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Corvette DNA: Sports Cars You Never Knew Were Based On The Vette

The iconic Chevrolet Corvette turns 70 this year. Over the years, Chevrolet produced eight distinct generations of the Vette, and all eight left big marks on the auto industry. Also, since the Corvette featured engines and components from Chevrolet’s general lineup, it was also often used as the basis for numerous conversions and aftermarket versions. The list of companies that produced special body parts for Corvette is endless. Yet in some cases, those companies went a step further and produced their own creations based on the Corvette platform.

From the early 1960s until today, the Corvette was used as a platform for creations that went beyond only cosmetic change. Innovative car builders made the Corvette faster, cooler, more interesting, or just different, and today, we pay our respects to those industry mavericks. We found the most prominent sports cars that used the Corvette chassis and engines as a basis, so check out these cars right here.

Photo Credit: Italdesign

Italdesign Moray

In the early 2000s, the famous Italian design house Italdesign presented the Moray. It was a fully-functional Corvette with a unique design and a strange canopy-style opening roof. Inspired by the Mako Shark concepts of the ’60s, Italian designers wanted to make a new Corvette resembling a sea predator (via Italdesign).

Photo Credit: Italdesign

Even though there were rumors of the limited production run, only two cars left the factory. The Moray was the C5 model with a 400 hp V8 engine and automatic transmission. Some say that Chevrolet stopped the development of the Moray not to interfere with the presentation of the all-new C6 Corvette a year later.

The post Corvette DNA: Sports Cars You Never Knew Were Based On The Vette appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Signature Wheel SV602 Forged Monoblock Attack Series

Signature Wheel SV602 Forged Monoblock Attack Series in matte black absolutely gave the CarShowz 2020 Shelby GT500 a different look. With an overall savings in weight, 35LBS, the Attack Series wheels with the matte black finish was the choice. Choosing the best wheel and tire combination while ensuring the overall integrity, form, fit and function […]

The post Signature Wheel SV602 Forged Monoblock Attack Series appeared first on CarShowz.com.

Classic Truck Throwdown Top 10 – CarShowz Choice

Classic Truck Throwdown Top 10 – The first annual CTT event took place in Conroe, Texas from June 30th through July 2nd, 2023 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, the same location as the Lone Star Throwdown event. The CarShowz crew flew into Houston Hobby Friday morning, and we made our way to the fairgrounds. The […]

The post Classic Truck Throwdown Top 10 – CarShowz Choice appeared first on CarShowz.com.

Unleashing Power: General Motors’ Fastest Trucks of All Time

Amongst many things, General Motors is known as the company that created the first muscle car back in 1964. It was also a part of the pickup truck market from the very beginning. It was only a matter of time before those two concepts merged and their trucks became super-powered.

Over the years, GM has produced some fantastic trucks. They managed to keep their products on the list of best sellers in this field. However, GM’s performance-hungry customers demanded more than just top-of-the-market sales numbers. They wanted speed. And overall, GM delivered some of the fastest trucks ever made. Check out the best and fastest GM trucks ever built right here.

Photo Credit: GM

GMC Hummer EV SUT

The Tesla Cybertruck might be the first fully-operational prototype electric truck of the future. But GMC’s Hummer EV is newer, bigger, meaner-looking, and filled with several features. Before attempting to reserve one, you have to know that the top-of-the-line version cost around $100,000 (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Car And Driver

That may be worth it, as the features of the GMC Hummer EV are insane. The base version will have a 625 hp engine and the next in line will have an 800 hp engine. The top-tier model will have an astonishing 1000 hp at its disposal. As with all electric vehicles, the torque figure is equally impressive. Its predicted range is 350 miles. But what really excites drivers is the combination of the drive train and suspension. It allows the new-age Hummer to climb even the steepest obstacles and go diagonally, bringing a new dimension to off-road driving. With an EV powertrain, the Hummer EV is blisteringly quick in a straight line. It can do 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, an insane fact.

The post Unleashing Power: General Motors’ Fastest Trucks of All Time appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Beyond The DeLorean: Marty McFly’s Ultimate 1980s Car Wish List

The 1980s were a unique, one-of-a-kind time for the automotive industry because things were changing at a rapid pace. Automakers ditched the oversized land yachts of yesteryear for more fuel-efficient imports. Compact pickup trucks made a splash as well. The Toyota Hilux was one of these trucks and happened to be a focal point of the hit movie, ‘Back to The Future.’ But the Toyota Hilux was just one of many cool cars that hit the road during the 1980s. Today, a lot of these vehicles are more popular than ever. So we looked back at the cars that 1980s icon Marty McFly would be proud to own.

There’s no denying that these are some of the most iconic cars that hit the road during that decade. When today’s drivers get behind the wheel of some of these rides, they experience instant nostalgia. Most of us remember a time when these cars were all too common on the roads, and now many of them have spiked in value and become classics. Buckle up as we look at several cool cars from the 1980s that Marty McFly would be proud to own.

Photo Credit: Mecum

Ford Mustang SVO

Nobody considered a four-cylinder Mustang fun to drive until the Mustang SVO hit the scene. The SVO was a turbocharged beast of a Mustang that took the 5.0 Fox Body platform to new heights. The car was everything an enthusiast wanted in a Mustang from this era. The four-cylinder engine was fuel-efficient and reliable and the car had a monstrous amount of pep in its step when drivers got behind the wheel (via Ford Performance).

Photo Credit: Mecum

The Mustang SVO was a car that redefined what affordable performance could be. Its great price tag coupled with its fuel-efficient performance was the right recipe for the time. Consumers didn’t want oversized, inefficient gas guzzlers anymore and the SVO was a completely different type of car. Not to mention its radical styling, meaning it was definitely a car Marty McFly would enjoy driving.

The post Beyond The DeLorean: Marty McFly’s Ultimate 1980s Car Wish List appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Remembering Automotive Designer Peter Horbury, 1950-2023

We at Hemmings were shocked and saddened to learn, this past weekend, of the death of the talented and affable automotive designer, Peter Horbury. He was 73 years old.

It was announced by Lotus that Peter died on June 30 while traveling for the company in China; at the time, he was Executive Vice-President of Design for Group Lotus. During his 50-year career, Peter worked for Chrysler U.K., Ford of Europe, Volvo Cars, America’s Ford Motor Company (overseeing Ford and Lincoln), Geely (including Lynk & Co and London Electric Vehicle Company), and Lotus.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Peter -then Vice President of Design for Volvo Cars, in his third term working for the Swedish automaker- during the 2010 New York International Auto Show, where we talked about his design career for a profile story in Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car.

A native of Alnwick, Northumberland, England, he attended The Royal College of Art and graduated in 1974 with a master’s degree in automotive design.

Peter Horbury portrait

Peter worked with many prominent designers and automotive executives in his native U.K., in Germany, Sweden, the USA, and China throughout his impressive career; a number of his colleagues and friends have publicly been paying tribute to his talent and character.

Per Automotive News Europe:
“Peter Stevens, former Lotus head of design and now a design consultant, was Horbury’s former tutor at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London. He said Horbury’s talents extended beyond design.

‘Peter’s natural charm, great sense of humor and modesty were far from the brash, ego-driven characters who now populate many automotive boardrooms,’ he told ANE. ‘He had an ability to understand the culture of all the makes that he worked on, from Chrysler to Ford, Volvo, Lotus and others, which manifested itself in guiding the long-term design language of those brands.’

Ford CEO Jim Farley tweeted: ‘Peter was a remarkable design leader, perhaps best known for using the power of design to transform & modernize Volvo globally.’

From Lex Kerssemakers, former head of commercial operations at Volvo and currently strategic advisor at the company: ‘He managed to push through revolutionary design at Volvo through his powers of persuasion over skeptical executives. He was extremely gifted when it comes to explaining why you should change a design. That was how he was able to get such a dramatic change through at Volvo… He could explain design better than anyone.'”

Some Of The Vehicles Designed And Influenced By Peter Horbury

Peter Horbury with 1998 Volvo C70 coupe, front quarter

Some Of The Vehicles Designed And Influenced By Peter Horbury

1977 Chrysler-Simca Horizon front quarter

Some Of The Vehicles Designed And Influenced By Peter Horbury

1983 Ford Sierra XR4 front quarter

Some Of The Vehicles Designed And Influenced By Peter Horbury

Volvo Environmental Concept Car front quarter

Some Of The Vehicles Designed And Influenced By Peter Horbury

2002 Volvo XC90 rear quarter

Some Of The Vehicles Designed And Influenced By Peter Horbury

2009 Ford Flex profile

Some Of The Vehicles Designed And Influenced By Peter Horbury

Geely London Taxi profile

Some Of The Vehicles Designed And Influenced By Peter Horbury

Lotus Eletre front quarter and rear quarter

Peter’s impressive automotive legacy will endure on roads around the world. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Find of the Day: Four American Muscle Cars that Define Freedom

Muscle cars are an integral part of American culture. Feeling the raw, uncensored power from behind the wheel while cruising open roads creates a satisfying sense of freedom. Redefining the meaning of what it was like to own a performance vehicle, muscle cars also dominated the early racing circuits. To this day, muscle cars still contribute to American culture and the meaning of freedom.

The most iconic muscle cars were born in the 1960s and early- ‘70s. During that time, every American car manufacturer began offering their own model to feed the need for speed that was running rampant through the United States’ automotive market. Here are four muscle cars found listed for sale on Hemmings that took to the streets during the golden years of automotive engineering.

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

1969 Pontiac GTO

Depending on who you talk to, the Pontiac GTO is credited as America’s first muscle car. After the first model release in 1964, the GTO revved up the muscle car movement and fed the craze for more powerful, lightweight pavement pounding machines. This 1969 Pontiac GTO features factory options such as power steering, power disc brakes, Autometer gauges, a center console with a his and hers shifter, and Crager SS 14-inch wheels, currently wrapped in nearly new Cooper Cobra tires.

According to the seller, the 400-cid. engine was replaced with a period-correct 1967 stamped block, then paired with the original transmission. The list of recent upgrades includes a Flowmaster exhaust system and many maintenance items. The seller states that the “Car starts, runs and drives great, and can be driven anywhere.”

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

1970 Dodge Charger SE

Popularized by movies like Bullitt and The Dukes of Hazzard, the second-generation Dodge Charger doesn’t require an intricate introduction, but this particular 1970 Dodge Charger takes the classic Mopar’s design to a new level. The customized muscle car has been lowered by three inches and sports a chopped top and shaved door handles.

According to the agent presenting the car on behalf of the owner, this 440 V8-powered Mopar is said to have earned many trophies. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 727 TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. An aluminum radiator with twin electric fans helps keep the engine cool. It is said to start and run well, with no smoke or leaks.

1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang K Code

1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang K Code

1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang K Code

1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang K Code

1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang K Code

1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang K Code

1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang K Code

1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang K Code

An article featuring muscle car Americana wouldn’t be complete without the mention of a pony car. This mare isn’t just any 1965 Ford Mustang: it’s a rare K Code fastback with the commemorable 289-cid. V8, arguably the most desirable small-block Mustang engine. A four-speed manual transmission sends all 271-horses through a 3.50 ratio rear differential.

Once owned by actor Charlie Sheen, this classic Mustang is an unrestored survivor featuring the GT package, which adds factory fog lights, dual exhaust, front disk brakes, special emblems, black accent stripes and a set of 14-inch Style Steel wheels.

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

1972 Chevrolet Chevelle

Power hungry car enthusiasts dubbed the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS “The King of the Muscle Cars” because it was powered by the mighty 454 cid. Big-block V8, the biggest and most powerful engine in 1970 muscle cars. This 1972 Chevelle takes it a step further with a built 502 cid. big-block that, according to the seller, easily pushes over 500-horsepower. Expect smooth handling with added front and rear sway bars and lowering in the front and rear. Inside you’ll find custom bucket seats, a refreshed rear seat, new carpets, and an updated Bluetooth retro-style radio system.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1955 Chevrolet Nomad

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1955 Chevrolet Nomad.  

When General Motors reworked its Chevrolet lineup in favor of a “shoebox” style layout by flattening the exterior body panels after model year 1954, it set a precedent in automotive design that remains even today.

The 1955 Nomad up for auction shows the distinct direction that was taken. Best of all, it comes with a drivetrain that was retrofitted from C4 Corvette such as a small-block 350cid V8, a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel disc brakes. This Ruby Red Nomad has a Pearl White roof, a tan vinyl interior, and a clear Missouri title.

The Nomad nameplate was used for a couple of decades and referred to a station wagon variant of the Bel Air and the Impala models. All 1955 through 1957 Chevrolets have gone on to become very collectible in the marketplace, and the Nomad is no exception. It was produced as a two-door station wagon on the General Motors A-body platform alongside the Pontiac Safari, and it stickered at $2,571 for the inaugural 1955 model year.

This first-year Nomad went through a frame-off restoration by a Chevrolet Camaro specialty facility in California wherein it received a respray in Ruby Red with a Pearl White roof. The exterior look was completed via a set of 18-inch Tyfun wheels wrapped in staggered Nexen tires sized 245/40 up front and 255/35 in the rear.

True to its station wagon body style, the Nomad delivered on utility. Aside from the two rows of bench seats upholstered in two-tone tan and ivory vinyl, the rear cargo area offers plenty of space for belongings and the carpet has been embossed with a Chevrolet bowtie logo.

The magic of this wagon happens underneath its hood: In place of the Nomad’s original 265cid V8 lives a C4 Corvette-sourced 350cid V8. The motor came from a 1987 Corvette and has been upgraded with a Mattson’s radiator, a stainless-steel exhaust system, and a stainless-steel 20-gallon fuel tank. The seller says that maintenance has been kept up over the years.

Similar restomod treatment happens underneath the body where underpinnings both front and rear come from a Corvette along with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Bilstein front shock absorbers, and power steering.

The already-popular Nomad has been made even better in this custom hot rod, thanks to Corvette running gear, disc brakes, and a reupholstered interior. Now is your chance to make a move and place a bid!

The auction for this 1955 Chevrolet Nomad ends on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Pride and Honor: Jeep Recognized as America’s Most Patriotic Brand

The Jeep brand, celebrating more than eight decades of freedom, adventure, passion and authenticity, has again been named as America’s most patriotic brand. For the 22nd year in a row, the Jeep brand is America’s most patriotic*, according to Brand Keys Most Patriotic Brands survey. Consumers who were surveyed assessed brands that best embody the value of patriotism in 2023.

The Jeep brand and the USO also announced as part of its Fourth of July celebrations that their enduring partnership, marking 15 years, has been renewed.

“Over the years, through many campaigns, sponsorships, events and in-kind donations of vehicles and other support, our partnership with the USO mission has helped make it possible to keep service members connected to family, home and country,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president, Jeep brand North America. “And to celebrate July 4th, we wanted to do something extra for our military members by increasing the brand’s military discount for 10 days, from July 1 through July 10, to $2,000.

“The Jeep brand’s origins date back to 1941 with the birth of an iconic 4×4-capable vehicle that was requested specifically by the U.S. Army. Since that time, the Jeep brand has become synonymous around the world for outdoor adventure and freedom. Being recognized as America’s most patriotic brand for the past 22 years is a testament to our passionate Jeep community and to all those who protect America’s independence,” Morrison said.

Through the Jeep brand’s Military Incentive Program, select military personnel are eligible for military bonus cash to use toward select 2023 vehicles. Active, active reserve, retired military, retired military reserve, 100% disabled veteran and honorably discharged veterans, within 12 months of discharge date, are eligible under the program. The offer applies to purchases and leases on a range of 2023 Jeep brand vehicles. 
  
As a tribute to U.S. military members, the Jeep brand also offers a military-themed, special limited-edition Freedom package for the 2023 Gladiator and Wrangler, featuring military-themed exterior and interior design cues. The 2023 Jeep Freedom Edition (limited quantities) pays tribute to those who serve in the U.S. military. With unique military-themed decals and badges and impressive features for the road and trail, it honors the perseverance of brave service members. The Jeep brand will make a $250 donation to military charities with every Freedom edition sold. “Since 1941” is a badge of honor proudly displayed on all Jeep brand vehicles, recognizing the Jeep brand’s long-standing military heritage and legendary 4×4 capability leadership for more than 80 years.
  
Another reward for being a Jeep 4×4 owner is the Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4×4 lineup, which is filled with benefits and exclusive benefits to deliver Jeep vehicle owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. 
  
The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles, including Jeep Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, three-row Grand Cherokee L, Grand Cherokee 4xe, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe, as well as the premium extension of the Jeep brand with the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. 
  
Fans can visit the Jeep Store by Amazon for Jeep merchandise. 

*Based on Brand Keys 2003-2024 Most Patriotic Brands Survey 

Pick of the Day: 1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

When Lotus and General Motors put their engineering teams together in the late 1980s, monster muscle machines were born.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by Precious Metal Classic Cars in Elkhart, Indiana. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Fully documented, collector-grade ZR-1 survivor that’s logged just 8,979 miles,” the listing states.

When it launched in 1984, the C4 Corvette was the first to receive engineering advancements like a “uniframe” chassis, molded plastic bumpers, a glass hatchback, and a liquid crystal instrument cluster. Big news soon arrived in 1986 when General Motors acquired Group Lotus and got to work building a hopped-up version of the Corvette. Lotus was a revered name in motorsports known for its lightweight, high-performance sports cars.

Tasked with building the ultimate performance-tuned C4, Lotus cooked up the “LT5” 5.7-liter engine using an aluminum black, quad camshafts, 32 valves, and a unique air management system. This 375-horsepower V8 was the key ingredient in the ZR-1 Corvette’s magic, but the package didn’t stop there: Additional treatment included a standard Bosch anti-lock braking system, a Bilstein “FX3” suspension, and wider tires compared to the standard Corvette. Torque was fed rearward through a ZF six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip rear end.

This exceptionally low-mileage black ZR-1 looks showroom fresh both inside and out. The engine received a tune-up and new injectors, so the seller states that it is ready for the road. “This great example of the 1991 ZR-1 comes completely serviced. With its all-original appearance and even wearing its original rubber, you’ll be ready for the field at Bloomington earning a reward with the National Corvette Restorers Society.”

Included in the listing’s photo gallery are over 80 detailed photos such as a shot of the center console placard that denotes the engine’s horsepower and torque ratings. The window sticker shows an original retail price of $65,338 and delivery to DuTeau Chevrolet in Lincoln, Nebraska. Roughly half of that price ($31,583) was for the ZR-1 package alone. Hard to believe you could nearly buy two base Corvettes for the price of one ZR-1.

Incidentally, General Motors sold off its stake in Group Lotus in 1993 so this car was part of a short-lived partnership. There certainly can’t be very many unmodified ZR-1s left in existence, let alone with fewer than 10,000 miles on the odometer.

“If you’re in the market for one of the finest examples of a very desirable C4 Corvette in a stunning color, your car has arrived,” the seller states. The asking price is $46,500 for this ZR-1, which includes collector-grade swag like a VHS tape, a tire gauge, books, and other memorabilia.

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