This Chevelle is finished in Cranberry Red with black SS stripes, and a functional cowl-induction hood with hood pins. The Cranberry Red exterior is complemented by a black grille with an SS emblem, a rear bumper pad with an SS logo, and wheel opening moldings.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
It rides on black and silver steel SS wheels with SS center cap and BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
“The front bucket seats, rear seat, trim, and door panels are upholstered in black vinyl,” the listing states. “Features include power steering, power brakes, a center console with a Hurst manual shifter, manual windows, SS emblems, a Vintage Air climate control system with air conditioning, an AM radio, and a tilt steering column.”
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
It’s powered by a 454ci big-block V8 and the engine bay has an open-element air cleaner with a cowl induction hood seal, and chrome valve covers. The engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
454ci V8
The odometer reads 63,882 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
The sale includes a clear Tennessee title. A $145 dealer fee/tax will be added to the purchase price. The selling dealer will collect additional registration/sales tax from in-state buyers.
One of the things you’ll read a lot about when it comes to classic General Motors vehicle documentation is a “Protect-O-Plate.” This credit card-sized embossed identification tag comes with some important data including the original owner’s name, the selling dealer, and the vehicle’s build information.
Occasionally, a collector car comes up for sale that retains its original Protect-O-Plate.
“This rare and highly optioned CST-10 has originally spent its life in Alabama and is very solid,” the listing states. “This southern truck still retains original paint and has the patina look.”
Based on the documentation that comes with the vehicle, it was first sold from Ed Mollison Chevrolet in Birmingham, Alabama. The maintenance folio shares the dealership’s motto as, “We’re not the biggest, but we’re trying to be the best.” Protect-O-Plates were sometimes printed in reverse and were used to imprint the vehicle data and owner information onto the service paperwork.
This truck comes from the second generation of Chevrolet’s C/K series, which was dubbed the “Action Line” and made available in light- and medium-duty variants. During this era, Chevrolet worked to make its pickups more versatile as personal-use vehicles with added comforts and driving dynamics. Clearly, the exterior on this example looks a little tired, but that’s part of the appeal of a period-correct look. The truck has a two-tone finish of Hugger Orange and black. The bed is reportedly free of rust.
Power under the hood comes from a strong-running 350cid 4bbl V8 motor mated to a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. The listing states that the powertrain has been upgraded with stainless-steel long-tube headers, and the photos show Edelbrock chrome-finished valve covers as well.
Protect-O-Plates were short-lived, first offered in 1963 and phased out about a decade later. Most of these have been lost in the shuffle as vehicles have changed hands in the 60 years since that time, so finding a vehicle like this that still has its accompanying badge is becoming a rarity.
“Runs and drives excellent, needs nothing,” the listing concludes. It would be fun to take this truck to a Chevrolet dealership and ask if they can imprint the Protect-O-Plate on a new service appointment.
The seller is asking $17,500 or best offer for this survivor C10.
The collector car market is always shifting forward. Just like the nostalgia my dad has every time he sees a 1968 Chevy Nova, I too am drawn to vehicles from my childhood, and particularly my teenage years from the late 1990s.
I was honored this year once again to participate in a Barrett-Jackson symposium about “future collectibles” during auction week on Tuesday, January 24. Joining me on the panel were moderator Alan Taylor along with participants Sean Morris, Jim Pickering, Jay Harden, and Sam Stockham. Each panelist brought forward a unique list of vehicles to the discussion.
Here are eight vehicles I have preselected as my top picks for future collectibles, along with an explanation of why each vehicle made my list.
1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner (Third generation)
2.7-liter inline-4 150hp or 3.4-liter V6 183hp
5-speed manual / 4-speed auto
This SUV offers body-on-frame ruggedness, reliability, and even luxury when configured in Limited trim. Some examples can still be found at reasonable prices, and Toyota’s long-term cost of ownership is low.
1997-2001 Honda Prelude (Fifth generation)
2.2-liter inline-4 195hp
5-speed manual / 4-speed auto
This is a perfect example of a “Golden Era” Honda: a high-revving sports coupe with a VTEC four-cylinder, and the SH model had ATTS (an active torque transfer system) to counteract understeer.
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 668hp
6-speed manual / 10-speed auto
A family sedan that sprints to 60 in 3.4-seconds, equipped with a manual transmission and a supercharged motor. Truly a nod to true American muscle in the modern day – perhaps the last of its kind.
1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W210)
5.4-liter M113 V8 349hp
5-speed automatic
This one is another people-hauler with exceptional performance and luxury car amenities. Finding one of these in good condition is getting tougher, and well-kept examples will appreciate.
2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6
Turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 274hp
6-speed manual
The design of this all-wheel drive sport sedan has aged well for being over 15 years old. It offers impressive equipment like a limited-slip differential, and it emphasizes fun-to-drive dynamics but could still be daily-driven.
1992-1997 Ford F-Series (Ninth generation)
4.9-liter inline-6, 460ci V8, 7.3-liter Power Stroke Diesel
5-speed manual / 4-speed auto
The F-Series has been America’s best-selling vehicle for over 40 years for good reason. The ninth-generation was the last true “Old Body Style” (OBS), and came in special versions such as the Lightning, Eddie Bauer, and FlareSide.
1989-1994 Nissan Maxima (Third generation)
3.0-liter V6 190hp
5-speed manual / 4-speed auto
The third-generation Maxima was the original “Four Door Sports Car” (4DSC), and the sporty SE trim had twin mufflers, tinted tails, and unique wheels. A well-kept example from this era will appreciate in collectability.
2005-2008 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon
2.5-liter V6 or 3.0-liter V6 228hp
5-speed manual / 5-speed auto
This wagon checks a lot of boxes for enthusiasts: All-wheel drive, sporty underpinnings, versatile cargo carrying, and a manual transmission. Some drivetrain elements are shared with the Ford Contour SVT – another inevitable future classic.
Tyson and Alan Taylor
No matter what era or genre of cars interest you, you’re bound to find it on ClassicCars.com. Check out the listings and find your dream future collectible.
This year somehow marks my 23rd year attending Arizona auction week, and over the years I have driven a few rentals cars and quite a few press cars. These have included everything from a Nissan Versa SV (the car least deserving of SV in its name) all the way to exotic cars such as the Aston Martin DB11. This year is a bit different in that I am driving a car for the week in Arizona that is nothing like any other car I have had: the 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring edition.
Visitors test out the Lucid Air at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with Dave in the background
If you have not yet heard of the Lucid Air, it is an all-electric luxury sedan. The car’s design is unlike any other modern car I have seen, and it is truly a breakthrough design both in its exterior and interior. It is less of a direct competitor with the Tesla S, which quite honestly the Air betters in every way, but more of a competitor of the Mercedes EQS.
I had originally planned to rent a car for the week but last week received a call from my friend Dave Buchko, Product PR Manager at Lucid, asking if I would be interested in driving an Air for the week. I, of course, agreed, as up until now I had only ridden in a prototype Air awhile back and then last year on track with Ben Collins, also known as The Stig.
Lucid Air and me
I met my Air at the offsite parking and was immediately struck with how nice the car looked. I was a bit uncertain if I would be able to figure out how to use the car, but found myself immediately at home with the car and was quickly able to sort out the control location, pair my phone, and set the navigation to head over the Barrett-Jackson to pick up my first set of credentials for the week.
On the road, even in its lowest performance setting, I was easily able to feel the truly amazing acceleration and performance available under my right foot. I did get that at a higher level during The Stig ride-along but being in control of the car myself was completely different. I also quickly realized that the Air could be driven by using only the accelerator, something that reminded me or my time driving NASCAR stock cars on ovals.
My Lucid Air for the week
I arrived at Barrett-Jackson around 30 min later, quickly realizing that I had traveled there much faster than I should have, and that I needed to carefully watch how fast I was going as the car is very easy to drive over the speed limit.
I pulled into the valet parking lot and after explaining how the car worked, I got my credentials and went into the main auction tent.
I met Dave at the Lucid booth and told him how much I liked the car. I added that it was able to fit all my suitcases, briefcase, and camera gear in the rear trunk. If you know me well you know that I bring about two weeks of clothes for a one-week trip, so this was a truly remarkable feat.
I spent the rest of the day at Barrett-Jackson planning out my auction tour and picking the cars I would discuss.
Catching some auctions my first day at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
I left the auction and met Dave for dinner at the Tommy Bahama café to discuss and ask questions about the car. I had many questions and after dinner Dave showed me some of the hidden features of the car including Launch mode to achieve maximum acceleration runs. I have not tested that out yet but might find a way to do so during the week, so stay tuned.
After dinner I drove to my hotel, checked in and went to bed.
“The Sunrise Pearl exterior features a custom widebody package with flared fenders and quarter panels, a pinched nose, and a custom-fabricated hood,” the listing states. “As a result, the body has been widened by two inches. The total cost of the paint and body work was reportedly $50,000. Additional exterior features include tucked and smoothed color-keyed bumpers, color-keyed mirror caps, shaved door handles, red accent stripes with flame graphics, and a custom rear panel and taillights.”
1971 Dodge Challenger “widebody”
It rides on staggered Boze forged wheels, 18-inch front and 20-inch rear, with 245/40 front and 315/35 rear Nitto radial tires.
1971 Dodge Challenger “widebody”
This custom Challenger has late-model front bucket seats, rear seat, trim, and door panels upholstered in black leather. Amenities include Vintage Air air conditioning, a Pioneer touchscreen stereo with hands-free capabilities, power windows, and a center console with cup holders.
1971 Dodge Challenger “widebody”
The digital odometer reads 1,700 miles, reflecting the mileage accrued since the build process was completed, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.
6.1-liter Hemi V8
Under the hood is a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 prepared by Indy Cylinder Head featuring 5.7-liter heads, an aluminum Indy Mod-Man intake with dual 500-cfm Edelbrock four-barrel carburetors, relocated coil packs, and an MSD HEMI ignition. The engine is paired with a 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission and a Dana 60 rear end.
It rides on an independent front suspension, with rack-and-pinion steering, and tubular control arms. This Challenger has power brakes courtesy of a Hydroboost set up featuring Baer 13-inch discs and six-piston calipers.
1971 Dodge Challenger “widebody”
The sale includes a clear California title in the seller’s name.
This 1939 Chevrolet Master 85 Sedan Delivery is said to have been refurbished in the early 2000s and was acquired by the current owner in September 2019. It is powered by a 350ci V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, and modifications reportedly include a boxed chassis with an independent front suspension as well as a Chevrolet 10-bolt rear end, front and rear sway bars, and a relocated fuel tank. Finished in off-white and green, the car is equipped with 15″ steel wheels, chrome Chevrolet-branded hubcaps, front disc brakes, power steering, a chrome grille and bumpers, air conditioning, and a Pioneer CD stereo. This JB-series Chevrolet is now offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner with an extra front grille, a fitted cover, battery charging cables, and a clean California title in the owner’s name.
The seller notes that the body was refinished in its current combination of off-white and green with red pinstripes as part of the aforementioned refurbishment and fitted over a boxed frame. The grille and bumpers are said to have been re-chromed under current ownership and replacement tinted glass was installed in the rear and side doors. Exterior features include smoothed drip rails, composite rear fenders, amber cat-eye front fog lamps, turn signals integrated into the headlights, dual brake lights, and a retractable antenna. Paint meter readings are shown in the gallery below.
Color-matched 15″ artillery-style wheels wear chrome Chevrolet-branded hubcaps and are mounted with 225/75 BFGoodrich whitewall tires that are said to have been installed following the seller’s acquisition. Braking is handled by front discs featuring a remote power brake booster. The seller notes that the shocks were replaced under current ownership. Independent front suspension and front and rear sway bars are fitted. A power rack-and-pinion steering system with spline couplers was installed in September 2022.
The cabin houses bucket seats that are equipped with lumbar adjustment and upholstered in maroon cloth. Coordinated carpets, door panels, and cargo area paneling are fitted. Amenities include a Vintage Air air conditioning system, an analog clock, map pockets, and lap belts as well as a Pioneer CD head unit linked to aftermarket speakers and an amplifier.
The wood-rimmed steering wheel is mounted on a Flaming River tilting column and sits ahead of Classic Instruments gauges featuring a 120-mph speedometer flanked by readouts for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 8k miles, which is said to indicate the distance traveled since the completion of the build. Approximately 1k miles were added under current ownership, and true mileage is unknown.
The seller notes that the 350ci Chevrolet V8 was installed under prior ownership and is equipped with polished aluminum valve covers with a matching air cleaner assembly in addition to electronic ignition, a Weber carburetor, an Edelbrock performance intake, and a radiator with an electrostatic fan. The fuel tank is said to be a 16-gallon polyurethane unit that has been relocated to the rear of the car. Service under current ownership has reportedly included replacing the battery, starter, and spark plugs in addition to performing an oil change.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission with overdrive and a 10-bolt rear end with a 3.50:1 final drive ratio, according to the seller. A dual exhaust system with Super Turbo mufflers is fitted.
This 1935 Chevrolet school bus was produced by Superior Body Company and was refurbished and modified under prior ownership. Power comes from a 454ci V8 paired with a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission, and the bus is finished in yellow with black accents over a reconfigured interior with mixed seating for 11. Additional features include air conditioning, tinted windows, an Alpine CD stereo, and a rear entertainment system with a fold-down flat screen and a DVD player. This modified school bus was acquired by the selling dealer in 2022 and is now offered at no reserve in Texas with a conditional Georgia title.
Superior Body Company operated from 1909 to 1980 under various names and produced school buses in Lima, Ohio. This example was reportedly refinished in yellow under prior ownership and features black accent stripes and “Just Kiddin’” side decals. Additional details include a chrome front bumper, chrome headlight hardware, tinted windows, a folding entry door, a black rear bumper, and an emergency-exit rear door. Scratches are visible in the paint on the rear door.
Silver 19″ wheels are wrapped in Linglong tires up front and 225/70 Aurora tires out back. The bus is equipped with power steering, power-assisted brakes, and a dually rear axle. An anti-sway bar has reportedly been installed.
The cab is equipped with a high-back driver seat upholstered in red vinyl along with a matching padded arm rest, lower dash panel, and black carpeting. Features include a lap belt, a floor shifter, a lever for opening the folding entry door, a multi-panel rear-view mirror, air conditioning, and an Alpine CD stereo.
The four-spoke steering wheel features a Chevrolet-logo center cap and sits ahead of a 120-mph speedometer along with gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. The five-digit odometer shows 5k miles, approximately 300 of which were added by the selling dealer. Total mileage is unknown.
The rear compartment features seating for 10 with four forward-facing seats and two inward-facing benches. Amenities include crank side windows, overhead lighting, collapsible cup holders, a Pyle fold-down flat-screen monitor, a DVD player, and audio speakers.
The replacement 454ci V8 was installed under prior ownership and sends power to the rear wheels through a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes an open-element air cleaner, an aluminum radiator, an electric cooling fan, exhaust headers, and a dual exhaust system. The oil was changed in preparation for the sale.
Additional underside photos can be viewed in the gallery below.
This REO Speed Wagon pickup was the subject of a custom build conducted over a multi-decade period by its previous owner, and it is powered by a 460ci Ford V8 mated to a C6 three-speed automatic transmission. The truck is finished in yellow over gray upholstery, and the body was modified with a custom-fabricated bed assembly and Chevrolet-sourced front fenders. Additional modifications include a replacement Ford truck frame, a dually rear axle, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, 16″ wheels, bucket seats, and a touchscreen media unit. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2022, this modified REO is now offered at no reserve with a clean Oregon title listing it as a 1942 REO pickup.
The body was customized, mounted over a replacement Ford-sourced frame, and refinished in yellow during the build according to the seller, who notes the hood and fenders have been welded together to form a front-hinged clamshell-style enclosure. Exterior details include a custom-fabricated bed and tailgate, Cadillac-style taillights, Chevrolet-model front fenders and headlights, chrome bumpers, fresh-air vents, side mirrors, and REO badging and graphics.
The eight-lug 16″ wheels wear chrome covers and are wrapped 225/60 Cooper tires. Braking is handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums, and the truck is equipped with power steering. The suspension utilizes leaf springs in the rear along with twin I-beams and coil springs up front.
The interior of the cab features bucket seats clad in gray cloth and vinyl upholstery along with color-coordinated carpeting and body-color surfaces. A touchscreen media unit is mounted at the center of the dash, and the truck is equipped with provisions for air conditioning, although the seller notes the compressor is disconnected and the system is inoperative.
A three-spoke steering wheel frames aftermarket instrumentation including an 80-mph speedometer and readings for voltage, temperature, oil pressure, and fuel level. The six-digit odometer displays 153k miles, and actual mileage is unknown.
The 460ci V8 features polished Ford Racing-branded valve covers and a matching treatment for the air cleaner housing. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a C6 three-speed automatic transmission. An oil change was completed in preparation for the sale.
Additional photos showing the suspension, chassis, and underside of the bed, as well as spots of corrosion on the underside are presented in the gallery below.
The VIN listed on the Oregon title corresponds with the sequence 119XHS6782 stamped on the frame.
If I’m correct, the average American male is 5’9”, the average woman being 5’4”. If you’re taller than the former or simply overweight, it’s possible you may not fit in a Lotus Elise. The company has had its ups and downs but, during those moments, no one could ever accuse Lotus of following the herd. While the Millennium found Lotus working with other manufacturers in order to survive, its incarnation would have founder Colin Chapman saluting the Elise if he were alive. For that reason, the Pick of the Day is 2005 Lotus Elise listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Tempe, Arizona.
The Elise made its debut at the end of 1996. Weighing in at just over 1,600 pounds, the Elise carried on the Lotus tradition after a host of supercar-esque models from the 1970s. With a vehicle so light, it didn’t take much horsepower to give it strong performance; in this case, a 118-horsepower 1.8-liter Rover inline-four was good for sub-6-second sprints to 0-60. Higher states of tune were available — up to 192. Considering Lotus’ MO is all about lightness and handling, the Elise was fulfilling the Lotus promise that had fallen by the wayside for years.
The Series 2 debuted at the end of 2000, mainly due to changing European safety standards. The little company that could, so to speak, acquired a partner in General Motors to help financially with the upgrades (and resulting in the Lotus-based Opel Speedster and Vauxhall VX220). The base engine was the same Rover 1.8, though now with 120 horsepower, with options up to 192 horsepower. But then, in 2004, Lotus began to use a DOHC 1.8-liter Toyota engine, though tuned by Lotus. For 2005, Americans got their first chance at an Elise, with the 189-horsepower four was good for sub-5-second 0-60 sprints, and even better with the Sport package. A facelifted Series 3 version was introduced in 2010, but Americans would only get one more year to buy one as Elise would disappear for 2012 due to a safety standard upgrade that Lotus decided to forego. For the rest of the world, it would continue just until a few months ago, some with a supercharger.
This Scottsdale, Arizona-based 2005 Lotus Elise has had one owner in its entire existence on this Earth. The original female owner has driven this bunch of British energy just 32,000 miles, and she kept every piece of documentation to show that the Elise was properly maintained. The Formula Red sportster is powered by a 190-horse Toyota 1.8-liter 2ZZ engine that is harnessed by a six-speed manual. Other features include 16-inch alloys wrapped in Yokohamas, sport seats, removable soft targa top, upgraded stereo including CD, and such niceties like air conditioning, power windows and keyless entry. “The beautiful sport interior is very clean and looks amazing!” claims the seller. “The [leather] seats have really held up well with no scuffs or ware lines.” No “Prince of Darkness” funny stuff from the days of old — “everything works in the car: lights, gauges, radio, seats, windows, locks, a/c blows ice cold, etc.” The Elise also comes with its original manuals and keys.
For $39,900, this 2005 Lotus Elise can be yours. With clean CARFAX and AutoCheck, you can have peace of mind. There haven’t been many pure sports cars in the American market in recent memory that haven’t weighed two tons, so if you wish for something pristine in the manner that Colin Chapman intended, look no further.
