mod@tech

You’ve probably seen the RC car or toy versions of the 1936 Ford 5-window coupe customized by Jesse James and the crew at West Coast Choppers. Recently, we were lucky enough to see the car itself (which came with some of the collectibles it inspired) in all its modified glory. The roof was chopped eight inches and the body was coated in an eye-catching metallic purple, then set on steelies wrapped in wide-whitewall tires. To make this build even more unique, James and the WCC team added a Nash pickup grille and the taillights from a 1936 Bugatti. The interior was decked out with black and purple leather upholstery, and a colorful snake motif on the dashboard. Under the hood is a Chevy 350ci V8 that breathes fire through a flame thrower-style exhaust. This truly distinctive custom went to the highest bidder for $95,700 at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction.

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Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this 1964 Dodge 440 two-door hardtop, which gives off strong Max Wedge vibes. Though the model’s name was unrelated to the engine (which did not exist until the 1966 model year), this Mopar muscle car is powered by a 440ci with a cross-ram dual-quad setup and headers; the powerplant is paired with a 727 TorqueFlite automatic. Other features include a Max Wedge hood scoop, open exhaust dumps, a roll bar, Torq Thrust mags, bucket seats, and more. Painted red over a red and white vinyl interior, this B-body is offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with a clear title.

The red paint is complemented by chrome and white longitudinal side trim. Other exterior features include a driver-side chrome mirror and corner-exit exhaust dumps. A set of 16-inch American Racing Torq Thrust mags is wrapped in 210/70 BFGoodrich radials.

The red interior features white trim on the seats, with buckets up front. Other interior features include a push-button automatic shifter, an AM radio, a roll bar, and a two-spoke steering wheel.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the oil pressure, temperature, alternator, and fuel level. There also is a dashboard-mounted Mooneyes 8,000-rpm tachometer. The odometer currently shows 14,284 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

Under the hood, you will find a 440ci V8 with cross-ram intake and two four-barrel carburetors. Other engine features include wheel-well headers. The engine is hooked to a 727 TorqueFlite three-speed automatic.

The undercarriage features power front disc brakes and, as mentioned, a dual-exhaust system that allows for open headers.

The Max Wedge was the precursor to the 426 Hemi, but it was no less impressive thanks to the combination of a cross-ram manifold and an angry disposition. The beauty of this 1964 Dodge 440 two-door hardtop is that it’s a tribute, which means there’s no pussy-footing with this machine. That also means there’s no pussy-footing with the auction, so bid on this screamer before Friday, November 21, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Next year, the Jeep brand will turn 85. In the lead-up to the big event, Jeep has commenced the Twelve 4 Twelve celebration, which will bring 12 new special-edition Jeep Wranglers through 2026.

Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf says, “Starting today, the Jeep brand will unveil a new limited-edition Wrangler model on the 12th of each month for the next 12 months,” all adding to the 7 million Wranglers that have been sold since the off-roader debuted for the 1987 model year.

The first special edition in the collection is the 2026 Wrangler Moab 392. The 470-horspower 392ci Hemi V8 lives on in a rig inspired by Jeep’s 85th anniversary and the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Although Broderdorf said the Moab 392 was “engineered with a no-frills, back-to-basics philosophy,” it’s essentially a reworked version of the 2025 Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition, which explains its familiar features. Those include 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, 4.56 axle ratio, 2.72:1 Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel drive system, dual-mode exhaust, and a water-separating Hydro-Guide intake.

The cabin is equipped with heated black Nappa leather seats, Alpine audio system, and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. One major difference between the Rubicon and Moab 392s is the starting price—whereas the ’25 Rubicon 392 we tested had a base price of $99,995, the ’26 Moab 392 has an MSRP of $79,995 (excluding the $1,995 destination charge).

If you want to get a Wrangler Moab 392, you can order one now. While you wait for it to be delivered to your local dealer, you can follow Jeep’s “Operation Airdrop” marketing campaign, a name inspired by Willys MBs being parachuted onto battlefields during World War II. The first video installment below shows the Moab 392; subsequent videos will hint at future Wranglers in the Twelve 4 Twelve series. To discover what the second one will be, you’ll have to wait until December 12^th.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will open its road course for the 10^th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 27.

This popular event, which encourages community members to enjoy a scenic walk, run or family stroll around the 2.238-mile circuit, benefits the Food Bank for Monterey County. In exchange for donations of $10 or non-perishable food items, participants can enjoy as many laps as they’d like around the road course between 7-11 a.m. On-leash dogs are also welcome to join the fun. Reservations are not required, and donations will only be accepted onsite.

The Food Bank for Monterey County is the area’s largest provider of emergency supplemental food. For every $1 received, it can purchase $5 worth of food for neighbors in need.

“Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the Turkey Trot has become a treasured tradition,” said raceway President and General Manager Mel Harder. “We are honored to support a vital institution like the Food Bank for Monterey County and welcome our neighbors for a festive morning at the track.”

For more information about the Turkey Trot, visit weathertechraceway.com. Learn more about the Food Bank for Monterey at foodbankformontereycounty.org.

Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this restored 1963½ Ford Falcon Sprint. It ‘s powered by a rebuilt, reportedly numbers-matching 260ci V8 mated to a C4 three-speed automatic transmission. Finished in Corinthian White over a black vinyl interior, this beaut of a bird is now offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with a clear title.

As part of the restoration, the body was refinished in Corinthian White. Exterior features include chrome bumpers, an ornamental hood scoop, dual side mirrors, side trim spears, bright rocker panel trim, and dual exhaust outlets.

This Falcon flies—or sprints, actually—on a set of 14-inch steel wheels equipped with wire covers, spinner-style center caps, and 185/35 whitewall radials.

Black vinyl covers the front bucket and rear bench seats. Cabin features include manual windows and steering, wood-tone steering wheel, column-mounted automatic shifter, factory AM radio, and rear deck speakers.

Instrumentation consists of a 100-mph speedometer, dash-mounted 6,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the temperature and fuel level. The odometer shows 40,589 miles, but this vehicle’s title indicates that it’s mileage-exempt.

According to the dealer, the rebuilt 260ci V8 under the hood is original to the car. It comes connected to a two-barrel carburetor and a C4 three-speed automatic.

This Falcon sprints, but time flies. Make sure you bid on this 1963½ Ford Falcon Sprint before the auction ends on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Several days ago, I opined that 1964 was the most significant year in the ’60s, although enthusiasts often cite 1970. Our Pick of the Day is one of the biggest reasons why 1970 is often thought of as the peak of the era. This LS6-powered 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Marietta, Georgia.

The 1970 Chevelle has its fans, with many feeling it’s the best-looking Chevelle ever. However, there’s almost an equal number of fans who believe the 1969 Chevelle was the most attractive of the bunch. Whatever your opinion may be, the 1970 edition appeared somewhat stockier, thanks to rounded edges and slight bulges above the wheel wells. A newly designed domed hood contributed to the tougher look. Inside, a new gauge cluster had Hot Rod pointing out “you can see them all and they all work.”

There were changes under the hood as well. First, the 396 was bored slightly to measure 402ci, though it was still marketed as a 396 for Z25 Super Sports (plus, it was newly available on regular Chevelles as order code LS3, though confusingly marketed as a 330-horsepower 400). Next, the new base engine for the SS 396 was the L34, still rated at 350 horses. The 375-horsepower L78 was still available.

However, within a few months of production, the Z15 SS 454 package was introduced. The base engine was the LS5, a 360-horsepower “Rat” that was akin to the 390-horse version available for full-size Chevrolets and the Corvette. The LS6 upgrade was akin to a big-bore version of the L78 or a stroked version of the L72 427, all solid-lifter engines that were quite in their respective classes. When the LS6 was introduced, Chevrolet decided to discontinue the L78, leaving three available Super Sport engines.

For the first time, the Chevelle Super Sport was available with air induction. The domed hood stayed the same, but now it featured a rear-facing lid at the cowl that opened under hard acceleration. Branded Cowl Induction (like the system introduced for the 1969 Camaro), the option included “band-aid” stripes in white or black. The stripes were also available as a stand-alone option.

The LS6 option was a resounding success for Chevrolet, with 4,475 built among SS 454 hardtops, convertibles, and El Caminos. In fact, more LS6s were built than LS5s—that’s an anomaly somewhat like the 390 Mustang we recently discussed. This LS6-powered 1970 Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe shows many of the things that made the Chevelle hot, including stripes, air induction, and SS wheels. What’s more unusual is the Gobi Beige hue, which doesn’t scream horsepower but certainly screams 1970. Originally built in Baltimore, it was sold new at City Motors Company in Great Falls, Montana. Early in its life, the original LS6 was replaced by a factory-warranty block. “Refinished circa 2005 in the factory Gobi Beige (50) with black SS stripes; Dark Gold vinyl roof (H) replaced at the same time,” says the seller. “15-inch Super Sport-style wheels with trim rings/caps.” The windshield also was replaced. Tires are BFGoodrich Radial T/As, 215/60R15 up front and 255/60R15 at the rear. Other features include power steering and front disc brakes, gauges, and an M22 close-ratio “Rock Crusher” four-speed. Modifications include Edelbrock cylinder heads, a Melling oil pump, an HEI distributor, and an X-pipe with MagnaFlow mufflers, among others.

The current owner has had this vehicle for 55 years, which means it has had one owner for the bulk of its life. Clearly, he is in the 1970 camp. The question for you is: For $149,900, will you be?

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

Ya gotta love Mopar folks. When you discuss the fastest muscle cars of the era with them, there’s always one who tosses a “The 1968 Hemi Dart and Barracuda would crush them all!” bomb. However, there’s always that pesky “not quite street-legal” footnote that completely negates the point.

Nonetheless, these A-body race cars are quite popular with enthusiasts because they reflect a manufacturer’s intention to destroy all competitors in sanctioned racing. At the end of the decade, it seems only AMC offered a similar car with the SS/AMX, while Ford dabbled in other stuff and GM still held onto the AMA racing ban, resulting in a handful of race cars dressed in street trim (read: ZL1 Camaro).

Not everyone can afford a Hemi A-body, but not everyone wants one anyway—they aren’t well-suited for the street, as you know. But what about building one that’s more street-friendly? With a 392 Hemi crate engine from Mopar Performance, no less? That’s 495 net horsepower. Dan Zajac and his son Daniel built this car together over 14 years. Why did it take so long? Because Daniel—newly retired—was a career military man.

Join Muscle Car Campy as he guides us during a ride in a satin black 1969 Dodge Dart with modern Hemi power, aka “Dart Vader.” Other features include a TKX five-speed manual (with a Hurst Pistol Grip, natch!), Hemi hood scoop, Reilly MotorSports front suspension with Street-Lynx triangulated four-bar rear suspension, Ford nine-inch rear end, and much more.

If you dig this video, be sure to check out other muscle car videos from Muscle Car Campy!

Has your spouse or significant other told you that you can make a connection between cars and anything, no matter how random or obscure it is? My wife has told me that more than once. I can’t help it because my head is so full of car trivia that sometimes it just flies out of my mouth when I have even the slightest opportunity to share it.

That’s why I’ve started a new weekly series called Car Connections here on The ClassicCars.com Journal. Every Saturday, I’ll have the Random Word Generator spit out 3-5 words, then I’ll link them to cars in some way—without using Google. I’ll just rely on the minutiae rattling around inside my brain. If the word is overtly car-related, I’ll take it out of the running and use a different one. Some of the connections will be simple and quick; others will be more labored and convoluted (but probably more fun to make and—I hope—follow).

For this first installment in the series, I’m going with three words: brown, revolution, and number. Let’s see what I can do with them.

Brown: UPS delivery truck. Done. (Or Aston Martin‘s former owner Sir David Brown, whose name led to the “DB” model name prefix still used today.)

Revolution: At first glance, I interpreted this in the sense of a cultural movement, not revs. A tachometer is too easy, so let’s try a different route: styling. The Porsche 911 has always had an evolutionary design because each generation has the same basic layout and an overall family resemblance. The Hyundai Santa Fe, however, went through a design revolution. Launched in the 2024 model year, the fifth-generation SUV tossed out its predecessor’s curves for a blockish design that brings the Land Rover Defender to mind.

Number: Several years ago, I read something about the McLaren F1 in which the writer said that everything associated with the BMW 12-powered ’90s icon was “telephone numbers.” That means if any repair needs to be done, the price for it will have a lot of numbers in it.

How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. And be sure to share your ideas for random words to use in a future installment of Car Connections.

The ML55 AMG is an important vehicle for Mercedes as it was the company’s first SUV to receive the AMG treatment. It is powered by the naturally aspirated M113 5.4-liter SOHC V8, one of the most reliable AMG engines ever. That develops 342 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, which gave the 5,000-pound ML55 a respectable-for-the-era 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 141 mph, making it the fastest SUV at the time – and the first truly sporty SUV. The ML55 AMG showed manufacturers such as BMW and Porsche that there was a market in the U.S. for performance SUVs. The rest is history. Now, several automakers build high-performance SUVs and sell them by the thousands, but Mercedes was the first. Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is a 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG offered on AutoHunter by a Phoenix, Arizona seller.

The seller describes this ML55 AMG as being finished in black with a black leather interior. The vehicle has covered 93,000 miles from new and has not only been well cared for, but it has also received a number of upgrades that improve its already good off-road capabilities.

The exterior of this ML55 looks to be in excellent condition, with nice black paint and no issues to be seen. Being in Phoenix, it has not had to live with salt on the roads. Based on the condition, I am guessing that this car spent its off hours in a garage, otherwise the paint would not look this good. This ML rides on a set of factory 18-inch AMG Monoblock wheels clad with 275/70 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.

The interior looks amazingly nice. The black leather appears to be in great condition as does the rest of the cabin. It includes WeatherTech mats as well as the original Mercedes carpeted mats. The only change from stock is the Pioneer replacement head unit that adds Bluetooth and SiriusXM radio.

Under the hood, the M113 V8 looks great. The engine compartment is clean and everything appears as if it was cared for and maintained. Recent service includes the replacement of the crank position sensor, A/C drier, A/C expansion valve, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, thermostat, water pump, valve cover seals, coolant reservoir, power steering pump, and power steering reservoir. In addition, this ML55 received a recent transfer case rebuild, a new transmission pan seal, and fresh brake pads and rotors.

Upgrades include Bilstein shocks, H&R one-inch spring spacers, and a MagnaFlow dual exhaust system.

This ML55 AMG has not only been extremely well cared for, but it also has some great upgrades. The stance on this Mercedes makes it look ready for both off-road fun and daily driving.

If this ML55 AMG looks as good to you as it does me, then act fast and bid on it right now. Don’t forget that when it was new, this Mercedes had a list price of over $65,000. You have an opportunity to get one of the original performance SUVs and the very first factory-built AMG SUV, so get in there and bid because the auction for this 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG ends on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery