Journal Classic Cars

Picture your favorite sandwich. You don’t have to think hard to envision it because it’s such a familiar combination to you—the bread you choose, the toppings you prefer, the condiments that make it just right. Now imagine trying to eat that while wearing boxing gloves. In a way, that’s how my week with the 2025 Volvo EX30 Ultra went. Its combination of small dimensions and big power was nothing new, but the way I had to interact with it was alien to me.

People in other parts of the world have been familiar with Volvo’s smallest all-electric SUV for a while, but 2025 marks its first model year in the United States. Prices start at $46,195 for the entry-level Plus variant. My top-trim EX30 Ultra test vehicle came standard with features such as a heat pump, tinted glass panoramic roof, power tailgate, and 12.3-inch touchscreen, as well as a variety of safety and driver assistance technologies. The $500 Climate Package’s heated steering wheel and front seats took the as-tested price up to $48,395. Most importantly, the Ultra model has the all-wheel-drive Twin Motor Performance setup, which consists of dual electric motors that generate 422 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. How fast do those make the EX30 Ultra? Fast enough to reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds—in other words, the EX30 is the Swedish automaker’s quickest-accelerating vehicle ever.

It was easy to feel that kind of oomph out on the road, especially in the EX30’s Performance All-Wheel Drive mode. With a deep press of the right pedal, I shot forward inside of a retina-searing Moss Yellow laser beam. Power aside, the EX30 didn’t feel like a performance vehicle. Yes, its suspension was firm but, in turns, it didn’t feel athletic or inspire me to pitch the little EV through curves at law-breaking speeds. Blasting up the HOV lane seemed more natural.

If driven sedately, the EX30 is capable of returning 116 MPGe in the city, 100 on the highway, and 109 combined. With its 69.0-kWh battery pack fully charged, it can cover up to 253 miles. Volvo says the EX30’s 153-kW DC fast-charging capability can take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 26.5 minutes. I plugged into an Electrify America station at 19 percent and boosted it to 90 with 50.32 kWh in 37 minutes.

So far, none of that sounds out of the ordinary, does it? I agree! I’ve seen plenty of brightly colored cars, tested hot hatches, and driven several powerful electric vehicles. Consider all those the ingredients in the sandwich from my earlier analogy—in those ways, the EX30 was familiar to me but, as soon as I sat in and tried to use even basic functions, it was as if I tied on a pair of boxing gloves and tried to pick up the sandwich and take a bite. As you can imagine, it was a frustrating experience. Almost everything—including the speedometer display and the power mirror controls—was on the infotainment system touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. It took me a few minutes just to learn how to lower the front windows because Volvo installed only two switches, which were controlled by a button that toggled between the first and second rows. Streamlining is great when it makes things easier, rather than less intuitive and natural. Volvo simplified things to the point of complexity. That’s a shame because it partly spoiled the things that were likeable about the EX30.

To learn more about the 2025 Volvo EX30 Ultra, check out my video review below.

Click above and watch our full video review on YouTube!

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Fans of the high-performance persuasion converged on the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, on November 22-23, 2025, for another grand slam Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN). I could use another sports metaphor like “hat trick,” but this event has been killing it for over a decade and there’s nothing in the dictionary (Webster’s, Urban, or otherwise) to describe how MCACN scores and scores again. The Washington Generals they ain’t!

As you may know, there were a host of displays focused on a particular theme. Subsequent articles will hone in on those presentations but, for now, here’s a mix of many other cars that are no less significant.

Several Oldsmobile unveilings included a 1970 Cutlass S W31 and two 4-4-2 W30 convertibles.

Apex Auto Restoration unveiled this 1971 440-6 ‘Cuda and 1970 Hemi GTX.

Ever see a 1963 Buick LeSabre with a 465 Wildcat and a four-speed?

Do you prefer your radical from the factory or from the garage?

Blue Oval Car Barn brought these two 1967 Shelby GT500s, while Magnum Auto Restoration unveiled this 1970 Hemi Dodge Challenger R/T.

This 1971 Pontiac LeMans wagon is one of 16 built with a 455, plus it was factory-equipped with a hood tachometer! Sticker was $5,900.

This 1969 Chevelle SS 396 was built in this unusual triple white combo.

Cousins: Light Pewter 1971 Mustang Boss 351 features a Vermillion interior. The 1969 Intermeccanica Italia is powered by a Boss 302.

1964 version of the same car.

The Pinnacle Shelby & Mustang display featured the creme de la creme of Fords.

Only 12 1965 Chrysler 300-L convertibles were built with a four-speed. To the left is a 1961 300-G.

Fraternal Trans-Am twins: 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A and Plymouth AAR’Cuda.

Sixty 1967 Mercury Cyclones were built with the 427, of which nine were the W-code 410-horse version with a four-barrel.

Two Road Runners with interesting paint combos: a 1968 in special-order “Petty Blue” and a 1969 with two-tone Silver and Black Velvet.

This 1971 Plymouth Hemi’Cuda was originally exported to Kuwait. It’s known as having the longest option list among the 108-plus built.

Black was not a regular-production color for the 1971 Corvette. This special-ordered survivor is powered by an LT-1.

Barrett-Jackson announced today that tickets for the 2026 Columbus Auction are officially on sale. This must-attend automotive lifestyle event will take place at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds June 25-27, 2026.

Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for students, with free admission for children age 12 and under, making it an accessible and family-friendly event for automotive fans of all ages. For ticket information, please click here.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Barrett-Jackson experience to Columbus and the Midwest,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This region has an incredibly passionate automotive community, and we look forward to showcasing an unforgettable lineup of collector cars and creating a world-class event for car fans and families.”

Collectors and car fans can secure their spot to experience an incredible lineup of world-class, collectible and one-of-a-kind vehicles crossing the auction block. Guests can expect all the signature experiences that make Barrett-Jackson a must-attend event. From hundreds of vehicles selling to the highest bidder to heart-pounding Hot Laps and Thrill Rides from the top manufacturers, the excitement never stops. The Ohio event will also feature Barrett-Jackson’s expansive Exhibitor Marketplace, interactive sponsor displays, diverse food and beverage options, celebrity appearances and charity vehicles crossing the block for worthy causes – all coming together to create an unforgettable event that offers something for every member of the family.

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

Do you remember when Mopar legends—’Cudas and Challengers—ruled the street and strip? When bold colors, big power, and once-in-a-lifetime factory builds defined an era? You may think those days are gone. But they’re not.

Because right now, Dream Giveaway is offering a shot at a prize package so exclusive, so impossibly rare, that it feels like fiction. Two Mopars—one from 1970, one from 2023—both in iconic B5 Blue, both nearly impossible to acquire, and both waiting for one winner.

If this story already has your heart racing… enter now.

Grand Prize #1 – 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 Convertible (1 of 1)

If exclusivity is what you crave, this Mopar is the summit.

This pristine 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 Convertible isn’t just rare. It is singular—the only factory-produced example in this exact configuration. A true 1 of 1 Mopar, finished in breathtaking B5 Blue Fire Metallic, equipped with a factory Shaker hood (an almost unheard-of feature on a 340 convertible), and backed by pedigree from the prestigious Lingenfelter Collection.

Convertible Cudas were scarce. Shaker-hood ‘Cudas were scarcer. Combine the two with this paint, this drivetrain, and this documentation, and you get something the Mopar world has only seen once.

There is no other exactly like it. Enter now for the chance to claim the only one, plus something matching to go along with it.

Grand Prize #2 – 2023 Dodge Demon 170 (1 of 10 in B5 Blue/Cloth Seats)

From the rarest Mopar of the past to the most extreme Mopar of the modern era—your second grand prize is a 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, the 1,025-horsepower, supercharged Hellcat-powered factory supercar that ended the HEMI era with a thunderclap.

It is 1 of just 10 produced in B5 Blue with full cloth interior.

Most Demon 170s (aptly named as the E85 fuel it can guzzle down has an alcohol proof of 170) went straight from dealer lots into private collections—many never to be seen again. B5 Blue cars with cloth interiors? They’re almost mythical. And if 93 octane is the best your local gas station offers, don’t fret. This ultimate Dodge Challenger Hellcat can still give you 900 horsepower on 93 octane.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a future blue-chip collectible that delivers even more thrills than a classic HEMI Challenger, enter now.

Two Ultra-Rare Mopars. One Matching Color. One Winner.

A 1 of 1 vintage Mopar convertible and a 1 of 10 modern Mopar super-weapon. Both in B5 Blue. Both legendary. Both irreplaceable.

This is not just the most exclusive Mopar prize package Dream Giveaway has ever offered—
it may be one of the rarest Mopar pairings ever assembled anywhere.

And Dream Giveaway will include a One-Day Performance Driving School at Radford Racing School and pay out $64,000 in federal prize taxes if you have the winning ticket.

You will never see this pairing offered again. Opportunities like this don’t repeat.

Your chance at two once-in-a-lifetime Mopar dream machines is here. Enter now.

Big jobs require abundant power. If your automotive needs involve hauling, towing, or adventurous off-roading, we’ve found you a rig that will do it all with confidence: Featured on AutoHunter is a low-mileage 2016 Ford F-450 Super Duty Platinum 4×4 Pickup. It is being sold by a dealer in Lynnwood, Washington, with the auction ending Monday, December 8, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).

The F-450 was built with heavy-duty intentions in mind – its Power Stroke V8 produces a stump-pulling 860 lb-ft of torque. Yet at the same time, when optioned in the right trim, its cabin can offer creature comforts typically reserved for luxury cars: leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, wood-grain trim, navigation, and dual climate control. Suddenly, putting in a hard day’s work doesn’t mean you have to be exhausted at the end of it all.

This highly optioned “Bronze Fire Metallic” Super Duty dually is an imposing machine, measuring 22 feet long and weighing in at approximately 8,600 pounds (over four tons!). Its exterior equipment includes Fab Fours bumpers, a Warn M15000 winch, LED lighting, aftermarket headlights, a bug guard, power-deploying side steps, and rear mud flaps. In stock form, the truck is rated for towing up to about 31,000 pounds. Considering the fact that an average fifth-wheel trailer weighs about 12,000 pounds, you’ll be hard-pressed to test the truck’s limits when it comes to towing prowess.

Responsible for that capability is a tried and true 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 mated to a SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The odometer of this truck shows just 45,889 miles, putting it in low-mileage territory considering it’s been in service for 10 years. The AutoCheck report shows that it was first registered in Nevada in November 2015 and was subsequently relocated to Washington in 2019.

A lift kit, Dirt Logic shock absorbers, and steering stabilizers provide the ground clearance and handling capabilities that should be expected of a go-anywhere machine. While it might not be the optimal vehicle for an everyday, efficiency-minded commuter, the truck brings the power and capability to get just about any job done. It looks apocalypse-ready, too.

If an adult-sized Tonka truck is on your wish list this holiday season, you’re in luck. I’m just not sure it’s going to fit down anyone’s chimney.

The auction for this 2016 Ford F-450 Platinum Pickup ends Monday, December 8, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

If racing improves the breed, what kind of improvement is made when the aesthetics of a nearly perfect car is adjusted? That’s the story of our Pick of the Day, a Hemi-powered 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by Cars Remember When Auto Sales in Englewood, Colorado.

When Dodge introduced the redesigned Charger in the fall of 1967, it gave the brand a much-needed positive injection to its rather conservative image. While the new-for-1966 Charger was a looker, even looking like a show car of sorts, it was a niche specialty vehicle. Everything about the Charger was deluxe, though the subtly updated ’67 was decontented, (with those particular features available as options). Nonetheless, production fell precipitously by more than 50 percent.

That all changed with the 1968 Charger, which evolved from a fastback to a sleek coupe featuring a recessed rear window and flying buttresses. It didn’t initially start out that way, as Dodge design honcho Bill Brownlie had planned to continue the fastback style. However, Dodge Exterior Studio manager Charles Mitchell and B-body development manager Frank Ruff had encouraged stylist Richard Sias to develop the futuristic “double diamond” shape he had been working on. The design study from 1964-65 was never intended to become the 1968 Charger, but that’s how it ended up.

Car and Driver wrote, “Dodge stylists have shown that they can create a car in the current idiom with originality, combining just the right amount of tasteful conformity with that novelty and freshness which attracts attention.” The Steve McQueen cop movie “Bullitt” solidified the Charger’s street creds, while “The Dukes of Hazzard” gave a new generation of humans something to appreciate a decade later, with “The Fast and the Furious” doing the same thing for a newer generation.

Starting in February 1969, a more aerodynamic Charger 500 debuted at the Daytona 500. The primary modifications were the nose featuring a flush grille (borrowed from the Coronet) and backlite, both created to prevent turbulence. However, when Dearborn upped the ante with the Torino Talladega and Cyclone Spoiler Sports Special, Dodge had to do something. After more wind tunnel testing, a nose cone and tall spoiler (among other tweaks) were installed to create the Charger Daytona. With reservations, this was the first NASCAR stock car to reach 200 mph.

It is difficult to put oneself in an era and have the sensibility of the time, especially when one wasn’t alive, but it is known that the Daytona was not admired in the same way we do today. In terms of collectible cars, the Hemi-powered version of the Daytona checks several of the collectible boxes: rarity, homologation (both the aero bits and the 426 Hemi), and looks. Though it was believed 503 Daytonas were built and, of those, 70 were powered by the Hemi, more recent research suggests those numbers to be inflated—in one case, by a lot. For certain, 499 Daytonas were built, plus the test mule that’s considered the first Daytona, to meet the homologation requirement for 500 cars; it’s possible there were several more prototypes to make 503. The number 70 is more difficult to determine, but thanks to a shipping list and the efforts of enthusiasts, we know that 35 Hemis were built for the U.S. plus another five more for Canada.

It’s that shipping list that determines that this 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona is likely the only Hemi-powered one painted “B5” Bright Blue metallic (I say likely because there are three cars out of the 40 with undetermined configurations). It has been a resident of Colorado since being built (sold new in Greely), is in the hands of the original owner’s family, and shows just 43,041 miles. Features include the A32 Super Performance Axle Package (TorqueFlite and Dana 60 rear with 4.10 Sure-Grip), C16 console, N85 tachometer with clock, S77 power steering, G15 tinted windshield, and R11 Music Master AM Radio.

The Hemi Daytona is perhaps #2 in desirability in the Mopar world, after the Hemi’Cuda convertible. With that in mind, it should not be surprising that the asking price is $2,200,000.

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

The current car dealer–markup flavor-of-the-week is the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. It’s absolutely a bummer when you’ve waited for the latest and greatest, only for the dealership to ignore the manufacturer’s MSRP and take advantage of demand. However, instead of paying a six-figure markup, you can acquire this vehicle for as little as $45 from Gas Monkey Garage.

That’s $45 for the whole car, not a markup above MSRP. Wait…what? Sign me up!

Here’s the skinny on this giveaway, which has several levels of tickets that you can buy:

• The Value Easy Entry Pack gives you 4,500 entries for $50, plus you will receive five exclusive Gas Monkey Garage digital wallpapers for your desktop or mobile device.
• Move up to Bronze and you’ll receive 7,500 entries for $75, plus eight digital wallpapers.
• Feeling lucky? Try your hand at Silver for 10,000 entries for $100. If you’re a digital wallpaper fan, you’ll be delighted by the 10 coming your way.
• To increase your chances of winning even more, there’s the Gold Easy Entry Pack for $200. As you may have guessed, you’ll receive 20,000 tickets and 20 exclusive digital wallpapers.
• If you’re a fan of the game Pitfall!, you know that platinum ranks higher than gold. In this sweepstakes, Platinum will net you 30,000 entries for $300, plus 30 digital wallpapers.
• The top Easy Entry Pack is Diamond. That will set you back $500, but that’s still way cheaper than a dealer markup. Of course, 50,000 entries and 50 digital wallpapers are part of the package.

“This car is practically unattainable and is by far the biggest and coolest giveaway we’ve ever done here at Gas Monkey,” says Gas Monkey’s Richard Rawlings. “Somebody is going to have a very happy holiday cruising into the New Year in this ride.”

A random drawing will be held on or around December 11, 2025, in which one grand prize winner will receive $100,000 (though, despite what we said above, you can use it any way your heart desires). Another random drawing will be held on or about December 22, 2025, just in time for Christmas, with the grand prize being a brand-new, triple-black 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 3LZ. Chevrolet claims a 233-mph top speed from the 1,064-horsepower twin-turbo 5.5-liter small-block V8. If you’re not a fan of black, you will be able to select a complimentary full exterior vinyl wrap in the color of your choice.

Visit Gas Monkey Garage to enter the sweepstakes and get a chance to take home the 2026 Corvette ZR1 for a cut-rate price or an opportunity to win the $100,000 prize. For sweepstakes rules, go here.

At the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, we spotted a car that’s a significant part of Chrysler and Pebble Beach history. This one-off 1932 CH Imperial Speedster, one of the vehicles in the Chrysler Centennial display, was made for a member of the Chrysler family. It features sporty custom bodywork and several experimental components, such as a high-compression head for the 384.8ci straight-8 engine and an automatic stall restart feature. Sam and Emily Mann purchased this bespoke beauty in the late 1980s. After it was restored, the Manns entered it in the 1991 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it won Best of Show—and started the Manns’ dynasty of victory at the prestigious event. Join us as we take a closer look at this unique and historically important machine.

This video is sponsored by our friends at Borro. For the trusted source in liquidity when you need it most, call Borro today at (720) 458-6788 or learn more at borro.com.

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The Corvette has been the only true U.S.-built sports car since its introduction in 1953. Over the years it has competed with some of the best cars in the world, often offering stronger performance for less money and less hassle than any other cars in the world. One of the coolest quotes about one of the Corvette’s most popular models, the 400-horsepower ZR-1, was in the owner’s manual for the car. GM wrote, “The reason we built the ZR-1 is because we can.” Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is one of these legendary cars, a 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. It is being sold by a dealer in Lynnwood, Washington, and the auction ends on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).

The ZR-1 was a legend from the start. With its Lotus-designed 5.7-liter, four-cam, 32-valve aluminum V8, the ZR-1 was both the quickest and the fastest car you could buy in 1990. It had a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, covered the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds, had a top speed of 180 mph (though most tests only saw 175), and had a handling skid pad number of .89gs. It was faster around a racetrack than a 1990 Porsche 911 Turbo by 2 seconds and was the King of the Hill of sports cars for the era.

This ZR-1 is said to be painted in its original red paint with a red leather interior. It is powered by its original LT5 5.7-liter V8 that transfers power to the rear wheels via its six-speed ZF manual transmission and is offered by the selling dealer with an AutoCheck report and clear title.

The exterior of this Corvette ZR-1 is in absolutely immaculate original condition. This is likely due to the fact it has covered a total of only 9,457 miles from new. The red paint looks to be perfect – not surprising, as it has been stored in a climate-controlled garage since the car was new. The only change from stock is the addition of a set of 17-inch Boyd Coddington wheels clad in correct staggered width Goodyear Eagle tires (275/40 fronts and 315/35 rears).

The interior is more of the same. The red leather sports seats look to be in exceptional condition, and the rest of the interior components are just as perfect. If you are looking for a collector-grade C4 ZR-1, this car qualifies.

Under the super-cool forward-tilting clamshell hood is that stunning LT5 5.7-liter V8 engine. Like the rest of the car, everything looks absolutely perfect, with no modifications whatsoever. Notice the slant to the radiator in the photos. The reason it is slanted is an interesting story. The engineers at GM did this to give the car a smaller front area, making it more difficult for police radar to get a lock on the car. This actually worked and gave drivers of the C4 ZR-1 an edge, as the car was not detected by police radar until it was some 1,500 feet away.

This two-owner 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is ready for shows and – more importantly – any driving adventure you would like to take. It is a true collector-grade example and would likely clean up at Bloomington Gold and Carlisle Corvette Nationals. It is available just in time for Christmas: The auction ends on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the words Jeep Wagoneer? There’s a good chance you envision faux-wood side panels because those have become synonymous with the classic versions of the full-size SUVs. But Brooks Stevens’ design for the Wagoneer was so handsome that it looks great without that embellishment, as our Pick of the Day shows. You can find this 1968 Jeep Wagoneer listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Bellevue, Washington, which will throw in an original brochure and restoration photos and receipts as part of the sale.

There’s an attractive purity to a “wood”-free Wagoneer—and that’s coming from someone who has a 1989 Grand Wagoneer on his long list of dream vehicles. I think of it in terms of the Lamborghini Countach and the C3 Chevrolet Corvette: like those, the early Wagoneers had a nice simplicity to them, but the later ones with the visual add-ons are lookers, too. The truth is, there’s no such thing as an ugly SJ Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer.

The one you see here is certainly proof of that. According to the selling dealer, it received a body-off restoration by the experts at The Jeep Farm in Phoenix. Red isn’t normally a color I associate with Jeeps, especially Wagoneers, but this shade is just right.

And then there’s everything else: the angled “razor” grille between the round headlights, peaked hood scoop, ribbed roof, and wrap-around taillights (a distinctive, jewel-like feature that I wish the 1984-1991 Grand Wagoneers kept). The white wheels have an old-school look and provide the right amount of contrast to all the red above them; BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires supply grip so this Wagoneer can do Jeep things.

The interior was also overhauled and fitted with fresh black vinyl upholstery with black and white houndstooth cloth inserts. The addition of the newer axles brought along power steering as a bonus. Although the radio looks retro, it’s equipped with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

While The Jeep Farm had this Wagoneer disassembled, it took the liberty of fitting it with useful upgrades. Underneath, it swapped out the axles for those from an ’82 Wagoneer. All four corners are now equipped with disc brakes.

According to the selling dealer, the 350ci Buick V8 is numbers-matching. The “Dauntless” engine benefited from a mechanical refresh and a Howell electronic fuel injection system “with an engine control module that makes the car run smoother while improving power and efficiency.” Power reaches the road and trails below through a rebuilt Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed, two-speed transfer case, and rebuilt differential (which the dealer’s website listing implies is the front unit).

Visually, there’s no way to go wrong with a classic Jeep Wagoneer. All you need to figure out is which look is more your style: all paint or paint and “wood.” If you prefer the former (and like helpful modern touches), this 1968 Jeep Wagoneer can be yours for $85,950.

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