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Award-Winning 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom Headed to No Reserve Auction

The 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom is a breathtaking feat of automotive artistry, a one-of-a-kind, retrofuturistic show car built decades after the original vehicle rolled off the assembly line. Masterfully crafted by customizer Gary “Chopit” Fioto, this rolling sculpture stands as a tribute to the golden age of custom car design, borrowing inspiration from iconic builders and the space-age optimism of the 1950s and 1960s. More than a mere restoration, the Beatnik represents a full-scale reimagining of a custom bubbletop, blending a modified modern chassis with a stunning hand-formed body.

A Fusion of Classic American Iron

While the project started with a 1955 Ford, very little of the original vehicle remains, aside from a few key components. Fioto’s vision involved extensive modifications and the seamless integration of parts from several different classic American marques. The exterior features a distinct lavender paint job with hand-formed steel and aluminum bodywork, meticulously welded to create a cohesive, flowing design. The front is dominated by a customized bumper from a 1959 Cadillac, while the rear features a bumper from a 1958 Cadillac. The fins and taillights are sourced from a 1960 Chrysler, and the canted quad headlights nod to late-1950s Lincolns. The result is a spectacular blending of iconic automotive styling cues into a singularly unique and radical aesthetic.

The Largest Bubbletop Custom Ever Built

The car’s most defining and unforgettable feature is its enormous, custom-molded Lexan bubbletop. Inspired by the futuristic concept cars of the jet age, this transparent canopy is reportedly the largest ever created for an automobile. Unlike most customs where the roof is chopped and lowered, Fioto raised the roofline to accommodate the immense dome, creating a remarkable, spaceship-like profile. The interior is a work of art in its own right, upholstered in pearl white Naugahyde with a rolled and pleated design. Occupants are treated to a futuristic experience with a yoke-style steering wheel and a Chrysler Astradome instrument cluster. A tubular center console and four custom bucket seats complete the audacious interior.

Modern Foundation with Classic Power

Underneath its exquisite body, the Beatnik incorporates modern engineering for reliability and drivability. The custom body sits on a modified chassis from a 1988 Lincoln Town Car, providing a solid foundation for the ambitious project. Power is supplied by a high-performance Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch V8 engine, topped with six carburetors. The powerplant is dressed with period-appropriate chrome and polished components, including finned Moon valve covers and stainless-steel braided hoses. An automatic transmission, Vintage Air climate control, and an updated audio system also bring modern convenience to this vintage-inspired machine.

An Award-Winning Show Car Sensation

Upon its debut in 2005, the Beatnik immediately captured the attention of the custom car world and began racking up prestigious awards. It took home the Sweepstakes Award at Blackie Gejeian’s Fresno Autorama in 2005 and followed up with numerous accolades in 2006, including the George Barris Kustom d’Elegance Award and Outstanding Custom at the Grand National Roadster Show. Its success continued with a Grand Prize victory at Darryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Car Show and the American Cup at Carl Casper’s Custom Car Show. The 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop is more than just a car; it is a legendary piece of custom automotive history that continues to mesmerize and inspire enthusiasts today.

The 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom Will Sell At Auction Without Reserve

The award-winning 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom is going to auction this Saturday, September 20th, 2025, as part of Larry’s Legacy at the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago, IL.  It will sell without reserve.

The Ford Beatnik has sold at auction multiple times, including a $396,000 sale hosted by RM Sotheby’s during Monterey 2006, and another sale hosted by RM Sotheby’s in California in 2015 (sold by Barry Weiss) for $165,000.

The post Award-Winning 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom Headed to No Reserve Auction appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

Ford is Moving to a Bigger, Better HQ

It wasn’t that long ago when Ford Motor Company created its Ford Performance division (which was recently renamed Ford Racing). Ready Set Ford is the company’s first new global marketing campaign in more than 15 years. But it’s been nearly 70 years since Ford moved into its new headquarters, aka the “Glass House.” Later this year, Ford will host the grand opening of the new Ford World Headquarters at the Henry Ford II World Center product development campus in Dearborn, Michigan.

Measuring 2.1 million square-feet over four floors, Ford World Headquarters is more than double the size of its predecessor and offers room for up to 4,000 employees—twice as much as the Glass House (we have a feeling Billy Joel wasn’t allowed to visit it in 1980 for cosmetic reasons). An additional 14,000 employees will have a short, 15-minute walk away from the new facility. Those changes, plus a mix of studios, garages, fabrication shops, and individual and group workspaces, are designed to foster greater cross-department collaboration and speed up the pace of innovation and problem-solving.

Henry and Edsel Ford Research and Engineering Center

In a press release, Ford said, “This is part of a larger investment in our people and our facilities across the globe. We are committed to providing employees with world-class workspaces, modern technology, and the best tools to do their life’s best work—from our global offices to our manufacturing floors. Our dealers around the world are likewise investing in their stores and service centers to elevate the customer experience.”

What will become of the Glass House? Once everyone vacates the building, it will be demolished over the course of 18 months. After that, it’s not exactly clear; Ford said, “We are working with the City of Dearborn on a plan for how the site can best serve our employees and neighbors, and we will have more to share about those plans later.”

Ford will open the doors to its new global global HQ to employees and public tours in November. It has yet to complete the landscaping and a final section of the building, but those will be done and the next chapter in Ford’s history will officially begin in 2027.

Chevrolet’s Secret Weapon: 1968 Nova SS

Chevy folks have a secret weapon with the Chevy II. Not quite as big as a Chevelle and not quite as sporty as the Camaro, Chevrolet’s compact was nonetheless capable of handling a Mark IV big-block without trouble. That means less weight and fine weight transfer for those who are more interested in winning than looking good.

Perhaps Chris Teed didn’t know what an intelligent purchase he made when he was 16 years old, but 46 years later, he still owns this L78-powered 1968 Chevrolet Nova SS. Over the years, he’s learned how to maximize its power to run ETs that you’d expect from a car with ported heads, headers, and slicks.

Sure, the Super Sport now runs L89 aluminum heads and may have an adjustment here or there that may not be showroom-stock, but this is a vehicle that follows the NHRA rulebook and impresses in ways that you’d expect from a modified car.

Join Muscle Car Campy as he chats with Chris about his high school car and how he’s dialed in his Bow Tie to run high 11s. If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out other automotive segments from Muscle Car Campy.

Lexus Glam LX Concept is a Mobile Hair/Makeup/Wardrobe Station

Many SUV owners spend a lot of time and money customizing their rigs for their particular lifestyles. Overlanders add roof-top tents, onboard air compressors, and even water tanks for showering to make their time off the grid easier. Lexus goes all in on modifying its SUVs for certain purposes, too—in concept form, at least. Last year, it rolled out the golfer-focused GX 550 Malbon Edition. Its newest hyper-specific one-off is the Lexus Glam LX.

Lexus worked with Complete Customs to create a rolling nail salon, hair studio, and wardrobe department that can get to even the most remote modeling or filming locations (it would look perfect as Elle Woods’ vehicle if they ever make another “Legally Blonde” sequel). The body is covered in a distinctive “pearl symphony chameleon” wrap. Two-tone crystal Lexus badges replace the factory emblems.

The pink and white leather interior is where models and performers can get their nails done, hair styled, and clothes and shoes on, all while surrounded by mohair, silk, and stone inlays. The glove box was altered to hold bottles of nail polish and UV/LED lighting for quick color changes and manicures.

Lexus replaced the stock rear doors with coach doors that open to a makeup studio with a full-width drop-down mirror, a halo-lit skylight, and tray tables with stone inlays.

According to Lexus, “Hot tool holders, integrated power outlets, a refrigerated makeup console, and an LED-lit handbag storage compartment ensure beauty and styling items are always accessible on the go.”

Instead of the regular liftgate, the Glam LX has a pair of French doors that provide access to a pair of illuminated mirrors, a small clothing rack, shoe- and purse-sized storage cubbies, acrylic drawers, and a pair of custom pullout chairs for getting ready. There’s even a retractable privacy screen to make sure there’s no audience for the next wardrobe or costume change.

Lexus will be taking the LX Glam concept to various locations for people to experience. If you happen to see it somewhere, the soundtrack for the event will probably be people saying, “No, Honey, it’s not for sale. Lexus isn’t going to put it into production.”

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1955 Ford F-250 Pickup

The Pacific Northwest has always been known for its attractive greenery—and, in this case, it applies to a classic truck as well: this 1955 Ford F-250 Pickup currently listed on AutoHunter. The truck is being sold by a private party in Lynden, Washington, with the auction ending on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Lynden is a small community about 100 miles north of Seattle and fewer than 10 miles from the Canadian border. It looks like a beautiful place to explore—especially from behind the wheel of a vintage pickup.

The truck in question has been newly refreshed both inside and out; it received new paint, trim, and a wood bed about a year ago. Exterior features include black bumpers, a driver-side mirror, running boards, and a side-mounted spare tire. The inside of the cab has been similarly overhauled in recent months, with appointments including tan vinyl upholstery, new sun visors, and replacement headliner.

In model year 1955, Ford called its truck “The Money Maker.” The background for that claim was what Ford referred to as “Triple Economy.” Expanding on that, the pickup was said to offer value in three specific areas:

  • Money-making power: The available Cost Clipper Six and Power King V8 were said to have new durability features and be engineered to last longer.
  • Money-making convenience: The cab was “driverized” with conveniences to enhance comfort and cut fatigue, giving drivers an incentive to do their best work.
  • Money-making capacities: Ford trucks were designed to deliver top load-carrying ability while keeping overall chassis weights lower.

Did Ford deliver on its promises? The answer to that will probably be subjective, but one thing is for sure: the early F-Series pickups paved the way for Ford’s runaway success in the decades to come. In fact, the F-Series would go on to later hold the title as the best-selling truck in America, a feat which it still holds today in 2025 after a near-50-year streak.

Power for this truck comes from a reportedly numbers-matching Power King 239ci V8 mated to a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The engine was rated at 132 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque when new, and the listing says it was completely rebuilt in March 2025. The odometer shows 198 miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown since the mileage was reset to zero when the aforementioned mechanical work was performed.

A walk-around video has been provided which shows the exterior, interior, and engine compartment. There’s a lot to love about all-things green in the PNW, and this tidy, restored F-Series is no exception.

The auction for this 1955 Ford F-250 Pickup ends Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

For $4k, Is This 1977 Lotus Éclat a Project for You?

It’s not a model that we saw very often in the U.S., which makes the appearance of this 1977 Lotus Éclat project car in the Hemmings Classifieds all the more unusual. The Type 76 Éclat and the closely related Type 75 Elite were the keys to Colin Chapman‘s efforts to reinvent Lotus in the mid-1970s. With the cost of buying and insuring cars like the Elan and the Europa rising beyond the reach of most younger buyers, Chapman believed that an older (and wealthier) crowd might be drawn in by a new range of cars built for grand touring rather than on-track performance.

Both the Elite and the Éclat featured daring, up-to-the-minute angular styling by ex-Jaguar designer Oliver Winterbottom and enough interior space for four. While the Elite was a shooting brake with a dramatically chopped-off rear and a glass hatch, the Éclat featured a more conventional swept fastback, with a trunk that could swallow a surprising amount of gear. The two cars were so similar that the Éclat (“glow” in French) was originally to have been called the Elite Coupé.

You’d expect a Lotus to have a willing engine, and the Éclat doesn’t disappoint. The model initially was powered by the 16-valve, 1,973cc, all-alloy Lotus 907 four-cylinder making 160 hp at 6,500 rpm; when the Series 2 was launched in 1980, the 907 was replaced by the 2,174cc unit introduced in the Sunbeam-Lotus that made the same horsepower, but more torque. Though the example for sale dates from 1977, the seller says it’s equipped with the larger engine, as well as the five-speed Getrag transmission that replaced the earlier four-speed.

You’d also expect a Lotus to be light, and the Éclat is, with a curb weight of a mere 2,160 pounds. Incorporating a design first used in the Elan of 1962, the Éclat had a mild steel backbone chassis and a molded fiberglass body. Series 2 cars introduced a galvanized steel chassis to combat rust. The ad for this Éclat makes no mention of the chassis. The engine is mounted longitudinally in front, and drives the rear wheels. Braking is by discs all around, and the steering is by rack and pinion.

The car is described as complete, with a new stainless steel exhaust system and new tires. “Prefer sell all for restoration but may consider parts sales,” the seller says. There are no photos of the interior or engine provided, though we can see that this is one of the left-hand-drive Éclats produced for export. We couldn’t find records of how many LHD cars were built, but with production of all Series 1 Éclats amounting to just 1,299, there couldn’t have been many.

Could this seldom-seen Lotus be your next project? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re interested in putting a Lotus in your garage, but this isn’t the one for you, check out some of the other listings in the Hemmings Marketplace.

The post For $4k, Is This 1977 Lotus Éclat a Project for You? appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

New Products Include Chevy Truck Hinges, Glass Cleaner, 914 Big Brake Kits and Chevelle Radiators

Unhinged No More

The Filling Station • 800-841-6622 • fillingstation.com • $39.95/each

After nearly 50 years of popping the hood on your Chevy truck, you may have noticed the rear of the hood is not as flush with the cowl as it was from the factory. It’s possible your hood hinges are worn and if you’ve been adjusting them more often, it might be time to replace them. These new reproduction hood hinges are now available for 1973-’80 Chevrolet light trucks. They are said to be heavier and stronger than the original hinges to provide several more decades of service. They’re available separately for the left and right side, and are direct replacements for the factory hinges, but springs are not included. Ask about p/n RW-672L (left) and RW-672R (right) for more information.

Glass Act

Liquid Glass • 800-491-4342 • liquidglass.com • $34.95/16 oz. (Liquid Glass); $99.95 (Total Kit)

Coat your vehicle with a clear, hard, smooth and mirror-like shine with Liquid Glass Polish/Finish. It will not chip, peel, crack or yellow and is safe to use on any automotive paint finish. The easy-to-apply formula will help you seal and protect chrome, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, glass and more non-porous surfaces too. It’s also available as part of a set with other cleaning formulas including Pre-Cleaner, Wash Concentrate, Connoisseur’s Choice Leather, and Vinyl & Rubber Protectant, plus it comes with an application cloth and buffing towel (not shown). Ask about p/n LG900 and LG999 (kit) for more details.

Porsche 914 Big Brake Kits

Wilwood Engineering • 805-388-1188 • wilwood.com • $1,995.77/starting MSRP

If you’re looking to add some stopping power to your Porsche 914, these new front and rear big brake kits will fulfill your needs. They are said to yield a 53 percent reduction in unsprung rotating mass compared to the original equipment brakes in the 1970-’76 914. Front and rear kits are available, and they come with forged-aluminum four-piston calipers, brackets, and hubs with oversize vented rotors. The Powerlite calipers are designed for proper front-to-rear braking bias while the rotors are larger in diameter and wider than the factory rotors. Calipers are available in black or red finishes (plus 24 other colors), and the rotors are available in plain face or slotted and drilled. Rear kits feature parking brakes for right and left-hand applications, and the parking brake cable kit is included. The kits must be used with a 914/6 or 911, 19-mm master cylinder. Inquire about part numbers 140-17473 (’70-’72 front); 140-17474-DR (’73-’76 front); and 140-17475 (’70-’76 rear) for full specifications.

Chevelle Cooling

Summit Racing • 800-230-3030 • summitracing.com • $1,631

New Griffin Radiators are now available for 1964-’67 Chevrolet Chevelles. These are exact-fit radiator combo kits that are direct replacements for the factory units on cars without air conditioning. They have OEM-style stamped tanks, proper mounting points for factory equipment, and the proper mounting tabs and brackets for quick and easy installation. The kits also feature built-in transmission fluid coolers for Chevelles with automatic transmissions. The radiators are made from AA3003 aluminum and have two-row cores with 1.25-inch-wide tubes. They are said to provide 25 percent more cooling than radiators with 1-inch tubes. Also included in the kit are dual 12-inch electric fans, an aluminum shroud, a temperature sensor, a wiring harness, and a radiator cap. The packages are shipped with the fans and shroud mounted to the radiator. Inquire about p/n CU-70054 for more details.

The post New Products Include Chevy Truck Hinges, Glass Cleaner, 914 Big Brake Kits and Chevelle Radiators appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

Pick of the Day: 1962 Buick Wildcat

What is it about Detroit’s propensity for watering down great names? In 1962, Chrysler replaced the Windsor with the new 300, a mainstream mid-trim level situated between the Newport and New Yorker that compromised the equity of the 300 letter-series. Not only did Buick do a similar thing a year later, but the automaker did it in the same price class as the 300. Our Pick of the Day is the first version of this model before Buick mainstreamed it. This 1962 Buick Wildcat is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in O’Fallon, Illinois.

Buick’s completely redesigned 1959 models also included all-new model names. At the bottom was the LeSabre, which replaced the Special as the brand’s bread-and-butter car. Replacing the Century was the Invicta, which rode on the LeSabre’s shorter wheelbase and had the power of the senior Buick’s new 401 V8. The replacement for the Roadmaster was the Electra, with a special Electra 225 model featuring an additional five inches in length (for 225 inches in total) and several additional standard features.

Starting in 1960, the Invicta two-door hardtop and convertible were available with the Custom package, which added stylish bucket seats with genuine leather trim and a two-way power driver’s seat. The Custom package manifested itself as an Invicta special sub-model for 1962 called the Wildcat.

“Buick introduces torrid new luxury sports car! First with the sure-footed sock of advanced thrust,” proclaimed the spring ad introducing the Wildcat. The special vehicle included front bucket seats divided by a bright metal console featuring a tachometer and Turbine Drive stick shift (another way of saying Buick’s Dynaflow transmission). A vinyl top—unusual for the time—was included. Other “sports car touches” included a foam rubber headliner with chrome strips like a convertible, deep carpeting, rear seat courtesy light, Electra taillights, and special Wildcat wheel covers. As the Wildcat was based on the Invicta, it was powered by a standard 401 “Nailhead” with 325 horsepower.

Think of the 1962 Wildcat as Buick’s answer to the Pontiac Grand Prix and you will not be far off. However, the Wildcat never had a chance to play the same role again as, for 1963, it was mainstreamed as Buick’s mid-livel series, taking over the Invicta’s place as a full-fledged line that included a four-door and convertible. This didn’t leave Buick without a personal luxury model, however, as the Riviera was introduced for 1963, which most certainly was one of the most stylish American vehicles from the 1960s.

This Arctic White 1962 Buick Wildcat is a rare and unusual collectible not often found for sale. Making it more unusual is the white-on-white color combo, though it currently lacks its vinyl top. Power steering and brakes, and an AM radio are several features on this vehicle. Plus, if you glance at the data plate, you’ll see several accessory codes: S7, U7, and N7. Those codes mean this vehicle was originally equipped with a driver-side remote mirror, power windows, and “N2” air conditioning and “N4” Vanity Group (N2 + N4 = N7 in Buick’s world), the latter of which included a right-hand mirror, tissue dispenser, and litter basket.

Imagine this: You enjoy sporty cars, but you’re at a stage in life where you’d rather deal with easy cruising instead of a spine-jarring ride and a rumpety-rump engine that is a pain to tune. This Wildcat may check all the proper boxes for you because it’s still sporty yet gives you luxury, rarity, and exclusivity. For $21,000, this is a good habit worth indulging.

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

Car Tales: Presence Without Pomp, Rolls-Royce Seraph

The Silver Seraph is a uniquely important Rolls-Royce model: the tangible, technological link between the pre-Goodwood and contemporary Rolls-Royce eras.

It was the first Rolls-Royce in history to be designed using computer-aided design.

And, more importantly, the first to be powered by a V-12 engine from BMW Group, which acquired the Rolls-Royce name in July 1998 after a byzantine tug of war with Volkswagen AG while the Silver Seraph was in production.

The new Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph had been unveiled to the world’s press in January 1998 at the suitably aristocratic location of Ackergill Tower Castle in Scotland. The assembled journalists were informed by the company’s head of public relations that the car had, “Solidness without heaviness. Authority without arrogance. Elegance without effort. Presence without pomp.”

Well, he would say that, wouldn’t he? It’s his job…

Yet it was all true: the Silver Seraph marked a technological milestone as the first Rolls-Royce designed using the aforesaid computer-aided design (CAD).

This innovation complemented traditional design methods, allowing for greater precision and efficiency. Moreover, the decision to use BMW engines, a 5.4-liter V12 for the Rolls-Royce and a 4.4-litre V8 for the Bentley variant, foreshadowed BMW’s eventual acquisition of the brand. This move proved instrumental in making Rolls-Royce an attractive proposition for its new owners.

The Seraph was powered by a 5.4-liter, aluminum alloy BMW V-12 engine and was operated via a five-speed automatic transmission, making it the first twelve-cylinder Rolls-Royce since the 1939 Rolls-Royce Phantom III.

Right now at Beverly Hills Car Club were have one of those 1,570 Silver Seraphs, a one-owner and ultra-low mileage 2000 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph featured with merely 7,740 miles on the odometer.

If you’re in search of a classic Rolls-Royce that combines elegance, opulence, and optimal performance, look no further than this Silver Seraph that is mechanically sound.

-Alex Manos, Owner – Beverly Hills Car Club

Looking to Sell Your Classic Car? Let’s Talk!

The post Car Tales: Presence Without Pomp, Rolls-Royce Seraph appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

Selling Your Ferrari To Testarossa Buyer Alex Manos

Selling Your Testarossa to Alex Manos?

1) Immediate offer from a real cash buyer. There’s no consignment, no committee, no “let’s see how the auction goes.” Share a few photos and basic details, and schedule pickup on your terms.

2) Deep Testarossa expertise. 
I understand the nuances across early Monospecchio, Monodado, and later five‑lug wheel updates, as well as U.S. vs. Euro specs, paint codes, interior hides, books/tools/jacks, and other details.

3) Any condition means any condition.
 Running, non‑running, mid‑restoration, or stored for decades; I’ll buy it, I’m a serious buyer.

4) Nationwide. I acquire cars from all 48 continental states and Hawaii. My team coordinates paperwork, immediate wire payment, and transport around your schedule.

5) Respect for your story.
 Every Testarossa has a life, and I value the narrative as much as the numbers. I’ll listen, and I’ll treat you and your car with respect, always.

My sales pitch is simple: a direct sale at a fair market figure with immediate payment and pickup—no fees, no guessing. And I keep people first: candid communication, respectful offer, and a smooth, professional handoff.

How Do I Value These Sports Cars Worth?

You don’t need a studio photo shoot; smartphone photos are perfect. A few photos plus a short ownership summary is often enough for an offer:

    • Exterior: four corners, sides, lights, glass, wheels, any paint blemishes.
    • Interior: dashboard, seats, carpets.
    • Engine bay: the flat‑12 from multiple angles.
    • Any Documents: title/registration, service receipts, owner’s manuals, tool roll, jack, spare.

Ready When You Are!

If you’re a Hemmings reader with a Ferrari Testarossa, I’m ready with a serious offer, immediate payment, and white‑glove, enclosed pickup anywhere in the U.S. and Hawaii. Whether you are selling a showroom-quality car, or a total restoration project, the Beverly Hills Car Club is always looking to add to their wide-ranging inventory. For cars that are barn-find restoration projects, all the way up to top-of-the-line concours cars; you are sure to find your dream car!

-Alex Manos, Owner – Beverly Hills Car Club

Looking to Sell Your Classic Car? Let’s Talk!

The post Selling Your Ferrari To Testarossa Buyer Alex Manos appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.