Hemmings

Who hasn’t driven their classic on a drizzly or misty day and been annoyed by the archaic two-speed wiper system that’s either too fast or too slow for the prevailing conditions? Reaching for the wiper switch and toggling it on and off gets old in a hurry, plus there’s the extra wear and tear on the switch and related electrical system and components. But right around the time the muscle car era was just getting underway, relief from the irritating responsibilities of wiper control was also being addressed.

We all have Robert Kearns, an engineer and relentless garage tinkerer, to thank for creating the impulse wiper system back in the mid-Sixties. His invention was so radical, however, that when the engineers at Ford Motor Company first saw it, they were convinced he was activating the prototype by a hidden switch and asked him to leave the room while they inspected his invention. Once convinced of its feasibility, Ford’s decision makers (and those of other car companies) soon offered Kearns’ concept in their new-car option lists.

Today, Kearns’ invention is ubiquitous enough that virtually all cars have standard equipment windshield wipers offering a varying number of blade speeds, allowing us to contend with any type of precipitation, from a drizzle to a downpour. The opportunity to retrofit classic machines with this technology was recognized by Detroit Speed & Engineering (DSE), which designed its Selecta-Speed wiper kits for many of the muscle era’s popular models. These kits are designed to provide a bolt-in replacement for the stock two-speed wiper motor, offering a relatively simple way to upfit your ride with a seven-speed (high, low, and five delays) impulse wiper system. The updated wiper system should vastly improve your ability to navigate through any kind of weather.

The kits currently available fit a variety of popular muscle machines, with still more applications currently in the design stages. A universal system is also offered for more esoteric vehicles, making this a feasible upgrade for anyone willing to do a bit of engineering and adapting on their own. DSE’s reputation for crafting well-designed and constructed componentry for a variety of applications is evident here, as the Selecta-Speed impulse wiper kits provide all the necessary hardware and detailed instructions. All you need is the inclination and expertise to install them.

We ordered one for a Chevelle, and managed to complete its installation in an afternoon using only basic hand tools. While there may be minor variances that are unique to each installation, the basic procedure is pretty much the same for all custom designed applications. Without question, the impulse wiper kit is another upgrade that makes cruising in any classic machine that much more enjoyable, regardless of the weather conditions.

How to Install Intermittent Wipers on a Classic Chevelle

SOURCES

Detroit Speed & Engineering; 704-746-8132; detroitspeed.com

Tom Peters vividly recalls the first time he went for a ride in the iconic American sports car. “It was a 1968 coupe,” he says. “I caught a ride home in one on the way home from work one day, when I was a teenager.” Tom was caddying at a Minnetonka, Minnesota, country club and says that, while brief, the encounter left a lasting impression. “It was only about a mile or so in that car,” he says. “But the way I sat down in that interior, looking out over the long nose and arching front fenders — it all just burned into my brain. It was inspiring.”

Photo by Barry Kluczyk

More than just that first-year C3 burned into Tom’s young mind. The whole car culture of the Sixties and the muscle car era blossomed during his formative years, etching the design ethos of the time into the brain of a kid who got in trouble for sketching cars in class. Fortunately, he never stopped drawing through high school, and by his second year in college, at Louisiana Tech, he happened on a catalog for the Art Center College of Design, in Los Angeles.

“It was an epiphany. It exposed me to the world of industrial design, and everything just clicked,” Tom says. “That’s where I needed to be, and it changed my life.”

During his sophomore year at Art Center, Tom was invited to participate in General Motors’ annual internship program. That was 1978; by 1982, he was hired and went to work at GM’s Advanced Design studio, where his first assignment was developing concepts for a super-aerodynamic electric sedan.

Photo by Barry Kluczyk

“It was a great start and a couple of years later, after seeing a scale model I did for a future Corvette, Jerry Palmer — the chief designer for the Chevrolet 3 studio at the time — asked me to join the team that was responsible for the Corvette, Camaro, and Beretta,” Tom says. “It was an amazing opportunity, and I began contributing to the 1985 Camaro IROC-Z.” He also established the final theme for the landmark, mid-engine Corvette Indy concept that debuted in 1986 and featured a GM Lotus-Ilmor 32-valve racing engine. GM and Lotus, of course, would partner on the development of the original, 1990 Corvette ZR-1, which featured a 32-valve DOHC 5.7-liter V-8.

Tom also did the directional-style wheel that debuted on the 1988 Z51 package and became the standard wheel in 1989, along with what he calls the “bear claw” side vents that debuted on the facelifted 1991 Corvette.

More Corvette work followed, including the concept design that influenced the C5’s styling, which led to serving as the exterior design director for the C6, C7, and C8 models. It was after seeing the mid-engine C8 off to production — and more than 35 years at GM — that Tom decided to pack up his art markers and call it a career.

Leaving the Corvette team was bittersweet, Tom says, after so much time in the studio, but the car wasn’t about to drive out of his life. He still harbored the desire to build a C3, like the one that inspired him about half a century earlier.

Photo by Barry Kluczyk

“I had done a few other cars over the years, but I really wanted to do this Corvette when I had the time and focus to do exactly as I envisioned,” he says. “And I always loved the look of the L88 race cars, like the Randy Wittine-designed Owens-Corning wide-body car driven by Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson — fender flares and side exhaust on a roadster with a hardtop. It was the toughest-looking thing on the track.”

The look had been locked in Tom’s brain for decades when he finally decided to pull the trigger for the build. He went as far as purchasing a project car, but it was a rough specimen. Turn Key Automotive’s Rich Rinke, the builder tagged to bring the vision to reality (he also builds the COPO Camaro factory race cars for Chevrolet), suggested a ’69 roadster a friend of his spotted at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in 2016 might make a better starting point.

“I was actually out there chasing a ’65 Impala SS convertible at one of the other auctions, when Rich called me about the car,” Tom says. “I was waiting for my wife Carolyn to arrive; she’s always been my partner with these cars. I wasn’t even registered for the Barrett-Jackson auction, but we worked out the bidding through a third party. It all happened very quickly and when I finally saw my wife later that evening, I surprised her with the Corvette for her birthday.”

It was white and an original big-block car, but with a 454-cu.in. crate engine. That was important, because Tom didn’t want to cut up a numbers-matching Corvette — and the cutting started just as soon as the car arrived at Rinke’s shop, north of Detroit.

Photo by Barry Kluczyk

“The first thing we did was hold up the fender flares to get an idea of their fit and placement,” Tom recalls. Later, after having the flares properly bonded to the vintage fiberglass, the car was painted the same silver as the original 1959 Sting Ray race car concept. And when we say the same silver, we mean it. Tom actually located the original color chip in the General Motors Design Center and matched it.

That’s pretty cool — and so are the wheels and tires filling out the fender flares, which include a period-perfect set of American Racing Torq-Thrust D wheels, measuring 15 x 8.5 inches in the front and 15 x 10 inches in the rear; along with Hoosier racing radials that contribute significantly to the car’s track-inspired aesthetic.

“The car is largely Tom’s vision, but I put my foot down on the tires,” Carolyn Peters, his wife, says. “They were going to clean them up and paint the letters, so that it all looked brand-new, but I insisted the tires should remain a little dirty and gritty looking. Looks better that way.”

No argument here.

With electronically controlled port injection, the induction system has the appearance of vintage racing-spec mechanical injection, but with daily-drivable control, responsiveness and finesse.Photo by Barry Kluczyk

When it came to the engine, Tom was again inspired by the performance trends of his youth, specifically the towering velocity stacks on the engines of everything from drag-racing gassers and A/FX cars to the thundering big-blocks of the Can Am race cars.

“The imagery of them was so vibrant and exotic,” he says. “I wanted to pay homage to that with this car.”

Starting with a contemporary Chevrolet Performance ZL1 aluminum cylinder block, Rinke’s shop scratch-built a period-perfect Rat engine with forged internals and Edelbrock aluminum heads, then topped it an Inglese individual-runner EFI system. Aesthetics being everything to a designer, Tom had the system fitted with classic-looking Kinsler velocity stacks that were individually trimmed to ensure they were not only perfectly even, but protruded from the L88-style hood with just the right presence. “I wanted to make the statement, but not overdo it — well, maybe a little,” he says. “The look is everything and these stacks deliver it by reaching just a little over the top.”

Photo by Barry Kluczyk

It’s worth noting, too, that Tom had an original L88 hood for the car but couldn’t bring himself to cut a hole in it, so it’s now hanging in the living room. The one on the car is an aftermarket reproduction. Along with the injection system, the engine exhales through functional stainless steel side exhausts from Doug’s Headers. It complements the car’s visual feast with an aural chaser.

“I absolutely love the sound of that engine through the side exhaust,” Carolyn says. “It makes everyone smile and it sounds great with the crackle and popping on deceleration. It’s the perfect soundtrack for this car.”

Backing the boisterous big-block is a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox that channels torque to a 12-bolt differential filled with a Detroit Locker and 3.55 gears. Additional chassis and suspension upgrades include Ridetech front and rear coilover conversions, with JRI double-adjustable dampers, a Wilwood four-wheel disc brake system, and a Borgeson power-steering system.

The red cockpit is largely stock, with only the chrome-stick shifter for the Tremec TKO five-speed manual gearbox diverging from the Corvette’s otherwise factory equipment.Photo by Barry Kluczyk

The one thing that wasn’t touched on the car was the red interior, which retains a factory radio-delete plate. The upholstery and other cabin trim were all in excellent condition upon the car’s purchase and there was no need to embellish it, with the injection stacks, side exhaust, and fender flares doing all of this Corvette’s talking.

“It’s a very easy car to drive and the power comes on instantly,” Tom says. “I love that it feeds the senses — the look, sound, and feel. It’s everything. And with the top off, you hear the stacks drawing air when you put your foot down. It’s just what was simmering in my mind over the years.”

It’s that vision thing. We can all be glad Tom Peters nourished it for so many years in the studio and, with this ’69 roadster, in his personal garage.

Owner’s View

Every drive in this Corvette is an experience. It is a beast in all the best ways, and we haven’t quite found the edge of its performance yet, because there doesn’t seem to be a bottom of its power reserve. The engine just keeps pulling and pulling. In fact, it’s a little intimidating, because we don’t know exactly how the car is going to react. We’re creeping up on it and that’s the fun part—exploring exactly what car is capable of. —Tom and Carolyn Peters

Specifications-1969 Chevrolet Corvette

ENGINE

Block type: Chevrolet Mark IV-style “big-block” with Chevrolet Performance ZL1 aluminum block

Cylinder heads: Edelbrock Performer RPM aluminum with 315-cc intake runners

Displacement: 427 cubic inches

Bore x stroke: 4.250 x 3.750 inches

Compression ratio: 10.1:1

Horsepower: 480 (est.)

Torque: 520 lb-ft (est.)

Crankshaft: Forged steel

Camshaft: Comp Cams hydraulic roller

Induction system: Inglese port fuel injection intake manifold with custom individual velocity stacks

Ignition system: FAST dual-sync distributor

Exhaust system: Headers with side exhaust outlets

TRANSMISSION

Type: Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual

Ratios: 1st/2.87:1 … 2nd/1.89:1 … 3rd/1.28:1 … 4th/1.00:1 … 5th/0.82 … Reverse/2.56:1

DIFFERENTIAL

Type: GM 12-bolt with Detroit Locker limited-slip differential and stub axles

Ratio: 3.55:1

STEERING

Type: Borgeson power-assisted recirculating ball

Ratio: 12.7:1

BRAKES

Type: Wilwood power-assisted four-wheel disc

Front: 12.19-in slotted rotors with six-piston calipers

Rear: 11.75-in slotted rotors with four-piston calipers

SUSPENSION

Front: Independent with RideTech coil-over conversion with JRI adjustable dampers and anti-sway bar

Rear: Independent with RideTech coil-over conversion with JRI adjustable dampers and anti-sway bar

WHEELS & TIRES

Wheels: American Racing Torq-Thrust D

Front: 15 x 8.5 inches Rear: 15 x 10 inches

Tires: Hoosier Quick Time radial

Front: 275/50D15 Rear: 325/50D15

According to published figures, this four-speed, Ram Air, 428 Cobra Jet-equipped 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible is one rare cat. Combining its color combination with the muscle car’s powertrain options narrows its production number to just one example in existence.

Let’s break it down: Just 66 XR-7 convertibles were built with the 428 CJ engine for the 1970 model year. Only 17 of them, like this one, were equipped with the four-speed manual transmission. That’s not all: The Marti Report reveals that two of those 17 muscle cars were sprayed with Competition Blue paint from the factory, and just one received black leather interior. This is that car.

This rare Q-code Mercury Cobra Jet also received a long list of factory options, including a black power top, center console, power front disc brakes, power steering, intermittent wipers, and more. It received a rotisserie-type restoration in 2015. According to the auction listing details on Hemmings, the car was finished to a concours-level, sticking as closely to factory specs as possible down to its blue paint. It has only seen 200 miles since completion.

The restoration included the installation of a confirmed period-correct (but not numbers-matching) 428-cu.in. Cobra Jet V8. The engine was enhanced with hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel compatibility, and the build included balancing and blueprinting. The mean muscle machine produced 391 horsepower and 485 lb.-ft. of torque during dyno testing.

From the factory, the 1969-1970 428 Cobra Jet engines packed 335 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 440 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 RPM. Ford 428 Cobra Jet power was also available in a handful of other models from 1968 to 1970, including the 1968-1970 Ford Mustang, 1968 and ‘69 Ford Fairlane, 1968- ‘69 Ford Torino, 1969 Ford Cobra, the 1968 and ‘69 Mercury Cyclone and CJ, 1969 Mercury Montego, and the 1968 Mercury Comet and Shelby GT500KR. Muscle car enthusiasts will be hard pressed to find such a unique Cobra Jet-equipped car on the market than this 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible.

The folks at Carlisle Events are gearing up to celebrate their 50^th anniversary and as most know, they serve up some exceptional domestic brand specific shows. While those events usually draw in massive like-minded crowds, the Import & Performance Nationals fills in the void by mainly covering foreign manufacturers, while also addressing the broad spectrum of the aftermarket for many of those vehicles.

This year’s show, which took place on May 12-14, drew a sizable crowd and as with any open-air show, the weather usually factors into the equation. While bright sunny skies bathed the fairgrounds on Friday, the following day folks were treated to ominous cloud and light rain – usually a decisive blow for many events. We’re happy to report that this show defied those odds with an exceptionally strong turnout.

These Renault Alliances could easily pass as French-built vehicles, but they were actually built in the United States with roughly 75% domestic content between 1983 and 1987. This was due to Renault’s stake in American Motors…Renault designed the exterior, and the interior was handled by AMC.John Machaqueiro

One of the aspects of this gathering that makes it unique is that it also serves as a meeting place for many car clubs to hold their annual get-togethers. This year there were a total of 37 clubs spread out across the showfield, with the two largest contingents having a decidedly Swedish flavor in the form of Volvo and Saab, with the latter regularly taking home top bragging rights with over 250 cars in attendance.

Every year the organizers also feature a specific brand, or theme in the various buildings on the property. Elegance and opulence could be found on display in Building Y with a fine example of Rolls-Royce automobiles, while Building T had a mix of Audi, Honda, and a number of other manufacturers.

This 1958 DKW Schnellaster (German: “Rapid Transporter”) was the first product built after World War II by the newly-formed Auto Union company. Produced between 1949 and 1962, they were assembled in many different configurations along with slightly different displacement engines. John Machaqueiro

As with all Carlisle events, the swap meet area is always part of the overall equation and numerous vendors were on hand selling parts, and in some cases complete cars, while the Manufacturers Midway catered to the aftermarket vendors.

The 2024 edition of the Import & Performance Nationals will take place on May 11 -12, 2024 at the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

After a Challenger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak owner announced that Dodge denied a $36,000 warranty claim for his muscle machine’s blown engine, stating damages were not covered due to a muffler modification, Dodge disclosed further information to answer the public’s questioning. Long story short: making any changes to the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module will leave a permanent, detectable mark.

When CarScoops reached out to Brennon Vinet, the aforementioned Challenger SRT Hellcat owner, Vinet claimed Dodge denied a full report on the reason why his damages were not covered, so the publication circled back to Dodge for questioning. Dodge began by stating that “tampering with any emission control device could end up causing a denial of coverage depending on what the issue is.” Dodge had valid reason to believe that Vinet’s Hellcat was tuned. But how?

“The warranty claim was rejected after a Stellantis Calibration Engineer ran Powertrain Control Module (PCM) diagnostics and confirmed that the vehicle’s PCM was tampered with and contained non-factory software,” a Dodge spokesperson told CarScoops. “I haven’t seen anything on our end regarding mufflers,” he added.

According to the spokesperson, the Dodge dealership runs a series of diagnostic tests, one of which is a report that reveals whether the car’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has been tampered with, for example, if unauthorized software has been installed. Even if the Dodge is flashed back to its factory settings, the car’s PCM sets an internal code, essentially a red flag that tells Dodge that the system has been tampered with. Vinet’s claim was ultimately declined due to PCM and emissions tampering.

It’s not uncommon for companies to deny claims over non-factory tuning, among other vehicle modifications. Vinet’s story is a cautionary reminder: tune vehicles under warranty at your own risk.

Amazon Studios announced the return of The Grand Tour in a new special titled “Eurocrash,” scheduled to air on Friday, June 16th, on Prime Video. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will reportedly play out their antics during a 1,400-mile journey through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. The information revealed by Amazon is limited, however, teaser images hint toward which vehicles the stars chose for their central Europe road trip.

One photo shows the trio standing by three unlikely road trip candidates. Hammond is leaning on a bright yellow Chevrolet SSR, the short-lived retro-designing pickup produced between 2003 and 2006. Clarkston brings a one-of-500 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde, a ‘90s Japanese creation inspired by the Nissan Silvia S13 (Nissan 180SX). On the far left, James May is posing in front of a Crosley convertible, a microcar that was manufactured in Ohio from the late-‘30s to the early-’50s.

A second photo shows Clarkston piloting the Mitsuoka Le-Seyde, presumably racing against someone on horseback. I

In the third image, the trio is at a racetrack looking perplexed, with Clarkston wearing a well-fitting racing helmet.

The Grand Tour “Eurocrash” special promises plentiful escapades, plus an appearance of a famous racecar driver and snippets of “Soviet style” Formula 1 racing.

There are rumors spreading across the internet that question whether Amazon will continue airing the The Grand Tour series after the currently commissioned episodes are complete due to Clarkson’s controversial commentary regarding Meghan Markle, which he since publicly apologized for. Regardless, fans still have four more Grand Tour specials to look forward to, plus a third series of the critically acclaimed Clarkson’s Farm.

The Gambler 500 is an off-road navigational challenge and scavenger hunt event held annually in the United States. The event is open to anyone with a car that costs $500 or less, and participants must link pre-determined checkpoints using only public roads, forest service roads, and designated trails. While the event is about off-road rally navigation, the Gambler is also changing the way we think about wheeling.

Rally Racing…With A Twist

The origins of the Gambler 500 trace back to 2014 in Oregon, as a way for a group of friends to explore the backcountry in their cheap cars. Organized by Tate Morgan and Jim Davis, they wanted to create a low-budget rally that would encourage people to experience their local trail systems, while also helping maintain them. Over the years the Gambler name has caught plenty of traction, cleaning up trash-ridden backcountry areas across the United States, Canada, and even Iceland.

The “Chop Top Challenge” team used their Jeep Grand Cherokee as a trail-going garbage truck, with team members acting as ride-on garbage men during the event.Hunter Madison

One of the key principles of the Gambler 500 is “Leave No Trace”. Participants are expected to respect the environment and leave it as they found it, and any trash or debris brought in or found must be packed out. In most cases, the event “winner” is the participant that packs out the most garbage from the trails. The Gambler has partnered with organizations such as the National Forest Foundation, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to promote responsible use of public lands, and even companies like Ford.

The rally itself takes place over two days, with a different route every year. The organizers provide a list of checkpoints that the teams have to reach, but the exact route taken is up to them. These checkpoints are usually located in remote and scenic areas. Participants have to be prepared for all sorts of challenges, from mechanical failures to extreme weather conditions. The rally can be grueling, with long hours of driving rough terrain and river crossings.

Don’t Miss The Mad Max memo…

Participants are also encouraged to decorate their vehicles in creative ways, with many choosing to go with a “Mad Max”- like post-apocalyptic theme. The event has become known for its unique and quirky atmosphere, with participants often dressing up in costumes and decorating their cars with wild designs.

Jeremy Frizzell’s six-inch lifted, twin-turbocharged V6 Ford Mustang sits with a similarly-modified Lexus LS400 at the start of the event.Hunter Madison

The Gambler 500 has spawned a whole subculture of car enthusiasts who share a love for adventure and a do-it-yourself spirit. Many participants have formed teams and built their cars together, creating a strong sense of community and friendship. The event has also inspired similar rallies in other parts of the country, with participants putting their own spin on the concept, such as the HooptieX racing series.

“Always Be Gamblin'”

The Gambler 500 has become a popular event for car enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. It offers a unique and affordable way to explore and maintain the beauty of the backcountry, while also promoting a sense of community and camaraderie among participants.

One of the bigger items removed from the trails was this decrepit Airstream trailer that was filled full of old tires and trash. The trailer was dragged back to camp.Hunter Madison

In a world where high-performance cars and expensive racing events dominate the automotive scene, the Gambler 500 stands out as a refreshing and inclusive alternative. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned off-roader or if it is your first time treading off of the paved path, the Gambler 500 will put you in the driver seat and directly onto the trail.

Make sure to look for a Gambler 500 event in your state, to earn your own “Litter Gitter” title!

The sixth annual 2023 Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance attracted a field of incredible classic and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, earlier this month, May 5^th through the 7^th. A 1928 Auburn 8-115 Speedster earned this year’s Best of Show trophy. Owner Richard Harding accepted the award, which was made by glass artists at Lamp Light Glass Art at The Greenbrier.

The Auburn 8-115 Speedster was originally built in Auburn, Indiana by the Auburn Automotive Company. Its sleek design features a raked windshield, doors and hood louvres and the famous “boat tail” rear end to give the impression of speed. This bright green example was found in an Ohio field by Richard Harding’s father in 1992, who spent many years collecting parts and bringing it back to life. After his father passed, Harding began and completed the vintage car’s frame-off restoration. He did all the work himself apart from paint and upholstery.

“First, I thought of my dad,” said Harding to show organizers while reflecting on his reaction to hearing his named called for the day’s top award. “He would be surprised. We had never had an opportunity to show a car here before for one reason or another, but the facility is just fantastic. I had never been to a resort like this. It’s just unbelievable. I would encourage anybody to come here for a visit. It was an honor just to be here.”

Harding’s meticulously restored Auburn was one of 11 other class winners parked on the picturesque show field. “We had some incredible cars and there was such a wide variety that our judges had to consider,” said Phil Neff, Chief Judge, The Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance. “Their jobs are never easy, because of the quality of the cars in the field, but I’m proud of the job they did. We have an amazing team.”

According to the event’s press release, the 2023 Greenbrier Concours d’Elegance Best-in-Class winners are as follows:

• Personal Luxury: 1965 ISO Rivolta GT (John Gailey; Malvern, Pennsylvania)
• Foreign Sports Cars (Closed): 1963 Porsche Carrera 2 Coupe (Thomas Zarella; Gloucester, Massachusetts)
• Foreign Sports Cars (Open): 1970 Porsche 911E Targa (Brad Shisler; Columbus, Ohio)
• Race Cars: 1957 Ferrari 250 FT LWB (Frederick Fischer; Wildwood, Missouri)
• Pre-War Cars: 1912 Cadillac Torpedo (Jim Elliot; Yorktown, Virginia)
• Motorcycles: 1971 Honda SL350 (James Gannon; Hico, West Virginia)
• Post-War Convertibles: 1967 Pontiac 2+2 Convertible (Richard Larabee; Farmington Hills, Michigan)
• Muscle Cars: 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible (Steven Race; Cumming, Georgia)
• Classics: 1929 Dusenberg Model J Roadster by Murphy (Dwight Schaubach; Carrollton, Virginia)
• Packards (Open): 1923 Packard 126 Single Six Runabout (Dwight Schaubach; Carrollton, Virginia)
• Packards (Closed): 1938 Packard 1608 Twelve Town Car by Rollston (Bob Tiffin; Red Bay, Alabama)

Twelve other special awards were also presented, including:

• People’s Choice: 1959 BMW 600 (David Lowen; Roanoke, Virginia)
• Chief Judge’s Award (Selected by Phil Neff): 1958 BMW 507 (Thomas Pesikey; Wilmington, Delaware)
• Duke of Windsor Award (Most Elegant Closed Car): 1938 Packard 1604 Super Eight Coupe by Mayfair (Ralph Marano; Garwood, New Jersey)
• Princess Grace Award (Most Elegant Open Car): 1940 Packard 180 Custom Super Eight Darrin (Greg Ornazian; Rochester Hills, Michigan)
• Dorothy Draper Award (Most Stylish Interior): 1979 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (Jared Aiello; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• Sam Snead Award (Best Country Club Car): 1956 Continental Mark II (John Keesee; York, Pennsylvania)
• Eisenhower Award (Best Cold War Era Car): 1946 Packard Custom Super Clipper LWB Sedan by Henney (Don Wood; Johnson City, Tennessee)
• Artist’s Award: 1948 Jaguar Mark IV 3.5-Litre Drophead Coupe (Roger Crawford; Tallahassee, Florida)
• Most Historically Significant Road Car: 1973 Jaguar XKE Convertible (Ralph McGee; Concord, North Carolina)
• Most Historically Significant Sports or Race Car: 1979 Spirit/AMX (Michael Weaver; Joppa, Maryland)
• AACA “Spirit of the Hobby” Award: Entire Motorcycle Class (James Gannon; Hico, West Virginia)
• Bill Davis Memorial Award (Best Car from West Virginia): 1951 DeSoto Custom Convertible (Timothy Holbert; Bridgeport, West Virginia)

Italian engineer and designer Giotto Bizzarrini passed away at age 96 last week. Known for leading the Ferrari 250GTO design and for powering the Lamborghini Miura, Bizzarrini achieved several groundbreaking accomplishments that would forever enhance the performance world.

Bizzarrini’s beginning as a test driver ultimately led him to leading the development of the famous Ferrari 250 GTO, one of, if not the, most sought-after collector cars in the world. Later, when a private Ferrari 250 GTO owner hired him to make racing enhancements, the result was the long-bodied, low-slug Bread Van Ferrari. But Bizzarrini’s engineering expertise didn’t stop at Ferrari.

Giotto Bizzarini and a small-block Chevy V8 engine used in the 5300.

The Lamborghini Miura came to life because of his quad-cam V12 engine design which somehow shoehorned transversely behind the seats and ahead of the rear axle. The ISO Grifo A3/C, Grifo Strada, and Rivolta also wouldn’t exist without Bizzarrini’s influence. He even created a special version of the ISO under his own company name, the Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300. He designed many vehicles during his time working as an independent consultant.

Giotto Bizzarrini with his newly designed and built Iso Grifo A3/C at Monza in northern Italy.

Bizzarrini was more recently recognized by the University of Florence in 2012, when he was awarded with an honorary doctorate in engineering for his many talents. Earlier this year, in February 2023, the Bizzarrini company re-emerged and announced plans for a V12 powered supercar called the Giotto, a car that, if all goes well, will likely be an impressive tribute to the man who forever made his mark in automotive history.

The hardworking staff of Hemmings Auctions is proud to share with you some of the most notable vehicles they have helped to find enthusiastic new homes for over the past week. Fifty-four new vehicle listings launched between May 7th, and Saturday the 13th. Of those, 34 sold, including 11 post-auction Make Offer listings. This equates to a sell-through rate of 63 percent. You can keep abreast of the latest consignments by subscribing to the daily Hemmings Auctions email newsletter.

1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray

Reserve: $135,000

Selling Price: $155,400

Recent Market Range: $122,000-$165,000

Some vehicles spark real passion, as seen in the incredible response to this ’66 Corvette coupe that changed hands near the top of its value range. Its impressive selling price arrived after 35 bids, 13 time extensions, and more than 30,000 views. Why? It was a one-owner car with a 390-hp 427-cu.in. V-8, four-speed manual, and fewer than 37,000 miles… and was a Bloomington Gold-certified “Survivor.” This show-quality car went with numerous original take-off parts, and it looked very good, although the factory Milano Maroon paint exhibited a bit of age. The V-8 showed honest wear, unlike the black vinyl interior. Its seller interacted with interested parties, and the Corvette sold handsomely.

1986 Porsche 911 Carrera

Reserve: $56,000

Selling Price: $78,750

Recent Market Range: $58,000-$77,500

The 911 had only recently begun to be available in Cabriolet form in the mid-1980s and this desirable body style was in short supply, leading to the private importation and federalization of European-market examples. That’s what this one-owner, 60,623-mile ’86 with U.S.-spec lighting (and potentially another 24 horsepower) represented, and it got people excited with an impressive auction end. The Porsche was described as having “flawless” paint, and its blue leather interior looked very inviting under a color-matched top. The satellite radio and brakes were aftermarket additions, but the tidy air-cooled flat-six engine and five-speed were unmodified. This Carrera beat its top market value.

1932 Chevrolet BA Confederate

Reserve: $20,000

Selling Price: $28,351

Recent Market Range: $18,000-$26,000

Early-1930s Chevrolets had upmarket styling that earned them the nickname “baby Cadillac,” and that was appropriate to this BA Confederate five-window coupe. It was restored with modifications to improve drivability, including the fitment of a 115-hp, circa-1954 inline-six, comprehensive aftermarket gauges, and LED stop and turn lighting. The $30,000 in work receipts covered the attractive black paint –several blemishes were reported– and nice chrome, as well as its tidy, cloth-upholstered interior and vinyl-covered rumble seat. Minor surface corrosion was evident underneath, and the car was said to run and drive without issue. The hammer price seemed appropriate for this fine driver.

1986 Toyota FJ45 Land Cruiser

Reserve: $41,000

Selling Price: $46,200

Recent Market Range: $39,000-$56,000

As fans of the marque know, high mileage means little to Toyota vehicles. The 300,000 kilometers (186,413 miles) on this ’86 FJ45 Land Cruiser were a badge of honor. The truck received a recent body-off restoration in South America before being imported, and it was apparently in excellent shape with no rust, blemish-free Dune Beige paint, and LED headlamps. The interior looked factory-correct and contained working A/C and a modern stereo, and the 4.2-liter inline-six engine, four-speed manual, and part-time 4WD system all worked with no problems. The undercarriage looked clean and the suspension was said to be new. This FJ sold in the heart of its value range as a Make Offer listing.

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Reserve: $35,000

Selling Price: $49,875

Recent Market Range: $45,000-$69,000

Few Fifties cars are more recognizable and universally appreciated than a pastel-colored 1955 Ford Thunderbird. This example was said to have received a body-off restoration six years ago, leaving it in factory-accurate driver condition. No paint chips or scratches were divulged, and the white vinyl top was recently installed. The two-tone interior was missing its sun visors but was otherwise intact, and the original AM radio was noted not to work. Older bias-ply tires were mounted and the undercarriage looked clean, a complement to the 162-hp, 292-cu.in. V-8 and Ford-O-Matic transmission. Thirty-two bids, plus eight time extensions, were needed to find this baby-blue ’Bird a new home.

1957 Chevrolet 3200

1957 Chevrolet 3200

1957 Chevrolet 3200

1957 Chevrolet 3200

1957 Chevrolet 3200

1957 Chevrolet 3200

Reserve: $28,000

Selling Price: $31,238

Recent Market Range: $26,000-$41,000

George Barris, dubbed as “the king of customizers,” created some of the 20th century’s most famous vehicles. This Chevrolet pickup was the Barris Kustom Industries shop truck from 2008-on, lending celebrity provenance that brought it a reasonably good sum. The 3200, sold by the Barris family, had older paint with some scratches and minor rust; its bed and side boards (bearing company advertising) were oak, and the gas tank was relocated into bed. Powering it was an overbored, four-barrel-carbureted 235-cu.in. six mated to a three-speed manual, and front disc brakes were fitted. The Barris Kustom logo was embroidered on the cab’s bench seat. A certificate of authenticity sealed the deal.