Brands like Ford, General Motors, and others have become synonymous with the auto industry and cars overall. But many lesser-known car companies have come and gone over the years. Brands like American Motors (AMC), DeLorean, and even International have entered and exited the automotive market. Those brands that disappeared all brought something to the table at one point in time.
But ultimately, these companies had many issues with funding, sales, and/or design flaws. Some companies like Packard tried new designs and technology far ahead of their time. The aforementioned AMC was a company once ahead of the pack but it fell behind by the 1970s and ’80s. Automotive brands like DeLorean had great concepts, but the final product didn’t resonate with consumers. Check out these lesser-Known car brands that disappeared from the auto world forever right here.
Photo Credit: Mecum
DeLorean Motor Company
DeLorean Motor Company, or DMC for short, was founded by legendary automotive executive John DeLorean. The brand debuted on the market in 1975. The company goal was to build a different kind of sports car. Delorean sought government assistance by building the DeLorean factory in an area with high unemployment. The original DeLorean factory was built in 1978 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The DMC DeLorean is a mid-engined car, what a performance car from this era should be (via Britannica).
Photo Credit: Mecum
Unfortunately, the DMC was the only model the company produced. The automotive media lambasted the car for its underwhelming performance number of 0-60 in 10.5 seconds. They also didn’t like the inability to choose any color other than stainless steel. The fact that the car couldn’t be painted caused a lot of frustration among consumers who would have otherwise purchased a DMC. Coupled with John DeLorean’s takedown by the FBI, the brand was bankrupt by the early 1980s.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. 1. Sweepstakes Entry Period/Sponsor: The Classic Car Restoration Club Virtual Car Show Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) begins at 12:00:01 AM Central Time (“CT”) on 08/23/2022 and ends at 11:59:59 PM CT on 09/06/2022 (the “Sweepstakes Entry Period”). Sponsor: TN Marketing LLC (“Sponsor”), 2955 Xenium Ln N Suite…
Even though the outside temperature was nearing the century mark, it felt even hotter as we waited on the asphalt outside the roll-in car show. The smell of hot oil and antifreeze lingered in the air as a few cars succumb to the heat and found refuge at the side of the road. It’s surprising how heat and long lines can test the level of each persons patience. Getting off the road and into the event…
There are so many things to appreciate about classic car restoration. The fond memories and nostalgia, the amount of elbow grease we put into our rides, and the reward of cruising around town turning heads are just a few reasons we’re so committed to our project cars. We took a poll on social media to hear from a few of our community members to see what they wished more people appreciated about…
We know we’re not the only ones who love a good before-and-after transformation. That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favorite before-and-after photos submitted by members of the Official Classic Car Restoration Club Community Facebook group to share some restoration inspiration with you. Check out these amazing transformations and let us know what you think in the comments!
We always love to know what our members enjoy most from Classic Car Restoration Club, so we took a look at our most popular restoration projects, how-to videos, and tips over the past year. Here are your top five favorites from Classic Car Restoration Club in 2021! 1. Removing Decals from Your Car Whether it’s a decal that came with the car or one you put on yourself and regretted later…
This 1937 Studebaker J5 Coupe-Express is one of 3,125 examples produced for the model year and was built by Studebaker of Canada Limited in Walkerville, Ontario. It was purchased by the seller in 2014 and subsequently refurbished and modified. Power comes from a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 paired with a four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission, and the truck is finished in cream over red leather upholstery. Features include an independent front suspension and a four-link rear with QA1 coilovers as well as a Chevrolet 12-bolt rear end, a Fat Man Fabrications steering box, power-assisted Wilwood front disc brakes, a Be Cool aluminum radiator, driving lamps, chrome bumpers, running boards, a metal windshield visor, a side-mount spare wheel, air conditioning, power windows, a Grant banjo-style steering wheel on a tilt column, and a Bluetooth stereo. This modified J5 Coupe-Express is now offered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with refurbishment photos and a clean North Carolina title in the seller’s name.
The L5 Coupe-Express was a light-duty pickup that was introduced for 1937 and utilized the Studebaker Dictator passenger car frame and powertrain. It received annual styling updates until it was discontinued after the 1939 model year. The bodywork on this example was reportedly sandblasted and the fenders were widened by 2″ before it was repainted cream with red pinstriping under the seller’s ownership. Features include modified 1933 Ford chrome bumpers, driving lamps, Ducati-sourced front turn signals, a hood ornament, a metal windshield visor, dual side-view mirrors, running boards, and taillights sourced from a 1937 Chrysler. Imperfections in the finish can be seen in the gallery.
The 15″ red-painted wheels were reportedly sourced from a Corvette, and they wear chrome trim rings, Studebaker hubcaps, and BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. A spare wheel and hubcap are mounted under a body color cover in the right-front fender. The truck features an independent front suspension as well as a four-link rear setup, QA1 coilovers at all four corners, and a Fat Man Fabrications Mustang II-style steering box and stabilizer. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted Wilwood front disc brakes with slotted and cross-drilled rotors as well as rear drums.
The cab features a bench seat trimmed in red leather upholstery along with a matching headliner, door panels, and lower dashboard. Black carpets line the floors, and additional equipment includes power windows, a VintageAir HVAC system, and a Bluetooth stereo paired with Focal audio. The dashboard has a Bobby Allison signature.
The Grant wood-rimmed banjo-style steering wheel features a Studebaker hub button, and it is mounted on a tilt column ahead of a painted steel dash housing an AutoMeter 120-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The digital odometer shows 53k miles, 15k of which were added under the seller’s ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The 5.7-liter LT1 V8 was reportedly sourced from a 1996 Chevrolet and was rebuilt and installed under the seller’s ownership. An alternator is fitted along with a Be Cool aluminum radiator, dual electric fans, a custom airbox, and an Optima Red Top battery.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission and a Chevrolet 12-bolt rear end.
A collection of photos taken during the build can be seen in the gallery.
Here’s the greatest of American muscle cars owned by a member of the greatest of American rock bands. Arguable? I’m a betting man, so allow me to make a case for the Beach Boys and this 1971 Hemi’Cuda recreation that will be for sale at no reserve at the upcoming 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction.
The 426 Hemi is the performance engine to which all other engines are compared. Starting in 1964, the Hemi won 1-2-3 at Daytona. It also made a name for itself in sanctioned drag racing. When the Street Hemi arrived for 1966, it brought its legendary prowess to Everywhere, USA, behaving more like a tamed race car than a hot sedan. Car and Driver magazine once said that the “Hemi … has more pure mechanical presence than any other American automobile.” Some folks claim the 440 Six Pack was faster, and it’s quite possible that, all things being equal, it’s consistently faster through the traps — blame the high-end nature of the Hemi’s power band for that — but beware the owner who knows how to tune and drive a Hemi. This engine in a ‘Cuda is arguably the most desirable muscle car from the era, especially the 1971 version with its long list of appearance options that wild it up.
The Beach Boys may have started out as teeny-boppers, but they ended up as part of a triumvirate of 1960s music that included Bob Dylan and the Beatles. Brian Wilson quickly discovered that his bedroom was more interesting than a stage, so add some drugs, mental illness, and a musical escalation and you have a band that moved the goalposts and got everyone to make better music in its wake. Al Jardine, rhythm guitarist and vocalist for the Beach Boys since 1963 and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, can claim he was there through it all, thick and thin.
So we see no irony in the most desirable muscle car owned by a member of one of the most esteemed bands ever. Truth be told, Al’s ‘Cuda is a recreation of sorts, originally a ‘Cuda 340 from the factory. He commissioned the build in 2009 but eventually sold the car, with the new owner having the drivetrain refurbished by Lanier’s Speed Shop in Colorado. The rebuild included an Ohio Crankshaft rotating assembly with a 4340 forged stroker crank, Keith Black pistons, stainless valves, 1.57 roller rockers, cc-matched chambered cylinder heads and Schneider Racing camshaft, among other upgrades. Cubic inches now measure 477, with the Hemi having dyno’d at 494.3 horsepower and 570.7 ft-lb of torque.
That power is harnessed by the original 727 TorqueFlite automatic and 3.23 gears. Exhaust gases lead to dual 2.5-inch Flowmasters. Brakes have been upgraded to Wilwood Dynalite on all four corners, helping the ‘Cuda stop in a manner that would impress Consumer Reports magazine. Mags are custom-built 18-inch CNC-machined Budnick Wheels. All this is wrapped in “FC7” In Violet paint with white interior and matching “Billboard” decals, plus painted bumpers front and rear.
With less than 500 miles since the rebuild, this Hemi’Cuda is ready for someone to hop in and bruise some asphalt with “Good Vibrations” blasting through the cellphone (buying a factory-correct cassette player is up to you). A good match? If you agree with the case I’ve made, then you are a prime candidate for this 1971 Hemi’Cuda recreation, which is available with no reserve at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Friday, January 27, 2023.
Barrett-JacksonCollector Car Auctions will auction five charity vehicles during its 2023 Scottsdale Auction, January 21-29 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Each charity vehicle will cross the world-famous auction block with 100 percent of the hammer price going directly to its designated nonprofit organization. Helping raise over $149 million for charity to date, Barrett-Jackson is accustomed to auctioning VIN 001 vehicles to support charitable initiatives. The 2023 Scottsdale Auction will feature two of these highly collectible vehicles, including the 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV Edition 1 VIN 001 First Retail Production (Lot #3002) and the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001 (Lot #3004).
“Barrett-Jackson has helped raise more awareness and funds for charities across the county than any other collector car auction company,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re proud of the legacy we’ve earned as a company known for supporting organizations that help our military veterans, first responders, youth and those needing life-saving medical care. Together with our generous donors and bidders, we are improving the lives of countless Americans across the country.”
Lot 3004 – 2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001 selling to benefit JDRF
The 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV Edition 1 VIN 001 First Retail Production (Lot #3002) will be auctioned on Saturday, January 28, to benefit Tread Lightly!, a national initiative to protect and enhance recreation access and opportunities by promoting outdoor ethics to heighten individuals’ sense of good stewardship. The fully electric HUMMER EV SUV features a three-motor e4WD propulsion system with GM-estimated 830 horsepower and GM-estimated 11,500 ft/lbs of torque, 4-wheel steer with CrabWalk diagonal-drive functionality and Adaptive Air Suspension with available Extract Mode capability.
The 2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001 (Lot #3004) will be also auctioned on Saturday and 100 percent of its hammer price will benefit JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), the leading global organization harnessing the power of research, advocacy, and community engagement to advance life-changing breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes (T1D).. The all-new Mustang GT’s fourth-generation Coyote V8 offers up to 486 horsepower, a fighter-jet-inspired cockpit and bold new styling. The winning bidder can choose any standard Ford Mustang GT fastback option, including color, transmission and interior packages.
Lot 3003 – 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray selling to benefit America’s Promise Alliance
General Colin L. Powell’s 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (Lot #3003) will be featured on Saturday as well, and will be sold to benefit America’s Promise Alliance, an organization dedicated to pioneering collective impact work, bringing together organizations and communities around the most important issues facing the next generation. General Powell’s son, Michael Powell, will be on the auction block to support the sale of this cherished vehicle. Owned and driven daily by the late General Powell, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State, the Corvette is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine hooked to an automatic transmission. It is finished in Gunmetal Gray with a black interior and leather seats and has only 15,600 actual miles.
“Many of our greatest auction moments over the last five decades have been the sale of charity vehicles on our world-famous auction block,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ve shared celebrations and tears as our collector car family rallied around those in need. We’ll never fully grasp the extent of the countless lives saved and opportunities provided by the funds and awareness Barrett-Jackson has helped raise at our auctions, but it is an honor to continue to have the opportunity to impact the lives of those who need it the most.”
Lot 3001 – 2023 Ford F150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew Pickup selling to benefit Fighter County Foundation
A 2023 Ford F150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew Pickup (Lot #3001) will be sold Friday, January 27, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Fighter County Foundation to support the men, women and families of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona by enhancing the morale, well-being, culture, tradition and sustainability of the base. Recently named the 2023 North American Truck of the Year, this electric pickup is equipped with the Platinum Lightning Series Package, features a 145-inch wheelbase and is powered by a 300-mile dual emotor-extended-range battery with single-speed transmission. The exterior of this vehicle is finished in Iconic Silver Metallic, while the interior is black with black leather and was inspired by the fighter jet F-35 Lightning.
The 2021 Shelby Super Snake Count Kustoms Edition (Lot #3000) will cross the block on Friday to benefit Camp Freedom, a nonprofit that serves veterans, first responders, their family members and Gold Star families by providing peer-to-per interaction and camaraderie combine with an outdoor adventure to bring life-saving healing to these true American heroes. Customized by Count’s Kustoms, this vehicle is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine equipped with a supercharger and a special tune to deliver over 800hp and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Those interested in registering to bid on these five charity vehicles as well as the entire 2023 Scottsdale Auction docket may do so here.
Advance ticket pricing and VIP packages are available here. Barrett-Jackson also provides discounted tickets for children, students, seniors, military and first responders.
“The Grand Tour,” Amazon Prime’s car show presented by former “Top Gear” hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, may be coming to an end soon.
Citing anonymous sources, Variety reported on Monday that Amazon’s streaming service will cease working with Clarkson beyond what the two parties have already agreed upon.
Clarkson also appears in the separate Amazon Prime show “Clarkson’s Farm.”
Filming of new episodes for both shows is currently underway, but according to Variety there likely won’t any new episodes of either show beyond 2024, apart from a possible final episode for “The Grand Tour” that may carry over into 2025. That last episode is one of four final episodes for the show, according to Variety.
The report comes after Clarkson made scathing comments about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in a Dec. 16 article for The Sun, which the newspaper has removed.
In the article, whose title was “One day, Harold the glove puppet will tell the truth about A Woman Talking B*****ks,” Clarkson described Harry as being fully controlled by Markle, and also expressed how much he hated Markle.
He also referenced a scene from “Game of Thrones” in which Lena Headey’s character, Cersei, had to parade naked while townspeople threw their trash at her. In the article, Clarkson said he dreamed of the same one day happening to Markle.
Amazon Prime hasn’t commented on the controversy, but Clarkson in one of several public apologies said the streaming service was “incandescent” about his treatment of the Duke and Duchess, Variety reported.
“The Grand Tour” first appeared on Amazon Prime in 2016 but went on hiatus after 2021 due to difficulties in filming new episodes caused by pandemic-related travel restrictions. Amazon Prime originally snagged Clarkson for the show, together with Hammond and May, after Clarkson was fired by the BBC, the producer of “Top Gear,” due to his 2015 attack on a fellow staff member.
