Journal Classic Cars

From this point forward Ram Truck’s first battery-electric pickup will be known as…Ram 1500 REV. This is a slight name change from the “Ram Revolution BEV Concept” that was unveiled last month at CES 2023 and this scribe appreciates the change to a shorter name to offset my poor typing skills.

Production of the Ram 1500 Rev is expected to begin next year and according to a recent Ram Truck press release more information about the electric truck will be available Sunday, February 12. The 12^th is Super Bowl Sunday and I expect a lovely esoteric commercial giving the viewing public some vague details of what to expect from the Ram 1500 REV.

“At Ram, we started a revolution last year as we invited consumers along on the beginning of our electrification journey, gathering their feedback on exactly what they are looking for in an electric pickup truck,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO. “We look forward to delivering our first EV pickup – the all-new Ram 1500 REV – to those consumers next year. We are confident the Ram 1500 REV will push past the competition, offering what will be the leading combination of attributes customers care about the most: range, payload, towing and charge time.”

The only details about the Ram 1500 REV are based on its forefather, Ram Revolution BEV Concept. As with many concept vehicles the final production version will be substantially toned down to make it practical for the market, but from the Ram Revolution BEV Concept at CES 2023 we might be able to get a vague sense of what going down with the Ram 1500 REV.

The Ram Revolution BEV Concept has a quad cab layout with grand saloon doors that open 90° to a B-pillarless cabin and third row jump seats. It has an extendable truck bed with enhanced storage from the reimagined RamBox Cargo Management System, and a 50/50 split multifunctional tailgate. I can foresee this same basic layout on the production version Ram 1500 Rev but the concept trucks might get a slight exterior redesign to tone down the Logan’s Run-style exterior and make it a little less futuristic.

At this point it’s all conjecture on what the Ram 1500 REV will look like and we’re going to have to wait until Super Bowl Sunday to see what Ram Truck has up its sleeve. I have my prediction on what we can expect from the Ram 1500 REV and I’m also predicting the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl. Hopefully I’m right about the Chiefs and I am good with being surprised by the Ram 1500 REV.

From this point forward Ram Truck’s first battery-electric pickup will be known as…Ram 1500 REV. This is a slight name change from the “Ram Revolution BEV Concept” that was unveiled last month at CES 2023 and this scribe appreciates the change to a shorter name to offset my poor typing skills.

Production of the Ram 1500 Rev is expected to begin next year and according to a recent Ram Truck press release more information about the electric truck will be available Sunday, February 12. The 12^th is Super Bowl Sunday and I expect a lovely esoteric commercial giving the viewing public some vague details of what to expect from the Ram 1500 REV.

“At Ram, we started a revolution last year as we invited consumers along on the beginning of our electrification journey, gathering their feedback on exactly what they are looking for in an electric pickup truck,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO. “We look forward to delivering our first EV pickup – the all-new Ram 1500 REV – to those consumers next year. We are confident the Ram 1500 REV will push past the competition, offering what will be the leading combination of attributes customers care about the most: range, payload, towing and charge time.”

The only details about the Ram 1500 REV are based on its forefather, Ram Revolution BEV Concept. As with many concept vehicles the final production version will be substantially toned down to make it practical for the market, but from the Ram Revolution BEV Concept at CES 2023 we might be able to get a vague sense of what going down with the Ram 1500 REV.

The Ram Revolution BEV Concept has a quad cab layout with grand saloon doors that open 90° to a B-pillarless cabin and third row jump seats. It has an extendable truck bed with enhanced storage from the reimagined RamBox Cargo Management System, and a 50/50 split multifunctional tailgate. I can foresee this same basic layout on the production version Ram 1500 Rev but the concept trucks might get a slight exterior redesign to tone down the Logan’s Run-style exterior and make it a little less futuristic.

At this point it’s all conjecture on what the Ram 1500 REV will look like and we’re going to have to wait until Super Bowl Sunday to see what Ram Truck has up its sleeve. I have my prediction on what we can expect from the Ram 1500 REV and I’m also predicting the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl. Hopefully I’m right about the Chiefs and I am good with being surprised by the Ram 1500 REV.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is a 1967 Pontiac GTO.

This GTO is finished in Sunburnt Orange Metallic complemented by hood and trunk lid ghost stripes, and custom airbrushed tiger artwork. It also features a hood scoop, front and rear chrome bumpers, and a Hurst emblem.

It rides on 14-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels featuring body-color and black accents, and a set of 225/70 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.

“The front bucket seats, rear seat, rear trim, and door panels are upholstered with black vinyl,” the listing states. “Features include a center console with simulated woodgrain accents and a three-speed manual Hurst shifter, power steering, power brakes, manual windows, a digital AM/FM/CD stereo, and a three-spoke steering wheel with a wood rim.”

A non-original WT-code Pontiac 400ci V8 engine with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor powers this GTO. The engine bay is accented by a chrome air cleaner, chrome valve covers, metallic light blue engine paint, and an Ultima Redtop battery. A console-shifted three-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels.

The odometer reads 51,280 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

The sale includes a clear title, and the selling dealer charges a $600 documentation fee in addition to the price of the sale.

This 1967 Pontiac GTO’s auction ends on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is a 1967 Pontiac GTO.

This GTO is finished in Sunburnt Orange Metallic complemented by hood and trunk lid ghost stripes, and custom airbrushed tiger artwork. It also features a hood scoop, front and rear chrome bumpers, and a Hurst emblem.

It rides on 14-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels featuring body-color and black accents, and a set of 225/70 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.

“The front bucket seats, rear seat, rear trim, and door panels are upholstered with black vinyl,” the listing states. “Features include a center console with simulated woodgrain accents and a three-speed manual Hurst shifter, power steering, power brakes, manual windows, a digital AM/FM/CD stereo, and a three-spoke steering wheel with a wood rim.”

A non-original WT-code Pontiac 400ci V8 engine with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor powers this GTO. The engine bay is accented by a chrome air cleaner, chrome valve covers, metallic light blue engine paint, and an Ultima Redtop battery. A console-shifted three-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels.

The odometer reads 51,280 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

The sale includes a clear title, and the selling dealer charges a $600 documentation fee in addition to the price of the sale.

This 1967 Pontiac GTO’s auction ends on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Sometimes it’s difficult to grasp the concept of time. A viral meme circulated recently that called attention to the fact that the length of time between the years 1980 and 2023 is the same as the length of time between 1937 and 1980. Let that sink in for a minute.

The Pick of the Day is a 1937 Ford Deluxe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)

With the year 1937 on the mind, and after unsuccessfully wrapping my head around that commentary about what 40 years of evolution looks like, I found this neat “Humpback” two-door listed online.

The listing describes the condition by saying, “Professional quality exterior paint. Very well-maintained and stored indoors. Beautiful wheels and tires that accent the curves of this amazing car.”

For model year 1937, Ford automobile designers started with the outgoing Model 48 and changed a few exterior features by making the grille more V-shaped and by fairing-in the headlights into the front fenders. Body styles were offered in many variations include a coupe, a convertible, a pickup, a station wagon, and more. The exterior on this nicely-restored ’37 shows a split windshield, chrome sideview mirrors, 15-inch “smoothie” chrome wheels on wide whitewall tires, dual exhaust outlets, and a lowered stance. The seller states that the brightwork is in like-new condition.

Under the hood, power comes from a well-maintained 221cid Flathead V8 coupled with a rebuilt T5 four-speed manual transmission. The seller provides a list of performance upgrades that have been added, including Edelbrock heads, an Offenhauser aluminum intake manifold, and dual Stromberg carburetors. Recent maintenance included a tune-up, a carburetor rebuild, and replacement of the spark plug wires, so this car should be ready to get in and go.

The interior looks as nice as the rest of the car. The reportedly original front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in tan cloth to complement the exterior, and the cabin is dressed with newer carpeting, a pinstriped dash, a banjo-style steering wheel, and a functional clock.

“Showroom condition. Runs ad drives great,” the listing concludes.

It is hard to believe how much automotive development took place between 1937 and 1980, and then again between 1980 and 2023. It makes me wonder what we’ll be driving in 2066 when that meme goes viral again. The seller is asking $42,500 for this Deluxe.

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

Sometimes it’s difficult to grasp the concept of time. A viral meme circulated recently that called attention to the fact that the length of time between the years 1980 and 2023 is the same as the length of time between 1937 and 1980. Let that sink in for a minute.

The Pick of the Day is a 1937 Ford Deluxe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)

With the year 1937 on the mind, and after unsuccessfully wrapping my head around that commentary about what 40 years of evolution looks like, I found this neat “Humpback” two-door listed online.

The listing describes the condition by saying, “Professional quality exterior paint. Very well-maintained and stored indoors. Beautiful wheels and tires that accent the curves of this amazing car.”

For model year 1937, Ford automobile designers started with the outgoing Model 48 and changed a few exterior features by making the grille more V-shaped and by fairing-in the headlights into the front fenders. Body styles were offered in many variations include a coupe, a convertible, a pickup, a station wagon, and more. The exterior on this nicely-restored ’37 shows a split windshield, chrome sideview mirrors, 15-inch “smoothie” chrome wheels on wide whitewall tires, dual exhaust outlets, and a lowered stance. The seller states that the brightwork is in like-new condition.

Under the hood, power comes from a well-maintained 221cid Flathead V8 coupled with a rebuilt T5 four-speed manual transmission. The seller provides a list of performance upgrades that have been added, including Edelbrock heads, an Offenhauser aluminum intake manifold, and dual Stromberg carburetors. Recent maintenance included a tune-up, a carburetor rebuild, and replacement of the spark plug wires, so this car should be ready to get in and go.

The interior looks as nice as the rest of the car. The reportedly original front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in tan cloth to complement the exterior, and the cabin is dressed with newer carpeting, a pinstriped dash, a banjo-style steering wheel, and a functional clock.

“Showroom condition. Runs ad drives great,” the listing concludes.

It is hard to believe how much automotive development took place between 1937 and 1980, and then again between 1980 and 2023. It makes me wonder what we’ll be driving in 2066 when that meme goes viral again. The seller is asking $42,500 for this Deluxe.

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

Shelby American was the little company that could — sure, Ford took control of Shelby Mustang production starting in 1968, but the can-do attitude by the small operation created a romantic narrative on parity with David vs. Goliath. Talent and luck were permeating a certain hangar in Venice, California in spades, and the products that emerged from the blood and sweat have earned top status among enthusiasts for decades.

So is it any wonder that there is so much online enthusiasm for this fantastic 1966 Shelby Cobra that is being auctioned on AutoHunter on February 13, 2023? You may have read about this car already, but there’s still more to tell. CSX3195 is a fun Cobra. It revels in the fact that it’s not some Pebble Beach prima donna — rather, it’s across the street hangin’ out at Laguna Seca doing what its birthright suggests (plus note the Road America and Watkins Glen notches on its belt). If this Cobra was in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” Cameron would have gladly accepted being peer-pressured to go joy-riding along Lakeshore Drive.

The original order for the car began on October 27, 1965 and the car was finally processed on January 25, 1966 as a black-on-black 427 Cobra. After arriving at Johnny Bolton Ford in Maitland, Florida, it listed for $6,383. Its most interesting history begins in 1985 when Mac Archer bought CSX3195 and, with the help of Eric Bernhard of Entropy Racing, the Cobra was outfitted with Halibrand wheels, racing windshield, side pipes, hood scoop and race-tuned 427 for vintage racing duty. Wearing the number 22, CSX3195 won several races under Archer’s tutelage. In 2003, Archer commissioned sheet metal specialist Bruce Terry to refresh the body work (much of it by hand) and straighten the frame; it then was painted red by David Smith.

Come 2012, off the Cobra went to a new caretaker in California. That same year, it was raced at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and, come November, it was traded to Jim Farley of FoMoCo fame. The body was stripped and repainted blue with white racing stripes, which matched the Ford executive’s FIA Cobra 289. He drove CSX3195 at Laguna Seca and exhibited it at events on behalf of Ford. As with Archer, the car was maintained by Eric Bernhard.

By 2015, CSX3195 headed to the Texas border for a new owner. A standard windscreen replaced the racing unit but has deviated little otherwise. At the time, the “side-oiler” 427 had been modified for track use (complete with 13.5 compression) by Bob Corn of Roush Industries; the new owner had the big ol’ FE iron block rebuilt to be more street-friendly. With 550 horsepower, it’s still the monster it once was, but now can run on 93 octane. Of course, power is handled by Ford’s mightly “Toploader” four-speed, though you can imagine the rear tires have a strained relationship with the pair. Michael Grubbs, in contrast, has had a splendid relationship with CSX3195. As the owner of Grubbs Motorsports in Garland, Texas, Michael has maintained the Cobra for the owner, saying this this particular vehicle is “the gold standard for a car from the ‘60s” and that it “drives better than any other car from the ‘60s they’ve worked on over the years.”

The winner of this AutoHunter auction will receive the following:

• CSX3195
• Owner’s manual
• Mac Archer’s racing logbook with entries spanning 1985-2006 at tracks that include Road America, Laguna Seca and Watkins Glen
• Reportedly original speedometer/odometer that shows approximately 14,000 miles
• Black Halibrand wheels with racing tires
• Racing windscreen
• Original 1966 seats that were in the car when Mac Archer competed with it
• Jim Farley’s racing seats and personalized car cover
• Tool roll
• Driving gloves
• Books, magazines and calendar that feature CSX3195

The auction will end on February 13, 2023 at 5:00 pm (MST). When you first hop in and drive CSX3195, you’ll get all giggly and realize why you’ve been wasting your time eyeing trailer queens when Carroll Shelby created the ultimate transportation device. Your time has come.

Shelby American was the little company that could — sure, Ford took control of Shelby Mustang production starting in 1968, but the can-do attitude by the small operation created a romantic narrative on parity with David vs. Goliath. Talent and luck were permeating a certain hangar in Venice, California in spades, and the products that emerged from the blood and sweat have earned top status among enthusiasts for decades.

So is it any wonder that there is so much online enthusiasm for this fantastic 1966 Shelby Cobra that is being auctioned on AutoHunter on February 13, 2023? You may have read about this car already, but there’s still more to tell. CSX3195 is a fun Cobra. It revels in the fact that it’s not some Pebble Beach prima donna — rather, it’s across the street hangin’ out at Laguna Seca doing what its birthright suggests (plus note the Road America and Watkins Glen notches on its belt). If this Cobra was in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” Cameron would have gladly accepted being peer-pressured to go joy-riding along Lakeshore Drive.

The original order for the car began on October 27, 1965 and the car was finally processed on January 25, 1966 as a black-on-black 427 Cobra. After arriving at Johnny Bolton Ford in Maitland, Florida, it listed for $6,383. Its most interesting history begins in 1985 when Mac Archer bought CSX3195 and, with the help of Eric Bernhard of Entropy Racing, the Cobra was outfitted with Halibrand wheels, racing windshield, side pipes, hood scoop and race-tuned 427 for vintage racing duty. Wearing the number 22, CSX3195 won several races under Archer’s tutelage. In 2003, Archer commissioned sheet metal specialist Bruce Terry to refresh the body work (much of it by hand) and straighten the frame; it then was painted red by David Smith.

Come 2012, off the Cobra went to a new caretaker in California. That same year, it was raced at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and, come November, it was traded to Jim Farley of FoMoCo fame. The body was stripped and repainted blue with white racing stripes, which matched the Ford executive’s FIA Cobra 289. He drove CSX3195 at Laguna Seca and exhibited it at events on behalf of Ford. As with Archer, the car was maintained by Eric Bernhard.

By 2015, CSX3195 headed to the Texas border for a new owner. A standard windscreen replaced the racing unit but has deviated little otherwise. At the time, the “side-oiler” 427 had been modified for track use (complete with 13.5 compression) by Bob Corn of Roush Industries; the new owner had the big ol’ FE iron block rebuilt to be more street-friendly. With 550 horsepower, it’s still the monster it once was, but now can run on 93 octane. Of course, power is handled by Ford’s mightly “Toploader” four-speed, though you can imagine the rear tires have a strained relationship with the pair. Michael Grubbs, in contrast, has had a splendid relationship with CSX3195. As the owner of Grubbs Motorsports in Garland, Texas, Michael has maintained the Cobra for the owner, saying this this particular vehicle is “the gold standard for a car from the ‘60s” and that it “drives better than any other car from the ‘60s they’ve worked on over the years.”

The winner of this AutoHunter auction will receive the following:

• CSX3195
• Owner’s manual
• Mac Archer’s racing logbook with entries spanning 1985-2006 at tracks that include Road America, Laguna Seca and Watkins Glen
• Reportedly original speedometer/odometer that shows approximately 14,000 miles
• Black Halibrand wheels with racing tires
• Racing windscreen
• Original 1966 seats that were in the car when Mac Archer competed with it
• Jim Farley’s racing seats and personalized car cover
• Tool roll
• Driving gloves
• Books, magazines and calendar that feature CSX3195

The auction will end on February 13, 2023 at 5:00 pm (MST). When you first hop in and drive CSX3195, you’ll get all giggly and realize why you’ve been wasting your time eyeing trailer queens when Carroll Shelby created the ultimate transportation device. Your time has come.

This week’s Friday AutoHunter Picks are a good mix of vehicles that have something special about them that pulled me in: special luxury car, special performance variant, special custom build and special-order color. Which one is most special to you?

1956 Continental Mark II
When I was just a kid snapping up books and magazines, the classic car cognoscenti was telling me this was one of the most significant post-war cars out of America. Its styling was clean, eschewing the burgeoning Atomic Age-era excesses for something more proper for a conservative man wearing a hat. As I’ve matured, I’ve lost interest in them.

But this Shenandoah Green example color grabs me. It’s not a color often seen, I surmise, and the two-tone green interior just adds to the novelty. I have no interest in opulent luxury at this moment, but this car just begs to have someone hop in and enjoy it.

1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
The Boss 351 holds the distinction of possibly being the fastest small-block from the muscle car era. High-13s seem to have been common for this car, which is somewhat ironic considering the Mustang’s 1971 redesign has created the perception that it’s big and heavy though it’s not as bad as you think, especially with the latter.

These cars can be pricey, but this documented Boss 351 lacks its original engine, which means it may be attainable for someone who normally wouldn’t be able to afford it. Buy it, enjoy driving it, and slowly bring the car up to proper spec — that’s what I’d do.

1977 International Scout II
You don’t have to be into trucks to be attracted to this bad-arse Independent. Kudos go to the person who selected this color, which seems to blend in nicely with the sort of environment in which you’d be accused of tomfoolery. Plus, Broncos go for dumb money so why not march to a different beat?

Alas, a different beat doesn’t come from a Ram chassis and Cummins 5.9 six, but is that really a demerit? Sounds like a good thing to me! Plus, it’s shifted by a five-speed manual. There’s a lot to like here.

1967 Pontiac GTO
I happened to see this car from the distance of a coworker’s monitor. I thought, “That looks like a special-order color GTO!” and immediately checked Patrick Smith’s blog on special-order colors. Bingo! Looks like Copper Blaze, a color similar to the hue that’s currently on this Goat. Then I checked the data plate in the photo carousel, which had the codes normally associated with special-order colors used on Pontiacs of the era.

Underneath those codes is 97904, which is Coronado Gold per the color chip on Smith’s page. If you’ve ever heard of Tiger Gold for 1965-66 Pontiacs, it’s the same color. Another unusual aspect of this GTO is that it’s one of 4,893 built with the standard 400/335 and three-speed manual.

This week’s Friday AutoHunter Picks are a good mix of vehicles that have something special about them that pulled me in: special luxury car, special performance variant, special custom build and special-order color. Which one is most special to you?

1956 Continental Mark II
When I was just a kid snapping up books and magazines, the classic car cognoscenti was telling me this was one of the most significant post-war cars out of America. Its styling was clean, eschewing the burgeoning Atomic Age-era excesses for something more proper for a conservative man wearing a hat. As I’ve matured, I’ve lost interest in them.

But this Shenandoah Green example color grabs me. It’s not a color often seen, I surmise, and the two-tone green interior just adds to the novelty. I have no interest in opulent luxury at this moment, but this car just begs to have someone hop in and enjoy it.

1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
The Boss 351 holds the distinction of possibly being the fastest small-block from the muscle car era. High-13s seem to have been common for this car, which is somewhat ironic considering the Mustang’s 1971 redesign has created the perception that it’s big and heavy though it’s not as bad as you think, especially with the latter.

These cars can be pricey, but this documented Boss 351 lacks its original engine, which means it may be attainable for someone who normally wouldn’t be able to afford it. Buy it, enjoy driving it, and slowly bring the car up to proper spec — that’s what I’d do.

1977 International Scout II
You don’t have to be into trucks to be attracted to this bad-arse Independent. Kudos go to the person who selected this color, which seems to blend in nicely with the sort of environment in which you’d be accused of tomfoolery. Plus, Broncos go for dumb money so why not march to a different beat?

Alas, a different beat doesn’t come from a Ram chassis and Cummins 5.9 six, but is that really a demerit? Sounds like a good thing to me! Plus, it’s shifted by a five-speed manual. There’s a lot to like here.

1967 Pontiac GTO
I happened to see this car from the distance of a coworker’s monitor. I thought, “That looks like a special-order color GTO!” and immediately checked Patrick Smith’s blog on special-order colors. Bingo! Looks like Copper Blaze, a color similar to the hue that’s currently on this Goat. Then I checked the data plate in the photo carousel, which had the codes normally associated with special-order colors used on Pontiacs of the era.

Underneath those codes is 97904, which is Coronado Gold per the color chip on Smith’s page. If you’ve ever heard of Tiger Gold for 1965-66 Pontiacs, it’s the same color. Another unusual aspect of this GTO is that it’s one of 4,893 built with the standard 400/335 and three-speed manual.