Volkswagen has long been celebrated for its practical and reliable vehicle designs, earning a reputation for producing cars that are both functional and accessible. However, in the hands of skilled tuners, these everyday models have been transformed into high-performance legends, showcasing the brand’s versatility and potential for innovation. This article explores ten remarkable Volkswagen vehicles that have undergone significant modifications, turning them into absolute monsters on the road. From enhanced powertrains to aggressive styling, these tuned Volkswagens redefine what is possible with the brand’s iconic models.
mod@tech
Third-generation Mercedes-Benz SLs are not exactly rare. Mercedes built more than 200,000 of them during the R107 model’s 1971-1989 lifecycle. But given the R107’s age, finding one with low miles can be difficult unless you know the right person. SLSHOP, an English business specializing in the service and restoration of Mercedes’ iconic roadsters, happened to know a man with an unregistered, 42-mile 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL.
SLSHOP and the person who preserved the 500 SL, Mr. Hough, crossed paths more than 15 years ago at The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show. He mentioned the ultra-low-mileage 500 SL that he had been keeping in his climate-controlled garage since 1982; of course, SLSHOP asked if he would be willing to sell it. He declined, but in August of this year, he changed his tune and reached out to SLSHOP to offer a shot at his time capsule of a car.
Like other R107s, the 500 SL is fairly common. According to the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Archive, the automaker produced 11,812 of them between April 1980 and August 1989. Those numbers aside, Mr. Hough’s SL was a singularity. The Metallic Blue-Green paint was untouched by the effects of sunlight. Inside, the leather still had its new-car smell. The SL even had its factory-applied Waxoyl in the engine bay around the 5.0-liter V8 and on the exhaust.
There was something that wasn’t original, though: the solid silver Mercedes badge on the nose, which Mr. Hough made himself. (Someone should make him a trophy for his dedication to preserving a piece of SL history.)
The good news is that the 500 SL is in good hands; the bad news is that if you want to buy it, you can’t. SLSHOP says, “We are committed to never offering this vehicle for sale. Instead, we are creating a permanent climate-controlled display here in Stratford-upon-Avon, where it will stand as a tribute to Mr. Hough’s vision and to the future of the classic car community.”
Step back in time and get ready to cruise in style. For countless enthusiasts, the 1957 Chevrolet is the crown jewel of Detroit’s golden age—a rolling symbol of American craftsmanship and chrome-clad confidence. And now, in this all-new ’57 Chevy Dream Giveaway, one lucky winner will bring home a restomod masterpiece built at a cost exceeding $400,000.
But here’s the catch—you only have until January 31, 2026, to enter this exclusive 120-day giveaway. Click here to enter now!
If you’ve ever watched jaw-dropping restomods cross the Barrett-Jackson auction block, you know what to expect: perfection. This ’57 Chevy isn’t a restoration—it’s a complete re-imagination. Every inch has been upgraded to deliver show-car looks and modern performance that’ll make your pulse race.
Bathed in a deep Red Fire Pearlcoat and finished with a hand-stitched Italian leather interior, this showpiece blends yesterday’s beauty with today’s power. Under the hood, a Chevrolet Performance 572ci big-block cranks out 620 horsepower, paired with a Richmond five-speed manual and a limited-slip 9-inch rear end for old-school control and new-school performance.
Modern touches—A/C, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, custom gauges, tilt steering wheel and polished wheels wrapped in performance rubber—make this restomod as comfortable as it is powerful. Underneath, the Art Morrison Tri-5 GT Sport chassis delivers precision handling worthy of the world’s best builds.
From its mirror-smooth Red Fire finish to the unmistakable fins that defined a generation, this ’57 Chevy stands as one of the finest Tri-Fives in America. It’s a build that belongs on the Barrett-Jackson stage, yet could be sitting in your garage instead.
The Ultimate Tri-Five Restomod—One Lucky Winner
And here’s the best part: if you win, Dream Giveaway will cover $10,000 in prize taxes—so the keys are truly yours. Every entry you make supports veterans’ and children’s charities, turning your dream into hope for others.
So what are you waiting for? Your chance to own the ultimate Tri-Five is just one lucky ticket away.
Enter now to win this $400,000, 620-horsepower ’57 Chevy Restomod.
Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 6,331-mile 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, which is powered by a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Finished in Wave Metallic over a Natural Tan and Jet Black leather interior, this high-performance sport sedan is now offered by the private seller in Nevada with a window sticker, clean CARFAX report, and clear South Dakota title.
The Wave Metallic paint is accented with a black grille and matching side skirts, mirror caps, window trim, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. Paint protection film was applied to the hood, mirror caps, and rear bumper. Additional exterior features include LED headlights and taillights, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, and quad exhaust outlets.
A set of 18-inch Satin Graphite wheels with 255/35 front and 275/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires helps this Blackwing fly toward the horizon. Behind the wheels are Brembo power disc brakes with bronze calipers.
The cockpit is furnished with Natural Tan and Jet Black front bucket and rear bench seats. Comfort features include heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats; heated steering wheel; dual-zone automatic climate control; and cabin air ionizer. There are also plenty of conveniences, such as keyless entry and start, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, 15-speaker AKG audio system, CUE infotainment with an eight-inch touchscreen and navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless phone charging.
The configurable 12-inch digital gauge cluster displays the speed, revs, and information such as the engine temperature, g-force, oil pressure, and individual tire pressures. The digital odometer shows 6,331 miles.
One of the biggest things that separates the Blackwing from the regular CT4-V is its twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6, which pumps out 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transfers that output to the electronic limited-slip rear differential. Magnetic Ride Control soaks up bumps—and curves—in the road or track.
If you want to add this 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing to your automotive menagerie, bid on it right now. The auction ends on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
Detroit has a very bad habit of confusing hobbyists who are trying to learn about a particular vehicle. Dodge has been no less guilty than others, and our Pick of the Day is a splendid example of one of these vehicles. This 1966 Dodge Monaco 500 hardtop is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
When the Pontiac Grand Prix was introduced for 1962, it brought the world of personal luxury down-market. While that may give the impression of austerity, the truth was that the Grand Prix was in the form of a trim Catalina hardtop with the upscale aura of a Bonneville—all with a sporty twist. Add distinctive styling features not shared with other Pontiacs and the brand had a winner. While the Grand Prix somewhat followed in the footsteps of the Oldsmobile Starfire, the success of the Grand Prix influenced the debut of the Dodge Monaco.
When the Monaco was introduced for 1965, it too was a two-door hardtop with several distinctive features, most notably the taillights and wicker interior trim. It was quite distinctive compared to lesser Polara and Custom 880 models, but it was far from being as distinctive as the ’65 Grand Prix, which featured a curved backlite (shared with Oldsmobile’s Jetstar I and Starfire) among other features not shared with other Pontiacs.
Strangely, Dodge mainstreamed the Monaco nameplate for 1966, replacing the Custom 880 as the top model in Dodge’s lineup. The former Monaco became the Monaco 500, in line with other Dodge models (Coronet 500 and Polara 500) that were on the sportier end of the spectrum. “Style leader of the Dodge rebellion,” proclaimed the brochure. “Two buckets of comfort inside, four barrels of action under the hood. Plus, a lavish display of luxury on the inside that some people call downright sinful.” Wicker inserts on the seatbacks and door trim were still a feature, plus a standard console and armrest made it clear this was not your typical Dodge. A standard 383 four-barrel paired with a TorqueFlite automatic was a step up from other Dodges too. Outside, the Monaco 500 distinguished itself with three chrome, paint-filled louvers mounted on each door and front fender, stainless steel outlining the under-edge and meeting the front bumper. Standard was a paint stripe in black, blue, red, or white, or it could be deleted if you wished.
Power plant options included the new 440 four-barrel with 350 or 365 horsepower, depending on single or dual exhaust, or step down to a 383 two-barrel if economy was on your mind. A four-speed was available with the standard 383 and the 440 with dual exhausts.
Only 6,251 Dodge Monaco 500 hardtops were built in 1966, with only 900 U.S.-spec cars built with the 383 two-barrel (894 of those connected to a TorqueFlite). Not only is this a car with under 59,000 miles, but it also is painted the interesting hue of Mauve. Gladys Milner of Latrobe originally bought this Monaco 500 and owned it through 1993, with the second owner owning it until recently. Inside, the white bucket seat interior has just been redone. Other features include a remote driver-side mirror, full wheel covers with spinners, an AM radio, and fender-mounted turn signals. According to the seller, “It runs and drives excellent! Not a show car, but a very nice driver quality car with a great history!”
The car comes with a Certicard that identifies it by VIN and select option codes, and even includes the original owner’s name. A round front fender badge identifies this Monaco as a 500, so there will be no confusion about whether this is Dodge’s full-size personal luxury car. We identify this $32,900 (OBO) example as a rather neat car not often seen in this condition or color.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
This custom Ford roadster was built before it was acquired in 2021 by the seller, who subsequently disassembled, refinished, and further modified it. The fiberglass Track-T-style body was removed from the frame, which was then powder-coated, and the chrome and paintwork were redone. A BluePrint Engines 350ci topped by a Holley carburetor was installed along with a three-speed automatic from Monster Transmission, and the wiring, brakes, and rear suspension were overhauled. The seller also replaced the staggered tires on the 15″ aluminum wheels, and the car is further equipped with bomber-style seats, digital gauges, a banjo-style steering wheel, Wilwood disc brakes, lake-style headers, and more as described below. This custom roadster is now offered with a car cover, a custom ’32-style front end, records, and a clean Utah title in the seller’s name listing the car as a 1932 Ford Roadster.
Per the seller, the build uses a custom fiberglass body designed and built by Jerry Bowls, and the seller removed it from the frame rails and refinished it with satin black paintwork. The custom frame was also powder-coated. The tilt-forward Track-T-style front end features a brushed grille insert and a hood scoop, and H4 headlights were used along with stainless-steel mirrors and a Wolo “Bad Boy” air horn.
The car rides on a drop axle up front with hairpin radius rods and a transverse leaf spring, and the seller installed the Alden American rear coilovers. Wilwood disc brakes were mounted all around, and the staggered BFGoodrich tires were mounted on the 15″ alloy wheels. Braided stainless-steel brake hoses and stainless-steel tie rod ends were used.
Bomber-style seats have been installed along with custom aluminum panels. The Bluetooth-capable stereo is linked to a Cruchfield amplifier and JVC speakers, and the car also has a back-up camera, a grenade-style shifter, and a custom cup holder.
The Billet Specialties banjo-style wheel is mounted on an Ididit column, and Intellitronix digital gauges are installed in a zebra-wood dashboard. The 609 miles indicated represents the distance driven since completion of the build.
The 350ci V8 was sourced from BluePrint Engines, and it is topped by an Edelbrock intake manifold with a Holley carburetor. The engine features aluminum heads, roller rockers, an aluminum water pump, and aluminum radiator, an electric fan, and lake-style headers. The oil was changed 100 miles ago.
The dynamometer report lists peak output at 358.2 horsepower and 406.9 lb-ft of torque.
The seller installed the Monster Transmission Turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission, which is linked to a Speedway Engineering quick-change rear end. A transmission cooler was also used, and additional photos of the work in progress are provided in the gallery.
A customized ’32-style front end is included along with records displayed in the gallery.
The car is titled as a 1932 Ford Roadster using VIN 181252977, which aligns with a 1935 Ford.
This 1932 Plymouth Model PB is a steel-bodied, full-fendered convertible coupe was acquired by the seller as a disassembled project in the 1990s and was built into a street rod over the next decade. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and four-speed automatic transmission were installed along with a Ford 9″ rear end, and the steel rear fenders were widened to accommodate staggered-diameter wire wheels. The frame was boxed and modified with a Fat Man independent front suspension, power steering, and front disc brakes, while the interior was outfitted with a Glide Engineering bench seat, a Lokar shifter, Vintage Air climate control, power windows, an Ididit steering column, and AutoMeter gauges. In 2013 the car was sold to an owner who reupholstered the interior in black and replaced the soft top. Recently re-acquired by the seller, this custom Plymouth is now offered with a clean California title in the seller’s name.
The factory frame was boxed, the floors were modified, and the running boards were reshaped to align with the rear fenders, which were widened by 2” during the build. Yellow paint is accented by coral pinstriping, and the black soft top was made by South Side Auto Upholstery in Seattle, Washington.
Details include a “Winged Lady” hood ornament, louvered hood side panels, a tilt-out windshield, rear-hinged doors, a rear-mounted spare, and chrome bumpers. A touched-up area is shown up close in the image gallery below.
Coral-finished 15” front and 17” rear wire wheels wear Plymouth hubcaps and are wrapped in older 205/70 and 265/60 Bridgestone Dueler H/P tires, respectively. A Fat Man independent front suspension with disc brakes and power steering has been installed, while the live rear axle has parallel leaf springs and drum brakes. A Master Power Brakes master cylinder has also been added.
The cabin was trimmed in black at South Side Auto Upholstery in 2013. A roll bar has been added, and other appointments include a Glide Engineering bench seat, a Lokar shifter and parking brake, a Vintage Air climate control system, power windows, three-point seatbelts, and door safety latches.
The Lecarra banjo-style steering wheel is mounted to an Ididit column and sits ahead of AutoMeter instrumentation consisting of a column-mounted tachometer as well as a 120-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges surrounded by an engine-turned bezel. The mechanical tachometer and speedometer are not connected. The five-digit odometer shows 23 miles, though total mileage is unknown.
The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and four-speed automatic transmission were sourced from a 2003 Dodge truck and acquired in 2005. Custom headers flow into a dual exhaust system, and a stainless-steel fuel tank has been installed.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Ford 9″ rear end.
The car is titled as a 1932 Plymouth using “093” as the VIN.
You never know what interesting and uncommon vehicles will cross the block at a Barrett-Jackson auction. Walking around the recent Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction, you will discover there is something for everyone. Here’s a few of the little nuggets you may or may not have seen shared on social media.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
A four-door sedan is not the most desirable body style, but Tri-Five folks don’t discriminate. Nonetheless, what stood out with this Indian Ivory and Pinecrest Green Bow Tie was its condition—even with the 235ci inline-six and Powerglide. Even if you’re not into these, this example was simply spectacular.
1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec
Remember 10 years ago or so when Boomers on Facebook were bragging about how there were no collectible Japanese cars? That didn’t age well, as the hobby has been turned upside-down by hot rodding of the JDM kind. This one just so happens to be an original Motorex gray-market car, so it’s been on our soil since it was a wee little lad. With mechanical upgrades, it puts out over 800 horses.
1970 Pontiac GTO Judge
If I were a betting man, this GTO Judge was originally ordered by someone who was more adult than kid, judging by the Sierra Yellow hue, brown interior, automatic transmission, and air conditioning. Under the indoor lighting at WestWorld, the color and stripes simply popped.
1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60
The history of the Land Cruiser can be complicated, but certainly you recognize this from American streets several decades ago. And guess what? They’re quite collectible now. This one is a Saudi-spec example with its original paint and interior. Powertrain includes a 4.2-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual. Dig the rainbow stripes!
1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Objectively, there’s nothing really special about this Camaro Rally Sport, as it’s a 327 two-barrel paired with Powerglide. However, it presents well due to its condition, Granada Gold paint with Light Fawn vinyl top, and Rally wheels. So, someone has added Z/28 stripes? It’s quite attractive.
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
Sunbeam may be a forgotten British brand, but Carroll Shelby’s involvement with the Tiger is not. This one was modified in 2010 for a rally, so it features a modified 289 Ford V8 with four-speed transmission, heavy-duty suspension, Abo shocks, Salisbury limited-slip differential, and more. When the Rip Chords sang about a little Cobra, were they talking about this junior example?
1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
It has always been a bummer when automakers step away from high-performance combinations, and this happened to Americans when the 1981 Camaro Z28’s standard engine became the 305, and a four-speed behind the 350-powered Z was no longer available. However, the Canadian government’s version of the EPA was not as stringent, so a Z28 powered by a 350 four-speed was a thing. Throw in the Burgundy hue with gold/brown stripes and you have an interesting pony car.
1969 Datsun 2000
Imagine an MG with Japanese engineering and you’d find this Datsun, a tribute to the original commissioned by Bob Bondurant for his School of High Performance Driving. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four backed by a five-speed manual. Perhaps it may not be too fast, but it certainly is likely to be loads of fun.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
Oh, no, what’s this? Another Tri-Five? Note the slick color combo (Harbor Blue with Larkspur Blue roof), but even more worthy of noting is how this vehicle was equipped: Wonder Bar radio with rear speaker, electric clock, air conditioning, Autronic Eye, traffic light viewer, illuminated compass, vacuum ashtray, foot-operated windshield washer, and power windows, front seat, brakes, and steering.
We caught a significant prewar vehicle in Monterey: a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster. In today’s video, we check out this “short-tail, low-door” example, which features Sindelfingen coachwork, then dig into its supercharged straight-8 engine. We also explore the history of chassis 123702, aka the “Gore 500 K,” from British aristocracy to winning Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 1982, and look at how its restoration and long-term care kept it concours-ready for decades. Stay tuned to find out what makes this Special Roadster one of the definitive prewar Mercedes models.
This video is sponsored by our friends at Borro. For the trusted source in liquidity when you need it most, call Borro today at (720) 458-6788 or learn more at borro.com.
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“No roads at all? That’s Bronco country,” said Ford in advertisements for its first-generation Bronco. “From its heavy-duty front axle and exclusive Mono-Beam from suspension, the four-wheel drive Bronco is tough—durable—reliable.” Featured on AutoHunter is this 1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV. It is being sold by a dealer in Sarasota, Florida, with the auction ending on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 12:45 p.m. (PDT).
Marti Auto Works of El Mirage, Arizona, has access to a wealth of knowledge about Ford vehicles. In fact, Marti holds the keys to the entire Ford Motor Company production database for vehicles built since the 1967 model year. There are over 120 million records on tap, and among them are the details on this 1973 Bronco. Following are some of the key highlights:
- Color code T: Candyapple Red
- C4: Ginger Ranger Bucket Seats
- 18J: 3.50 Conventional Rear Axle
- 76: Denver District Sales Office
Included with the build was a lengthy list of options, such as skid plates, power steering, mud tires, passenger side mirror, body side moldings, AM radio, extra-cooling radiator, heavy-duty battery, and auxiliary fuel tank. When the vehicle rolled out of the Michigan assembly plant on June 29, 1973, it was shipped to a dealer called Garnsey & Wheeler Co. in Greeley, Colorado.
Clearly, the original Candyapple Red exterior was changed to a light blue during restoration, but a lot of other upgrades took place at the same time. The SUV received a Wild Horses lifted suspension, Flowmaster exhaust system, and overhauled interior. The cabin has been redone with black vinyl TMI bucket seats, Tuffy lockable center console, tubular rollbar, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and custom Kenwood audio system.
Under the hood, power comes from an Edelbrock-carbureted 302ci V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and dual-range transfer case.
The collector market for first-generation Broncos has been hot in recent years, with excellent examples regularly climbing into the six-figure price range. One of the driving factors for the increase was the reintroduction of the Bronco nameplate in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus.
Today, there are Bronco enthusiasts in every region of the country (and beyond). For example, in Arizona, there is a Facebook group called Arizona Classic Bronco Club with over 3,300 members. A restomod-style baby blue 1973 Bronco might be the best 4×4 to get you connected to the community and geared up for exhilarating off-road adventures.
The auction for this 1973 Ford Bronco ends Monday, October 27, 2025, at 12:45 p.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery