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Pick of the Day: 1979 BMW 733i

Our Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com is an early example of the E23 BMW 7 series, a 1979 BMW 733i located at a dealer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I can still remember the first time I saw a BMW 733i. I was in the 8th grade and saw one parked in front of the BMW dealer in Tucson, Arizona. The only car I could compare it to at the time was the new 6 Series. To me, it was the most sporty-looking high-end luxury sedan ever. Compared to the Mercedes S Class of the time, it looked like something new and futuristic – more like a luxury sports sedan than any German luxury car I had ever seen. The shark-nose front end is a great style feature and looks as good or better today than it did when new. The BMW E23 7 Series is quite possibly my single favorite Paul Bracq design, combining elegance and sporting in what was a brand-new way at the time.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to drive a few of these first-generation E23 7 Series cars, and even bought one about 10 years ago to use during Monterey Car Week. What surprised me the most is that these first 7 Series BMWs still hold up as a luxury car today. Sure, there’s no Bluetooth or navigation, but the materials used and the build quality of these first 7 Series cars were probably the very best that BMW had built at the time. The one I bought was a 1984 model, and after 30 years and over 150,000 miles later, it still felt like an amazingly well-constructed car.

The other thing about these first 7 Series cars is that they are truly sports sedans in luxury-car clothes; they are fun to drive and handle better than any other sedan of the era. Period magazine tests showed very believable skid-pad numbers of .85g – and yet somehow the car also rides very nicely.

This car is painted in what I am assuming is its original Alpine White over its original red full leather interior. I say “original” as this car has only covered a total of 49,000 miles from new and looks to be a completely original example based on the photos provided.

The seller states, “This 733i exudes sophistication and style. Equipped with an automatic transmission, this first-generation BMW 7 Series delivers a smooth and refined driving experience, true to the BMW legacy of precision engineering and comfort. Perfect for collectors or enthusiasts looking to own a piece of BMW history.”

I would agree with that statement, but I wanted to know more about this specific car’s history. Finding a first-generation 7 Series with low miles and this clean is very unusual, and I was sure there was a story to go along with it. To find out more, I called the selling dealer and asked them about this 733i. I found out that the owner of the dealership actually acquired the car from the family that purchased the car new. It includes service history, all manuals, tools and everything else it came with when it rolled off the showroom floor.

The exterior looks outstanding, with no visible issues anywhere. The paint appears to be in excellent condition, and the brightwork and rubber trim all appear to be in time-capsule-like form.

The same goes for the interior. The red leather is in excellent shape, the headliner looks great and is not sagging anywhere, and the wood trim also appears as good as it did when new. Amazingly, even the dash is uncracked, and the car still features its original Blaupunkt AM/FM cassette stereo.

The same goes for the engine compartment, which in photos looks very clean and all-original under the hood. The engine still has traces of the original cosmoline, something BMW collectors love to see.

It is interesting that many older European car collectors do not seem to gravitate toward the luxury cars of the 1970s and ’80s and instead focus more on the sports and GT options. That is changing, though, as it seems many younger collectors – yes, that’s you, Wes and Forrest – have embraced classic 1980s and 1990s European luxury cars. I totally get it. These cars always represented the best a manufacturer could build in the era, and the original E23 BMW 7 Series cars definitely used this model to showcase the height of the automaker’s capabilities. It was the model BMW went all out to build, looking to produce the best European luxury car in the world. The legendary automotive journalist David E. David when writing his first review of the BMW 733i: “Damn, what a car … this is Bim­mer Infinity.” I agree with him wholeheartedly.

This all-original, low-mile 1979 BMW 733i is being offered for $19,411. I have to say it is one of the finest examples I have seen in years and represents what I would call a good buy, especially for BMW Infinity.

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

LT1-Powered 1952 Chevrolet Styleline 2-Door Sedan 4-Speed

This 1952 Chevrolet Styleline is a two-door sedan that was modified and refurbished under prior ownership with work that involved installing a 5.7-liter LT1 V8, a Saginaw four-speed manual transmission, and an air suspension as well as finishing the chopped bodywork in metallic brown with gold flames. A Torquehead PCM and ignition kit was installed following the seller’s 2021 acquisition. Additional modifications include remote poppers for the shaved doors and trunk, a motorized hideaway rear license plate holder, and a 1955 Pontiac rear bumper. The interior is trimmed in white upholstery with diamond-pattern stitching, and aftermarket instrumentation and controls for the air suspension are integrated into the dashboard. The car rides on 15″ body-color wheels and also has front disc brakes. This modified Styleline is now offered with an Ohio title in the seller’s name.

Modified bodywork includes a 4″ chop, and remote poppers activate the shaved doors and trunk. The House of Kolor Root Beer Kandy finish is adorned with gold flames on the front and sides, and custom pinstriping accents the trunk. A motorized hideaway license plate is located below the 1955 Pontiac chrome rear bumper. A dent on the left quarter panel and a chip on the hood are shown in the gallery below, and the side windows are cracked.

The car rides on an air suspension system and is fitted with front disc brakes. Body-color 15″ steel wheels are mounted with whitewall tires.

The cabin houses bench seats trimmed in white leather with diamond-pattern inserts, which extend to the door panels and side panels, and the floors are lined with brown carpets. Controls for the Air Ride suspension system are housed below the dashboard. The headliner is sagging.

The two-spoke steering wheel fronts an AutoMeter 120-mph speedometer and an 8k-rpm tachometer, while Sunpro auxiliary readouts are centrally located under the dashboard. The digital odometer shows 5k miles, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership.

The 5.7-liter LT1 V8 was installed during the build and is said to have been fitted with a revised camshaft. A Torquehead PCM and ignition kit was installed in 2022. The concealed Optima battery has an external shut-off and jumper ports. The seller reports that the car is currently tuned on speed density and recommends a mass air flow sensor to be installed, and the engine smokes at idle.

Power is routed to the rear wheels through a Saginaw four-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end.

The current Ohio title carries an “Exceeds Mechanical Limits” notation.

Fuel-Injected 496-Powered ’32 Ford Roadster Highboy

This ’32 Ford hot rod is a steel-bodied Dearborn Deuce roadster that was built in 2014 by Precision Hot Rods of Macedonia, Ohio. Its built 496ci GM V8 has Arias hemispherical heads, a custom-ground roller camshaft, and an eight-stack intake with FAST electronic fuel injection, and it is linked to a four-speed automatic and a limited-slip rear end with 3.25 gears and 31-spline axles. The car rides on a polished stainless-steel chassis – a $50k upgrade when new – and has a polished Perfection Hot Rods drop front end, a Jaguar-style independent rear with polished coilovers, American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, and disc brakes. The louvered hood has cutouts for the heads and tubular headers, and inside custom details continue with two-tone leather upholstery, a console with a Lokar shifter and Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital gauges, a billet wheel on a tilt column, and a hidden stereo. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2023, this custom Highboy is now offered with an Ohio title listing the car as a 1932 Ford.

The steel body has a black soft top that stows behind the seat and is concealed beneath an integrated cover, and the Dearborn Deuce also features roll-up windows. The car was specified with a polished stainless-steel chassis, which was a $50k upgrade.

The hood top opens either side to reveal the eight-stack injection system. The louvered side panels have cutouts for the Arias hemispherical heads and headers. The pinched nose rails are separated by a chrome spreader bar, and So-Cal stainless-steel lights and shock mounts were utilized.

The polished Perfection Hot Rods drop front end has a transverse leave spring and a drilled axle and radius rods, and the Jaguar-style rear end with coilovers is also polished. Buick drum-style covers are mounted over the front discs.

American Racing Torq Thrust wheels measuring 16″ up front and 18″ at the rear are mounted with Mickey Thompson tires.

The custom interior has two-tone leather upholstery on the contoured bench. A Lokar shifter and controls for the Vintage Air climate control system are mounted in the center console. The car has a hidden stereo.

The billet wheel has a color-coordinated wrap and is mounted on a tilt column. The 1,700 miles on the Dakota Digital cluster represents the distance driven on the build.

The 496ci Chevrolet V8 has Arias hemi heads and a custom-ground roller camshaft. It is topped by an eight-stack intake with Inglese-logo filters and a FAST electronic fuel injection system. The four-speed automatic is linked to a rear end with a limited-slip differential, 3.25 gears, and 31-spline axles.

Additional underside photos are available in the gallery below showing the chassis, suspension, and exhaust.

Records and component receipts are included in the sale.

The car is titled as a 1932 Ford Roadster in Ohio with VIN 18186922. The title carries a Not Actual Mileage notice.

Flipping Your Lids Over Wagons

The coolest cars have hidden headlights. That was my credo when I was a kid, so when Mrs. Vinokur stopped by in her Country Squire to pick up her kids, she would turn on the headlights for my benefit so I could see the doors flip up to expose a pair of duals. I was on cloud nine.

Though a feature not as common as on coupes and sedans, there were other family haulers that had this feature in the 1960-70s—here’s a list.

American Motors
Seriously, AMC never offered any cars (wagons or otherwise) that featured concealed headlamps? Let’s have a moment of silence and shed a tear, then let’s be thankful for the AMX/III.

Buick
Another company that never built a wagon with hidden headlights, though it came close with the Skyhawk later in the 1980s—some body styles and/or trim levels offered concealed headlights, but it was never applied to the wagon.

Cadillac
The Standard of the World never officially offered a station wagon, so not much to say here.

1968 Chevrolet Caprice wagon

Chevrolet
There were only two instances of Chevrolet wagons having hidden headlights, and they were available as an option on the 1968 Caprice Estate Wagon and its successor, the 1969 Kingswood Estate.

Brochure showing the concealed headlights option for 1969 Kingswood Estate wagon.

Chrysler
Though several models used concealed headlights starting in 1968 with the 300, no wagons ever had their halogens hidden.

DeSoto
DeSoto was an early adopter with its “Airfoil” lights for 1942 (never to offer them again), though a station wagon was not in the company’s portfolio at the time.

1972 Dodge Monaco
1976 Dodge Royal Monaco Brougham

Dodge
The first full-size Dodge to feature hidden headlights was the 1972 Monaco and, yes, it was available as a wagon. This continued into 1973, and then the restyled (and renamed) Royal Monaco showed up for 1975. The treatment was given to the regular Monaco for 1976, then reverted to the Royal Monaco for 1977 because—guess what?—Dodge pulled a fast one and renamed the mid-size Coronet “Monaco.” Confused? Maybe we’ll write another story to sort that one out!

1968 Ford Country Squire
1976 Ford Country Squire

Ford
Ford first introduced hidden headlights on the 1967 Thunderbird, but the feature didn’t appear on wagons until the 1968 Country Squire. Ford continued this through 1970, then returned for 1975 with the LTD Country Squire, which was produced in this form through 1978.

1970 Torino Squire

But we cannot forget the Torino. The 1970 Torino Squire came with concealed headlights standard, and it was available as an option for the Torino wagon (though not available on the Fairlane 500 and 1970½ Falcon wagons). For 1971, the hidden lids were now optional for both the Squire and the Torino 500 wagon.

1970 Mercury Marquis Colony Park and Marquis Wagon

Mercury
Hidden headlights for the brand started with the 1967 Cougar but, when it came to wagons, the feature wasn’t introduced until the 1969 Marquis Colony Park wagon. For 1970, it was joined by a regular Marquis wagon. While the Country Squire ditched hidden headlights for 1971, both Marquis wagons continued to utilize hidden headlights. It would remain this way through 1978.

1970 Mercury Montego MX Villager

The first and only Montego wagon to feature a full-width grille shrouding headlights was the 1970 Montego MX Villager.

Oldsmobile
The company from Lansing never offered a wagon with hidden headlights, but wouldn’t a Toronado wagon be neat?

1972 Plymouth Sport Suburban

Plymouth
The 1970 Sport Fury was the first Plymouth to feature concealed headlights, as did its wagon companion, which was called the Sport Suburban (seen in the lead image of this article). This continued through 1972.

Imagine this 1967 Grande Parisienne front end….
…on this 1967 Grande Parisienne Safari!

Pontiac
If you thought Pontiac never offered a wagon with hidden headlights, you’d be partially correct—you’d have to wait for the middle of the 1968 model year when Pontiac introduced hidden headlights for the Bonneville. Was there a surplus of Grand Prix grilles and Pontiac felt introducing the feature for the Bonneville would help? [Shruggy] Since there was a Bonneville wagon, it certainly was within the realm of possibilities to have a 1968 Pontiac wagon with hidden headlights.

1968 Pontiac Grande Parisienne Safari

However, a year earlier, Canadians were able to buy a Grande Parisienne Safari with the front clip from the Grand Prix. This was repeated again for 1968.

10 Best Luxury Muscle Cars

The muscle cars started with the mantra “the big V8 in a lightweight body,” but very soon, Detroit discovered that customers wanted a bit of luxury, prestige, and performance. Although this raised the price of the cars, there were still enough customers who wished to upgrade to cars with impressive firepower under the hood. And that is how the luxury muscle cars were created. Today, we’ll bring you the 10 most characteristic examples.  

1. Chrysler 300 “Letter Series”

1955 Chrysler 300 With A 426 Hemi V8 01
Photo Credit: Auto Wp

Even before muscle cars, Chrysler produced a series of high-performance coupes and convertibles that delivered unbelievable performance and unmistakable style. The model was called 300, followed by letters of the alphabet, with the C300 being the first model in 1955. Known as the Letter Series, those upscale cruisers were some of the fastest and most powerful models produced between 1955 and 1965 when the series was discontinued. 

1960 Chrysler 300f Hard Top Pass Front
Photo Credit: Pinterest

During its 10-year production run, Chrysler made very few of these cars, often fewer than 1000 examples per model year. This means 300 Letter Series cars are very expensive and sought after, and they are hard to restore since parts are scarce. 

2. Plymouth GTX

1967 Plymouth Belvedere Gtx Front End
Photo Credit: Hot Rod

The GTX (Grand Turismo Exterminator) isn’t exactly a forgotten model, but it hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves in muscle car history. This model was based on the same platform as the Coronet or the Roadrunner, but it was much more luxurious and had 375 hp as standard. Plymouth wanted the GTX to compete with the luxury cars of the period, so it installed almost all possible creature comforts along with some special trim on the outside to distinguish it from the rest of the model lineup. 

Ultra Rare Restored 1971 Plymouth Hemi Gtx Sold For 253k At Mecum
Photo Credit: Mecum

The GTX was a gentleman’s hot rod with all the options, a nice interior, and exterior details. However, because it was significantly more expensive than the rest of the Mopar muscle car lineup, it was never that popular, and it is pretty rare today. 

3. Buick Riviera GS

Buick Riviera Gs 7
Foto Credit: Auto Wp

Performance-oriented buyers didn’t want big and heavy domestic coupes that had the power but didn’t provide the handling or feel of a sports car. So, in 1963, the Buick Riviera was presented, and it immediately became one of the most interesting cars on the American market at the time. 

Buick Riviera Gs 6
Foto Credit: Auto Wp

But Buick wanted more, and the company introduced the legendary Riviera Grand Sport, or GS, in 1965. The car featured a revised suspension, a bigger 425 engine, and a host of other performance upgrades. In this version, the Rivera was an actual world-class automobile with 360 hp and acceleration times of 7.9 seconds, better than most of the sports cars of the period.

4. Mercury Cougar

1968 Mercury Cougar Xr7 1532212719cd20849e2048 01033
Photo Credit: Mecum

The Cougar was built on the Mustang platform but stretched a couple of inches to add comfort and improve ride quality. It was also available with V8 engines only. The body panels were all totally unique, as was the front fascia with hidden headlights. Mercury offered a wood-trimmed dash, leather seats, and all kinds of creature comforts in the interior. 

Mercury Cougar Boss 302 2
Photo Credit: Car Domain

Some could say that the Cougar was just a luxury Mustang, but in reality, it was an independent model and a pretty successful car in its own right. The ultimate version, perfectly combined muscle car power and luxury, was the mighty Cougar XR-7. This model had the 390 V8 engine with 320 hp, and buyers could also opt for the GT package, which included beefed-up suspension, stronger brakes, and steering. 

5. Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

Monte Carlo Ss Front.jpg
Photo Credit: Mecum

Built on the modified Chevelle platform, the Monte Carlo was a handsome coupe-only car with V8 engines, a nice interior, and decent performance. Although most Monte Carlos came with smaller V8 engines, which were bought by people who concentrated on the luxury aspect of this model, there was one crazy muscle option in the form of the SS 454 package. 

Olympus Digital Camera
Photo Credit: Pinterest

This version was a true luxury beast with a monstrous 7.4-liter V8 engine that pumped 360 hp and propelled the heavy Monte Carlo to an excellent 0 to 60 mph. Buyers could get this trim level for just $420 above the base price, transforming this coupe from a somewhat lazy cruiser to a quarter-mile beast. 

6. Studebaker Avanti R2

Olympus Digital Camera
Photo Credit: Hagerty

Before this legendary brand left the market, it produced one interesting and sought-after luxury model with muscle car credentials—the Studebaker Avanti R2. The innovative design, construction, and technology were exciting, and the car received praise from the motoring press. The base version was not very powerful, but soon, Studebaker introduced a supercharged R2 option that delivered 289 hp. 

20avanti Image5 Superjumbo
Photo Credit: Auto WP

The R2 version couldn’t be had with an automatic transmission; only a close-ratio manual gearbox and air conditioning were not available. Besides that, many performance upgrades were included, and the Avanti became a fast machine. The R2 model even broke 28 world speed records, achieving a top speed of 170 mph, a big deal in 1963. 

7. Pontiac Grand Prix SJ

Photo Credit: VAS

The Grand Prix was a personal luxury coupe introduced in 1962 in a coupe body style with powerful engines and a long list of options. However, with the restyling of the Grand Prix for the 1969 model year, there was a chance to introduce trim packages that would transform this comfy cruiser into a real muscle car, and Pontiac jumped at the opportunity. 

1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Sj
Photo Credit: Mecum

First, there was a cool-looking new design with a long hood and short rear end and a very interesting and driver-oriented dashboard. The 1969 Grand Prix stood out from the competitors, and sales immediately jumped. Second, a very cool trim option called SJ featured a high-output 428 V8 engine that delivered 390 hp and several other performance options. 

8. Ford 7-Litre

Ford Galaxie 500 7 Litre 2 Door Hardtop
Photo Credit: AutoWP

The story started in the mid-’60s when Ford introduced a new engine with 428 CID (7.0 liters), an evolution of their venerable FE block. At the same time, Chevrolet had a successful Impala SS model, which featured a 427 V8 engine, and Ford wanted to compete with it. But Ford had a different vision. If Chevrolet produced the Impala SS as a pretty mundane car, Ford would produce its model as an upscale coupe or convertible, emphasizing luxury and exclusivity.  

Ford Galaxie - Car
Photo Credit: Hot Rod

Under the hood was the 428 V8 with a respectable 345 hp, which delivered a pretty convincing performance. However, the 7-Litre’s equipment is also very interesting since Ford put everything they had into this car. In 1966, little over 11,000 7-litre cars were produced, so good luck finding one.

9. Mercury Marauder X100

Mercury Marauder (1)
Photo Credit: Hagerty

Imagined as a luxury coupe, the Marauder had a fresh design with interesting features like concealed headlights, a massive front end, and a sloping rear end with concave rear glass. It was a big, heavy car for cruising rather than street racing. 

Photo Credit: Bring A Trailer

However, Mercury needed something to fight the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Riviera GS, and knew they needed to upgrade the Marauder to a higher spec if they wanted a piece of the action. So, the Marauder X100 was introduced. Behind the strange name was a regular 1969 Marauder with a 429 V8 engine with 360 hp, bucket seats, heavy-duty suspension, black-out rear trim, and fender skirts. Mercury made just over 8000.

10. Buick Wildcat

1969 Buick Wildcat Custom Sport Coupe
Photo Credit: Flickr

Introduced in 1962, the Buick Wildcat was one of the first personal luxury coupes with a performance-tuned engine and other go-fast options. Of course, since it was a Buick product, the luxury appointments and upscale options were guaranteed. 

1967 Buick Wildcat
Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Wildcat was a separate model available as a regular four-door hardtop, two-door coupe, or convertible. Under the hood was always a powerful V8 from the top of Buick’s engine lineup. Our favorite year is 1967, when the Wildcat was offered the mighty 430 V8 engine, which produced 360 hp. This kind of power in an unassuming sedan or coupe was unheard of at the time, and it provided excellent performance and exclusivity to the owners.

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10 Best Shelby Cars That Are Not Mustangs

Carroll Shelby was undeniably one of the biggest names in the American performance car scene and, throughout his career, connected with several major car companies. Everybody knows Shelby’s name is associated with another Detroit legend—the Ford Mustang. However, Shelby’s talent and relentless quest for performance produced numerous fantastic machines that were not based on Ford’s venerable Mustang. So, let’s see what they are. 

1. Scaglietti Corvette

The Story Of The Elusive Scaglietti Corvettes Created With The Help Of Carroll Shelby 185167 1
Photo Credit: Pinterest

It is less known that Scaglietti produced three Corvettes in 1959 for Texan millionaire and car enthusiast Gary Laughlin. Jim Hall and Carroll Shelby, both notable racing drivers and constructors from Texas, saw the potential in the 1959 Corvette’s engine and power. 

Batch 1959 Scaglietti Corvette 3 00021
Photo Credit: Autp WP

Although the Corvette had a light fiberglass body, two constructors wanted better aerodynamics, a longer nose, and more luxurious appointments, so they contacted Scaglietti with the request to design and produce a bespoke body on the ’59 Vette chassis. Scaglietti delivered three cars in different colors but with exquisite designs that looked more like a Ferrari than a Corvette. There were plans for regular production, but after careful consideration and cost projection, they were abandoned.

2. Shelby Cobra 289

289 Shelby Cobra Csx 2000 Large
Photo Credit: Edmunds

In 1962, Shelby heard that AC Cars from England was planning to shut down the production of their Ace sports roadster since Bristol engines were no longer available. In just a few days, he got several engineless bodies on a transport ship to his Venice Beach shop, where Ford’s 260 V8 engines were waiting to be installed in new bodies. The small but powerful American V8 in a light and nimble body proved to be a match made in heaven.

Photo Credit: Monochrome Watches

The small V8 roadster proved extremely capable and dominated the GT class. Ford’s V8 was a durable and reliable unit, and Shelby’s knowledge and racing know-how were crucial in setting the car right for different tracks. Also, Shelby sold factory-prepared “Competition” Cobras to private teams, and numerous amateur racers enjoyed success with this fierce car.

3. Sunbeam Tiger

001 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I Unrestored.jpg
Photo Credit: Mecum

In 1959, Sunbeam presented the Alpine, a very nice-looking roadster with dependable and conventional mechanicals and small 1.5—or 1.7-liter four cylinders. However, the company soon realized it needed more than four cylinders to compete in the sports car market. So, they called Carroll Shelby and asked him to turn the docile Alpine into a performance car. 

1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mk 1 4 Scaled.jpg
Photo Credit: Mecum

Shelby designed the Sunbeam Tiger as a muscle car version of the Alpine, installing a Ford 260 and later 289 V8 engine and redesigning the suspension and steering. It was the first British roadster with a proper V8 rumble and impressive performance. Finally, Sunbeam had a sports car, and the Tiger was fast and powerful by the day’s standards. 

4. Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe

259560 Shelby Plans To Sell 50 Brand New Cobra Daytona Coupes
Photo Credit: Ford

Shelby noticed the roadster’s body was unsuitable for all tracks and races. Even with the hard top mounted, Cobra lacked top speed due to poor aerodynamics, and on long straights like those at Le Mans, it was slower than the competition. To do that, Shelby needed to modify the Cobra entirely; with the help of his talented team of engineers and hot rodders, he managed to construct a more extended chassis, relocate the suspension, and design a whole new, longer, sleeker, and much more aerodynamically efficient body. 

Img 2974 1614895689
Photo Credit: Autoweek

The car was finished just in time for the legendary 1965 racing season and shipped to Europe, where it continued American engineering’s dominance and managed to win the 1965 GT Championship, which was an extraordinary success for Ford, Carroll Shelby, and his team of talented drivers and mechanics.

5. Ford GT40

Ford Motorsports History
Photo Credit: Ford

Truth be told, the Ford GT40 wasn’t Shelby’s project, and he came on board when the GT40 was already designed and engineered. However, Shelby played a crucial part in racing success and legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans wins. Ford used Shelby’s experience as a driver, team leader, and constructor to lead the team of motivated racers who were set to dethrone the mighty Ferrari. Also, Ford thought Shelby owned it since the company backed the Cobra and Mustang project, so it was an offer he couldn’t refuse. 

1968 Ford Gt40 Gulf Mirage Lightweight Lm Racecar 30 1600x873
Photo Credit: RM Sotheby

To make the long story short, Ferrari was humiliated exactly four times between 1966 and 1969 when GT 40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times in a row. It was an amazing success and an incredible achievement by a company that had never appeared in Le Mans before the mid-60s. The GT 40 became a legend and a symbol of American race cars dominating the European racing scene, the most significant success of Carroll Shelby and his team. 

6. Shelby Lonestar

1968 Shelby Lonestar Copy
Photo Credit: Pinterest

By the end of the ’60s, Shelby decided to build the successor to the Cobra 289 and Cobra 427 models. But he didn’t settle for a restyled version or an improved old model. Rather than that, he constructed a totally new car with a mid-mounted V8 engine, racing suspension, and performance on a whole new level. Shelby took the modified GT40 platform, along with the engine and transmission, and designed a totally different body that was even a bit lighter than the standard GT40. 

68 Shelby Lonestar Dv 18 Ai 06
Photo Credit: Z Concept carz

The car was initially called Shelby Cobra III. Still, soon after Shelby declared that the prototype had been built in England, Ford executives reacted by stating that they owned the rights to the “Cobra” nameplate, forbidding Carroll to use it. Ford didn’t want to build another Cobra, so Shelby was on his own and renamed it “Lonestar” after his home state of Texas. 

7. Dodge Omni GLH

Dodge Omni Glhs
Photo Credit: Chrysler

For the better part of the ’70s, Shelby avoided the automotive business. The muscle car era was gone, Ford closed its racing program, and it looked like Carroll was out of work. He concentrated on some other ventures, including his famous Chili products. However, when his old pal from Ford, Lee Iacocca, took over Chrysler, Shelby got invited to return to the performance game under totally new circumstances.

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

It was called Omni GLH and was a proper hot hatch and one of the best affordable performance models money could buy in those days. Nobody expected that Dodge could produce a hot hatch that could beat the European competitors, but with Shelby’s help, it did just that. Shelby took the 2.2-liter four-cylinder and added a turbocharger to produce a total output of 175 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 7 seconds, which was very impressive and highly competitive for the day. 

8. Dodge Shelby Charger

1985 Dodge Shelby Charger. Mecum 12.jpg
Photo Credit: Mecum

L-Body Chargers built in the ’80s were forgettable cars that weren’t especially popular or fast. However, when Carroll Shelby, who was involved with Chrysler in those days, introduced the Shelby Charger, the car finally gained some respect. 

1985 Dodge Shelby Charger. Mecum 9.jpg
Photo Credit: Mecum

Shelby’s recipe was pretty simple. He turbocharged the existing 2.2-liter four-cylinder to deliver 175 HP, equipped it with a close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox, stiffened the suspension, and improved braking. All those changes turned the pretty boring regular Charger into the Shelby Charger, which had some vivid performance and could outrun most production muscle cars of the period. 

9. Dodge Viper RT/10

Used 1994 Dodge Viper Rt10 Soft Top And Window Inserts Included 16k Miles
Photo Credit: Mopar

In those days, Chrysler was enjoying strong sales and wanted a model that would celebrate its success and connect it with muscle car roots from the glorious ’60s and early ’70s. The team wanted to build a modern-day Cobra with more power, refinement, and performance and show that the concept of a light but immensely powerful roadster is still attractive. 

Photo Credit: Chrom Juwelen

The team rushed the car into production so it was ready for 1992 release and pace car duty at the legendary Indianapolis 500 race. Under the hood was an 8.0-liter fully aluminum V10 with 400 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque, which was unheard of at the time and secured Viper’s place as one of the most powerful new models on the market. The design wasn’t much different from the prototypes, and a long hood and short rear end with the necessary roll bar made Viper visually dramatic and fast-looking even when it was parked. 

10. Shelby Series 1

1999 Shelby Series 1 Threequarter.jpg
Photo Credit: Silodrome

The Series 1 was introduced in 1999. It featured a gorgeous roadster body, low silhouette, and design that could be traced back to the mid-’60s. However, everything was brand new under the body, and the car was powered by an Oldsmobile 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering 320 HP. Since the car was light, the performance was great, and 0 to 60 mph times were around 4 seconds, which was fantastic for the late ’90s.

Shelbyseries1 05
Photo Credit: Mecum

Unfortunately, US regulations regarding car manufacturing forbade Shelby from producing the Series 1 as a regular model, allowing it to be built only as a kit car, which he refused. Due to limited availability and high price, only about 250 examples were made until 2005.

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10 FWD American Performance Cars

For decades, the American car industry was defined by V8 engines and rear-wheel drive. However, despite that, US car manufacturers always produced innovative front-wheel-drive cars even when that layout was rare and unpopular. Today, we will present the 10 most characteristic FWD machines Detroit has ever made.

1. Cord L-29

Autowp.ru Cord L 29 Hayes Coupe 1
Photo Credit: Pinterest

Although he was involved with Duesenberg and Auburn, Errett Lobban Cord was a successful car salesman and businessman who wanted to build cars under his own name. So, in 1929, he established a company called Cord and introduced his first model, the L-29. This car had an interesting feature: front-wheel drive. In those days, no one had heard of FWD. 

Autowp.ru Cord L 29 Hayes Coupe 8
Photo Credit: Pinterest

The driving characteristics of the L-29, including the build quality and performance, were superb. But they launched the car just after the Great Depression. And it was the worst economic recession the world has ever seen, greatly affecting sales. However, despite the sales flop, the Cord L-29 was and still is an essential car.

2. Cord 810 – 812

Cord 812 Sportsman 3 1280x720w
Photo Credit: Pinterest

The car market was stunned when the 810, which was later the 812, was introduced in 1936. At that moment, it was the most advanced American production car. It had V8 power, front-wheel drive, an independent front suspension, and hideaway headlights.

Cord 812 Convertible Phaeton Sedan 25 0161008d0bdb08d3
Photo Credit: Pinterest

The car featured many industry firsts, establishing itself as one of the first revolutionary American sports cars. Unfortunately, the market was unprepared for such an advanced automobile, so the sales numbers were terrible. This caused Cord to close its doors in the late 1930s.

3. Oldsmobile Toronado

1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Muscle Car
Photo Credit: GM

Today’s car enthusiasts may not remember Oldsmobile since the company retired the brand in 2000. One of their most famous front-wheel-drive cars is the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado. This was a big and powerful personal luxury coupe with a twist, as it included front-wheel drive.

Oldsmobile Toronado 913
Photo Credit: GM

Designers drew a fantastic-looking shape with a low roof and hidden headlights. The power came from a big block 455 V8 with 385 HP. The Toronado was successful because it introduced some superb driving characteristics, leaving its competitors in the dust. The first two generations were the best, while the later Toronado was just a Cadillac Eldorado with a different grille.

4. Cadillac Eldorado

Cadillac El dorado
Photo Credit: Hot Rod

The 1967 model year marked a revolution for the Eldorado model regarding new design, technology, and drivetrain. Cadillac has used the Eldorado as a top-of-the-line personal luxury model for years. But by the mid-60s, almost all other GM brands had developed similar cars to the Eldorado. So, Cadillac needed a new model to make a statement and keep the Eldorado at the top of the segment.

Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado 6 7
Photo Credit: GM

In those days, FWD cars were rare foreign models. So, when Oldsmobile introduced front-wheel drive on its 1966 Toronado, Cadillac took the patent and slightly improved it for use on the Eldorado. With this feature, the Eldorado had almost perfect handling and better driving dynamics, keeping its mighty 340 HP engine and classic Cadillac characteristics.

5. Ford Taurus SHO

Photo Credit: Car And Driver

In the late ’80s, Ford revolutionized the sedan market by introducing the Taurus. This was the first truly modern American sedan to ditch the heavy ladder-type chassis and big engines and go in a different direction with a sleek and aerodynamic body, new technology, and front-wheel drive.

Photo Credit: Car And Driver

The Taurus sold in volumes, but the famed Super High Output, or SHO, version is the most interesting. The SHO was a performance model in the Taurus lineup that featured a Yamaha-sourced 3.0-liter high-revving V6 with 220 HP. This doesn’t sound like much today, but in 1989, it was a lofty figure. Also, the performance was outstanding, with just 6.7 seconds to 60 mph.

6. Cadillac Allante

1993 Cadillac Allante
Photo Credit: Car Domain

Cadillac envisioned the Allante to compete with the Mercedes SL convertible. It was a two-seater luxury convertible by Pininfarina with Italian styling. They included a Northstar V8 engine and front-wheel drive. This was an unusual combination, but the car looked and performed well. Even the production process was specific.

Cadillac Allante Eu Spec 4
Photo Credit: Mecum

They fabricated the cars in Italy in the Pininfarina factory and then shipped them to the US by jet, which affected the final product’s cost. The Allante stayed in production until 1993, and they built over 21,000 of them. The car proved too expensive to produce, so the factory allegedly lost money on every Allante it built.

7. Cadillac Seville STS

2000 Cadillac Seville Sts 1
Photo Credit: Edmunds

Ever since the Eldorado became a front-wheel-drive model in 1967, Cadillac has included this drivetrain in the rest of its lineup. During the ’90s, Seville underwent a major redesign, including a new platform, Northstar V8 engines, and a sleek look.

Autowp.ru Cadillac Seville Sts 49
Photo Credit: GM

However, the best was yet to come, so in the late ’90s, Cadillac introduced the Seville Touring Sedan or STS, which was a competent car. It had 300 HP from a 4.6-liter V8 engine, a magnetic ride, a plush interior, and numerous other features. It was a true competitor to Mercedes or BMW. The most interesting things were the STS’s power rating and front wheel drive. In the past, manufacturers had problems with stability if the car was too powerful. However, Cadillac managed to add a 300 HP engine to power the front wheels.

8. Ford Focus ST

Photo Credit: Which Car

Although all eyes are on the brutal and crazy capable Focus RS, most car fans forget the Focus ST is the sweet spot of the Focus range. The ST stands for Street Technology, and it is Ford’s performance model for normal people with everyday driving habits

Ford Focus St 106
Photo Credit: Ford

Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine sends power to the front wheels. The Focus ST delivers driving excitement with around 260 HP on tap and perfectly balanced front suspension. But with the strong chassis, decent brakes, and direct steering, it can also be a great family hatchback for everyday use.

9. Chevrolet Cobalt SS

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss Coupe.jpg
Photo Credit: Pinterest

Although discontinued, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS will be remembered as one of the best affordable performance cars. Available as a supercharged, turbocharged, or naturally aspirated model, the best SS was the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder introduced in 2008. 

Autowp.ru Chevrolet Cobalt Ss Supercharged Coupe 7
Photo Credit: Pinterest

The engine delivered 260 HP, which was astonishing by the day’s standards and more than any of the competitors. Also, the Cobalt SS had considerable tuning potential, and getting even more power from this engine was easy. Although based on regular Cobalt, the SS version was nothing like the boring economy car it originated from.

10. Dodge Omni GLH

1986 Dodge Shelby Omni Glhs380739 Scaled.jpg
Photo Credit: Mecum

It was called Omni GLH and was a proper hot hatch and one of the best affordable performance models money could buy in those days. Nobody expected that Dodge could produce a hot hatch that could beat the European competitors, but with Shelby’s help, it did just that. 

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

Shelby took the 2.2-liter four-cylinder and added a turbocharger to produce a total output of 175 hp and 0 to 60 mph time of less than 7 seconds, which was impressive and highly competitive for the day. Of course, the Omni GLH had suspension modifications and other bits improved to handle all that power.

Source

Rental Review: 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe LT

Normally, we bring you reviews of new cars that manufacturers send us to drive for a week. This is also a new vehicle review, but it’s a little different. Four of my Collector Car Network colleagues and I recently traveled to South Florida for the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction, which meant we needed a rental car that could carry all of us and our luggage and camera gear. We ended up driving away from the Alamo lot in a Black 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe LT with a Jet Black leather interior. Since we all spent several days and nights in it traveling to the South Florida Fairgrounds, our hotel, and various dinner spots, I thought I would incorporate everyone’s perspective into this review.

Chevrolet rolled out the fifth-generation Tahoe as a 2021 model, which incorporated some major updates, such as a futuristic exterior design, an all-new chassis with an independent rear suspension, an optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six, and the upscale High Country trim level. Consider the 2025 model a mid-cycle refresh. Exterior tweaks include new front and rear lighting, a redesigned front fascia, two additional paint colors, and available 24-inch wheels.

Inside, Chevrolet lowered the instrument panel, redesigned the steering wheel, and dropped the outgoing model’s push-button transmission shifter in favor of a column-mounted stalk. All trim levels come standard with an 11-inch driver information display and a 17.7-inch infotainment screen.

According to Chevy, “The multilink independent rear suspension design introduced on the current Tahoe and Suburban has been updated to provide more refined ride-and-handling dynamics. Additional steering calibration improvements offer a confident drive experience across conditions.”

The more refined 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel I6 received new pistons, a retuned turbo compressor, and higher-flow fuel injectors, as well as cooling improvements. Thanks to the new hardware, output is up to 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, which is channeled through a 10-speed automatic.

Our rental LT had the base EcoTec3 5.3-liter V8, which generates 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic. Every time the Tahoe started up, its nasty snarl made me glad that V8s are still alive in this age of hybrids and EVs. From my shotgun seat, the Tahoe certainly seemed to have enough grunt to get me and the rest of the Palm Beach crew up to speed quickly enough. There was also plenty of space behind me, so I never had to move my seat up to give the person behind me enough legroom. When we had to load all of our backpacks, suitcases, and equipment into the rear, it was a different story: The space behind the third row wasn’t quite enough, so we had to lower part of it and use the cubic feet it freed up to fit the rest of our stuff.

I served as the navigator for most of our five days and nights in Palm Beach, which was much easier to do with the wireless Apple CarPlay. The massive center screen made it almost impossible to miss the next turn in the navigation system’s directions. The touchscreen also allowed me to set the temperature for my climate zone, but if I didn’t feel like tapping my way to comfort, I could use the dial on the center stack. Touch controls are modern and slick, but there’s a reason why dials, switches, and buttons have been around so long: they work.

So what did my colleagues think of the revamped Tahoe? I’ll let them tell you.

The engine has a satisfying growl—especially at cold-start or under throttle. It sounds powerful but not too loud. The throttle responds quickly for a full-size SUV. Power delivery is smooth and confident, with strong acceleration that doesn’t feel strained. Despite its size, the Tahoe doesn’t drive like a boat. Steering is responsive, and body roll is well controlled.

The second row feels like first class: Generous legroom and headroom, reclining seats, and individual climate controls make it a very comfortable place to ride. Taller passengers will find the second row roomy and supportive, with great visibility and plenty of space to relax. Even with the third row up, the Tahoe has impressive cargo space—plenty of room for gear, suitcases, or work equipment.

Jordan Muscarella, Business Manager

The middle and third-row seating was extremely comfortable, with great airflow from the rear vents and plenty of legroom. Being able to recline the middle row is great for adding a little more comfort on long drives. I also appreciate how easy it was to get in and out of the third row.

The car sounded great with plenty of power but still had a smooth and luxurious feel. Its the exact SUV I would want to be chauffeured in.

Jared Costello, Senior Business Analyst

I did not expect that kind of power from the back seat! One second I was just riding along, and the next—boom—the engine let out a deep groan and pushed me into the seats like the new TRON ride at Disney World. This thing moves. And it’s not just quick—it feels premium, too. From the back, it gave off this armored-luxury vibe, like I was some kind of executive being chauffeured in a bulletproof tank. There was tons of legroom back there, and the USB-C ports kept my devices charged before and after long workdays. It’s rare that the second row leaves such a strong impression, but this ride nailed it.

The real star of the show? The suspension. It was buttery smooth. Every pothole, crack, or bump just disappeared under us. It was so well dialed in that I couldn’t help but think, Man, I wish my Lexus rode like this.

Luke Lamendola, Social Media Content Creator

Right off the bat, I noticed how comfortable the third row is. I’m on the shorter side (about 5’6″), so legroom usually isn’t a huge issue for me, but even so, I didn’t feel cramped or stuck in a “kids only” section. The extra space made longer rides much more tolerable than I expected. I was also able to recline the seat slightly, which made a big difference in comfort. I wouldn’t want to spend hours back there every day, but for short trips and even decent-length drives, it’s genuinely comfortable.

The ride itself is smooth. Even from the rear, I could tell the suspension was soaking up bumps pretty well, and I didn’t feel tossed around like I usually do in the back of three-row vehicles. The cabin stays surprisingly quiet too, even at highway speeds.

I also got a short turn driving the Tahoe, and even though it was just for a few miles, I came away impressed. Despite its size, it doesn’t feel bulky or hard to handle. Acceleration felt strong. That big V8 just screams and it becomes addicting.

Dustin W. Johnson, Media Supervisor

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

I can still remember the moment when I completely understood the allure of muscle cars. I was a sophomore in high school and my daily driver was a 1968 Porsche 912 Targa I had purchased from a neighbor for $2,000. I was a big European car fan and even had a job after school at an independent Porsche shop. I thought muscle cars were uncivilized and basically the kind of car bought by people who preferred torque over quality.

Then one day during lunch, my friend Frank from photography class drove us to lunch in his uncle’s 1970 SS 396 Chevelle. We got in the car, he started it and let it warm up a bit and then looked at me and told me to hang on. We burned rubber in first and second gear, and the incredible power and torque from that big-block Chevelle slammed me back in my seat. I had never been in a car that felt that powerful. Combined with the awesome sound of the cowl induction sucking in air to feed the four-barrel carb, this was a serious car. From that moment on I understood just how awesome muscle cars were.

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is a slightly earlier model than the one that led to my epiphany: a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396.

The seller describes this SS Chevelle as being powered by a 396ci V8 backed by a three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic 400 automatic transmission. The car is painted in Light Blue Metallic paint over a black vinyl interior, and this true SS 396 is offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.

The word “true” used above is important to note, as there are a ton of “made-up” SS Chevelles out there on the market. According to the seller, this car is the real deal, and that statement is backed up by the second and third digits of the VIN (38), meaning this is indeed a real-deal SS 396.

The exterior of this Chevelle features paint that looks to be in excellent condition with a black side stripe. The car has its correct twin-domed hood, twin chrome side view mirrors and chrome bumpers, all of which look to be in excellent condition. The car is riding on staggered-width black U.S. Mags wheels – 18 inches front and 20 inches rears – clad in 225/45 front and 275/35 rear tires.

The interior of the car looks to be correct and appears to have typical modifications, such as a modern aftermarket stereo. The seats look to be in the correct vinyl, and the dash, carpets, headliner and door cards all look correct and in excellent condition. The only add-on, which I would call a period add-on, are the auxiliary gauges for water temp and oil pressure.

Under the hood is the magic Chevy 396 big-block with a four-barrel carb on a Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold. I like the very clean overall condition of the engine compartment. It looks like the brake booster is brand-new, and all hoses and such also look very new. This car also has a 12-bolt rear – and I actually like that it has an automatic, as it has plenty of torque to go fast. I also love the look of the shifter in this era of Chevy muscle cars.

To me, the SS 396 Chevelle is the premier GM muscle car, and one this nice I would happily park in my own garage. It looks good enough to show and would be a blast to drive. I am not a huge fan of the wheels, but I am sure they provide a lot of traction for the 396. I would ask the seller if the engine is numbers-matching to this car. If it isn’t, I wouldn’t make that a sticking point but just factor that into what my high bid would be.

With that being said, if you like this car half as much as I do, then you might want to get ready to bid soon, as the auction for this 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS 396 ends on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1968 Beaumont SD 396

What looks like a Chevelle, features Pontiac styling, was sold by Pontiac dealerships, but wasn’t a Pontiac? Our Pick of the Day, of course! And this hybrid of sorts could have only come from Canada, the land of Tim Hortons and Chiliwack! Currently listed for sale on ClassicCars.com, this 1968 Beaumont SD 396 hardtop can be bought from a dealership in Clarkston, Michigan.

The story has been told many times, but it bears repeating: Canada is its own country with its own autonomy, though it’s a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. While the 1960s were rocking and rolling in America, Canada was still a bit of a developing nation. The difference with total population and median income at the time was much larger than it is now, which was reflected by its automobile industry and the cars that were available.

Additionally, Canada had somewhat strict tariffs to protect its automobile industry. Several American manufacturers had assembly plants in the Great White North, so they were able to bypass any tariffs. But the market was limited due to the country’s population size, and since the population’s buying power skewed towards the cheaper side of the market, manufacturers combined brands into single dealerships. Hence, Pontiacs could often be found sold alongside Buicks and GMCs. To give Pontiac more appeal to the Canadian population, Canadian Pontiacs were based on Chevrolets for entry-level appeal and economies of scale.

This would become even more apparent with the introduction of the Chevy II in 1962, which was called the Acadian—not a model, but its own brand that looked like a Chevy II but featured Pontiac design elements like the split grille. The top trim level was called “Beaumont.” When the Chevelle was introduced for 1964, Canada called its version the “Acadian Beaumont.” The top trim level was called “Sport Deluxe,” which was akin to the Malibu Super Sport.

Beaumont was spun off from Acadian for 1966, itself becoming its own marque. Midyear 1967, the Sport Deluxe package required the 396, thereby becoming analogous to the Chevelle SS 396. So, when the A-body was redesigned for 1968, the performance Beaumont became the Sport Deluxe 396 (aka “SD 396”). Standard was a 325-horsepower Econo-Jet 396 V8, with a 350-horse version available (the 375-horse L78 396 was never available on Canadian-built cars). Again, hallmarks from Pontiac styling were used, like the split grille (with a Canadian variation of the Pontiac arrowhead), while the dashboard would have been more familiar to Pontiac folks in the U.S.

Thanks to the Auto Pact that was instituted in 1970, the raison d’être for the Beaumont no longer existed, so 1969 was the final year for the Beaumont and the SD 396 package. A history like that makes this 1968 Beaumont SD 396 hardtop quite a novelty—even in Canada. Painted in Tripoli Turquoise, this SD 396 features the standard 396 backed by the optional TH400 automatic. Other features include Parchment vinyl interior with optional front bucket seats and console, white racing stripes, 3.31 gears, plus updates like an HEI distributor, headers, Vintage Air, updated stereo, and more. Staggered-width Ridler wheels complete the picture.

Vintage Vehicle Services (which has invoices of Canadian-sold GM vehicles going back 80 years) has determined that 702 Beaumont SD 396 hardtops were built in 1968. In some ways, the Beaumont was ahead of its time because a decade later, it would not be unusual to find Chevy engines in Pontiacs stateside, but remember: Don’t call this $65,900 car a Pontiac if you wish to reside in the good graces of Canadians—we really need it at this moment!

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