Journal Classic Cars

Chevrolet has produced close to two million Corvettes over the past 72 years, but if you look at certain points in the car’s history, you’ll see that some are much rarer than others. For instance, Chevy only built five 1963 Grand Sports, and there were supposedly only two ’69 ZL1s. As the following video from the National Corvette Museum shows, there was no official 1983 Corvette, but one of the pre-production cars still exists thanks to an odd combination of circumstances.

According to Dave McLellan, the Corvette’s chief engineer from 1975 until 1992, the third-generation Corvette ran too long, and GM had trouble adapting to the changing safety, emissions, and fuel economy regulations of the time. Clearly, “America’s Sports Car” needed to be brought up to date, which led to the initial concept of the C4 Corvette in the late 1970s/early 1980s.

Despite the use of computers and mathematical analysis in the C4‘s development, rigorous testing at the Milford Proving Grounds, and tireless work to fix various problems, the team behind the new Corvette ultimately decided to skip the 1983 model year. It simply needed more time to get the next generation of an automotive icon right.

That left the Corvette team with a bunch of pre-production cars that couldn’t be sold and needed to be destroyed. Instead of having them trucked away to be disposed of off-site, Chevy called in a mobile crusher, which processed all of them except one. Luckily for Corvette fans, it was raining the day that the car was supposed to be turned into a giant paperweight. Ralph Montileone, Quality Manager at Bowling Green Assembly Plant back then, happened to be wearing a brand-new pair of cowboy boots and didn’t want to ruin them, so he decided to delay the car’s demise until the next day. By then, the crusher was gone.

After that, the last remaining 1983 Corvette development car was largely overlooked and neglected by the Bowling Green facility’s staff. Plant manager Paul Schnoes noticed it, though. At one point, the L83-powered white car had been given a blue nose and lower-body paint along with red stripes, but Schnoes had it returned to its original plain white finish. After the National Corvette Museum opened in 1994, the 1-of-1 1983 Corvette was transferred there, where it remains as a fascinating piece of Corvette history.

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is on this infinitely cute 1958 BMW Isetta 600. As the bigger brother to three-wheeled Isetta models, this model is powered by a 582cc flat-twin engine hooked up to a synchronized four-speed manual transmission. Features on this 26,830 example include black soft top, chrome front fender trim, and bumper guards front and rear. Painted burgundy and white two-tone with matching leather upholstery, this bubble car comes from a Northern California seller with service records and a clear title.

The exterior is painted in a very attractive combination of white over burgundy. Features include a chrome bumper on the front-mounted door, front and rear bumperettes, black cloth sunroof, chrome trim behind the front wheel wells, and a set of 10-inch wheels with chrome wheel covers wrapped in 4.80 BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial whitewalls.

The red and white quilted leather upholstery nicely matches the exterior paint scheme. Other interior features include centrally-located floor-mounted transmission shifter and emergency brake, floor-mounted pedals, and a manual steering system that’s partially attached to the door.

The instrument panel includes an 80-mph speedometer (which suggests this example was sold in the U.S.) with 26,830 showing on the odometer. The seller claims this is accurate, and it is reflected in the title.

The rear-mounted 582cc flat-twin engine was originally rated at 19½ horsepower. It is backed by a four-speed manual with synchromesh on all gears. The transmission and carburetor have been rebuilt, and the shift linkage and motor mounts are new.

The undercarriage features drum brakes on all four corners. A single exhaust system carries emissions to the left side under the rear bumper. Wheel bearings, brake hoses, and front wheel cylinders have recently been updated.

Plenty of folks spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on bright red sports cars just for an ego stroke. I guarantee you that if you make a well-placed bid on this 1958 BMW Isetta 600 before Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. (PDT), you will upstage much fancier automobiles at the local Cars & Coffee—plus, it can carry four, which means more fun along the way.

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Are you ready for a bold statement? The R107 Mercedes-Benz roadsters (think 230/280/450/560SL) are not only the single best-built open car ever produced by the German automaker, but they also are likely to be the most over-engineered and finest constructed two-seat convertibles ever built by any manufacturer ever. I say this because I have owned two myself and have driven just about every open two-seat car model built since 1946. Even when compared to the Mercedes 300SL roadster, the R107 cars still feel more solid and almost indestructible. They are so good that even when you drive a “scruffy” one with worn-out suspension bushing and shocks, it still feels amazingly well-made.

Now I am not saying these roadsters are sports cars, because they are not; rather, they are true two-seater open GT cars that literally have no real competition—they are really in a category of their own. No, they do not offer incredible acceleration (though they work just fine in today’s traffic), but they will happily cruise all day at somewhere near 100 mph, and ride nicely and comfortably while doing so.

Of all the R107 Mercedes roadsters built (which amounts to 237,287 cars from 1971-89) my single favorite is the very first of the 1972 U.S. models. My Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com is one of these: a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL offered by a dealer located in Concord, North Carolina.

Wes and Forrest, two friends of mine who collect Mercedes cars, both agree that these earliest 350SL cars are the most interesting and the rarest of the bunch. The reason I like the early ’72 cars (besides their small European bumpers) are a few tiny details that separate them not only from every other R107 car, but also from the later 1972 cars. One of these details is the chrome surround on the shifter, which later (in 1972) was replaced with black plastic. Another difference is the steering wheel, which is also unique to the early ’72 models. To me, these subtle details make the interior seem just a bit more high-end than the later cars. I am not sure why Mercedes changed this stuff, but the look of these parts and the rarity of the early cars make them my favorites.

The 1972 350SL featured here is said to be in good shape overall. The car is finished in white with a matching white hardtop. I am not sure if the soft-top is present, but would want to know about its condition, as replacing it is not inexpensive. It does have a typical-for-the-era pinstripe, likely added by the dealer, but even though I do not like pinstripes on these cars, it’s not a deal-breaker for me, as I know it could be easily removed.

The interior looks good overall, featuring leather seats in nice shape with no fading noticeable in the photos. The carpets, dash and center console also appear to be in good shape. The only changes from stock are the JVC radio—which I personally don’t hate—and the wrap on the steering wheel, which I would immediately take off and throw in the trash. If the steering wheel underneath has deteriorated, I would spend the money to get this rare steering wheel redone.

An additional interesting interior option is the jump seats in the back. This was a factory option from Mercedes, though I am not sure if even small children would fit back there. That being said, it is a nice extra, even if it does take away a little interior luggage space.

Under the hood, this 350SL looks like an older car. It is not mint or perfectly clean or detailed, but neither is it a mess. I think taking some time to detail the engine compartment would go a long way towards making the car nicer.

The biggest surprise is the underside of this 350SL, which looks to be in amazingly good condition. The seller states that this car has covered 132,000 miles, but the underside looks excellent with no signs of corrosion of any kind.

Yes, I like this car a lot. It is a driver-level example, which to me makes it in some ways better than a truly show-worthy one, because you can drive it without worrying about a stone chip or two. Do understand the 350SL is not inexpensive to repair, but also know that when you repair or replace something, you are never likely to ever do that job again, ever. Yes, these cars are that good.

The asking price for this early 1972 350SL is what I am calling a very fair $12,995. I would be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection done by a Mercedes specialist to avoid any bad surprises. That being said, I would do this before buying any classic used vehicle. If it passes that inspection, you will have a classic European GT car that you can literally enjoy for a lifetime.

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

When you hear the name “Explorer”—as in Ford Explorer—what do you envision doing in the SUV? If it’s trying new upscale restaurants with valet parking, the luxurious Platinum model is probably the one for you. If it’s testing the limits of the vehicle’s handling and acceleration, go for the performance-focused ST. The 2026 Explorer Tremor is built for going further into the great outdoors.

This isn’t the first time Ford has made an off-road version of the Explorer. Remember the Timberline trim level from just a few years ago? Consider the Tremor its successor and the newest member of Ford’s Tremor line of more adventure-ready vehicles, which includes the Maverick, F-150, Expedition, and Super Duty.

As it should, the Tremor treatment goes from the ground up. A set of 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires help it maintain a grip on challenging trails. Ford engineers improved the Tremor’s approach and departure angles to keep it moving smoothly on rough inclines and declines. Auxiliary lights illuminate the path ahead; Electric Spice accents let everyone know the Tremor is coming through.

A unique suspension with specially tuned springs and sway bars give the Tremor an extra inch of ride height—and more distance from the hazards of Mother Nature. If she gets too close, front and rear underbody protection will take the hit.

The Explorer Tremor comes standard with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4, but the ST’s 400-horsepower, 415-lb-ft 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is available. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic and all-wheel drive with a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Like the exterior, the cabin of the Tremor has orange accents, such as the stitching on the seats, door panels, steering wheel, and center console, as well as Tremor logos on the front seats. While the Tremor is doing the hard work and getting dirty, the front passengers can enjoy its available massaging seats; everyone onboard can listen to the optional 14-speaker premium B&O audio system as the available BlueCruise 1.5 hands-free driving technology makes long road trips less stressful.

Ford hasn’t released prices for the 2026 Explorer Tremor yet, but it has opened the order books for it. Expect to see the MSRP and availability later this year.

You may not need us to inform you, but modern cars are infinitely safer than the classics we enjoy. The key to emerging from an accident is how the vehicle absorbs impact and dissipates the energy from the collision. Old cars were not designed in that manner, though physics suggests they may emerge better from an altercation.

The C2 Corvette is not known for being a heavyweight, so being on the receiving end of a collision looks like what? This image we found on CorvetteBlogger.com gives you an idea.

The story goes that Maine resident Gregory Boynton and a passenger were driving along in a Corvette (appears to be a 1963-64), nary a worry on their minds, when a left-turning Mitsubishi SUV traveling in the opposite direction failed to yield to the C2, resulting in this near head-on crash.

The Corvette driver and passenger did not fare too well and were transported by helicopter to a medical center in Bangor. The other driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries. According to the sheriff’s office, alcohol or drugs don’t appear to be a contributing factor.

There’s no indication how fast either of them were going, but you can see the damage to the Corvette. We have to remind ourselves that no matter how salvageable a classic car may appear post-collision, it’s what happens inside the cabin that matters.

The town of Sturgis, South Dakota, is best known for its annual motorcycle rally, which draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to the area every August. My dad rode there once on his Honda Goldwing motorcycle and couldn’t say enough good things about the people, the atmosphere and the nearby attractions like the Black Hills National Forest.

As it turns out, Sturgis is a pretty good place for muscle cars, too:

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Custom Coupe. The car is being sold by a private party in Sturgis, and the auction will end Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. PDT.

Finished in Viper Red, the car has a two-door hardtop body style and has gone through a frame-off restoration. Features include a cowl induction hood, a driver’s-side mirror and chrome brightwork. Footwork comes from a set of 17-inch American Racing wheels wrapped in Nankang Sport NS-1 tires.

The second-generation Chevy II received a restyle on the General Motors X-body platform, and one of the most distinguishing characteristics was the new vertical taillight layout. The design was more squared-off than before, and influences were taken from the larger Chevelle and Impala. Consequently, in advertising, Chevrolet talked about how the car “looked” more high-end than it was. One magazine ad said, “Don’t let the expensive look frighten you. Come closer. It’s Chevy II. Relax, practical car lovers.”

The cockpit is trimmed with gray vinyl bucket seats and matching materials for the headliner, door panels and carpeting. AutoMeter gauges, a Lecarra steering wheel and a Kenwood audio system are among the updates to the interior. The odometer shows 884 miles, although true mileage is unknown (and the title reads mileage-exempt).

Now for the good stuff: Power comes from a professionally-built 406ci V8 mated to a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Upgrades include an Edelbrock 750cfm four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock aluminum intake, Hooker headers, a custom pulley system, MSD electronic ignition and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan. While horsepower is not advertised, it’s safe to say this combination yields a modest improvement over even the highest-power stock Nova drivetrain for 1966. Included in the AutoHunter listing is a cold-start video that gives us a small taste of how beastly the car sounds.

I’ve made it a life goal to own a Nova at some point, but I think it might have to be a third-generation example like my dad’s old 1968. That means I probably won’t be bidding against you on this 1966, as tempting as it looks. Have at it – and let me know how you like Sturgis when you go pick it up!

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova Custom Coupe ends Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

There were only two times Chevrolet introduced a high-performance full-size car in the 1960s. What about the Impala SS? Most of the time, it was a trim package, available with a six or V8, so no. However, the Z24 package that was introduced for 1967 certainly counts. A convertible that has that option is our Pick of the Day. This 1967 Chevrolet SS 427 convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller out of Candler, North Carolina.

The first full-size Chevrolet performance car was the 1961 Impala SS. If you glance at the specs for the SS package, you’ll notice there was a big-block engine requirement – in this case, a 305-horsepower 348 backed by a four-speed or Powerglide. Variants offering 340 or 350 horses were also available. Other Super Sport features included a consolette (with a four-speed), passenger assist bar, electric tachometer, padded instrument panel, special wheel covers with simulated knock-offs, power steering and brakes, sintered metallic brake linings, heavy-duty suspension, and special SS ornamentation. Believe it or not, this package was available on all five Impala models, including four-doors. Only 456 were built, plus possibly several more packages installed at dealerships.

Starting in 1962, the SS package was repurposed. Now only available on the Impala Sport Coupe (hardtop) and Convertible, the package consisted of bucket seats, a console with a locking compartment, a passenger assist bar, special wheel covers with simulated knock-off hubs, distinctive side molding inserts, and Super Sport identification. Engine choices ranged from the inline-six to the 409-horsepower 409. This basic theme, either as a package or individual model, would continue through 1968.

Starting in 1967, a performance-focused Impala made an appearance for the second time. Order an Impala SS Sport Coupe or Convertible with the Z24 package and your car would be transformed into the SS 427. Akin to the SS 396 model in the Chevelle’s roster, this package included an L36 385-horsepower 427 paired with a three-speed manual, special hood with ornamentation, unique 427 emblems and SS 427 badging, F40 suspension, Super Sport wheel covers, special gauges, Strato-bucket or Strato-back front seating with a center arm rest, and more. This package was available through 1969, with the L72 427/425 added for 1968-69.

This Ermine White 1967 Chevrolet SS 427 Convertible is quite a rare piece: 2,141 Impalas were built with the Z24 package, and there’s no telling how many were ragtops. Aside from being a standout unto itself, there are several other aspects that distinguish this car even more. According to the seller, it was an executive-ordered car, which was then put in GM’s car pool with 1,500 miles. The owner of Berger (burr-jurr) Chevrolet (one of America’s premiere high-performance Chevrolet dealerships) selected it as his summer car, making several personalized modifications along the way. He subsequently put it on his used car lot.

Options include air conditioning, special instrumentation, Strato-back seating with Custom seat belts, a three-spoke steering wheel on a tilt column, a Multiplex stereo with an 8-track tape player, power windows, a TH400 automatic, Rallye wheels (it has 15-inch x 8-inch Corvette wheels, which are supposedly original), and the very rare D96 stripes (one of 200), which were only available on cars with the Z24 package. “Frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration,” the seller claims. “Complete rebuild of the 385-horse engine,” though the transmission has never been apart.

Nineteen sixty-seven was one of the best years for Chevrolet—note the strength of its styling for all models, from the Chevy II to the Corvair, Camaro, Chevelle, and full-sizers. If you are a big-car fan, here’s an example that has all the good stuff (note the data plate’s accessory codes, including the 4D for the Z24 package), an interesting history several times over, plus a blue top that goes down. Do you really want to experience the summer rays without this Bow Tie? It’ll cost you $110,000 for the privilege.

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

While writing my Pick of the Day on a 1972 Mercury Marquis Brougham, I learned more than I ever bargained for thanks to my friend who’s all about Mercury. Dennis Pierachini answered my questions and set me straight after being led astray by several resources, but he also shed light on nuances that will be of interest to pedant-leaning enthusiasts.

The initial ad on ClassicCars.com showed the vehicle to be a Mercury Marquis. Normally, it would be easy to assume it was a base Marquis and not the Marquis Brougham, but not everyone lists vehicles correctly. Looking at a brochure, I learned about a Marquis model that I had never heard of before—the Marquis Deluxe. Somewhat of a clunky name for an upper-middle-class car, wouldn’t you say? Yet I was not able to find anything in my research material that mentioned the Deluxe, though I eventually went back to the brochure and looked at the end page to find my answer—I was looking at a Canadian brochure with a Canadian-specific model.

Digging deeper, I found an American brochure, and it indicated Americans had just a Marquis and Marquis Brougham to choose from. The ad on ClassicCars.com did not specify or show the VIN (maybe the seller should read this), so I focused on trim to help determine which version of Marquis it was. Alas, this Marquis lacked most of the full-length fender top trim that was a feature of the Marquis Brougham, but the interior certainly looked fancy, befitting a car with “Brougham” in its name.

Next, I went to the seller’s site, which happened to have a photo of the car’s VIN—an image that was never uploaded to ClassicCars.com. The body code was 62, which my resources showed to be a Marquis Brougham four-door sedan. Clearly the Brougham trim had been removed for a semi-custom effect.

To be extra sure it was a Brougham, Dennis had me show him a picture of the door panels, which introduced me to a detail about these cars I would have never known except by speaking to a Mercury expert like him: the Hi-back Twin Comfort Lounge Seats in a choice of all-vinyl or cloth and vinyl was an option for the Marquis Brougham, but it also was an option for the base Marquis.

What distinguished the two with the same interior were the door panels, as the Marquis Brougham featured molded door panels (excepting the rare instance of a Brougham with the power windows-delete option). A vehicle with this Lounge interior without the molded door panels would suggest it most likely was a base Marquis.

The 1971-72 Marquis Brougham was one of several Mercury models that featured molded door panels. Starting in 1971, it was a feature of the Cyclone GT, then it was used for the next-generation version—Montego GT—built for 1972-73. The 1971-73 Cougar XR-7 also featured molded door panels, as did base Cougars with the Décor option (a package that was included on convertibles).

According to Dennis, all big Mercurys went to the same basic door panel starting in 1973: fiberboard with an applied plastic armrest base, with pad and series-specific trim patterns, door pulls, courtesy lights, and so forth. The same held true for the redesigned 1974 Cougar and, of course, 1972 Montegos save the GT.

Mystery solved!

For all the whiners out there who complain that the sea of cars on our streets is full of whites, silvers, and grays, we have just the car for you! Perhaps you cannot afford the Bentley Bentayga EWB (Extended Wheelbase) Mulliner, but certainly you will appreciate this British chariot and the color it can bring to the road.

Right?

There’s something about men and pink, as the color tends to repel those with XY chromosomes. It’s generally considered a feminine color that no self-respecting man would adopt, yet we have plenty of exceptions to show—car guys with florid 1950s finned flyers, preps with their pink Polos, and rappers with their rosy, velveteen track suits. There also is equity in turning something feminine into an inverse flaunt, with pink reigning supreme with this flex. Cultural or otherwise, the type of pink also matters, as evidenced by this Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner.  

Perhaps you’re a woman who appreciates the color selection. To these eyes, the hue doesn’t come off as the type of pink men would love, so it’s no surprise that this SUV’s Candy Pink was specified by a woman. Bentley offers 111 exterior colors available to its customers but, thanks to Mulliner (Bentley’s bespoke division), this legacy Bentley customer had her request distilled by Mulliner’s team of designers and skilled artisans, who embraced the creative opportunity to present what you see here. With Mulliner’s “Co-Creation” process, buyers can select among 46 billion available color and trim combinations.

This particular EWB also features the Bentley Airline Seat Specification, which means you get first-class accommodations without buying an airplane ticket. This seat features 22-way adjustment, has an automatic climate-sensing system, and postural adjustment technology. The latter can apply 177 individual pressure changes across six independent pressure zones over a three-hour period while your chauffeur dodges other, lesser vehicles and cuts to the front of the line. In between the two airline-inspired seats is a Mulliner Bottle Cooler that can maintain your 26-ounce Yeti water bottle. The frosted glass soft-close door may remind you of those drawers at IKEA before you hit it rich, while the bespoke pair of handcrafted Cumbria Crystal flutes will remind you that you are now in a higher tax bracket.

Also specified for this vehicle are privacy glass and 22-inch painted wheels—thankfully, not pink. The cherry on top (pun intended) are the rear seat entertainment and Bang & Olufsen for Bentley stereo. Care to guess what kind of beats emanate from that?

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 4-speed, which underwent a total restoration. It’s powered by a Chevrolet 350ci connected to a four-speed manual gearbox. Finished in Roman Red and Ermine White, and equipped with a white soft top over a red vinyl interior, this C1 is offered by the seller in Utah with a body-colored hardtop and a clear title.

The Roman Red body features chrome bumpers and trim, Ermine White coves, wraparound windshield, and dual exhaust outlets. A white soft top with a plastic rear window covers the passenger compartment and can be stored under a body-color tonneau cover. The included Roman Red hardtop has a glass rear window.

A set of 15-inch wheels with full covers and 6.70 Firestone whitewall tires connect this first-generation Vette to the road.

The cockpit features red vinyl bucket seats with lap belts. Other equipment includes a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, dash-mounted rearview mirror, and Wonderbar AM radio with Bluetooth module, though the latter is currently inoperable.

Instrumentation consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, temperature, battery, and fuel level. The odometer shows 60,439 miles, but the title of this vehicle indicates it’s mileage-exempt. According to the seller, the speedometer needle needs to be replaced.

Under the front-hinged hood, the original 283ci V8 has been replaced with a 350 with a four-barrel carburetor, which is connected to a four-speed manual transmission.

An independent front suspension with coil springs, plus a rear end with solid axle and leaf springs, help this Corvette hold the road.

You can take this 350-powered 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 4-speed on your next summer cruise, but you have to place the winning bid on it first. Do that before the auction ends on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery