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Mecum’s Glendale Auction: Our Favorite Cars Rocking Steelies and Piepans

Hubcaps. Dog dishes. Piepans. They’re all the same basic thing no matter what you call ‘em, and we dig ‘em. While plenty of back-in-the-day buyers will tell you that the only reason to get this wheel combination was to take ‘em off and install a set of bright aftermarket wheels at the first opportunity, we see them as simultaneously no-nonsense and a quiet bit of camouflage. Consider: If you’re in a muscle car and you’re at a light, why take the chance to advertise what you’ve got, when it’s just as easy to make your car look like the one your Aunt Tillie drives to church on Sunday? They’re heavy but legendarily tough–if you’ve bent a steel wheel somehow, you’ve got bigger problems. (That toughness is why so many police vehicles still have steel wheels today.) Furthermore, money that was saved on more expensive wheel trims was money earned for other places you’d need it–like a one-size-larger tire, a dyno-tune, slapper bars, headers … you know what we mean. The steelies-and-piepans look is like looking the other way while your hand is in the cookie jar–innocence at first blush, with the intent of something altogether shadier.

The truth is, we tried to choose just five and we couldn’t. We winnowed out the whole “styled steel wheel” thing, so there are no Chevy Rally wheels, or Pontiac Rally IIs, or Mopar Rallyes to speak of; they fit the letter of our made-up law, but not the spirit. Here are eight that made us want to head to the main tent outside, mortgage our house, and pick up a bidder’s paddle.

MERCEDES 300SL

MERCEDES 300SL

Mercedes 300SL

Bless European functionality and their relative lack of bling compared to American cars of the era; the race-bred 300SL “Gullwing” was largely offered with color-matched hubcaps, leaving the (also color-matched) slotted steel wheel exposed. Yes, we know that factory-installed Rudge knockoffs are worth a king’s ransom. Don’t care.

1969 CHEVY COPO CAMARO

1969 CHEVY COPO CAMARO

1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro

Blue paint, a vinyl top and a set of body-colored steelies could mean that this was a six-cylinder secretary’s special, a showroom loss-leader designed to up a dealership’s numbers and give them something to advertise in the paper. Or it could be a big-block COPO designed to sucker you in and leave you in the dust when the light goes green. You want to take that chance?

1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI ‘CUDA

1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI u2018CUDA

1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

When given a High Impact color, like Plymouth’s Sublime for 1970, it seems a shame not to inflict its brightness on all within its visual path and extend it as far as could be managed. Spreading the special hue onto the steel wheels is a terrific way to further increase its impact, particularly compared to other wheel options like nerdy full hubcaps or argent Rallye wheels.

1958 EDSEL VILLAGER

1958 EDSEL VILLAGER

1958 Edsel Villager

Edsel was meant to be a solidly mid-range brand–never one with performance intentions, and almost certainly a full-wheelcover kind of car that would be perfectly OK in suburbia 1958, where piepans would reveal you as some kind of skinflint freak that would get the neighbors whispering. Yet Edsel indeed had its own piepan wheel trims, which seem slightly incongruous–but which are delightful to see nonetheless.

1957 CHEVY SEDAN DELIVERY

1957 CHEVY SEDAN DELIVERY

1957 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery

The Sedan Delivery body style was meant to be a handyman’s special–a wagon with few frills. And so despite the dual-four-barrel V-8 engine that the factory installed beneath the hood in this instance of this clean-flanked ’57, these wheel trims are perfectly in keeping with its utilitarian brief.

1964 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

1964 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

1964 Pontiac Grand Prix

Only Pontiac could manage to come up with a wheel that, somehow, eliminates most of the wheel–and still make it gorgeous. The bulk of what you see here, that magnificently ribbed center, is in fact a vented brake drum, exposed to the outside air for additional cooling in the days before disc brakes were more common.

1952 MG TD

1952 MG TD

1952 MG TD

We have seen more than our fair share of T-series MGs with wire wheels, and while those bright spokes may sparkle and shine nicely in the sun, they also (to my eyes) manage to make the cars that wear them look spindly and fragile. This one looks ready to grab those paved curves and never let go, despite wide whitewall rubber that suggests a boulevardier rather than lateral gs.

1969 MERCURY CYCLONE

1969 MERCURY CYCLONE

1969 Mercury Cyclone

Ford (and its divisions) chose black steel wheels while many other manufacturers of the era went with body-colored steelies; from a distance, black wheels give seemingly infinite visual depth and lend an air of broad-shouldered toughness to the proceedings, as seen here with this 428/4sp Ram Air Mercury Cyclone. The contrast with the orange paint makes it all the more striking.

Photo Gallery: A Sneak Peek of the Lamborghini Revuelto, the Aventador’s Hybrid V12 Successor

Lamborghini turned a new chapter with the release of the Revuelto, the brand’s first hybrid plug-in hypercar, or High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV). The supercar is capable of a combined 1,001 hp and 1,051 lb.-ft. of torque, which can blast the machine from zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds with a top speed that edges over 217 mph.

The Revuelto is a bit larger than its Aventador brethren, but its chassis is 10% lighter and 25% more stiff with the addition of more carbon fiber. The front subframe and body is mostly made of carbon. While the rear remains metal, Lamborghini optimized the components to still be lighter and stronger. The aerodynamic body supports active aero for drastically reducing drag and increasing downforce in the front and rear. The extensive use of carbon fiber and lightweight materials combined with the potent engine power contributes to achieving the best weight-to-power ratio in the history of Lamborghini: 1.75 kg/CV, or 3.86 lb/CV.

The naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 mid-mounted engine is Lamborghini’s lightest, most powerful 12-cylinder power plant ever made. Peak power reaches 813 horsepower and 535 lb.-ft. of torque at 9,250 rpm, with a max rpm of 9,500 before the rev limiter kicks in. That is before the electric power kicks in. The V12 is complemented by three electric motors. In what has been the transmission tunnel since the days of the Countach, there is a 3.8-kWh lithium-ion battery instead, which powers the electric motors. One of the motors is integrated into the new double-clutch eight-speed gearbox, mounted transversely and placed for the first time behind the combustion engine. This motor can provide power to the rear wheels depending on the selected driving mode and road conditions.

The other two electric motors on the front axle power the front wheels, which enables all-wheel drive. Or, the Revuelto can run on EV-only mode, which limits the car to 177 hp on front-wheel-drive but reduces emissions by 30% compared to the Aventador Ultimae and saves fuel for city driving where the V12 hypercar-level performance isn’t necessary.

The Lamborghini Revuelto also comes with a long list of creature comforts, such as ample storage space and more leg room than the Aventador, a smartphone-inspired interface with Amazon Alexa integration for climate, media, and navigation control, and basic ADAS features like lane departure, blind spot watch, adaptive cruise, and rear cross-traffic alert. Lamborghini will also offer 400 paint and 70 interior color options, with a choice of leather and Dinamica microfiber made from recycled polyester. The below photo gallery shows the Lamborghini Revuelto in all its magnificence.

“The new Revuelto is a milestone in the history of Lamborghini, and an important pillar in our Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO in the press release. “It is a unique and innovative car but at the same time faithful to our DNA: the V12 is an iconic symbol of our super sports heritage and history. Revuelto was born to break the mold, combining a new 12-cylinder engine with hybrid technology, creating the perfect balance between delivering the emotion that our clients want with the necessity to reduce emissions.”

Ponies in the Smokies is a Celebration of All Things Mustang

The Ford Mustang is coming up on its 60-year anniversary, and America’s Pony Car has never been more popular than it is now. With so many generations of body and chassis designs, and so many awesome engine configurations, the Mustang legacy is something that Ford enthusiasts are proud of, and rightfully so. Ponies in the Smokies is an event that allows Ford enthusiasts to celebrate all things Mustang with a beautiful backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance. The Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, Tennessee provided just enough room to hold the huge turnout of cars, which came from all over the country.

Ponies in the Smokies has a relatively short history, compared to many other car shows. It all began in 2017 and has grown immensely each year. Now, the event features five days of activities, with a kick-off party on Monday for those who just can’t get enough Mustang action. The event features a special ‘Shine Run, Autocross at Smokies Stadium, drag racing at English Mountain Raceway, and many other activities that keep Sevierville and surrounding towns busy for the entire week. We were on hand for the Car Show portion of the event, where more than 1,000 Mustangs of all generations competed for awards in many classes. The show had an excellent display of original, restored and customized Mustangs inside the Convention Center building, and then the show outside was packed with hundreds more cars. The aisles were packed with people of all ages, and this event is fun and affordable for the whole family. With such a strong reputation in the Mustang community, we’re sure this event will continue to grow each year and provide even more reason to spend the week in the Smokies.

Steve Saleen made a special appearance at the show, and there were several beautifully restored Saleen-prepared cars from the Fox Body era on hand. Other special edition Fox Body cars included the 1984.5 Mustang GT350, a limited production model that celebrated the Mustang’s 20th birthday. We also spotted a few Mustang SVO models with the turbocharged four-cylinder, several Pace Cars, Shelby Mustangs and so much more. Even though most of the cars on hand were built in the last 30 years or so, our coverage focuses primarily on the classic Mustangs on hand. Take a look at some of our highlights from the 2023 Ponies in the Smokies event in Sevierville, Tennessee and make plans to join the fun in March of 2024. For more information visit www.poniesinthesmokies.com.

1968 Shelby GT500 KR

Darin Clark’s 1968 Shelby GT500 KR is a tribute to his father, who passed away 14 years ago. His prized Shelby has been beautifully preserved and shown at select events, where it has won MCA Gold and SAAC Division 2 Gold awards. It is one of only 1,053 GT500 KR Fastbacks built in 1968.

1970 Mustang Mach 1

Sporting Grabber Orange paint and a shaker hood scoop, this 1970 Mustang Mach 1 is a popular body style and option package. Elizabeth Gatrost’s Mach 1 was part of the special indoor display that included all generations of Mustangs.

1985-1/2 Ford Mustang SVO

Terry Wideman brought his rare 1985-1/2 Ford Mustang SVO. These turbocharged four-cylinder Mustangs are already rare, but the half-year production makes it one of less than 500 built. The mid-year refresh brought 30 more horsepower to the table, as well as the flush-mounted headlights, compared to the first half of 1985 production.

Mustang II

The Mustang II doesn’t get nearly the respect as other Mustangs, but Ponies in the Smokies had several on display, including this immaculate King Cobra, owned by Robert Gesling of Blue Grass, Iowa. Robert has owned the car since 1980 and recently finished a thorough restoration.

1969 Mustang convertible

Mark Brown’s 1969 Mustang convertible is a modern take on a classic pony car. It features a 5.0-liter Coyote engine, and lots of great suspension tricks underneath. The fine metallic paint danced in the sun, and Mark added a nice mixture of black stripes and brightwork for a great appearance package.

Mustangu2019s 20th anniversary GT350

Another half-year production came in 1984, when the GT350 was introduced to celebrate Mustang’s 20th anniversary. This example, owned by Michael Zachary features a lowered stance with Pony wheels, but the rest of the car appears very original, including the original rocker panel stripes.

1966 Ford Mustang GT fastback

Originally a California car, this 1966 Ford Mustang GT fastback still has its original 289ci V8 with emissions equipment. Frank and Cheryl Chamberlain made the short drive from Maryville, Tennessee to display their beautifully restored Mustang. We love the styled steel wheels and dual redline tires.

Saleen Mustang

Another incredible Fox Body is this flawless Saleen, owned by Jason Smith of Greenwood, Indiana. It’s one of only three black coupes built by Saleen in 1988, and it only has 33,000 miles on the odometer. Under the hood is a supercharged stroker small block, putting down 486 horsepower to the wheels.

1973 Mustang convertible 351 Cleveland 4V Cobra Jet engine

It’s always exciting to own a car that comes up as one of one on the Marti Report, but it’s even better when the car is unrestored with only 3,477 miles on the clock. This example, a 1973 Mustang convertible is owned by Randy Cunningham of McCalla, Alabama, and it features its original 351 Cleveland 4V Cobra Jet engine that’s barely broken in.

special edition go kart with Official Pace Car livery was positioned next to an incredibly well-preserved 1979 Mustang Indy 500 Pace Car,

This young Mustang enthusiast found a Mustang that’s exactly his size. This special edition go kart with Official Pace Car livery was positioned next to an incredibly well-preserved 1979 Mustang Indy 500 Pace Car, which only has 162 miles.

Ford Mustang 302 car

Although it is a factory 302 car, the showroom fresh Indy 500 Pace Car received “Turbo” emblems on the hood, a factory error that makes this no-mile classic even more unusual.

Bricklin SV-1 “safety vehicle” visits Jay Leno’s Garage

While Malcolm Bricklin is perhaps most widely recognized in automotive circles for bringing Subaru (and the Yugo) to the U.S., the insatiable entrepreneur has actually started more than 30 companies, including the eponymous car brand Bricklin.

Like many of his ventures, Bricklin’s car brand didn’t last long, but from 1974 to 1975 it managed to churn out a striking sports car with gullwing doors, a lightweight composite body, and V-8 power.

The car is the Bricklin SV-1, and comedian Jeff Dunham happens to own one. It’s featured in the latest episode of Jay Leno’s web series, “Jay Leno’s Garage.”

Dunham’s example is a 1975 model, which means it features a Ford V-8 instead of the original AMC V-8 used the previous model year. The Ford V-8, the popular Windsor, generates approximately 175 hp in this application and is paired with a 3-speed automatic. Drive is to the rear wheels only.

Unusually for a sports car, the SV-1 was marketed for its safety, in addition to its performance. The SV in the name actually stands for “safety vehicle,” and the car has features like an integrated roll cage. Some of the body panels, including the front and rear fascias, were also designed to absorb the energy of low-speed impacts, helping to prevent dents.

As told in the video, many of the car’s available colors also have the word safety in their names, such as Safety Red, as featured on Dunham’s car. In an effort to save costs, the cars weren’t actually painted. Instead, the color was impregnated in the acrylic resin used for the body. However, quality issues quickly emerged, like the resin blistering at high temperatures.

Various other quality issues, together with a rising price meant the SV-1 was never a top seller. Production, which took place at a purpose-built plant in Saint John, in Canada’s New Brunswick, is thought to have totaled less than 3,000 units.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com.

Next-Gen: These Future Cars Will Revolutionize Driving From 2023-2025

The automotive industry changes each year as cars and trucks evolve in design and technology. These future cars are at the forefront of the market due to evolving EV trends. With gasoline engines going the way of the dinosaur, there’s never been a time to be more excited. EV cars are fun to drive and offer an exhilarating amount of performance for the price. Electric powertrains are naturally more powerful than gasoline vehicles and more efficient.

Gasoline engines are going to be phased out of the industry but it will be a slow and gradual phase out. There are still going to be a few new gasoline-powered vehicles that are worth noting. For example, the Toyota Stout is going to offer a comparable alternative to the Ford Maverick. However, the majority of the market is leaning toward electric vehicles. So we looked at the future cars that are going to shape the next three years or more of driving. These vehicles will singlehandedly change the way that we drive, so check them out here.

Photo Credit: Mini USA

2023 Mini Hatchback

In 2023, car enthusiasts can look forward to the release of the Mini Hatchback. This stylish vehicle boasts a compact size that makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets. Additionally, the Mini Hatchback features a fuel-efficient engine, which is great for those who prioritize eco-friendliness. The Mini has always been a different type of car and the 2023 Hatchback promises to continue building on that legacy (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Mini USA

Not only that, but the car also comes equipped with a host of advanced safety features to ensure that drivers and passengers stay safe on the road. Plus, its sleek design is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Overall, the 2023 Mini Hatchback is a top choice for drivers who want a vehicle that’s both practical and stylish.

The post Next-Gen: These Future Cars Will Revolutionize Driving From 2023-2025 appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Holy Grails: Classic Muscle Cars With Single-Digit Production Numbers

It’s no secret that car fans are mesmerized by limited-edition supercars that were produced in low numbers. Yes, those multi-million-dollar machines are fantastic, but they’re not the only cars with single-digit production numbers. Back in the heyday of the muscle car culture, Detroit made numerous rare muscle cars with lower production numbers than the supercars of today.

As you’ll see on this list, most of the cars on our lists are Hemi-powered models because that option was rare and expensive back then. It was available in a range of Plymouth and Dodge models. Some of these scarce models were rarer than others. But we’re not only talking about Mopar cars exclusively. True, Hemis are definitely known for their exclusivity, but they’re not the only ones. You’ll also find some rare muscle cars from Ford and Chevy as well, so enjoy the rarest muscle cars right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible – 9 Made

Even though Plymouth had the Barracuda, their first pony car model was introduced two weeks before the Ford Mustang. The Chrysler-owned stablemate Dodge didn’t enter the segment until 1970. The Challenger was immediately presented with the full firepower of Mopar engines. Buyers could get a powerful 383 V8, a big 440, and the famous 426 Hemi (via Sports Car Market).

Photo Credit: Mecum

Since the Challenger was an actual muscle car, the majority of examples sold were coupes. But a convertible was also available. In 1970, Dodge produced only nine convertible Challengers. The Hemi made this model one of the rarest as well as the most powerful muscle car convertible built during this golden era.

The post Holy Grails: Classic Muscle Cars With Single-Digit Production Numbers appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Bigger Isn’t Better: Massive Engines That Somehow Have Low Power

Most car fans know that bigger engines are more capable of producing higher power. They have bigger bores, strokes, and high flow intakes that can feed the engine with more fuel and air. However, modern times have brought the auto world downsizing. These fuel-efficient engines can match a larger V8’s power with the help of turbocharging and modern technology. Yet displacement is still king. If you want a lot of power, the best way to do so is with a lot of cylinders and significant displacement.

However, in the car industry, some huge engines were downright disappointing. They were massive, but somehow pathetic in their power output; even bordering on disgraceful. Today, we’ll discuss those rare kinds of engines that were massive machines with ridiculously low power. Most of them were the victims of tightening emission regulations and low compression approaches. But some of them were simply products of poor engineering. Either way, these engines taught today’s car world a thing or two about not what to do wrong. Check these engines out right here.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Cadillac 500 CID

The Cadillac 500 CID is a typical example of a massive engine with enormous potential ruined by environmental standards. This mighty power plant was introduced in 1970 in the Eldorado and remained the top engine choice for almost a decade. In 1970, this engine produced a healthy 400 HP and 550 lb.-ft of torque, which made it one of the most powerful engines ever put in a production vehicle. Unfortunately, this lasted only for a year before it began to decline (via Driving Line).

By the second half of the 1970s, Cadillac’s mighty 500 V8 lost all of its power. The engine was installed in other models like Fleetwood. As time progressed and US manufacturers introduced low-compression engines, this mighty unit delivered only 190 to 210 HP and almost 200 lb.-ft of torque less than the 1970 model. Of course, its performance was pathetic as well.

The post Bigger Isn’t Better: Massive Engines That Somehow Have Low Power appeared first on Motor Junkie.

No Reserve: 350-Powered 1936 Pontiac Silver Streak Street Rod

This 1936 Pontiac Silver Streak is a modified example that was acquired by the current owner’s late husband approximately 17 years ago. Power is from a replacement 350ci GMC V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a Positraction differential. The car is finished in red with orange stripes over two-tone gray vinyl upholstery, and additional features include independent front suspension with power-assisted disc brakes, an aluminum fuel cell, 15” American Racing wheels, and a Mitsubishi AM/FM cassette stereo. This Pontiac street rod is being offered at no reserve by the seller on behalf of the current owner with Connecticut registration.

The car has been repainted red with orange and yellow stripes. The front bumper has been removed, and exterior details include a louvered hood, tinted windows, dual exhaust outlets, and chrome side mirrors. Paint blemishes on the trunk lid are noted by the seller, along with a crack and delamination in the rear window.

The 15” American Racing wheels feature red accents and wear faux knock-off spinners with Pontiac center caps. The car rides on Mustang II-spec independent front suspension, and braking is through power-assisted front discs with rear drums.

The cabin houses later-model front bucket seats as well as a rear bench trimmed in two-tone gray vinyl with white piping that extends to the door panels. Darker gray carpets line the floors, and amenities consist of front shoulder belts, a height-adjustable rearview mirror, and a Mitsubishi AM/FM cassette stereo. A Vintage Air HVAC system has been installed, though it is inoperable. Wear on the driver’s seat is visible, and the seller states that the trim pieces around the front seats are in need of reattachment.

A three-spoke steering wheel with a removable cover sits ahead of a gray vinyl-trimmed dashboard housing a Vintage Reproduction 130-km/h speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary displays. The five-digit odometer shows approximately 77k kilometers (~48k miles), approximately 13k of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown, and the fuel level gauge is inoperable.

The 350ci V8 was reportedly sourced from a 1977 GMC and features a four-barrel carburetor, an upgraded camshaft and headers, a 17-gallon RCi aluminum fuel cell, a mechanical fuel pump, and a 12-volt alternator with a Pertronix ignition coil and distributor.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission and a Positraction differential from a 1977 Chevrolet Nova. Aftermarket mufflers have been installed, and additional underbody images are provided in the gallery below. The seller notes a leak from the transmission.

The car does not have a title, as it is being sold in a state that does not issue titles for vehicles of its age. It is being offered with its Connecticut registration.