An informal poll among enthusiasts I know shows that they absolutely love the AMC AMX, but how many of them own one? They had limited appeal and sales due to their two-seat configuration, but they are easy to find if you want one. Alas, it seems few of these Brand Xers have stepped up to the plate.
A little-known secret is that the most popular AMX engine was the biggest one from 1968-70, which means the 390—yes, it was more popular than the 290, 343, or 360. The 390 was rated at 315 horsepower for 1968-69, then went up 10 for 1970. Four-speeds, as a whole, were more popular than automatics, which suggests AMC did a fine job attracting enthusiasts. Perhaps some of them were conquest sales from those who previously were never in the market for an AMC product?
Join Muscle Car Campy as he gives us a tour of this Hunter Green metallic 1969 AMX. Owned by Gary Kelly, it is equipped with a tan leather interior, four-speed, the Go Package, and 3.54 gears. And, as it is from Kenosha, it features AMC’s famous reclining seats!
When I was in high school in the 1980s, the Toyota 4X4 pickup was one of the “it” cars. So many of the cool kids had them. Given how much time has passed since then, today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is a truly rare find: a mint-condition 1982 Toyota Deluxe 4X4 pickup.
Many people think that the sales of the Toyota 4X4 were due to its memorable appearance at the end of the movie “Back to the Future,” but it is the other way around: young people discovered the Toyota 4X4 years before the release of the film, which reflected the culture of the time by featuring the truck.
The reason is that Toyota trucks were reliable and capable off-road vehicles that were also pretty civilized on the road. In addition, they were supported by a huge aftermarket. which enabled you to turn a Toyota pickup into just about any kind of custom truck you wanted. These were the trucks that really put Toyota on the map as a manufacturer of great utility vehicles, ones that could hold their own with anything built in America.
The downside is that the great majority of these fine trucks were literally driven into the ground. Due to the multitude of available customization options, they were jumped, raced off-road, and just used up. Those that escaped such fates were used as daily transportation for hundreds of thousands of miles—until they literally died.
According to the selling dealer, this 1982 Toyota 4X4 is powered by a 2.4-liter 22R inline-four mated to a four-speed L45 manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Finished in white over a blue vinyl interior, this four-wheel-drive truck is now offered by the dealer with a clean AutoCheck report and a clear title.
The exterior appears to be in amazing condition with straight body panels, paint that looks to be in exceptional shape, and no rust or corrosion issues anywhere. The brightwork also seems excellent. The fact that this 44-year-old truck is this nice is simply amazing.
The blue vinyl interior is the same, with no cracks in the seats, door cards, or dash. While the term “time capsule” is overused in car descriptions, it truly fits this truck. I also love that it has a period aftermarket Craig AM/FM/cassette stereo, which is right on point for the era. The pop-out sunroof is also a period mod that looks just right here. In addition, there is a sliding rear window, which will help a lot with keeping this truck cool in the summer months.
The engine bay is possibly more immaculate than the paint, with the 22R engine looking to be extra clean and completely stock. I honestly see no wear at all. It looks as if this truck was extremely well maintained with Toyota factory parts over the years.
The same goes for the underside, although there is possibly a small amount of surface rust on the catalytic converter. The suspension and floors all look as great as the rest of this truck, which you could probably win a car show with tomorrow.
I fully expect this great example of an ’80s Toyota to easily meet its reserve price. If you grew up when these were new or simply want to experience the generation of Toyota trucks that literally created the brand, then you had better bid ASAP. The auction for this 1982 Toyota Deluxe 4X4 pickup ends on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. (MST).
A couple of years ago, I published a story about a web-based resource containing a wealth of information on BMW M Coupes and M Roadsters. The site, maintained by Jon Martin, is still active today and continues to be a handy source of data. One of the cars we can learn about there is our Pick of the Day: a 2006 BMW Z4 M Coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in London, Ontario, Canada.
“Very rare, low-production, future collectible M Coupe,” the listing says. According to Jon Martin’s Z4 M Coupe Buyer’s Guide, total production across the three model years for the Z4 M Coupe was 1,815 units. Drilling down even further, we see there were 212 cars built in Titanium Silver Metallic, and only 46 of those contained Imola Red interiors. This is one of those 46 cars. Talk about rarity – fewer than 50 were built in its combination.
From the beginning, the M Coupe and M Roadster were high-performance variants of the Z3 and Z4. They were seen as raw, driver-focused sports cars, and were produced between 1997 and 2002 for the first generation, and 2003 through 2008 for the second generation. Production took place in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the world’s largest BMW manufacturing facility, which even today is still cranking out cars.
In the interest of performance, the M Coupe had the heart of an M3: an S54 3.2-liter inline-six, which was paired with a six-speed manual. The S54 was a legendary engine, worthy of its own Wikipedia section even. It boasted “double VANOS” variable-valve timing, offering 330 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The seller of this M Coupe says that service is up to date (complete with documented service history dating back to 2012), and the “car needs nothing.”
There are 73,000 miles on the odometer, and the car is said to be largely original with the exception of a set of H&R lowering springs. The seller says that a pre-purchase inspection has been performed, and importation to the United States should be a breeze. (We recommend that any interested buyers perform their own due diligence.)
The asking price is $35,500 USD or $49,900 CAD; the price will include the car’s original springs. A small price to pay to own a one-of-46, limited-edition collectible!
This Factory Five Racing ’33 Hot Rod is powered by a 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8 linked to a Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual transmission, and its composite body is mounted on a steel box frame. The car rides on a cantilever-style front suspension that utilizes tubular upper control arms and adjustable lowers, a three-link rear end, and adjustable coilovers, and staggered chrome Torq Thrust-style alloys are mounted over Wilwood brakes. The interior features bucket seats, Simpson racing harnesses, a gated Tremec shifter, Speedhut gauges, Vintage Air, and a hidden Custom Autosound radio. It was assembled under previous ownership and purchased by the current owner on BaT in January 2024. This ’33 Hot Rod is now offered by the seller on behalf of its owner with a clean Oregon title in the owner’s name that lists the vehicle as a 2014 ASVE.
The hand-laid composite body is styled after a 1933 Ford three-window coupe and has been painted black with a red pearl effect coat. The roof, fenders, running boards, and side panels are removable, and the car also has rear-hinged doors, LED taillights, and dual exhaust outlets.
It rides on adjustable coilovers at all four corners and features a cantilever-style front suspension with tubular upper control arms and adjustable lowers, while a three-link setup is used out back.
Five-spoke chrome wheels measure 17″ in diameter up front and 20″ out back and are mounted with older Bridgestone Potenza tires measuring 245/40 and 285/30, respectively. Stopping power is provided by Wilwood calipers mounted over cross-drilled and slotted rotors at all four corners, and the car has electric power steering.
The bucket seats are trimmed in black vinyl upholstery and fitted with Simpson latch-and-link harnesses, while additional elements include Vintage Air climate control, power windows, LED lighting, a Custom Autosound SRMS Secret Hidden Radio, Factory Five-branded floor mats, drilled billet pedals, and a Tremec shifter with a gated shift plate.
The leather-wrapped Factory Five Hot Rod steering wheel is mounted to a tilting Ididit column and sits ahead of Speedhut instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph GPS-enabled speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. The digital odometer indicates 1,200 miles since completion of the build.
The build utilized a Gen 2 5.0-liter Coyote V8 fitted with BBK tubular headers, a Spectre intake, and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan.
The Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual transmission is linked to an 8.8″ axle with a Ford Racing-logo cover.
The car is titled as a 2014 Assembled Vehicle using VIN F5R1000720HR.
Automotive historyspans much more than just classic cars themselves. Over the last century (and beyond), the automotive industry has impacted fashion, architecture, hospitality, infrastructure, culture, and – most importantly – individual families. In some instances, a family-run service station may date back many generations.
Some stations I’ve featured include my great-grandfather’s station in Logan, Utah, the “snow cone” Art Deco station in Tucson, Arizona, and Bob’s Sinclair in Kanosh, Utah. Each was full of personality and history. As the saying goes, “If walls could talk …”. It would be fascinating to hear about some of the vehicles – and people – that have been to those sites.
In the 20 years I’ve lived in Arizona, I’ve stopped by a specific abandoned service station in Fredonia for photos countless times (and in many different vehicles). On a recent trip over Thanksgiving, I noticed a for-sale sign out front. I decided to inquire with the real estate agent, and I arranged a time to view the interior of the building.
Buckskin Tavern
During my five-hour drive from Phoenix to Fredonia, I had worked up an appetite, so I decided to hit up a local favorite: Buckskin Tavern. It was located a few miles up the road, just a bit shy of the Utah state line. Greeting visitors near the neon Buckskin sign out front was a 1955 Chevrolet 3200 pickup, complete with a skeleton sitting in the driver seat and a Christmas tree in the bed. While showing its fair share of patina, the truck had a relatively straight body from what I could tell in the dim lighting.
For 1955, Chevrolet was moving into what became known as the “Task Force” generation of light-duty and medium-duty trucks. Exterior features included an eggcrate grille, fender-mounted emblems, and a stepside bed. The truck on display looked like it had been parked there for quite some time. My curiosity got the best of me, so I looked on Google Maps to see if I could figure out when it was first parked. The 2018 street view image shows it there – and that the paint was in quite a bit better condition then. The Buckskin Tavern, by the way, holds the title for being home to Arizona’s “longest bar” at 96 feet in length.
Pratt Street Station
As for the Fredonia service station, information online is relatively light. Fredonia was laid out in 1886. At one point, Pratt Street was the major east-west route through town (it was later bypassed by a newer alignment of Highway 89A). The station probably got its start in the 1920s. I’ve been able to come up with only one historic photo of the property, but it provides a lot of clues about the building’s history. A few observations:
The pump out front was a gravity-fed, hand-crank-style pump. One of the signs was for Vico Motor Oil. Vico was a brand produced by the Utah Oil Refining Company (Utah’s first refinery) from 1908 through 1948, and it was sold alongside “Pep 88” gasoline.
The station was a multi-purpose roadside stop that offered bread and groceries – common in rural areas where people needed more than just fuel.
The flat roof and stucco finish were typical of buildings in the Southwest.
The wardrobe said a lot about the era, too, featuring high-waisted trousers for the men.
The commercial truck out front was probably used for fuel deliveries and similar tasks.
The 1920s marked a time when automobiles were becoming mainstream and tourism was beginning to boom. The fact the station was only 73 miles from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon meant it was part of a key tourism route for the region.
Getting inside the barn-style front doors was like taking a step back in time. Littered throughout the interior were relics of the past – old cans, jars, boxes, and equipment. The smell was consistent with an “old building.” I was surprised there were no bathroom facilities apparent – just a stove, some shelving, and lots of memorabilia.
If I had a week to spare, I’d offer to help the family comb through it; if I had a quarter-million dollars to spare, I’d make an offer. Some friends and family were supportive of the idea. In fact, one of them developed an AI rendering of what the place would look like as an automotive-themed coffee shop (see below). We could all use a shot of high-octane espresso sometimes.
Historically, either Indiana or Ohio can be considered #2 after Michigan in terms of automotive impact in the United States. However, Wisconsin was the final holdout for an independent manufacturer outside of the Big Three. Located in Kenosha, the former headquarters for Nash, American Motors Corporation managed to survive through 1987. Several of Kenosha’s hottest were on display at the 2025 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals.
1970 Trans-Am Javelin, one of 100 built.
After the Nash and Hudson merger, AMC first produced a performance car beginning with the 1957 Rambler Rebel, but the manufacturer’s dedication to the performance segment (in a bid to compete toe-to-toe with the Big Three) arguably began with the 1965 Rambler Marlin, to be followed by the 1966 Rambler American with the 290. That was upgraded to a 343 (with mandatory four-speed) in 1967, which would then be followed by the 1968 Javelin and AMX, 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler, and 1970 Rebel Machine. Through 1974, AMC produced the Javelin and Javelin AMX, upon which it seems AMC reverted to being a more practical producer of automobiles.
Image courtesy of Alan Munro
The NashNutz display at the 2025 MCACN gives us a taste of most of the above. Though not a meaty display this year, I am sure you will agree they all nicely competed with equivalents from the Big Three.
Click here to check out other displays from the 2025 Muscle Cars and Corvette Nationals.
1967 Rambler American 220 two-door sedan with 343 and a four-speed. (Image courtesy of Alan Munro)This 1969 Javelin SST is equipped with the aftermarket XP package, which was available through AMC dealerships. DLR Engineering produced a fiberglass hood and decklid with spoiler, among other optional items. (Image courtesy of Alan Munro)Note the special-order pink on this 1972 Javelin AMX.Though not quite a muscle car, this 1972 Gremlin X could be equipped to look the part, including Sidewinder side pipes and mag wheels.This 1970 AMX has tasteful modifications. (Image courtesy of Alan Munro)This is a 1974 Javelin AMX powered by a 401, which was top of the heap for ’74. (Image courtesy of Alan Munro)
There’s a difference between old vehicles and classic vehicles. Old vehicles age and fade into the past without anyone chronicling their significance or working to preserve or restore them. Classics maintain their appeal across generations of enthusiasts and are either attentively looked after as the years pass or brought back to their former glory. This 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer CST that will be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction is a bona fide classic.
Introduced as a 1969 model, the original Blazer was a K10-based. body-on-frame SUV with a short wheelbase, wide tracks, and standard four-wheel drive that helped make it the “Newest Way to Go Almost Anywhere.” The second-generation “Square Body” model debuted in 1973 and lasted all the way until 1991. The third – and final – generation only spanned the 1992-1994 model years. In 1995, Chevy dropped the Blazer name in favor of Tahoe and introduced a four-door model.
There have been other vehicles known as the Blazer, such as the smaller S-10 variant of the ’80s and ’90s, and the current crossover and Blazer EV siblings, but the first two generations of the original Blazer seem to be the most popular and cherished. Even those that lived rough lives are often restored so they can be enjoyed for decades to come.
The ’72 model you see here is a great example of the Blazer’s enduring popularity. Its original body panels have been retained, but almost everything else has been updated. According to the auction listing, “The chassis and suspension components have been refinished to factory specifications.” The body was repainted in the eye-catching combination of orange and white, which is accented with fresh brightwork and woodgrain trim. When the white hardtop is off, this rig offers an open-air off-road experience on new BFGoodrich KO2s; when the hardtop is on, it keeps out the elements thanks to replacement weatherstripping.
The cabin is a wonderful mix of colors. Fresh ivory vinyl covers the seats and door panel inserts, and makes the brown of the new carpeting look that much richer. A brown pad tops the orange dashboard, which is flanked by the matching door panel uppers. As if that combination wasn’t attractive enough, the two-spoke steering wheel is a caramel tan, giving this Blazer a flourish that’s both visual and tactile.
Not only has the 350ci V8 under the hood been rebuilt, but it’s also been upgraded and modernized. Instead of a carburetor, it now has a Holley Sniper EFI system. Accessory features draw power from a serpentine belt setup. The engine delivers its output to the road or trail through a three-speed automatic and a dual-range transfer case.
Nearly 60 years after its debut, the Chevrolet Blazer is still a beloved automotive icon and a legendary off-roader. After a thorough restoration, this 1972 K5 Blazer is ready for more adventures. Are you? If so, bid on it at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, which takes place January 17-25. Click here to register as a bidder. Want to list your car so it can run across the auction block? Go here.
There are fast cars…and then there are legend-makers. The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is one of those rare machines that was born from racing, built to be driven hard, and destined to be remembered forever. In the Boss 302 Dream Giveaway, the grand prize is exactly that kind of icon: a fully restored 1970 Boss 302 Mustang, finished in Grabber Orange, ready to turn every stoplight into a moment and every parking lot into a crowd. Click here to enter now!
Picture this: you lift your garage door and sunlight hits that unmistakable Grabber Orange paint. The stance is just right. The attitude is all business. And the second you twist the key, you don’t just hear an engine—you hear a chapter of Ford performance history come alive.
This Boss 302 is the kind of car that makes people walk faster when they hear it coming. It was built around high-revving 302 cubic inches, backed by a four-speed manual, and sent to the pavement through a Traction-Lok rear differential with a 3.50 gear, the kind of factory recipe that rewards a confident right foot and makes every on-ramp feel like a warm-up lap.
The Boss 302 legend isn’t just what it does, it’s what it is: a street machine with race-bred DNA and the unmistakable styling cues enthusiasts recognize from a block away. This grand prize was ordered with an option lineup that screams classic muscle-era intent, including competition suspension, quick-ratio steering, front and rear spoilers, Shaker hood scoop, Magnum 500 chrome wheels, and more driver-focused essentials like instrument gauges and a tachometer.
And if you’re the type who loves the “how rare is it?” question—the Boss 302 is already a standout, with 7,014 produced. That’s the kind of number that makes ownership feel like membership. Enter now for your chance join an elite group of Boss 302 owners.
Here’s what makes this even sweeter: this giveaway doesn’t just hand you the keys—it helps make the win easier to enjoy. The grand prize includes $36,000 paid out toward the winner’s federal prize tax. This one has a clear runway: • Entry banks close: May 28, 2026 • Winner drawn on or about: June 10, 2026
Some classics are nice to look at. A Boss 302 is different—it’s a car you feel. It’s the rumble, the revs, the shift through the gears, and the knowledge that you’re driving one of the most respected Mustangs Ford ever built. And in this Dream Giveaway, your entry puts you in the running to make that dream real—while supporting veterans’ and children’s charities along the way. Enter now.
It has now been over 70 years since the Ford Thunderbird changed the automotive world forever, and the model continues to be popular among collectors. We recently featured five eye-catching T-Birds in a video. Today, we have another beauty to admire. This 1955 Ford Thunderbird Convertible is listed on AutoHunter by a dealer in Mount Vernon, Washington. The auction will end on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).
According to enthusiast-compiled technical resources on Thunderbird history, there were initially just three paint colors offered for the inaugural model year of the car: Raven Black (A), Torch Red (R), and Thunderbird Blue (T). Later in the year, five more were added either by late introduction or special order. This Thunderbird originally left the factory painted in Thunderbird Blue, but today it is presented in a rather unconventional mint green shade. It comes with a color-matched removable hardtop, too.
Beyond just its color palette, the car was clearly the recipient of some customization, especially when it comes to the lowered suspension. Exterior features include a billet-style grille, a hood scoop, chrome brightwork, dual side mirrors, and a dual exhaust system.
A promotional brochure for the Thunderbird called it “A personal car of distinction,” saying, “No matter what your tastes or what you expect in a car, you’ll find a whole new world of enchantment in the Thunderbird. And the pride of owning such a distinguished automobile is only a small part of this pleasure.” One of the reasons the Thunderbird was so chic and sophisticated was that it initially offered seating for only two people (the car didn’t receive a back seat until 1958). This car’s interior was originally configured in turquoise and white, but it has been color-matched in mint green and white vinyl to align with the exterior. Features include power steering, a tilt steering column, an AM/FM Bluetooth stereo system, a custom steering wheel, and lap belts.
Of course, no restomod is complete without a proper powertrain, so this car was enhanced from its original 292ci V8 to a newer, late-model 5.0-liter High-Output V8. A floor-shifted four-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The car’s odometer shows 28,750 miles, although the title reads mileage-exempt. Front disc brakes have been added for modern convenience and stopping power.
While it may not have been an original color offering from the factory, we must say that mint green gives this Thunderbird a unique look! The fact that the car comes with a high-output V8 is icing on the cake.
There’s something special about owning the first or the last of a vehicle. In the case of our Pick of the Day, it was a remarkable end of the road for a company that had been producing automobiles since 1899. Although in the final two model years these cars were Studebakers in drag, they were equipped with the best that Studebaker could offer, including a supercharged V8. This 1958 Packard Hawk is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sioux City, Iowa.
The gorgeous 1955-56 Packard and Clipper models were chock-full of fine engineering that should have helped turn the company around, but it was too little, too late. These cars gave way to the 1957 “Packardbakers,” as the corporation was bleeding money. These cleverly badge-engineered, upper-medium-class cars featured fancy interiors and standard supercharging, something unusual at the time. This would lead to something new and special for 1958: the Packard Hawk.
Based on the Studebaker Golden Hawk, the Packard Hawk was a fancier version of the Studebaker including a luxurious leather interior that even included the dash pad. Fiberglass was used on the nose, and a modified trunk lid with a faux spare tire gave it distinction, while the McCullough-fed 289 gave it performance unseen in previous Packards. Yes, the 1958 Thunderbird often wins accolades for being the first personal luxury car, but very good arguments can be made that the Packard Hawk (and others, going back to the 1955 Studebaker President Speedster) were part of this burgeoning trend before the “Squarebird.”
The uniqueness of this sleek coupe is perfectly represented by this beautiful, Parade Red and Parchment White 1958 Packard Hawk. The hues are complemented by gold Mylar trim along the fins that match the tan leather cabin with nylon loop carpeting. The engine-turned aluminum instrument panel is fitted with race-inspired Stewart-Warner instruments. Take a peek at the 275-horsepower 289ci V8 and you’ll notice the McCullough supercharger. Like most Hawks, a Borg-Warner Flight-O-Matic automatic handles shifting duties. “It’s just hard to find fault cosmetically or mechanically. Inside, outside. top and bottom no bad news,” says the seller. “It drives as good as it looks.”
A copy of the window sticker shows this Packard had an MSRP of $4631.49 from a dealership in San Bernardino, California. To take it home from Sioux City, you’ll have to shell out $59,800 for this gilded personal luxury coupe.
