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Pick of the Day: 1995 Ferrari 456

My Pick of the Day is a 1995 Ferrari 456 available on ClassicCars.com located at a dealer in Southampton, New York.

There is something that is just magic about a Ferrari. The ring history, the performance, the engines, and the styling over the years have built these cars into the legends they are today. The problem is that Ferraris are also quite expensive, especially the 12-cylinder models, with prices for almost every desirable model in excess of $100,000, putting them out of the affordability category for many people.

There is an exception, though: a V12-powered Ferrari road car, which offers strong performance, classic Italian styling, and a great view from behind the steering wheel. It’s also an engaging car to drive when it has a 6-speed manual and only the most basic driver’s aids. That car is the Ferrari 456.

The best way to think of the 456 is as a 2+2 version of the 550 Maranello, with more interior room than the 550 and an optional gated 6-speed manual gearbox, an F116B V12 with 436hp and 406 lb-ft of torque under the hood, and pop-up headlights (the last Ferrari with this feature).

This 456 is finished in Canna Di Fucile (Gunmetal Gray) over a natural-colored leather interior. It importantly is equipped with that 6-speed manual transmission and – possibly more importantly – includes its service history, all original books, a complete tool kit, and has covered 56,156 miles from new. The seller points out that this 456 had its last service in 2023 at Ferrari of Seattle, which included refreshed suspension bushings as part of the $14,000 in work done. 

Yes, you can buy an automatic-equipped 456 for around 20 percent less than this manual-equipped car, but while it is a better deal, it lacks that extra-special driver-involved detail of putting a 6-speed gated shifter through its paces.

Both the interior and exterior of this 456 appear to be in excellent condition, and the color combination is terrific to me. The fact it includes service history and all books and tools makes this car that much more attractive as a buy.

I have driven a few of these cars over the years, and the 456 is the very essence of all that makes a Ferrari GT so desirable. It has a modern air-conditioning system, and the seats are quite comfortable. It is also quite fast, with period tests recording 0-60 times of a still-respectable 4.8 seconds and a top speed of a very fast 192 mph. The car delivers this performance with ease, able to loaf at 75 mph all day long on an interstate and then instantly react when you hit the throttle in sixth gear, quickly doubling the speed limit. The ride is firm yet comfortable, and the car not only cruises nicely but also handles well when the road gets curvy. You also get the sound of that V12 under the hood the minute the revs rise, which in itself is very addicting.

Owning a Ferrari is a lifetime goal for many people. Most settle for a V8-powered mid-engined car, which is amazing in its own right – but a front-engine V12 Ferrari GT is something extra-special. It is a car that I guarantee will get noticed, whether you are in traffic or parked in a garage. It also likely has similar service costs to a V8-equipped car despite the extra cylinders, because the engine is front-mounted and easily accessible.

Now for the best part. Because the Ferrari audience has largely ignored the 456 for years, you can buy this 1995 Ferrari 456 for only $89,995, which is cheaper than many modern manual-equipped V8-powered Ferraris. If there is a bargain on a V12 Ferrari GT car, this 456 is it.

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

15 Cars From the 90s That Were Cooler With Factory Graphics Packages

The 1990s witnessed a surge in automotive design that embraced bold, vibrant factory graphics. This era saw cars adorned with eye-catching decals and unique visual themes, reflecting a cultural shift towards self-expression and individuality. Manufacturers recognized the appeal of these designs, offering them as factory-installed options to cater to a market eager for personalization. These graphics not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of vehicles but also became a symbol of the era’s automotive culture, influencing trends that are still appreciated today. (guessingheadlights.com)

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10 Cars From the 80s That Were Built Just to Outsmart Insurance Brackets

In the 1980s, automotive manufacturers strategically designed certain vehicles to fit below specific insurance classification thresholds. This approach allowed buyers to enjoy sporty performance while avoiding higher premiums. By focusing on factors such as engine displacement, vehicle weight, and safety features, these manufacturers created models that appealed to both driving enthusiasts and insurance companies. This trend not only influenced consumer choices but also shaped the automotive market during that era. (washingtonpost.com)

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Lamborghini Announces New Electric Vehicle

You may know Lamborghini has its origins in tractors, which led to automobiles after Ferruccio Lamborghini’s unsatisfactory experience with Ferrari (Enzo and his car company). Next in Lamborghini‘s brand evolution is the seascooter.

I never knew this water sled existed, but now I want one. Built by Cayago, this German creation is properly referred to as a Seabob. Using a patented electric Jetstream propulsion system, the Seabob allows you to glide on the surface of the water or dive to depths of 130 feet.

Two control grips give you command of engine power, thrust, and deceleration. An instrument panel fills you in on speed, depth, water temperature, and battery charge. To steer, merely shift your body weight, as the Seabob’s weight of 50-57 pounds allows for agile moves—just like the fishies! And marine life will barely notice your mug because the electric motor minimizes disturbance. That sounds perfect for underwater photographers and marine watchers, if not scuba divers wanting to conserve air and explore for longer periods.

Seabob has just announced the Seabob for Automobili Lamborghini, a collaboration that has created the most stylish, futuristic model yet. Clearly model SE63 has the Lamborghini DNA baked in. This watercraft is claimed to be a step up from previous Seabobs with an “innovative drive system with explosive power delivery” thanks to “newly-developed motor architecture, groundbreaking battery technology, and premium materials.” And the available colors? Arancio Egon, Verde Gea, Grigio Lynx, Verde Selvans, Giallo, and Bianco Siderale.

It is often said that if you have to ask, you probably cannot afford it. The current Cayago Seabob F9 lists for over $10,000, and there’s no reason to expect the new Seabob SE63 for Automobili Lamborghini will be any less. Feel deflated? Please don’t—you probably can’t afford a Lamborghini Revuelto either.

Identify These Chevrolets by Their Hoods!

The 1960s was full of distinct hoods for sporty cars. Chevrolet never got into ram air the way other manufacturers did, but its sporty cars certainly wore bonnets that were inspired by the sporting side of automobiles.

Below, we have four hoods from Chevrolet Super Sports. All of them are on cars listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. Can you tell us the year and model of each? Post your answers in the Comments section below. If you need a hint, simply click on an image.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

Every Tuesday, The ClassicCars.com Journal posts an automotive puzzle. You can also play past games once you finish this one.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1987 BMW 325i Convertible

My AutoHunter Spotlight for today is a 1987 BMW 325i convertible offered at auction by a seller in Miami. The auction ends Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

The BMW’s 3 Series is what built the company into what it is today. The original 3 Series was an immediate success in the U.S. and became a symbol of success for those climbing the career ladder. They were marketed as “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and delivered on that promise even more with the second-generation 3 Series. It took the original idea and bettered it, creating not only the standard two-door coupe, but also a sedan version, a performance version with the M3, and a convertible version. This was BMW’s first full convertible since the very rare 02 Series. BMW called the 325i convertible “The Ultimate Tanning Machine” in their advertisements and sold thousands of the cars.

I can still remember the first time I drove a 325i convertible. It was 1987 and a friend in college had one. Not only was it a great-handling and fun car to drive, but it was also the first sporty convertible of any kind I had driven that felt civilized, with low wind noise and buffeting. You could have a conversation without shouting and could hear the stereo at normal volume levels. The car felt special and at the time I thought it was simply the best convertible ever built. I still feel the same. In fact, I drove another about four months ago just to see if I remembered the car as being better than it really was. Nope—these are amazing cars and, for whatever reason, are also among the more affordable E30 3 Series cars out there.

The seller describes this 325i convertible as being powered by its original 2.5-liter inline-six that is backed by a five-speed manual transmission. Finished in BMW Bronzit Beige Metallic with a tan convertible top over a gray/tan vinyl interior, this 3 Series convertible is offered by a dealer with a clean CARFAX report and clear title.

I think this car likely has its original paint; I see enough small flaws to indicate it is just a well-cared-for 325i convertible. The owner states that the car has only 74,663 original miles and, looking at the photos, I think this is the case. To me, it looks like an extremely nice example of a first-year 325i convertible. It also still wears its correct BMW factory alloy wheels, which look great.

The interior and top are also in excellent shape, as is the vinyl on the seats. I saw no dash cracks in any of the accompanying photos; everything looks exactly as it should. The shift knob has been replaced with a BMW M example, but this is a period modification that fits the car. It does have an aftermarket Bluetooth-compatible stereo, which is likely better than the radio that came with the car from the factory.

Under the hood is the 2.5-liter M20B25 BMW inline six-cylinder engine. The entire engine compartment looks incredibly clean and original as well. The seller states that this 325i received a recent tune-up, which included replacement of the timing belt.

If I were in the market for a cool German convertible collector car with a fun driving experience, reliability, classic 1980s looks, and the benefit of a five-speed manual gearbox, I would look no further than this 1987 325i convertible. In fact, if you see my name on a bid or two for this car, don’t be surprised, because I have been looking for an excellent example of one of these cars for a while. This means act fast, as the auction for this 1987 BMW 325i convertible ends Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). Buying this car would be a great way to celebrate this year’s 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series.

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1979 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade

The Jeep CJ was a go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle. But despite its strong off-road chops, one of its most unique attributes was actually its interior, which was developed as a collaboration with a well-known fashion brand. The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1979 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Thompsons Station, Tennessee.

Finished in “Russet Metallic,” this retro Jeep has been enthusiast-owned, and it shows. Its exterior evokes a palette of “harvest” themed colors – an appropriate motif for the upcoming fall season. The seller says the paint is original with exception of the rocker panels and the removable hardtop, which have both been redone. The Renegade package added bold graphics that gave it an unmistakable 1970s flair.

Building on the longstanding CJ (or Civilian Jeep) platform, which had been around since 1945, the CJ-7 variant came out in 1976 on a wheelbase that was 10 inches longer than its predecessor. It had a versatile design with available Dana axles, a removable hardtop, and a variety of engine and transmission offerings. Across 11 years of production for the CJ-7, there were 379,299 units assembled.

Over the years, there have many lots of partnerships between auto manufacturers and clothing companies. Consider the Eddie Bauer Ford Bronco. Jeep took a similar approach by collaborating with Levi’s beginning in 1975 and lasting until 1986. The Levi’s interior came standard on Renegade trim vehicles and could be ordered in denim or in tan (as seen here). The seller says that the upholstery has been replaced, but it still retains the characteristic copper rivets, signature stitching, and original color.

Power comes from a 304ci AMC V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The seller says the carburetor is new and the Jeep is “ready to go.” The five-digit odometer shows 79,699 miles.

Today the CJ-7 holds a strong enthusiast base with people who share off-road adventures, restoration tips, and modification ideas. The Renegade CJ-7 with a Levi’s interior is a tribute to two brands that are both ingrained in American culture. It would make a perfect conversation piece at any car show – or fashion show, for that matter.

The asking price is $32,500 or best offer.

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

ICE raids Hyundai EV plant in Georgia, detaining nearly 500 workers

On Thursday, September 4, 2025, a massive immigration enforcement raid involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ICE, and other federal agencies took place at the Hyundai and LG Energy Solution EV battery plant that is under construction in Ellabell, Georgia. The operation resulted in the detention of 475 people, marking the largest single-site enforcement action in HSI history.

The raid was part of a month’s long investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices and has sparked international scrutiny, prompted diplomatic intervention from South Korea, and exposed major tensions within Hyundai’s supply chain.

Following the raid, construction at the battery plant has halted. Both Hyundai and the South Korean government have stated that the interruption will cause project delays. The South Korean government also announced it will bring home over 300 of the detained workers. Meanwhile, Hyundai has launched an investigation into its subcontractors to ensure compliance with employment laws.

What happened during the raid?

Federal agents descended upon the construction site in Bryan County, which is touted as the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history. Eyewitnesses reported heavily armed agents shackling workers and loading them onto buses.

“The circumstances of the raid were just absolutely abusive, not only in their scope and just the sheer size of it, but the way that the folks at the Hyundai plant were treated by law enforcement,” said Meredyth Yoon of the Atlanta chapter of the civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice. “It is disturbing to see hundreds of people arrested, shackled at their waist and ankles, and loaded into buses and taken to an abusive detention center.”

Of the nearly 500 people arrested, most were South Korean nationals, though workers from other countries were also detained. Some were in the U.S. illegally, while others had entered legally but were found to be working unlawfully. It’s also important to note that the majority of the detained workers not direct employees of Hyundai or LG Energy Solution, but were working for subcontractors at the construction site.

Current reports state that none of the detained workers have been charged, and many reportedly hold valid U.S. work permits.

Diplomatic and corporate responses

The South Korean government expressed “concern and regret” over the incident and successfully negotiated the voluntary return of the detained Korean workers via a chartered flight. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun recently traveled to Washington to finalize steps for the return of the detained South Korean workers. Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution sent its chief human resources officer to Georgia to call for the release of detained workers and has suspended most U.S. business trips.

Hyundai stays firm in stating that none of its direct employees were among those detained. Hyundai’s North America chief manufacturing officer has taken governance of the entire Metaplant site and launched an investigation into its contractor and subcontractor practices.

Both Hyundai and LG Energy Solution have committed to investigating the practices of their subcontractors and reinforcing safety and legal compliance across their supply chains.

Underlying tensions and scrutiny

The raid caused further political friction by occurring amidst escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and South Korea, which has committed to massive U.S. investments. U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, defended the enforcement action by stating that federal immigration authorities were “just doing their jobs”.

The raid has cast a harsh light on the complex layers of subcontractors that often fuel large-scale manufacturing projects.

The incident follows prior reports regarding alleged unauthorized labor and poor safety conditions at the plant, which had previously been investigated by a local TV station. One report from this summer highlights Hyundai being sued by U.S. Department of Labor for allegedly violating child labor laws.

The event has also caused tension in the local community of Ellabell, where the promise of new jobs has been overshadowed by the crackdown.

The path forward

As South Korea secures the return of its citizens, the incident leaves significant unanswered questions and challenges for both the companies and the federal government.

For Hyundai, the company’s internal investigation will be a critical step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring compliance. The stability of its multi-billion-dollar EV investment now rests on addressing the ethical and legal issues within its supply chain.

For federal authorities, though no charges have been filed against the companies, the ongoing investigation into unlawful employment practices is likely to continue. The incident highlights the collision between economic development incentives for foreign investment and strict immigration enforcement policies.

The diplomatic fallout raises concerns for international business, particularly for foreign manufacturers operating in the U.S., in this case, South Korea. Both nations will need to navigate this sensitive issue while continuing to cooperate on major economic projects.

The post ICE raids Hyundai EV plant in Georgia, detaining nearly 500 workers appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

Coming This Fall: The 2026 Honda Prelude Is Officially Here

We’ve known since late-2024 that a reimagined Honda Prelude would soon hit the streets, giving a new life to a nameplate that left the market back in 2001.

During its 23-year run, the Honda Prelude became known for its innovative technology, such as its advanced VTEC engines and the mechanical four-wheel steering (4WS) system in the third generation. Marketed as a fun-to-drive alternative to Honda’s practical sedan and hatchback models, the Prelude was performance-oriented yet still attainable. The 2026 Honda Prelude promises to continue the original nameplate’s legacy.

What We Know About The 2026 Honda Prelude So Far

It’s no surprise that the 2026 Prelude offers modern hybrid performance paired with sleek and sport styling that is inspired by its classic brethren.  The Prelude shares its four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with the Civic hybrid model, and while it’s not as rev-happy as past Preludes, the setup offers 200 horsepower, which is more than a 2025 Mazda Miata and just 28 horsepower less than the newest Toyota GR86.

The 2026 Honda Prelude uses an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT), which includes a new Honda S+ Shift drive mode that simulates the feel of a traditional multi-gear transmission by using simulated gear shifts, rev-matched downshifts, and paddle shifters for enhanced driver engagement. The eCVT system, similar to units found in the Civic and Accord, allows the engine to operate at its most efficient RPMs by acting like a generator, while the electric motor provides instant torque for smooth, responsive acceleration.

Aside from the Sport mode, other selectable driving modes include Comfort, GT, and Individual – a mode that allows drivers to customize the car’s performance characteristics, including suspension damping, steering response, and powertrain, to suit different driving environments. 

Fun-To-Drive and Good On Fuel

While official EPA fuel economy numbers for the new Prelude are not yet released, industry sources and Honda’s information suggest an estimated 40-plus miles-per-gallon combined, potentially higher, given its hybrid powertrain and efficiency-focused design. This is an impressive number for any sports car. Granted, Honda has not revealed the Prelude’s curb weight, either, but we do know that the hybrid Honda Civic weighs 3,208 pounds in Sport form and 3,252 pounds as a Sport Touring Hybrid.

Under the smooth, sharp-nosed silhouette, the 2026 Honda Prelude utilizes Civic Type R chassis components, including the dual-axis strut front suspension, wide front and rear tracks and large brakes originally designed for the Type R. The dual-axis design separates the steering knuckles from the dampers for increased steering axis flexibility and better handling.

Honda says the 2026 Prelude is tuned for a “sporty yet comfortable grand touring experience” and promises that the car will offer “precise steering, responsive handling and fun-to-drive feel to deliver an engaging grand touring experience, while remaining comfortable for everyday driving.”

“The new sports coupe will advance the ‘joy of driving’ for a new generation of buyers, as the first model to pair the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain with the high-performance chassis hardware of the iconic Civic Type R,” Honda said.

A Driver-Focused Interior

The interior is designed with an immersive, grand touring driving experience in mind. The car’s futuristic yet functional interior styling features thin A-pillars, a driver-focused cockpit with a clean design, and 2+2 seating with ultra-premium front sports seats. The front seats feature asymmetrical bolstering, meaning the driver’s seat is more supportive while the passenger’s is designed for optimum comfort. Its flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel is equipped with alloy paddle shifters and a push-button gear selector.

The upscale synthetic leather-wrapped dash and console includes a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a nine-inch HD color touchscreen that hosts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All Preludes come with Bose Centerpoint premium sound with eight speakers.

Pricing and Availability

The compact, two-door sports coupe will appeal to driving enthusiasts who feel lost in a crossover and SUV dominated market. Honda has not yet announced the official US price for the 2026 Prelude, but according to Car and Driver, it is expected to start around $42,000. Other sources are hopeful, stating prices could start in at under $40,000.  

The new Prelude will be a single, fully-loaded trim, with five exterior color choices: Boost Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteorite Gray Metallic, Rally Red, and the new Winter Frost Pearl. The new Winter Frost Pearl can be optioned with a black or body-color roof for a two-tone effect. It is expected to go on sale later this year through the fall of 2026.

We will update this article with further details as more information is released.

The post Coming This Fall: The 2026 Honda Prelude Is Officially Here appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

Ford Performance Changes Name to Ford Racing

Many automakers want customers to know that the innovations and technologies they hone on the race track trickle down into their road cars. For years, Ford Performance produced high-output vehicles, such as the EcoBoost-powered GT supercar, the dune-bashing F-150 Raptor, and the Nürburgring-scorching Mustang GTD, which shared mechanical DNA with their racing counterparts. To make it absolutely, undeniably clear that its street vehicles are developed alongside its racing machines, The Blue Oval has renamed the division to Ford Racing.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

As Bill Ford, Ford Racing’s general manager, puts it in a press release, “This is not a marketing exercise. This is a promise. It signals a new, more focused mission to tear down the wall between our race teams and the engineering of the vehicles you drive every day on and off road.”

According to its website, Ford motorsports teams “compete across 20+ series in 143 cities and 28 countries spanning six continents, for 47 weekends every year.” Those competitions include drag racing, drifting, stock car and off-road racing, and more. The Mustang even has its own one-make racing series. In the future, Ford will duke it out in F1, the Dakar Rally, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Bathurst, and Le Mans.

Ford Mustang GT3 and Mustang GTD
Ford Mustang GT3 and Mustang GTD

What kind of consumer cars, trucks, and SUVs will this renewed focus lead to? We don’t have to wait long to find out as the first production vehicle of the Ford Racing era will debut in January 2026.