mod@tech

Yesterday, my cubemate Derek Shiekhi observed how several modern cars have handled two-toning, to mixed reviews. In a previous era, two-toning was more uniform and consistent.

As far as I can tell, two-toning picked up in popularity in the 1940s, with the greenhouse being painted a contrasting color. Not until the advent of postwar redesigns did two-toning become more widespread, with the roof being painted a different color. Using trim helped add even more contrast, with several brands (notably Packard in 1955) even offering three-tone schemes. But as the 1950s ended (like all decades, they bled into the next one), manufacturers reverted to just a contrasting roof. Glance at a 1963 Ford and it would not be unusual to see a contrasting roof—you’ve probably seen one with a white or black top countless times but never blinked. Of course, other contrasting colors were available.

To these eyes, it appears that two-toning began to be less and less popular as we entered the 1970s, which is also the decade that luxury (or pseudo-luxury) cars began to flaunt fancy two-tone paint schemes. The painted roof seemed so quaint by that time, but the 1970s was an era of excess style, the last moment we were footloose and fancy-free before America became more complicated and (dare I say) over-regulated.

When my mom was shopping for wagons and honed in on a 1979 Pontiac LeMans Safari (no doubt due to my influence after being exposed to the charms of Pontiac thanks to our neighbors, whose family owned a Pontiac dealership in Elmer, New Jersey), she certainly didn’t want the fake wood paneling of the Grand LeMans, and was disappointed she could not get the two-toning she had seen on a Grand Prix. Looking at a Pontiac brochure, I see that LeMans two-tone paint was option W50, though I cannot determine from this alone whether it was available on the wagon or if the salesman led us astray.

Certainly, there are factory limitations to how paint can be applied to a mass-produced car, but paint is something that can be used as a styling instrument, much like headlight lighting today—witness the above Delahaye.

If you think classic cars don’t need a vinyl top to offer a contrasting roof, then you may dig the Two-Tone Muscle Cars (and more!) group on Facebook. While black or white tops seem to be most common, it can be exciting to see other color combinations that can’t be offered with the limited color availability of vinyl tops.

Barrett-Jackson is gearing up for another extraordinary collector car season in 2026 with the ultimate automotive lifestyle event, Jan. 17-25 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Enthusiasts from around the world will travel to Arizona to see over 1,800 collectible vehicles, including supercars, Resto-Mods, customs and classics cross the block with No Reserve, as well as enjoy hundreds of exhibitors, dozens of dining options, Thrill Rides and Dirt Rides with professional drivers from top manufacturers and unique VIP experiences. The Rock The Block kickoff concert, Barrett-Jackson Cup competition, STEMfest and Family Day are among the many featured events during the auction.

On Friday, Jan. 16, country music superstar Cole Swindell will perform live for the 3rd annual “Rock The Block” concert in the Auction Arena at WestWorld of Scottsdale. In addition, the opening act will feature multi-platinum singer-songwriter Chase Rice.

“There’s so much to be excited about as we gear up for our flagship Scottsdale Auction in January,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re creating an immersive automotive lifestyle experience unlike anything in the world. We’ll start the event with our annual “Rock The Block” concert and keep the energy up throughout the week. We’re ready to kick off the 2026 collector car auction season this January and look forward to seeing everyone in Scottsdale.”

Not-to-be missed attractions that are part of admission to the Jan. 17-25 Scottsdale Auction include:

• Coca Cola Family Day, Jan. 17 – All guests can get up-close looks at the auction vehicles on display before they cross the block and enjoy all the event has to offer before the automobilia items and collector car auctions begin in the following days.
• STEMfest, presented by Honeywell, Jan. 17 – as part of Barrett-Jackson’s continuing commitment to STEM education, the festival will feature more than two dozen STEM exhibitors with interactive displays from Honeywell and other companies from around the Valley.
• The Barrett-Jackson Cup competition – Jan. 17-24. With a $20,000 cash purse and other prizes, 50 world-class custom car builders from around the country will vie for the top slot: Ultimate Best In Show. 
• The Collector’s Club, Jan. 17-25 – Curated for the discerning collector, the Collectors Club hospitality pavilion offers an exclusive, elevated space where you can relax in comfort with ample seating and premium beverages. Open to the public, the Collectors Club is your go-to destination for an unforgettable auction-day experience.

The 2026 Scottsdale Auction will once again start the week off with the Opening Night Gala before the collector cars begin to roll across the auction block. It’s a chance for VIPs, consignors, bidders and special guests to relax, dine and dance the night away.

Daily at the nine-day event, guests can shop the vast Exhibitor Marketplace, presented by Swisstrax, take a Thrill Ride with Dodge and Toyota on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track and experience an adrenaline-pumping off-road Dirt Ride with Toyota. Attendees can also enjoy the Midway patio, presented by Hilton Grand Vacations, take in live music performances from local favorites and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor dining offerings.

Barrett-Jackson VIP Experiences hospitality packages, from Quint Events, include Craig Jackson’s Skybox, Luxury Lounge and Staging Lanes. Each of these all-inclusive packages provide premium vantage points, hospitality access, exclusive extras, gourmet culinary offerings and premium beverages.

“Over the last 50 years Barrett-Jackson has earned the right to say that we are ‘The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions’,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The contributions we’ve made to grow the collector car hobby is something we are all proud of. We’re planning an outstanding event for January – from an out-of-this-world docket and live entertainment to activities the whole family can enjoy. I hope everyone can join us in Scottsdale and share the pure passion we all have for this amazing hobby.”

Early, exciting and highly desirable consignment vehicles that will sell to the highest bidder on the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction block in January include:

• 2017 Ford GT – formerly owned by Tim Allen, with just 937 actual miles.
• 2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R – one of two legal for use in the U.S. and one of just 25 produced worldwide.
• 2005 Ford GTX1 – autographed by Carroll Shelby, Roger Penske, Henry Ford III, Edsel Ford, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Tony Kanaan.
• 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Split-Window Coupe and 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible – both built by Jeff Hayes Customs and powered by 540hp LS3 Hot Cam engines, paired to 4L70E automatic overdrive transmissions on Art Morrison sport chassis.
• 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – fully restored and powered by its matching-numbers 429ci/375hp V8 engine paired with its original 4-speed manual transmission.
• 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible – powered by a date-code-correct 440ci Six-Barrel engine and one of 29 440ci Six-Barrel convertibles produced in 1970.
• 1971 Chevrolet Nova Custom Hardtop – featured on “Bitchin’ Rides” and has been shown at SEMA, Goodguys, the Boise Roadster Show and the Salt Lake Autorama.
• 2017 Dodge Viper ACR Snakeskin Green Edition – No. 22 of 31, powered by a 645hp 8.4-liter V10 engine, with 812 actual miles.

Included with the nine cars that will be auctioned for charity during the 2026 Scottsdale Auction, Barrett-Jackson is once again teaming up with NASCAR Cup Series Champion Ryan Blaney – this time to offer a 2005 Ford GT benefiting the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation. The car was generously donated by a Ford and NASCAR enthusiast. Barrett-Jackson waives all fees and commissions on charity sales, ensuring that 100% of the hammer price goes directly to support the charity. To date, Barrett-Jackson has raised more than $164 million for charity.

Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Those interested in being part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid may do so here. VIP Experiences hospitality packages are available here. Throughout the nine-day Scottsdale Auction, children age 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students age 13 through college age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $27 at the AXS online box office.     

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

During the early 1970s, Chevrolet promoted its brand with the tagline, “Building a better way to see the U.S.A.” Some advertisements said, “Take to the highways and back roads in a car that’s easy on everything—particularly the upkeep.” Featured on AutoHunter is a Bow Tie from this era, a 1972 Chevrolet Nova two-door Coupe. It is being sold by a dealer in Asheboro, North Carolina, with the auction ending on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

Now, five decades after Chevrolet launched its “see the U.S.A.” tagline (truthfully, it was a nod to a campaign from more than 20 years earlier), I can still think of relatively few ways that might be better means of transport for a cross-country tour than behind the wheel of a sporty, classic muscle car. This frame-off-restored Nova might be just the ticket.

The car’s exterior is finished in Candyapple Red, and the dual black stripes provide a bit of contrast and flair to the body. Modeled as a Super Sport tribute, the car has obligatory “SS” badges in the grille and taillight panel. Other features include a Cowl Induction hood, dual side mirrors, tinted windows, chrome brightwork, and a dual exhaust system. Traction comes from 15-inch Rally wheels wrapped in Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.

The Nova (previous known as a trim level for the Chevy II) was in its third generation from 1968-72. Thanks to its unibody construction and compact size, it had a strong power-to-weight ratio and was capable of being a formidable performance car on the street or track. Chevrolet generally promoted the car’s low cost of ownership: a magazine advertisement for the 1972 Nova said, “How to see less of your mechanic and more of America.” It went on to say, “When Motor Service and Service Station Management surveyed independent auto mechanics, they rated Nova the car with the least mechanical problems and said it was the easiest to service.”

This Nova’s original 350 engine has been removed, but a replacement small-block has taken its place. This V8 is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a 10-bolt rear-end. A few performance upgrades have been integrated into the build, including a Holley 650cfm four-barrel carburetor, Champion aluminum radiator, a speed starter, and an AGM battery.

The selling dealer has posted a video with a virtual tour which showcases the exterior, interior, and trunk. It also demonstrates the Bluetooth audio system, digital gauges, and ambient cabin lighting. What do you think? Seems like a nice cockpit to hang out in for a long U.S.A. driving tour!

The auction for this 1972 Chevrolet Nova 2-Door Coupe ends Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

No automotive enthusiast I know is into cars exclusively. Each of them has at least one other interest (such as watches). Many people are into certain movies or film franchises, which can often guide numerous fantasies and even the purchasing decisions of gearheads. “Back to the Future” is not only an iconic movie by itself, but it’s also well known amongst the car community for popularizing the DeLorean DMC-12, albeit one that was heavily modified into a time machine. Our Pick of the Day is perfect for both fans of the movie and its hero vehicle. This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 “Back to the Future” time machine replica is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Miami.

It’s safe to say that ever since “Back to the Future” first hit theaters in 1985, people have been creating replicas of its stainless steel-skinned time machine. Building one of those on a limited budget in a garage can end poorly. However, this one is on a completely different level as it was created by Bruce Coulombe of Coulombe Enterprises, a Florida company which has built nearly 70 BTTF time machine replicas.

Just look at the details. According to the selling dealer, “Great lengths were spent achieving a correct representation of the movie down to the correct purple clamps that hold the external wires. Most builders would use black clamps—these are aviation purple clamps use just like in the movie car. It has all-metal aluminum construction for the rear vents, external mesh rails and other parts.”

There’s also a Mr. Fusion device at the back, which Doc Brown used at the end of the first movie/beginning of “Back to the Future Part II” to turn ordinary trash into power.

Inside the cockpit, there are all the buttons and displays that helped send Marty McFly back to 1955. The seller adds, “Fully functional ‘Time Circuits’ can be programmed with any dates/times you like. Real working ‘Plutonium Gauges’ exactly as in the film. The ‘Upper Console’ is mounted to the ceiling, along with many other details in the car that are exact replicas of the parts seen in the film.” In addition, there are plenty of prop replicas that come with the car, including a hoverboard signed by Christopher Lloyd.

No BTTF DeLorean would be complete without a Flux Capacitor. I think you can guess by now that this replica has one. It emits a resonating buzz and, when you put it into “time travel” modes, it even lights up.

Mechanically, this DeLorean did some time-traveling into the future, receiving upgraded front shocks and adjustable rear coilovers. The PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.85-liter V6 is connected to a five-speed manual gearbox and cooled by an upgraded radiator with dual electric fans.

If you feel that it’s your “density” to buy this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 “Back to the Future” time machine replica, don’t be timid like the 1955 version of George McFly—act like the more confident 1985 George McFly and go after what you want. You might need to sell a lot of books, though, because it’ll cost you $175,000 to put this creation in your driveway.

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

Just like automatic shifters, two-tone vehicle paint jobs are nothing new, but manufacturers keep coming up with different versions of them.

You can put new vehicles into drive using buttons, a lever, or a dial. If you want something a little more dynamic than one solid color, certain models allow you to select a two-tone color scheme. Some of those are more conventional than others.

The 2025 Ford F-150 King Ranch comes with Marsh Gray lower-body trim, then lets you select from a range of colors for the rest of the truck. If you really want to mix things up, there are options out there. For $68,000, you can add the Ombré by Mulliner finish (which gradually transitions from one color to another) to your Bentley.

In the realm of more affordable vehicles, there’s the Toyota Crown and the Ford Expedition. Toyota’s high-riding, all-wheel-drive hybrid sedan is available in a variety of solid colors, with four that are paired with black for part of the nose, hood, roof, trunk lid, and part of the tail. The blacked-out hood brings the carbon-fiber hoods installed on some modified Asian cars to mind, so it works. The roof does as well, but all that black at the rear throws things off and makes the Crown look a little odd.

Then there’s the 2025 Expedition. I thought the first one I saw out on the road was a police cruiser. Why? Because it was white and the top part of its Ford Split Gate was black. I was surprised to learn that civilians can get theirs like that from the showroom floor. I can’t say I’m a fan because I think the key to an attractive two-tone paint job is flow. If you see a handsome bi-color Chevrolet C10, its two colors are stacked, start at the front, and end at the back. The same goes for ultra-luxury cars such as the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and Rolls-Royce Phantom.

There’s a flow to the Toyota Crown, but all that black pools up in the rear. In a way, the Ford Expedition has a flow: its profile has the roof as the top layer, darkened B-, C-, and D-pillars below that, and the rest of the body at the bottom. But then there’s that seemingly random black liftgate, which makes the vehicle look out of balance.

What do you think? Have automakers gone too far with two-tone? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

It’s time to out myself—I don’t “get” the infatuation with Steve McQueen. I tend not to have adoration for the rich and famous, knowing that they are also going to end up six feet under just like the rest of us. Then again, Steve McQueen was an enthusiast like you and me, had racing experience, and possessed the means to buy and do things we can only dream about.

So, who would be today’s Steve McQueen? I humbly submit a very unexpected human bean.

McQueen’s career came of age in the 1960s, a decade in which it seemed everything accelerated and evolved—not unlike the 1950s, but with much more tension. If the 1950s were wet behind the ears, the 1960s were years of maturation, a moment of maturity before the opportunity to become jaded reared its head. (I wasn’t alive then, but that book on the Punic Wars was written by someone who wasn’t alive then either, so . . . !) Sometimes called the “King of Cool,” McQueen rose in a decade that had many others that could wear that title, such as Michael Caine and Robert Mitchum. Neither of those actors were auto enthusiasts, but James Dean and Paul Newman were, both of whom could also claim the crown.

Over the weekend, while my six-year-old was handling the TV remote control (the dexterity of kids today with modern tech is nothing short of amazing), I happened to catch sight of the thumbnail for Handy Bean and said, “Hey, Dante, want to see the preview of this thing and see if you enjoy it?” To my surprise, my stubborn son said yes, and the preview was good enough for him to view several episodes, which are actually shorts. If you’re familiar with the character Mr. Bean, these clips come off as online how-to demonstrations (like what you’d find on YouTube) but with the hands and first-person perspective of the goofy Mr. Bean. I then was reminded that Rowan Atkinson, the actor who plays Mr. Bean, is an enthusiast with enough funds to buy (and crash) the best street cars in the world. He has also legitimately raced several disparate vehicles.

I’d have to ask my wife for confirmation, but I don’t perceive Atkinson as handsome in the way the previously mentioned actors seem to have been. And certainly Mr. Bean is the antithesis of cool.

I will go out on a limb and call Atkinson “Steve McBean,” the current King of Cool.