mod@tech

When you hear the name “Explorer”—as in Ford Explorer—what do you envision doing in the SUV? If it’s trying new upscale restaurants with valet parking, the luxurious Platinum model is probably the one for you. If it’s testing the limits of the vehicle’s handling and acceleration, go for the performance-focused ST. The 2026 Explorer Tremor is built for going further into the great outdoors.

This isn’t the first time Ford has made an off-road version of the Explorer. Remember the Timberline trim level from just a few years ago? Consider the Tremor its successor and the newest member of Ford’s Tremor line of more adventure-ready vehicles, which includes the Maverick, F-150, Expedition, and Super Duty.

As it should, the Tremor treatment goes from the ground up. A set of 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires help it maintain a grip on challenging trails. Ford engineers improved the Tremor’s approach and departure angles to keep it moving smoothly on rough inclines and declines. Auxiliary lights illuminate the path ahead; Electric Spice accents let everyone know the Tremor is coming through.

A unique suspension with specially tuned springs and sway bars give the Tremor an extra inch of ride height—and more distance from the hazards of Mother Nature. If she gets too close, front and rear underbody protection will take the hit.

The Explorer Tremor comes standard with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4, but the ST’s 400-horsepower, 415-lb-ft 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is available. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic and all-wheel drive with a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Like the exterior, the cabin of the Tremor has orange accents, such as the stitching on the seats, door panels, steering wheel, and center console, as well as Tremor logos on the front seats. While the Tremor is doing the hard work and getting dirty, the front passengers can enjoy its available massaging seats; everyone onboard can listen to the optional 14-speaker premium B&O audio system as the available BlueCruise 1.5 hands-free driving technology makes long road trips less stressful.

Ford hasn’t released prices for the 2026 Explorer Tremor yet, but it has opened the order books for it. Expect to see the MSRP and availability later this year.

You may not need us to inform you, but modern cars are infinitely safer than the classics we enjoy. The key to emerging from an accident is how the vehicle absorbs impact and dissipates the energy from the collision. Old cars were not designed in that manner, though physics suggests they may emerge better from an altercation.

The C2 Corvette is not known for being a heavyweight, so being on the receiving end of a collision looks like what? This image we found on CorvetteBlogger.com gives you an idea.

The story goes that Maine resident Gregory Boynton and a passenger were driving along in a Corvette (appears to be a 1963-64), nary a worry on their minds, when a left-turning Mitsubishi SUV traveling in the opposite direction failed to yield to the C2, resulting in this near head-on crash.

The Corvette driver and passenger did not fare too well and were transported by helicopter to a medical center in Bangor. The other driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries. According to the sheriff’s office, alcohol or drugs don’t appear to be a contributing factor.

There’s no indication how fast either of them were going, but you can see the damage to the Corvette. We have to remind ourselves that no matter how salvageable a classic car may appear post-collision, it’s what happens inside the cabin that matters.

The town of Sturgis, South Dakota, is best known for its annual motorcycle rally, which draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to the area every August. My dad rode there once on his Honda Goldwing motorcycle and couldn’t say enough good things about the people, the atmosphere and the nearby attractions like the Black Hills National Forest.

As it turns out, Sturgis is a pretty good place for muscle cars, too:

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Custom Coupe. The car is being sold by a private party in Sturgis, and the auction will end Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. PDT.

Finished in Viper Red, the car has a two-door hardtop body style and has gone through a frame-off restoration. Features include a cowl induction hood, a driver’s-side mirror and chrome brightwork. Footwork comes from a set of 17-inch American Racing wheels wrapped in Nankang Sport NS-1 tires.

The second-generation Chevy II received a restyle on the General Motors X-body platform, and one of the most distinguishing characteristics was the new vertical taillight layout. The design was more squared-off than before, and influences were taken from the larger Chevelle and Impala. Consequently, in advertising, Chevrolet talked about how the car “looked” more high-end than it was. One magazine ad said, “Don’t let the expensive look frighten you. Come closer. It’s Chevy II. Relax, practical car lovers.”

The cockpit is trimmed with gray vinyl bucket seats and matching materials for the headliner, door panels and carpeting. AutoMeter gauges, a Lecarra steering wheel and a Kenwood audio system are among the updates to the interior. The odometer shows 884 miles, although true mileage is unknown (and the title reads mileage-exempt).

Now for the good stuff: Power comes from a professionally-built 406ci V8 mated to a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Upgrades include an Edelbrock 750cfm four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock aluminum intake, Hooker headers, a custom pulley system, MSD electronic ignition and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan. While horsepower is not advertised, it’s safe to say this combination yields a modest improvement over even the highest-power stock Nova drivetrain for 1966. Included in the AutoHunter listing is a cold-start video that gives us a small taste of how beastly the car sounds.

I’ve made it a life goal to own a Nova at some point, but I think it might have to be a third-generation example like my dad’s old 1968. That means I probably won’t be bidding against you on this 1966, as tempting as it looks. Have at it – and let me know how you like Sturgis when you go pick it up!

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Custom Coupe ends Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

There were only two times Chevrolet introduced a high-performance full-size car in the 1960s. What about the Impala SS? Most of the time, it was a trim package, available with a six or V8, so no. However, the Z24 package that was introduced for 1967 certainly counts. A convertible that has that option is our Pick of the Day. This 1967 Chevrolet SS 427 convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller out of Candler, North Carolina.

The first full-size Chevrolet performance car was the 1961 Impala SS. If you glance at the specs for the SS package, you’ll notice there was a big-block engine requirement – in this case, a 305-horsepower 348 backed by a four-speed or Powerglide. Variants offering 340 or 350 horses were also available. Other Super Sport features included a consolette (with a four-speed), passenger assist bar, electric tachometer, padded instrument panel, special wheel covers with simulated knock-offs, power steering and brakes, sintered metallic brake linings, heavy-duty suspension, and special SS ornamentation. Believe it or not, this package was available on all five Impala models, including four-doors. Only 456 were built, plus possibly several more packages installed at dealerships.

Starting in 1962, the SS package was repurposed. Now only available on the Impala Sport Coupe (hardtop) and Convertible, the package consisted of bucket seats, a console with a locking compartment, a passenger assist bar, special wheel covers with simulated knock-off hubs, distinctive side molding inserts, and Super Sport identification. Engine choices ranged from the inline-six to the 409-horsepower 409. This basic theme, either as a package or individual model, would continue through 1968.

Starting in 1967, a performance-focused Impala made an appearance for the second time. Order an Impala SS Sport Coupe or Convertible with the Z24 package and your car would be transformed into the SS 427. Akin to the SS 396 model in the Chevelle’s roster, this package included an L36 385-horsepower 427 paired with a three-speed manual, special hood with ornamentation, unique 427 emblems and SS 427 badging, F40 suspension, Super Sport wheel covers, special gauges, Strato-bucket or Strato-back front seating with a center arm rest, and more. This package was available through 1969, with the L72 427/425 added for 1968-69.

This Ermine White 1967 Chevrolet SS 427 Convertible is quite a rare piece: 2,141 Impalas were built with the Z24 package, and there’s no telling how many were ragtops. Aside from being a standout unto itself, there are several other aspects that distinguish this car even more. According to the seller, it was an executive-ordered car, which was then put in GM’s car pool with 1,500 miles. The owner of Berger (burr-jurr) Chevrolet (one of America’s premiere high-performance Chevrolet dealerships) selected it as his summer car, making several personalized modifications along the way. He subsequently put it on his used car lot.

Options include air conditioning, special instrumentation, Strato-back seating with Custom seat belts, a three-spoke steering wheel on a tilt column, a Multiplex stereo with an 8-track tape player, power windows, a TH400 automatic, Rallye wheels (it has 15-inch x 8-inch Corvette wheels, which are supposedly original), and the very rare D96 stripes (one of 200), which were only available on cars with the Z24 package. “Frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration,” the seller claims. “Complete rebuild of the 385-horse engine,” though the transmission has never been apart.

Nineteen sixty-seven was one of the best years for Chevrolet—note the strength of its styling for all models, from the Chevy II to the Corvair, Camaro, Chevelle, and full-sizers. If you are a big-car fan, here’s an example that has all the good stuff (note the data plate’s accessory codes, including the 4D for the Z24 package), an interesting history several times over, plus a blue top that goes down. Do you really want to experience the summer rays without this Bow Tie? It’ll cost you $110,000 for the privilege.

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