Journal Classic Cars

I remember when the Acura RSX first came out about 20 years ago, and examples were everywhere. The fan-favorite model enjoyed a five-year lifespan between 2002 and 2006 with a mid-cycle refresh taking place in 2005. Acura sold a total of 114,451 units in the United States during that timeframe. Nowadays, the majority of those have been junked, modified, or destroyed beyond the point of no return. It’s been two decades after all, and this high-revving sports coupe gained popularity in the tuner community as a platform for modification.

RSX Model History

The RSX had large shoes (or tires, rather) to fill when it initially hit the streets in 2002. After all, the Integra which it replaced had grown to be well-loved compact commuter for tuners and daily commuters alike. The RSX launched in base and Type-S variants, and both used a 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-four powerplant with “i-VTEC” variable valve timing. The base was rated at 160 horsepower and the Type-S at an even 200. Other nuances separated the two, including a six-speed manual in the Type-S as compared to a five-speed in the base.

Susan’s RSX

On January 21, 2002, my neighbor Susan paid $26,485.17 for a 2002 RSX Type-S from Scottsdale Acura in Arizona including tax and an extended service contract. She had initially visited the dealership to drive an Anthracite Metallic RSX, but it sold by the time she was ready to make a purchase. So, Satin Silver it was. A rear spoiler and window tint were added prior to delivery, and the car had 12 miles on the odometer when she proudly drove it off the lot.

Dick Colliver, Acura Executive Vice President, stated during the April 2001 model reveal: “The RSX was designed and built to deliver a true, race-bred driving experience because performance is the hallmark of the Acura brand – the common denominator that links all of our products – and which makes this sporty coupe a vital new member of the Acura family.” The car was marketed as a gateway to the brand, and its target customers were 27 years old with a college degree. I didn’t quite fall into that demographic in 2001 – in fact, I was fresh out of high school then.

My ownership opportunity came on December 13, 2022, when over 20 years later, I took delivery of Susan’s RSX after wanting one for so long. It wasn’t much to look at. In fact, it was downright rough cosmetically.

Acquisition at Last

My restoration began in earnest. The first order of business was addressing the car’s mechanical needs. Among them, the power steering system needed an overhaul, the motor mounts were shot, the front suspension had some clunks, and about half the exterior bulbs were burned out. The good news was that the “bones” were good. The car only had about 124,000 miles on the odometer and had been dealer-serviced most of its life.

Susan turned 75 a few months later, and when I sent a text message to wish her a happy birthday, she said, “I know it’s silly, but it warms my heart to know the RSX is in a good home.”

Little did she know that by that time, I was already well into my front-to-back restoration process. In fact, by then I’d already taken the car to Apex Wet Werks in Phoenix to have them work their magic on getting the body back into shape. I worked with Apex on sourcing some needed parts like window moldings, replacement headlights, a new sideview mirror, and accessory fog lamps. I paid a visit to the body shop each Friday to check the progress, and it was exciting to see things take shape.

The Big Reveal

In late June, the car came out of paint and I spent an entire weekend getting the details fine-tuned: I worked on the engine bay, the interior, the wheels, and the underbody to make it show-ready. And on July 8, I finally had the chance to reveal the restored RSX to Susan. Her reaction was priceless. We laughed when I talked about how I’d replaced the passenger sideview mirror that used to be held on with duct tape. “I was very ghetto,” she said.

I invited Susan to take a seat and fire it up. “No rattles!” she said when she felt how smooth the drivetrain was since the motor mounts had been replaced. “It is beautiful. You did a great job,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many times, besides you, people had asked me if I wanted to sell it.” I presented Susan with a framed photo of the restored car and gave her a hug as she headed back home.

Takeaways

As fun as it is to drive an enjoy a collector car, the true magic of this hobby lies in the people and the relationships. I will eventually be finding Susan’s old RSX a new home now that I’ve had my fun with it, but it’s rewarding to know that I gave a deserving car a second chance at life, and hopefully it will continue to be loved and preserved.

Do you have a classic car restoration story to share with us? Let’s hear it! Thanks for staying tuned to the ClassicCars.com Journal.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is celebrating a centenary of the MG car marque as it exhibits rarely seen archive photographs from the Museum’s collections. The Magic of the Marque – 100 Years of MG in the museum’s In-Focus Gallery will feature a special selection of images celebrating 100 years of the famous automotive brand and Britain’s leading sports car manufacturer founded by Cecil Kimber.

Photographs and film clips on display depict the early years of MG. Oxford based Morris Garages, owned by motor manufacturer William Morris, began selling re-bodied versions of the popular bullnose models in 1923. Led by General Manager Cecil Kimber, the firm soon abbreviated its name to MG and developed its own distinct identity. Within a decade MG was building a whole range of cars at a factory in Abingdon. Other photographs in the exhibition include private motoring, class speed records, motor sport and personalities associated with the MG marque. Although famous for sports cars, the octagonal badge has adorned everything from racing cars to hatchbacks, record breakers to family saloons.

Andrea Bishop Director of Collections & Engagement says, “This exhibition offers a rare chance to see a selection from our extensive photographic archive. Visitors to the Museum will be familiar with the MG cars in our collection, but these images capture the magic associated with this iconic marque.”

The Magic of the Marque – 100 Years of MG will be in the National Motor Museum In-Focus Gallery from the September 16, 2023, through January 6, 2024.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is celebrating a centenary of the MG car marque as it exhibits rarely seen archive photographs from the Museum’s collections. The Magic of the Marque – 100 Years of MG in the museum’s In-Focus Gallery will feature a special selection of images celebrating 100 years of the famous automotive brand and Britain’s leading sports car manufacturer founded by Cecil Kimber.

Photographs and film clips on display depict the early years of MG. Oxford based Morris Garages, owned by motor manufacturer William Morris, began selling re-bodied versions of the popular bullnose models in 1923. Led by General Manager Cecil Kimber, the firm soon abbreviated its name to MG and developed its own distinct identity. Within a decade MG was building a whole range of cars at a factory in Abingdon. Other photographs in the exhibition include private motoring, class speed records, motor sport and personalities associated with the MG marque. Although famous for sports cars, the octagonal badge has adorned everything from racing cars to hatchbacks, record breakers to family saloons.

Andrea Bishop Director of Collections & Engagement says, “This exhibition offers a rare chance to see a selection from our extensive photographic archive. Visitors to the Museum will be familiar with the MG cars in our collection, but these images capture the magic associated with this iconic marque.”

The Magic of the Marque – 100 Years of MG will be in the National Motor Museum In-Focus Gallery from the September 16, 2023, through January 6, 2024.

There’s truly something for everyone in the classifieds these days. Some of you might be on the hunt for a high-horsepower muscle car, and others might want a mint-condition econobox. You’re both in luck.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1971 Ford Pinto listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Absolutely gorgeous unrestored Pinto with only 30,XXX actual miles from new,” the listing states. “All original paint, interior, and motor. Always garage kept and maintained.”

The subcompact Pinto holds a special place in automotive history, with over three million units sold between model years 1971 and 1980. The Pinto and its badge-engineered sibling, the Mercury Bobcat (which arrived in the United States in 1975), rolled off three different Ford assembly lines. Marketing materials for the Pinto portrayed it as “The Little Carefree Car.” Indeed, it was a success with American buyers, selling over 350,000 units during its first model year at a retail price of only around $2,000.

This 30,000-mile Medium Yellow example looks clean, crisp, and unmodified – right down to the whitewall tires and original 13-inch polished wheel covers. The photo gallery shows up-close details like the rocker panels, exhaust, and undercarriage, all of which look exceptionally rust-free for a car that is over 50 years old.

The Medium Ginger cloth and vinyl (code 2F) interior looks equally well preserved, offering a 2+2 seating arrangement with high-back bucket seats up front. Up in front, power comes from a 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a three-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The seller states that the car “runs and drives excellent.” At only 75 horsepower, it won’t win any drag races, but what it lacks in acceleration, this car makes up in fuel economy. It may even outperform a modern hybrid in that regard.

The seller states that the lights, gauges, horn, and radio work. The car comes with a clean Pennsylvania title and is ready to turn heads at your local cars & coffee this fall.

“This has to be one of the nicest Pintos on the market today! This car gets more attention than anything I’ve owned in a while,” the listing concludes. The asking price is $21,900 or best offer.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

There’s truly something for everyone in the classifieds these days. Some of you might be on the hunt for a high-horsepower muscle car, and others might want a mint-condition econobox. You’re both in luck.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1971 Ford Pinto listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Absolutely gorgeous unrestored Pinto with only 30,XXX actual miles from new,” the listing states. “All original paint, interior, and motor. Always garage kept and maintained.”

The subcompact Pinto holds a special place in automotive history, with over three million units sold between model years 1971 and 1980. The Pinto and its badge-engineered sibling, the Mercury Bobcat (which arrived in the United States in 1975), rolled off three different Ford assembly lines. Marketing materials for the Pinto portrayed it as “The Little Carefree Car.” Indeed, it was a success with American buyers, selling over 350,000 units during its first model year at a retail price of only around $2,000.

This 30,000-mile Medium Yellow example looks clean, crisp, and unmodified – right down to the whitewall tires and original 13-inch polished wheel covers. The photo gallery shows up-close details like the rocker panels, exhaust, and undercarriage, all of which look exceptionally rust-free for a car that is over 50 years old.

The Medium Ginger cloth and vinyl (code 2F) interior looks equally well preserved, offering a 2+2 seating arrangement with high-back bucket seats up front. Up in front, power comes from a 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a three-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The seller states that the car “runs and drives excellent.” At only 75 horsepower, it won’t win any drag races, but what it lacks in acceleration, this car makes up in fuel economy. It may even outperform a modern hybrid in that regard.

The seller states that the lights, gauges, horn, and radio work. The car comes with a clean Pennsylvania title and is ready to turn heads at your local cars & coffee this fall.

“This has to be one of the nicest Pintos on the market today! This car gets more attention than anything I’ve owned in a while,” the listing concludes. The asking price is $21,900 or best offer.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster.

Companies in Japan are quite interesting. In the 1950s and early 1960s Japanese products were often though of as cheap imitations of products made in Europe and the United States. Most of this was post-war bias and hostility towards Japan, because in reality what Japanese companies did was to take exciting products, electronics, cameras, watches, and even automobiles and improve them. They did this by adding increased precision in manufacture, more advanced technologies, and offered these products at a lower price than their competitors.

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight, a 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster, is a prime example of this phenomenon, and while it might look a lot like an MG or a Triumph, was actually something that was a better car built with much higher quality and technology. This specific 2000 Roadster has also been further upgraded by its previous owner to make it even better that the original and, yet, has stayed true to the original idea the engineers had when they built the car, using later model and even higher quality Datsun/Nissan technology.

According to the listing, this 1969 Datsun 2000 roadster has had an engine swap from the original SOHC inline 4 cylinder to an upgraded SR20DE 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It was the recipient of a frame-off rebuild and comes with front disc brakes, a sway bar, and a JVC stereo. Finished in red over a black vinyl interior, this restored Datsun also comes with a removable black hardtop. The seller states that this car is rust free, an important piece of data for anyone considering any early Datsun car. The car rides on 14-inch seven-spoke aluminum Minilite style wheels that are wrapped in 175/70 Firestone FR680 radial tires.

The interior of the car features an original two-seat cockpit black vinyl bucket seats, matched to the door panels, dash, lap belts, and new carpeting. Features include a clock, a JVC radio, a black roll bar, and a trunk-mounted spare tire. The instruments have been upgraded to Speedhut instrumentation that includes a 140-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and a combination gauge that shows the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. 

The seller listing this car for auction resides in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and goes on to state that this car’s updated engine is a fuel injected SR20DE twin-cam 2.0-liter inline-four with 165 horsepower. This, to me, makes this 2000 Roadster the perfect car to take on vintage rallies with the additional power and fuel injection making for a perfect combination. The car will be both more reliable as well as considerably faster. I bet this car is a blast to drive.

If you have always loved British roadsters but want something a bit different that is also more drivable, you should seriously consider this thoughtfully upgraded 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster.

The auction for this 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster ends Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Jaguar will launch a large electric sedan as one of the three vehicles planned in its brand overhaul, Autocar reported on Wednesday citing a source familiar with the plans.

The overhaul, known as Reimagine and announced in 2021 by former CEO Thierry Bollore, will see Jaguar’s current lineup phased out and replaced by three electric vehicles all positioned at higher price points than any members of the current fleet.

The first of the new Jaguars arrives in 2025. It’s been confirmed by the brand as a sleek four-door grand tourer.

It was previously thought the GT would be followed by a pair of SUVs, though according to the Autocar report only one SUV, a mid-size offering targeting the Bentley Bentayga and Range Rover, is coming, with the third model to be the large sedan.

All three will reportedly ride on a purpose-built EV platform dubbed JEA (Jaguar Electric Architecture), which Jaguar has previously confirmed for its four-door GT.

Though the market is clamoring for SUVs of all sorts, the segment is already extensively covered by fellow JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover) brands Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender. Instead, Jaguar, with its new focus on lower-volume, higher-margin vehicles can target segments where the other JLR brands aren’t present.

And having two sedans in its lineup (the four-door GT will likely be a hatch) is a strategy Jaguar has explored for a while. When planning for the future of the XJ early last decade, Jaguar looked at introducing two body styles: a sporty coupe-like design for performance fans and a roomier three-box design to be targeted at well-heeled Chinese buyers who prefer to ride in the back.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

It’s fun to see how etymology relates to automobile names. Have you ever wondered about the story behind the word “belvedere”? The term has been around since the 1500s and combines two Italian words: “bel” for “beautiful” and “vedere” for “view.” So, feast your eyes on the beautiful view that this stunning four-door example of Detroit iron gives us.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1958 Plymouth Belvedere sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)

“The car is fully restored, top to bottom. It comes with manufacturer A/C and power steering,” the listing says.

In all its glory, this Belvedere has the sky-high tailfins that the world came to know and love in the late 1950s. I love the color combo on this car, and I wish we could review the trim tag to find out its true identity. The color name may be some variation of salmon, coral, or rose – I did some Googling and saw that Coral (paint code S) was an option that year. Either way, it’s a stunning look, especially when done up in two-tone form with a complementary white roof and wide whitewall tires.

The black and white seats have a clear vinyl wrapping over the seats and look to be in great condition throughout. This makes sense since the seller said the car went through inside-and-out refurbishment. Power up front comes from a V8 paired with a push-button automatic transmission, and there were a variety of V8 engines available during this era ranging from 260cid through 350cid displacements. The seller says that the car runs smoothly.

The Belvedere model lived from 1954 through 1970, initially sold as a full-size model but later classified as a midsize. In the late 1950s (up until 1958, at least), the Belvedere was the top-trim offering for the Plymouth lineup, which explains why its amenities were well-appointed for its time. This one comes with power steering, a radio, a dual exhaust system, and lots of brightwork to turn heads.

Lastly – I surely can’t discuss any 1958 Plymouth model without at least making a quick mention of Christine, the famous Plymouth Fury who came to life as a haunted car in Stephen King’s 1983 novel (later made into a horror film that remains one of my favorites to this day).

The asking price is $35,000 or best offer for this beautiful Belvedere.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Ferrari, which tells the story of Enzo Ferrari and the formative days of his eponymous car company, won’t play down the carnage of racing at that time.

The movie, which stars Adam Driver as Ferrari, focuses on three months in 1957 that were pivotal in the man’s career and personal life, director Michael Mann said in a recent interview with Variety. Ferrari had just lost his son Dino to illness, and his wife Laure (played by Penélope Cruz) would soon find out about his affair with Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley).

Ferrari’s company was also failing, and in the movie at least, the only way to save it was for the factory race team to finish well at the 1957 Mille Miglia. Named for its 1,000-mile distance, the race was run on public roads before modern safety considerations. In 1957, Ferrari driver Alfonso de Portago crashed in the Italian village of Guidizzolo, killing himself and 10 spectators, including five children. After 1957, the race was switched to a rally-style format, with cars only driving at high speeds on closed stages.

Before filming, Mann had cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt and his camera crew study footage of the 1955 fatal crash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Pierre Levegh’s Mercedes-Benz was launched into the grandstands, killing Levegh and what is estimated to be more than 80 spectators in the deadliest racing incident in history. Mann then made a trip to Guidizzolo, interviewing a witness to the 1957 crash.

The inspiration for Ferrari was something a little more pleasant. In the interview, Mann said he was inspired to make a movie about Enzo Ferrari when he saw a 275 GTB rolling down a London street while a film student in 1967.

Mann started work on the movie in 1993, after reading a script based on the late Car and Driver editor Brock Yates’ biography of Enzo. The movie remained in production hell for decades, getting close to approval in 2014, with Christian Bale set to play Ferrari. Bale then dropped out (he would go on to play Ken Miles in 2019’s Ford v. Ferrari) and in 2020 Hugh Jackman entered to talks to play Ferrari. Now the movie is finally on the verge of reaching screens.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible.

During a frame-off restoration, this eye-catching drop-top received a modern Vortec V8 powertrain along with enhancements including power brakes, power windows, power steering, shaved door handles, rear air shocks, and modern front suspension. It is being offered for sale by a private party in Greenwood, Delaware and has all right elements to make it a stunning yet reliable 70-year-old classic car.

The exterior has a “lead sled” look to it thanks to clean lines and a lowered stance. The body refinish took place about two years ago according to the seller and included a long list of modifications to make this Super 88 look as sleek as it does. The car of course retains plenty of 1950s chrome treatment, but it also received frenched headlights, a shaved hood, lake pipes, dummy spotlights, rear wheel skirts, and custom taillights. The Coker wide-whitewall tires add to the look, and that low stance was made possible by drop spindles, lowering springs, and air shocks with an onboard compressor.

The Oldsmobile 88 model had a 50-year history with the Oldsmobile brand, first launching in 1949 as what General Motors referred to as an “image leader.” That initial generation continued through to 1953 as shown here, with the “Super” 88 assuming its position at the top of the model hierarchy. Some enthusiasts argue that the 88 – particularly with equipped with an available “Rocket” V8 engine – could be considered one of the first muscle cars, thanks to its relatively light body and a powerful engine.

The interior on this custom hot rod received late-model power-adjustable bucket seats, power windows, power steering, and a CD sound system which all work together to bring it into the modern era. The dash face is adorned with engine-turned aluminum trim which extends to a custom center console.

The mechanical magic of this restomod Super 88 is found under its hood, where a late-model 5.3-liter Vortec V8 is installed for optimal reliability. A 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission sends power to the pavement, and performance upgrades include a custom intake along with tube exhaust headers. True mileage on the chassis is unknown.

If lowered looks and a late-model powertrain are attributes that catch your eye, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better custom ride than this Olds.

The auction for this 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible ends September 5, 2023, at 12:20 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery