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In a world where depreciation is the norm for cars, a surprising trend has emerged: certain vehicles have defied expectations by appreciating in value. Traditionally, cars lose a significant portion of their worth as soon as they leave the showroom.

However, due to market dynamics, scarcity, and a growing collector’s appeal, some models are bucking the trend and are now more valuable as used cars than when they were brand new. Understanding these unique market patterns provides insight into which cars hold their value and potentially offer a profitable investment opportunity. Join us as we explore the top 10 cars that fit this fascinating category.

1. Toyota Land Cruiser

A Look At The Iconic 70 Series Land Cruiser The Most Reliable Toyota Ever Built 3
Photo Credit: Toyota

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary vehicle coveted for its unmatched reliability and versatility. Known for its prowess in both urban and rugged off-road environments, this model has earned a dedicated following. The Land Cruiser’s ability to withstand harsh conditions and deliver a smooth ride makes it a sought-after vehicle in the used car market.

As production numbers become limited in some regions, demand for pre-owned models has skyrocketed. This high demand, coupled with its enduring reputation, ensures that the Land Cruiser often commands a higher resale price than its original sticker value.

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When discussing racing cars, we usually mention the models that gained fame on circuits or drag strips. However, we fail to mention legendary machines that became famous in rally stage mud, dirt, and dust. Those cars are a special breed designed to be fast, where other vehicles often stop, making them unique in the car world. Here are 10 rally legends that earned their fame off the beaten path. 

1. Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 is a cornerstone of rally history. Debuting in the late 1960s, it quickly became a force to reckon with due to its balance, agility, and innovative engineering. Powered by a 1.6-liter Cosworth BDA engine, the RS1600 was light, responsive, and built for performance. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

It won events across Europe, including the 1970 London to Mexico Rally, earning it a cult following. The Escort’s raw, rear-wheel-drive nature made it a favorite among drivers who wanted a nimble car that danced through corners. It set the tone for Ford’s long and successful rally heritage.

2. Lancia Stratos HF

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Photo Credit: Lancia

The Lancia Stratos HF wasn’t just a rally car—it was the rally car that changed everything. With its futuristic wedge-shaped body designed by Bertone and a Ferrari-sourced V6 engine, the Stratos was a purpose-built machine for the World Rally Championship (WRC). 

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Photo Credit: Wiki

It clinched three consecutive WRC titles from 1974 to 1976. Its mid-engine layout and short wheelbase made it agile on tight twisty roads, especially on tarmac stages. The Stratos remains one of the most iconic and beautiful rally cars ever built, both in form and function.

3. Fiat 131 Abarth

Fiat 131 Abarth Rally
Photo Credit: Pinterest

Often overshadowed by flashier names, the Fiat 131 Abarth was a true workhorse that delivered serious results. With its 2.0-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine producing around 215 hp, this rear-wheel-drive car won three WRC manufacturer titles in 1977, 1978, and 1980. 

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Photo Credit: Bat

The 131 Abarth blended performance with surprising durability, excelling in grueling rallies like the Acropolis and Safari. Its success laid the groundwork for Fiat Group’s continued rally dominance into the 1980s and beyond, showing that even a boxy sedan could conquer the world’s most challenging roads.

4. Audi Quattro

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Photo Credit: Audi

A game-changer in rallying history, the Audi Quattro introduced four-wheel drive to the WRC—and the sport was never the same again. Debuting in 1980, the Quattro leveraged its AWD system to deliver superior grip on loose surfaces, easily outpacing rear-wheel-drive rivals. It wasn’t just fast—it redefined what a rally car could be. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

With legendary drivers like Walter Röhrl and Michèle Mouton behind the wheel, the Quattro won multiple titles and dominated Group B rallying. It’s impossible to talk about the best rally cars without recognizing the technological revolution that was the Audi Quattro.

5. Lancia Delta HF Integrale

Lancia Delta Hf Integrale Evo Martini 1992
Photo Credit: Lancia

If rally cars had a hall of fame, the Lancia Delta HF Integrale would be front and center. It is the most successful rally car in history, with six consecutive WRC manufacturer titles from 1987 to 1992. Its boxy hatchback silhouette, turbocharged inline-four engine, and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system made it a beast on all surfaces. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

Constantly evolving with Group A regulations, the Delta Integrale combined relentless performance with razor-sharp handling. Its dominance and popularity among fans make it an undisputed sports legend.

6. Subaru Impreza WRX STI

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI became a global icon in the 1990s thanks to its blue-and-gold livery, flat-four boxer engine, and the driving genius of Colin McRae. Subaru’s rally success was built on this compact AWD rocket, which was tailor-made for gravel and snow. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Impreza won WRC titles in 1995, 1996, and 1997, and its performance pedigree helped turn Subaru into a household name. With aggressive styling, a low center of gravity, and unmatched traction, rally fans and tuners worldwide still revere the Impreza WRX STI.

7. Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST185)

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185 was Toyota’s first real rally monster, and it delivered. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and full-time AWD, the GT-Four powered Carlos Sainz to WRC Driver’s Championships and helped Toyota secure manufacturer titles in the early 1990s. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The ST185’s robust drivetrain and rally-tuned suspension allowed it to tackle brutal conditions across continents. It marked the beginning of Toyota’s rise in WRC, and its success paved the way for the modern GR Yaris. Durable, fast, and well-engineered, the Celica GT-Four was Toyota’s rally masterpiece.

8. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo VI)

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Photo Credit: MMC

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, notably the Evo VI, solidified Mitsubishi’s place in rally greatness. The Evo VI was an engineering marvel, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, advanced all-wheel drive, and active yaw control. It became the weapon of choice for Tommi Mäkinen, who won four consecutive drivers’ titles from 1996 to 1999. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Evo’s aggressive power delivery, pinpoint handling, and bulletproof reliability made it one of its era’s most respected rally cars. The Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition remains a collector’s dream and a symbol of Mitsubishi’s rally zenith.

9. Ford Focus RS WRC

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Ford Focus RS WRC debuted in 1999 and quickly became one of Ford’s most successful rally platforms. With drivers like Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz piloting it, the Focus was competitive initially. The RS WRC evolved, with advancements in aerodynamics, suspension, and engine performance that kept it in title contention well into the 2000s. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

It eventually helped Ford claim WRC manufacturer titles in 2006 and 2007. With its sharp handling and consistent pace, the Focus RS WRC carried Ford’s rally legacy well into the modern era.

10. Citroën C4 WRC

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Photo Credit: Citroen

No list is complete without the Citroën C4 WRC, a car that dominated the WRC during the late 2000s. It was the chariot of Sébastien Loeb, the most successful WRC driver in history. Between 2007 and 2010, the C4 WRC won every championship it entered, thanks to its flawless engineering, advanced electronics, and Loeb’s precision driving. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

With a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, sophisticated AWD system, and aerodynamic bodywork, the C4 was virtually unbeatable. Citroën’s total dominance during this era makes the C4 WRC a modern rally icon and one of the most successful cars the sport has ever seen.

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The SUV models are American inventions, but high-performance SUVs are European. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any US high-powered SUVs. There are, and they are capable. Here are the 10 best crazy fast American SUVs. 

1. Jerrari 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

Fast SUVs are nothing new in today’s car world, but back in the ’60s and ’70s, there was nothing like that on the market. Then, one innovative car engineer had a brilliant idea—install a Ferrari V12 in a Jeep Wagoneer! 

Meet The Jerrari A 1
Photo Credit: Pinterest

The car was named Jerrari (Jeep/Ferrari) and was relatively fast, although it looked strange. The front end was from a Ferrari 330 GT, and the rest of the car was a Jeep. This car was one of two made for Bill Harrah, an entertainment magnate from Las Vegas who wanted a stealthy, comfortable cruiser with a little flair. 

2. GMC Typhoon

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Photo Credit: GM

The GMC Typhoon, produced from 1992 to 1993, is one of the original American performance SUVs. Powered by a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine, it churned out 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds—astonishingly fast for an SUV in the early ’90s. 

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Photo Credit: GM

Combining the utility of an SUV with a high-performance engine, the Typhoon was a trailblazer in its time. It still holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Its unique design and superb handling capabilities have made it a classic in the performance SUV segment.

3. Saleen Explorer XP8

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Photo Credit: CB

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you combine off-road capability with a supercharged engine, the Saleen Explorer XP8 is the answer. A special edition of the Ford Explorer, this SUV was tuned by the legendary performance company Saleen. 

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Photo Credit: Mecum

The XP8 came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the fastest SUVs of its time. With a 0-60 mph time of just 7 seconds, this performance-focused SUV was equally comfortable off-road as on the highway, proving that the Explorer could surpass its family SUV roots.

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited

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Photo Credit: Jeep

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited, introduced in 1998, was a true muscle SUV, offering blistering performance in a vehicle designed for rugged terrain. With a 5.9-liter V8 engine, it produced 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque and could hit 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds. 

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Photo Credit: Jeep

At the time, it was the most powerful Jeep ever made, offering a hard-to-beat mix of luxury and performance. The 5.9 Limited was perfect for those who wanted a Jeep’s off-road capabilities paired with the power and speed of a muscle car.

5. Chevrolet Trailblazer SS

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Photo Credit: GM

The Chevrolet Trailblazer SS, produced from 2006 to 2009, marked a bold step forward in performance SUVs. Powered by a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine (the same one found in the Corvette), it delivered a blistering 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. 

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Photo Credit: GM

This was enough to propel the Trailblazer SS from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, a remarkable feat for any SUV. With its aggressive styling and incredible power, the Trailblazer SS proved that a utility vehicle could be both practical and a beast on the road.

6. Dodge Durango Shelby

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Photo Credit: Cars & Bids

The Dodge Durango Shelby, introduced in 1998, was an unexpected twist in the muscle SUV game. With a 5.9-liter V8 engine, it produced 250 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, which gave it some serious acceleration for an SUV. The Durango Shelby was a limited-edition vehicle made in partnership with Shelby American and built to be a performance version of the standard Durango. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

Although it wasn’t as fast as some of the other vehicles on this list, the Durango Shelby still offered a fun, sporty driving experience, blending Shelby’s performance heritage with the practicality of a family SUV.

7. Cadillac Escalade V

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Photo Credit: GM

The Cadillac Escalade V epitomizes American luxury, meeting incredible performance. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, it churns out an impressive 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse allows the Escalade V to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, which is remarkable for a full-size luxury SUV. 

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Photo Credit: GM

With a sleek, aggressive appearance and top-tier luxury features, the Escalade V is a performance SUV that’s also comfortable for families and loaded with tech. Cadillac has successfully combined the brand’s refined elegance with blistering speed in this high-performance machine.

8. Dodge Durango Hellcat

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Dodge Durango Hellcat puts everything you love about muscle cars into a large, family-friendly SUV. With a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine pumping out a monstrous 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, the Durango Hellcat is one of the most potent SUVs ever. 

Photo Credit: Motor Authority

It rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest three-row SUV on the market. Whether you need to haul the family, tow heavy loads, or have a blast on the road, the Durango Hellcat offers it all with its thrilling speed and capability.

9. Tesla Model X

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Photo Credit: Tesla

The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV that combines cutting-edge technology with exhilarating performance. Equipped with dual electric motors, the Model X Long Range version offers 1020 horsepower and an impressive 0-60 mph of just 2.5 seconds, making it one of the world’s quickest SUVs. 

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Photo Credit: Tesla

It offers stunning acceleration, and the Model X also comes with advanced autopilot features, a luxurious cabin, and signature Falcon Wing doors. As the electric vehicle market grows, the Model X shows that performance and eco-friendliness coexist in a single, mind-blowing package.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Photo Credit: Motor 1

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a muscle SUV built for thrill-seekers. With a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine producing 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, the Trackhawk can reach 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest and most powerful production SUVs ever built. 

Photo Credit: Tynan

Along with its impressive acceleration, the Trackhawk also features Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities, allowing it to perform in rugged terrains while delivering a performance driving experience that rivals high-performance sports cars. Whether taking it off-road or tearing up the tarmac, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a beast.

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The 1950s were an incredible time in American history. The post-war economy was strong, most American households moved to suburbia, and the American dream was in everybody’s reach. That optimism reflected in the cars, and suddenly, American car brands offered bright colors, new designs, chrome fins, and powerful V8 engines. Here are 10 vehicles that best personified the American dream. 

1. Chevrolet “Tri Five”

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
Photo Credit: PJ

An everlasting battle between Ford and Chevrolet for supremacy in the medium-priced market was at its height in the ’50s, when Chevrolet presented the legendary “Tri-Five” series. Those cars got that nickname later, and since this body style was produced for three years (1955/56/57), people started calling them “Tri-Five,” and the name stuck.

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Photo Credit: Mecum

Those cars were modern family models with many options, innovative, elegant design, and numerous body styles. The base models were called One Fifty or Two Ten, and the top-of-the-line models were Bel Air. However, one of the most prominent features of the iconic Tri-Five series is the availability of the legendary Chevrolet Small Block V8 engine, which brought power to the masses and gave 55 to 57-year-old Chevrolets some serious performance to go with that everlasting style and chrome fins.

2. Cadillac 1959

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Photo Credit: BaT

No list of iconic American cars can go without the legendary 1959 Cadillac. This car represents so many great things about the brand, and classic American cars are simply a landmark moment in design and technology. First, the design of the 1959 model year saw Cadillac’s most noticeable feature—chrome fins that went to ridiculous heights, exactly 98 inches high, to be precise. Second, Cadillac’s technology improved the mechanical layout with improved suspension components and a 6.4-liter V8 engine with up to 320 HP.

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The 1959 Cadillac sold a staggering 142,000 units, which is very respectable by today’s standards. Cadillac sold several models, including the Eldorado, Fleetwood limousine, and even a naked chassis with engines for commercial users like ambulances and hearses. Thanks to its timeless design, amazing power, and quality, 1959 remains one of the best years in Cadillac’s history and one of the landmark American cars of all time. 

3. Chrysler C300

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Photo Credit: BAT

The fastest and most powerful American production model for 1955, and the car that shook the car scene, was the mighty Chrysler C-300. This was the start of a 10-year production run of Chrysler’s famous “Letter cars,” a series of exclusive, fast, and expensive coupes and convertibles with maximum power, comfort, and luxury. The first car in that glorious lineup was a ’55 C-300.

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The performance was outstanding, with a 9-second 0 to 60 mph time and a 130-mph top speed. The car was pretty expensive and full of luxury items, but it also proved very successful in racing, winning 37 stock car events. Today, the Chrysler C-300 is a very valuable early muscle machine and an extremely rare one, too. Chrysler built just over 1700 of those Hemi-powered cruisers.

4. 1953 Corvette

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Photo Credit: silodrome

The introduction of the Chevrolet Corvette was the biggest automotive news for 1953 since nobody expected such an exotic car to be built and marketed by Chevrolet. Suddenly, a new roadster with incredible features was made by a mid-class manufacturer with no sports car experience. However, despite that, the first Corvette was a well-designed and well-executed model. 

Photo Credit: Silodrome

The most interesting thing about the new Corvette was the fiberglass body. Back in the early ’50s, plastic was still the material of the future and was very rarely used in the industry. The Corvette was the first car with a fully plastic body, and Chevrolet was one of the pioneers of fiberglass construction. This incredible innovation gave the Corvette lightweight construction, and to this day, the Vette body is made out of fiberglass. 

5. Chevrolet Task Force

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the Task Force series, replacing the Advanced Design trucks. These new models embraced bold 1950s styling with larger bodies, sleek lines, and chrome trim. 

1957 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier
Photo Credit: GM

Buyers could choose between two V8 engines (265 and 283 cid) or a standard 235 cid straight-six. Chevy also offered an automatic transmission, luxury features, and multiple bed lengths. The Task Force series was a turning point: it proved trucks could deliver the style and options of passenger cars, foreshadowing today’s high-end pickups.

6. Studebaker Golden Hawk

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Studebaker disappeared as a brand in 1966 after years of trying to stay relevant on the American market, but in the mid-’50s, it was still one of the best names in the business with a lineup of interesting models. One of the best Studebakers ever built was the elegant and fast ’56 Golden Hawk. 

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Photo Credit: Hemmings

Conceived as a cool-looking personal luxury coupe, Golden Hawk had a Packard-derived 352 V8 engine with 275 HP, which was pretty impressive for the day. The performance was also significant, with a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 9 seconds.

7. Ford Thunderbird (1955)

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Photo Credit: MTC

Just like the Corvette or Chrysler C-300, Ford’s Thunderbird could not be considered a proper muscle car since it was a luxurious two-seater with low production and a high price tag. However, its style and performance helped raise the collective consciousness about performance, which helped create the muscle car segment in the following years. 

1955 Ford Thunderbird Promo
Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Thunderbird was introduced in 1955 and outsold the Corvette immediately, but in 1957, Ford introduced two engine options that really set the standards in terms of performance and have a special place in the history of American performance and muscle cars today. 

8. Plymouth Fury (1958)

Photo Credit: W Super Cars

Before the Fury was a separate model, it was an option on the Belvedere. In 1958, this model benefited from Chrysler’s new Golden Commando engine. The mighty Hemi was gone, but Chrysler didn’t abandon the performance market. The Golden Commando had 350 CID displacement, hotter equipment, and 305 HP.

Photo Credit: W Super Cars

Plymouth even experimented with a fuel injection setup, but the system proved very problematic, so the factory compensated the owners and gave them a conventional four-barrel setup. If the fuel injection worked as it should, it should produce up to 315 HP.

9. Ford Ranchero

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

By the late ’50s, pickup trucks were an established car class with numerous models from several major manufacturers. Trucks were mechanically similar to each other, featuring straight-six engines and newly introduced V8s, ladder-type chassis, and a live axle in the back. Always on the forefront of the market, Ford realized that there was a market niche for smaller, more car-like trucks for customers who needed a usable vehicle but didn’t carry a heavy load and didn’t want the ruggedness of a regular truck. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The solution was simple: turn a full-size passenger car into a small pickup truck simply by chopping the body and adding the truck bed. Introduced in 1957, the Ford Ranchero was a hit. It featured Ford passenger car styling and appointments, along with a payload very similar to full-size F-Series trucks. With the Ranchero, its customers could enjoy the drivability of a regular sedan with the usability of a proper pickup, which the market had never seen before. 

10. Continental Mark II

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

Although this car was built by Continental, a short-lived luxury brand for Ford, it was engineered and produced by Lincoln and is a part of Lincoln’s model lineup and heritage. In the mid-50s, Ford established a separate brand, the Continental Division, to produce new luxury cars above Lincoln. The first and only car was the famed Continental Mark II, introduced in 1955. 

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

Ford’s idea was to present a superb luxury coupe with the finest technology and comfort and market it as a separate brand. The idea sounded good, but the market response wasn’t so great. Five years later, the Continental Division was shut down following the disappointing sales of the Mark II coupe, despite being one of the finest American cars ever made and the ultimate Lincoln.

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Do you recall Jaguar’s “interesting” rebranding campaign? The beleaguered British automotive company aroused snickers six months ago thanks to its marketing and advertising staff’s goofy lack of self-awareness. Since then, the future world of EVs (not to mention the future world of trade) has changed a bit. Has Jaguar’s future changed as well?

According to The Telegraph, Jaguar is searching for a new advertising agency months after wiping egg off its face due to the rebranding campaign developed by Accenture Song and Spark44, Jaguar Land Rover’s agency of record. However, Jaguar refuses to comment on the rumor: “As a matter of policy JLR does not comment on any supplier arrangements, Accenture Song are currently under contract to the middle of 2026. We have nothing further to say on this matter.”

The impetus for the account review is said to have come after President Trump slapped 25-percent tariffs on imported cars from the United Kingdom, which drove Jaguar Land Rover to temporarily pause exports to the U.S. Since then, the two countries have settled on an agreement that includes the reduction of import taxes on a specific number of British cars exported to the U.S. (though no word on what Detroit thinks of this). British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the agreement as a “fantastic platform” while speaking at a Jaguar Land Rover factory. “This historic deal delivers for British business and British workers protecting thousands of British jobs in key sectors including car manufacturing and steel.”

1966 XKE, from when Jaguar ruled the world.

Jaguar is one of the most emotive automotive brands in the world. It has aspired to follow the business model of Land Rover and sell fewer cars at a price tag of more than £100,000 each (approximately $130,000), according to The Telegraph, but the poor start has not done the repositioning any favors. Let’s hope it doesn’t pull a British Leyland and disappear.

When you go to a car show, you sometimes see so many of the same model that they’re all grouped together. Let’s just say they’re victims of their own success. Unless you take it to an Auburn Cord Duesenberg owner’s meeting, our Pick of the Day will absolutely stand out at a car show: a 1936 Cord 810 Westchester sedan posted on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Texas.

That’s partly due to its rarity—on several levels. “The New Cord” came out as a 1936 model, a few years after the L-29 was discontinued. Unfortunately, it only lasted through 1937, changing name from 810 in ’36 to 812 the following year. Production total estimates vary, but they show Cord produced fewer than 3,000 vehicles between those two years. After 1937, Cord, the company itself, was done.

Then there’s the most obvious reason this Cord 810 would turn heads at a car show: the styling. Just look at it. What makes it even more attractive—if only on an intellectual level—is how unusual it is for a car of its time. Instead of an upright radiator shell in the middle of large, exposed headlights and wide running boards, the 810 has a “coffin nose” with what Cord called “Venetian type louvers,” concealed headlights that can be revealed with hand cranks, and open space below the rocker panels. The front end does have quite an underbite, but there’s a good reason for that: once again, Cord did things differently, opting for front-wheel and installing the hardware for it behind the front bumper.

Cord’s corporate cousin Lycoming produced the 810’s 289ci V8, which was factory-rated at 125 horsepower at 3,500 rpm. Instead of a three-speed stick, the 810 delivered its output to the road through a four-speed pre-selector transmission, which allowed the driver to pick the next gear he or she would use with a Bendix Finger-Tip Gear Control, then press the clutch pedal to engage it when necessary.

The Cord company may be long gone, but the 810 Westchester sedan you see here has received a second lease on life thanks to a cosmetic restoration and mechanical overhaul. As part of the process, the body was refinished in Cadet Grey, and the interior was reupholstered in dark blue wool. Most importantly, the engine and transmission were rebuilt by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company, which knows a thing or two about working on Cords.

And now you know some of the things that make this 1936 Cord 810 Westchester sedan cool and unusual. All you have to figure out is where you’ll get the $95,000 (OBO) to buy it—and the first car show you’ll drive to in it.

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

Ain’t technology great? These days, you can drive around in your late-model vehicle and have its engine shut off at stoplights, only to restart seamlessly when the light turns green. Helps save you dinero at the gas pump by increasing the efficiency of your flivver, plus it cuts down on CO2 emissions. However, the big guy at the EPA says this nice bit of tech will be scrutinized.

Lee Zeldin, a former New York Representative who was appointed Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency by President Trump, recently tweeted this on X several days ago: “Start/stop technology: where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy. EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it.”

1974 Toyota Crown (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Believe it or not, stop-start first appeared on the six-cylinder version of the 1974 Toyota Crown (which was not imported to the U.S.). In the 1990s, several miserly European cars adopted the feature. Starting with the Euro 5 European emissions standards from 2009, most new cars sold on the Continent have included a stop-start system; the same could also be said about cars sold in the U.S., though not via regulation. Per Car and Driver, the EPA offers manufacturers something called “off-cycle credits” that create an incentive to use a stop-start feature as it’s purported to reduce emissions. Per the EPA’s website:

Stop-start systems (sometimes called idle-stop, start/stop, smart start, or other manufacturer-specific names) save fuel by turning off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and automatically starting it back up when you step on the accelerator. Stop-start can improve fuel economy by 4 to 5 percent and provides the biggest benefit in conditions where the engine would otherwise be idling, such as stop-and-go city driving.

But does it? Depends on several variables, such as the amount of time at a standstill and the type of stop-start system (some switch on when you lift off the brake, while mild hybrids may shut off when coasting to a stop).

(Image courtesy of Mopar Performance)

Whatever the case, the vehicles that include this feature also offer a way to shut it off if it bothers you, though there are some vehicles that require you to turn it off every single time you’re behind the wheel. We imagine that would be a PITA, but hey, I already have to press so many buttons to change the temp in my car, so what’s another button? Nonetheless, it remains to be seen what Zeldin has in mind with his fix.

This 1949 Nash Ambassador two-door sedan was built into a street rod in the late 1990s and features shaved exterior trim, frenched headlights, air suspension, and Budnik 17” wheels. Power comes from a 350ci Vortec V8 and additional equipment includes a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission, a dual exhaust system, power steering, and a Mustang II-style front subframe with disc brakes. The interior has been trimmed in blue vinyl and offers air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, a Lecarra steering wheel, Dakota Digital instrumentation, and an overhead console housing a JVC CD player. This modified Ambassador was listed on BaT in April 2024 and is now offered again with a copy of Rod & Custom magazine, two key fobs, and a clean Texas title in the name of the seller and their spouse.

The bodywork is finished in blue with ghost flames above the front wheels. Custom touches include shaved door handles and trim, frenched headlights, a flush-mounted LED taillight strip, a center high-mount stop light, and concealed front turn signals. The chrome bumpers were also shaved, and the exhaust tips exit through the rear quarter panels. The doors and trunk lid are fitted with electric poppers, and the side mirror housings are painted to match the body. Photos provided in the gallery below show a scrape on the bottom of the passenger door areas and some spots of of bubbled paint.

Polished Budnik 17” wheels are mounted with 205/50 front and 215/50 rear Nitto tires manufactured in 2019. An air suspension has been added along with a Mustang II-style front subframe and power steering. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums, and the booster is mounted below the floor. The dual air compressors and tanks are said to have been replaced since 2023 along with the air springs and brake components all around. The center cap is missing from the left-front wheel.

The bench seats, door panels, and dashboard are trimmed in blue vinyl, and interior appointments include a Vintage Air climate-control system, cruise control, power windows, and ruched accent pillows. An overhead console houses a JVC player as well as separate controls for the front and rear air suspension.

The Lecarra steering wheel is mounted to a tilting body-color column, atop which is a round binnacle housing a Dakota Digital display. Digital gauges mounted in the overhead console show alternator output, engine rpm, and oil pressure. The digital odometer indicates 34k miles, approximately 5,500 of which were added under current ownership.

The 350ci GM Vortec V8 sends power to the rear wheels through a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 8″ rear end.

Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery.

A copy of the June 1999 issue of Rod & Custom magazine featuring the car is included in the sale.

In the world of vintage car events, the biggest issue many people have is finding an eligible car that is in any way affordable. This is because most of the higher-end vintage events require that a car not only be a 1957 or older but also be rare. This means that your 1957 Chevy, while it does meet the age requirement, does not get accepted because Chevy built tens of thousands of them.

What this usually means is that you need a mid-six-figure to million-dollar car – like a Ferrari 250, postwar Alfa 6C, or an early Porsche 356 – just to be accepted. But there is a bit of a “hack” at a much lower cost: the Austin-Healey 100M, also sometimes called the Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans.

The Austin-Healey 100M was introduced in 1955 as a higher-performance version of the 100. It featured larger carburetors, a high-flow cold-air box, a performance camshaft, and higher-compression 8.1:1 pistons. These factory modifications gave the 100M 20 more horsepower for a total of 110 horsepower at 4,500 rpm. The front suspension was also modified and made stiffer, and louvres were added to the bonnet (hood) to improve cooling. Healey produced a total of 640 “factory-built” 100M cars.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Austin-Healey would later offer these modifications in kit form for dealers to install. Healey 100s with the Le Mans kit are much more common and worth considerably less than the 640 factory-built cars. The only way to verify that a car is a factory-built example is by having the VIN checked against the 100M registry records. The best part of all this is that a true factory-built 100M is eligible for practically any vintage event you can think of, from races to tours and concours, and they can be affordable as well.

Our Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com is one of these cars, a 1956 Austin-Healey 100M located in Brookfield, Connecticut.

The ad is well presented and gives a prospective buyer all the info they need to be sure they are buying a true 100M. The seller states right off the bat that this 1956 Austin Healey 100M Le Mans is one of 640 factory-built cars. It is certified by the 100M registry and includes a Heritage Certificate stating it left the factory in February 1956 as a 100M.

The seller goes on to say the car has its correct-number M louvered hood, carbs, and cockpit molding. Originally two-tone white with black coves, it is now painted solid white and features a wood-rim Derrington steering wheel installed when the car was purchased new. The listing also states that this 100M is in excellent running and driving condition.

The seller has some good history as well, relating that this Healey was at the end of a restoration by the previous owner when he passed away. He had the car disassembled to the chassis and performed a true frame-up restoration. The car features a fully rebuilt engine, brakes, and suspension and is in very good, rust-free condition.

The listing notes the engine tag is missing, something sadly very common. That being said, this car still has its original distributor, vacuum advance, and carburetors, which are all numbered correctly and are original to this 100M.

The seller does point out there are a few things left to do. There are no rubber mats or carpets in the car, but these are easily available from places like Moss Motors. In addition, the convertible top and frame, as well as the interior door panels, are currently not installed but are included with the car.

All in all, this looks like a very honest example of a nice driver-level Healey 100M. The few things left to do are quite easy to deal with, and for the asking price of $97,500, this car offers more – both as a driving experience and an entry ticket to top-tier events – than anything else close to the price.

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

It’s not even that hot yet, but you know what sounds nice right now? A trip to the beach. If you have a 2025 Ford Bronco four-door, Ford Performance’s new Coastal Package will get it ready for some fun in the sun and sand.

The $5,400 Coastal Package fits the 2025 Bronco Base, Big Bend (with or without the Black Diamond package), and Outer Banks models, regardless of the engine or transmission configuration. As long as you don’t have a trim level outside of those, a Bronco Raptor, a two-door model, or a Bronco with the Sasquatch Package, you can opt for the Coastal Package.

As you’re probably thinking, the Coastal Package has to come with some colorful graphics. It certainly does, adding teal, orange, and yellow stripes just below the greenhouse (too bad those colors aren’t on the plain and somber spare tire cover, too).

But silver—actually, Iconic Silver—seems to be the package’s dominant color because it covers the grille, fender flares, and 17-inch wheels (including the spare). Even the Bronco on the bimini top is silver.

Plenty of special packages are heavy on the cosmetics, and the Coastal Package is no exception, but it does have a functional upgrade as well: a two-inch lift (in case you want to go dune bashing after your time at the beach). The Coastal Package also comes with a ProCal tool to make sure the speedometer is showing the right numbers.

One thing not on the Coastal Package’s list of features? Tires. It looks like that—and sunscreen—will be up to you.