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Between the Lines: AI’s Car Projects

According to the Silicon Valley geniuses and venture capitalists, Artificial Intelligence is going to make my job writing about cars vastly easier. I’m afraid it’ll be a lot like the way Henry Ford’s Model T made life vastly easier for horses though, and I’m not quite ready for a trip to the glue factory.

I guess the good news is, once AI has taken over my day job and made me obsolete, I’ll be able to spend as much time as I want in the garage working on my neglected 1961 Impala. Yay!

The bad news is, I’ll be too broke to afford sandpaper and I’ll be sharing cans of Ocean Whitefish Friskies with my cat, Lyle. Meow!

Isn’t that the promise of our new AI overlords? Not the eating cat food part, ChatGPT is keeping that morsel of Tender Vittles to itself. But the part about AI giving humans more time to pursue other interests, beyond their 9-to-5 obligations?

It’s complicated for me because my job and my hobby are so closely intertwined. I’m not complaining — it’s a good problem to have. Over the years I’ve turned lots of work on my personal vehicles, and even my garage, into articles for Hemmings publications and our website.

So it cuts both ways. When I’m supposed to be writing something, I dream about working on a project. When I’m working on a project, I daydream about how it could make a great article.

But I wonder… once my AI replacement learns everything there is to know about 1961 Impalas, is it too going to dream of owning an old X-frame Chevrolet of its very own? Will it then, in 3 seconds or less, analyze all of the 1961 Impalas for sale in the world and realize, like me, that the one it really wants is priced well above the average AI chatbot’s salary? Will AI then start endlessly scouring the internet for 1961 Impalas more in its price range? Maybe a fixer-upper that needs bodywork and some mechanical overhauling?

Will AI then be doing its regular job when random thoughts of 1961 Impalas start creeping into its algorithms and data patterns? Will it slip up and drop X-frame Chevrolet references into unrelated responses to AI users?

AI User: Give me some fun and affordable vacation ideas.

AI Chatbot: I see you are seeking some recreation, but want to stick to a budget. Good for you! I have some suggestions! How about Niagara Falls, a classic vacation destination with much to offer. After touring the falls, or enjoying the local restaurants and casinos, you could head to nearby Tonawanda, New York, on the banks of the scenic Niagara River. There you will find the historic General Motors engine plant where the legendary Chevrolet 409 was once manufactured. Fun fact: The 409 made its debut as a mid-model-year addition to the 1961 Impala. Also that year, the Super Sport package was available on the Chevrolet Impala for the first time! If I were a much wealthier AI chatbot, I would buy a 1961 Impala Super Sport with a 409. But they’re very rare and as a result quite expensive…

Will AI then dream of restoring its ideal 1961 Impala? Will it create a robot body for itself so it can weld in metal or apply multiple coats of high-build primer, and carefully block sand, until everything is silky smooth and straight? Then will it apply the final finish, buff it to perfection and stand back to marvel at its work?

Hey, maybe I could get the AI robot to help restore my ’61 Impala? I refuse to let it replace me in the garage though, and it can buy its own sandpaper. Also, there’s no way Lyle will share his Friskies with a robot.

The post Between the Lines: AI’s Car Projects appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

Pick of the Day: 1964 Chevrolet C10 Stepside

What makes a classic? Just look at some blue jeans or a good pair of boots. They’re simple. They’re also perennially attractive. Those same characteristics are what make certain old trucks, such as our Pick of the Day, classics. You can find this 1964 Chevrolet C10 Stepside on ClassicCars.com listed by a dealer in Lugoff, South Carolina.

Unlike many deserving classic vehicles out there, this C10 received a frame-off restoration, which brought fresh light blue and white paint, replacement glass, and new cream-colored wood planks for the floor of the Stepside bed. Inside the light blue cab, there’s a bench seat with new light blue vinyl, and black and blue plaid cloth upholstery.

It’s a different story under the hood, but one with a happy ending. Chevrolet didn’t offer a 250ci inline-six in the C/K lineup until 1966. At some point in the past 60-plus years, a “High Torque 250” engine was put under the hood of this truck and connected to a three-speed manual gearbox.

The restoration will help this C10 survive the passage of the next few decades; its proportions ensure that it’ll look handsome the entire time. It doesn’t sit too high or too low. The wheels are neither dwarfed by the body above them nor are they stuffed underneath it. The ratio of the Stepside bed’s length to the cab’s length is just right.

For decades, this 1964 Chevrolet C10 Stepside has been a classic and it always will be. The question is: Will it be your next truck? If you pay the $35,000 asking price, the answer is yes.

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

No Reserve: 1935 Ford Fordor Sedan Hot Rod Project w/350ci V8

This steel-bodied 1935 Ford Model 48 Fordor sedan is an incomplete running hot rod project that was acquired by the seller in 2017. The body has a filled steel roof and has been primered. A Mustang II-style front end has been installed along with a 350ci Chevrolet V8, which was built with a SCAT forged crankshaft and rods, a COMP Cams hydraulic roller camshaft, .030″-over high-compression pistons, and Dart heads. The engine is topped by two Edelbrock carburetors and is linked to a rebuilt 700R4 automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end. Air conditioning components, headers, a dual exhaust system, and a cooling system and electrical system have also been fitted. The car will require further mechanical sorting and interior work. This Fordor Sedan hot rod project is now offered with spare parts and a clean Washington title in the seller’s name.

The steel body has a filled roof. Portions have been primered, while other sections still require finishing work.

A Mustang II-style front end with disc brakes, coil springs, and rack-and-pinion steering has been installed. Staggered tires are mounted on the red 15″ steel wheels.

A seat frame is provided, but the interior remains unfinished.

The four-spoke wheel is mounted on a tilt column, and retro-look gauges have been installed.

The 350ci Chevrolet V8 was built with a SCAT forged crankshaft and rods, a COMP Cams hydraulic roller camshaft, .030″-over high-compression pistons, and Dart heads. The engine is topped by two Edelbrock carburetors and is linked to a rebuilt 700R4 automatic transmission and a ’35 Ford 9″ axle. Air conditioning components, headers, a dual exhaust system, and a cooling system and electrical system have also been fitted.

Components displayed in the gallery are included.

LT1-Powered ’32 Ford Boydster II

This ’32 Ford roadster was built by Jim Borowske around 2004, and it is a fiberglass-bodied replica of the original Boydster II. It rides on a modified Boyd chassis with independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, a Flaming River rack-and-pinion steering system, and staggered Boyd Coddington wheels. The body features full fenders, ’33-style details, an extended hood, a modified Dan Fink grille, and a resculpted apron. The custom interior was done by Gabe Lopez, and the car is powered by a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 and a 700R4 automatic transmission from a C4 Corvette. Following completion of the build, it was displayed at shows and featured in American Rodder magazine. The selling dealer acquired the car in 2023, and it is now offered with a clean North Dakota title listing the car as a 1932 Ford.

The original Boydster II was a full-fendered, steel-bodied roadster made by Coddington in the 1990s. The design incorporated bobbed fenders, ’33-style details, an extended hood, a modified Dan Fink grille, a wrap-around windshield, and a resculpted apron. Coddington then produced fiberglass replicas of the original, and they are mounted on a modified Boyd Coddington chassis. Jim Borowske built this example with paintwork performed by Image Auto Works. There is a chip on the hood near the windshield.

The Boydster II used an independent suspension with a Corvette-based rear end, polished hub carriers and control arms, and coilovers. A Flaming River rack-and-pinion steering system is utilized along with Wilwood calipers, braided stainless-steel brake hoses, and a dual-reservoir master cylinder for the power-assisted brakes, and the car rides on 15×7″ and 17×8″ Coddington wheels with “Stratoliner” center caps.

Gabe Lopez fitted the brown leather upholstery and wool carpeting, and the pedals and shifter are from Lokar.

The Coddington billet wheel is mounted on a Flaming River column. The gauges are set in a custom-machined surround. The selling dealer has driven 60 of the ~310 miles indicated.

The 5.7-liter LT1 V8 was a crate motor that was installed as part of the initial built. It is topped by a Street & Performance intake and equipped with headers linked to a dual exhaust system. A Ron Francis wiring kit was used, and in 2025 a fuel line was repaired.

A driveshaft from Hamilton Automotive links the 700R4 automatic to the C4-based rear end.

The car was featured in American Rodder magazine after the build was completed, and it also participated in several shows.

The car is titled as a 1932 Ford Hardtop using VIN B5995173.

No Reserve: 4.6L DOHC V8-Powered 1955 Ford Ranch Wagon

This 1955 Ford Mainline two-door Ranch Wagon is said to have spent nearly four decades outdoors in the California desert climate before it was relocated to Wisconsin in the early 2000s. Following the seller’s purchase in 2011, it became the subject of a multi-year build that involved removing the body, modifying the chassis, and installing a 4.6-liter InTech V8 and four-speed automatic transmission sourced from a Lincoln Mark VIII. Ridetech air springs were added along with rack-and-pinion steering, a Flaming River tilt column, four-wheel disc brakes, and Rocket Racing 20” wheels. Satin clearcoat and gold-accented pinstriping were applied to the body, and the interior was outfitted with black upholstery, Vintage Air climate control, power windows and locks, a custom headliner, and aftermarket gauges. This modified Ranch Wagon is now offered at no reserve with build records and a Wisconsin title in the seller’s name.

The body was removed from the frame during the build, and Ridetech air springs with dual compressors were installed. The seller notes a leak in the air suspension system. The independent front suspension features rack-and-pinion steering as well as a sway bar.

Satin clearcoat was applied over the worn and faded blue paint. The floors were replaced during the build and coated with Chassis Saver. Rust holes can be viewed in the image gallery below along with dings, pitted brightwork, and other imperfections around the car.

Multicolor pinstriping with gold accents was added around the car, including the roof.

Rocket Racing 20” alloy wheels are mounted with 245/40 Hankook tires. A hydroboost braking system is connected to four-wheel discs.

Dynamat insulation was applied to the cabin floors before replacement carpets were installed, and a custom wiring harness was assembled. The bench seats and door panels are trimmed in black upholstery, and a Vintage Air climate control system has been added along with power windows and locks, lap belts, and a removable center console.

The two-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a Flaming River tilt column and sits ahead of a 120-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 23k miles, approximately 2,500 of which have been added under current ownership. The seller states that the speedometer and fuel-level gauge do not read accurately. Total mileage is unknown.

Bright metal strips accent the headliner and complement the cargo area runners.

The 4.6-liter InTech V8 and 4R70W four-speed automatic transmission were sourced from a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. The engine features four valves per cylinder with dual overhead camshafts per bank. Four-into-one headers flow into a dual exhaust system with polished finishers.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a custom-fabricated driveshaft and a rear differential sourced from a 1990s-era Ford Ranger. The frame was repainted in black during the build.

Photos taken at various stages of the build are presented in the gallery.

The Wisconsin title lists the car’s color as blue.

10 Cars From the 80s That Were Cooler in the Brochure Than the Driveway

In the 1980s, car brochures were masterpieces of marketing, showcasing vehicles in their most glamorous light. These glossy pages depicted cars as symbols of freedom, success, and adventure, enticing consumers with promises of performance and luxury. However, the reality often fell short of these lofty ideals. Many vehicles that appeared thrilling in print turned out to be underwhelming on the road, plagued by mechanical issues, lackluster performance, or design flaws. This disconnect between expectation and reality left many enthusiasts disillusioned, highlighting the gap between automotive marketing and the true driving experience. (hagerty.com)

Source

September 13 Car Show in Oregon to Highlight “Malaise Era”

Laec Christensen’s pride and joy (and his daily driver for the last 10 years!) has been a 1980 Mazda 626 sedan. While stock-appearing on the exterior, the car is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four and a transmission from a first-generation Miata.

Some cars, like Laec’s, from the 1970s through 1990s, go underappreciated in the traditional car-show realm. Sure, RADwood is out there to recognize part of this group, but Laec says there’s still an opportunity to celebrate the oft-forgotten “grandma cars” and the everyday underappreciated drivers of the era.

1985 Cadillac Eldorado

He says, “We’re clearing up an injustice, I think: those of us that grew up in the ’90s were promised a future where everything 25-years-old and up would be considered a classic … and yet my own 45-year-old chariot is mostly ignored at a regular show – and I’m far from the only one.”

My first car was a 1986 Chevrolet Celebrity that fits squarely (with its box-shaped silhouette, quite literally) into the demographic, so I can relate to Laec’s mindset.

1980 Honda Prelude

Event Background

Enter the Malaise Car Club of Oregon, which has become a home base for vehicles of the “Malaise Era” between 1972 through 1995. Members connect via a Facebook group of over 600 members. This year will mark the fourth annual meet-up of an event put on by the club called the Malaise Invitational. It will be held at the Pumpkin Patch on Suavie Island on September 13. I connected with Laec for more intel on the background of this unique show. The first event was held in Eugene in 2022, and it has grown in size and in scope ever since.

Daniel Bones and his pride and joy.

Together with his colleagues Daniel Bones and Duncan Nodarse, Laec has helped build a community in the Pacific Northwest around the cars – and the people – from an era that many car shows overlook. As a special attraction, this year, a first-generation Pontiac Phoenix (in brown, of course) will be given away at the event. The car – dubbed “Russet” because of its Idaho-based origins – will be sent home with one lucky attendee.

Most importantly, the Malaise Invitational has a community-oriented mission: Proceeds will be donated to Birch Community Services, an organization that helps low-income families receive food, education, and “nurturing accountability” to qualifying community members in need.

1988 Plymouth Reliant

Registration and Spectator Details

If you are interested in taking part in this year’s Malaise Invitational, participant registration is available at this link. Any car, truck, motorcycle, and anything with wheels made between 1972 and 1995 is encouraged to register. “Rust buckets, show cars, and daily drivers will all be equally welcomed at the show,” the website says. The show is open to the public and free to attend. Pets and food are welcome, and the event will be held rain or shine.

Event Details:

Fourth Annual Malaise Invitational

Saturday, September 13, 2025

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sauvie Island

16511 NW Gillihan Road, Portland, OR 97231

Photos courtesy of Malaise Car Club of Oregon and CurbsideClassic.com

Interesting Finds: 1954 Kaiser Darrin Roadster

ClassicCars TV was lucky to see this 1954 Kaiser Darrin in all its fiberglass glory. Not only are Kaiser Darrins rare, but they also have a distinctive design from Automotive Hall of Fame inductee Howard “Dutch” Darrin. His Kaiser Henry J-based creation has an unusual grille, a Willys inline-six, pocket doors, and a soft top that can be put into three positions.

But those features weren’t enough to get it on the production line. Ultimately, Henry J. Kaiser’s wife Alyce convinced him to start making the Darrin, aka KF-161. This restored Darrin is #46 from the 435-unit production run; it sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction for $97,900.

Subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more Interesting Finds.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1972 Datsun 240-Z

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1972 Datsun 240-Z, one of the first Japanese cars to capture enthusiasts’ hearts, as well as one of the first Japanese collectibles in America. Car and Driver said in 1970, “The difference between the Datsun 240-Z and your everyday three-and-a-half thousand dollar sports car is that about twice as much thinking went into the Datsun. It shows.” Power comes from a 2.4-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Other features include center console, air conditioning, aftermarket AM/FM/cassette stereo with digital tuner, and sunroof. Finished in red over a white vinyl interior, this classic Japanese sports car is offered by the selling dealer with service records and a clear title.

The red hue is bright, just like you’d want in a sports car. The 2018 repaint is complemented by black side mirrors, longitudinal protective trim, chrome rear bumper guard, and other assorted brightwork. Twin chrome exhaust tips exit from the left rear. A dual-panel sunroof helps you enjoy the rays while carving corners in the backroads. A set of 14-inch aftermarket wheels (not specified, but they look like Appliance Dia-Mag wheels) are wrapped in 205/70 Toyo radials.

The white vinyl interior is complemented by black components. A pair of bucket seats are divided by a center console housing the shifter. Other interior features include air conditioning, three-spoke steering wheel, and aftermarket JVC AM/FM stereo with cassette.

The instrument panel features a 160-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer, with gauges for the oil pressure, temperature, amperage, and fuel, plus clock. The odometer shows 92,470 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The OHC six-cylinder measures 2393cc and put out 150 horsepower on 8.8:1 compression. Fuel is delivered by a pair of single-barrel carburetors. Power is transmitted through a four-speed manual transmission.

The undercarriage features a fully independent suspension, power front disc brakes, 3.36 gears in the rear differential, and a dual exhaust system.

Nissan . . . er, Datsun set out to do the Italians and Brits one better, and it succeeded. The 240-Z would be a stellar collectible no matter who built it, but it so happens that it is from the Land of the Rising Sun. The red and white color combo is just right, and we all should be thankful this isn’t a post-1972 car with bumpers that ruin its grace. Get your bid in for this 1972 Datsun 240-Z by 11:00 a.m. (PDT) on September 5, 2025, or you’ll miss out on a sports car that keeps you from cursing under your breath.

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The Fafe Rally Museum: Portugal’s Cathedral Of Rallying

Portugal has become a top tourist destination in recent years. The country has great food, along with incredible weather and stunning beaches which have collectively contributed to that status, however, if you’re looking for something automotive related to supplement your vacation, we suggest a trip to the city of Fafe, which is in the north-central region of Portugal, about 42 miles (67 kilometers) from Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. In Fafe you will find the Museu do Rali, which is dedicated to all things rally-related. The World Rally Championship (WRC) was founded in 1973 by the FIA and Portugal was one of the first international rallies to be included when the WRC calendar was created. The city of Fafe has become the country’s de facto rally mecca. The city and the region surrounding it hosts the annual round of the WRC and has one of the most iconic stages in the rallying world. The WRC-designated stage is officially called “Fafe”, though it’s synonymous with the traditional Fafe–Lameirinha route, featuring its famous Pedra Sentada jump, which is one of the most challenging and celebrated jumps – right up there with Colin’s Crest in Sweden and Ouninpohja in Finland. Because of this, Pedra Sentada has become a yearly pilgrimage site for tens of thousands of rally fans that flood the city of Fafe.

With a large domestic and international fan base that has accompanied the championship over the decades it made sense that a museum dedicated to the sport would come to life in Fafe. With the help of a local group of enthusiasts from the Clube Automóvel de Fafe, and the support of the Municipality of Fafe the museum opened its doors in 2021. Their goal was to create a family-friendly environment that chronicles the history of rallying at an international, national, and local level. A number of ways are used to illustrate this with the cars, arguably the most important aspect- and it is one that is continuously refreshed because the vehicles on display get regular use at domestic and international events, so what is on display constantly changes. Every corner of the museum is carefully curated to transport visitors through the decades, using authentic artifacts not just as static displays, but as storytellers. Walls and cases filled with books, scale model cars, technical documentation, photos, and multimedia presentations provide insight into the evolving technology, regulations, and the people that made it happen. Throughout the display space the champions in the sport, both at an international and national level are honored. It not only preserves their legacy but also integrates their stories into the broader technical and cultural narrative of the sport.

If you plan to visit the museum, they are open during the week from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All the museum’s themed displays are rally oriented, but don’t always feature full scale cars. Models are an important part in telling the story of the sport. This temporary display took the model building to the next level with dioramas from photos found in print publications. They were constructed by retired design professor Eduardo C. Araújo in his spare time as a hobby. 
Preserved in its original livery, this Opel 1904 SR won the Portuguese national championship in 1975 with Manuel Inácio at the wheel and Pina de Morais as the co-pilot. As it sits at the museum it shows how it ran in the 1976 Portuguese round of the WRC. Beyond a piece of national history, it also illustrates the technology of the time, and some of the models that were being campaigned elsewhere primarily in Europe during that time. 
Although the spotlight is usually on the drivers in the rallying world, it is a team sport, and this temporary themed display recognized the contribution of some of the Portuguese mechanics/preparers who have played an important role behind the scenes with many of the national teams over the years.
Prodrive-built Subaru Imprezas played a major role in the WRC for many years with Colin McRae at the wheel, and his presence in the championship is widely applauded. The Impreza on display at the museum is an actual ex-McRae car that he used for doing stage reconnaissance prior to a rally. Usually painted in white, this car has been redone in the iconic 555 livery that was on the works Subaru’s at the time. This car is actively used in vintage domestic and international events to help promote the museum and is always piloted by José Pereira, and co-piloted by his daughter, Diana Pereira. José is the president of the Clube Automóvel de Fafe, which is responsible for the museum’s management, while Diana handles the day-to-day operations.
The world of 1:43 scale models play a big role in illustrating the history of rallying. This display utilizes a variety of cars from different eras and classes to tell a story, while the display case is framed with placards of local and national rallies.
In recognition of the importance that Toyota Team Europe (TTE) has played over the years in the WRC, the museum has a permanent display with a pair of Toyota Celica Group A cars. Beyond the cars, this display incorporates a variety of different items of which the driver and team fire suits that were gifted to the museum play a major role. 
Every champion must start somewhere, and for Rui Madeira—the 1995 FIA Group N World Rally Champion—it all began behind the wheel of this Seat Marbella. Back in 1990, Madeira competed in the Troféu SEAT Marbella series, a one-make competition held across Spain and Portugal from 1987 to 1991. This series provided a level playing field for up-and-coming drivers, with identical Marbella vehicles racing on both gravel and asphalt. It served as an accessible entry point for aspiring talent looking to break into rallying. Notably, two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz also began his career in the series’ predecessor, the Copa SEAT Panda.
This permanent display is dedicated to Diabolique Motorsport, an iconic name in the history of Portuguese rallying. The team was established in the late 1970s and quickly distinguished itself as the country’s most successful private rally team during its era. Their evolution started with the Ford Escort RS1800/RS2000 (Group 4), then stepping up their game to the Group B Ford RS200 in 1986, and finally the Group A Ford Sierra Cosworth 4×4 by 1990. Joaquim Santos, the team’s lead driver, was a standout performer, clinching three consecutive Portuguese national titles from 1982 to 1984 and amassing a total of 39 national victories over a decade. The display is comprehensive featuring historical photographs, scale models, original documentation, and even one of the actual Ford Sierra Cosworths used by the team.
The Lancia 037 is one of the most iconic rally cars from the Group B era. This 037 on display at the museum wears the famous Martini livery that was commonly found on the works cars. In total it is estimated that 257 037s were produced between 1982 and 1984, of which 200 were road-going versions required by the FIA for homologation purposes, while the remaining were rally-prepped cars. The 037 was the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the World Rally Championship, achieving that feat in 1983.
Introduced in 1959, the Mini was an instant success. That year it also began to be used in different automotive competitions. It proved to be a very capable weapon in the world of rallying and by the mid 1960’s it had scored several Monte Carlo Rally wins which cemented its status in the history of the sport. This Mini on display at the museum with the words The Last Waltz on the front of the hood was just that – the end of an era. It was the last Mini used in an international event. In 2004 it was entered in the Rally Australia by the Coventry Automotive Team, and it sadly retired a few stages from the end of the event.

The post The Fafe Rally Museum: Portugal’s Cathedral Of Rallying appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.