Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this customized 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Stepside, which is based on the chassis and suspension of a 1972 Chevrolet C10. Power comes from a new 350ci V8 crate engine and is delivered to the rear wheels through a TH400 three-speed automatic. Finished in light blue over a tan cloth interior, this Chevrolet “Task Force” pickup comes from the Missouri selling dealer with a clear title.
As part of a custom build process, the body and Stepside bed were refinished in light blue. Exterior features include a chrome front bumper, chrome grille, wrap-around windshield with body-color visor, chrome mirror housings, and side exhaust outlets in front of the rear wheels. The floor of the bed is lined with wood planks, which are separated by body-color bed strips.
This classic Chevy truck rides on a set of black 20-inch American Racing wheels wrapped in 245/45 front and 275/45 rear Landsail LS588 radial tires. Behind those big wheels is a set of power front disc and rear drum brakes.
Inside, the cabin has been updated with tan cloth seating and door panels. Features include a tilt steering column, power steering, aftermarket four-spoke steering wheel, floor-mounted automatic shifter, and fold-down center armrest.
Instrumentation consists of a 100-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, amperage, oil pressure, and fuel level. The odometer shows 112 miles, but this truck is mileage-exempt according to its title.
Chevy didn’t offer a 350 in the 1950s, but this Apache has a new one fresh out of the crate. It’s equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, chrome valve covers, headers, and aluminum radiator. A TH400 three-speed automatic sends its output to the rear axle.
The original frame of this truck was swapped out for the underpinnings and suspension from a 1972 C10. Another upgrade was moving the fuel tank to underneath the bed.
If you want to make an upgrade to your garage, add this customized 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Stepside to it. You can only do that by placing your bid—do that right away because the auction ends on Thursday, July 31 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).
Remember when Detroit was moving towards longer/lower/wider before the first oil crisis? In retrospect, Detroit was experiencing hubris, handing the Japanese (and certain quality Europeans) a large slice of the American automotive pie. Interestingly, in the late-1980s, certain German manufacturers moved towards the same design themes with some models, though hubris was not part of the equation. Our Pick of the Day, a 1997 BMW 850 Ci, is one of these vehicles. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Charlevoix, Michigan.
The BMW 8 Series can trace its origins back to the Neue Classe coupe that was introduced in 1965. It served as the basis for the “E9” coupes that began with the 2800 CS that was introduced in 1968. In 1976, it was replaced by the “E24” 6 Series, which was produced in much larger numbers as BMW continued to establish itself better in the United States. In 1990, a successor was introduced and christened the 8 Series.
The “E31” 8 Series appeared much larger than its predecessor, but its wheelbase and length were actually close to the outgoing model, with the 8 Series gaining 2.2 inches in wheelbase and one inch in length—in fact, based on the U.S.-spec 6 Series, the 8 Series actually was over five inchesshorter. The 8 Series was a bit more upscale and compared favorably with the Mercedes SL that was introduced in 1988—again, another longer/lower/wider vehicle. When it was introduced, the E31 was available as the 850i with a 5.0-liter V12. As time when on, the V12 was increased to 5.4 (850 Ci) and 5.6 liters (850 CSi), plus the 4.0- and 4.4-liter V8-powered 840 Ci.
Unlike the 6 Series, the 8 Series was pillarless. As a car developed in the 1980s, it was among the first BMWs to have been entirely designed using CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Additionally, it was also among the first production vehicle with a drive-by-wire throttle and multi-link rear suspension. The fanciest of the bunch, the 1992-96 850 CSi, featured four-wheel steering for cars sold in Europe. Weight? Time for Richard Simmons, as the 8 Series was a porker at up to 4300-plus pounds at its heaviest.
Though produced through 1999, U.S. production ended after the 1997 model year, making this Cosmo Black 1997 BMW 850 Ci the swan song of an unusual collectible. Power comes from BMW’s 322-horsepower “M73” 5.4-liter V12, which makes it one of 1,218 cars built, with approximately 363 sold in the United States. The car is backed by a five-speed automatic, as a six-speed manual was only available with the earlier 850i and the CSi. “This 850 has been meticulously maintained at a level 1 condition and always garaged,” says the seller. “The 850 has heated leather seats, automatic air conditioning, traction control, power windows and locks, power moon roof, and original phone. It also has a Blaupunkt stereo with an SD card slot, USB port, and a 6-CD changer in the trunk.”
With a low 55,000 miles on the clock, this is a prime example of a car whose time has come to be more celebrated among post-Malaise-era vehicles, even though its role as a future collectible has already transitioned. Perhaps now’s the time to avoid your own sort of hubris and catch one before the $72,500 price becomes a distant memory.
The ClassicCars.com Journal will be visiting Pebble Beach shortly, and one of the things that we anticipate witnessing is the selling of this pair of Aston Martins at the Broad Arrow Auction August 13-14, 2025, during Monterey Car Week.
Starting in 2017, Aston Martin began production on the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation series, “each example an impeccable recreation” of the original 1960s model that competed on the racetrack with Ferrari and others. Then, in 2019, Aston Martin created 19 examples of the DBZ Centenary Collection to celebrate the Italian design house’s 100th anniversary and the relationship between the two brands. Two cars, consisting of a DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and a DBS GT Zagato, were created and sold only as a pair for $8.1 million—and quickly sold out. If you’re a nepo baby and missed out six years ago, you can thank your lucky stars because now you have a second chance.
Image by Ryan Merrill/courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
“The Broad Arrow Monterey Jet Center auction has quickly become a fixture of Monterey Car Week, and what better way to kick it off than with one of the rarest collector car duos of modern times,” says Alexander Keck, Car Specialist with Broad Arrow Auctions. “The Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection combines yesteryear with today in a way that is unprecedented in the motoring world, and we are extremely excited to be able to offer this rare pairing to the international car collecting community.”
Image by Ryan Merrill/courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
Chassis no. DB4/GT/0239/L is an authentic Caribbean Pearl replica of a 1963 DB4 GT complete with Obsidian Black and Connolly Blue leather interior complemented with blue carpeting. This Continuation car took an astounding 4,500 hours to build, exactly in the manner how it was built over 60 years ago. This particular example features only 62 miles on the odometer, as displayed on the period-correct Smiths gauges. Liberties were taken underneath the hood, however, as the original 3.7-liter was punched out an extra liter to achieve 76 more horses totaling 390 horsepower. It is backed by a “competition-specification” non-synchronized four-speed.
Image by Ryan Merrill/courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
The modern incarnation is the 2020 DBS GT Zagato, also finished in Caribbean Blue. Based on the DBS Superleggera, it features Zagato’s trademark “double-bubble” roof, in this instance constructed from carbon fiber to match the rest of the bodywork. The 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 features a horsepower bump to 760 horses and is backed by an eight-speed ZF automatic. Inside, you’ll find Dark Knight leather with embossed Zagato headrest logos. For those into new-fangled interior tchotchkes, you’ll be delighted to learn that many carbon and metal interior elements were created with a 3D printer, including a silver trim inlay that was a $33,000 option.
Image by Ryan Merrill/courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
This special pair of Aston Martin history is two of over 170 vehicles to be sold at the August 13-14 Broad Arrow Auction at The Monterey Jet Center during Monterey Car Week, just around the corner from Pebble Beach. “With an estimate of $3,500,000 – $4,500,000, the DBZ Centenary Collection set provides an unprecedented opportunity to acquire two iconic models that hold a remarkable place in motoring history,” adds Keck. “The DB4 GT Zagato is a genuine icon of the 1960s, a timeless masterpiece of design that is worthy of any international collection. Add to that Zagato’s modern approach in the DBS GT Zagato and you have two of the most desirable automobiles on the market today, celebrating two of the world’s finest motoring brands in a truly exceptional way.”
The world of freelance automotive writers is a constantly changing place. Some go into making vehicle review videos on YouTube full-time. Others get jobs in completely unrelated industries. Many of them eventually wind up working for automotive manufacturers. One of my former freelance colleagues, Jeff, recently contacted me out of the blue, telling me he had seen my piece on the Velocity Restorations 1972 Ford F-150 and that he was now working for Velocity. Then he asked me if I’d be interested in driving one of the company’s “Re-Engineered Classics”: a $262,400 1966 Ford Bronco build. I think you can guess what I told him.
Over the past decade, I’ve driven vintage vehicles, gone off-road in hardcore 4X4 SUVs, and tested models with eye-popping price tags. The Velocity Blackout Package 1966 Ford Bronco, as the company calls it, was unlike anything I’d experienced before because it was all three of those in one.
A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT (VERY GERMAN) COLOR
Velocity, a veteran-founded Florida company, started with a model from the very first year of Bronco production, restored and powdercoated its original frame, then updated everything attached to and above that. As it is on many Broncos of all ages, the suspension was upgraded, receiving a 2.5-inch lift and a set of Bilstein shocks. A Dana 44 front axle, Ford nine-inch rear end, 10R80 10-speed automatic, and dual-range twin-stick transfer case convert the 460-horsepower, 420-lb-ft Coyote 5.0-liter V8 crate motor’s output into ferocious forward motion. Velocity matches that modern firepower with a Hydroboost braking system that clamps down on Wilwood disc brakes.
The “Velocity Blackout Package” is just what it sounds like: a lot of black accents and trim. There’s no chrome on the outside of the Bronco—just ebony bumpers, grille lettering, LED headlight bezels, fender badges, door handles, and 17-inch Method Race Wheels, which are surrounded by BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
All of that black coordinates with the Nardo Gray paint, a color that may be familiar to you if you’re a fan of modern Audis. Velocity offers two roll cage and top combinations on its Bronco builds. The Family-Style roll cage is paired with a Safari soft top; my test vehicle was fitted with a Sport-Style roll cage and a Bikini top.
The cabin itself is largely dark, furnished with a black dash pad, black diamond-stitched marine-grade vinyl seats, black door panels, and black carpeting. The Blackout Package makes the center of the wood-rimmed steering wheel, control knobs, and the trim around the Dakota Digital instruments match the color scheme. Velocity used the Bronco’s limited interior real estate to fit power windows, an Ididit steering column (in black, of course), a Clarion Bluetooth head unit, Focal speakers and subwoofer, and the controls for a Vintage Air climate control system.
LETTING IT RUN WILD
I didn’t have to go far to saddle up the Bronco; it was in the showroom of Right Toyota (one of Velocity’s 13 dealers) in Scottsdale, less than 10 minutes from my office. Seeing it in person, there was no mistaking it for anything but a first-gen Bronco despite all the modern hardware. Those mechanical changes are in line with what many off-road enthusiasts either look for in a rig or end up adding to it: aftermarket wheels, all-terrain rubber, and the ability to hear and feel the great outdoors around them as they go wheeling. Velocity’s Bronco also comes equipped with the conveniences people typically add to vintage vehicles, such as disc brakes, power steering, A/C, and a modern stereo.
Both types of buyers can appreciate the extra power a Gen III Coyote V8 provides—I know I did. In 1966, the Bronco’s optional two-barrel 289ci V8 was rated at 150 net horsepower and 242 lb-ft of net torque. The Velocity version of it is no doubt heavier than stock because of the upgraded parts, but that added weight is beyond negated by more than triple the original horsepower, nearly 75 percent more torque, and a 21st-century automatic. I could tell what kind of fury the Bronco was restraining with every touch of the gas pedal. Once the road ahead straightened out, I let it loose, causing the beast under the hood to grow more enraged and pull me harder behind it. The roar from Velocity’s custom exhaust quickly rushed through the open space behind me and filled the air as I charged down the road.
To learn more about the Velocity Blackout Package 1966 Ford Bronco and to see – and hear – it in action, check out the video below. (I also got a chance to drive a $322,400 Velocity 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, so stayed tuned for my coverage of that in a later article.)
For those who treat their garage as more than just a place to park…
For those who tinker, shine, wrench, and unwind in the garage…
For those who are done dealing with cracked concrete and have the desire for something that looks good, holds up to real use, and feels like part of the car collection—not just a parking space—there is a sleek solution that you will be proud of.
Swisstrax is rethinking the garage space. These modular interlocking garage tiles that fasten like Legos, eliminate the frustration associated with flaking epoxy, chipped paint, and stained concrete. These tiles are a LASTING DIY game-changer.
They go together in an afternoon.
Liquids drain right through.
Tiles can be swapped out if something happens.
They just plain look sharp.
And there is an invite-only offer for ClassicCars.com Journal readers at the end of this article…
Here are some of the best floor setups seen on their site or check out the top designs shared below.
For those with a two-bay garage packed with tools, parts, and maybe a car or two under wraps, something clean, functional, and maybe even a little fun is ideal.
Some liked ideas include:
Checkerboard style – Classic black and white always looks right.
Color-coded zones – Parking on red, tools on gray. Helps organize the chaos.
Custom borders or logos – Just enough flair without overdoing it.
Classic and sleek – One color, one style and the tile does the work (this video shows off a single car bay and firefighter’s reasonings behind choosing Swisstrax.)
Got Something More Unique in Mind?
Not every garage fits the mold. Maybe yours doubles as a workshop, a hangout, or a showroom. That’s where these tiles really shine—you can get creative and even order samples that will be credited toward your final order.
Here is what has been said:
“I wanted something different. Swisstrax let me customize my garage floor with colors and patterns that matched my car and style. Everyone who visits loves it.” — Chris S.
And here’s what has been done:
Mix bold colors for a racing stripe effect
Add your own logo or design
Go with dark metallic tones for an industrial vibe (check out Vyper)
Try fun layouts like chevron or angled tile placement
Why It Works (And Keeps Working)
After years with the floor, here’s what stands out to customers world-wide:
No tire marks
No stains from oil or brake fluid
No slipping around when it’s wet
No better “welcome home” when you click that garage door opener
And if a tile is ever damaged, it can just be popped out and swapped for a new one (always heard this, but took doing it to believe it…and it sounds like other owners agree: “I work on my cars a lot, and Swisstrax has been fantastic. Oil spills wipe up, no staining, and if I damage a tile, I can replace just that one.” — Phil C.)
Want to Map Out Your Garage?
There’s a handy online tool where you can design your own layout. Takes about 10 minutes to figure out exactly what you want.
Pick your tile style
Try out color combos
See what fits your space
“The online designer made it easy. I planned out my floor exactly how I wanted, and the end result is perfect. Highly recommend Swisstrax.”— Todd P.
Build Your Layout – but if you don’t want to, one of their flooring specialists will help you out – no additional cost. They are kind and passionate about getting you the perfect product for your lifestyle.
If there’s hesitation, it’s worth noting that this is one of the easiest upgrades made—and one of the most satisfying every time the garage door is opened.
Through THIS July only, to celebrate Classic Car Collectors Month, Swisstrax has extended 15% OFF for our readers with Code: CLASSIC25. It works on their floor designer, with a flooring specialist or on their store directly.
But don’t just take it from this article, see for yourself what other owners are saying. There are hundreds of reviews and videos online. But if searching isn’t appealing, spend one minute and check out Barry’s experience with Swisstrax, the World’s Finest Modular Flooring and history with Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Car Collector Auction. It’s a story that might evoke a bit of jealousy and relate to if there is a passion for car collections.
“I was proud of my car collection before, but now that I have that floor [Swisstrax] down, it has enhanced it and taken that car collection to a whole new level.” – Barry B.
Are you ready to get some kicks on Route 66? There is something magical about exploring the road less traveled – especially when it involves a destination that feels like a step back in time. Some of our readers may recall my recent visit to the remote town of Portal, Arizona, where a 1950 Chevrolet has been greeting visitors to the lodge/restaurant for decades. And before that, I spent the night at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, which is home to several classic rides.
Along similar lines, the town of Seligman—known for its Route 66 provenance—is dotted with classic cars as if frozen in time. Seligman, Peach Springs, Kingman, and a number of other small towns lie along the old alignment of Route 66, which was bypassed by Interstate 40 in Arizona back in 1978. Since that time, things have slowed down along the historic highway, but thankfully they haven’t died off completely. In fact, the area is a popular spot for nostalgic travelers like me. I saw a tour bus full of people who had similar ideas, too!
I made the day-trip to the area to visit the “Cavern Grotto” in Peach Springs, a restaurant located about 200 feet underground. What better way to beat the Phoenix summer heat than by burying myself underground, right? The food was tasty, but the automotive scenery along the way was the icing on the cake. One of the most colorful destinations is Seligman’s Snow Cap Drive-In, which offers unique menu items like a “Cheeseburger with Cheese.” I couldn’t resist getting a picture out front with my red 1992 Acura NSX (at 33 years old, a classic itself).
Here were a few of the vehicles that caught my eye during my visit, in order by year:
1936 Pontiac Silver Streak
The Silver Streak was introduced in 1935 and was available with both inline-six and inline-eight engines. It was of course known for its “streak”—a bright strip running along the center of the hood and the rear deck. It was characteristic that would define Pontiac exteriors for many years. Hundreds of tourists take photos with this car every week as they explore Route 66.
1952 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
Part of Chevrolet’s “Advance Design” series, which ran from 1947 through 1955, the automaker’s trucks for this era were known for being rugged and versatile. Most of them were outfitted with inline-six engines and three-speed, column-shifted transmissions. I liked how this old truck had the Snow Cap’s logo in faded patina on the doors.
1952 Packard
Packard was caught with its pants down in the early-1950s because styling wasn’t as strong as Cadillac’s, and it didn’t offer a V8—this from a company that once was America’s most popular luxury car. Nonetheless, they are stately and dignified in a way that few cars could match. This one parked in front of the “Postcard Motel” (a fitting backdrop) appears to be a ’52 Packard 300 or other “senior” Packard based on the taillights and trim. I like the windshield visor, antenna, and classic chrome trim.
1957 Ford Custom 300
The Custom 300 was a value-oriented trim level, which slotted between the base Custom and the higher-end Fairlane. It could be ordered in a two-door, four door, or Ranch Wagon. This one was more rust-colored than anything else, and its black and white Utah license plates were the style issued between 1968 and 1972. My favorite feature was the exhaust “lake pipes”—likely non-functional– on either side beneath the rocker panels.
1959 Edsel Ranger Sedan
The Ranger was priced around $2,700 when new, and it could be ordered in two-door or four-door formats (with hardtop and sedan variants for each). This yellow hardtop sedan looked like it had been parked for a long time, but it wore “Lemon Cab Company” livery and probably lived a good life!
1962 Buick Special Station Wagon
Part of the third-generation Special lineup, this was the first car to introduce a mass-produced V6 engine. Specifically, it was a 198ci V6 that produced 135 horsepower. Wagons came standard with a Turbine Drive two-speed automatic transmission. The 1962 Special was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. How about that pink paint job?
1985 Pontiac Fiero
Jumping ahead a couple of decades, I couldn’t help but notice this faded two-seat sports car basking in the sun. It was painted red, white, and blue and said, “Route 66 Patriot.” I would love to know the backstory on what the car was used for. When optioned with the available 2.8-liter V6 engine, the Fiero had some decent pickup – not to mention better aerodynamics than most of the other classics sitting around Seligman.
I enjoyed wandering around old Route 66 and taking a step back in time.
Is your classic car taking you on any road trips this summer?
There’s more to the 2026 Toyota Tundra than the TRD Pro model’s new Wave Maker paint color. Now in its fifth model year, the third-generation Tundra receives a variety of standard and optional updates that make it more luxurious and capable.
Depending on trim level, the 2025 Tundra comes with either a 22.5- or 32.2-gallon fuel tank. For 2026, Toyota has made the larger one standard across the entire Tundra lineup, along with a tow hitch and a 7/4-pin connector. Trucks configured with the Baja racing-inspired TRD Rally Package (which adds features such as a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and all-terrain tires) can now be further upgraded with a TRD three-inch lift kit and the Tow Tech Package.
Getting into the Platinum and the 1794 with the TRD Off-Road Package is a little easier thanks to optional power running boards. Currently, the Tundra Limited is only available with SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, but the 2026 Limited will have the real deal in either black with white stitching or gray with black stitching. The top-of-the-line Capstone’s seats now come draped in Shale Premium Textured leather.
IsoDynamic seats in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
One of the coolest functional upgrades to the Tundra comes from the Tacoma. IsoDynamic seats, which use a shock absorber system to control movements and stabilize vision over rough terrain, are now on the options list for the Tundra TRD Pro. All Tundra Double Cab models come with air vents on the back of the front console to make the second row more comfortable.
As of right now, there’s no word on the 2026 Toyota Tundra’s pricing or availability, but don’t be surprised if both are announced before fall.
A few years ago, while judging at the Radnor Hunt Concours with former GM head of design Ed Welburn, we took a walk around a 1966 Toronado on the show field, looking closely at all the styling elements of the car. After doing a full circle of the car, Ed said one word: “Magnificent.” He was right. The original Oldsmobile Toronado is an incredible car, with some of the best postwar American styling ever.
AutoHunter now has one of these landmark cars up for auction: a first-year 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Deluxe being represented by its owner in Phoenix, Arizona. The auction ends on Monday, July 28, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).
The Toronado project started as a design painting by Oldsmobile stylist David North in 1962. He called it his “Flame Red Car.” It was his idea of a compact sports/personal car, but it was never intended for production. Sometimes, though, miracles can happen, even at companies the size of GM. A few weeks after the design was finished, the Oldsmobile division was informed it would be permitted to build a personal car in the Riviera/Thunderbird class for the 1966 model year, using North’s design rendering.
Unlike every other American personal luxury car of the time, the Toronado is front-wheel drive, one of the first in the U.S. since the 1930s. An interesting fact is that special 8.85 x 15 TFD (Toronado Front Drive) tires were developed for the car by Firestone. They featured a stiffer-than-normal sidewall and also had a tread pattern and a thin white pinstripe unique to only that tire. The car was a hit and went on through many generations, with the first-generation cars now considered classics (hence its inclusion at the concours Ed and I attended).
According to the description, this 1966 Toronado Deluxe is powered by a rebuilt, numbers-matching Rocket 425ci V8 mated to a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The car has covered 76,476 original miles from new, and features air conditioning, power windows, power antenna and front disc brakes. It is finished in Ebony Black and is offered by the seller with manuals, service receipts and a clear title.
The exterior looks to be in spectacular show condition, with only a few stone chips. With a little bit of work, this car would be ready for a regional concours, where it would probably do quite well. Driving a car like this Toronado on an event like the Copperstate 1000 would be amazing – and something you rarely see at a vintage car rally.
The interior, which is finished in its correct green cloth and vinyl upholstery, features a front bench seat with a fold-down armrest. The cabin looks to be in great shape, with only minor wear on the driver’s seat. I personally love the dash layout with the horizontal barrel-style speedometer and additional instruments for temperature, amperage, clock and fuel level.
Under the hood is the numbers-matching Oldsmobile 425ci Rocket V8 with 385 horsepower at 4,800 rpm, and a staggering 475 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. It sends power to the front wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The engine received a complete rebuild in 2001, and the four-barrel carburetor was rebuilt in June 2025. Everything under the hood not only looks correct, but also is in excellent condition.
Truly great examples of these first-year Olds Toronados do not come up for sale often and are quite rare to see these days. This specific example looks to be a great car that would provide its new owner with years of enjoyment. If you are interested, though, I would act fast – the auction for this 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Deluxe ends on Monday, July 28, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).
Vehicles with a lot of space for people and gear typically end up having a lot of miles too. Roomy SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Suburban, are great for out-of-state family road trips; they can also be used for commercial purposes. Somehow, our Pick of the Day, a 1978 Chevrolet Suburban, has escaped a life of high mileage. You can find it on ClassicCars.com listed by a dealer in Lenexa, Kansas.
This “Superwagon,” as Chevy called it in the brochure, has been kept in a climate-controlled garage its whole life, accruing only 25,674 original miles over the past 47 years, according to the selling dealer. To put that in perspective, several years ago, I put 2,600 miles on a Ram 1500 Rebel EcoDiesel going from Austin, Texas to Phoenix, Arizona and back in about a week.
However, this Suburban’s historically light travel schedule hasn’t excluded it from updates. At one point, the body was repainted in its original color of Mariner Blue, which goes nicely with the chrome bumpers and bright trim. Thanks to a Belltech lowering kit, there’s a four-inch drop in the front and a six-inch drop at the rear, giving this rig a nice stance on its 20 x 9-inch front/22 x 10.5-inch rear US Mags wheels and low-profile tires.
Despite the low mileage on the rest of the truck, the 305ci V8 was rebuilt and equipped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, polished aluminum valve covers, ceramic-coated headers, and a custom exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers. As a C10 model, this Suburban sends its power to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic.
Whoever refreshed this Suburban also made sure to include the interior. The story is that the blue and white patterned vinyl upholstery is original, but a lot of the things around it have been updated. Recently, the headliner was replaced and a Vintage Air climate control system was installed, adding comfort to the convenience of the power steering and power front disc brakes. The original radio was swapped out for a Custom Autosound AM/FM stereo, which is connected to Rockford Fosgate kick panel speakers—perfect for road trip playlists or audio books for long drives to and from jobsites.
Clearly, this 1978 Chevrolet Suburban Custom Deluxe has plenty of miles left in it. If you want to rack up more by hauling your family to your next vacation destination or building your business, you can take it off the market for $29,900.
We brought younews several weeks ago about BMW holding steady with offering a stick shift for several models in the immediate future. The good news keeps on coming as the company from Bavaria has gone on record stating that it will continue to use inline-sixes and V8s for its BMW M vehicles.
As reported by Autocar, “The six-cylinder in-line engine is our legacy, and the V8 has got a long history in racing, so we intend to keep going,” says M CEO Frank van Meel while at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. But heritage and racing can be a challenge in the face of regulators in Europe, which is why M’s esteemed engineers have designed engines that are prepared for Euro 7 standards. “The challenge was not so much to make an engine that is EU7 compliant [but to] keep performance,” adds van Meel. This suggests BMW’s engines should be good through 2031 in current regulatory form.
2024 BMW M4 CS
Truth be told, Euro 7 regulations does not apply more stringent emissions levels, but the tests are broader, to include a compliance range of 10 years or 124,000 miles—twice as long as it is now. In addition, brake and tire emissions (!) will be checked for the first time. From BMW’s perspective, the biggest hurdle is cooling: “The combustion process has to be improved in regard to heat build-up and also the cooling, and those are the challenges,” says van Meel. “Of course you can [reduce] performance to avoid this temperature increase, but you don’t want to—that’s where we started. The new balance of performance is that we drive lambda one, but we don’t want to lose performance.”
Car and Driver points out an interesting contrast with Mercedes-Benz, which embraced new regulations and challenged its engineers to offer solutions around them. A result of that was the for 2023 AMG C 63, which went from a twin-turbo V8 to a turbo inline-four with PHEV. While the updated powerplant offered loads more horsepower and improved dynamics in a package that reflected new tech, the experience simply wasn’t the same to some enthusiasts.
