Journal Classic Cars

Does anyone out there remember the Magic 8 Ball? It was a plastic sphere invented in 1946 that resembled a billiards ball, and it was used to answer yes/no questions for fortune-telling purposes. If you could ask a Magic 8 Ball about a specific model that might become a future collectible vehicle, what would that vehicle be? Below are five vehicles I will be discussing at the Future Collectible Symposium on January 21 at WestWorld during the upcoming Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Our readers get a sneak peek!

Honda Integra Type R (DC5) – JDM Spec (pictured above)

It is hard for many of us to believe (or accept), but cars from the early 2000s are now officially becoming classics. One of them is a car that, up until now, has not been available stateside due to “25-year rule” federal import regulations. It’s the 2001-2006, Japanese-market Honda Integra Type R. This right-hand-drive sport-tuner came with a high-revving K20A iVTEC inline-four with 220 horsepower. In addition, it had strong balance and Recaro seats. For a raw, connected pocket-rocket, I think it’s a car to keep your eyes on.

Lexus LC500

The LC launched in 2018 and is still in production. It’s an elite grand tourer from Toyota’s luxury brand, and its price tag when new was around $100,000. The LC has held its value well, and I consider it a future collectible because we are in an era when “coupes” in general are being phased out in favor of crossover-type vehicles. Lexus has intentionally kept production numbers low (around 2,000-3,000 units per year), giving the car an exclusive feel – not to mention the fact that the cars are hand-built at the same factory that produced the LFA V10 supercar years ago. Attention to detail and build quality abound.

Ford F-150 Raptor R

The F-150 has been a best-seller for many decades, and the Raptor R takes the popular platform to new heights of performance. This is one “new” vehicle that I think you could put away in a vault and see appreciate in value in the coming years – but who would want to do that? It has a 5.2-liter Predator V8 that has been supercharged and produces 720 horsepower. Add in the off-road suspension, 13 inches of ground clearance, and 37-inch tires, and it’s a truck that will be begging to get dirty.

Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban (GMT400)

This pick takes things back a few decades, but hear me out. We already know that the car collector community is driven by nostalgia. Many, many American families had GMT400-platform vehicles as their daily drivers. The Tahoe, Suburban, early Escalade, and GMC/Chevy pickup trucks from the 1980s-2000s are booming in popularity, and well-kept examples are getting tougher to find. The Suburban is an undisputed cultural icon – it’s the only vehicle that earned itself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited (ZJ)

Before all of today’s performance-focused SUVs and crossovers like the Tesla Model X, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, and Hemi-powered Durangos, one of the pioneering models for the segment was the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited. It was available for just one year (1998) and was reportedly the world’s fastest SUV at the time. There were only about 14,000 built, and today, surviving examples are sought after. It came with a 245-horsepower Magnum V8 and Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive – making it plenty capable both on- and off-road.

What are your thoughts on the vehicles I picked?

Tune in for more about the Future Collectible Symposium as part of our ongoing Barrett-Jackson coverage this week and next! In the meantime, browse the docket!

For 60 years, the Porsche 911 has set standards, broken records, and stolen the hearts of thousands of sports car enthusiasts. Its latest iteration, which debuted in 2019, is called the 992 series. And one 992 in particular – finished in the uncommon color “Gentian Blue” – was among the many impressive supercars that were sold at no reserve at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction.

Featured on the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel is an overview discussing some of the many standout features of the 911. It was powered by a rear-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter flat-six rated at a potent 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Those performance credentials meant the car could accelerate to 60 mph in fewer than three seconds. Part of the car’s swiftness was made possible by its Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system – delivering plenty of grip on demand.

Of course, sports cars aren’t just about going fast. They need to handle with confidence and precision. Accordingly, the Porsche on the docket was equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) for maximum agility.

Besides its sheer speed, the 911 Turbo S had a lot else going for it. For starters, take a look at the interior, which is finished in an exclusive “Manufaktur” two-tone leather combination of Chalk and Bordeaux; that arrangement was an $11,110 upgrade. Additional interior options included brushed aluminum trim inlays, special seat belts, a heated GT Sport steering wheel with carbon fiber, a Burmester high-end surround sound audio system, ambient lighting, and even leather-upholstered sun visors.

All said and done, the car had a striking combination of options and extremely strong collector appeal. One lucky high bidder was able to take the car home.

We look forward to seeing what’s up for grabs at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. You can browse the docket in advance to see if anything catches your eye. Whether you plan on bidding to bring home a new ride or not, the event is a must-experience occasion for any automotive enthusiast.

Currently for sale on AutoHunter is this restored 1970 Pontiac GTO hardtop. Nineteen-seventy brought a restyle of the Goat that has made it a fan favorite. It’s not difficult to understand why as it looks sleeker than the equally photogenic 1968-69 version. What’s interesting about this one (aside of the killer color combo) is how it was originally equipped—just four options—but don’t let that sway you; several enhancements make this Poncho a mightier muscle car, including upgrades to the original 400 (now with 444 horsepower) and other mechanical bits. Painted Polar White with a red bucket-seat interior, this Gran Turismo Omologato comes from the private seller with PHS documentation, 1970 California plates, window sticker, build sheet, car cover, clear title, and more.

This GTO underwent a frame-on restoration in 2018. The Polar White paint is complemented by red GTO decals on both front fenders and the trunk lid. Other exterior highlights include a non-functional ram air hood and dual chrome mirrors. A set of 15-inch Rally II wheels is wrapped in 235/60 Uniroyal Tiger Paw radials.

The cabin is furnished in red vinyl, which includes new upholstery (door panels, seat covers, carpet, and headliner). The front bucket seats lack a console between them, so the shifter is on the column. Other features include power steering (added), the original AM radio, and an aftermarket Alpine AM/FM/Bluetooth/AUX stereo located in the glove box.

The instrument panel features a 120-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge, with a clock added in the right pod. A set of aftermarket AutoMeter gauges is mounted underneath the dashboard (water temperature, oil pressure, voltage, and transmission temperature), with an 8,000-rpm tachometer resting on the transmission hump. The odometer shows 72,545 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The numbers-matching, professionally rebuilt 400 has been bored to measure 407ci. With 10.65:1 compression, it puts out 444 horsepower and 482 lb-ft of torque. Equipment includes a Holley Demon four-barrel carburetor and an Edelbrock intake plus Hooker headers and more. The rebuilt TH400 automatic is now supported by a 2,800-rpm stall converter.

The undercarriage has been upgraded with an F41 suspension featuring large front and rear sway bars, boxed control arms, and power front disc brakes. The limited-slip rear end features 3.55 Auburn gears. The headers are connected to a 2.5-inch H-pipe dual exhaust system with MagnaFlows.

As a factory piece, this 1970 Pontiac GTO hardtop is unique in its limited option list (not even power steering), but today it is equipped with the sort of features you’d want as a driver. Add the massaged engine and sweet hues, and you have quite a desirable Goat. Do you agree? Rather than nod your head, you can bid high and bid now to welcome this Pick of the Day to your garage, then wait for the 12:15 p.m. (MST) deadline on Friday, January 16, 2026 to see if you’ve won. Good luck!

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

There are certain things that are typically associated with vehicles from different parts of the world. German cars are renowned for their engineering. Japanese cars have a reputation for reliability. If you overhear someone talking about Italian cars, there’s a good chance you’ll catch the word “beautiful.” There are good reasons for those associations—just look at our Pick of the Day and try to take your eyes off of it. You can find this 1970 Maserati Ghibli listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Farmingdale, New York.

When Maserati started developing a new GT car in 1966, it turned to Ghia of Turin for the design. As fate would have it, the job was assigned to a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, who had already penned the lines for another Italian looker, the Iso Grifo. Giugiaro would go on to co-found Italdesign in 1968 and later design the S1 Lotus Esprit and DMC DeLorean, among many others.

Named after a powerful North African wind, the Ghibli was a swirl of decisions that resulted in what many consider Giugiaro’s best design. Maserati fitted the 4.7-liter V8 from the Mexico with dry-sump lubrication, which allowed Giugiaro to lower the Ghibli’s hood. A noticeably reclined windshield connects with a fast roofline that slopes down toward triangular rear pillars, which became visual signatures of later Maserati vehicles. When you look at the Ghibli’s profile, you see a graceful flow because, as Maserati puts it, “there was no distinction between the car’s body and the passenger compartment; they were neither separate nor overlapping, rather they were joined together as a single surface,” forming one beautiful piece of rolling art. One glance at the Ghibli inspires daydreams of driving briskly along the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast wearing Persol shades and bespoke Italian tailoring.

Nearly 60 years after it left Maserati’s factory, the Ghibli continues to stun. Though powered by its original 330-horsepower V8, the aluminum body lost its original light blue hue and has been repainted in the current metallic burgundy, which pairs perfectly with the well preserved ivory white leather interior. It’s not immediately obvious, but that wood shift knob is part of another major change from stock. According to the selling dealer, “Originally ordered as a U.S.-spec car with a rare automatic transmission, this Ghibli was converted early in its life to a desirable 5-speed ZF manual gearbox, complete with correct linkage and pedals.”

While this 1970 Maserati Ghibli may not be entirely original, it was modified for the better. Most importantly, it didn’t lose its innate beauty. You can enjoy this gorgeous sight and time behind its wood-rimmed wheel every day for $149,900.

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

The car world has taught us that sometimes it takes patience—not just money—to get what you want. Dodge released a modern version of the Power Wagon for the 2005 model year, but truck enthusiasts have been waiting since then for a diesel engine option. Well, the wait is finally over, as the 2027 Ram Power Wagon can now be ordered with the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-six.

Way back in 2016, I had a chance to drive the redesigned 2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon at the Texas Auto Writers Association’s Texas Truck Rodeo. This was an event where journalists drive a variety of trucks and SUVs to determine winners in various categories, including the Truck of Texas. While there, I asked a Ram representative why the Power Wagon wasn’t available with a Cummins diesel. He told me that it was due to packaging and dynamics: the position of the front winch would interfere with the placement of the charge air cooler, and the heavy Cummins would put too much weight over the front axle, detracting from the Power Wagon’s off-road abilities.

It seems Ram has worked out those engineering issues because a Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel I6 is now on the options list. With 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, it enables the Power Wagon to haul close to 3,000 pounds of payload and tow almost 20,000 pounds. A 31-gallon fuel tank provides up to 600 miles of range.

The optional Towing Technology Group makes pulling heavy loads more convenient with features such as trailer reverse guidance, a 360-degree camera system, and a trailer tire pressure monitoring system. Ticking the box for the Tow Technology Plus Group adds a digital rearview mirror and trailer reverse steering control.

There’s more to the Power Wagon than just the engine, though. As usual, it has front and rear electronic lockers, an electronically disconnecting sway bar for better articulation, and five-link coil rear suspension. Two more firsts for the juggernaut are the available fifth-wheel/gooseneck setup and an automatically leveling rear air suspension. To better harness the Cummins’ enormous power, Ram changed the rear end to run the 3.42 gears introduced on the 2025 Ram Heavy Duty lineup, and installed larger 38-millimeter rear axle shafts.

In its base form, the Power Wagon comes equipped with a heated cloth bench seat up front, Uconnect 5 with a 12-inch touchscreen, integrated trailer brake controller, ParkSense front and rear park assist, and more. Available upgrades include heated and ventilated leather bucket seats, 14.5-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, interactive display for the front passenger, towing and off-road information pages, and a nine-speaker Alpine or 17-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Opting for the Level 2 Equipment Group upgrades the cabin with more leather touchpoints, including the grab handles and column shifter for the TorqueFlite HD eight-speed automatic.

Prices for the Cummins-powered 2027 Ram Power Wagon start at $88,470 (including destination). You’ll start seeing it in dealer showrooms in the second half of this year . . . and on a trail near you soon after that.

Have you ever heard the expression “There’s always room for dessert”? Well, there is—and a similar concept applies to collecting: you can always find more space for your latest acquisition. If you’re a fan of car-themed Lego kits, you’ll need to free up two spots in your display case for the Lego versions of the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport and Vision Gran Turismo.

Both kits join the Lego Technic Bugatti Bolide and the Lego Speed Champions Bugatti Centodieci (which we told you about here). As a 771-piece Technic set, the Chiron Pur Sport is the more complex of the newest additions. Inspired by the lighter, more aerodynamic, and shorter-geared car that Bugatti “systematically calibrated for agility, handling, and driving performance and drives particularly fast in bends,” the Lego Technic interpretation comes in the striking combination of orange and black.

It features functional steering, hood and doors that open, and a Lego-fied recreation of Bugatti’s 8.0-liter, quad-turbo W16 that generates 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. Astronomical service bills and a crippling fear of valet parking? Not included.

The Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo started as a car in the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo video game franchise, then Bugatti made a physical concept car version of it to display at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The one-off simultaneously drew inspiration from the Bugatti Type 57 Tank, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937 and 1939, and showed the future of the French automaker’s design language.

The 284-piece Lego Speed Champions kit captures the Vision Gran Turismo’s standout features, such as its eight-beam headlights, horseshoe-shaped front grille, central roof fin, and pronounced rear wing. It even has a front tow hook and Michelin-branded tires, as well as a driver minifigure with a helmet (if your kids or grandchildren get their hands on this car, that will come in handy).

As of January 1, the Lego Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport and Vision Gran Turismo sets are available in Bugatti’s online store for $70 and $32, respectively. The prices on Lego.com and in Lego stores are slightly lower, coming in at $64.99 and $27.99 (if you have a real Bugatti already, you can ignore that savings tip).

Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1956 Chevrolet 3100 custom pickup, which is powered by a 283ci V8 paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Highlights include air conditioning, rack-and-pinion steering, rear coilovers, and power disc brakes. Finished in aqua over an aqua and white vinyl interior, this Task-Force truck comes from the private seller in Florida with a clear title.

As part of a restoration, the color of the body was changed to the current aqua. That eye-catching color is accented with chrome bumpers, dual mirrors, and dual exhaust outlets. The floor of the bed is lined with wood planks and metal strips, and provides access to the cap for the relocated fuel tank.

A set of 15-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels with 295/50 BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires make it clear this truck was meant for fun on the streets, not work at a farm.

The aqua exterior finish flows into the cabin, where it covers the dash and door panels. Even the bench seat is covered in aqua vinyl, although there is a white accent stripe down the middle. Features include a tilt steering column connected to an aftermarket wood-rimmed steering wheel, billet control stalks, Vintage Air A/C and heat, aftermarket retro-look AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth, and floor-mounted Hurst manual shifter.

Inside the gauge cluster is an 8,000-rpm tachometer, 140-mph speedometer, and readouts for the temperature, voltage, oil pressure, and fuel level. The odometer shows 1,436 miles, but the title indicates this truck is mileage-exempt.

The original engine has been replaced with a 283ci V8 that comes equipped with a Holley Brawler four-barrel carburetor, aftermarket intake manifold, MSD ignition, and aluminum radiator with dual electric fans. A five-speed manual gearbox sends the engine’s power to 3.50 rear gears.

In addition to the under-bed fuel tank, there’s also rack-and-pinion steering, an upgraded suspension with rear coilovers, and power Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners.

To see more of this customized 1956 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, check out the video below. To make it yours, bid on it before the auction ends on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The Italians seem to have co-opted the title for “most desirable cars in the world,” but in a different era, that unofficial title could have gone to the French. At one time, Paris was the epicenter of culture for much of the world. Automobiles joined those ranks in the 1920s, with the following decade arguably being the greatest among all automobiles. One of the finest brands, paired with the finest of coachbuilders, is our Pick of the Day. This 1936 Delahaye 135 Competition Convertible by Figoni et Falaschi is listed on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in La Jolla, California.

Delahaye was founded by Emile Delahaye in 1894 in Tours before moving to Paris in 1898. As a producer of low-volume, high-quality luxury cars, trucks, and utility and commercial vehicles, Delahaye took the next logical step by establishing a racing department in 1932, garnering the company international recognition for fast and resilient cars due to setting many world records by the mid- to late-1930s. This was during the time when coachbuilders were developing a reputation separate from the automobiles they were designing.

The most esteemed coachbuilders also were French, though Figoni et Falaschi (like Bugatti) was founded by two Italian expats who moved to France in their youth. Designer Giuseppe Figoni formed his own company after World War I. In 1935, he was joined by business partner Ovidio Falaschi, who handled the business side. Pair their bespoke designs with Delahaye’s winning record of race-proven cars and you have a tour de force among prestigious cars of the 1930s.

One of Figoni’s personal friends was a wealthy gentleman by the name of Monsieur Wolff. While the two were dining together and discussing Figoni’s new streamlined concepts, Wolff decided he wanted to commission a car that would wow the cognoscenti at concours events and be capable of the performance demanded by racing teams. The first of these was “Design 532,” a 1936 Delahaye 135 Competition Coupe with enclosed fenders and a sliding metal roof.

The second, “Design 581,” is the subject of our Pick of the Day: a Bleu Foncé 1936 Delahaye 135 Competition Convertible. A longer wheelbase was chosen to give Figoni more reign to express his vision, which included a flowing, streamlined design with chrome accents and components. Perhaps most unique was the patented top mechanism that allows the roof to neatly fold into the space between the passenger compartment and the trunk, creating a cleaner look than what was prevalent at the time.

Of course, an automobile of this caliber has an artisan’s bent on the inside as well. Upholstery is light gray quill ostrich with dark blue piping and carpet, with a perimeter of wood trim accenting the cabin. The instrument panel features a guilloché (engine-turned) fascia with Jaeger gauges. The four-spoke steering wheel cleverly uses leaf springs. A pair of ostrich jump seats rest folded behind the front compartment, along with a shelf for three pieces of elegant luggage that inversely match the interior colors: dark blue quill ostrich piped with light gray quill ostrich.

The 3,557cc overhead-valve inline-six engine offered a substantial (for its time) 120 horsepower, equal to a contemporary Buick Century straight-eight. It is paired with a competition-tested four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on the top three gears. Fuel delivery is handled by a trio of Solex 40PAI carburetors, a higher-compression cylinder head, oil cooler, and two fuel fillers in the trunk. Underneath the 116-inch wheelbase, you’ll find an independent suspension using transverse leaf springs as the lower control arm. A set of 17-inch Rudge-Whitworth chromed wire wheels are wrapped in 5.60 x 6.00 Michelin tires.

In modern times, this Delahaye has continued the tradition of visiting concours events, this time around North America. It has garnered approximately 30 Best of Show awards plus a host of other prizes (Best Prewar, Best Paint, Best Interior, Most Elegant, Best of the Best, etc.). At Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Grand Classics competitions, this vehicle proudly wears the Senior Premier badge, the highest CCCA recognition badge available, thanks to never having been judged less than a perfect 100 points. The body is the original from Figoni, as authenticated in writing by Club Delahaye France, along with the competition drivetrain that includes the four-speed manual transmission.

This Delahaye is also very complete thanks to copies of the original build sheet and owner’s manual in English, a comprehensive matching leather tool kit, the correct French jack, a three-inch-thick history/authentication book, a copy of the original French registrations, and a photo of the car being raced by a famous French racing team at Rallye de Monte Carlo in 1949.  In all, it is one of the most complete and well documented classic cars extant. If this sounds like one of the most important vehicles listed on ClassicCars.com to you, you are not wrong, so move mountains so you can be the first in line to Venmo $15 million from your account.

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

If the winter weather is hitting you hard, I’m sorry. It seems the cold is even affecting the internet because when I had the Random Word Generator spit out three words for this week’s installment of Car Connections, a game in which I link random words to automobiles, it gave me fund, winter, and north. Bundle up and keep reading.

Fund: Fundraising. Lee Iacocca. Yes, he secured government loans to keep the Chrysler Corporation out of bankruptcy but, for some reason, what first came to my mind was the fundraising he did for the restoration and preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the 1980s. He found the money, but where did he find the time to do all that?

Winter: Cold. Ice. Frozen. BMW! The BMW Individual division offers a variety of special and bespoke paint colors in four finishes: non-metallic, metallic, pearl, and Frozen. What exactly is Frozen? That’s BMW-speak for matte (and a one-word warning to not take your Frozen Portimão Blue M3 Competition through a touchless car wash unless you want a burnished look).

North: The second I read this word, the voice in my head whispered, “North Edition.” No, that’s not the name of a Canadian boy band—it’s the name of a line of special-edition models Jeep released in 2020. To prepare the North Editions for the cold, Jeep equipped them with features that included all-season or all-terrain tires, heated seats and steering wheel, remote start, all-weather floor mats, power heated mirrors, and the Jeep Trail Rated kit. As it gets colder here in Arizona, I can’t help but envision taking a North Edition up to Flagstaff for a winter getaway.

How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. And be sure to share your ideas for random words to use in a future installment of Car Connections. Looking for your next Chrysler, BMW, or Jeep? Find them on ClassicCars.com and AutoHunter.com.

An informal poll among enthusiasts I know shows that they absolutely love the AMC AMX, but how many of them own one? They had limited appeal and sales due to their two-seat configuration, but they are easy to find if you want one. Alas, it seems few of these Brand Xers have stepped up to the plate.

A little-known secret is that the most popular AMX engine was the biggest one from 1968-70, which means the 390—yes, it was more popular than the 290, 343, or 360. The 390 was rated at 315 horsepower for 1968-69, then went up 10 for 1970. Four-speeds, as a whole, were more popular than automatics, which suggests AMC did a fine job attracting enthusiasts. Perhaps some of them were conquest sales from those who previously were never in the market for an AMC product?

Join Muscle Car Campy as he gives us a tour of this Hunter Green metallic 1969 AMX. Owned by Gary Kelly, it is equipped with a tan leather interior, four-speed, the Go Package, and 3.54 gears. And, as it is from Kenosha, it features AMC’s famous reclining seats!

Click here to view other Muscle Car Campy videos at The ClassicCars.com Journal!