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1941 Ford Sedan Delivery Hot Rod

This 1941 Ford Sedan Delivery was modified under previous ownership, with work consisting of repainting the body, reupholstering the interior, and installing a modified front and rear suspension as well as a 302ci V8 linked with an AOD four-speed automatic transmission and a 9″ rear axle. The car is finished in black over black vinyl upholstery, and equipment includes power steering, adjustable front coilovers, rear leaf springs, power front disc brakes, red-finished 15″ steel wheels, an Edelbrock intake manifold and four-barrel carburetor, PerTronix Flame Thrower ignition coil, air conditioning, and Stewart-Warner instrumentation. The car was acquired by the owner in 2020 and subsequent work consisted of installing front coilovers, rear shocks, and replacement suspension bushings and tires. This modified Sedan Delivery is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with a clean California title.

The car is finished in black and is said to have been repainted under prior ownership. Details include a polished grille, a trailer hitch receiver, chrome bumpers, dual side mirrors, bodyside moldings, dual taillights, and black rubber-lined running boards. Paint blemishes are shown up close in the gallery.

Red-finished 15″ wheels wear chrome trim rings, Ford Deluxe-branded smoothie covers, and Coker classic whitewall tires up front and Hankook Kinergy tires out back. The vehicle has been fitted with power rack-and-pinion steering, a Mustang II-style front suspension, adjustable front coilovers, front and rear sway bars, and a Camaro-style leaf spring rear suspension. Braking is handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

The cabin features a split-folding bench seat trimmed in black vinyl upholstery joined by a color-coordinated dashboard, door and cargo panels, and carpeting. Equipment includes air conditioning, a floor-mounted shifter, lap belts, and wooden rear cargo side panels. A battery cut-off switch has been mounted below the seat and a 1991 SCTA Bonneville timing plaque is affixed to the passenger side of the dashboard. The radio does not work.

The banjo-style steering wheel frames a Stewart-Warner 160-mph speedometer and four supplementary gauges. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 10k miles, approximately 1k of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The 302ci V8 was installed under prior ownership and features an Edelbrock intake manifold and four-barrel carburetor, a PerTronix Flame Thrower ignition coil, Ford Racing-branded valve covers, aluminum accessory pulleys, and tubular exhaust headers. An oil change was performed under current ownership.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through an AOD four-speed automatic transmission and a 9″ rear axle. A transmission cooler with an electric cooling fan is installed as well as a dual exhaust system with Super Turbo mufflers.

468-Powered Willys Pickup Street Rod

This Willys-style pickup was acquired by the seller in 2018 and was subsequently the subject of a custom street-rod build utilizing a fiberglass Willys pickup body and a custom chassis. The truck is finished in lime green over white upholstery and powered by a 468ci stroker V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and a narrowed 9″ Ford differential. Equipment includes front Rocket wheels, rear Centerline Superlite wheels, a Vega steering box, front disc brakes, adjustable coilovers, Moroso wheelie bars, a custom exhaust system, dual Edelbrock carburetors, Stewart-Warner gauges, and a tubbed bed with wood plank flooring. This Willys street rod pickup is now offered with a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name listing the truck as a 1941 Willys Pickup.

The Willys-style fiberglass body is modeled after a 1941 Pickup and is finished in a custom shade of metallic lime green with black accents featuring rose graphics. Equipment includes a vented and tilting front clip assembly with gas shocks, a billet grille, a tubbed bed with wood plank flooring, a tubular chrome rear bumper, Moroso wheelie bars, 1950s Pontiac-style LED taillights, a recessed license plate holder, chrome mirrors, window tint, and side exhaust outlets. The windshield wipers have been removed.

Front Rocket wheels are wrapped in Firestone tires, and rear Centerline Superline wheels wear 18.5″ wide Mickey Thompson rear tires. The chassis is equipped with adjustable coilovers, Panhard bars, a Vega steering box, three Borgeson steering joints, and watts linkage. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums.

The cabin features a bench seat upholstered in white vinyl with green piping along with a matching headliner and door panels as well as contrasting black carpeting. Additional equipment includes a Lokar floor shifter, a glove box, and a rearview mirror. The aftermarket head unit does not work.

The three-spoke steering wheel frames Stewart-Warner instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer and gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, and fuel level. The speedometer is said to be inaccurate. The odometer shows 1,700 miles, which is said to represent the distance covered since the completion of the build. Total mileage is unknown.

The 454ci V8 was reportedly bored and stroked to 468ci with Keith Black 9.5.1:1 pistons, a 280-degree COMP Cams camshaft, and a gear drive, replacement lifters, and roller rockers. Additional equipment includes

  • Oval-port cast iron cylinder heads
  • Edelbrock Street Tunnel Ram intake manifold
  • Adjustable fuel pressure regulator and gauge
  • Dual Edlebrock 600-cfm carburetors
  • Aluminum finned valve covers with tall aluminum breathers
  • High voltage ignition coil
  • Aluminum HEI distributor
  • Accel spark plug wires
  • Polished high-flow water pump
  • 48-amp alternator
  • Chrome harmonic balancer
  • Aluminum radiator with an electric fan
  • Chrome eight-quart oil pan
  • High-volume oil pump
  • Mini high-torque starter
  • Aluminum Hilborn-style intake scoop
  • 2.5″ exhaust headers with cutouts and Flowmaster mufflers

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission with a 2,400-2,600-rpm stall converter and an aluminum extra-capacity finned pan. The narrowed 9″ Ford rear end features 3.10:1 gearing and sends power to the wheels via Moser axles.

The replacement serial number tag reads W231993, which corresponds with the VIN listed on the Oregon title. The title lists the truck as a 1941 Willys Pickup.

Desirable Muscle Cars, Supercars and Resto-Mods to Headline Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural New Orleans Auction

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions will feature three collections during the inaugural New Orleans Auction, September 28-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, including a diverse selection of collectible cars, trucks and SUVs. All crossing the block at No Reserve, the collectible vehicles from the Sherwood Classics, MS Classic Cars and Jimmy Bankhead collections feature an array of well-preserved, restored and custom-built selections, including a pair of late-model Aston Martins, a 2005 Ford GT, custom 1954 pickup and a matching-numbers 1969 Ford Mustang 428 SCJ Drag Pack.

Lot #429 – 1969 Chevrolet Nova from the Sherwood Classics Collection

“Many astute collectors turn to Barrett-Jackson to auction their prized vehicles that have been restored and maintained within their private collections,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Among the hundreds of vehicles crossing the auction block in New Orleans, we have three exceptional groupings that will be featured. The Sherwood Classics, MS Classic Cars and Jimmy Bankhead collections are excellent examples of the passion and extreme care taken to preserve these vehicles, ensuring they provide a wonderful opportunity for their next stewards looking to add to a collection of their own.”

Lot #778 – 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290 Fuelie Convertible from the Sherwood Classics Collection

The Sherwood Classics Collection features eight collectible vehicles, including a 2005 Ford GT (Lot #735), as well as a custom 1961 Chevrolet Corvette convertible (Lot #681) powered by an all-aluminum LS1 engine backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission. Powered by its original matching-numbers drivetrain, a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290 Fuelie convertible (Lot #778) was restored to NCRS standards, featuring a striking red exterior that matches the interior and complements the black soft-top. Lot #779 is a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 SCJ Drag Pack powered by its matching-numbers R-code 428ci Super Cobra Jet engine paired with a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission.

Lot #412 – 1972 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum from the MS Classic Cars Collection

Leading the MS Classic Cars Collection is “Shadow,” a custom 1954 Chevrolet Pickup (Lot #782) built with a vision to create the ultimate classic pickup while keeping the iconic factory appearance. Countless hours and dollars were invested in the 4-year build, which was completed in May 2023. An authentic and meticulously restored 1972 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum (Lot #412) is a seldom-seen Mopar muscle car and is one of only 785 “U-Code” models built that year, which included the 440ci 4-barrel Magnum High Performance V8. A great example of an original matching-numbers iconic American sports car, a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible (Lot #760) will also cross the block with No Reserve. The result of an impressive show-quality restoration, it is listed in the Corvette C1 Registry.

Lot #782 – 1954 Chevrolet custom pickup from the MS Classic Cars collection

“The diversity of these three collections is amazing and represents some of the most desirable vehicles in the hobby,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The breadth of these collections resembles our entire auction docket, appealing to enthusiasts from every generation. Our inaugural New Orleans Auction will offer everyone the chance to find that perfect collectible vehicle they’ve always wanted.”

Lot #420 – 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 from the Jimmy Bankhead Collection

Featuring an array of domestic and import collectible vehicles, the Jimmy Bankhead Collection is led by a 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish (Lot #676) with less than 5,000 actual miles and a 2011 Aston Martin Vantage V12 (Lot #655) powered by a hand-built 510-horsepower V12 engine with a custom-installed Borla exhaust system. Also included in the collection is a black-on-black 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera S cabriolet (Lot #416) that has less than 6,000 miles. Domestic prowess is available from a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette 3LT convertible (Lot #791) powered by a V8 engine that generates 490 horsepower. Classics from the collection include two fully restored trucks: a 1956 Chevrolet Cameo (Lot #403) and a 1969 Chevrolet C10 long-bed pickup (Lot #389)

Enthusiasts interested in being a part of the excitement may also consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural New Orleans Auction may do so here.

Advance tickets to the event are available here. On Location, Barrett-Jackson’s official hospitality partner, is offering several immersive VIP Experience packages for guests to join the action on the auction block, enjoy premium hospitality and connect with like-minded enthusiasts like never before. To learn more about On Location’s offerings, click here.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Desirable Muscle Cars, Supercars and Resto-Mods to Headline Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural New Orleans Auction

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions will feature three collections during the inaugural New Orleans Auction, September 28-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, including a diverse selection of collectible cars, trucks and SUVs. All crossing the block at No Reserve, the collectible vehicles from the Sherwood Classics, MS Classic Cars and Jimmy Bankhead collections feature an array of well-preserved, restored and custom-built selections, including a pair of late-model Aston Martins, a 2005 Ford GT, custom 1954 pickup and a matching-numbers 1969 Ford Mustang 428 SCJ Drag Pack.

Lot #429 – 1969 Chevrolet Nova from the Sherwood Classics Collection

“Many astute collectors turn to Barrett-Jackson to auction their prized vehicles that have been restored and maintained within their private collections,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Among the hundreds of vehicles crossing the auction block in New Orleans, we have three exceptional groupings that will be featured. The Sherwood Classics, MS Classic Cars and Jimmy Bankhead collections are excellent examples of the passion and extreme care taken to preserve these vehicles, ensuring they provide a wonderful opportunity for their next stewards looking to add to a collection of their own.”

Lot #778 – 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290 Fuelie Convertible from the Sherwood Classics Collection

The Sherwood Classics Collection features eight collectible vehicles, including a 2005 Ford GT (Lot #735), as well as a custom 1961 Chevrolet Corvette convertible (Lot #681) powered by an all-aluminum LS1 engine backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission. Powered by its original matching-numbers drivetrain, a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette 283/290 Fuelie convertible (Lot #778) was restored to NCRS standards, featuring a striking red exterior that matches the interior and complements the black soft-top. Lot #779 is a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 SCJ Drag Pack powered by its matching-numbers R-code 428ci Super Cobra Jet engine paired with a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission.

Lot #412 – 1972 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum from the MS Classic Cars Collection

Leading the MS Classic Cars Collection is “Shadow,” a custom 1954 Chevrolet Pickup (Lot #782) built with a vision to create the ultimate classic pickup while keeping the iconic factory appearance. Countless hours and dollars were invested in the 4-year build, which was completed in May 2023. An authentic and meticulously restored 1972 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum (Lot #412) is a seldom-seen Mopar muscle car and is one of only 785 “U-Code” models built that year, which included the 440ci 4-barrel Magnum High Performance V8. A great example of an original matching-numbers iconic American sports car, a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette 283/270 convertible (Lot #760) will also cross the block with No Reserve. The result of an impressive show-quality restoration, it is listed in the Corvette C1 Registry.

Lot #782 – 1954 Chevrolet custom pickup from the MS Classic Cars collection

“The diversity of these three collections is amazing and represents some of the most desirable vehicles in the hobby,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The breadth of these collections resembles our entire auction docket, appealing to enthusiasts from every generation. Our inaugural New Orleans Auction will offer everyone the chance to find that perfect collectible vehicle they’ve always wanted.”

Lot #420 – 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327/300 from the Jimmy Bankhead Collection

Featuring an array of domestic and import collectible vehicles, the Jimmy Bankhead Collection is led by a 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish (Lot #676) with less than 5,000 actual miles and a 2011 Aston Martin Vantage V12 (Lot #655) powered by a hand-built 510-horsepower V12 engine with a custom-installed Borla exhaust system. Also included in the collection is a black-on-black 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera S cabriolet (Lot #416) that has less than 6,000 miles. Domestic prowess is available from a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette 3LT convertible (Lot #791) powered by a V8 engine that generates 490 horsepower. Classics from the collection include two fully restored trucks: a 1956 Chevrolet Cameo (Lot #403) and a 1969 Chevrolet C10 long-bed pickup (Lot #389)

Enthusiasts interested in being a part of the excitement may also consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural New Orleans Auction may do so here.

Advance tickets to the event are available here. On Location, Barrett-Jackson’s official hospitality partner, is offering several immersive VIP Experience packages for guests to join the action on the auction block, enjoy premium hospitality and connect with like-minded enthusiasts like never before. To learn more about On Location’s offerings, click here.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1932 Ford Highboy Coupe

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 347-Powered 1932 Ford Highboy 5-Window Coupe.

Even though its body has 90-year-old vintage lines, this 5-window coupe is about as fresh as any classic car can be. That’s because it uses a newer fiberglass body along with power disc brakes, an independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and an automatic transmission. This black over tan vinyl Highboy is being sold by a private party in Auburn, Alabama, and the auction ends Thursday, so click over and check it out.

Early 1930s Fords are popular in the hot-rodding community and this build would turn lots of heads at a local cruise-in. Traditionally, a Highboy was a roadster with the fenders and running boards removed. This example has been customized with treatment like color-keyed headlight enclosures, new five-spoke 15-inch aluminum wheels, a dual exhaust setup, and taillights that were sourced from a 1948 Chevrolet.

Much like the rest of the car, the interior is simple, if not spartan. Amenities are light – this is a space where you have to learn to drive without a heater, a radio, a navigation system, cup holders, or cruise control. And that’s why I love it: It is a car that delivers driving enjoyment by forcing the driver to focus on the road and nothing else. This is something lost on many modern vehicles. Take Cadillac Super Cruise, for example. This technology encourages people to take their hands off the wheel, and while the system has been proven safe to implement, it deprives the driver of the opportunity to be in complete control.

This Highboy has accrued 6,500 miles since the build was completed, and power comes from a crate-sourced 347cid stroker V8 that is upgraded with chrome valve covers, an aluminum intake manifold, a Holley 750-cfm four-barrel carburetor, an MSD ignition system, and an aluminum radiator. Torque is fed to the nine-inch rear end through a floor-shifted C4 three-speed automatic transmission.

The seller has provided a comprehensive photo gallery of over 100 photos including underbody shots that illustrate just how clean this car is. Take advantage of the opportunity to pick up this custom ride that delivers simple driving fun!

The auction for this 1932 Ford Highboy 5-Window Coupe ends Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1932 Ford Highboy Coupe

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 347-Powered 1932 Ford Highboy 5-Window Coupe.

Even though its body has 90-year-old vintage lines, this 5-window coupe is about as fresh as any classic car can be. That’s because it uses a newer fiberglass body along with power disc brakes, an independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and an automatic transmission. This black over tan vinyl Highboy is being sold by a private party in Auburn, Alabama, and the auction ends Thursday, so click over and check it out.

Early 1930s Fords are popular in the hot-rodding community and this build would turn lots of heads at a local cruise-in. Traditionally, a Highboy was a roadster with the fenders and running boards removed. This example has been customized with treatment like color-keyed headlight enclosures, new five-spoke 15-inch aluminum wheels, a dual exhaust setup, and taillights that were sourced from a 1948 Chevrolet.

Much like the rest of the car, the interior is simple, if not spartan. Amenities are light – this is a space where you have to learn to drive without a heater, a radio, a navigation system, cup holders, or cruise control. And that’s why I love it: It is a car that delivers driving enjoyment by forcing the driver to focus on the road and nothing else. This is something lost on many modern vehicles. Take Cadillac Super Cruise, for example. This technology encourages people to take their hands off the wheel, and while the system has been proven safe to implement, it deprives the driver of the opportunity to be in complete control.

This Highboy has accrued 6,500 miles since the build was completed, and power comes from a crate-sourced 347cid stroker V8 that is upgraded with chrome valve covers, an aluminum intake manifold, a Holley 750-cfm four-barrel carburetor, an MSD ignition system, and an aluminum radiator. Torque is fed to the nine-inch rear end through a floor-shifted C4 three-speed automatic transmission.

The seller has provided a comprehensive photo gallery of over 100 photos including underbody shots that illustrate just how clean this car is. Take advantage of the opportunity to pick up this custom ride that delivers simple driving fun!

The auction for this 1932 Ford Highboy 5-Window Coupe ends Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Can You Identify These Chevy Engine Badges?

Think you know your cars? Then try the below automotive puzzle highlighting engine badges of Chevrolet vehicles that are currently listed on AutoHunter.

Chevrolet often used the same badge design with different cubic-inch numbers but, with the advent of the big-block in 1965, Chevrolet introduced a new design that was used through 1967. Seems that in 1968, Chevrolet began using plain numerals in most cases.

Below we have four engine badges — can you guess which Chevys they grace? Post your answers in the comments section below, then click on each image to learn whether you guessed correctly. Good luck!

Click on each image to reveal the vehicle and year

Click here to find more puzzles from the ClassicCars.com Journal. If this game gives you ideas for another theme, be sure to give us a nudge as we just may use it and give you credit!

Can You Identify These Chevy Engine Badges?

Think you know your cars? Then try the below automotive puzzle highlighting engine badges of Chevrolet vehicles that are currently listed on AutoHunter.

Chevrolet often used the same badge design with different cubic-inch numbers but, with the advent of the big-block in 1965, Chevrolet introduced a new design that was used through 1967. Seems that in 1968, Chevrolet began using plain numerals in most cases.

Below we have four engine badges — can you guess which Chevys they grace? Post your answers in the comments section below, then click on each image to learn whether you guessed correctly. Good luck!

Click on each image to reveal the vehicle and year

Click here to find more puzzles from the ClassicCars.com Journal. If this game gives you ideas for another theme, be sure to give us a nudge as we just may use it and give you credit!

Pick of the Day: 1985 Renault Alliance Convertible

Let’s be honest: Americans have never fallen in love with French cars. Sure, for a brief time, Renault Dauphine sold in great numbers, but how many have survived? Simca had Chrysler support, but they’re long forgotten. Peugeot made inroads but fizzled by the early 1990s, just before our Pick of the Day was built: a 1985 Renault Alliance convertible. It’s listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Staunton, Illinois. (Click the link to view the listing)

Aside of giving Volkswagen a run for its money in 1959-60, Renault didn’t experience much success in the American market. Even the 5, which was probably the next truly successful Renault in America, didn’t catch on until Renault’s marketing department changed the name from “5” to “Le Car.” Yes, the charm was there, but the staying power was not. Enter American Motors, which needed a cash influx to survive. Banks were not having it, but Renault’s interest was piqued by the ability to use AMC’s sales channels to peddle its cars in the U.S. With loan in hand, American Motors continued to survive on Jeeps and renamed Hornets and Gremlins. And, soon, the Renault 9.

Named “Renault Alliance” in the U.S., eschewing the AMC nameplate, the new American-built economy car debuted for the 1983 model year and promptly won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award. Buff books were high on the Alliance and the Encore (née Renault 11) hatchback, which was introduced for 1984. Testers liked the clever packaging and interior room, construction quality, and refinement. For 1985, a unique convertible was introduced, joining the bandwagon of other convertibles that had marked a comeback for the body style since the last American convertible was produced in 1976. The convertible lasted through 1987, that year being joined by a high-performance GTA variant . . . and then Chrysler bought out American Motors. The Alliance (and Encore, which was now called the Alliance Hatchback) was discontinued in the American market so as not to cannibalize competitive Mopar models.

Why discontinue a successful model? Because the Alliance had fallen out of favor with increased competition from Asia, plus any remnants of the previous gas crisis were gone, giving Americans more reason to move up in class. Then there was the exchange rate between the two countries, and several Renault missteps, not to mention AMC put too many of its eggs in one basket before it could launch the Medallion (later branded as an Eagle). With that, American Motors was no more.

This 1985 Renault Alliance convertible is an example of Renault’s skill at making a good economy car combined with AMC’s cleverness in times of trouble. Though Renault’s emissions-saddled 1.7-liter four-cylinder was not a track star, this ragtop has a five-speed manual to maximize every ounce of power. “This Renault is in very good condition for its age. Inside you will find the interior finished in red and black,” says the seller. A power-operated top is a nice touch for a car in this class (though a convertible in this class was quite unique too), and the rear spoiler gives a semblance of sportiness even if it was lacking under the hood.

Adds the seller, “This Renault runs and drives well and is certainly an odd car that you won’t see very often.” The latter part is certainly true — when was the last time you saw one of these? For $10,900, you can claim that you see one every day.

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

Pick of the Day: 1985 Renault Alliance Convertible

Let’s be honest: Americans have never fallen in love with French cars. Sure, for a brief time, Renault Dauphine sold in great numbers, but how many have survived? Simca had Chrysler support, but they’re long forgotten. Peugeot made inroads but fizzled by the early 1990s, just before our Pick of the Day was built: a 1985 Renault Alliance convertible. It’s listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Staunton, Illinois. (Click the link to view the listing)

Aside of giving Volkswagen a run for its money in 1959-60, Renault didn’t experience much success in the American market. Even the 5, which was probably the next truly successful Renault in America, didn’t catch on until Renault’s marketing department changed the name from “5” to “Le Car.” Yes, the charm was there, but the staying power was not. Enter American Motors, which needed a cash influx to survive. Banks were not having it, but Renault’s interest was piqued by the ability to use AMC’s sales channels to peddle its cars in the U.S. With loan in hand, American Motors continued to survive on Jeeps and renamed Hornets and Gremlins. And, soon, the Renault 9.

Named “Renault Alliance” in the U.S., eschewing the AMC nameplate, the new American-built economy car debuted for the 1983 model year and promptly won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award. Buff books were high on the Alliance and the Encore (née Renault 11) hatchback, which was introduced for 1984. Testers liked the clever packaging and interior room, construction quality, and refinement. For 1985, a unique convertible was introduced, joining the bandwagon of other convertibles that had marked a comeback for the body style since the last American convertible was produced in 1976. The convertible lasted through 1987, that year being joined by a high-performance GTA variant . . . and then Chrysler bought out American Motors. The Alliance (and Encore, which was now called the Alliance Hatchback) was discontinued in the American market so as not to cannibalize competitive Mopar models.

Why discontinue a successful model? Because the Alliance had fallen out of favor with increased competition from Asia, plus any remnants of the previous gas crisis were gone, giving Americans more reason to move up in class. Then there was the exchange rate between the two countries, and several Renault missteps, not to mention AMC put too many of its eggs in one basket before it could launch the Medallion (later branded as an Eagle). With that, American Motors was no more.

This 1985 Renault Alliance convertible is an example of Renault’s skill at making a good economy car combined with AMC’s cleverness in times of trouble. Though Renault’s emissions-saddled 1.7-liter four-cylinder was not a track star, this ragtop has a five-speed manual to maximize every ounce of power. “This Renault is in very good condition for its age. Inside you will find the interior finished in red and black,” says the seller. A power-operated top is a nice touch for a car in this class (though a convertible in this class was quite unique too), and the rear spoiler gives a semblance of sportiness even if it was lacking under the hood.

Adds the seller, “This Renault runs and drives well and is certainly an odd car that you won’t see very often.” The latter part is certainly true — when was the last time you saw one of these? For $10,900, you can claim that you see one every day.

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