Journal Classic Cars

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Winter can be a lovely time of year, especially here in Scottsdale, Arizona, but judging by Thursday’s top 10 sales at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, many people are looking forward to spring. That would explain why so many of the 10 spots on the list, which hammered for a total of more than $1.76 million, went to convertibles. And as the three charity car sales show, it’s always a good time to contribute to charitable causes.

A 454-powered Chevrolet Camaro coupe and a Nomad wagon took the two spots at the top of the list, but the next five vehicles – whether you call them a convertible or a Volante – after those were made for open-air drives.

Of course, sports cars and SUVs are perennially popular, so a 993 Porsche 911, first-generation Ford Bronco, and classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer rounded out the top 10.

Just below those vehicles, you’ll notice three additional entries. As usual, Barrett-Jackson also auctioned vehicles to benefit worthy causes. A modified 2018 Jeep Wrangler built by Doetsch Off-Road in collaboration with Mattel and Matchbox brought in $110,000 for the Gas Monkey Foundation, which is “dedicated to advancing the fight against Alzheimer’s and supporting first responders and veterans.” A customized 1965 Ford Mustang convertible sold for the same price, all of which went to notMYkid, an organization that helps youth, families, and schools successfully handle addiction and mental health. A 2004 AM General Humvee also crossed the block, generating $75,000 for the Fighter Country Foundation, which helps the men, women, families, and mission of Luke Air Force Base

Which vehicles will make the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction’s top 10 Friday sales? Come back to the ClassicCars.com Journal to find out. And be sure to look at the docket of vehicles and automobilia that will be crossing the auction block tomorrow. Going to the auction? Register to bid here and buy your tickets here. If you can’t make it to the event, you can watch it live by clicking here.

With about 2,000 cars on the WestWorld premises, there’s a vehicle for every purse and purpose at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Outside in the sunny skies, there are eight tents housing many of the vehicles that cross the block. What will you find under Tent 3? Here are several that stood out.

1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7
This is an unusual one because it looks like any 351 two-barrel Cougar out there, but this XR-7 is different because of the 428 Cobra Jet underneath the hood. Why no markings to indicate the storm brewing within? Because it was built without ram air induction, so there’s no hood scoop or stripes that may give a hint. In Mercury-speak, this is called a Q-code, as the R-code was the CJ that included ram air. Additionally, it has the neat rocker trim and side mirrors that were part of the Sports Special promotional package available for standard Cougars. Only 172 XR-7 Q-codes were built, with 32 having the four-speed.

1952 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
Chryslers of this era haven’t garnered much attention because their styling is a bit too conservative, especially compared to General Motors, but they’re very large, solid vehicles. Some may even have the 331 Hemi, an important engine in the evolution of the “Horsepower Wars.” This one reportedly has just over 16,000 miles, which means I wouldn’t want to drive it around, but this rarity will suit someone who is more inclined to pamper it for the rest of its life, just like the current owners who have maintained it for 38 years.

1919 Pierce-Arrow Model 31 Touring
Even back in the infancy of the American automobile, Pierce-Arrow showed distinction by having trademark headlights on the front fenders, which gave it what could be considered a more modern look compared to its contemporaries. This one is powered by a massive 415ci dual-valve inline-six paired with a four-speed manual—makes 1960s three-speeds sound antiquated, no?  Having spent much of its lifetime in the California Central Valley, it was acquired in 2007 and restored, now living the easy life. This is the epitome of “ornate craftsmanship with advanced engineering.”

1936 Oldsmobile F-36 Sport Coupe
There is something special about an old 1930s coupe with a rumble seat. This 1936 Oldsmobile F-36 Sport Coupe was one of two available coupes, with the Business Coupe eschewing the rumble seat for a large trunk. Power comes from a 213ci inline six with 90 horsepower (a 100-horse L-head eight was available too) backed by a floor-shifted three-speed. It is finished in black paint complemented by a tan OE-style interior. A few years later, Oldsmobile would be the recipient of the world’s first automatic transmission.

1988 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Kids in high school in the 1980s dreamed about this car. Perhaps a 5.0 LX is more tasteful to the eyes of an older gent or lassie but, back then, those louvers and ground effects were an exciting addition to the 14-second ETs that some cars were pulling. This 1988 GT has all the right stuff, from the five-speed manual to 3.08 gears, power windows, speed control, and AM/FM/cassette, plus it has a low 16,521 miles—kudos to the original owner, who kept it till 2023. If mothballing a car is not offensive to your sensibilities, then this Bright Regatta Blue Metallic ragtop is a primo choice for 1980s romantics.

The pace picked up on Wednesday the 21^st at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction—more vehicles crossed the block, and we enthusiasts had about 12 hours of action and more than 300 collectible cars and trucks. In addition, Barrett-Jackson announced that it has been named the Official Pace Car Sponsor for the American Heart Association’s 2026 Phoenix Heart Walk fundraising event.

American makes continue to dominate, though we have through January 25 to see if foreign brands make inroads—if history is any indication, imports may shake things up in the ensuing days. For now, here’s what sits at the Top 10 (click each vehicle name below to see its docket entry).

Will Thursday bring more foreign brands to the Top 10? Will more modern vehicles populate the next tally? You can find out by watching the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction online (click here) or reading about it tomorrow here at The ClassicCars.com Journal. Want to place a bid on one of the vehicles or automobilia crossing the block? Register here! Want to attend? Buy your tickets here!

Step back in time… but don’t take your time deciding.

For generations of car lovers, the ’57 Chevrolet has stood as the crown jewel of Detroit’s golden era — a rolling symbol of chrome, tail fins, and American confidence. Now that icon has been reborn as a world-class restomod, and it could be yours. But this exclusive ’57 Chevy Dream Giveaway closes on January 31, 2026. When the clock runs out, entries stop — and one lucky donor takes home the keys. Click here to enter now!

If you’ve ever admired jaw-dropping ’57 Chevy restomods crossing the Barrett-Jackson auction stage, this grand prize will feel instantly familiar. It’s a no-expense-spared build that belongs among the most elite Tri-Five Chevys in the country — a car that blends timeless design with modern muscle and refinement.

Finished in stunning Red Fire Pearlcoat and paired with a hand-stitched Italian leather interior, this Chevy is more than transportation. It’s a statement. Every angle, every surface, every detail was crafted to honor the original while pushing performance and comfort into modern territory.

Under the hood lives a 620-horsepower Chevrolet Performance 572ci big-block, backed by a Richmond five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip 9-inch rear end. This is hands-on driving at its finest — big torque, big sound, and total driver involvement every time you row through the gears.

Modern upgrades make it just as enjoyable to drive as it is to admire. You’ll enjoy air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering and brakes, custom gauges, and polished wheels wrapped in wide performance rubber. Beneath it all sits an Art Morrison Tri-5 GT Sport chassis, widely regarded as the finest Tri-Five restomod chassis available anywhere.

The ’57 Chevy remains one of the most desirable classics in the world — and this one is in a league of its own. Picture it parked in your garage, idling at a show, or cruising the open road on a perfect weekend drive. Enter now!

If your entry number is the lucky one, Dream Giveaway will even cover $10,000 in prize taxes, helping you take delivery of this $400,000 dream machine with confidence.

But remember — January 31, 2026 is the deadline. Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by.

Enter now for your chance to win this legendary ’57 Chevy restomod — and support veterans’ and children’s charities through Dream Giveaway at the same time.

Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1966 GMC Series 1000 Custom Suburban, which received more than $45,000 in updates and modifications during a frame-off restoration. It’s equipped with a 350ci V8 paired with a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. Finished in turquoise and pearl white over a black and light turquoise vinyl interior, this classic American SUV comes from the selling dealer in Missouri with receipts, a spare wheel and tire, and a clear title.

As part of the restoration process, the body was repaired, media-blasted, and repainted the current combination of turquoise for the body and pillars, and pearl white for the roof. In addition, new glass was installed. Other exterior features include chrome bumpers, bright trim, white mirror housings, sliding side windows, a rear lift-up window/tailgate combo, and dual exhaust outlets.

A set of gray 20-inch U.S. Mags Desperado wheels with polished lips and 245/45 Toyo Extensa HP II radial tires give this Suburban a distinctive, custom look. Behind the wheels are power front disc and rear drum brakes.

The two doors open to a cabin with two rows of black and diamond-quilted light turquoise vinyl seating. The interior is equipped with power steering, air conditioning, lap belts, a floor-mounted custom console with cup holders, and a GMC AM radio. Wood planks form the floor of the cargo area.

Instrumentation consists of a 100-mph speedometer and gauges for the oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level. A pair of aftermarket gauges display the fuel level and temperature. The odometer indicates 16,147 miles, but this vehicle’s title shows that it’s mileage-exempt.

Under the hood is a 350ci V8 equipped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, and long-tube headers. In 2019, a new MSD ignition was installed along with new spark plugs and wires, distributor, electronic fuel pump, and throttle linkage. The following year, a 700R4 four-speed automatic with a transmission cooler was added to the build.

If you love the look of classic GM trucks and SUVs, but prefer more modern features, this 1966 GMC Suburban is perfect for you. Bid on it often and bid high before the auction ends on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Considering the fact that cars from around the Y2K era are now considered “classics” (at least according to the Antique Automobile Club of America), it makes vehicles from 90-plus years ago seem like ancient history. The fact that cars of that era are still on the road is a testament to their build quality, care, and maintenance history. Take, for example, the Pick of the Day, a 1930 Ford Model A Deluxe Coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Yucaipa, California.

As much as we like to look ahead at the automotive future – anticipating the impact of new technologies, trying to predict which cars will become collectible (and when) – sometimes it’s nice to reset and gain an appreciation for the foundational vehicles that paved the way for modern motoring. The Ford Model T and Model A were among those pioneering cars.

“This Model A Deluxe Coupe is in excellent condition,” the listing says. The exterior features chrome bumpers, dual side mirrors, a rumble seat, a luggage rack, and wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires. The seller says that recent upgrades include fresh paint, new running boards, a replacement vinyl top. Cosmetically, it’s well-sorted, and for being 96 years old, the car is show-ready. On the interior, the car received new carpeting, a new fuel gauge, and new weatherstripping for the windows.

The Model A helped bridge the gap between the utilitarian (even spartan) Model T and more modern vehicles. It was available in various body styles including coupes, roadsters, sedans, and pickup trucks. From the beginning, it was positioned as a value-oriented offering. Ford said, “The new Ford has been designed and built to give you many thousands of miles of faithful, economical service. Beneath its flashing beauty of line and color – in those vital mechanical parts which you may never see – is a high quality of material and accuracy in manufacturing.”

One of the most refreshing things about the Model A was its simple mechanics. Power for this car comes from a 201ci L-head inline-four that was rated at 40 horsepower, and equipment includes a three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, and an electric starter.

As for daily-drivability, a Model A could be a solid car for around-town weekend use, but its comfortable cruising speed is around 50 miles per hour, and it maxes out at around 65, so don’t plan any cross-country road trips in one. However, for iconic style, affordability as an entry-level classic, mechanical simplicity, and an engaging driving experience, a vintage Model A is tough to beat.

The asking price for this nicely restored example is $32,500.

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

Elsewhere in The ClassicCars.com Journal, you can read about the Top 10 sales for each day of the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. However, the docket is so huge that it would be a travesty to limit automotive coverage to each day’s Top 10. That’s where this series of stories come into play—to give the spotlight on other quality, desirable collectible vehicles.

The above Frost White 1972 Chevrolet Blazer K5 CST Highlander Feathers Edition is a perfect case in point. It looks fantastic inside and out. The name of this vehicle seems like a mouthful, but it’s due to this K5 featuring the CST (Custom Sport Truck) trim level, Highlander interior, and Feathers Edition exterior décor package. It’s powered by a 350 V8 with three-speed automatic, plus it includes an overhauled suspension, upgraded four-wheel discs, removable hardtop, 33-inch tires, Vintage Air, and RetroSound stereo. A lot of boxes are checked on this one!

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE
The R/T was the performance variant of the Challenger, and the SE was the more luxurious version. Combine the two and you have a combination rarely matched in the muscle car world. What stands out with this one is not the “FC7” Plum Crazy paint or the “V6W” longitudinal stripe but, rather, the 440 Magnum/four-speed/Super Track Pak combination, which means this car has a leather/vinyl interior and Dana rear with 4.10 gears. There’s few muscle cars that can run so hard and pamper you in the process.

1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible
If you ever wondered what it would look like if Pontiac introduced “Honeycomb” polycast wheels a year earlier on what may be the best-looking GTO ever, here ya go. The builder also added Judge stripes, Ram Air 455 with fuel injection, and TREMEC five-speed manual. Out back, you’ll find 3.55 limited-slip gears. This was originally a 400/four-speed convertible, so prepare to cry, purists!

1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Chevrolet’s have never been at the top of any list of mine, but I do not discriminate, as evidenced by this Z. What grabs me? It’s quite pretty thanks to the RS package and white vinyl top, two features that aren’t very unusual for a Camaro but there’s just something about this car. It originally was ordered with a host of nice options including center console, spoiler, red Deluxe interior, tilt steering wheel, Deluxe seatbelts and—get this—4.56 gears. Would it be incorrect to call this car a screamer?

1924 Dodge Brothers Custom Touring Sedan
I can’t say I am totally familiar with Dodges from the 1920s, but I suspect it’s not as grand as a Wills Sainte Claire. However, the person who performed this conversion into a custom deserves kudos because this pre-Chrysler Mopar was given looks that elevate it to a level of “genetically gifted.” Power comes from a (cover your eyes) 350 small-block backed by a GM four-speed automatic with a Ford nine-inch playing a supporting role. Note that the custom red interior matches the wheels.

1930 Ford Five-Window Custom Coupe
I can’t say I am a very good judge on old hot rods, but this Model A-inspired coupe was built by Jesse James for Paul Teutul of “American Chopper,” so this is the perfect gift for your significant other if (s)he’s a fan of “Housewives of Beverly Hills” or some other reality-based drama. That engine you see is a 1953 Chrysler 331ci FirePower Hemi with Zoomie headers—yowsa! As it’s a hot rod, there’s a lot of other equipment that wasn’t a part of this vehicle’s birth, but telling you about the 1957 Ford rear end, etcetera, is not as rewarding so let’s move on. . .

When you go to a Barrett-Jackson auction, you get an eyeful of cars, trucks, and SUVs from different eras. Tuesday’s top 10 sales at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction were proof of that.

Take a look at the list below. You’ll see two major trends. The first is that American brands took eight of the 10 spots. The second is that the vehicles – including a customized UTV – were made in several different decades, from as early as the 1960s to as late as the 2020s (as in last year).

It’s also worth mentioning that bidders showed their love for modern American classics, such as the 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood, with their wallets.

Which brands and eras will make up the top 10 Wednesday sales at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction? We’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we find out. In the meantime, check out the docket of vehicles and automobilia that will be crossing the auction block. And be sure to register to bid here and buy your tickets here. If you can’t make it out to the auction, you can watch it live by clicking here.

What’s better than a Shelby GT500-powered off-road pickup? Winning a free one, plus some fun money on top. And what’s better than that? Knowing that you’re helping a good cause at the same time. Yesterday at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, chairman and CEO Craig Jackson announced a sweepstakes with a 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor R and $20,000 as the top prize. Knowing that proceeds will benefit the African Parks non-profit conservation organization is a great bonus.

Dave and Jill Kimmerle of the Phoenix-based dealership Sanderson Ford will supply the special Agate Black Metallic 2026 Raptor R (which is currently being built). For years, the Ford F-150 Raptor was the king of high-flying off-road trucks, but then Ram released the 2021 TRX, which had a 702-horsepower supercharged Hemi under the hood. The Blue Oval responded by using a 700-horse version of the Shelby GT500 Mustang’s Predator supercharged 5.2-liter V8 to create the 2023 Raptor R. Just one year later, Ford Performance recalibrated the engine to produce 720 horsepower (torque remained 640 lb-ft). A set of 37-inch tires help the Raptor R tear across the desert and launch over dunes; Fox Live Valve shocks cushion its landings.

Rob Walton, Chair of African Parks Foundation of America, said, “We are deeply grateful to be selected as the beneficiary of this remarkable Ford F-150 4×4 Raptor R sweepstakes. African Parks’ mission is to conserve Africa’s most important landscapes and protect the wildlife and communities that depend on them, and this partnership will directly support that effort.” African Parks does that with the help of its thousands of employees, who run 23 parks that spread across nearly 50 million acres on the continent.

After the announcement in the Ford section at WestWorld of Scottsdale, I spoke with Philip R. Welp, a board member of African Parks Foundation, USA, about what his time in Africa working toward community development and greater climate, sustainability, and biodiversity awareness has taught him—and can teach others. He told me that people travel to Africa for the exotic animals, but they return for the loving people they meet there. After all, it’s easier to make an emotional connection with a person who tells you their story than a beautiful creature you see from a distance.

If you’d like to see a 2026 Ford F-150 Raptor R up-close—as in parked in your driveway—and an additional $20,000 in your bank account, enter the sweepstakes now. It’s hosted by Tapkat, a fundraising platform that allows you to enter the drawing by making a charitable contribution here. You can also enter in person at any 2026 Barrett-Jackson auction. To learn more about African Parks, check out the video below.