This ’29 Ford Model A was acquired by its current owner in 1999 and redone around 2021. The steel-bodied roadster is powered by a 201ci inline-four which has been fitted with a Miller cylinder head, an Evans downdraft intake with dual Stromberg carburetors, and an aftermarket tubular header. The engine is linked to a three-speed synchromesh gearbox and a Winters Performance quick-change rear end, and the car rides on 16″ steel wheels with a 4″ dropped front axle, friction shocks and hairpin radius rods up front, and a four-bar setup with adjustable coilovers out back. The interior was redone in 2021 with leather upholstery, and it also has a louvered hood and trunk lid as well as Stewart-Warner gauges. This Model A is now offered by the seller on behalf of its owner with a car cover and a clean California title listing the car as a 1929 Ford.
The steel body has been painted black, and it has a louvered hood and a louvered trunk lid. A quick-release fuel cap is mounted behind the removable top, and a racer-style mascot is mounted on the cowl. The car has an Ahooga horn, but it does not currently work.
The suspension has been modified with a 4″ dropped axle with a transverse leaf spring, friction shocks, and hairpin radius rods up front, while the four-bar setup out back is matched with coilovers. The seller notes the bias-ply big-and-littles on the 16″ steel wheels require replacement. Buick-style finned drums are fitted up front.
The owner had the interior redone with leather upholstery in 2021.
The steering wheel frames a column-mounted tachometer, and Stewart-Warner gauges were installed in the dashboard. The owner has added all of the 2,700 miles on the five-digit odometer.
In 2021 the 201ci inline-four was fitted with a Miller cylinder head, an Evans downdraft intake with dual Stromberg carburetors, and an aftermarket tubular header. It also has alloy side covers, an external oil filter and water pump, an electric fuel pump, a high-torque starter, an electric fan, and an alloy radiator.
The three-speed synchromesh gearbox is linked to a Winters Performance quick-change rear end.
The car is titled as a 1929 Ford using VIN DMV75267CA.
This 1940 Ford coupe has been customized with a modified 221ci flathead V8 featuring Offenhauser heads along with custom paint and upholstery, a hidden stereo, a dual exhaust system, oversized tires, and lowered suspension. According to the selling dealer, the owner purchased the car in 1978, and it has since been refurbished and driven 50k miles. This Tudor sedan hot rod is now offered as part of the SawMill Collection on dealer consignment with a Washington title.
The car has been repainted black, and it has running boards and directionals mounted behind the chromed grille.
The suspension has been lowered, and the car rides on body-color steel wheels with hubcaps, trim rings, and staggered BFGoodrich tires. Braking is provided by four-wheel hydraulic drums, which were introduced for the 1939 model year.
The interior was redone with black and red upholstery, and there is a hidden CD stereo in the glove box. Flames accent the dashboard.
The steering wheel sits ahead of a sweeping 100-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows under 61k miles, approximately 50k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The selling dealer tells us the 221ci flathead V8 was rebuilt with performance internal components, and it is topped by Offenhauser heads. The electronics have been updated as well, and the car has Mallory ignition and an electric fan.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission.
Automotive history is filled with moments where convention is tossed aside and creativity runs wild—sometimes for better, sometimes for bewilderment.
Designers under pressure, or perhaps just caught in a rebellious mood, have produced cars that defy logic, symmetry, and sometimes, even common sense.
Yet, it’s these very quirks that make such cars unforgettable. They might make us scratch our heads, but they also make us smile. These oddballs capture the spirit of innovation, daring to be different in a world of uniform sedans and predictable SUVs.
In this list, we celebrate the cars that broke all the rules and, in doing so, earned a special place in our hearts—and in automotive history.
In the automotive world, honesty isn’t always the best policy. Some cars have been designed or marketed with unvarnished transparency—unapologetically practical, openly slow, or refreshingly ugly.
Instead of hiding behind flashy ads or exaggerated claims, these vehicles told it like it was, refusing to sugarcoat their limitations or true intentions.
Yet, as history shows, this level of candor often clashed with what consumers wanted: aspiration, excitement, or at least a little mystique.
The result? Many of these “too honest” cars struggled to find buyers, proving that in the car business, brutal honesty can be a brutal mistake.
In the sections ahead, we’ll explore fifteen models that paid the price for daring to be real.
It’s a curious phenomenon: vehicles originally engineered for ruggedness and extreme durability eventually found themselves parked in suburban driveways, shuttling kids and groceries instead of traversing battlefields or construction sites.
Families, seeking maximum safety, reliability, and presence on the road, gravitated toward these “tanks” for their legendary build quality and robust designs.
Whether it was their solid frames, advanced safety features, or commanding stature, these cars began to symbolize peace of mind for parents everywhere.
This unexpected crossover from utility to family favorite highlights how some vehicles outgrew their boundaries—and in doing so, changed the landscape of automotive culture.
For more on how car safety influences buying decisions, see this Consumer Reports analysis.
For those who treat their garage as more than just a place to park…
For those who tinker, shine, wrench, and unwind in the garage…
For those who are done dealing with cracked concrete and have the desire for something that looks good, holds up to real use, and feels like part of the car collection—not just a parking space—there is a sleek solution that you will be proud of.
Swisstrax is rethinking the garage space. These modular interlocking garage tiles that fasten like Legos, eliminate the frustration associated with flaking epoxy, chipped paint, and stained concrete. These tiles are a LASTING DIY game-changer.
They go together in an afternoon.
Liquids drain right through.
Tiles can be swapped out if something happens.
They just plain look sharp.
And there is an invite-only offer for ClassicCars.com Journal readers at the end of this article…
Here are some of the best floor setups seen on their site or check out the top designs shared below.
For those with a two-bay garage packed with tools, parts, and maybe a car or two under wraps, something clean, functional, and maybe even a little fun is ideal.
Some liked ideas include:
Checkerboard style – Classic black and white always looks right.
Color-coded zones – Parking on red, tools on gray. Helps organize the chaos.
Custom borders or logos – Just enough flair without overdoing it.
Classic and sleek – One color, one style and the tile does the work (this video shows off a single car bay and firefighter’s reasonings behind choosing Swisstrax.)
Got Something More Unique in Mind?
Not every garage fits the mold. Maybe yours doubles as a workshop, a hangout, or a showroom. That’s where these tiles really shine—you can get creative and even order samples that will be credited toward your final order.
Here is what has been said:
“I wanted something different. Swisstrax let me customize my garage floor with colors and patterns that matched my car and style. Everyone who visits loves it.” — Chris S.
And here’s what has been done:
Mix bold colors for a racing stripe effect
Add your own logo or design
Go with dark metallic tones for an industrial vibe (check out Vyper)
Try fun layouts like chevron or angled tile placement
Why It Works (And Keeps Working)
After years with the floor, here’s what stands out to customers world-wide:
No tire marks
No stains from oil or brake fluid
No slipping around when it’s wet
No better “welcome home” when you click that garage door opener
And if a tile is ever damaged, it can just be popped out and swapped for a new one (always heard this, but took doing it to believe it…and it sounds like other owners agree: “I work on my cars a lot, and Swisstrax has been fantastic. Oil spills wipe up, no staining, and if I damage a tile, I can replace just that one.” — Phil C.)
Want to Map Out Your Garage?
There’s a handy online tool where you can design your own layout. Takes about 10 minutes to figure out exactly what you want.
Pick your tile style
Try out color combos
See what fits your space
“The online designer made it easy. I planned out my floor exactly how I wanted, and the end result is perfect. Highly recommend Swisstrax.”— Todd P.
Build Your Layout – but if you don’t want to, one of their flooring specialists will help you out – no additional cost. They are kind and passionate about getting you the perfect product for your lifestyle.
If there’s hesitation, it’s worth noting that this is one of the easiest upgrades made—and one of the most satisfying every time the garage door is opened.
Through THIS July only, to celebrate Classic Car Collectors Month, Swisstrax has extended 15% OFF for our readers with Code: CLASSIC25. It works on their floor designer, with a flooring specialist or on their store directly.
But don’t just take it from this article, see for yourself what other owners are saying. There are hundreds of reviews and videos online. But if searching isn’t appealing, spend one minute and check out Barry’s experience with Swisstrax, the World’s Finest Modular Flooring and history with Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Car Collector Auction. It’s a story that might evoke a bit of jealousy and relate to if there is a passion for car collections.
“I was proud of my car collection before, but now that I have that floor [Swisstrax] down, it has enhanced it and taken that car collection to a whole new level.” – Barry B.
Are you ready to get some kicks on Route 66? There is something magical about exploring the road less traveled – especially when it involves a destination that feels like a step back in time. Some of our readers may recall my recent visit to the remote town of Portal, Arizona, where a 1950 Chevrolet has been greeting visitors to the lodge/restaurant for decades. And before that, I spent the night at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, which is home to several classic rides.
Along similar lines, the town of Seligman—known for its Route 66 provenance—is dotted with classic cars as if frozen in time. Seligman, Peach Springs, Kingman, and a number of other small towns lie along the old alignment of Route 66, which was bypassed by Interstate 40 in Arizona back in 1978. Since that time, things have slowed down along the historic highway, but thankfully they haven’t died off completely. In fact, the area is a popular spot for nostalgic travelers like me. I saw a tour bus full of people who had similar ideas, too!
I made the day-trip to the area to visit the “Cavern Grotto” in Peach Springs, a restaurant located about 200 feet underground. What better way to beat the Phoenix summer heat than by burying myself underground, right? The food was tasty, but the automotive scenery along the way was the icing on the cake. One of the most colorful destinations is Seligman’s Snow Cap Drive-In, which offers unique menu items like a “Cheeseburger with Cheese.” I couldn’t resist getting a picture out front with my red 1992 Acura NSX (at 33 years old, a classic itself).
Here were a few of the vehicles that caught my eye during my visit, in order by year:
1936 Pontiac Silver Streak
The Silver Streak was introduced in 1935 and was available with both inline-six and inline-eight engines. It was of course known for its “streak”—a bright strip running along the center of the hood and the rear deck. It was characteristic that would define Pontiac exteriors for many years. Hundreds of tourists take photos with this car every week as they explore Route 66.
1952 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
Part of Chevrolet’s “Advance Design” series, which ran from 1947 through 1955, the automaker’s trucks for this era were known for being rugged and versatile. Most of them were outfitted with inline-six engines and three-speed, column-shifted transmissions. I liked how this old truck had the Snow Cap’s logo in faded patina on the doors.
1952 Packard
Packard was caught with its pants down in the early-1950s because styling wasn’t as strong as Cadillac’s, and it didn’t offer a V8—this from a company that once was America’s most popular luxury car. Nonetheless, they are stately and dignified in a way that few cars could match. This one parked in front of the “Postcard Motel” (a fitting backdrop) appears to be a ’52 Packard 300 or other “senior” Packard based on the taillights and trim. I like the windshield visor, antenna, and classic chrome trim.
1957 Ford Custom 300
The Custom 300 was a value-oriented trim level, which slotted between the base Custom and the higher-end Fairlane. It could be ordered in a two-door, four door, or Ranch Wagon. This one was more rust-colored than anything else, and its black and white Utah license plates were the style issued between 1968 and 1972. My favorite feature was the exhaust “lake pipes”—likely non-functional– on either side beneath the rocker panels.
1959 Edsel Ranger Sedan
The Ranger was priced around $2,700 when new, and it could be ordered in two-door or four-door formats (with hardtop and sedan variants for each). This yellow hardtop sedan looked like it had been parked for a long time, but it wore “Lemon Cab Company” livery and probably lived a good life!
1962 Buick Special Station Wagon
Part of the third-generation Special lineup, this was the first car to introduce a mass-produced V6 engine. Specifically, it was a 198ci V6 that produced 135 horsepower. Wagons came standard with a Turbine Drive two-speed automatic transmission. The 1962 Special was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. How about that pink paint job?
1985 Pontiac Fiero
Jumping ahead a couple of decades, I couldn’t help but notice this faded two-seat sports car basking in the sun. It was painted red, white, and blue and said, “Route 66 Patriot.” I would love to know the backstory on what the car was used for. When optioned with the available 2.8-liter V6 engine, the Fiero had some decent pickup – not to mention better aerodynamics than most of the other classics sitting around Seligman.
I enjoyed wandering around old Route 66 and taking a step back in time.
Is your classic car taking you on any road trips this summer?
There’s more to the 2026 Toyota Tundra than the TRD Pro model’s new Wave Maker paint color. Now in its fifth model year, the third-generation Tundra receives a variety of standard and optional updates that make it more luxurious and capable.
Depending on trim level, the 2025 Tundra comes with either a 22.5- or 32.2-gallon fuel tank. For 2026, Toyota has made the larger one standard across the entire Tundra lineup, along with a tow hitch and a 7/4-pin connector. Trucks configured with the Baja racing-inspired TRD Rally Package (which adds features such as a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and all-terrain tires) can now be further upgraded with a TRD three-inch lift kit and the Tow Tech Package.
Getting into the Platinum and the 1794 with the TRD Off-Road Package is a little easier thanks to optional power running boards. Currently, the Tundra Limited is only available with SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, but the 2026 Limited will have the real deal in either black with white stitching or gray with black stitching. The top-of-the-line Capstone’s seats now come draped in Shale Premium Textured leather.
IsoDynamic seats in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
One of the coolest functional upgrades to the Tundra comes from the Tacoma. IsoDynamic seats, which use a shock absorber system to control movements and stabilize vision over rough terrain, are now on the options list for the Tundra TRD Pro. All Tundra Double Cab models come with air vents on the back of the front console to make the second row more comfortable.
As of right now, there’s no word on the 2026 Toyota Tundra’s pricing or availability, but don’t be surprised if both are announced before fall.
A few years ago, while judging at the Radnor Hunt Concours with former GM head of design Ed Welburn, we took a walk around a 1966 Toronado on the show field, looking closely at all the styling elements of the car. After doing a full circle of the car, Ed said one word: “Magnificent.” He was right. The original Oldsmobile Toronado is an incredible car, with some of the best postwar American styling ever.
AutoHunter now has one of these landmark cars up for auction: a first-year 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Deluxe being represented by its owner in Phoenix, Arizona. The auction ends on Monday, July 28, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).
The Toronado project started as a design painting by Oldsmobile stylist David North in 1962. He called it his “Flame Red Car.” It was his idea of a compact sports/personal car, but it was never intended for production. Sometimes, though, miracles can happen, even at companies the size of GM. A few weeks after the design was finished, the Oldsmobile division was informed it would be permitted to build a personal car in the Riviera/Thunderbird class for the 1966 model year, using North’s design rendering.
Unlike every other American personal luxury car of the time, the Toronado is front-wheel drive, one of the first in the U.S. since the 1930s. An interesting fact is that special 8.85 x 15 TFD (Toronado Front Drive) tires were developed for the car by Firestone. They featured a stiffer-than-normal sidewall and also had a tread pattern and a thin white pinstripe unique to only that tire. The car was a hit and went on through many generations, with the first-generation cars now considered classics (hence its inclusion at the concours Ed and I attended).
According to the description, this 1966 Toronado Deluxe is powered by a rebuilt, numbers-matching Rocket 425ci V8 mated to a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The car has covered 76,476 original miles from new, and features air conditioning, power windows, power antenna and front disc brakes. It is finished in Ebony Black and is offered by the seller with manuals, service receipts and a clear title.
The exterior looks to be in spectacular show condition, with only a few stone chips. With a little bit of work, this car would be ready for a regional concours, where it would probably do quite well. Driving a car like this Toronado on an event like the Copperstate 1000 would be amazing – and something you rarely see at a vintage car rally.
The interior, which is finished in its correct green cloth and vinyl upholstery, features a front bench seat with a fold-down armrest. The cabin looks to be in great shape, with only minor wear on the driver’s seat. I personally love the dash layout with the horizontal barrel-style speedometer and additional instruments for temperature, amperage, clock and fuel level.
Under the hood is the numbers-matching Oldsmobile 425ci Rocket V8 with 385 horsepower at 4,800 rpm, and a staggering 475 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. It sends power to the front wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The engine received a complete rebuild in 2001, and the four-barrel carburetor was rebuilt in June 2025. Everything under the hood not only looks correct, but also is in excellent condition.
Truly great examples of these first-year Olds Toronados do not come up for sale often and are quite rare to see these days. This specific example looks to be a great car that would provide its new owner with years of enjoyment. If you are interested, though, I would act fast – the auction for this 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Deluxe ends on Monday, July 28, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).
Vehicles with a lot of space for people and gear typically end up having a lot of miles too. Roomy SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Suburban, are great for out-of-state family road trips; they can also be used for commercial purposes. Somehow, our Pick of the Day, a 1978 Chevrolet Suburban, has escaped a life of high mileage. You can find it on ClassicCars.com listed by a dealer in Lenexa, Kansas.
This “Superwagon,” as Chevy called it in the brochure, has been kept in a climate-controlled garage its whole life, accruing only 25,674 original miles over the past 47 years, according to the selling dealer. To put that in perspective, several years ago, I put 2,600 miles on a Ram 1500 Rebel EcoDiesel going from Austin, Texas to Phoenix, Arizona and back in about a week.
However, this Suburban’s historically light travel schedule hasn’t excluded it from updates. At one point, the body was repainted in its original color of Mariner Blue, which goes nicely with the chrome bumpers and bright trim. Thanks to a Belltech lowering kit, there’s a four-inch drop in the front and a six-inch drop at the rear, giving this rig a nice stance on its 20 x 9-inch front/22 x 10.5-inch rear US Mags wheels and low-profile tires.
Despite the low mileage on the rest of the truck, the 305ci V8 was rebuilt and equipped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, polished aluminum valve covers, ceramic-coated headers, and a custom exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers. As a C10 model, this Suburban sends its power to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic.
Whoever refreshed this Suburban also made sure to include the interior. The story is that the blue and white patterned vinyl upholstery is original, but a lot of the things around it have been updated. Recently, the headliner was replaced and a Vintage Air climate control system was installed, adding comfort to the convenience of the power steering and power front disc brakes. The original radio was swapped out for a Custom Autosound AM/FM stereo, which is connected to Rockford Fosgate kick panel speakers—perfect for road trip playlists or audio books for long drives to and from jobsites.
Clearly, this 1978 Chevrolet Suburban Custom Deluxe has plenty of miles left in it. If you want to rack up more by hauling your family to your next vacation destination or building your business, you can take it off the market for $29,900.
