Journal Classic Cars

When I think of British sports cars that were brought over after World War II, the one that brings majesty and beauty to my mind is Jaguar. The company has contributed some of the most gorgeous cars ever, but how did it all start? The recent Arizona Concours d’Elegance gave spectators a peek of what could be considered the first Jaguar: the SS 90 prototype.

If you’re not familiar with Jaguar history, then you may be surprised to learn the company has its origins as the Swallow Sidecar Company. The Jaguar name actually first appeared as a model name for the 1935 SS 2½-litre sports saloon in 1935. The sports-car version was called the SS Jaguar 90 because that was its top speed from its Standard-derived 2663cc side-valve six.

Only twenty-three were built until the 1936 SS Jaguar 100 continued where the SS Jaguar 90 left off, initially offered with the 2.7 (though now with a new OHV cylinder head) but in 1938 a 3.5L OHV six was added. It was during this time that SS adopted the leaping jaguar hood ornament. The company officially became Jaguar in 1945.

This particular prototype, which features a rear deck design that was not shared with production SS Jaguar 90s, served as the company’s first competition car. The SS prototype was then purchased in 1937 from the factory by a Royal Air Force Wing Commander Hugh Kennard. He sold the car in 1944, upon which it was traded several times through the 1950s until it was purchased by an enthusiast in 1962, though it sat in a Norfolk garage for over 30 years.

It then was snapped up by a Swiss collector in 1996, who commissioned Mesa, Arizona-based Terry Larson to restore it. The prototype came full circle in 2019 when Larson became the new owner.

This SS 90 prototype competed in the Aerodynamic Pre-War Sports and Race Cars class of the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, where it won Best in Class. The whole event was centered around the Art of Aerodynamics theme that demonstrated the evolution of the effect of aerodynamics on automobile design, from the Brass Era (pre-1916) through exotic sports cars from 1975-2000.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is a restored 1965 Ford Mustang fastback.

This pony car was restored by previous ownership and custom exterior features include rolled fenders, color-matched flush-fit Kindig It Designs door handles, and a hood scoop. It rides on 17″ x 8″ front and 18″ x 9″ rear Foose Legend wheels with 215/45/17 front and 245/40/18 rear radial tires.

“The heated and power-adjustable 2006 Mustang front seats and the rear seat are upholstered in black vinyl,” the listing states. “Features include a center console with a storage compartment and a five-speed manual shifter, a tilt steering column, a three-spoke Forever Sharp billet aluminum steering wheel, factory air conditioning, and a Sony AM/FM/XM stereo. Power features include the brakes, windows, steering, and trunk release.”

This Mustang fastback has a fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a BorgWarner five-speed manual transmission. The engine bay was upgraded with an export brace, and Ringbrothers billet aluminum hood hinges. This Mustang’s battery was moved to the trunk.

The Mustang’s suspension features upgraded Hotchkis Sport Suspension parts. A full-length dual exhaust system flows through the rear valance with exhaust cutouts.

This pony car’s odometer reads 9,243 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown. The sale includes a clear Texas title in the seller’s name, service records, and receipts.

This 1965 Ford Mustang fastback’s auction ends on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 4:20 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

To many people, a vehicle is an expression of style – much like a fashion statement. Over the years, many automakers have partnered with clothing brands to make the connection even more evident.

The Pick of the Day is a 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Tacoma, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)

Headquartered in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a clothing chain that first launched over 100 years ago in 1920. The company specializes in outdoor gear with an emphasis on active lifestyles, and in the early 1980s, Eddie Bauer began partnering with Ford to cross-promote its merchandise. This Bronco is one product of that unique relationship.

“Beautiful and well cared-for Ford Bronco 4WD,” the listing begins. “One owner only. $4k in work just done to keep this baby in tip-top shape.”

The fifth-generation Bronco launched in model year 1992 and shared exterior design attributes with the ninth-generation F-150 pickup. It had a full-sized three-door sport-utility vehicle body style with a swing-away spare tire on the tailgate and a removable hardtop (although, in later years of the generation, Ford discouraged buyers from removing the hardtop due to safety engineering constraints).

This teal green Bronco comes from the last model year that generation. As an upgraded Eddie Bauer edition, it is equipped with two-tone paint, embroidered leather seats, a keyless entry system, an overhead console, lighted sun visors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The seller states that power comes from a replacement 5.8-liter Windsor V8 that was reportedly installed in 2014. A checklist outlines the areas that received attention as part of recent service, which included: a tune-up, spark plug wires, a distributor cap, an oil change, a transmission service, and replacement of the fuel filter, transfer case seals, serpentine belt, valve cover gaskets, plenum gaskets, and thermostat. The chassis also received work to the brake rotors and bearings under current ownership.

Ford continued the Eddie Bauer branding all the way to 2010 with other models including the Explorer, Expedition, F-150, Excursion, Taurus X, and even the Aerostar minivan. With the new-generation Bronco hitting the roadways in recent years, well-preserved older models like this are appreciating in value.

The seller is asking $18,325 for this well-maintained Bronco, which makes a strong fashion statement for anyone who drives it.

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

The Alfa Romeo F1 team finished sixth in the final Constructor standings last season but, in 2023, it has already set an F1 record by becoming the first team to sell its launch car. Alfa Romeo’s 2023 F1 entry, known as C43, was unveiled to the world on February 7, with chassis No. 1 being a non-running show car that can be had at F1 Authentics’ online auction. As of this writing its current bid is $123,000 (£101,000.00), and it’s expected to sell for more than $486,000 (£400,000.00).

“The philosophy behind our launch has been to bring fans closer to the team, and auctioning this show car fits within this narrative,” says Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Sauber Group Managing Director and Alfa Romeo Team Representative. “As our launch car, this C43 show car is a piece of history and the first step in what is hopefully going to be a successful season for our team.”

The non-running show car was designed and built using the same techniques as the race version C43: CAD data and composite tooling to develop patterns are used to manufacture carbon fiber molds by way of an autoclave. This show car’s chassis and bodywork are constructed from lightweight prepreg carbon fiber intended to represent the real car’s exterior finish while being durable enough to maintain the load from its four axles.

Despite being a show car, it has electronic features; it also has a 3D printed steering wheel that is connected to the front wheels via the steering rack, which allows the wheels to turn left or right. If you need to move the show car, it can be lifted by the front and rear and, for those inclined to use it for pit stop practice, the nose and front wing are removable.

What else do you get when you buy a non-competition Alfa Romeo F1 launch car? A chassis plate signed by its 2023 F1 driver line-up of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. You also get autographed racing suits and racing boots worn by Bottas and Guanyu during the 2023 launch show.

The auction ends on February 21, 2023, so it could make a great Valentine’s Day gift for that F1 fan in your life, as long as that special someone is cool with gifts arriving late.

If you’ve followed our recaps of the Future Collector Car Show, you know that Tyler Hoover of Hoovie’s Garage fame attended the event with his 2004 Maybach 62. When the AutoHunter Cinema team attended the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Houston auction, they had a chance to check out another vehicle owned by him.

This 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster was purchased at Barrett-Jackson by Tyler Hoover. The SLR was built by Mercedes-Benz in partnership with McLaren — they even brought designer Gordon Murray of Mclaren F1 fame on board. Power comes from a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 producing 617 horsepower and mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. That power helps the SLR achieve 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 207mph.

If you’ve followed our recaps of the Future Collector Car Show, you know that Tyler Hoover of Hoovie’s Garage fame attended the event with his 2004 Maybach 62. When the AutoHunter Cinema team attended the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Houston auction, they had a chance to check out another vehicle owned by him.

This 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster was purchased at Barrett-Jackson by Tyler Hoover. The SLR was built by Mercedes-Benz in partnership with McLaren — they even brought designer Gordon Murray of Mclaren F1 fame on board. Power comes from a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 producing 617 horsepower and mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. That power helps the SLR achieve 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 207mph.

So what do you do when things don’t work out for you? You party in Vegas, of course. In this particular case, Dodge will be partying on March 20, 2023, as it announces the tardy-yet-final, worldwide reveal of its “Last Call” series. And guess what? You’re invited!

Yessir, Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas is the name of the extravaganza, but the cars aren’t the only stars — MotorTrend television personalities Dave Freiburger, Mike Finnegan, KT Jones, Chris Jacobs and Alex Taylor, plus automotive television host Mike “Mr. Angry” Musto and guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, will punctuate the festival.

Additionally, Grammy-winning DJ and producer Diplo will add to the vibes.

In addition to the reveal and the who’s whos, you’ll be able to experience Dodge Thrill Rides, Challenger SRT Demon simulators, a cruise-in, sponsor/vendor midway areas, a post-event concert and more. As you can see, drag racing and performance hi-jinks a-plenty not to be missed!

Of course, Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas will offer a glimpse into Dodge’s electric muscle car future with the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept, the car that will replace the Hemi-powered Charger and Challenger that we currently celebrate.

In addition to the seven “Last Call” special-edition models, Dodge is bringing back three heritage exterior colors for 2023: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green, plus the modern Destroyer Grey. 2023 Charger and Challenger R/T models will also feature “345” fender badging and a callout to the 345-cubic-inch Hemi under the hood. Under the hood, all 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger models will carry a special commemorative “Last Call” plaque.

Dodge also has launched a new Horsepower Locator online tool to help Brotherhood of Muscle members make the “Last Call” for the model of their choice.

Event tickets, as well as drag racing and car show registration, are now available at www.Motortrend.com/DodgeLastCall. For those who will not be able to attend, you will be able to view the livestream feed at DodgeGarage.com, the Dodge YouTube channel, the MotorTrend YouTube channel and MT+.

So what do you do when things don’t work out for you? You party in Vegas, of course. In this particular case, Dodge will be partying on March 20, 2023, as it announces the tardy-yet-final, worldwide reveal of its “Last Call” series. And guess what? You’re invited!

Yessir, Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas is the name of the extravaganza, but the cars aren’t the only stars — MotorTrend television personalities Dave Freiburger, Mike Finnegan, KT Jones, Chris Jacobs and Alex Taylor, plus automotive television host Mike “Mr. Angry” Musto and guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, will punctuate the festival.

Additionally, Grammy-winning DJ and producer Diplo will add to the vibes.

In addition to the reveal and the who’s whos, you’ll be able to experience Dodge Thrill Rides, Challenger SRT Demon simulators, a cruise-in, sponsor/vendor midway areas, a post-event concert and more. As you can see, drag racing and performance hi-jinks a-plenty not to be missed!

Of course, Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas will offer a glimpse into Dodge’s electric muscle car future with the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept, the car that will replace the Hemi-powered Charger and Challenger that we currently celebrate.

In addition to the seven “Last Call” special-edition models, Dodge is bringing back three heritage exterior colors for 2023: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green, plus the modern Destroyer Grey. 2023 Charger and Challenger R/T models will also feature “345” fender badging and a callout to the 345-cubic-inch Hemi under the hood. Under the hood, all 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger models will carry a special commemorative “Last Call” plaque.

Dodge also has launched a new Horsepower Locator online tool to help Brotherhood of Muscle members make the “Last Call” for the model of their choice.

Event tickets, as well as drag racing and car show registration, are now available at www.Motortrend.com/DodgeLastCall. For those who will not be able to attend, you will be able to view the livestream feed at DodgeGarage.com, the Dodge YouTube channel, the MotorTrend YouTube channel and MT+.

American Volkswagen executives still want a pickup truck for the U.S. market, and they don’t seem content to let the segment go unanswered.

On Tuesday, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America Pablo Di Si told Motor Authority the automaker will look again at the pickup truck segment for America.

The timeline for a Volkswagen pickup to arrive in dealers isn’t clear, but the executive said the current plan is to bring a proposal to the board in Germany in the third quarter of 2023.

Should a pickup truck be approved it would be developed in America for America. Di Si noted that cars built in America for America are more successful as shown by the Atlas crossover SUV, which was designed and developed in America, and is built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

VW’s potential pickup would leverage current platforms in the automaker’s portfolio, and would be electrified. Expect it to be a unibody vehicle, likely based on the Atlas’ platform.

The Atlas, which was introduced for the 2018 model year and refreshed for 2021, will debut an updated look for 2024 at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. A next-generation Atlas could be years away.

Volkswagen’s North American Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Andrew Savvas told Motor Authority the next-generation Atlas could be electrified. Di Si noted that it could have a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, but a plug-in hybrid model makes more of an impact. “It’s not strategically wise to go into multiple directions for hybrids,” Di Si said.

Any future plug-in hybrid pickup truck or Atlas would not only need to be built in America, but also have its battery pack’s minerals and cells be sourced domestically to qualify for the recent Inflation Reduction Act incentives. If VW does that, however, its battery provider would qualify for up to $45 per kilowatt-hour of battery manufacturing incentives under a different part of the IRA. That could make an Atlas-based PHEV pickup considerably cheaper than any competitor without a plug.

Volkswagen revealed a Tanoak pickup truck concept based on the Atlas at the 2018 New York auto show. At the time executives said the concept was not intended for production and was meant to gauge consumer interest.

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

American Volkswagen executives still want a pickup truck for the U.S. market, and they don’t seem content to let the segment go unanswered.

On Tuesday, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America Pablo Di Si told Motor Authority the automaker will look again at the pickup truck segment for America.

The timeline for a Volkswagen pickup to arrive in dealers isn’t clear, but the executive said the current plan is to bring a proposal to the board in Germany in the third quarter of 2023.

Should a pickup truck be approved it would be developed in America for America. Di Si noted that cars built in America for America are more successful as shown by the Atlas crossover SUV, which was designed and developed in America, and is built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

VW’s potential pickup would leverage current platforms in the automaker’s portfolio, and would be electrified. Expect it to be a unibody vehicle, likely based on the Atlas’ platform.

The Atlas, which was introduced for the 2018 model year and refreshed for 2021, will debut an updated look for 2024 at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. A next-generation Atlas could be years away.

Volkswagen’s North American Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Andrew Savvas told Motor Authority the next-generation Atlas could be electrified. Di Si noted that it could have a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, but a plug-in hybrid model makes more of an impact. “It’s not strategically wise to go into multiple directions for hybrids,” Di Si said.

Any future plug-in hybrid pickup truck or Atlas would not only need to be built in America, but also have its battery pack’s minerals and cells be sourced domestically to qualify for the recent Inflation Reduction Act incentives. If VW does that, however, its battery provider would qualify for up to $45 per kilowatt-hour of battery manufacturing incentives under a different part of the IRA. That could make an Atlas-based PHEV pickup considerably cheaper than any competitor without a plug.

Volkswagen revealed a Tanoak pickup truck concept based on the Atlas at the 2018 New York auto show. At the time executives said the concept was not intended for production and was meant to gauge consumer interest.

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