Car theft continues to be a significant concern for both car owners and insurance companies across the United States.
The risk and impact of vehicle theft extend beyond mere financial losses, often affecting personal safety and community security.
Understanding which vehicles are most and least targeted can help consumers make informed decisions.
This article delves into the data, highlighting the most stolen cars that have caught the attention of thieves, and contrasting them with vehicles that surprisingly remain under the radar.
With insights drawn from recent statistics, we aim to provide a clearer picture of the current landscape of car theft.
If you keep track of our sister site AutoHunter, you may have seen several Kei vehicles listed in the past. Depending on your inclinations (JDM or otherwise), if you’re interested in buying one, it may serve you well to research your home state’s laws because it’s quite possible that you cannot register it there. For Colorado residents, that’s about to change.
While the pronunciation may sound like an Iacocca-era Mopar, Kei vehicles are the smallest class of vehicle available to license on Japanese roads. Kei is short for kei-jidosha, which translates to “light vehicle,” a creation of Japanese regulations. Owners in Japan pay lower tax and insurance rates as the regulation limits engine size (under 660cc), length (11.2 feet), width (4.9 feet), and height (6.6 feet). It seems that horsepower tends to be limited to 63 horsepower and under, but not officially.
According to Car and Driver, Colorado enthusiasts had been buying Kei vehicles, only to discover that once the temporary registration had expired, they could not register their nifty, new collectible. The latter was dependent on the county, as certain ones required emissions testing; those that did not require the testing created no problems with registration.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis somewhat settled the issue, signing into law HB25-1281 (you can read it here). It officially recognizes Kei vehicles as legal on state roads and gives them legitimacy for titling, registration, and use in the state, though the new law says Kei vehicles can’t be driven on roads that have a speed limit over 55 mph. Emissions will also be handled differently—while dynamometers are used for conventional vehicles, a static two-speed idle test will be used for Keis, which is the same method used for vehicles built in 1981 and earlier. However, the law does not go into effect until July 1, 2027.
Says Governor Polis. “We’re excited in Colorado that now Coloradoans have another vehicle choice to get where they want to go. And I would encourage other states to take the same step.”
Currently, 29 states allow for Kei vehicles (of course, 25 years or older) on public roads. Each state oversees it differently, including one that restricts speed to 35 mph or less within a 25-mile radius of the owner’s residence (hello, New Hampshire, what’s up with that?). If you live in Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, or Vermont, you cannot even register a Kei vehicle. The lesson learned here is: Do your research before pulling the trigger.
If the world ever sees its first American Pope, there’s a good chance he’ll need a set of wheels that fits both the role and the times. It should be respectful, eco-conscious, safe, and maybe just a little stylish. No gold-plated chariots—just smart, symbolic, and meaningful rides. From eco-friendly hybrids to humble American classics, these 10 cars are perfect choices for a pontiff balancing tradition with modern-day practicality.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Quiet, efficient, and American-made—the Bolt EUV sends a great message. With its compact size and full-electric drivetrain, it’s great for city streets and small Vatican courtyards. It’s modest, environmentally friendly, and packed with safety tech. Plus, it doesn’t scream luxury, making it a down-to-earth pick for a spiritual leader who wants to reflect humility while embracing progress.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
The Maverick is a small pickup with big value. It’s built in the U.S., offers over 40 mpg in the city, and has a practical bed for hauling everything from flowers to food donations. The hybrid model is quiet, smooth, and surprisingly roomy. If the Pope wants to show support for working-class roots while choosing something green, the Maverick is a heavenly match.
Tesla Model 3
Love it or leave it, the Tesla Model 3 is one of the most iconic EVs in the world. It’s sleek, silent, and futuristic—just like a modern papacy might aim to be. It shows care for the planet, technological advancement, and supports domestic manufacturing. Plus, autopilot might come in handy for prayer breaks between parishes.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
If this American Pope wants to explore the countryside or take a pilgrimage off the beaten path, the plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the answer. It’s rugged but responsible, offering electric-only driving in town and all-terrain performance when things get spiritual in the mountains. There’s even a Pope-appropriate open-air mode when he wants to bless the crowd with style.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Minivan? Absolutely. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is practical, comfortable, and can seat an entourage—or a group of visiting nuns. It’s quiet, plug-in capable, and built with family (and flock) in mind. It’s also a nod to American Catholic families everywhere. The Pope could even swap out the second row for a modern popemobile conversion.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (with restraint)
Every Pope needs one moment of indulgence—so why not make it American muscle, done right? The CT5-V Blackwing is refined but fierce, blending luxury and performance. Driven with restraint, it’s a nod to excellence without being too flashy. It also proves that American craftsmanship can rival anything in the world. Think of it as a spiritual exercise in throttle control.
Toyota Prius (U.S.-built models)
The Prius is already Pope Francis-approved, and U.S.-built models show that you can care for the planet with homegrown effort. It’s not exciting, but it’s reliable, eco-friendly, and sends the right message. If humility had a hybrid, this would be it. It’s great for inner-city visits, long stretches between churches, and keeping that carbon footprint near zero.
Rivian R1S
If the American Pope wants to go full electric with room to move, the Rivian R1S is a solid pick. Built in Illinois, it offers seating for seven, a quiet ride, and rugged capability. It’s also built by a company with a clean energy mission, which aligns well with modern papal values. This is the kind of vehicle that can be saintly and strong.
Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX is a practical, comfortable, and surprisingly classy compact SUV. It’s made in North America and blends understated design with strong safety scores and tech. It’s also one of the most affordable “premium-feel” vehicles on the market. For a Pope who wants modest style with a bit of refinement, this could be a divine daily driver.
Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring PHEV
A plug-in hybrid with American elegance, the Corsair Grand Touring offers a serene ride, soft-touch interiors, and just enough status to show quiet leadership. Lincoln has always stood for dignified driving, and this compact SUV blends fuel savings with grace. It’s a peaceful place to reflect between services and a gentle way to promote sustainability with a subtle nod to tradition.
When it’s time to buy your teen their first car, you want something that checks all the right boxes: safety, reliability, affordability, and ease of use. While the latest tech and style might matter to your teen, parents tend to look for solid crash ratings, low insurance costs, and cars that won’t leave anyone stranded. The brands on this list offer vehicles that balance all of those needs. Here are the 15 best car brands to consider when buying a car for your teen driver.
Toyota
Toyota has long been known for building reliable, low-maintenance cars that last. Models like the Corolla, Camry, and Prius offer excellent fuel economy, strong safety ratings, and affordable repair costs. The Toyota Safety Sense suite—standard on many newer models—adds features like lane assist and automatic braking. It’s a brand you can trust to keep your teen safe and on the road without breaking the bank.
Honda
Honda cars are reliable, fun to drive, and built to last. The Civic and Accord are both great choices for teen drivers thanks to their strong crash-test results and responsive handling. Hondas also tend to hold their value, so buying one used is a smart move. With good gas mileage and simple maintenance, they’re easy on your wallet and dependable on the road.
Subaru
Subaru stands out for its standard all-wheel drive on most models, which makes them excellent for teens in areas with rain or snow. The Impreza and Legacy are both compact and midsize options with great safety ratings. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology adds peace of mind, and their cars are built to go the distance. For active or outdoorsy teens, a Subaru is a strong pick.
Hyundai
Hyundai has come a long way in the last two decades, and today it offers some of the best value cars on the market. The Elantra and Sonata are well-equipped, fuel-efficient, and very affordable, especially on the used market. Newer Hyundais also come with a strong warranty and available safety tech that’s perfect for new drivers. It’s a great brand for parents watching both price and performance.
Kia
Like Hyundai, Kia builds affordable, safe, and stylish vehicles that are great for teens. The Kia Forte and Soul are popular picks thanks to their fun designs and solid reliability. Kias are known for generous features and long warranties, making them excellent for families who want peace of mind. They also score well in safety tests and have reasonable insurance rates.
Ford
Ford offers dependable, easy-to-maintain vehicles that are widely available and inexpensive to repair. The Ford Focus and Fusion are good options for teens, especially used models from recent years with upgraded safety features. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system is simple to use, and parts are easy to come by if repairs are needed. It’s a classic American brand that continues to deliver good value.
Chevrolet
Chevy’s small cars like the Malibu, Cruze, and Sonic have been top picks for first-time drivers. They offer good crash-test scores, affordable maintenance, and easy-to-use tech. The Chevy brand also has a wide dealer network, which is helpful when it comes to service and repairs. Whether you’re buying new or used, Chevrolet offers several solid choices for teen-friendly cars.
Mazda
Mazda is a great choice for teens who want something reliable that also looks and feels sporty. Models like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 have excellent safety ratings, a responsive driving feel, and sleek styling that teens appreciate. They’re not only fun to drive, but also offer good gas mileage and affordable ownership. Mazda strikes a nice balance between style, safety, and smart value.
Volkswagen
Volkswagens like the Jetta and Golf are practical and well-built, offering a solid mix of safety and comfort. While VW repair costs can be slightly higher, many used models are available at competitive prices. The interiors are refined, and most models include helpful features like blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. For teens who want a European feel, VW is a great intro.
Nissan
Nissan cars are easy to find, simple to drive, and usually cost less than other brands. Models like the Sentra and Altima are great for new drivers because they get good gas mileage and have helpful features. Older ones are cheap to buy, and newer ones come with safety tools like automatic braking and blind spot warnings. They’re a smart choice for families who want something safe, easy to use, and not too expensive to own.
Buick
Buick may not be flashy, but it makes a surprisingly great choice for teen drivers. Models like the Encore and Verano are safe, comfortable, and typically cheaper to insure than more aggressive-looking vehicles. They’re also often overlooked on the used market, which means you can find well-maintained examples for a great price. Buicks are known for quiet rides, solid safety features, and low repair frequency.
Acura
Acura, Honda’s luxury division, offers strong safety and reliability in a slightly more upscale package. The ILX and older TSX models provide teens with a refined driving experience without compromising dependability. These cars often include extra tech and comfort features but without the high repair costs of European luxury brands. For parents looking to add a touch of premium feel, Acura is a safe bet.
Toyota Scion (Used)
Though Toyota’s Scion brand is now retired, models like the tC, xB, and iM remain popular among young drivers. They’re quirky, reliable, and often very affordable on the used market. Built with Toyota parts and engineering, they’re easy to maintain and tend to be fun to drive. For budget-conscious buyers who want something unique with Toyota reliability, a used Scion is a smart pick.
Volvo
Volvo is known for safety above all else. Older models like the S40 or S60 are built like tanks and have reputations for lasting a long time. They’re not the cheapest to repair, but many parents value the peace of mind they bring. Volvos are great for cautious teen drivers or those in challenging climates, thanks to their rock-solid structure and all-wheel-drive availability in many trims.
Honda Certified Used Vehicles
Okay, not a brand—but worth mentioning. Honda’s certified pre-owned (CPO) program is one of the best in the business. Every CPO Honda goes through a detailed inspection and includes a warranty extension. This means you can get a safe, reliable car for your teen—like a Civic or Fit—with less risk than buying from a private seller. It’s a smart route for parents who want dealership-backed peace of mind.
Sometimes the latter versions of a car just don’t look as good. Sure, a Lamborghini Countach with the front and rear spoilers has a totally rad 1980s look, but it lacks the purity and simplicity of the original model. The same goes for the later C3 Corvettes. But that’s not the case with the Porsche 928, which the company calls its “first Gran Turismo.” Just look at our Pick of the Day, a 1994 Porsche 928 GTS posted on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in San Diego.
If there’s one car that represents Porsche as a whole, it’s the 911. But in the early 1970s, even that iconic model was in trouble, according to the automaker. “The Porsche and Piëch families had just withdrawn from the company. In the United States, Porsche’s biggest market at the time, legislators were discussing new crash-protection regulations. And the Porsche 911 was seen as obsolescent due to the stricter emissions and safety regulations on the horizon.”
Ernst Fuhrmann, the new chairman of the executive board, proposed something completely different: a front-engine car with a transaxle. Development of what would become the 928 started in February 1972. Instead of an air-cooled flat-six, engineers chose a water-cooled, 4.5-liter V8 and put it in the nose of a body made out of steel, aluminum, and plastic, capped at both ends with integrated polyurethane bumpers.
Although the size of the V8 grew over time, the basics of the 928’s formula lasted from its introduction in the 1978 model year to the end of its long run in 1995. Porsche released several versions of the 928 during that span, the last of which was the 1992–95 GTS. Despite the fact that the 928 came out in the late-1970s, the 1994 GTS shown here looks appropriate for its model year. Many earlier 928s have a sort of low-key coolness to them, but this GTS, with its flared haunches, 17-inch Cup wheels, and body-color rear spoiler, adds sports car style to the GT car package. It also comes with more power under the hood, where this four-speed automatic model’s 5.4-liter V8 pumps out 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Here’s another impressive number: 407—that’s how many 928 GTSs were brought to North America between the 1993-95 model years, according to Stuttcars.
The cabin offers Cashmere Beige leather seating for four and comes equipped with power-adjustable front buckets, power windows, power sunroof, and air conditioning. In place of the factory radio is a new Porsche Classic touchscreen infotainment unit with Bluetooth and navigation.
If you buy this 1994 Porsche 928 GTS for $99,500, you can use the navigation to guide you to fun, twisty roads where you can add to the low number (34,546 miles) on the odometer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
The 55-mph speed limit was signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1974 as part of the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act after the first oil crisis. Now, over 50 years later, North Dakota has become the ninth state to institute an 80-mph (or greater) speed limit.
Statistically, few of you live in or travel to North Dakota, the fourth least populated state in the U.S. and one of six states with a population under a million. As such, its population density per square mile also ranks fourth lowest —after all, the “Peace Garden State” is part of the Great Plains region. Can you imagine going 55 from Grand Forks to Devil’s Lake? Kill me now!
For years, the speed limit on North Dakota’s multi-lane highways has been 70 mph, but thanks to the newly approved legislation, that will rise to 80. Additionally, the law includes the installation of signs featuring speed limits that can be adjusted based on conditions such as weather or construction.
The caveat is that speeding fines are also rising, though Car and Driver reports that getting caught going 85 will net you a $25 ticket. (Yes, we too are blinking and rubbing our eyes.) Just be sure to check your speed when entering Minnesota because their cops won’t be as forgiving.
This ’34 Ford is a fiberglass-bodied three-window coupe that was acquired by the seller in 1993 as a disassembled project, and it was finished over the next ~15 years. In 2024 the seller installed a 383ci stroker V8 that was built by Smeding Performance in Texas. The engine has a four-bolt main block, a forged crankshaft, forged I-beam connecting rods, hypereutectic aluminum pistons, and a Summit Racing camshaft. It is linked to 700R4 automatic and a Ford 9″ rear end with a Detroit locker and 3.50 gears, and the car rides on a boxed frame with a Mustang II-style front end and a four-link rear with adjustable coilovers, four-wheel discs, and Boyd Coddington wheels. The custom interior has a tilt wheel, a JVC stereo, Dolphin gauges, Vintage Air climate control, power windows, and two-tone upholstery on the bucket seats. This ’34 street rod is now offered with a car cover, records, and a Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.
The metallic orange and silver paintwork with ghosted flames was applied to the fiberglass three-window coupe body in 2005. Features include a chopped top, door poppers, flush LED brake/turn signals out back, and front turn signals integrated into the front fenders. There are chips in the paintwork.
The car rides on a custom boxed frame with a Mustang II-style front end, a four-link rear, and 15″ Boyd Coddington wheels. The car has adjustable front and rear coilovers, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, and power steering.
Two-tone upholstery covers the bucket seats, and the console is painted to match the exterior. Features include a CD stereo, Vintage Air climate control, power windows, and Lokar pedals.
The four-spoke wheel is mounted on a tilt column, and Dolphin gauges were utilized. The seller has added all of the ~1,500 miles indicated.
The 383ci stroker V8 was built by Smeding Performance in Texas and has a four-bolt main block, a forged crankshaft, forged I-beam connecting rods, hypereutectic aluminum pistons, and a Summit Racing camshaft. Edelbrock valve covers, an Edelbrock AVS2 carburetor, and a matching air cleaner were utilized along with a Griffin aluminum radiator and a 16″ SPAL electric fan. The headers are linked to Flowmaster mufflers.
Engine details and additional records are displayed in the gallery.
The 700R4 was rebuilt in 2015 and has a 2,100-rpm stall converter and a shift kit, and it is linked to a Ford 9″ rear end with a Detroit locker and 3.50 gears.
The car is titled as a Special Construction vehicle in Pennsylvania with a Street Rod brand and no model year.
This 1938 Ford Pickup was refurbished and modified under previous ownership and was sold by the selling dealer on BaT in July 2024. The truck is finished in silver over blue cloth and powered by a 350ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include a Weber four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, an electric cooling fan, Flowmaster mufflers, independent front suspension, front disc brakes, 15″ Cragar wheels, a wood-slat cargo bed floor, air conditioning, a Pioneer CD player, a woodgrain dash panel, a tilt steering column, and Classic Instruments gauges. This modified Ford pickup is offered on dealer consignment in Florida with a clean Montana title.
The truck is finished in silver and features a chrome front bumper, running boards, dual side-view mirrors, tinted windows, black and teal pinstriping, vertical taillights, and chrome exhaust tips. The wood-slat cargo bed floor can be seen in the gallery below.
Chrome Cragar wheels wear faux knock-off spinners, and they are mounted with 185/60R15 front Federal Formoza front tires and 235/70R15 rear Goodride Cross Legend rubber. The truck is equipped with independent front suspension and front disc brakes.
The cabin features a bench seat trimmed in blue cloth with a color-matched headliner, lower dash panel, and door panels. Dark blue carpets line the floors, and equipment includes air conditioning, a Pioneer CD player, a woodgrain dash panel, and lap belts.
The banjo-style steering wheel is mounted on a tilt column ahead of Classic Instruments gauges including a 7k-rpm tachometer, a 140-mph speedometer, and readouts for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. The five-digit odometer shows 3,700 miles, approximately 20 of which were added by the selling dealer. Total mileage is unknown.
The 350ci V8 was installed under previous ownership, and it features a Weber four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, and finned valve covers. An electric cooling fan is also fitted.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The dual exhaust system features Flowmaster mufflers.
When you are writing a book about a specific car, research is everything. I am in the process of writing a book on the Z8, and my friends at BMW Group Classic – the branch of the BMW Group responsible for all activities concerning the history of the company and its four brands: BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars – arranged for me to interview many of the key players from the Z8 project. I immediately booked my flight and hotel and headed to Germany.
The entire experience in Munich was more than I expected, as I had some free time to actually explore the city, which offers collector car fans a lot to do – especially if you love German cars.
I arrived on Saturday morning after an 8-hour flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, and headed to my hotel via taxi. I had slept some on the plane and did not have my first meeting until 7:30 p.m., so I had time to see some of the sights.
After checking in, I headed out with no particular plan – except to go to the BMW Museum. While on my way to the museum, I noticed I was walking by the BMW Group Classic headquarters. It was a neat first find, but what made it more interesting is that Group Classic is on the grounds of the original 1916 BMW factory. The “Bayerische Motoren Werke” sign over the entrance was amazing to see. This is where everything at BMW started, from their first aircraft engines to their first boxer twin motorcycle engine. That the buildings – including the arch over the entrance – were still there (having been restored in 2016) was astonishing.
I continued on my walking tour and after about 10 minutes, I was in front of the BMW Museum. I arrived early and had resigned myself to relaxing outside until the facility opened when someone came out to see what I was waiting for. I explained I was a journalist, told them my reason for visiting, and they were kind enough to let me into the museum early to look around and take photos before it was filled with people. This was both unexpected and nice of them.
The BMW Museum is quite nice, with modern architecture and outstanding, well-curated exhibits. All the cars on display were not behind ropes or any kind of barrier; the only things I noticed were “please do not touch the cars” signs near each one. There was even a mock-up of the Isetta you could sit in so you could have your photo taken then digitally apply it to a postcard that you could have emailed or texted to you. (Of course, I did this!)
The museum also has a fascinating display of BMW engine history filled with everything from early aircraft engines to the most modern race car engines.
The exhibits run the range of everything the company has created, from its aircraft engines to its motorcycles, race cars, art cars, and road cars. It is truly a complete visual history of the company with audio, visuals, and text incorporated to explain what you are seeing and why it is important to the history of BMW. I spent about three hours there documenting it all, basking in everything BMW. If you are a fan of the brand, this is a must-see museum.
The BMW Museum also offers some great guided tours in multiple languages that provide close-up access to the cars, with guides even opening hoods so guests can see the engines.
Next, I headed across the bridge from the museum to check out the BMW Welt (World). Inside were areas dedicated to every single part of the BMW universe – from Motorrad and Rolls-Royce to MINI – featuring vehicles on display to check out and sit in. There were also associates on site, each dedicated to a specific BMW sub-brand, to answer questions about the vehicles.
An on-site gift shop has tons of merchandise from each of the brands as well. I snagged some discontinued BMW GS T-shirts and a few key rings.
Later that night, I conducted my first interview with Alpina CEO Andy Bovensiepen, who was a senior member of the Z8 project. We had spoken before, but not in person. Andy is both fun and interesting. The dinner and interview were incredibly valuable and I learned quite a bit about the Z8 that I had never read anywhere before. What a great night.
The next day, my photographer and friend Peter Singhof arrived at the hotel from Stuttgart, then we began our tour of the city of Munich.
We started with brunch at the famous Hofbräuhaus München, where we ate sausages and listened to traditional German beer hall music. It was loud but fun, with everyone at communal tables. This is basically the place where World War II started, a landmark I needed to see. The food and drink were excellent.
Next on our itinerary was the German Transport Museum. However, that stop was a little delayed, as initially we went to the wrong museum: the Deutsches Museum of Science and Technology, which we decided to explore. If you have any interest in aviation, this museum is worth the trip because it offers incredible exhibits that include a cutaway Airbus 380 and scores of Junkers aircraft. It also has a nice display of German aircraft engines dating from the beginning of aviation in the early 1900s right through to the modern day.
After leaving that museum, we got in the car and finally found our original destination, the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum (German Transport Museum).
The Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum is not just about cars, but rather all forms of transportation, with displays featuring everything from trains and buses to motorcycles, scooters, road cars, and some amazing race cars. We spent about 2.5 hours there marveling at the collection. The two crown jewels to me were the Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner and the supercharged BMW race bike. This museum alone is worth a trip to Munich.
Monday morning, Peter and I met with BMW Group Classic’s Tom Tischler and Ingrid Muehlbauer in the company’s cafe, after which Ingrid took us on a short tour. Then we headed out to start our photo shoots. The collection of cars at the Group Classic headquarters can be viewed by the public, but you need to make an appointment in advance. I highly recommend doing so, as there are some remarkable cars there. Most notable to me were the one-of-one yellow 507 and the V12-powered Z3 concept car.
The rest of the week was a blur, consisting of interviews with Z8 project members (including steering wheel designer Dave Carp) and countless photo shoots of rare Z8 cars.
Before I knew it, Friday had arrived and I was on a plane back to the U.S.
If you have not been to Munich, I highly recommend going, whether you are a “car guy” or not; there are many great sights to see beyond cars. It is one of the most friendly and welcoming cities in all of Germany – and if you are a car person, it certainly is a bucket-list trip.
Ninety years is a staggering length of time for a vehicle to remain in service. Imagine a new 2025 vehicle still being on the road in the year 2115. That date seems so far-fetched, it’s hard to envision. But it makes you start to think about all the events, news stories, and technological advancements that a 1930s vehicle has lived through over the course of nearly a century.
The Pick of the Day is a 1934 Ford Deluxe Model 40 two-door sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Rare and meticulously restored,” the listing begins. “This exceptional classic car is a shining example of prewar American craftsmanship, blending timeless style with modern performance upgrades.”
According to the listing, the car was restored by its current owner in the late 1980s, when it received its “Ultra Marine Blue” paint job. For being a 40-year-old overhaul, it still looks good in the photos. The seller says the body is steel, but the fenders are fiberglass.
The interior was done at a later date – within the last 10 years, apparently – and is finished in off-white leather with gray accents and gray carpeting. In restomod fashion, the interior offers amenities like Vintage Air HVAC, power steering, power brakes, cruise control, a Cobra CB radio, and an Alpine CD player. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not sure I even know how to use a CB radio, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. It might make for a fun way to interact with RV and truck drivers on a long cross-country journey.
The 1934 Ford was positioned as a solid, dependable, and attractive car. It was a relative bargain at around $575. One of the magazine ads from the era said, “Fifty miles or five hundred miles – the journey is never very far when you travel in a Ford. You glide over the miles without fuss or fatigue because of the easy-riding comfort of the car.”
When new, the car would have likely come with an 85-horsepower 221ci flathead V8. In place of that engine is a chromed-out 350ci small-block V8 that has been bored .030 over. The transmission is an 200-4R four-speed automatic with overdrive; upgrades include a Ron Francis wiring harness and a custom dual exhaust system.
“This Ford Deluxe has been lovingly restored and enhanced with premium performance upgrades while retaining its vintage charm,” the listing concludes. “Whether you’re a collector, classic car enthusiast, or looking for a stunning showpiece, this beauty is sure to impress!”
The asking price is $57,900 (or best offer), which includes a car cover, a nose mask, and headlight covers.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com