Monterey Car Week may be over but, for many of us at AutoHunter, it’s just beginning as our very own “Jalopy Jeff” Sutton and roving cameraman Dustin Johnson have brought us content from the peninsula for everyone’s enjoyment.
In this episode of Drive the Bid podcast from AutoHunter.com, Derek and I each discuss a Monterey Car Week vehicle we saw online, while Jeff discusses several of the cars he personally saw at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and elsewhere, as well as his impressions as a first-timer. In the ensuing weeks, Jeff and Dustin’s coverage will be appearing in the ClassicCars.com Journal, as well as ClassicCars TV and AutoHunter Cinema.
Other discussions include news on a special Mercedes-AMG SL65 “Big Sur” edition revealed at Pebble Beach, updates for the 2024 Toyota Tundra, and the 2025 Mustang GTD.
All this and more can be seen in the above video from AutoHunter Cinema, created by the experts behind ClassicCars.com, the world’s largest online collector car marketplace. AutoHunter brings forth a dedicated live customer support team, quicker auction listings and exclusive benefits for both buyers and sellers.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions is bringing a docket filled with a spectacular array of collectible vehicles for the inaugural New Orleans Auction, September 28-30, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. From mid-engine exotics like a 2005 Ford GT Hennessey 1000 to a custom 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible from the golden era of American Muscle, the inaugural New Orleans Auction will be the perfect bookend to another remarkable auction year for Barrett-Jackson. Click here to view the select preview for the New Orleans Auction.
“With hundreds of highly desirable collectible vehicles set to cross the block, our inaugural New Orleans Auction will be a historic celebration of the hobby,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Our docket is attracting an exceptional number of bidders and enthusiasts of all ages with highly coveted supercars, including a 2020 Lamborghini Huracan and some of the most popular American cars and trucks, like a custom 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window, as well as a host of beautifully restored 1960s convertibles.”
2020 Lamborghini Huracan LP640-4 EVO
Modern performance vehicles crossing the block in New Orleans include a 2005 Ford GT Hennessey 1000 that is modified by Hennessey Performance Engineering with custom twin 67mm turbos combined with the factory supercharger to produce approximately 1,000 horsepower. This supercar is painted in red with factory-painted white stripes and GT1000 vinyl side stripes. A 2020 Lamborghini Huracan LP640-4 EVO is powered by a V10 engine paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It is finished in Verde Mantis and features a forged carbon-fiber rear spoiler, side skirts, air inlets, mirror covers and front splitter. Modern performance also comes in a 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV Edition 1 VIN 001. The very first 2024 Hummer EV SUV off the production line, this fully electric and highly collectible SUV’s technology enables off-road capability, on-road performance and an immersive driving experience.
1966 Lincoln Continental custom convertible
A select number of 1960s-era convertibles will be among the coveted rides in New Orleans. A black V8-powered 1966 Lincoln Continental custom convertible features iconic suicide doors, a black canvas convertible top, 20-inch Mobsteel wheels and upgraded LED halo lights. One of 37 M-code Sports Roadsters produced in 1963, a Ford Thunderbird Roadster features a 390ci Thunderbird High Performance Super 8 engine with three Holley two-barrel carburetors producing 340 horsepower. Options include leather seats, power windows and seats, and air conditioning, and it is certified as authentic by the Vintage Thunderbird Club International. A 1963 Mercedes-Benz 220SEB convertible was professionally restored and is powered by the original, rebuilt SOHC inline 6-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, and the interior was restored using GAHH materials.
“The car culture and passion for this hobby runs deep across the south,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We look forward to bringing the electric Barrett-Jackson experience to New Orleans and sharing in the culture and heritage that’s so abundant in this city. Our New Orleans Auction docket will cover the full spectrum. If you have a passion for all things automotive, you’ll want to join us in September to bid on the collector car of your dreams and be a part of Barrett-Jackson history.”
1967 Pontiac Firebird coupe
The golden era of muscle cars will be well represented with collectibles like a custom 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible that is the recipient of a no-expense-spared restoration. It is powered by a period-correct Corvette V8 engine and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This Chevelle is painted in Cortez Silver with black stripes and rides on aluminum monoblock wheels with Pirelli P Zero tires. A custom 1967 Pontiac Firebird coupe known as “The Essence of 1967” is powered by a 450-horsepower LS2 engine and paired with an automatic transmission. It is finished in two-tone Copper and GM Cashmere, and the interior features a custom-fabricated dash, console and seats.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window
Enthusiasts interested in being a part of the excitement may also consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural New Orleans Auction may do so here.
Advance tickets to the event are available here. On Location, Barrett-Jackson’s official hospitality partner, is offering several immersive VIP Experience packages for guests to join the action on the auction block, enjoy premium hospitality and connect with like-minded enthusiasts like never before. To learn more about On Location’s offerings, click here.
As much as I embrace the merits of autonomous, electrified driving, I will always love the burble of a good old-fashioned V8 motor with the right exhaust setup. Thankfully, Gateway Classic Cars is always thorough with its listings, and in this case, the accompanying video did not disappoint.
To properly introduce an Impala, one must start with the Bel Air. The Bel Air nameplate has become a part of everyday language in the car community. While most attention is directed to the famous “tri-five” Bel Airs of 1955 through 1957, the 1958 model gives off a similar vibe along with a few important model year updates.
Beginning in 1950, the Bel Air name referred to the two-door hardtop vehicles in the model lineup. Later, it referred to a trim level more than a body style. The 1955 Bel Air redesign would mark a significant shift in the shape and engineering of the vehicle, as it adopted a “shoebox” style side profile.
The rise and fall of tailfins took place in the years that followed, and in 1958, General Motors launched a one-year-only design for the Bel Air on the B-platform that was longer and lower than previous models. Notably, the front end received quad headlights and the rear took on round taillights in alcoves at either side. The “Impala” name was first seen that year, and it was applied to top-tier two-door hardtop Bel Air models.
This restored two-tone Impala is nicely finished in turquoise and black, and the color scheme carries through to the interior with a particularly eye-catching tri-tone black, turquoise, and white pattern in the bench seats. The car’s sweeping side profile is accented with rear wheel skirts, and the entire body is adorned in loads of brightwork as it should be. Tucked beneath the rear bumper are dual chrome exhaust outlets, which we get to hear in action thanks to the video Gateway provided.
The heart of this Impala is a 283cid small-block V8 mated to a Turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission. The car is well-appointed with power brakes, and an aftermarket Bluetooth-enabled audio system provides the tunes (although the only sound I’d want to hear is the V8). Spoiler alert: Skip to 3:48 in the video to hear how nice this car sounds at idle – and it’s even better on takeoff.
“You will be the hit of any car meet when you roll in with this full-size classic in its striking color combination,” the listing concludes. The asking price is $64,000 for this Impala.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this rotisserie-restored 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 convertible. Power comes from a numbers-matching 360-horsepower LS5 paired with a console-shifted three-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, and Cowl Induction, among others. Finished in red with black stripes over a red vinyl interior, this 1970 SS 454 comes with a clear title in the seller’s name.
As you may already know, 1970 was the year that General Motors rescinded its cid limit and allowed the 454 to be installed in the Chevelle. The successor to the L72 427 became the 450-horsepower 454, though a lesser LS5 with 360 horsepower (rated 390 in full-size cars and the Corvette) was available. Interestingly, fewer were built than the LS6.
The Cranberry Red paint and black stripes were applied during a restoration under prior ownership. Exterior features include black convertible top, hood pins, and dual side mirrors.
The 14-inch Super Sport wheels are wrapped in FR70-14 Firestone Wide Oval white-letter tires.
The cockpit is upholstered in red vinyl with black components. Amenities include a center console with horseshoe shifter, AM radio, power windows, and air conditioning.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock, and auxiliary gauges for the amps, fuel level, and coolant temperature. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 53,000 miles, which the seller states is accurate.
The numbers-matching Turbo-Jet 454 features a stamped CRQ code, which corresponds to a 360-horsepower LS5. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a TH400 automatic.
Today we’re looking at a ClassicCars TV feature of a custom 1960 Cadillac De Ville topless roadster. This custom Cadillac is finished in matte black over Blue Cepheus leather. Power comes from a 496ci V8 with Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection which is paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission. This car also features 20-inch Detroit Steel wheels, Air Lift Performance Air suspension, Restomod Air Haymaker climate control, and dual exhaust. This Cadillac sold for $58,300 at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction.
If you look at a sample of human beings, you’ll find that common behaviors likely fall within a Bell curve. Look at their car-buying habits and you’ll find the same. But there are those who find red Mustangs terribly boring, so the Pick of the Day is tailor-made for them: a 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II two-door hardtop. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Clearwater, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)
When looking at this 1966 Belvedere II, you have to go back to 1962 and look at Plymouth’s full-size series. Due to a misconstrued rumor that General Motors was downsizing its cars, the bosses at Chrysler shortened the cars Virgil Exner had planned. These vehicles, based on the new B-body platform, ended up being somewhat ungainly, turning off the public, but their 7/8th-scale size was not in line with the public’s expectations for full-size transportation, even though Plymouths lost nothing in terms of interior space. Model hierarchy started with the Savoy and then went up to Belvedere, Fury, and Sport Fury.
Styling was mainstreamed through 1964, upon which Plymouth made a sleight-of-hand move and transitioned the B-body platform as a mid-size series while introducing the truly full-size C-body platform. The model names for the latter were Fury I, Fury II, Fury III, and Sport Fury. For the new mid-size offerings, it was Belvedere I, Belvedere II, and Satellite, a new name taken from a show car.
The mid-size Plymouth series was restyled for 1966, now featuring razor-straight styling with bodyside sculpting. Though the 365-horsepower 426-S was discontinued for the platform, an all-new 426 Street Hemi was available. The only other engine with any semblance to performance was the 325-horeepower 383. It would be another year until Plymouth would have a packaged performance model (GTX) with a nice happy medium between the two engines (440 Super Commando).
This 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II two-door hardtop features the 383 backed by a four-speed manual, which is somewhat unusual and rare. However, what makes this vehicle even more interesting is the special-order “Corporate Blue” paint, as evidenced by the “999” under PAINT on the fender tag, as well as the “y9” special-order code. This is the same color used for Richard Petty’s cars. The seller has left absolutely nothing in the description, but we can see this Belvedere II has the “H4X” black bench seat (buckets were reserved for the Satellite), “R1” AM radio, and not much else.
If you’re a Mopar guy or gal and the thought of driving a Plum Crazy Challenger makes you want to get into a Chevy, then this $49,990 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II is your antidote for boredom.
When you go to the magazine stand today, Hot Rod is one of the few automotive titles left. It continues to have a place in the North American (if not global) automotive consciousness, especially thanks to TV shows like Roadkill, so it’s amazing that a book on its history has not appeared until recently. Written by longtime automotive journalist and former Hot Rod editor Drew Hardin, Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years is a title for anyone interested in the post-war era development of drag racing, NASCAR, the muscle car era, and beyond
The Petersen archives are a treasure trove of American automotive history.
It all began in the 1940s when a photographer by the name of Robert E. Petersen formed a PR agency with fellow refugees from Hollywood studios. One of their clients was the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), an organization created to maintain a level of safety for both racers and spectators in dry lake racing. Petersen became responsible for selling advertising for the program of the SCTA’s First Annual Hot Rod Exposition and Automotive Equipment Display in 1948, so he traveled around Southern California visiting companies participating in the hot-rodding industry.
Dispelling the poor image of hot rodding was difficult.
As he got to know the proprietors of the likes of Edelbrock, Weiand, So-Cal Speed Shop, and more, he realized there may be a market for a periodical catering to this segment of the population. In a column in the inaugural issue, a credo was laid out: “Hot Rod is designed to inform and entertain those interested in automobiles whose engines and bodies have been rebuilt for better performance and appearance.”
The 1960s had Detroit taking notes from the aftermarket.
The 1950s were the “Boom Times” for Hot Rod. The magazine’s first editor, Wally Parks, formed the National Hot Rod Association in 1951 after recognizing the need for organization in hot rodding activities. Bonneville also was hot, with many racers starting to evolve into the OHV engines as the limits of Ford’s “Flathead” were becoming apparent. Then, in 1955, the unofficial “Horsepower Race” began in Detroit, with V8 power going from a class-based thing to more of an egalitarian thing as now all of the “Low-Priced Three” now offered V8 power. Of special note was Chevrolet’s embrace of performance thanks to engineer and future Godfather of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov.
Pro-Stock taking shape in the 1970s, as well as a Top Fuel rivalry.
Like Rock ‘n Roll, automotive and hot rod culture joined 1950s popular culture and would only increase in recognition. Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years tells the stories of the magazine, the industry, the automobiles, and the personalities involved, through thick and thin, up to the present day. Even the Malaise Era is not just given lip service — the whole history during the 1970-80s is written with the same respect and density as the heyday.
The 1980s were not as Malaise as one might assume.
For anyone into American performance cars, Drew Hardin’s Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years is seminal in tracing the lineage of hot rods and American high-performance, as well as the magazine being the beacon through it all. The book adds color and depth to the past 75 years in ways you simply can’t get from being a decades-long reader or collector of the publication. For the definitive review of the publication and American performance history, Hot Rod Magazine: 75 Years is essential.
As usual, California was giving Detroit a run for its money in its influence.
Note:The author of this review is a former Hot Rod staffer and has written for the book’s author. Every attempt has been made to remain objective.
The Camaro has deep roots in the muscle car collector segment. I thought it fitting that since I recently wrote a recent AutoHunter Spotlight about a first-year 1967 Camaro, I needed to also delve into the merits of a Camaro that’s exactly 30 years newer. This well-kept fourth-gen Z28 convertible has driven only 52,995 miles since new and comes in a striking white finish with Hugger Orange accent stripes. It is being offered by the selling dealer in Phoenix, Arizona with a clear title, owner’s booklets, and service records.
In recognition of the Camaro’s 30th anniversary, Chevrolet rolled out a striking version of the fourth-generation Camaro: The Arctic White (paint code 10) finish came topped by dual Hugger Orange racing stripes. A power-retractable white top, along with color-matched white wheels, give the overall exterior of this convertible a consistent and attractive appearance.
Edition-specific treatment continues to the interior, where we find 30th Anniversary embroidery on the white leather bucket seats up front. Options include cruise control, air conditioning, a trunk-mounted CD changer, and a tilt-adjustable steering column. Darker tones for the console, belts, dash, and carpeting give a unique two-tone appearance to the cockpit.
Power under the hood comes from Chevrolet’s robust 285-horsepower LT1 5.7-liter V8 paired with a console-shifted four-speed automatic transmission. According to the CARFAX report, recent maintenance included replacement of an intake manifold gasket, oxygen sensor, and crankshaft position sensor in 2021. In addition, the Falken Ziex tires are new within the last 50 miles according to the selling dealer, so this Camaro is ready to roll.
Hagerty stated that just 979 units of the 30th Anniversary were produced for the United States and Canadian markets combined, so this car has “future collectible” written all over it, especially with its low accrued mileage. The accident-free CARFAX report spans ownership in California, Texas, and Arizona, so this car hasn’t seen harsh winters.
It is hard to believe, but the Camaro model name is now 56 years old, so in just a few years we will be ready for a 60th Anniversary iteration. Maybe Chevrolet should roll one out in Arctic White with Hugger Orange striping as a nod to this car from the late 1990s?
The auction for this 1997 Chevrolet Camaro ends tomorrow, August 24, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. (PDT)
After some intensive bidding, the car finally sold for $13,205,000, which was right in the center of its estimate of between $12 million and $14 million.
The car, which bears chassis no. 707, is among the best preserved examples of the Jaguar race car built for the road. It features most of its original bodywork, plus an original engine block and head, and even two of the three carburetors, according to the auction listing. The odometer shows 25,535 miles, which is thought to be the actual lifetime mileage.
The original XKSS cars were D-Type race cars converted for road use and sold to customers mostly in the U.S., one of them being Steve McQueen. After winning Le Mans with the D-Type two years in a row, Jaguar chose to withdraw from racing at the end of the 1956 season. That left some spare D-Type chassis.
For the XKSS, Jaguar modified the bodywork, losing the distinct fin and adding basic amenities, including a passenger door, a windshield, side curtains, and a folding top, but the company kept the 262-hp 3.4-liter inline-6 engine and other mechanical hardware. The result was a road-going version of a still-competitive race car. The D-Type went on to win Le Mans again in 1957 with the privateer Ecurie Ecosse team.
Jaguar planned to build 25 examples of the XKSS, but only 16 were built in 1957 before a fire broke out at Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory, with the unfinished cars either destroyed by the fire or later dismantled for parts. In 2016, Jaguar got around to building those final nine examples as continuation cars that were each sold for $1.5 million.
Chassis no. 707 was one of the original 16 cars to be built. It was imported to the U.S. originally for delivery to racing driver Lou Brero Sr., who selected a cream exterior and red interior. He died in a crash before taking delivery and as a result the car was sold to dealer Sammy Weiss, whose Sacramento dealership sold it to San Francisco resident and racer Sidney Colberg in 1960.
Colberg kept the XKSS for 15 years before selling it to British enthusiast Anthony Bamford. The car then remined in the U.K., trading hands a few times. Over the years, the original hood, dented in racing incidents, was replaced, as well as a rear bulkhead due to the original featuring holes once cut for roll bars. The car was also repainted at one point to its current metallic blue—a nod to the Ecurie Ecosse race cars.
RM Sotheby’s also sold a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 for $5.4 million in Monterey, as well as a 2003 Ferrari Enzo for just over $4 million, and a 1990 Ferrari F40 for $3.3 million.
The highest price fetched for a Ferrari in Monterey was a 1967 412P race car. It was sold by rival auction house Bonhams for just over $30 million.
Think you know your cars? Then try the below automotive puzzle highlighting dashboards from cars currently listed on AutoHunter.
As command central for cars and trucks, the instrument panel is what we see more than any other part of our personal vehicles. However, knowing what other cars’ dashboards looks like is not the same (or as easy) as identifying a taillight. So, put on your thinking hat and type your answers in the comment section below, then click on each image to learn whether you guessed correctly. Have fun!
Click on each image to reveal the vehicle and year
Have an idea for another automotive puzzle? Don’t be shy to tell us below — Ron Drew wasn’t when he suggested this one!
