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This is the car British Leyland wanted to sell but couldn’t get.* Now it’s the car I frolic around in at the same time I show how much fun EVs can be.

To get here, I spent a couple of years researching and planning. I sourced a rare MG TF 1800. Then I designed and oversaw various professionals to create a unique electric vehicle (EV) conversion/restoration. That took another 2-1/2 years.

After extensive research, I chose a 96%-efficient Netgain Hyper 9 motor and controller combo that delivers 120hp and weighs 120 pounds. It’s powered by five Tesla Model S batteries. The result is a car that has the same weight as the original car, better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity.

Now, in the former engine compartment, three batteries live over the motor. Two more reside under the right seat and the former gas tank. Engine-turned conduits on top of the front battery box house cooling circuits. My layout is a tip-of-the-hat to the Jaguars and Astons of the fifties.

I was lucky to find Twisted Voltage, an EV shop in Purcellville, Virginia, to complete the complex wiring, coding and testing. The car still retains its original four-speed transmission, along with an upgraded clutch.

So my (the only) MG TF 1800-EV is surprisingly fast and has plenty of torque. I can ignore the clutch and just drive it around in third gear. It’s a delight to drive — handles just like any 1950s British sports car.

I also installed regenerative braking, LED lighting, custom Speedhut instrumentation, a period-upgrade Butler mahogany steering wheel, a dashboard of selected Santos Rosewood, three-point retractable seatbelts and heated seats.

I’ve been to numerous Cars and Coffees, farmers’ markets and other public events with it. I’m on my feet answering questions from beginning to end — from folks who think it’s a novelty, to tech experts and critics with whom I discuss EV and infrastructure pros and cons. There’s a high level of interest in EVs, both among car folks and the general public.

* The MG TF 1800 Victor is a rare tribute model; only 30-some exist. Compared to the original 1954 1500 model, it has a beefier chassis and stronger MGB running gear, including front disc brakes. Thanks to the tin-worm, many original MG T Series, MGAs and MGBs had become at one with the earth, prompting the fans of larger European and American cars to refer to the MG’s lives as nasty, British and short. So, in the 1970s, a tiny shop in Victor, New York, came to the rescue. They crafted a stronger chassis and body in which MGB devotees could install the engines and running gear from their rusted-out MGBs. The body panels were so accurate they were interchangeable with those on an original 1954 MG TF. And the cars sprang back to life — with the soul of an MGB in a perfect young body of an MG TF. The MG TF 1800 was so authentic it fooled all but the keenest observers, and it far outperformed the original. This is probably what led British Leyland to order a commemorative edition of 1200 some MG TF 1800s. Unfortunately, the small firm could not handle an order of that size. They went out of business shortly after that.

– Paul L., Virginia

Click here to see more in our “My Classic Car” series.

If you’ve never been to Canada, or you don’t live in a border state, it’s easy to think that the Great White North is just like the U.S. However, you’d never confuse the McKenzie Brothers for being American, right? It’s the same with Canadian cars—it’s easy to assume Detroit catered to the country in the same manner as in the U.S., but there were some unique vehicles being sold among the 10 provinces plus the territories back in the ’60s and ’70s.

The Canadian cars that were different were so due to tariffs, but a 1965 trade agreement (Canada-U.S. Automotive Products Agreement) led to the demise of some unique badge-engineered creations, while others persisted due to the way automobiles were marketed in a country with a distinct population and dealer network.

For the 2025 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, Cliff Guinand from Muscle Cars—Bone Stock & Modified magazine organized the Maple Leaf Muscle display to show the several unique vehicles from across the border, plus several more that may seem familiar but were imported into Canada when new.

For more MCACN coverage, click here!

Barrett-Jackson announced yesterday that more than 20 collectible performance vehicles from the Phoenix-based Centre Point Collection will cross the block during the 2026 Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 17-25 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. A powerhouse of performance vehicles, the Centre Point Collection includes a 2008 Dodge Viper SRT/10 Hurst 50th Anniversary Limited Series edition coupe (preview) and convertible (preview) that will be sold as a pair, as well as the 2021 Ford Shelby GT500KR Widebody (preview) that served as the concept car for the modern “King of the Road” platform.

“The Centre Point Collection is a remarkable group of performance vehicles spanning 1960 American muscle to iconic, late-model imports,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Each vehicle has been extremely well-maintained and represents a pinnacle of high-performance cars. The collection includes a pair of 2008 Dodge Viper SRT/10 Hurst 50th Anniversary Limited Series editions that are among the first production models and will be sold together, as well as a 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR Widebody (preview) that’s one of 60 made for that model year. Every vehicle from the Centre Point Collection will cross the block with No Reserve, giving bidders the chance to claim one of these incredible performance vehicles as their own.”

The 2016 Dodge Viper ACR (preview) is powered by a naturally aspirated V10 engine rated at 645 horsepower and equipped with the Extreme Aero Package. It is finished in Billet Silver Metallic clearcoat with black and red stripes and features High-Grip Alcantara leather seats, ACR door trim panels and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

A pair of 2008 Dodge Viper SRT/10 Hurst 50th Anniversary Limited Series editions – a convertible and a coupe – will be sold together, along with a matching 2008 Viper Hurst 50th Anniversary custom go-kart. The No. 1 coupe (preview) has 813 actual miles and is the first of 50 Hurst 50th Anniversary Limited Series Viper coupes and convertibles. With 209 actual miles, the No. 2 convertible (preview) is the second of 50 Hurst 50th Anniversary Limited Series Vipers and the first convertible produced. Both the coupe and convertible are finished in a special Hurst Flat Gold paint with black racing stripes. The matching custom go-kart (preview) is powered by a JD-TEK gasoline engine and is included with the sale of the Dodge Vipers.

“The Centre Point Collection includes several remarkable Fords and Shelbys,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “From an original 1970 Shelby GT500 fastback (preview) with a matching-numbers 428ci CJ engine and C6 automatic transmission to a 2023 Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Ford Mustang (preview) that’s No. 68 of approximately 100 examples, these Shelbys are a testament to Carroll’s legacy and honor Ford’s indelible impact on street and track performance.”

Powered by a supercharged V8 with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 2021 Ford Shelby GT500KR Widebody (preview) served as the concept car for the modern “King of the Road” platform. As one of 60 GT500KRs produced for the 2021 model year, this example is accompanied by Shelby American build documentation that details each stage of its transformation. The 2023 Ford Mustang featuring the Shelby Centennial Edition package (preview) is No. 68 of approximately 100 examples produced by Shelby American and is powered by a supercharged V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is finished in Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat with black racing and rocker stripes with Centennial-specific details that include special badging, stripes and a unique interior trim. A red 1970 Shelby GT500 fastback (preview) is equipped with power steering, power disc brakes, fold-down rear seat, 3.00 Trak-Loc rear axle, air conditioning and big suspension. The entire drivetrain has matching numbers.

Import collectible vehicles from the Centre Point Collection include a 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Coupe (preview) rated at 563 horsepower. Finished in Iridium Silver Metallic over a classic red and black two-tone leather interior, it includes the AMG Extended Interior Carbon Fiber trim, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and metallic paint. A 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG roadster (preview) is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine rated at 557 horsepower and is equipped with the AMG Performance Package and a carbon-fiber engine cover, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Powered by a V8 engine that produces 385 horsepower, a 2010 Jaguar XK (preview) features navigation, as well as cooled and heated seats.

A Rapid Blue 2022 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE (preview) is an extreme track-focused performance version of the ZL1 with a supercharged V8 engine producing 650 horsepower. The 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package offers suspension and aerodynamic upgrades for enhanced cornering, braking and high-speed stability. Powered by a supercharged V8 engine, a custom 1955 Chevrolet Nomad (preview) includes chassis and suspension upgrades. The body is finished in black with a silver top; the custom red-leather interior includes aftermarket gauges and Dynamat sound barrier throughout.

Additional collectible vehicles from the Centre Point Collection include:

• 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake (preview) – The first retail-production Ford GT500 Shelby Super Snake made in 2007, powered by a 725-horsepower supercharged V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission
• 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody (preview) – Powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine rated at 797 horsepower and 707 ft/lbs of torque
• 2010 Ford Mustang Hurst Edition convertible pace car (preview) – No. 10 of 50 produced by the Hurst Corporation featuring Stage III equipment, powered by a V8 with Roush supercharger
• Ford Mustang FM350S Race Car (preview) – A turnkey limited-production race car designed for on-track racing competitions; No. 23 of 50 examples sold for the 2017 model year
• 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 (preview) – Powered by a supercharged HEMI HO V8 engine; features Premium Group, Air Grabber hood and has 16 actual miles.
• 2004 Dodge Viper SRT/10 Convertible (preview) – Powered by an 8.3-liter V10 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and remains in stock form
• 2002 Ford Thunderbird Convertible (preview) – Features an aftermarket roadster top, Continental kit, chrome fender trim, chrome side stripe, and aftermarket wheels and tires
• 2000 Plymouth Prowler Woodward Edition convertible (preview) – Number 100 of 153 produced, this Plymouth Prowler convertible is selling as a pair with a custom 2002 Ajax Prowler trailer
• 2020 Shelby F-150 Shelby Super Snake pickup (preview) – CSM 20SSS0133, is powered by a Coyote V8 engine paired with a Shelby-engineered Whipple supercharger system

Click here to view the 2026 Scottsdale Auction Select Preview and browse hundreds of featured collectible vehicles.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

On AutoHunter, you can find this modified 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Sport Coupe, which is powered by a 350ci V8 paired with a 700R4 four-speed automatic. Highlights include power steering, air conditioning, headers, power front disc brakes, and Positraction. Finished in red over a black cloth and vinyl interior, this customized second-generation Camaro is now offered by the private seller in Miami with service invoices and a clear title.

In 2010, the exterior color was changed from the original Hugger Orange to the current shade of red. That covers a body fitted with custom flared fenders and a three-piece rear spoiler. Features include chrome bumpers, front fender vents, dual mirrors with body-color caps, tinted windows, and dual exhaust outlets.

The flared fenders arc over a set of 18-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels wrapped in 275/35 front and 335/30 rear Nitto NT555 radials.

Like the outside, the inside of this F-body was changed, going from the original black vinyl to the black cloth and vinyl you see here. Comfort and convenience features include Vintage Air A/C and heat, power steering, center console, and custom sound system consisting of a JVC AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit, Infinity four-inch speakers, JBL 10-inch subwoofer, JBL two-way speakers, and Crunch Powerone amplifier.

The instrument cluster houses a 130-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level, voltage, and temperature. The odometer shows 59,314 miles, but this Camaro is mileage-exempt, according to its title.

Under the hood, the original engine has been replaced with a 350ci V8, which is connected to an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, an Edlebrock intake manifold, and headers. The original transmission has also been replaced with a 700R4 four-speed automatic.

Underneath, this Camaro is equipped with a Hotchkiss front suspension kit, rebuilt driveshaft, and Positraction rear end with 3.73:1 gears. Power front disc and rear drum brakes bring it to a stop. New parts include the fuel lines, ball joints, sway bar bushings, shocks, and rear springs.

To see more of this modified 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Sport Coupe, watch the video below. To make it yours, place your bid before the auction ends on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

If you’re of a certain age, do you remember “art house movies,” flicks that were rated X due to “adult situations” but were not necessarily pornographic? Our Pick of the Day features a color that’s named as an homage to one of those movies. This 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Celeste, Texas.

The movie in question was from Sweden. Swedish movies were a popular way to see something subversive, but subversive is all relative—many things back in the 1960s seem tame today. And that’s quite true about “I Am Curious,” a series of two movies that would have given the Church Lady a conniption. There actually were two versions of this movie: “I Am Curious (Blue)” and “I Am Curious (Yellow)”, with the former featuring a timeline surrounding the latter. The pair of movies was intended to be seen consecutively, but that’s not how things ended up. Though nothing worse than an R by today’s standards, “Yellow” aroused the consternation of authorities and was banned in Massachusetts, leading to a SCOTUS case; the tamer “Blue” is possibly responsible for creating the term “blue movie.”

When the Chrysler Corporation was creating new High Impact colors for 1971, there were several carry-overs and one new hue. Continuing from 1970 was (Plymouth/Dodge) In Violet/Plum Crazy, Tor Red/Hemi Orange, and Sassy Grass Green/Green Go; returning from 1969 was Bahama Yellow/Butterscotch. The only brand-new color was Curious Yellow/Citron Yella. Curious Yellow had a bit of green in it compared to 1970’s Lemon Twist/Top Banana, though the latter would be reintroduced in September 1970, soon after the 1971 model year began. Why the need for two bright yellows? Apparently, the Chrysler Corporation had its reasons.

To these eyes, Curious Yellow was the more interesting yellow of the two, plus it was named after a movie that showed some skin—I bet every teenage boy giggled and teenage girls rolled their eyes. Even better, this was a High Impact color that was not restricted to certain Plymouth and Dodge models—it was available for Furys, Polaras, and Monacos, something that was an exception more than a rule.

You’re welcome to argue with me if you wish, but Curious Yellow never looked better than it did on the Plymouth Barracuda. The Barracuda featured a heavy facelift for 1971 with quad headlights, parking lights that moved to below the bumper, simulated front fender louvers (on ‘Cuda models), and separated brake and reverse lights. Grilles were argent aside from certain ‘Cuda models depending on the paint chosen. The formerly standard road lamps were now optional on the ‘Cuda, and still available for regular Barracudas and Gran Coupes. A new stripe design, today known as the “Billboard,” was more outrageous and clearly outdid anything from Brand X. However, the buff books didn’t like the new styling, and an evolving market ended up demanding much fewer Barracudas than in 1970.

The 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible is one of the most desirable muscle cars, and one sprayed in Curious Yellow likely would command a premium. Truth be told, this example was originally painted in “GF7” Sherwood Green metallic with a white interior and top. However, check out the other options and you’ll see this car would be hot no matter what color: 340 four-speed, Shaker hood, rear wing, Rallye dashboard, and more. Aside from the color, Billboards and “A21” Elastomeric Front Bumper complete the package to make this car look as hot as a Barracuda could be. “The underside is just as gorgeous as the top, every brake/fuel line is new or redone. All suspension is painted or powder coated,” says the seller. “Everything works! Every light, every gauge, wipers and window washers, radio, horn, etc.”

When the industry was trying to get away from loud, horsepower-laden vehicles, along came the ‘Cuda to challenge the morals of America. If you decide to pay the $198,500 asking price, you can color me jealous.

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

Have you ever heard of the concept of “slow car fast”? As it turns out, the fun-factor associated with driving a car doesn’t have to be dependent on its horsepower statistic. In some cases, pushing a lesser-powered vehicle at or near its limits can feel about as invigorating as dipping into the throttle of an all-out exotic supercar.  

CRX Background

The Honda CRX came at a time when motorists had dealt with ongoing energy/oil crises throughout the 1970s and were adopting small, fuel-efficient cars. The CRX was produced from 1984 to 1991 and was praised for its peppy driving experience combined with class-leading fuel efficiency. At its core, it was a simple, two-seat, front-wheel drive compact with sporting aspirations. But “sporty” could only so far, since the most performance-oriented model (in the United States, anyway) was a 108-horsepower, 1.6-liter “Si.”

There were two distinct generations (1984 through 1987, and a slightly rounded-off 1988 through 1991). Drivetrains and engineering features were largely shared with the more contemporary Civic, but the CRX weighed only about 1,800 to 2,100 pounds, so it had a distinct power-to-weight advantage over other models in the Honda lineup. That meant that it was capable of hybrid-like fuel economy. One trim level in particular, the HF (for “high fuel”), had an eight-valve 1.5-liter, taller gearing, and extensive weight-savings measures. It was rated at over 50 miles per gallon on the highway – and this was back in the 1980s!

Worth adding – although not marketed explicitly as a CRX in the United States, the 1993-through-1997 del Sol (a two-seater with a removable rooftop) did carry the CRX nameplate in some markets around the world. We will revisit that unique model another time.

Greg’s Collectible CRX

In recent years, the CRX has gained strong momentum in the collector community, and well-kept, low-mileage, unmodified examples are sought after. My friend Greg is no stranger to the platform since he’s owned several CRXs – and keeps coming back for more.

Greg’s current pride and joy is a Rio Red 1990 (which he dubbed the “Rex”) showing only 50,556 miles on the odometer. The car’s background is a classic “little old lady” story: It was owned by its original owner in Louisiana from 1990 through 2025 before finally being set free after 35 years. First delivered to Holmes Honda World in Shreveport, the car had a retail price of $11,390. Dealer-added equipment on top of that included air conditioining, an AM/FM cassette, and floor mats. Today, the car retains its original D1616 SOHC 1.6-liter which received a new timing belt, valve cover gaskets, and a battery earlier this year.

Greg brought his low-mileage CRX out for an informal “all-red-car” meet-up where I displayed my 1992 Acura NSX and my friend Eric showcased his Mugen-upgraded 1987 Acura Integra. Even under overcast skies, the trio looked eye-catching – and we couldn’t help but agree that the CRX, Integra, and NSX represent what many consider to be “Golden Era” vehicles for Honda.

For being a relatively slow car (on paper, anyway), the CRX is a total grin-machine, and the car helped put Honda on the map when it came to driving enthusiasts. Are you a current or prior CRX owner, and what has your experience with the model been like?