Journal Classic Cars

Barrett-Jackson will auction three vehicles for charity, including a 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE (Lot #3000) built by Chevrolet for three NASCAR Cup Series races, during the Scottsdale Fall Auction, Oct. 15-18, 2025, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. To date, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise awareness and more than $163 million to support charities across the country. Also crossing the block to benefit charity is “Hot & Heavy”, a custom motorcycle benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (Lot #3001) and a 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35^th Anniversary Edition (Lot #3002) benefiting American Heart Association.

“Our company’s heritage is built on the principle of giving back to the communities we live in,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Over the years we’ve supported charities that provide critical support for our veterans, youth and those facing life-threatening illness. We’ll continue that tradition in Scottsdale this fall with the sale of three vehicles generously donated by Chevrolet and philanthropic friends in the collector car community. We’re especially grateful to continue our yearlong commitment to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation with the sale of the custom motorcycle built by Paul Cox Industries.”

The 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE (Lot #3000) is an official pace car built by Chevrolet for three NASCAR Cup Series races to honor “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2022. It was used at the Talladega Superspeedway race, Round 8 of the playoff races at Homestead-Miami Speedway and Martinsville Speedway in 2022. The pink Camaro pace car is powered by the production 455-horsepower engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The American Cancer Society will receive 100% of the hammer price.

“Some of the greatest moments in our history are the sales of charity cars that bring much needed awareness and money to deserving charities,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s especially rewarding to know we’ll be part of the effort to support the fight against breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness when we auction the Camaro pace car this October. I also look forward to watching ‘Hot & Heavy’ (Lot #3001) and the 35^th Anniversary Corvette (Lot #3002) cross the block to in support of our nation’s first responders and the American Heart Association.”

Barrett-Jackson will auction “Hot and Heavy,” a custom-built motorcycle that started with a frame fabricated by Paul Cox Industries and is powered by a classic 1966 Harley-Davidson engine. The one-of-one motorcycle features Paul Cox’s signature design elements developed over 20 years of custom bike building. The No Reserve auction of the one-of-one motorcycle, commissioned and donated by Mohawk Group, is part of Barrett-Jackson’s yearlong commitment to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping U. S. military veterans, first responders and their families.

“Hot and Heavy” will be a part of this year’s 24th Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC, on September 28, 2025. The event symbolizes Stephen Siller’s final footsteps from the foot of the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers and pays homage to the 343 FDNY firefighters, law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  

Also crossing the block for charity during the Scottsdale Fall Auction is a 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition (Lot #3002). One of 2,050 anniversary editions built, it is powered by a 245-horsepower engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Originally from the David M. Ressler Collection, the Z01 features the 35th Anniversary logo on exterior side badging, white leather seats, white door panels and steering wheel, and includes a special console badge with engraved sequence number. The entire hammer price will benefit the American Heart Association.

Those interested in consigning their vehicles with confidence for the Scottsdale Fall Auction are welcome to submit their application online. In addition, bidder registration is now open, with three packages to choose from, upgrades for Muscle Lounge access and Hammer High Tops. Throughout the four-day Scottsdale Fall Auction, children ages 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students age 13 through college age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $28.  

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. 

When you think of a small, boutique automaker, you probably envision a distinctive (for better or worse) design, a hodgepodge of components from different manufacturers, and quirky ergonomics. There’s a good chance the engine from a higher-volume automaker also comes to mind. After all, developing, testing, certifying, and building an engine takes the kind of money smaller outfits just don’t have. But as Jay Leno‘s experience in a right-hand-drive 2001 TVR Tuscan S shows, at least one small British firm built its very own power plant.

And what a power plant the Speed Six was: a 4.0-liter I6 with twin cams, four valves per cylinder, an eight-degree slant, and a dry-sump oiling system. According to Gavin Bristow of TVR Garage, an Arizona company that imports and restores TVRs, the Speed Six in the Tuscan S brought to Leno’s garage produces 390 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which are routed through a BorgWarner T-5 five-speed manual gearbox.

Those output numbers seem tame today, but they’re effectively higher when you consider the Tuscan S has a fiberglass body and weighs only 2,300 pounds. Another impressive figure is how many Tuscan S models are currently in the U.S.: one. Leno’s other guest, a British expat living in Florida named Mike Welling, is its lucky owner.

The Tuscan S’s strengths of a potent in-house engine and a fiberglass body could very well detract from its driving experience. During his drive with Welling, Leno points out the potential for rough power delivery or the possibility the body may creak or rattle. Thanks to TVR Garage’s extensive work, those aren’t issues in Welling’s car—even the pedal placement feels natural. The Tuscan S is so well sorted and satisfying that Leno gives it one of the highest compliments a man with a collection like his can offer. What do you think it may be ?

America’s Sports Car‘s popularity has never been compromised, considering how many show up on AutoHunter. Below, we have three from our auction website plus one from ClassicCars.com, our classified ad website. Can you identify each from the images provided?

Enter your answers in the Comments section below the images. If you need a hint, simply click on a picture to be taken to the actual auction or ad.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

The ClassicCars.com Journal posts an automotive puzzle every Tuesday. Once you finish this one, you can play previous games.

The AutoHunter Spotlight for today is a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5 offered by a seller based in Gladstone, Oregon.

When the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5 was tested by Road & Track magazine in 1971, it was called the best European luxury sedan in the world. Based on the W108 chassis, the 280SE came equipped with a number of inline-6 engines over the years, including a 3.5-liter V8 and the mighty 6.3-liter V8. For the model year 1972, Mercedes added what many felt was the perfect combination—lengthening the stroke of the 3.5-liter to increase displacement to 4.5 liters. This change was exactly what prospective owners were hoping for. Mercedes routinely received top marks in magazine road tests for this one-year-only car and engine combination.

About 25 years ago, I had the privilege of owning one of these cars, which I used as my daily driver while working in northern Virginia. I drove it for an entire year, even in the snow and rain, and the car delivered on that Road & Track statement each time.

While not the full-bore classic sports sedan the legendary 6.3 is, the 280SE 4.5 is an extremely well-balanced European luxury sedan that features some of the best build quality ever (even better than the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow) and is more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic. It is also the bargain of the V8-powered W108/109 Series S-Class cars. Driving a 280SE 4.5 is somehow engaging and serene at the same time, making it a great car to use if you need to cover great distances with three passengers aboard.

The exterior of this 280SE is painted in the correct Mercedes color of Horizon Blue. Many find this color polarizing, but it somehow lightens the look of the 280SE design, making it sportier yet still elegant. The seller says this car underwent a complete restoration sometime in its past. Looking at the exterior and chassis photos, this car does seem to be a pretty clean example, though you can see a slight rust issue on the rear of the right front fender. What is interesting is that my personal 280SE had a small rust spot in the exact same location, which I was able to have repaired properly for not a lot of money. Keep both the fender and the low cost to fix in mind when bidding, as Horizon Blue is a pretty easy color to match.

The interior is finished in Dark Blue MB-Tex and appears to be in great shape. I honestly prefer MB-Tex over leather because it has its own unique properties, including better cooling through the vented seat panels. Virtually indestructible, MB-Tex has to be the very highest-quality synthetic seat material ever made and even feels great to the touch.

The view behind the wheel of this 280SE is vintage German awesomeness. The main instrument cluster features a 160-mph speedometer on the right and a multi-gauge on the left, with auxiliary gauges for the oil pressure, temperature, and fuel, as well as a clock.

Under the hood is the fuel-injected Mercedes SOHC 4.5-liter M117 V8, which is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. When new, this engine produced 230hp and 279 lb-ft of torque, giving it ample power to deal with modern traffic both in town and on the interstate. Everything looks reasonably tidy under the hood; I did not see anything that caused me to raise red flags.

If you have been searching for a car that clearly demonstrates some of the best engineering and build quality Mercedes-Benz has ever delivered (and, with a little effort attending to a few items that can easily make a good car better), then you should probably consider placing a bid or two on this 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5 sedan. Don’t wait too long, though, as the auction for this car ends on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The third-generation Lexus IS sport sedan has been on the market for more than a decade. The end is near, so Lexus is streamlining and simplifying the lineup for 2026, which we be limited to just the IS 350 with rear- or all-wheel drive and the F Sport or F Sport Design trim level.

That’s a drastic reduction from the 2025 model year, which offered three core models (IS 300, IS 350, and IS 500), four model-dependent engine options (turbo four, 260-horsepower V6, 311-horsepower V6, and 5.0-liter V8), and the choice of RWD or AWD for much of the range.

However, in the process of reducing complexity for the 2026 IS, Lexus made some updates and improvements. It refreshed the front end, giving it a wider-mouthed, more aggressive appearance (albeit one that brings the Toyota Camry Nightshade and its “hammerhead” design to mind). Both trim levels come equipped with new 19-inch wheel designs. A new rear spoiler and red brake calipers are available to make the IS 350 F Sport look F Sport-ier. Wind, a light gray with metallic highlights, brings the number of available colors up to seven.

There’s also a new interior color: Radiant Red, which is offset by the addition of dark Forged Bamboo trim with natural bamboo fibers. Both the digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen for the Lexus Interface infotainment system have grown to 12.3 inches. A wireless charging pad and four USB-C ports add modern conveniences to the cockpit.

All 2026 IS models feature the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of technologies, which include the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and more.

Output of the 3.5-liter V6 holds steady at 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. As before, in RWD models, it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic; in AWD IS 350s, the big six is connected to a six-speed auto. Lexus saved the most significant hardware changes for the steering and suspension systems, further refining the IS’s Lexus Driving Signature. According to the automaker, “By optimizing the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and suspension systems, development focused on delivering linear, consistent steering feel across a wide range of roads and driving conditions. Attention was given not only to how the vehicle reacts to steering and pedal inputs, but also to the smoothness and control of their return motion.”

How has the MSRP of the 2026 IS changed with all these changes and updates? That’s one thing Lexus hasn’t yet disclosed. Expect the company to announce pricing for the refreshed IS closer to when it goes on sale early next year.

Shelby Mustang fans had to wait a long time for the GT500 to return in 2007, but the all-new model was worth the wait. Developed by Carroll Shelby and SVT, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, the S197 GT500 had a 500-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V8 under its hood and a TREMEC six-speed manual to turn all that fury into forward motion. Of course, the GT500 also had upgraded brakes and suspension hardware to keep all four 18-inch machined aluminum wheels on the road.

Someone had the willpower to resist driving this particular Shelby GT500, which was sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction, into a road warrior, and put fewer than 1,000 miles on it. We here at ClassicCars TV would enjoy the supercharged power too much and rack up big numbers on the odometer. Would you drive this 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 sparingly or take it everywhere and show it off? Let us know in the comments below.

Subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more Interesting Finds.

Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this restored 1966 Chevrolet C10 Fleetside, which has been converted to four-wheel drive with the addition of a Rockwell dual-range transfer case. It’s powered by a 350ci V8 connected to a four-speed manual gearbox. Finished in Forest Green over a black vinyl interior, this first-generation Chevy C/K pickup is now offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with a clear title that’s currently in transit.

As part of a complete restoration, the body was refinished in Forest Green, which is accented with a white grille and matching bumpers. Equipment includes dual mirrors, tailgate chains, and dual exhaust outlets.

The 15-inch wheels are also white, and come equipped with manual locking front hubs and Multi-Mile Wild Country TXR tires. Behind the wheels are power front disc and rear drum brakes.

The two-tone cabin has a white dashboard, door panels, and ceiling, which contrast with the black vinyl bench seat and black carpeting. Features include floor-mounted manual transmission and transfer case shifters, and an Alpine AM/FM/cassette stereo.

Instrumentation consists of a 100-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, battery, oil pressure, and fuel level. The odometer shows 64,669 miles, but the title indicates this vehicle is mileage-exempt.

Under the hood, the original engine has been replaced with a 350ci V8, which is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. A four-speed manual gearbox sends power to the 12-bolt rear end; a Rockwell dual-range transfer case helps deliver the engine’s output to all four wheels.

To start taking this four-wheel-drive 1966 Chevrolet C10 down your favorite roads or up your favorite trails, you have to make the winning bid on it. The auction ends on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

There’s a sweet spot between flashy and boring. There are cars out there that are tastefully designed, capable of drawing attention without giant gaudy wheels, a wrap so bright that it sears your retinas, or an annoyingly loud exhaust. Our Pick of the Day is one of those cars. You can find this 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

The late, great Bruno Sacco was the head of Mercedes-Benz design from 1975 until 1999. One of his many creations during that long run was the R129 generation (1989-2001) of the SL, a roadster with strong, defined lines that gave it an ingot-like appearance. An SL of that period has undeniable presence despite its conservative design – even in a low-key color such as silver.

This particular SL 500 is a ’95, so it benefits from the R129’s first facelift. It also stands out even more than usual thanks to its Imperial Red paint. Judging by the pictures, the past 30 years and 93,704 miles have been kind to the handsome exterior, the matching hardtop, and the black power-operated soft top.

The same goes for the beige leather interior. Not only does it coordinate well with the body color, but it features wood trim, power everything, heated seats, air conditioning, a Kenwood AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth head unit, a wind deflector, and a power-folding roll bar too.

This SL’s two previous owners were also gentle on it. According to the selling dealer, it’s been “garaged and meticulously maintained” as well as “fully serviced,” so the 315-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and four-speed automatic should be ready for top-down drives for years to come.

This 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 is a modern classic that hits a visual sweet spot, but the sweetest spot of all for it is your driveway. To get it there, you’ll need to pay $14,500.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

By now, you may be aware how artificial intelligence has begun to infiltrate all parts of the Internet. It’s impossible to scroll through Facebook without being forced to read a biography on cars (or any other topic) that seeks to elevate a certain object or person without saying something particularly meaningful or sincere. The ad for our Pick of the Day suffers from the same fate, but we at The ClassicCars.com Journal are here to help a guy or gal out and show you, the car-buying public, just what a cool car and great deal this 1970 Buick Skylark Custom four-door hardtop really is. It’s listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Alsip, Illinois.

Let’s be honest: The 1970 Buick Skylark is nothing but a blip on the radar of American automotive history. It’s a car that resonates with few—those whose parents had one, or maybe they want to convert it to a GS clone and go racing. It isn’t a “cultural icon that encapsulates the essence of American automotive ingenuity” because it made no cultural impact, it isn’t an icon, and there was nothing ingenious about its engineering.

But the 1970 Skylark is a good-looking car, like all the restyled 1970 General Motors A-bodies. And as the most upmarket of GM brands with this platform, Buick took no shortcuts in making sure you knew you were riding in or driving a Buick. Of course, all Skylarks were Buicks, but some Skylarks were more Buick than others.

The base Skylark replaced the Special, but that didn’t necessarily mean it was a down-market model with a taxicab interior. It was available only as a sedan (both two- and four-door) with a Chevrolet-derived inline-six standard, with several 350s optional. Move up a trim level and you’d have the Skylark 350, which naturally came standard with a 350. This version was only available as a four-door sedan and Sport Coupe (hardtop).

At the top of the Skylark range was the Skylark Custom, which included a four-door sedan and hardtop, two-door Sport Coupe, and convertible. The 350 V8 was standard, as was a luxurious cloth and vinyl bench seat interior save the convertible, which came standard with a vinyl bench (optional on the sedan). There also was an all-vinyl notchback bench for other body styles. Want buckets? They were available in the Sport Coupe and convertible.

The standard 350 for both the Skylark 350 and Skylark Custom was a 350 two-barrel, which was rated at 260 horsepower. A four-barrel with 285 horsepower that ran on regular gas was optional for all Skylarks, but it didn’t stop there because a high-performance 350 with 315 horsepower and a very impressive 410 lb-ft of torque was available, though it ran on premium fuel. If the engine seems familiar, that’s because it’s the same engine that was included in the Buick GS. That’s some muscle!

The Desert Gold 1970 Buick Skylark Custom four-door hardtop presented here demonstrates the strengths of the Buick brand in 1970. When was the last time you saw a four-door Skylark in this condition? The earthtones—the gold with a Dark Brown vinyl top—are on target for the Buick brand for 1970, as is the standard Sandalwood cloth and vinyl bench interior. This one is powered by a 350/285 backed by a TH350 automatic. Other features include dual exhaust, power steering, air conditioning (with an R-134a conversion), tinted windows, a remote driver’s mirror, and Buick’s classic chrome road wheels. Modifications include Wilwood four-wheel discs, a Custom Autosound AM/FM radio, three-point seat belts, HID headlights, and for you sharp-eyed fans of Flint, a Gran Sport grille.

“More-door” cars don’t often receive love in this era. ChatGPT tells me they “often get overlooked for a few cultural and emotional reasons” that include lacking a sporting and performance image, collector/enthusiast bias, and styling compromises. We think that’s fair—as fair as the $19,900 asking price.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

Do you enjoy reading about cars you cannot afford? Then pull up a chair and listen intently because I’m going to tell you about the summer success of the Bentley Heritage Collection.

Since The ClassicCars.com Journal first told you about the Heritage Collection, Bentley has expanded the aggregation to 50 cars, including 10 race-ready vehicles that we probably can guarantee don’t include a Bentayga.

One of the 40 “road-legal” cars—a bespoke 1939 Mark V Corniche—participated in the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Having undergone a 15-year restoration that started with a crew of Bentley enthusiasts and finished with the assistance of Mulliner, the Corniche was the first-ever submission from a manufacturer to be fully judged at the event. It even successfully participated in the “Tour d’Elegance” drive along the California Coast.

A second Bentley, the familiar-yet-absolutely-classic 1953 R Type Continental, garnered a concours award—a first for the Heritage Collection—by winning Best-in-Class at the Salon Privé Concours.

A third, a 1930 8 Litre saloon, won Best Manufacturer-Entered Car (a new show class) at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance. One of 100 8 Litres built and often suggested as W.O. Bentley’s crowning achievement, this vehicle was once owned by its namesake and was among 10 Bentleys from the Heritage Collection on display at the event.

“The recent recognition of the quality, condition and importance of the Bentleys that have attended concours events over the summer is testament to the hard work of the team in Crewe who have helped to rejuvenate the Collection,” says Mike Sayer, the head of the Heritage Collection. “It now represents the entire company history, with 50 extraordinary, driveable vehicles that together describe the evolution of Bentley design, performance and craftsmanship. The entire fleet is now regularly consulted by Bentley’s R&D teams to help inform the future, and we will continue to use the cars to guide new developments while showcasing our history at events around the world.”