Journal Classic Cars

I have a confession to make: I like Corvettes, but I’ve never considered myself a “Corvette guy.” However, I’m starting to think that I just may be one. The other guys in my office tease me about how I’m always writing AutoHunter Spotlight or Pick of the Day pieces about Vettes. Why wouldn’t I? They’re automotive Americana, relatively accessible, attractive, and powerful. Well, guess what: I’m writing about yet another Corvette. This time around, I’m shining the AutoHunter Spotlight on an LT1-powered 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible.

Most of the same reasoning I laid out above applies here. Just look at this restoration. It’s a ’70 Stingray, so it has a chrome bumper at each end. And those curves! Then there’s the paint. Marlboro Maroon not only looks great on the Stingray’s peaked fenders and pronounced haunches, but it also goes well with the Saddle leather interior and makes the white convertible top that much more vivid.

Of course, the engine is a big part of this C3’s appeal. All V8s are cool to a certain extant, but what’s under the hood of this Corvette is a little different. Chevrolet offered three Turbo-Fire 350ci V8s for 1970 with different levels of output. The numbers-matching LT1 under the hood of this car was the top small-block available and equipped with an aluminum intake manifold, an upgraded camshaft, solid lifters, and a special exhaust system, according to Chevy. As the most potent 350, it was factory-rated at 370 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. A Muncie M21 four-speed manual enables the LT1 to light up the rear Firestone Wide Ovals.

This Stingray drop-top also has an impressive history. As an LT1 car, it’s one of only 1,287 Corvettes made for 1970 with that engine. I’m not the only person this Corvette wowed—it’s an NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) Top Flight Award winner, meaning it scored 94 percent or more of the 4,500 available points during judging. It also won Best of Show at the 2023 Lake Mirror Classic in Lakeland, Florida.

If you are ready to make this special fiberglass sports car yours, now’s the time to bid because the auction for this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible LT1 ends on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Did you ever know a college professor with unkempt hair? Or a kid whose parents were from overseas? I can say I’ve known both, and both gravitated towards “those furrin cars” back in the day. In the case of the latter folks, the mother was British and drove an impressively British car, what? Our Pick of the Day is that very car, something that appeared like an overgrown MGB: a 1969 Austin America. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Denver.

Let’s imagine the Austin Mini (originally known as the Austin Seven in 1959), the car designed by (Sir) Alex Issigonis that set the template for every subcompact car for the future: front-wheel drive, transverse engine, and handling that made the little car quite tossable, especially in Cooper and Cooper S states of tune. After several years of production, Austin applied the same recipe to its larger stablemate, the Austin A40. The result was the Austin 1100, generically known as the BMC ADO16 because Austin was part of the British Motor Corporation that produced similar vehicles under the BMC umbrella including Morris, MG, Riley, Wolseley, Princess, and Vanden Plas. The new vehicle was initially introduced as the Morris 1100 in August 1962, with the Austin version appearing a year later.

The ADO16 wasn’t just an upsized Mini—it was a larger canvas in which Issigonis was able to apply even more sophisticated engineering (per an original flyer):

• Front-wheel drive: for maximum traction and handling.
• Disc brakes: for surer, safer stops.
• Exceptional visibility: the all-around kind you associate with a station wagon.
• A unique liquid suspension: which the press says delivers “the best possible combination of handling and ride.”
• A revolutionary transverse-mounted engine: which makes for greater traction, better handling, improved visibility ahead, and significantly more interior space than in other economy models.

Like with the corporation’s larger cars, Pininfarina was commissioned to style the 1100. Underneath, the Hydrolastic fluid suspension system created a dynamic connection between the front and rear wheels to reduce pitch. The result was a comfortable ride while maintaining stiffness in cornering.

The first generation of the Austin 1100 was built through May 1967; the Mark II version of the Austin model now included the 1300 thanks to the addition of a larger 1275cc four. This would continue through 1971, upon which the Mark III was introduced in September. It was replaced in April 1973 with the Austin Allegro, though the ADO16 platform was produced through 1977 in South Africa.

In the U.S., the first ADO16 to hit dealerships was the MG 1100, though it was marketed as the Sports Sedan. The Austin 1100 was introduced in June 1967, to be replaced the following May as the Austin America, equipped with a 58 bhp 1275cc four. This car lasted in American dealerships through the 1971 model year, to be replaced by the Austin Marina.

Despite being a top seller in the UK, the Austin America didn’t make quite the same impact in its namesake, though almost 60,000 appeared on our shores at a price around $2,000. This restored 1969 Austin America features an automatic transmission, rebuilt engine, very good paint, and a new interior. There can’t be many left in the U.S. despite somewhat generous sales.

Even if you’re not an unkempt college professor or an ex-pat from another land, you may be the kind of guy or gal who has a thing for unusual machinery with competencies foreign to most American cars of the time. For $14,900, you can show the rest of us what America is all about.

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

Not many of us have the luxury of buying a new car and owning it for 54 years, but Bill Dunlap is one of those folks. After coming home from the service, Bill visited Miller Motor Car Corp. in Binghamton, New York, and spec’d out a 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T. He picked “GB5” Bright Blue metallic with a matching blue interior and “V6W” white longitudinal stripes. Power came from the optional 340 Magnum engine, which was a $44.35 upgrade from the standard 383.

Other options for this Challenger included power brakes with front discs, a console, the TorqueFlite automatic, remote left-hand and manual right-hand mirrors, hood pins, an AM radio, fast-ratio power steering, Road Wheels with chrome trim rings, and F70 x 14 whitewalls.

Interestingly, Bill told the salesman he wanted the twin-scooped hood (the standard hood for the R/T), but the salesman inferred Bill wanted the Shaker, so that was added to the order. The $94.00 option may have been money he would have rather saved, but it was a mixed blessing because only 39 U.S.-spec 340 Challenger R/Ts came with a Shaker.

Join Muscle Car Campy as he and Bill take us for a ride in this special Challenger and share some stories from the past 54 years. If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out more automotive shorts from Muscle Car Campy.

There are a lot of single-cab, short-bed classic GM trucks out there. Chevrolet and GMC pumped out a lot of them, and their handsome looks and simplicity made them popular with customizers long after they were new. This particular 1966 GMC 1500 pickup has that same configuration, but comes in an unusual color combination that separates it from other C/K builds. You’ll have no problem spotting it at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction, which takes place April 24-26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

The story goes that the original buyer worked on the Pontiac production line and had this truck painted the lovely color you see here, which in Pontiac parlance is known as Iris Mist. Although that’s paired with pearl white for the top of the cab, this custom truck is officially known as “The Color Purple.”

A father and his two sons worked together to create this instantly recognizable pickup. They started the frame-off build in July 2022. Over the next two years, the trio overhauled the truck entirely. The frame was stiffened, C-notched, equipped with a driveshaft loop, and refinished. Suspension modifications included the installation of Classic Performance Products sway bars and front spindles, Simple.C10 rear suspension kit, and four-corner Air Lift Performance air suspension system, which drops the truck closer to its massive white 22-inch wheels. The family of builders didn’t touch the original paint, but it did add fresh side trim.

There’s a similar two-tone color scheme inside the single cab, which is furnished with purple and white buddy bucket seats. Modern amenities include a 12.3-inch Holley digital gauge cluster, a RetroSound head unit, and Vintage Air climate control.

No custom build would be complete without engine modifications. Under the hood, this GMC has a 5.3-liter V8, which is enhanced by ported heads, Holley Terminator X fuel injection system, upgraded camshaft, chromoly pushrods, and LSA supercharger. Not only does engine punch harder, but it also breathes better because the exhaust system was equipped with headers and Black Widow mufflers. A built 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission with a 3,000-rpm-stall torque converter sends the engine’s increased output to a 3.73:1 rear end with an Eaton locking differential.

The father and sons who put this truck together completed it in time for Hot Rod Drag Week 2024. In just a few weeks, it’ll be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction,. If you place the winning bid, you can take it home and enjoy it with your family.

Register to bid at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction by checking out these various options. To sell a vehicle, click here to start the consignment process.

When a certain model is discontinued, the total number of cars produced is capped and the amount out of that run that remain intact can only go down over time. It decreases due to factors such as mileage, accidents, theft, natural disasters, abuse, and general neglect. A certain portion of those total remaining cars also trends downward: the original, unmodified specimens. The longer a particular vehicle has been around and the more owners it has had, the higher the likelihood that it gets some aftermarket parts. When I used to write for a Lexus enthusiast website, I saw that a lot with Lexus SCs on the associated owner’s forum. There were dozens of threads devoted to SC 300 and 400 builds with upgraded engine, suspension, and brake hardware. You won’t see our Pick of the Day, a 1996 Lexus SC 300 posted by an Illinois dealership on ClassicCars.com, on those pages, though. It not only has survived the past 29 years, but it also made it through looking just as Lexus intended.

The SC was significant in the early days of Lexus. Only two years after the brand’s 1989 debut with the launch of the LS 400 and ES 250 sedans, Lexus diversified its portfolio by introducing the 1992 SC 300 and SC 400 sport coupes. As its name implies, the SC 300 was powered by a 3.0-liter engine—the 2JZ-GE DOHC straight-six that Toyota also used in the naturally aspirated Mk4 Supra. Output was 225 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, all processed by either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic, the latter being the transmission in the car you see here.

It may sound like a cheesy sales line, but you really don’t see many cars like this Lexus. According to the selling dealer, it’s a one-owner car. That may explain why it’s accumulated only 69,772 miles over the past three decades. That kind of mileage lines up with the dealer’s description: “The paint is in great shape and condition. No dings are visible on this vehicle.”

What is visible is the condition of the tan leather interior, which appears to have been nicely preserved. It is accented with woodgrain trim and filled with comfort and convenience features such as heated, power-adjustable front seats, two-person memory for the driver’s seat, power mirrors, power windows and locks, power-adjustable steering column, cruise control, automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo with a trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer, and sunroof.

So far, this Lexus has escaped the brutality of time and circumstance, and the questionable choices of misguided owners. If you want to keep this piece of Lexus history as it is (and always has been), you can do that by paying the $13,998 asking price.

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

What if you could turn back the clock and roll up to your local dragstrip, where George Hurst and the legendary “Miss Hurst” Linda Vaughn were waiting to hand you the keys to a brand-new 1969 Hurst/Olds convertible?

That would be the dream, right?

Back in 1969, muscle car history was made when two special Hurst/Olds convertibles were commissioned for parade duty at drag strips across America. A third was later built to replace one of the originals. Today, these ultra-rare muscle machines are so valuable that they hardly ever see the road.

That’s where the Hurst Dream Giveaway comes in—to bring that dream roaring back to life. Click here to enter now!

Imagine opening your garage door to find a 1969 Hurst/Olds convertible. Unlike the two that stay stationary in museums, you can let the rubber meet the road anytime you want.

This isn’t just any tribute—it’s a masterpiece built to relive the golden era of Detroit muscle. Over $100K went into crafting this never-available-to-the-public 1969 Hurst/Olds convertible, designed to be an absolute showstopper.

Under the hood, you’ll find a period-correct 455ci big-block engine, complete with a Hurst Dual/Gate floor shifter and console, power brakes and steering, and dual-comfort air conditioning. It even comes with a fully restored factory-issued AM/FM 8-track stereo and tilt steering—because old-school is timeless.

This grand-prize muscle machine has already earned its place at some of the nation’s most prestigious automotive events, including the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. It’s a piece of history, rebuilt to perfection and ready to tear up the streets—or turn heads at every car show.

How did the original 1969 Hurst/Olds convertibles get to the drag strips? By truck, of course. That’s why Dream Giveaway included a fully loaded 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali to get you out of the house in the mornings.

Drenched in Summit White with a Jet Black interior, this special-ordered Denali is powered by a beastly 420-horsepower factory V-8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for effortless cruising. It includes the Denali Reverse package, Brembo performance brakes, Tri-fold hard tonneau cover, Multi-pro audio system and GMC multipro tailgate.

Thanks to Holley, this truck features performance upgrades from Hurst, Flowmaster, and B&M.

And the look? Custom Hurst graphics tie this modern hauler to its classic muscle-car counterpart, ensuring they look stunning side by side in your garage.

Forget about making a pricey truck payment. If you have the winning entry, you’ll own it free and clear.

One lucky entry is all it takes to win both this jaw-dropping 1969 Hurst/Olds convertible tribute and the ultra-capable 2024 GMC Sierra Denali. Plus, Dream Giveaway pays the federal prize tax of $37,000.

This isn’t just a chance to own history—it’s an opportunity to make a difference. Your entries support veterans’ and children’s charities, ensuring that every donation helps those in need.

But time is running out for you to enter. This sweepstakes ends at midnight PDT on March 25, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ENTRIES.

The pony car segment, which the Ford Mustang launched in the mid-1960s, saw fierce competition. Chevrolet’s rival to the Mustang was the Camaro, and for about the first decade that the two were battling head-to-head, the Mustang maintained the sales lead. That changed in 1977, which was the first year the Camaro overtook the Mustang in sales (by about 65,000 units).

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. It is being offered by a dealer in Watford, Ontario, and the auction will end on Monday.

One of the contributing factors for the turning point in pony car sales was the fact that the Camaro’s available Z28 package gave it an improved suspension, enhanced steering equipment and a strong balance of power and efficiency. According to its trim tag, this Camaro is a true Z28, and it brings to the table some desirable equipment like power steering, power front disc brakes, a dual exhaust system and air conditioning.

The second-generation Camaro was produced from 1970 through 1981 on the General Motors F-body platform. Three assembly plants – one in California, one in Ohio and one in Venezuela – cranked out roughly 1.5 million Camaros across the entire generation. During the third week of July 1977, this one was born. Its Brown (code 69) paint finish is carried through to the bumpers and the centers of the 15-inch wheels. Noteworthy exterior features include accent graphics, dual sport mirrors, a chin spoiler and a decklid spoiler. While the five-digit odometer shows 81,764 miles, the title reads mileage-exempt.

A magazine advertisement for the 1977 Camaro was headlined, “We’re looking for people who love to drive.” It went on to say, “We realize that, for some of you, driving an automobile is about as exhilarating as riding an escalator. That’s sad. Because with the right kind of car in your hands, the act of driving can be one of the truly pleasant things you do each day.”

One of the things that contributed to the Camaro’s driving enjoyment was its powertrain. Motivation for this Z28 comes from a 185-horsepower 350ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. A close-ratio four-speed manual transmission and a rear end with a 3.73 gear ratio deliver power to the rear wheels.

“If you love to drive, or would like to, take a turn in a ’77 Camaro one day real soon,” an advertisement said. “Your Chevy dealer has one all gassed up and ready to go. Driving gloves are optional.”

Want to experience the car that pushed Chevy into the sales lead? Here you go! The auction for this 1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 ends Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The Nissan Z was introduced for the 2023 model year, but I’ve barely seen any on the street. We evaluated one two years ago, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the last one I have seen. Meanwhile, the Toyota Supra seems to be much more popular. Is that true?

Yes and no.

The redesigned Z replaced the 370Z starting in the spring of 2022, though deliveries didn’t begin until the fall due to supply chain issues, keeping U.S. sales to a low 263. Equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, the Z put out 400 horsepower, with a bump to 420 for the NIMSO variant that was unveiled in the summer of 2023. By the end of calendar year 2023, U.S. sales amounted to 1,771.

Compare that to the Toyota Supra, a sports car with BMW Z4 bones: In 2021, 6,830 were sold in the U.S., with another 4,952 sold the following year. However, it may be more fair to compare sales with the Z’s first complete calendar year, so the Supra’s 2,652 makes the Z’s 1,771 pale in comparison—this despite the fact that the Supra’s standard engine is a turbo inline-four, with the turbo inline-six costing 10 grand more than the Z.

However, the trend has flipped for calendar year 2024, with the Z outselling the Supra 3,164 to 2,615. Still, I can’t remember the last time I saw a Z. Of course, there are regional issues at play, so that may be one explanation, while another is the Supra has been in production since 2019 and sold well in those early years.

The 2025 Nissan Z has quite a reasonable base price, so the poor sales initially come off as a head-scratcher. The Z Sport starts at $42,970. Opt for the Z Performance, which adds the features below, and the price gets bumped up $10,000:

• 8-speaker Bose audio system
• 9-inch touchscreen with navigation
• NissanConnect Services with Wi-Fi hotspot
• Mechanical limited-slip differential
• 19-inch RAYS super-lightweight forged aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 high-performance tires
• Nissan performance brakes
• Heated side mirrors
• Aluminum sport pedals
• Heated power leather seats

Go the NISMO route and it’ll cost you $65,750. Aside from the 20-horse bump and mandatory nine-speed automatic, it includes the following:

• NISMO-tuned suspension and brakes
• Revised aerodynamic bodywork
• Wider wheels with a more aggressive tire compound
• Red anodized engine start and drive mode buttons
• Manually adjustable Recaro seats
• Leather- and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red marker at the 12 o’clock position

There’s a lot of unusual forces currently at play in the market, especially with a new administration in the White House. Will the Nissan Z continue its rise for the duration of 2025? In about 11 months, we will know.

Though not among the most significant cars from the 1960s, the 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix changed the way Detroit approached personal luxury. Downsized to a stretched mid-size platform, the Grand Prix set the template for all other mainstream personal luxury cars for the 1970s. The first competitor on the scene is our AutoHunter Spotlight vehicle, a 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 currently listed for sale by a dealer. The sale of this Chevy will include the original bill of sale, Protect-O-Plate, an owner’s manual, and a clear title, plus Vintage Vehicle Services documentation.

Chevrolet built 145,975 Monte Carlos in 1970, but only 3,823 had the “Z20” SS 454 package. Identification was quite subtle with this option, as a “SS 454” badge resided on the rocker panel trim just behind the front wheels on both sides. This Forest Green example (originally Gobi Beige) also features a black “halo” vinyl top and bumper guards front and rear.

This Monte features a set of 15-inch Rally wheels with staggered-width BFGoodrich Radial T/As with raised white letters—225/60 up front, 245/60 out back.

The cabin features a black vinyl interior with a front split bench, though the original bench was gold cloth and vinyl. Notable features include power windows, Deluxe seat belts with shoulder harnesses, a rear window defogger, a remote driver-side mirror, power steering, and a push-button AM radio.

The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer, clock, and fuel gauge, plus aftermarket gauges that show the oil pressure, temperature, and voltage. The odometer indicates 27,944 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The engine is a 360-horsepower LS5 454, which was the only engine available with the SS 454 package, though the V8 currently residing underneath the hood is not the original. A Turbo Hydra-matic 400 was required with the package. Of course, a dual exhaust system routes emissions to the rear. Power brakes with front discs bring this Bow Tie to a stop.

Best of all, this 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 was originally sold new in Canada, so it comes with Vintage Vehicle Services documentation that proves it is a real Z20 SS 454 car and shows the list of options that originally came on it. That alone should be good enough to motivate you to bid—but hurry up as this auction ends on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The EV revolution hasn’t just affected new vehicles. Many companies, such as EV West and Legacy EV, make kits to give vintage vehicles all-electric power. Halcyon, a new “British luxury automotive brand dedicated to providing remastering services for classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley models” (and also a sibling company of electric powertrain firm Evice Technologies), recently announced its first run of EVs will be based on the 1978 Rolls-Royce Corniche.

Given the model year, the ’78 Corniche comes from the Corniche I generation of ultra-luxury convertibles that ran from 1971 through 1987. According to Halcyon, its handcrafted build process takes 12 months, 1,000 hours of which are spent on just the bodywork. The end result is what Halcyon thinks the Corniche would’ve looked like 60 years ago if today’s technology had existed then. Each Corniche is stripped down to bare metal, then repainted and polished until it has a mirror finish. Halcyon uses a “less is more approach” and refrains from making radical changes to the exterior, although it does fit each of its builds with handmade chrome bumpers, bespoke headlights, and minor revisions to the front end to accentuate the Corniche’s lines.

The cabin’s colors, stitching, and features can be tailored to each buyer’s specifications. Halcyon’s description makes it sound as if it’s a thoroughly modern space—in more ways than one. In addition to heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, cruise control, and a bespoke audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay, there’s “an exhibition feature that spans the width of the dashboard, offering a dedicated space for bespoke art pieces.” Hmmm . . . that sounds a lot like “The Gallery” inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII.

As part of its build process, Halcyon removes the Corniche’s massive 6.75-liter V8 and three-speed automatic and installs an 800-volt electrical system (developed in-house) and a rear-axle drive unit that produces between 400 and 500 horsepower, depending on configuration. Two battery packs are available, both of which can be replenished with AC charging and DC fast-charging. The base unit features one battery at each end of the car. Combined, the two produce a total of 77 kWh and more than 200 miles of range. The optional setup consists of three batteries that deliver 94 kWh and over 250 miles of range on a single charge.

To maintain the famous Rolls-Royce on-road composure and ride quality, Halcyon equips its creations with upgraded brakes and an active suspension that allows for three drive modes. “Drive” is a blend of smooth ride quality and timely throttle response. “Touring” relaxes the suspension and throttle. “Spirited” sharpens the throttle response and tightens up the dampers.

Just like any Rolls-Royce, Halcyon’s updated EV Corniches will carry hefty price tags. It will only build 60 commissions, each with a starting price of £395,000 ($510,469), plus the cost of the donor Corniche and local taxes. Production begins in Q4 of this year; deliveries start making their way to customers in Q4 2026.