General Motors has filed a patent application for an augmented reality (AR) auto-dimming windshield to protect drivers from the glare of oncoming headlights.
First spotted by Motor1, the application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and published Jan. 17, 2023. It describes a lot of added hardware, including an AR head-up display, sensors to detect the amount of light shining on the windshield, and smart glass that allows the amount of light transmitted through the windshield to be electrically tuned.
General Motors Augmented head-up display patent
If the sensors detect that light shining in the direction of the driver is above a certain threshold, a specific section of the windshield will dim to keep the driver from being blinded. The system detects the position of the driver’s eyes, the position of the vehicle creating the glare, and dims a portion of the windshield to protect the driver. It also creates an image of the offending vehicle on the windshield in the proper position.
This type of system could be a good defense against other drivers who forget to turn their high beams off, although the proliferation of automatic high beams in new cars will make that less of an issue as time goes on.
Auto-dimming mirrors are also a common feature in new cars today, but the idea laid out in this patent application takes the idea a step further. Current auto-dimming mirrors dim across their entire surface, rather than targeting a specific area of glare.
General Motors Augmented head-up display patent
AR tech means the auto-dimming function could also be integrated with other features, like the AR navigation systems available in some Mercedes-Benz luxury cars. These systems project arrows onto the head-up displays (as well as the center touchscreen) to direct the driver toward their turn. Cadillac also has AR, but it shows up on digital instrument cluster instead of the head-up display.
Like other recent GM patents, including ones for anti-motion sickness technology for autonomous vehicles and dual charge ports for EVs, the AR auto-dimming windshield isn’t guaranteed to see production. Automakers frequently patent ideas without firm plans to commercialize them, so time will tell if this feature appears on future GM vehicles.
Barrett-Jackson kicked off the event season in Arizona with its 2023 Scottsdale Auction over the weekend with its highest attendance for an opening weekend in the auction company’s history. Families and young enthusiasts flocked to Barrett-Jackson to take in the excitement of Family Day on Saturday and the Future Collector Car Show on Sunday. The Scottsdale Auction continues today through Sunday, January 29, with both automobilia and collector cars auctioning from the world-famous auction block.
Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
“After the incredible year we experienced in 2022, breaking hundreds of world auction records and shattering our own previous sales records, it’s incredible to see this level of enthusiasm from the hobby as we kicked off our 2023 Scottsdale Auction this weekend,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Our opening weekend saw the highest attendance we’ve ever welcomed at WestWorld over the first two days of our event, and I can’t wait to see what this week’s action brings.”
Barrett-Jackson’s opening weekend began on Saturday with Family Day, which featured several family-friendly activations such as STEM Fest. Barrett-Jackson also partnered with the Driven Project once again to provide supercar therapy to 12 children battling serious illnesses and heavy life challenges.
STEM Fest (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson)
A highlight of Saturday afternoon was a parade across the auction block of the nearly 50 contenders competing for the coveted Barrett-Jackson Cup. Rick DeBruhl, part of Barrett-Jackson’s on-air talent team, announced these incredible builds, which showcase the talent and craftsmanship of custom car and truck builders across the country. The esteemed judges, custom builders Bobby Alloway and Troy Trepanier, will have the difficult challenge of narrowing the group of ultimate vehicles down to the Top 5, from which one winner will be chosen on Saturday, January 28.
2023 Future Collector Car Show (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson)
Sunday’s activities put the 2023 Future Collector Car Show in the spotlight. Held on the Polo Field, the show welcomed a young, diverse crowd of enthusiasts and featured over 100 future collectibles. Ultimately, it was a 2002 Honda S2000 that earned the Best of Show title. Among the judges at the event was renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen, TV personality Bogi Lateiner and YouTuber TJ Hunt. Craig Jackson and City of Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega were on hand to welcome participants and congratulate the winners.
Sunday concluded with Barrett-Jackson’s Opening Night Gala. The renowned automotive lifestyle event featured 56 airmen and women in salute to Arizona’s Luke Air Force Base and presenting of colors, as well as acclaimed live entertainment from Emerald City Band and DJ Munition, gourmet food and signature cocktails.
The automotive lifestyle event of the year continues all week with more than 1,100 pieces of automobilia and more than 1,900 collectible vehicles all selling with No Reserve. The auction will also be broadcast live for a record 41 hours on FYI and The HISTORY Channel.
“The burgundy exterior finish was applied under previous ownership and is accented with chrome brightwork for the bumpers, grille surround, headlight rings, window trim, and rocker moldings,” the listing states. “Additionally, the car was customized with a Rockwell Golde sliding sunroof. Other features include an egg-crate-style grille and a driver-side mirror. The selling dealer has provided close-ups in the gallery to the right that show blemishes such as paint cracks, chips, lower panel corrosion, and brightwork patina.”
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
It rides on 15-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and 165/80 Vredestein T-Trac tires.
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
This Alfa Romeo’s interior is reupholstered with gray vinyl and ivory cloth front bucket seats with newer upholstery for the headliner and door panels. It features manual windows, lap belts, and a truck-mounted spare tire.
It’s powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine with a 38-millimeter Weber two-barrel carburetor. The engine was sourced from a later-model 101-series Alfa Romeo and is paired with a replacement five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.
The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 57,000 kilometers, but the selling dealer states the true mileage on the chassis is unknown. A re-core of the radiator, and a re-lining of the fuel tank using a Gas Tank Renu system was performed.
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
The sale includes a clear Maryland title in the consignor’s name, service records, and parts receipts.
Modern cars are all about providing optimized visibility through cameras at the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle. Some can even depict a bird’s-eye view of a vehicle’s surroundings using a combination of all the above. But in the 1950s, all it took to enhance line of sight was more glass around the cabin.
“This beautiful 1956 Ford F-100 big-window pickup is in remarkable and unmolested condition,” the listing begins. “The truck is all Henry Ford steel and is a pleasure to drive anywhere.”
Ford’s popular F-Series of pickups first came into existence in 1948, encompassing a wide range of utility vehicles from light-duty to heavy-duty. This example comes from the second generation, which started in 1953. The final year for the generation was 1956, and trucks from that model year (such as this one) had a one-year-only body style. Unique design cues included a wrap-around windshield, vertical pillars, and an optional a curved wrap-around rear glass window that gives optimal visibility.
The seller states that this pickup underwent restoration and received not only a cosmetic refurbishment, but also some upgrades like new oak planks in the cargo area, chrome brightwork, a color-matched front windshield visor, and a dual exhaust system. Beyond all that cosmetic rework, it received restomod treatment to bring it into the modern era. Added conveniences include power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a newer heater, and a Kenwood audio system.
Under the hood of this truck is a crate-sourced small-block Chevrolet 350cid V8 mated to a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Based on the two-minute video in the listing with a narrated driving sequence, the drivetrain performs well, and this truck moves down the road confidently.
The photo gallery shows a color-matched diecast scale model sitting on the dash, which could be a nice bonus if the seller is willing to include it.
“This truck has won several shows in the past and is an extraordinary value at this price point,” the seller concludes. The seller is asking $54,895 for this F-100.
Sunday at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale saw the return of the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) to Arizona. FCCS has close ties to the Journal, as it began in 2015 by the Collector Car Network which consists of ClassicCars.com, AutoHunter.com, and us. As part of the Barrett-Jackson family, this is something we have been excited to see all year. The show highlights the next generation of classics and collectibles in a family friendly environment. This year our very own Andy Reid was honored with being the lead judge.
Show field at FCCS
Sunday’s activities for Barrett-Jackson put the 2023 Future Collector Car Show presented by Meguiar’s in the spotlight. Held on the Polo Field, the show featured over 100 future collectibles, but ultimately it was a 2002 Honda S2000 that earned the Best of Show title. Among the other judges at the event were renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen, TV personality Bogi Lateiner and YouTuber TJ Hunt. Barrett-Jackson Chairman/CEO Craig Jackson and City of Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega were on hand to welcome participants and congratulate the winners.
From left to right: Craig Jackson, Andy Reid, FCCS Best of Show winner David Plinn, Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, Dustin Willams and TJ Hunt.
Continuing its tradition of blending automotive culture with the world of fashion, FCCS at Barrett-Jackson hosted a fashion show produced by Luxe and City. The winning stylist, Lamark Cole, received a $1,000 cash prize in addition to a complimentary showcase at Arizona Fashion Week later this year, and also will be able to judge Collection of the Year during that event.
Models participating in the fashion show as part of FCCS.Craig Jackson and Mayor Ortega with influencers at FCCS.
In the next few days we will bring you a more detailed recap of the Future Collector Car Show from our writers who attended. You can continue to follow the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction updates on the Journal by clicking the link here.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1960 Chevrolet Corvette with a carbureted 350 small-block upgrade. Equipment includes a four-speed manual transmission, Positraction rear end and Wonderbar radio. Finished in Tuxedo Black with silver coves, and equipped with a white convertible top over a black vinyl interior, this 1960 Corvette is offered by the selling dealer with a clear Pennsylvania title.
The two-tone black and silver flanks are complemented by a white canvas convertible top. Exterior features include driver’s side mirror and dual exhausts exiting through the split rear bumper.
Steel 15-inch wheels with spinner-style polished wheel covers are wrapped in whitewall bias-ply tires.
The two-place cockpit is furnished with reupholstered black vinyl bucket seats and are complemented by matching door panels, dashboard and carpeting. Features include silver accents, Wonderbar push-button AM radio, passenger-side grab-handle, and polished door sill plates.
Instrumentation consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, voltage and oil pressure. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 55,190 miles, but the true mileage on the chassis is unknown.
The original 283 has been replaced by a 350ci V8 equipped with an Edelbrock aluminum intake and Carter four-barrel carburetor. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and Positraction limited-slip rear end.
Brakes are drum on all four corners.
The selling dealer has provided a video, which can be seen on the auction page, that shows start-up, walk-around and additional details. A $145 dealer fee/tax will be added to the purchase price. The selling dealer will collect additional registration/sales tax fees if you are a resident of Minnesota, the state from which the Corvette is being sold.
Bidding for this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette ends on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 4:20 p.m. (MST)
DPC is back on the road and covering the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. Part one of his odyssey from Phoenix to Westworld of Scottsdale is available here
I mentioned in Part Oneof my funky adventure that I have covered the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction seven times as a reporter, but strangely enough I have never attended the event as a customer. I’ve always wanted to check it out whilst off the clock but as we know, life can get in the way. This is a lame excuse when you consider I love cars and live in Phoenix, but I have my lazy moments when I don’t want to drive across town. On Sunday I defied my sluggish spirit, skipped the NFL Playoffs, and headed to WestWorld of Scottsdale, but not as a reporter.
I will readily admit that we reporters are spoiled when we cover events. Closer parking, separate entrances to avoid lines, and free food in the press box. It’s first-class treatment and I do my best to avoid taking it for granted. I know I am incredibly fortunate to be coddled when I’m on assignment, and I’m eternally grateful.
To have a better understanding on why I haven’t been to Barrett-Jackson as a paying customer please consider my schedule. When auction week starts, I work 12-hours a day, in at 8 a.m. and I’m heading back home after 8 p.m. This schedule changes as the days of the event gather and by Thursday, I’m in at 7:00 a.m. and heading home is best defined as “TBD.” With long hours you must stay properly fueled and I have discovered over the years that one cannot live on Red Bull alone. I could in college but that was decades ago and I’m far removed from early 20s when I needed minimal sleep, could subsist on cigarettes and caffeine, and never got hangovers. I often miss those days of poor lifestyle choices with minimal repercussions but that’s another story for another time. I love my job and I am not complaining, but I miss my family and dogs during auction week.
Seeing this sign in the Automobilia display helped ease my guilt from being away from my loyal Husky on Sunday (Photo by David P. Castro)
Sunday afternoon my wife and I head to Westworld, and I got lost. This was embarrassing but I have no idea where public parking is located, despite spending 10-days a year at Westworld and having a good idea of the general layout. We eventually parked, waited for my mother in law and I went to the box office to buy a ticket. It’s strange but it was a good experience to be a paying customer. Buying a ticket validated my Sunday experience.
Once inside I saw the main pavilion from a different angle. It wasn’t my temporary office for 10-days where I needed to stay sharp and analytical to cover the auction properly, while also being in a perpetual hurry. Quite the opposite on my day off. I relaxed, just took it all in and by taking a simple pause I developed a better understanding of the event and how it is a great opportunity to bring people together.
I ordered a Greyhound and we just strolled with no destination or schedule. We checked out whatever cars caught our eye, chatted it up, and simply had a relaxing day as a family. Easy like Sunday morning at 1:00 p.m.
If you have the opportunity take a moment and smell the flowers because you might have a chance to see something in front of you with a different perspective.
Here’s the greatest of American muscle cars owned by a member of the greatest of American rock bands. Arguable? I’m a betting man, so allow me to make a case for the Beach Boys and this 1971 Hemi’Cuda recreation that will be for sale at no reserve at the upcoming 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction.
The 426 Hemi is the performance engine to which all other engines are compared. Starting in 1964, the Hemi won 1-2-3 at Daytona. It also made a name for itself in sanctioned drag racing. When the Street Hemi arrived for 1966, it brought its legendary prowess to Everywhere, USA, behaving more like a tamed race car than a hot sedan. Car and Driver magazine once said that the “Hemi … has more pure mechanical presence than any other American automobile.” Some folks claim the 440 Six Pack was faster, and it’s quite possible that, all things being equal, it’s consistently faster through the traps — blame the high-end nature of the Hemi’s power band for that — but beware the owner who knows how to tune and drive a Hemi. This engine in a ‘Cuda is arguably the most desirable muscle car from the era, especially the 1971 version with its long list of appearance options that wild it up.
The Beach Boys may have started out as teeny-boppers, but they ended up as part of a triumvirate of 1960s music that included Bob Dylan and the Beatles. Brian Wilson quickly discovered that his bedroom was more interesting than a stage, so add some drugs, mental illness, and a musical escalation and you have a band that moved the goalposts and got everyone to make better music in its wake. Al Jardine, rhythm guitarist and vocalist for the Beach Boys since 1963 and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, can claim he was there through it all, thick and thin.
So we see no irony in the most desirable muscle car owned by a member of one of the most esteemed bands ever. Truth be told, Al’s ‘Cuda is a recreation of sorts, originally a ‘Cuda 340 from the factory. He commissioned the build in 2009 but eventually sold the car, with the new owner having the drivetrain refurbished by Lanier’s Speed Shop in Colorado. The rebuild included an Ohio Crankshaft rotating assembly with a 4340 forged stroker crank, Keith Black pistons, stainless valves, 1.57 roller rockers, cc-matched chambered cylinder heads and Schneider Racing camshaft, among other upgrades. Cubic inches now measure 477, with the Hemi having dyno’d at 494.3 horsepower and 570.7 ft-lb of torque.
That power is harnessed by the original 727 TorqueFlite automatic and 3.23 gears. Exhaust gases lead to dual 2.5-inch Flowmasters. Brakes have been upgraded to Wilwood Dynalite on all four corners, helping the ‘Cuda stop in a manner that would impress Consumer Reports magazine. Mags are custom-built 18-inch CNC-machined Budnick Wheels. All this is wrapped in “FC7” In Violet paint with white interior and matching “Billboard” decals, plus painted bumpers front and rear.
With less than 500 miles since the rebuild, this Hemi’Cuda is ready for someone to hop in and bruise some asphalt with “Good Vibrations” blasting through the cellphone (buying a factory-correct cassette player is up to you). A good match? If you agree with the case I’ve made, then you are a prime candidate for this 1971 Hemi’Cuda recreation, which is available with no reserve at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Friday, January 27, 2023.
Barrett-JacksonCollector Car Auctions will auction five charity vehicles during its 2023 Scottsdale Auction, January 21-29 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Each charity vehicle will cross the world-famous auction block with 100 percent of the hammer price going directly to its designated nonprofit organization. Helping raise over $149 million for charity to date, Barrett-Jackson is accustomed to auctioning VIN 001 vehicles to support charitable initiatives. The 2023 Scottsdale Auction will feature two of these highly collectible vehicles, including the 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV Edition 1 VIN 001 First Retail Production (Lot #3002) and the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001 (Lot #3004).
“Barrett-Jackson has helped raise more awareness and funds for charities across the county than any other collector car auction company,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re proud of the legacy we’ve earned as a company known for supporting organizations that help our military veterans, first responders, youth and those needing life-saving medical care. Together with our generous donors and bidders, we are improving the lives of countless Americans across the country.”
Lot 3004 – 2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001 selling to benefit JDRF
The 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV Edition 1 VIN 001 First Retail Production (Lot #3002) will be auctioned on Saturday, January 28, to benefit Tread Lightly!, a national initiative to protect and enhance recreation access and opportunities by promoting outdoor ethics to heighten individuals’ sense of good stewardship. The fully electric HUMMER EV SUV features a three-motor e4WD propulsion system with GM-estimated 830 horsepower and GM-estimated 11,500 ft/lbs of torque, 4-wheel steer with CrabWalk diagonal-drive functionality and Adaptive Air Suspension with available Extract Mode capability.
The 2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001 (Lot #3004) will be also auctioned on Saturday and 100 percent of its hammer price will benefit JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), the leading global organization harnessing the power of research, advocacy, and community engagement to advance life-changing breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes (T1D).. The all-new Mustang GT’s fourth-generation Coyote V8 offers up to 486 horsepower, a fighter-jet-inspired cockpit and bold new styling. The winning bidder can choose any standard Ford Mustang GT fastback option, including color, transmission and interior packages.
Lot 3003 – 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray selling to benefit America’s Promise Alliance
General Colin L. Powell’s 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (Lot #3003) will be featured on Saturday as well, and will be sold to benefit America’s Promise Alliance, an organization dedicated to pioneering collective impact work, bringing together organizations and communities around the most important issues facing the next generation. General Powell’s son, Michael Powell, will be on the auction block to support the sale of this cherished vehicle. Owned and driven daily by the late General Powell, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State, the Corvette is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine hooked to an automatic transmission. It is finished in Gunmetal Gray with a black interior and leather seats and has only 15,600 actual miles.
“Many of our greatest auction moments over the last five decades have been the sale of charity vehicles on our world-famous auction block,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ve shared celebrations and tears as our collector car family rallied around those in need. We’ll never fully grasp the extent of the countless lives saved and opportunities provided by the funds and awareness Barrett-Jackson has helped raise at our auctions, but it is an honor to continue to have the opportunity to impact the lives of those who need it the most.”
Lot 3001 – 2023 Ford F150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew Pickup selling to benefit Fighter County Foundation
A 2023 Ford F150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew Pickup (Lot #3001) will be sold Friday, January 27, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Fighter County Foundation to support the men, women and families of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona by enhancing the morale, well-being, culture, tradition and sustainability of the base. Recently named the 2023 North American Truck of the Year, this electric pickup is equipped with the Platinum Lightning Series Package, features a 145-inch wheelbase and is powered by a 300-mile dual emotor-extended-range battery with single-speed transmission. The exterior of this vehicle is finished in Iconic Silver Metallic, while the interior is black with black leather and was inspired by the fighter jet F-35 Lightning.
The 2021 Shelby Super Snake Count Kustoms Edition (Lot #3000) will cross the block on Friday to benefit Camp Freedom, a nonprofit that serves veterans, first responders, their family members and Gold Star families by providing peer-to-per interaction and camaraderie combine with an outdoor adventure to bring life-saving healing to these true American heroes. Customized by Count’s Kustoms, this vehicle is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine equipped with a supercharger and a special tune to deliver over 800hp and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Those interested in registering to bid on these five charity vehicles as well as the entire 2023 Scottsdale Auction docket may do so here.
Advance ticket pricing and VIP packages are available here. Barrett-Jackson also provides discounted tickets for children, students, seniors, military and first responders.
“The Grand Tour,” Amazon Prime’s car show presented by former “Top Gear” hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, may be coming to an end soon.
Citing anonymous sources, Variety reported on Monday that Amazon’s streaming service will cease working with Clarkson beyond what the two parties have already agreed upon.
Clarkson also appears in the separate Amazon Prime show “Clarkson’s Farm.”
Filming of new episodes for both shows is currently underway, but according to Variety there likely won’t any new episodes of either show beyond 2024, apart from a possible final episode for “The Grand Tour” that may carry over into 2025. That last episode is one of four final episodes for the show, according to Variety.
The report comes after Clarkson made scathing comments about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in a Dec. 16 article for The Sun, which the newspaper has removed.
In the article, whose title was “One day, Harold the glove puppet will tell the truth about A Woman Talking B*****ks,” Clarkson described Harry as being fully controlled by Markle, and also expressed how much he hated Markle.
He also referenced a scene from “Game of Thrones” in which Lena Headey’s character, Cersei, had to parade naked while townspeople threw their trash at her. In the article, Clarkson said he dreamed of the same one day happening to Markle.
Amazon Prime hasn’t commented on the controversy, but Clarkson in one of several public apologies said the streaming service was “incandescent” about his treatment of the Duke and Duchess, Variety reported.
“The Grand Tour” first appeared on Amazon Prime in 2016 but went on hiatus after 2021 due to difficulties in filming new episodes caused by pandemic-related travel restrictions. Amazon Prime originally snagged Clarkson for the show, together with Hammond and May, after Clarkson was fired by the BBC, the producer of “Top Gear,” due to his 2015 attack on a fellow staff member.
