and dual oval tailpipes.

The automotive media largely agreed that the Continental felt lighter than it really weighed—and the main reason for that was its muscular powerplant. Under the hood was a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged DOHC W12 mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Bentley rated the car at 552 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

In line with the Continental’s luxury-oriented approach, the cabin of this GTC has loads of creature comforts like heated black leather upholstery, a Breitling clock, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. If that doesn’t make the car sound comfortable enough, it also has an adaptive air suspension for an even more posh ride. You’ll undoubtedly feel like a big wig in this plus-sized luxo-convertible.

The auction for this 2007 Bentley Continental GTC ends Monday, February 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Cars That Earned Their Reputation the Hard Way

Throughout automotive history, certain vehicles have transcended mere transportation to become legends. These cars didn’t achieve their iconic status by chance; they earned it through a combination of resilience, exceptional performance, and, at times, notorious character. This article delves into specific models whose reputations were forged through real-world challenges and significant events, highlighting their enduring legacy in the automotive world.

The post Cars That Earned Their Reputation the Hard Way appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Cars That Are Cheap to Buy but Expensive to Own

Many vehicles entice buyers with their low initial purchase prices, yet they can become costly to own over time. Factors such as poor reliability, high maintenance expenses, and inefficient fuel consumption can quickly offset the savings from an affordable sticker price. Below is a comprehensive list of vehicles that allure with affordability but may sting your wallet in long-term ownership.

The post Cars That Are Cheap to Buy but Expensive to Own appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Cars That Quietly Dominate the Reliability Charts

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, certain vehicles consistently top reliability rankings without the need for flashy marketing or fanfare. These models earn respect through years of dependable service and minimal maintenance headaches. As technology advances and competition intensifies, some cars quietly set the benchmark for long-lasting performance, low ownership costs, and superb engineering. This article delves into those understated champions—vehicles known for their steadfast reliability, often validated by owner surveys, expert analysis, and durability studies across the industry.

The post Cars That Quietly Dominate the Reliability Charts appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Cars That Were Ahead of Their Time—and Paid the Price

Throughout automotive history, numerous vehicles have introduced groundbreaking innovations, only to face commercial failure. These cars, ahead of their time, often struggled due to market readiness, consumer skepticism, or technological challenges. Their stories highlight the delicate balance between pioneering design and market acceptance. Understanding these instances offers valuable insights into the challenges of automotive innovation. (motor-junkie.com)

The post Cars That Were Ahead of Their Time—and Paid the Price appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Vehicles That Proved Simpler Engineering Was Better

In the automotive world, the pursuit of innovation often leads to complex engineering solutions aimed at enhancing performance, safety, and comfort. However, history has shown that simplicity in design can sometimes yield more reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly vehicles. This article explores several cars that exemplify how straightforward engineering principles can lead to enduring success and satisfaction.

One notable example is the Mercedes-Benz W123 series, produced from 1976 to 1985. Renowned for its durability and reliability, the W123 was engineered with a focus on simplicity and longevity. Its robust construction and straightforward mechanical systems made it a favorite among taxi fleets worldwide, demonstrating that less complexity can result in greater dependability. (daxstreet.com)

Another case is the Citroën DS, introduced in 1955. While it featured advanced technologies like hydropneumatic suspension, the DS’s overall design emphasized ease of maintenance and user-friendly features. Its innovative yet simple approach to comfort and handling set it apart from more complex contemporaries. (en.wikipedia.org)

The Hillman Imp, launched in 1963, serves as a testament to the effectiveness of simple engineering. Designed as a compact, economical car, the Imp utilized a rear-engine layout and straightforward mechanical components, making it easy to maintain and repair. Its success in the UK market highlighted the appeal of simplicity in automotive design. (en.wikipedia.org)

These examples underscore the value of simplicity in automotive engineering. By focusing on essential features and reliable performance, these vehicles have left a lasting impact, proving that sometimes, less is more.

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