What’s better than aShelby GT500-powered off-road pickup? Winning a free one, plus some fun money on top. And what’s better than that? Knowing that you’re helping a good cause at the same time. Yesterday at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, chairman and CEO Craig Jackson announced a sweepstakes with a 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor R and $20,000 as the top prize. Knowing that proceeds will benefit the African Parks non-profit conservation organization is a great bonus.
Dave and Jill Kimmerle of the Phoenix-based dealership Sanderson Ford will supply the special Agate Black Metallic 2026 Raptor R (which is currently being built). For years, the Ford F-150 Raptor was the king of high-flying off-road trucks, but then Ram released the 2021 TRX, which had a 702-horsepower supercharged Hemi under the hood. The Blue Oval responded by using a 700-horse version of the Shelby GT500 Mustang’s Predator supercharged 5.2-liter V8 to create the 2023 Raptor R. Just one year later, Ford Performance recalibrated the engine to produce 720 horsepower (torque remained 640 lb-ft). A set of 37-inch tires help the Raptor R tear across the desert and launch over dunes; Fox Live Valve shocks cushion its landings.
Rob Walton, Chair of African Parks Foundation of America, said, “We are deeply grateful to be selected as the beneficiary of this remarkable Ford F-150 4×4 Raptor R sweepstakes. African Parks’ mission is to conserve Africa’s most important landscapes and protect the wildlife and communities that depend on them, and this partnership will directly support that effort.” African Parks does that with the help of its thousands of employees, who run 23 parks that spread across nearly 50 million acres on the continent.
After the announcement in the Ford section at WestWorld of Scottsdale, I spoke with Philip R. Welp, a board member of African Parks Foundation, USA, about what his time in Africa working toward community development and greater climate, sustainability, and biodiversity awareness has taught him—and can teach others. He told me that people travel to Africa for the exotic animals, but they return for the loving people they meet there. After all, it’s easier to make an emotional connection with a person who tells you their story than a beautiful creature you see from a distance.
If you’d like to see a 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor R up-close—as in parked in your driveway—and an additional $20,000 in your bank account, enter the sweepstakes now. It’s hosted by Tapkat, a fundraising platform that allows you to enter the drawing by making a charitable contribution here. You can also enter in person at any 2026 Barrett-Jackson auction. To learn more about African Parks, check out the video below.
Remember the television sitcom “Home Improvement” that was featured on the ABC network from 1991 through 1999? Tim Allen played Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, a character who was frequently quoted as saying that his tools and equipment needed “MORE POWER!” Would Tim have been satisfied with a 521-horsepower Corvette? Featured on AutoHunter is a C3 that has no shortage of power, even for Tim Taylor: a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Custom Coupe listed by a dealer in Canby, Oregon. The auction will end on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. (MST).
It only takes a quick glance at this Corvette to see that it means business when it comes to performance. The engine is the predominant feature of the build – towering out of the nose in all its chromed-out glory. A spec list gives us some insight as to the nuts and bolts that bring it all together: The 355ci V8 is supercharged using a “Big Al’s” Roots-style supercharger, and features include dual Holley 750cfm carburetors, Iron Eagle Dart heads, a BDS blower, Hooker long-tube headers, and plenty of shiny dress-up bits. It’s a work of art. Power is fed to the rear tires via a robust Muncie M22 four-speed manual transmission and a 12-bolt Positraction rear end.
For 1979, Corvettes reached unprecedented sales heights, with over 50,000 units finding new owners. One of the drivers for that was a longer list of standard equipment. One ad said, “This year, Corvette engineers and designers continue to refine one of the world’s impressively responsive cars, blending styling and engineering to give you touring comfort and driver convenience. New flatter-folding bucket seats endow Corvette with a more practical carrying capacity. New dual-snorkel air induction air cleaner, new anti-theft steering column ignition lock, and standard Delco AM/FM radio help to make it one of the world’s well-equipped cars.”
The selling dealer says that this hopped-up Vette has been driven fewer than 500 miles on the new engine. It’s a car that would be equally suited for the street or the strip … especially considering how race-ready it is. (The interior has a tubular roll cage, and the meaty Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro rear tires do a solid job of channeling all 521 horses to the pavement.)
It’s been over 25 years since Tim Taylor made his characteristic grunt and asked for MORE POWER – but we are confident that if he saw, heard, and drove this muscular C3 Corvette, he’d probably just nod his head and smile.
If you have a penchant for horsepower, how do you swing? Do you prefer the lightest, most austere version? The fanciest, stylin’ version? Or something in between? If I took a poll, I bet it would show that most people prefer the version with the chrome, the interior, and the engine, but our Pick of the Day doesn’t demonstrate this popularity when you look at production numbers. This 1963 Dodge Polara 500 two-door hardtop is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in O’Fallon, Illinois.
What’s a Polara? It’s a made-up word that means nothing, but it was supposed to invoke space as the Polaris star is a part of the Ursa Minor constellation. Dodge first used the name in 1960, the same year the Chrysler Corporation utilized Unibody construction for all car lines save Imperial. Unlike earlier years, Dodge had two series of cars on different wheelbases, with the Polara and Matador (also new) being the senior series while the Dart (also new) was on a four-inch-shorter wheelbase. The Polara and Dart continued through 1962, but mid-year, Dodge introduced the Polara 500.
The Polara 500 caught the buckets-and-console wave in the compact segment. By 1962, this theme started appearing in mainstream full-size cars from Ford and Chevrolet. Though generally a two-door hardtop and convertible, the Polara 500 was also offered as a four-door hardtop, though it featured three-across seating with a center armrest. Alas, Dodges had trim proportions thanks to a smaller wheelbase (down six inches from 1961), plus somewhat odd styling that was not satisfactory to the American public, and sales suffered.
A fix appeared for 1963. Dodge grew the wheelbase three inches and stylists removed the side sculpting and made the flanks more conventionally slabbed. The staggered headlights continued, though in inverse form, with the all-new compact Dart featuring similar jutting headlights without the high beams in the grille (which arguably came off as being more handsome). As a result, full-size Dodge production (we’re talking about the downsized cars, not the “true” full-size 880 series) shot up due to public approval, and the good times would continue.
This 1963 Dodge Polara 500 two-door hardtop demonstrates the cleaner look while still maintaining some of the unusual aspects of its styling. However, this one is powered by the drag-oriented Ramcharger 426, commonly known as the “Max Wedge.” There were two versions of this, with this one having the low-compression (11.0:1!) iteration with 415 horsepower. Other features include Torqueflite automatic, AM radio, and 3.91 gears—clearly the original owner wanted to go fast, but also wanted to be stylin’.
Dodge built 962 cars with the Ramcharger 426 in 1963 and, lo and behold, Polara 500s were the rarest of the bunch, with 131 built. If you look at production numbers of cars from the era, you’ll see that the most popular hi-po versions were typically on the fanciest models, but this Dodge bucks that trend. Sounds like the typical Mopar owner, no?
When you walk through the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld, the first auction vehicles you see are rows of exotics, restomods, and muscle cars. Walk a little further indoors and you will see hundreds of cars, but the outside tents also house hundreds of vehicles that cross the block – and several surprises.
Below are several cars from Tent 1 that will be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. The eclectic selection is a highlight of the experience Barrett-Jackson offers.
1966 Buick Wildcat GS Nineteen sixty-six was the only year Buick had three Gran Sport models: Skylark, Riviera, and Wildcat. It also was the only year for the Wildcat GS, making these cars curiosities even among Buicks. The GS package was available on the Wildcat and Wildcat Custom hardtop and convertible and included the 340-horsepower 425 (an upgrade from the 401/325 that was standard on regular Wildcats), limited-slip rear, and heavy-duty suspension. This also was the final year the dual-quad 360-horse “Nailhead” was available, though this example has the standard four-barrel version. Only 1,244 were built among all four Wildcat Gran Sport iterations.
1979 Ford Bronco Custom SUV I’ve always dug the Free Wheeling graphics from this era, which really stand out against the black flanks. This one received the restomod treatment as evidenced by the 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 paired with a 10R140 10-speed automatic transmission. Other upgrades include 4.11 gears, Atlas transfer case, four-inch lift, BDS shocks, rear disc brakes, power steering, air conditioning, and Dakota Digital gauges. Kudos go to Paradise Customs of Gilbert, Arizona, for the build.
1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Talk with a fan who bleeds Ford Blue and (s)he’ll tell you this car is equipped with the best version of Ford’s 351 V8. Diehards will even claim it’s faster than the 429 Cobra Jet, though CJ fans would rather fight than switch. Raven Black paint (131 out of 1,806 were this color) scored you silver stripes and trim, which gives it a magnificent look and a nice change of pace from your usual white or black. Come to think of it, this Boss 351 might be for everyone after all!
1973 De Tomaso Pantera Few cars handled the U.S. federalized front bumper as well as the Pantera. Similarly to the Boss above, it’s powered by a four-barrel 351 Cleveland, though this one features a five-speed manual. Other features include air conditioning, AM/FM radio, staggered tire sizes, and factory chrome exhaust. The previous owner kept this from 1975 until 2021, which is always a nice plus for prospective buyers. Since this Italo-American is a hybrid of sorts, is it allowed to drive in the carpool lane with a Prius?
1948 Lincoln Continental Coupe This model is the last of the first-generation Continentals, not to mention the last American V12. The original Valley Green metallic glows, complemented by the green cloth and leather interior. Other features include power windows, signal-seeking AM radio, heater/defroster, and three-speed manual. One of the last pre-war designs before the post-war redesign, this Lincoln reflects a mix of old-world looks with new-world styling.
1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator The stripes and spoiler thing was out in force for 1970, and who better than Mercury to lead the way with two models loaded for bear? (I’d say Pontiac was the other brand that had two bespoilered models.) The Eliminator played the role well as it came standard with front and rear spoilers—there even was a stripe on top of the spoiler, no less! Again, making an appearance here is a four-barrel 351 Cleveland, which was the standard engine, though those who wished for more could always step up to the Boss 302 or 428 Cobra Jet.
1941 Dodge G505 Custom Pickup This custom half-ton pickup is the quintessential “fully restored and tastefully upgraded” specimen that often appears at Barrett-Jackson. Power Wagon vibes with a knack for furniture restoration is another way to see it. Power comes from an upgraded 251ci Chrysler Spitfire inline-6 engine (replacing the factory 230ci unit) paired with a five-speed manual transmission (replacing the original four-speed), which helps make modern driving conditions easier to handle. However, I’d be lying if I said the custom woodwork didn’t interest me the most.
1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Skyliner It’s easy to gravitate to Tri-Five Chevys over Fords of the same era, but the 1955 Ford was strong too. In addition, the unusual Crown Victoria model had a Skyliner variant that included a partial Plexiglass roof for the sun to shine through—perhaps a proto-sunroof design without the wind? Power comes from a 292ci V8 paired with a Cruise-O-Matic transmission. Apparently, this one’s been sitting in a museum, so it could use some TLC, making it an excellent candidate for those capable.
2002 Lincoln Blackwood Remember these? Available only for one model year (though some resources say a version was available in Mexico for 2003), the Lincoln is rather uncommon as 3,383 were built. Apparently, functionality was compromised by several concessions to style, which was no bueno to customers. Pull up to the country club in one of these and those with a Lincoln Mark LT will writhe in inadequacy.
1938 LaSalle Sedan The Great Depression was unkind to a lot of cars, but LaSalle managed to survive the decade, only to be discontinued after 1940. Throughout its existence, it always came off as a sportier, kid version of Cadillac, though that’s difficult to reconcile judging by the formal look of this sedan. Harley Earl’s style is all over this, which is about as attractive as any car from ’38. Power comes from a 322ci V8 paired with a three-speed manual.
1938 Chrysler Royal Sedan I also think 1939 Chrysler products were strong across the board. If you think this ’39 Royal two-door sedan has something that makes you do a double-take, you would not be wrong—sealed-beam headlights have been installed. Chryslers of this era came with either six- or eight-cylinder engines, a symbol of Chrysler’s position in the market. Aside from the headlights, this one has been updated with four-wheel disc brakes, 12-volt electrical system, and aftermarket air conditioning.
1957 Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser I don’t know much about Land Cruisers—their history appears convoluted to newbies—but I do know that this one from 1957 is quite early, especially in America. The 3.6-liter inline-six (loosely based on the GMC 236 engine and built under license) is paired with a four-speed manual. Features include a rebuilt original Aisan carburetor, new clutch, reconditioned and pressure-tested fuel tank, new fuel lines and fuel pump, new radiator, and a fully functional four-wheel-drive transfer case. It would be neat to compare this to a Jeep.
1977 AMC Gremlin This facelifted Gremlin features a transplant to the tune of 360 cubic inches, replacing the original four-cylinder. Additional upgrades include power steering, power brakes, dual exhaust, and fully restored suspension and steering components. The interior is “Hot Scotch” and looks exactly how it sounds. If you’re familiar with Randall Rambler, then this one could be seen as a little brother of sorts, full of horsepower combined with 1970s AMC Malaise. Buy this for Granny and see what happens (provided she lives in Pasadena).
It feels like the new year is flying by, but that could only mean one thing: the anticipation for the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction is over! Doors opened on January 17, with collector vehicles beginning to cross the block yesterday at WestWorld of Scottsdale and continuing through Sunday, January 25, 2026.
With a cast of thousands on four wheels (plus several others, give or take a wheel), the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction features an array of cars and trucks to whet the appetite of any enthusiast. Those that finished in the Top 10 on Monday covered a wide spread of model years and continents (click on each vehicle below to view in the docket).
In the 1960-70s, fake cooling scoops were a small trend on several American cars. Below we have four vehicles currently listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com that exhibit this feature. Can you tell us what these cars are?
Be sure to list the model year, make, and model in the Comments section below. If you feel stumped, you can click on an image to snag a hint.
Click on a photo to reveal each car
When it’s Tuesday, you know it’s game day at The ClassicCars.com Journal. You can play past puzzles by clicking here once you’re done with this one.
Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Catalina. During this era, Pontiac hardtops were called “Catalina,” a name which was later used for a stand-alone model starting in 1959. Powering this Poncho is a Strato-Streak 287 V8 backed by a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Features include AM radio with glovebox-mounted Pioneer stereo with CD player, driver-side mirror, and more. Painted in two-tone Firegold and White Mist over a copper and beige cloth and leather interior, this 1950s cruiser comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.
The repainted Firegold and White Mist hues are original to this car. Other exterior features include driver-side mirror, rear-fender stone guard (part of the Custom sub-model), Chief Pontiac hood ornament, and distinctive chrome side trim that distinguished V8-powered Star Chiefs from lesser models. A set of 15-inch Firegold steel wheels with stock wheelcovers are wrapped in 215/75 whitewall radials.
The recently-reupholstered copper and beige cloth and leather interior features a split bench up front. An automatic transmission shifter is on the right side of the steering column. Other features include an AM radio assisted by a modern Pioneer unit nestled in the glovebox (complete with CD player), and newer wood-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for oil pressure, water pressure, battery, and fuel. A clock resides on the right side of the dashboard.
The Strato-Streak 287ci V8 features a four-barrel carburetor, which gave it a 180-horsepower rating at the time. It is paired with a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. A late-model GM alternator has been added.
The undercarriage features an independent front suspension, rear solid axle, manual drums on all four corners, and a single exhaust system.
Aside from being a complete redesign, the 1955 Pontiac also shares the distinction of being the first to be available with a V8 engine. This was the beginning of the Bunkie Knudsen (r)evolution to change Pontiac’s reputation from something a librarian would drive to something more substantial and sporty, with the transformation culminating in 1959. Plus, this 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Catalina features a gorgeous color combination that makes it difficult to resist (see what I did there?). Place your bid now because after Friday, January 23, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (MST), this Poncho will be going to a new garage—yours?
The name “G-Wagen” may bring to mind the cube-ish four-door SUVs driven around Beverly Hills (and never off-road), but the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has taken many forms over the past several decades, including a two-door and an even an AMG-enhanced 6X6 pickup. Our Pick of the Day is a particularly attractive configuration. You can find this 1996 Mercedes-Benz G 350 Turbodiesel Cabriolet listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Southampton, New York.
The G-Class was introduced in 1979 as a hand-built off-roader available in two wheelbase lengths and five body styles. In response to customer demand for a more comfortable and better equipped vehicle, Mercedes replaced the initial W460 model with the W463 in 1989. This time around, there were three body style choices: cabriolet, short station wagon, and long station wagon.
There have also been several different engine types under the hood of the G-Wagen. Those include gas and diesel, and cylinder counts of four, five, six, eight, and even 12. The W463 rig I’m highlighting here is an interesting combination of the two-door cabriolet layout powered by a 3.4-liter turbodiesel inline-six, which is paired a four-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive with locking front, middle, and rear differentials. According to Mercedes, when new, this engine put out 136 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.
The Ruby Pearl Metallic exterior is accented with bright trim (including the ring around the rear-mounted spare tire cover) and later-model Mercedes wheels. The black soft top covers a black leather interior trimmed with wood veneer and equipped with heated front seats, power mirrors and windows, and a factory AM/FM/cassette radio.
Mercedes never officially offered the G-Class in the United States until the 2002 model year (the gray market was glad to fill in the gap until then), so if you want a G-Wagen that’s a little different than what you’re used to seeing on the road (or trail), you can get it in this 1996 Mercedes-Benz G 350 Turbodiesel Cabriolet for $85,000.
A faster breed of Dark Horse with supercharged power is coming. If you bid on the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC with the first retail VIN at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, you can add it to your stable and know that 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Breakthrough T1D, which supports research and advocacy for those living with Type 1 diabetes.
Hmmm . . . a supercharged Dark Horse, eh? So Ford Racing just attached a blower to its Coyote 5.0? Nope. The SC, which slots in between the Dark Horse with the Performance Package and the Mustang GTD, is powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8, aka the “Predator.” If that sounds familiar, it’s because the Ford F-150 Raptor R uses the same setup—as did another Mustang: the 2020-2022 Shelby GT500. As of right now, there’s no word from Ford on how potent the Dark Horse SC’s engine is, but don’t be surprised if its output is somewhere between the last GT500’s 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, and the Mustang GTD’s 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft. Whatever the numbers happen to be, they’ll be delivered to the road and track through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Photo courtesy of Ford From the Road
Ford Racing developed the SC on the Sebring and Virginia International Raceways, right alongside the GTD as well as the Mustang GT3 race car. That led to several performance enhancements, such as the SC’s aluminum hood, which features a massive vent that aids powertrain cooling and front-end dynamics. Taking out the vent tray gives the SC 2.5 times the amount of downforce generated by the regular Dark Horse’s hood vent.
Photo courtesy of Ford From the Road
The GTD’s influence includes next-generation MagneRide dampers with revised spring rates and knuckles, a flat-bottom steering wheel with 12 o’clock stripe and performance controls, and Alcantara, carbon fiber, and 3D-printed titanium accents.
Photo courtesy of Ford From the Road
An available Track Pack takes the SC’s performance to the next level by adding a variety of aerodynamic and suspension upgrades. Ford Racing cut 150 pounds of weight by installing a set of carbon fiber wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R rubber and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Using a magnesium strut tower brace sharpened the SC’s steering feel and reduced unsprung mass.
Photo courtesy of Ford From the Road
According to Ford, “During development, our team engineered a specific ducktail-shaped decklid for the Mustang Dark Horse SC Track Pack that improved the rear wing’s efficiency by 10 percent without requiring a larger wing or higher angle of attack, both of which could impact rear visibility.” At 180 mph, the carbon fiber wing pushes the back end closer to the track with 620 pounds of downforce. Inside, SCs with the Track Pack receive Recaro leather and Dinamica sport seats, plus Space Gray or Teal accents; there is no rear seat—only a storage shelf.
Photo courtesy of Ford From the Road
Expect to see 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SCs in Ford showrooms starting this coming summer. Then it’ll only be a (short) matter of time until you spot them racing C8 Corvette Z06s.
Not only did we get an up-close look at Tyler Hoover’s 2006 Jeep Commander Limited, but we also interviewed the host of the popular YouTube channel Hoovies Garage about it. To make the 5.7-liter Hemi-powered, three-row SUV more of the vehicle he thought it should’ve been all along, Hoover added a variety of cosmetic and functional upgrades. The most obvious of those is faux wood grain trim, but if you look hard enough, you’ll also see Bilstein shocks, a two-inch lift, and all-terrain tires. Although Hoover didn’t take his improved Jeep Commander off-road after the modifications were made, perhaps the person who paid $8,800 for it at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction did. We sure hope so!
