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No Reserve: 383-Powered Ford Tudor Sedan Hot Rod

This Ford Tudor sedan was the subject of a custom build following the seller’s acquisition in 2015. Power comes from a 383ci V8 paired with a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission, and the chopped and channeled body is finished in Ruby Metallic over tan upholstery. Additional features include a Ford 9″ rear end, four-wheel disc brakes, a custom-built boxed frame, a front drop axle, 16″ Rocket Racing alloy wheels, dual Holley carburetors, a high-rise intake manifold, Sanderson lake-style exhaust headers equipped with block-out plates, and a fuel cell. The car was reportedly awarded at the 2019 Goodguys West Coast Nationals and is also said to have earned a top 40 spot at SEMA Battle of the Builders. This Ford Tudor hot rod is now offered at no reserve with a clean California title that describes the vehicle as a 1932 Ford.

The 1931 Ford-style steel body is channeled over a custom frame and was repainted in Ruby Metallic during the aforementioned refurbishment. Details include a chopped roofline, a windshield visor, a mesh grille, a billet aluminum fuel filler cap, dual side mirrors, and custom low-mounted LED taillights.

Gray-finished 16″ Rocket Racing alloy wheels feature polished trim rings and are mounted with Firestone front and Coker Classic rear whitewall tires. The car is equipped with a Vega steering box, and the suspension features a front drop axle with radius rods, a custom transverse leaf spring, and tube shocks, while coilovers and a triangulated four-link are utilized out back. Braking is handled by disc brakes at all four corners.

The interior features fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in tan diamond-stitched leather upholstery that extends to the door panels and trim. Appointments include a floor-mounted Lokar shifter, a fire extinguisher, wind-up door windows, and a battery and fuel cell mounted in the rear compartment.

A red three-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a quick-disconnect hub and fronts instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer and supplementary readouts for coolant temperature, oil pressure, voltage, and fuel level. The digital odometer indicates 108 miles, all of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 383ci stroker V8 is said to be a BluePrint crate engine and features dual Holley four-barrel carburetors, a Weiand hi-rise intake manifold, Pertronix ignition, a Jegs fuel-pressure regulator, an aluminum radiator, an electric cooling fan, and Sanderson lake-style headers that are equipped with block-out caps and linked to MagnaFlow mufflers.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end housing a limited-slip differential.

Photos taken during various stages of refurbishment work are included in the gallery below.

The reproduction identification plate is not attached to the car and displays serial number 3509214, which is listed as the VIN on the California title.

1967 Chevelle SS 396 Owned Since 1971

Chevrolet was granted liberties that other brands within General Motors usually didn’t receive. Take this 1967 Chevelle SS 396 as an example: it was available with a solid-lifter 396 (option code L78) rated at 375 horsepower. The same engine was rated in the 1965 Corvette as 425 horsepower. Even at 375, it broke GM’s rule of no more than 10 pounds per horsepower, something no other GM brand happened to do.

As a result, the engine (which was available 1966-70) was rarely advertised. In fact, it wasn’t even mentioned in the brochure, yet Chevrolet sold thousands of them — in 1966, 3,099 Chevelle SS 396s and El Caminos were built with the L78 and, in 1968, another 4,751. Not bad for word-of-mouth!

But in 1967, only 612 L78s were installed in the Chevelle SS 396 and El Camino. Why such a difference from other years? I can’t explain, but 1967 was a strange year at Chevrolet: L72 427 availability for the big cars disappeared, and only six Chevy IIs were built with the L79 327/350 after several thousand being built in 1966. I have heard the L79 was cancelled for the Chevy II so as not to cannibalize Camaro sales but later reappeared — could the latter have been the same for the Chevelle SS 396? Noted Chevelle expert Dale McIntosh thinks this scenario may be possible with the L78. “From what I’ve gathered from conversations with knowledgeable Chevelle owners, the L78 engine was dropped for 1967 for whatever reason, then reinstated around April/May but with no fanfare or advertisement. As such, only a few dealers and potential buyers even knew it was back on. Hence, only 612 were sold.”

One of those rare 1967 L78s is presented here by Muscle Car Campy. Owned by Frank Oddo, he bought this Chevelle in 1971 after graduating from high school, and he’s kept it ever since. Besides the rare L78, this SS 396 also was built with a red bench seat (code 747), one of 10,074 Chevelles built with this interior and, of those, you can imagine just a handful were SS 396s as buckets seem to be the rule.

If you enjoy this video, you can check out other fine automotive videos from Muscle Car Campy.

Find of the Day: One-Off 428 Cobra Jet-Powered 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

According to published figures, this four-speed, Ram Air, 428 Cobra Jet-equipped 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible is one rare cat. Combining its color combination with the muscle car’s powertrain options narrows its production number to just one example in existence.

Let’s break it down: Just 66 XR-7 convertibles were built with the 428 CJ engine for the 1970 model year. Only 17 of them, like this one, were equipped with the four-speed manual transmission. That’s not all: The Marti Report reveals that two of those 17 muscle cars were sprayed with Competition Blue paint from the factory, and just one received black leather interior. This is that car.

This rare Q-code Mercury Cobra Jet also received a long list of factory options, including a black power top, center console, power front disc brakes, power steering, intermittent wipers, and more. It received a rotisserie-type restoration in 2015. According to the auction listing details on Hemmings, the car was finished to a concours-level, sticking as closely to factory specs as possible down to its blue paint. It has only seen 200 miles since completion.

The restoration included the installation of a confirmed period-correct (but not numbers-matching) 428-cu.in. Cobra Jet V8. The engine was enhanced with hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel compatibility, and the build included balancing and blueprinting. The mean muscle machine produced 391 horsepower and 485 lb.-ft. of torque during dyno testing.

Find of the Day: One-Off 428 Cobra Jet-Powered 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

Find of the Day: One-Off 428 Cobra Jet-Powered 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

Find of the Day: One-Off 428 Cobra Jet-Powered 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

Find of the Day: One-Off 428 Cobra Jet-Powered 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

Find of the Day: One-Off 428 Cobra Jet-Powered 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

Find of the Day: One-Off 428 Cobra Jet-Powered 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

Find of the Day: One-Off 428 Cobra Jet-Powered 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

From the factory, the 1969-1970 428 Cobra Jet engines packed 335 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 440 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 RPM. Ford 428 Cobra Jet power was also available in a handful of other models from 1968 to 1970, including the 1968-1970 Ford Mustang, 1968 and ‘69 Ford Fairlane, 1968- ‘69 Ford Torino, 1969 Ford Cobra, the 1968 and ‘69 Mercury Cyclone and CJ, 1969 Mercury Montego, and the 1968 Mercury Comet and Shelby GT500KR. Muscle car enthusiasts will be hard pressed to find such a unique Cobra Jet-equipped car on the market than this 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible.

What is your favorite Chevelle?

Editor’s Note: this article was originally published March 22, 2022, however we are republishing in honor of Chevelle Day.

Chevrolet produced the Chevelle from 1964-1977 in almost every kind of body type and performance option a consumer could want. With so many choices available, what is your favorite Chevelle?

Let us know in the comments section below what is your favorite Chevelle. Like my high school history always told me, “There are no wrong answers.”

My choice? The 1970 coupe.

Pick of the Day: 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Tribute

There’s a hot example of American muscle for sale just north of the border: In line with our Chevelle Day, I felt it appropriate to highlight a big-block with one of the most powerful motors in Chevelle heritage.

The Pick of the Day is a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible SS tribute listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Sudbury, Ontario. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Full rotisserie restoration with all components rebuilt or replaced,” the listing states. This second-generation Chevelle ragtop has been remodeled as a tribute to a Super Sport, complete with a big-block 454cid V8 installed under the hood. The seller adds some context to the build and its significance:

“Has 454 big-block from a ’73 Chevelle, engine suffix code TOI24CWB, motor rebuilt .030 over, Turbo 400 transmission,” the listing states. “This is a documented Canadian vehicle; only 298 were imported for sale. Comes with GM documentation.”

Specifically, that documentation includes a certificate from General Motors of Canada that outlines some of the vehicle vitals: The car was produced on September 16, 1971, in Baltimore, Maryland in Orange Flame over White. It was originally sold through Belisle Automobiles Limited in Ottawa, Ontario, and the installed equipment list included a tinted windshield, front disc brakes, a push-button radio, hydraulic steering, power brakes, and more.

For 1972, the final year of the second-gen Chevelle received subtle design changes, including revisions to the marker lights along with concealed windshield wipers. Otherwise, the car was largely a carry-over from 1971. The 1973 model year would later bring a significant rework, and convertible models were discontinued beginning that year. (Making this 1972 model essentially the last of its kind).

Speaking of convertibles, the seller says that the black cloth top on this SS tribute has been replaced. The interior and carpeting are also new. And best of all, the listing adds that this Chevelle has been driven only 250 miles since restoration, and it is mechanically sound enough to drive anywhere.

“Very hard to try and restore a Chevelle these days for this price,” the paragraph concludes. A five-minute walkaround video is provided in the listing, along with a gallery of over 60 photos.

The asking price is $54,900 or best offer, and the amount is in U.S. dollars.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Jeep Makes Walkie Talkies

 Midland Radio, the leader in two-way radio communication technology, announced its collaboration with the Jeep® brand the authentic global SUV brand that brings capability, versatility and off-road adventure to owners and enthusiasts around the world. Midland Radio is kicking off the relationship with the introduction of the T77VP5J Jeep X-Talker Extreme Dual Pack, the first of many Jeep-branded Midland products to come.

Midland Radio and the Jeep brand have long been at the forefront of the off-roading community, providing rugged and reliable products that enthusiasts love. The dedication and affinity toward this community over the years is why both brands continue to create unrivaled experiences for this audience through innovative products and events. Midland’s continued sponsorship of Jeep Jamboree and this newly announced relationship further solidifies Midland Radio’s position as the market leader in off-road communications and the trusted manufacturer for Jeep enthusiasts.

Jeep® brand Collaborates with Midland Radio to Deliver Co-Branded Walkie Talkies

The T77VP5J Jeep X-Talker Extreme Dual Pack is a by-product of Midland’s long-time customer favorite T71 license-free handheld. With features that include up to 38 miles in range, 36 channels, crisp communication and Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan technology, users can venture far and wide without worrying about losing contact or getting caught in severe weather. A micro-USB charging port also allows for easy, accessible in-vehicle recharging. Now, Jeep enthusiasts can show off their love for the brand on a practical piece of equipment that they can take with them on the trails or out while camping.

“When the leading automotive manufacturer brand of off-road vehicles chooses and trusts you as their go-to off-road communication equipment, you are doing something right,” said Dan Schwartz, CEO of Midland Radio. “We are excited to partner with the Jeep brand and to announce the T77VP5J. We aim to enhance all Jeep enthusiasts’ experiences by providing the best possible communication while hitting the trails in their Jeep 4×4 vehicles.”

Jeep® brand Collaborates with Midland Radio to Deliver Co-Branded Walkie Talkies

The T77VP5J is the first Midland Radio product to bear the Jeep brand logo, with additional models to come in the popular MicroMobile line.

The T77VP5J Jeep X-Talker Extreme Dual Pack is offered at $134.99 and is currently available for purchase from Midland and approved retailers.

The 2023 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals Hits A Home Run

The folks at Carlisle Events are gearing up to celebrate their 50th anniversary and as most know, they serve up some exceptional domestic brand specific shows. While those events usually draw in massive like-minded crowds, the Import & Performance Nationals fills in the void by mainly covering foreign manufacturers, while also addressing the broad spectrum of the aftermarket for many of those vehicles.

This year’s show, which took place on May 12-14, drew a sizable crowd and as with any open-air show, the weather usually factors into the equation. While bright sunny skies bathed the fairgrounds on Friday, the following day folks were treated to ominous cloud and light rain – usually a decisive blow for many events. We’re happy to report that this show defied those odds with an exceptionally strong turnout.

Carlisle Import & Performance 2023 Renaults

These Renault Alliances could easily pass as French-built vehicles, but they were actually built in the United States with roughly 75% domestic content between 1983 and 1987. This was due to Renault’s stake in American Motors…Renault designed the exterior, and the interior was handled by AMC.John Machaqueiro

One of the aspects of this gathering that makes it unique is that it also serves as a meeting place for many car clubs to hold their annual get-togethers. This year there were a total of 37 clubs spread out across the showfield, with the two largest contingents having a decidedly Swedish flavor in the form of Volvo and Saab, with the latter regularly taking home top bragging rights with over 250 cars in attendance.

Every year the organizers also feature a specific brand, or theme in the various buildings on the property. Elegance and opulence could be found on display in Building Y with a fine example of Rolls-Royce automobiles, while Building T had a mix of Audi, Honda, and a number of other manufacturers.

Carlisle Import & Performance 2023 DKW

This 1958 DKW Schnellaster (German: “Rapid Transporter”) was the first product built after World War II by the newly-formed Auto Union company. Produced between 1949 and 1962, they were assembled in many different configurations along with slightly different displacement engines. John Machaqueiro

As with all Carlisle events, the swap meet area is always part of the overall equation and numerous vendors were on hand selling parts, and in some cases complete cars, while the Manufacturers Midway catered to the aftermarket vendors.

The 2024 edition of the Import & Performance Nationals will take place on May 11 -12, 2024 at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals 2023

Why Dodge Denied $36k in Warranty Coverage for a New Challenger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak

After a Challenger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak owner announced that Dodge denied a $36,000 warranty claim for his muscle machine’s blown engine, stating damages were not covered due to a muffler modification, Dodge disclosed further information to answer the public’s questioning. Long story short: making any changes to the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module will leave a permanent, detectable mark.

When CarScoops reached out to Brennon Vinet, the aforementioned Challenger SRT Hellcat owner, Vinet claimed Dodge denied a full report on the reason why his damages were not covered, so the publication circled back to Dodge for questioning. Dodge began by stating that “tampering with any emission control device could end up causing a denial of coverage depending on what the issue is.” Dodge had valid reason to believe that Vinet’s Hellcat was tuned. But how?

“The warranty claim was rejected after a Stellantis Calibration Engineer ran Powertrain Control Module (PCM) diagnostics and confirmed that the vehicle’s PCM was tampered with and contained non-factory software,” a Dodge spokesperson told CarScoops. “I haven’t seen anything on our end regarding mufflers,” he added.

According to the spokesperson, the Dodge dealership runs a series of diagnostic tests, one of which is a report that reveals whether the car’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has been tampered with, for example, if unauthorized software has been installed. Even if the Dodge is flashed back to its factory settings, the car’s PCM sets an internal code, essentially a red flag that tells Dodge that the system has been tampered with. Vinet’s claim was ultimately declined due to PCM and emissions tampering.

It’s not uncommon for companies to deny claims over non-factory tuning, among other vehicle modifications. Vinet’s story is a cautionary reminder: tune vehicles under warranty at your own risk.

The Grand Tour Returns to Amazon Prime June 16

Amazon Studios announced the return of The Grand Tour in a new special titled “Eurocrash,” scheduled to air on Friday, June 16th, on Prime Video. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will reportedly play out their antics during a 1,400-mile journey through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. The information revealed by Amazon is limited, however, teaser images hint toward which vehicles the stars chose for their central Europe road trip.

The Grand Tour Returns to Amazon Prime June 16

One photo shows the trio standing by three unlikely road trip candidates. Hammond is leaning on a bright yellow Chevrolet SSR, the short-lived retro-designing pickup produced between 2003 and 2006. Clarkston brings a one-of-500 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde, a ‘90s Japanese creation inspired by the Nissan Silvia S13 (Nissan 180SX). On the far left, James May is posing in front of a Crosley convertible, a microcar that was manufactured in Ohio from the late-‘30s to the early-’50s.

The Grand Tour Returns to Amazon Prime June 16

A second photo shows Clarkston piloting the Mitsuoka Le-Seyde, presumably racing against someone on horseback. I

The Grand Tour Returns to Amazon Prime June 16

In the third image, the trio is at a racetrack looking perplexed, with Clarkston wearing a well-fitting racing helmet.

The Grand Tour “Eurocrash” special promises plentiful escapades, plus an appearance of a famous racecar driver and snippets of “Soviet style” Formula 1 racing.

There are rumors spreading across the internet that question whether Amazon will continue airing the The Grand Tour series after the currently commissioned episodes are complete due to Clarkson’s controversial commentary regarding Meghan Markle, which he since publicly apologized for. Regardless, fans still have four more Grand Tour specials to look forward to, plus a third series of the critically acclaimed Clarkson’s Farm.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1955 Chevrolet 210 Restomod

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1955 Chevrolet 210 restomod. It is powered by a fuel-injected LS 5.3-liter V8 backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. Features include four-wheel disc brakes, Lexus power front bucket seats, center console, tilt steering column, Vintage Air climate controls, and power windows. Finished in Sunset Pearl and Root Beer Brown and complemented by a saddle interior featuring leather seats with synthetic suede inserts, this 210 comes with restoration receipts, parts manuals, color-matched diecast replica and a clear title.

During the restoration, which was completed in January 2017, the exterior was finished in Sunset Pearl and Root Beer Brown. Features include chrome bumpers, custom mesh grille, sport mirrors with integrated turn signals, C5 Corvette door handles, Bel Air side trim, shaved fuel door, and custom taillights with hidden fuel filler on the driver’s side.

A set of 18-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) Boze Alloys aluminum wheels is wrapped in Nitto radial tires.

The Lexus power front bucket and rear bucket seats are upholstered in saddle leather with suede-like microfiber inserts. Features include power steering, tinted power windows, tilt steering column, full-length center console with automatic shifter, Pioneer AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM touchscreen stereo, Vintage Air climate controls, and Holley EFI Terminator X touchscreen controller.

The instrument panel consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer and gauges for the fuel level, voltage, oil pressure and coolant temperature. The digital odometer reads 3,191 miles, which the seller states reflects the miles logged since the installation of the LS small-block; the true mileage is unknown.

Power is provided by a new, fuel-injected LS 5.3-liter V8 backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. Engine bay features include a body-color firewall, Wilwood hydroboost power brake system, polished air conditioning compressor, custom air intake tube, aluminum radiator, and billet hood hinges.

This 210 is equipped with an independent front suspension and 12-bolt rear end with 3.73 gears. Braking is provided by power four-wheel discs. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1955 Chevrolet 210 restomod ends on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery