Skip to main content

Pick of the Day: 1975 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 4X4

You know what makes off-roading even better? When you can get out of your rig and shoot pictures and video of it and your location without your phone over-heating (I know from experience). Luckily, cooler weather is coming. But if you want our Pick of the Day so you can take it wheeling, you have to go after it. You can find this 1975 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 4X4 on ClassicCars.com listed by a private seller in Sonoma, California.

Vintage SUVs are so hot these days but, 20 years ago, someone made the right decision to restore this full-size rig. No word on what color(s) this Blazer originally had, but now it wears the attractive combination of red and white on its body (perhaps Crimson Red and Frost White?) and white on its removable top.

Chevrolet offered the 1975 Blazer with two-wheel drive, but this one sends the power from its four-barrel 350ci V8 through a TH350 automatic and a transfer case to all four of its 31-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s. Dual Rough Country steering stabilizers combat the bump steer caused by the challenging terrain a vehicle like this was made to get over.

The interior was both updated and upgraded with the tan leather seats from a later-model Chevrolet Suburban or Tahoe. Those, as well as air conditioning, JVC AM/FM/cassette radio with a Sony Xplod CD changer, and center console with a pair of cup holders, should make any off-road trip a more pleasant experience.

You know better wheeling weather is coming, but you won’t really know how nice this 1975 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 4X4 is in the wild unless you buy it. It’ll take $44,000 to find out.

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

15 Cars From the 80s That Tried to Be Luxury Icons — and Missed the Mark

The 1980s were a time of bold aspirations in the automotive industry, with manufacturers aiming to redefine luxury and performance. However, several models introduced during this era fell short of their lofty goals due to design missteps, reliability issues, and poor execution. This article revisits 15 such ambitious yet unsuccessful luxury aspirants from the 1980s.

Source

Seven-Decades-Family-Owned, Supercharged 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Coupe 5-Speed

This 1946 Ford Super Deluxe was purchased by the seller’s great-grandfather circa 1950. The car sustained damage at some point in the 1960s and was eventually purchased by the seller’s father in 1978. It was then disassembled and remained a stalled project for nearly three decades before it was converted into a hot rod as part of a multi-year build that was completed in 2010. The flathead V8 was rebuilt by H&H Flatheads to displace 284ci and equipped with a S.C.o.T supercharger, a T-5 five-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end were installed, and the bodywork, interior, suspension, and brakes were revised. The burgundy finish is complemented by tan leather upholstery, and build details include a front drop axle, lowering blocks, four-wheel disc brakes, frenched headlights, and Vintage Air climate control in addition to custom headers that feed a dual exhaust system with Cherry Bomb mufflers. This Ford hot rod is now offered by the seller on behalf of his mother with spare parts, a car cover, and a clean Arizona title in the owner’s name.

The car was refinished in burgundy following bodywork as part of the 2010 build. The parking lights have been removed, and details include frenched headlights, a one-piece windshield, and a chrome grille, bumpers, and trim. The undercarriage has been finished in coordinated textured paint. Exterior blemishes are shown in the gallery below. The right door handle is misaligned, and the seller reports that the door is difficult to open from the outside.

Suspension includes a front drop axle, parallel rear leaf springs, lowering blocks, and monotube shocks. Body-color 15″ wheels wear polished hubcaps and were mounted with Coker Classic whitewall tires in preparation for the sale. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel discs with a proportioning valve and a Wilwood master cylinder.

Tan Spinneybeck leather trims the cabin, which is outfitted with a split-back bench seat and black carpets. A skull-shaped knob tops the shifter, and controls for the Vintage Air climate control are located in the glovebox. An AM radio is housed in the dashboard but is not connected. Spare leather upholstery will accompany the car.

The 1940 Ford-style two-spoke steering wheel fronts a 120-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges, while a Stewart-Warner 8k-rpm tachometer is mounted on the column. The backlights for the auxiliary gauges do not work. The five-digit odometer shows 951 miles, which is said to represent the miles added since the build was completed in 2010.

The flathead V8 was built by H&H Flatheads of La Crescenta, California, to displace 284ci. It is equipped with a polished S.C.o.T. blower, Offenhauser cylinder heads, custom ceramic-coated headers, and a fabricated dual exhaust system with Cherry Bomb mufflers. The oil was changed in preparation for the sale. A blemish in the engine bay from a prior brake fluid leak is noted.

A May 2009 invoice from H&H Flatheads lists engine specifications and components used during the build.

Power is routed to the rear wheels through a T-5 five-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end.

Photos showing stages of the build are included in the gallery below. Records will also accompany the car.

The frame stamping is shown above and in a video in the gallery. The current Arizona title lists the VIN as 000001063527.

Custom 1951 Ford Deluxe Tudor Sedan

This 1951 Ford Tudor sedan was the subject of a 13-year custom build completed in 2024 by the seller, who was the owner and operator of a body shop in Oregon for over three decades. During the build, the body was channeled, nosed, and decked, and the roof was chopped by 4″ at the front and 6″ at the rear. The quarter panels were extended, the bumpers were removed, the doors and drip rails were shaved, and a 1947 Oldsmobile grille was fitted, in addition to frenching the headlights and tunneling the taillights. Power is provided by a BluePrint Engines 347ci stroker V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, and the chassis has been modified with an adjustable air suspension system as well as a rear four-link and power-assisted front disc brakes. Inside, the front bucket seats and rear bench are trimmed in tan leather along with the fabricated center console and custom door panels. Additional equipment includes a digital gauge panel, a touchscreen stereo unit, and 15″ wheels with full moon covers. This custom Shoebox Ford is now offered with a clean Washington title in the seller’s name.

The tudor sedan body was finished in matte blue with white rocker stripes following customization that included chopping the top 4″ at the front and 6″ at the rear as well as shaving the drip rails, extending the rear quarter panels, narrowing the rear body, and fabricating a custom deck lid along with a pointed tail pan and custom roll pan. The car is nosed and decked, the doors have been shaved, the side glass has been removed, and remote-controlled door poppers are installed. A grille assembly from a 1947 Oldsmobile was grafted to the front along with a custom valance, and additional modifications include frenched headlights and tunneled taillights.

The frame was boxed in sections and modified for the adjustable airbag suspension system, and the rear suspension utilizes a triangulated four-link assembly. Steel 15″ wheels wear full moon covers and are wrapped in Hankook Optimo radial tires. Braking is handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

Custom floor supports and framework were fabricated to channel the body over the frame.

The interior features front bucket seats, a rear bench, a center console, and door panels trimmed in tan leather with brown stripes. The dash has a custom woodgrain insert and houses a touchscreen stereo unit, which is connected to a backup camera, according to the seller. Additional equipment includes a B&M shifter, aftermarket pedals, and a 12-volt power port along with gauges and controls for the air suspension system on the center console. The tilt-adjustable steering column remains unpainted.

The compressor and tanks for the air suspension are mounted in the trunk along with the battery and fuel filler.

The three-spoke steering wheel has a flame motif and frames a digital instrument panel with readouts for speed, engine RPM, voltage, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The digital odometer indicates 126 miles have been added since the build was completed.

The BluePrint Engines 347ci stroker V8 was installed in 2024 and features a Quick Fuel Technologies four-barrel carburetor. An aluminum radiator is installed, and stainless headers feed into a dual exhaust system with heat-wrapped tail pipes.

Power is routed to the rear wheels through a C4 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 8″ rear axle.

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

10 Cars From the 80s That Looked Futuristic Then — and Still Do Today

The 1980s marked a pivotal era in automotive design, ushering in vehicles that boldly defied conventional aesthetics and embraced forward-thinking innovations. This decade witnessed the emergence of cars that not only captivated the imagination of their time but continue to turn heads with their timeless appeal. From the iconic gull-wing doors of the DeLorean DMC-12 to the aerodynamic prowess of the Porsche 959, these vehicles set new standards in design and technology. Their enduring presence in popular culture and the automotive world underscores the lasting impact of 1980s automotive design.

Source

10 Cars From the 80s That Were Cooler as Die-Cast Toys Than in Real Life

The 1980s were a golden era for die-cast toy cars, with miniature versions of real vehicles capturing the imagination of children and collectors alike. Brands like Hot Wheels and Matchbox produced detailed replicas that often outshone their real-life counterparts in terms of excitement and appeal. These toys combined imaginative design, vibrant colors, and the thrill of racing, creating a nostalgic allure that continues to captivate enthusiasts today. The fusion of pop culture and automotive design in these die-cast models offered a unique form of escapism, allowing fans to experience the excitement of high-speed adventures without leaving their homes.

Source

Acura to Auction “Avengers” Movie Car

Acura has a 10-year tradition of being part of “Car Week” festivities along California’s central coast at the Monterey Peninsula each August. The activities – which span about 10 days – culminate with the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Each year, about 100,000 people take part in Car Week and, this year, I was one of them. Always eager for a road trip, I made the 11-hour one-way trek out to the area in my 1986 Acura, which I’m happy to report was mechanically sound despite being nearly 40 years old.

Movie Star Car

The Carmel Valley Ranch played host to a private reception where Acura showcased parts of its current and future strategic visions. Parked in front of the lodge was a movie star in the form of a one-off Acura NSX convertible. The car was driven by Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) in a 2012 film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team called “The Avengers.”

The interesting thing is that the car, according to a recent press release, was actually built using a 1991 Acura NSX with 252,000 miles on it. I was able to get up close to the car, but I did not touch it or open anything. The cockpit looks mostly unchanged from its 1991-era origins, but the exterior is vastly remolded to resemble what later became the second-generation “NC1” chassis Acura NSX. Acura elected to bring the car out of storage – after over a decade – and showcase it at events during Car Week to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the NSX. The car will go up for charity auction in 2026, but the details on that are still forthcoming.

New Directions

In other news, Acura discontinued production of its TLX sedan model after a 10-year run. The brand’s efforts are now focused on electric-vehicle initiatives, and at the core of the vision is a new “RSX” model.  

The previous RSX, sold between model years 2002 and 2006, was a three-door hatchback with a rev-happy VTEC four-cylinder and an available six-speed manual transmission. The new version takes a different approach entirely. Acura says the RSX is the “first model engineered in-house on the new Honda-developed EV platform.” It will be manufactured in Ohio and is expected to arrive in dealerships in the second half of 2026. Engineering wise, it will use dual motors and be equipped with all-wheel drive, a double-wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes. While not able to see the interior, I did get to make a walk-around and hear a few words from Acura Creative Director Yasutake Tsuchida about the design of the car.

The automotive industry is evolving at warp speed, and alternative-fuel initiatives have taken center stage in recent years. It remains to be seen how Acura’s latest creations will be received in the marketplace. Does the new RSX catch your eye?

Identify These Total Performance FoMoCos!

Ford unleashed a global assault on all forms of automotive racing in the 1960s called “Total Performance.” The below four cars currently listed for sale on AutoHunter were contemporary vehicles available to consumers during that time. Can you identify them for us?

In the Comments section below, give us the brand, model year, and model. If you need a hint, you can click on an image for a look-see.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

You can depend on Tuesday to bring you a new puzzle on The Classic Cars.com Journal. Play previous games for even more enjoyment!

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1963½ Ford Galaxie 500

Ford Motor Company’s Total Performance racing/marketing program was properly in full force in 1963, but things picked up a notch mid-year with the introduction of the 427 (and, for the Fairlane, the 289 High-Performance). Another mid-year update was the introduction of the Sports Hardtop, which replaced the Thunderbird-inspired formality for a sleeker greenhouse that was much more NASCAR-friendly. Commonly referred to as a “fastback,” any mid-year Galaxie hardtop had looks on par with the best from Detroit. Our AutoHunter Spotlight illuminates these charms with this unrestored 1963½ Galaxie 500 fastback. Aside from the 390 Thunderbird V8 and three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, this Galaxie 500 is equipped with power steering, AM/FM radio, upgraded dual exhaust system, and more. Painted red with a red vinyl interior, this classic Blue Oval is offered from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The seller claims this Rangoon Red Galaxie 500 is an original, unrestored example. It’s nicely complemented by longitudinal side trim, rear fender hashes, rear trunklid inlay, chrome front fender-top ornaments, driver-side chrome mirror, and Galaxie 500 and 390 badges. A set of 15 x 8-inch steel wheels with hubcaps are paired with 225/75 Cooper Cobra GT radials.

The red vinyl interior features a bench seat up front. Other interior features include power steering, factory AM/FM radio, clock, column-mounted automatic shifter, and dashboard cover.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature and fuel. An aftermarket cluster measuring oil pressure and volts is mounted underneath the dashboard. The odometer shows 91,510, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The 300-horsepower “Z-code” 390 was a popular choice among folks who wanted to have decent power and drivability without the concern for solid lifters. It is paired with a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.

The undercarriage is what you’d expect for a car of this era: drum brakes all around, 3.00 single-traction rear gears, and dual exhaust system, the latter appearing to be updated from stock.

This 1963½ Ford Galaxie 500 fastback demonstrates Ford in peak form, owing to a special mix of style and power that could arguably be stated would never reach such heights again. Plus, it’s in original condition, and we know some of you just love unrestored cars, so have at it—the AutoHunter auction for this classic Ford ends on Monday August 25, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1972 Fiat 500 L

The Fiat 500 is a small car by every measure, but it’s not quite compact enough to take on an airplane as a form of luggage. Still, that didn’t help one car enthusiast from taking a four-wheeled souvenir home (one way or another) from a stay in Europe.

The Pick of the Day is a 1972 Fiat 500 L coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Palm Harbor, Florida.

“I bought this Fiat when I lived in Italy in 2020 and brought it back to Florida when I moved back in 2022,” the listing explains.

The 500 was charming – and even cheerful – in its bubble-shaped Italian design. For people who lived in congested urban environments, it was a car that offered a versatile mobility solution. Fiat launched the car in 1957 and kept it in production until the mid-1970s. It was a popular car in Europe, but it was (and still is) an uncommon sight in the United States. Decades later, Fiat reentered the market with a new 500 in 2007.

This over-50-year-old car’s original engine (an air-cooled, 500cc inline-twin, mounted at the rear) developed some issues, so a new Abarth engine was shipped over from Italy and installed. At the same time, the transaxle was upgraded to a five-speed from a four-speed. Output from the new powertrain is a whopping 36 horsepower, so don’t expect to win very many drag races. The seller says that the car has been driven only a few hours since receiving a heart transplant, and it “runs and drives great.”

Finished in navy blue over red vinyl upholstery, the car is optioned in “Lusso” trim (which meant it had a slightly more refined equipment); features include an anti-glare dash covering, pleated upholstery, and unique hubcaps. The pull-back soft-top is a nice touch for open-air cruising. Best of all, the car’s mechanics are relatively simple, and it’s an economy car that certainly won’t look like anything else in its fuel-sipping class.

The listing concludes, “It is very rare to see this type of Fiat in this condition in the United States. I have not seen another one yet, at least in Florida.”

The asking price is $18,000 or best offer, which includes documentation dating back to the car’s original build. Bring a small taste of Italy to your driveway today!

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