Designed and engineered by Dodge’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance division, the Challenger SRT8 represented a modern interpretation of a classic icon. The Pick of the Day is a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in South Bend, Indiana.
“Over 700 horsepower on tap, courtesy of a Kenne Bell mammoth 2.8-liter supercharger,” the listing says. “Reliable power and very drivable car on the streets!”
The Challenger name has been used off and on in the Chrysler world since 1959, but the original Challenger that many enthusiasts recall first made waves in the marketplace in the fall of 1969 for the 1970 model year. That car took a calculated swing at the popular Ford Mustang, but it was touted for its unique engineering: “It borrowed from no one – completely new from the wide stance up. This pony has a mean streak,” ads said.
A second iteration of the Challenger was sold from 1978 through 1983 as a rebadged version (or “captive import”) of the Mitsubishi Galant. And finally, in late 2005, Dodge unveiled spy photos of what would later become the newest Challenger – launching in production form for 2008. The newest Challenger carried the spirit (and the styling) of the old, and the SRT8 variant ranked at the high end of the model lineup. It was known for its HEMI 6.1-liter V8 that was rated from the factory at 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. For some enthusiasts, though, 425 horsepower just wouldn’t cut it.
This HEMI Orange Pearl SRT8 gives us a glimpse of what can happen when the right modifications are added to an already capable platform. Aside from the supercharger, the car has also been modified with a BC Racing coilover suspension, an upgraded Bluetooth-enabled sound system, a front strut tower brace, and a traction control kill switch.
Worth calling out is that while model year 2009 marked the first availability for a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission, this car is equipped with the five-speed automatic. It is described by the seller as being fully loaded, although it does not have a sunroof. Finally, despite being 16 years old, the car has only 44,500 miles on the odometer.
“Fantastic driving SRT8 that can rip up the streets, handles very well, and puts down the power predictably,” the listing concludes. This SRT8 is an eye-catching, modern muscle car that is bound to deliver plenty of grins per mile to whoever gets behind the wheel.
More power! The late 1960s marked a heyday for the muscle car era as domestic automakers continually one-upped each other by amplifying performance of their sports cars. High-displacement V8 motors and limited-slip rear ends were giving rise to a growing drag-racing scene.
Yet, in April 1968, Motor Trend magazine ran a photo on its cover of a quicky two-door electric car and surmised about 1969 becoming the “Year of the Electrics.” As it turns out, not many people paid attention to electric cars in 1969… or 1979… or 1989. In fact, even as of 2025, electric vehicle sales only account for about 10 percent of new cars sales according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers. But that doesn’t mean the EV market share isn’t growing, because it is. Sales in Q3 2025 grew by about a third year-over-year, so the momentum is there.
In the story about the “future” electric cars of 1969, Bob Fendell wrote, “The breakthrough to a quiet, smogless car is nearing. When it comes, your life on wheels will change.” He went on to say, “Service stations would merely add plug-in or quick recharge facilities impractical at home and would learn new repair skills.” As it turns out, Fendell was right about charging stations.
Quotable Lines
Thumbing further through the issue of Motor Trend, there were a few more interesting takeaways. Following were some quotes that stood out to me from the Inside Detroit section.
“Anti-smog regulations proposed for 1970 by the federal government may be harder to meet than the industry expected.”
“The California Planning and Conservation League, a lobbying group for conservationists, has recommended and will probably ask the 1968 California legislature to ban the sale of smog producing motor vehicles, with a deadline set for 1980.”
“Chrysler made a running change in its 1968 intermediates to make the ash trays usable. Previously, the ash trays on the middle size Dodge and Plymouth cars were virtually useless, even for those 100mm cigarettes.”
“The auto companies may wind up in trouble with the government again because of the way they are pushing high-performance cars for street racing.”
“Officials of the New Jersey and Ohio highway departments say surveys have shown that red, yellow, or green colored pavement at intersections and freeway ramps can help daytime drivers make crucial decisions faster.”
“First it was disappearing headlights, then concealed windshield wipers. The next to go out of sight may be your car’s antenna.”
Marketing Materials
The advertisements in old magazines are just as entertaining as the articles themselves. These were a few that caught my eye.
AMC AMX: Limited to 10,000 units per year
Pontiac GTO: Including pictures of GTO models from the four prior years
Chevy II: Touting the 295hp 350ci V8
Oldsmobile 4-4-2: With a 400ci “Rocket” V8
“Awhile-a-Wipe” (interval windshield wipers) and Sequential Turn Signals from Tibbets Electronics. These innovations (priced at $12.95 and $19.95 respectively) were products designed to help buyers add features to their cars.
Win a Car!
Lastly, car giveaways were apparently a big thing in the 1960s. You might recall a story I wrote earlier this year about a “Super Sport Sweepstakes” promotion that took place at Chevrolet dealers around the nation. As it turns out, the Mohawk Rubber Company promoted its “GT500 Sweepstakes,” wherein a grand-prize winner could drive away in a Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500.
Another example was a small advertisement previewing the giveaway of a 1968 Pontiac GTO. It would be great if we could track down the locations of those “prize cars” today. Also, I wish free cars were more of a thing in 2025. I guess there’s always Vegas, or The Price Is Right.
As Bob Fendel concluded in his story about electric cars, “Stick around… cars are becoming more exciting than ever.” Do you think that statement still holds true in modern day?
In Monterey, we came across something historic: a 1968 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 “Daytona,” chassis 015 – one of the most important prototype race cars ever to wear the Alfa badge. In this video, we walk around it, listen to its high-revving 2.5-liter V8, and break down what makes the 2.5-liter cars so rare. We follow its story from Daytona, the Targa Florio, and the Nürburgring to an extended racing stint in Angola, years hidden away during a civil war, a restoration by a former Autodelta mechanic, and appearances at the Le Mans Classic and Monterey Historics (now known as the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion). You will hear about the big-money engine rebuilds, why this specific T33 matters so much to Alfa Romeo fans and prototype nerds, and what it is like to see it up-close.
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.
Currently listed on AutoHunter is this restored 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe. The Gran Coupe was the upscale Barracuda and featured a higher level of appointments and trim from the base Barracuda and the performance-oriented ‘Cuda. This one is powered by a 360 small-block with a four-speed manual. Other features include strobe stripe, rear spoiler, road lights, blacked-out scooped hood, and more. Painted white with black vinyl interior, this Mopar pony car is offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.
The white exterior is complemented by black strobe stripes, a mid-year Barracuda option that’s not often seen. Other exterior features include a blacked-out, non-functional scooped hood, ‘Cuda rocker panels, AAR rear spoiler, driving lights, rear valence with twin pipes, and dual chrome side mirrors. A set of 15-inch Rallye wheels are wrapped in staggered-width Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/T radial tires—235/60 up front, 255/60 out back.
The black vinyl interior features front bucket seats, special Gran Coupe door panels, center console housing a Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, power steering with two-spoke steering wheel, faux woodgrain dashboard trim, overhead console, and aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM stereo that is Bluetooth-compatible.
This Barracuda features the standard instrument cluster, which includes 120-mph speedometer and gauges for temperature, alternator, and fuel, plus a clock. The odometer shows 93,691 miles, though the true mileage is unknown.
The original 318 has been replaced by a 360 crate engine, which features an Edelbrock intake and four-barrel carburetor, Mopar Performance valve covers and air cleaner, headers, and aluminum radiator. The engine is shifted by a four-speed manual transmission.
The undercarriage features a limited-slip differential, power front disc brakes, and dual exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers.
Barracudas are Barracudas, but a Gran Coupe is a different breed. This one isn’t quite stock, but it’s set up for speed and style. Wherever you go with the car that’s the subject of this AutoHunter Spotlight, people will gravitate to it because E-bodies improved the breed—at least Mopar folks like to think so. Not a Mopar person but curious? This 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe is a splendid way to find out. Auction ends on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. (MST).
Of all the ’70s and ’80s BMWs, the 6 Series cars have been my absolute favorite since I first saw one in the pages of Road & Track in the early 1980s. It actually goes beyond that, though. To me, the E24 6 Series – especially the ones with the revised suspension introduced in 1983 – are among the finest GT cars of the era. Sure, there are faster cars out there from that time, but the classic 6 Series was the most competent and usable GT car of them all, offering comfort, very high build quality using good materials, and performance (0-60 time in the 7-8 seconds range and a top speed of more than 130 mph).
All that combines to make the BMW 6 Series the No. 1 choice I would make for a GT coupe of the era. In essence it is the very definition of a 1970s to ’80s European GT. In my opinion, this Pick of the Day would be the perfect entry point into the world of the 6 Series: a 1985 BMW 635csi offered on ClassicCars.com by a private seller located in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
The seller describes this 635csi as still wearing its original factory black paint, factory alloy wheels, and original black leather interior. It is equipped with its original 3.5-liter SOHC BMW M30 inline-six engine backed by a 5-speed manual transmission. It also features four-wheel antilock disc brakes and a sunroof. Amenities include air conditioning, power-adjustable seats, dual-side rearview mirrors, cruise control power windows, BMWs onboard computer/system check panel, and a Pioneer radio.
The interior of this car looks to be in excellent condition, with no tears in the leather, no broken stitching, no dash cracks. In other words, it is a car that has not suffered the way many 6 Series cars have.
This truly seems to be an excellent original example of a BMW 635csi. There are no photos of the engine compartment, but the photos of the underside of the car show a 6 Series BMW that is astonishing clean and free of any corrosion.
The few photos provided (come on, people – help us help you by taking many more high-quality photos of your cars!) show a car that honestly looks to be in excellent condition. Based on those and the low mileage of 71,000, this is a car I would seriously consider packing in my garage. As an added bonus, the asking price for this 1989 BMW 635csi is only $26,900. Finally, don’t let the fact that it is located in Canada part put you off: The owner states they would be happy to have the car delivered to Champlain, New York, free of any taxes or tariffs.
Barrett-Jackson announced today its 2026 Scottsdale Select Preview is live and highlights the diverse mix of custom, Resto-Mod, supercars, trucks and SUVs in the starting lineup for the Jan. 17-25 event at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Among the most anticipated collectible vehicles is a 2017 Ford GT (preview) with 937 actual miles that was formerly owned by actor and comedian Tim Allen. Customs set to take center stage include a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible (preview) and a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe (preview), both recently completed by Jeff Hayes Customs.
“Our Select Preview is a peek into the outstanding collectible vehicles we’re getting ready for our biggest auction of the year in Scottsdale this January,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ll have over 2,000 highly coveted collector cars and trucks that appeal to the world’s most seasoned collectors, as well as attract the attention of first-time bidders. The diversity of our docket, which includes No Reserve and select Reserve consignments, is what sets Barrett-Jackson apart and has defined our growing success over the years. We have some very special vehicles and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone in Scottsdale to kick off the 2026 collector car auction season with us.”
2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R
Supercars will be among the superstars of the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. A highly anticipated offering is a 2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R (preview), the first of 25 produced worldwide and one of two legal for use in the U.S. Finished in Mexico Blue, it is powered by a Brabus-tuned twin-turbocharged flat-6 capable of 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, 0 to 120 mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed exceeding 211 mph. The 2017 Ford GT (preview) formerly owned by Tim Allen is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle and features the Dark Energy interior. One of 541 produced in the limited-edition color, Tungsten Gray, a 2006 Ford GT (preview) features silver painted racing stripes, forged BBS lightweight wheels and red brake calipers. One of one by Genaddi Design Group and finished in Ebony Black with gold stripes, a 2005 Ford GTX1 (preview), No. 24 of 30 produced, is autographed by Carroll Shelby, Roger Penske, Henry Ford III, Edsel Ford, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Tony Kanaan.
Tim Allen’s 2017 Ford GT
“Our dockets are assembled with great care and attention to detail,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We go to great lengths to ensure we have something for every type of bidder. From the ultra-rare 2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R built to dominate the racetracks, to an off-road-capable 1957 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (preview), the chance to find the collectible vehicle of your dreams is within reach at our January auction in Scottsdale.”
Known as “The Rebel,” a 1950 Mercury (preview) is among the custom collectibles consigned for the January event. Professionally chopped by Joe Bailon, this custom Mercury retains an all-steel body and is powered by a mid-1980s Lincoln fuel-injected V8 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Other anticipated customs include a pair of custom Chevrolet Corvettes built by Jeff Hayes: a 1967 convertible (preview) and 1963 Split-Window coupe (preview), each powered by a LS3 Hot Cam engine producing 540 horsepower and paired with a 4L70E automatic overdrive transmission on an Art Morrison sport chassis.
Barrett-Jackson is also hauling in the adventure with collectible trucks and SUVs, including a custom 1976 Ford Bronco (preview) that is Legacy Speed & Body’s Widebody Edition Serial No. 001. The first in a limited series and a feature vehicle at the 2025 SEMA Show, it is finished in Highlander Green with a custom Bronze accent package stripe and is powered by a Coyote V8 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A multi-award-winning custom, the 1957 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (preview) is built on a Roadster Shop RS4 chassis and features a LS3 engine producing 525 horsepower. Interior features include Dakota Digital RTX gauges, a Restomod Air climate-control system with lighted billet controls and vents, and a custom audio system with Bluetooth capability.
A 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda convertible (preview) is among the restored classic American muscle cars set to find a new owner in Scottsdale this January. This rotisserie-restored factory V-code convertible represents one of the most desirable combinations in the Mopar performance lineup and is one of only 17 4-speed 440 Six-Barrel convertibles built in 1970. The recipient of a fully documented, nut-and-bolt concours restoration a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 (preview) retains its original matching-numbers LS6 V8 paired with a Chevrolet dealer-installed warranty replacement Muncie 4-speed manual transmission from 1972.
Click here to view the 2026 Scottsdale Auction Select Preview and browse hundreds of featured collectible vehicles.
Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Those interested in being part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid may do so here. VIP Experiences hospitality packages are available here. Throughout the nine-day Scottsdale Auction, children age 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students age 13 through college age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $27 at the AXS online box office.
On Friday, Jan. 16, country music superstar Cole Swindell will perform live for the 3rd annual “Rock The Block” concert in the Auction Arena at WestWorld of Scottsdale. In addition, the opening act will feature multi-platinum singer-songwriter Chase Rice.
Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
In the 1970s, Chrysler Corporation began to apply striping with a strobe theme to several vehicles among its brands. Not only do they look neat, but they also are a reflection of the advent of a new decade that stepped away from the psychedelia that was pervasive in the marketing at the end of the 1960s.
Below are four cars currently listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. All feature strobe striping. Can you identify the cars in the images? Be sure to indicate model year, make, and model. Those without shame can click on an image for a cheat if necessary.
Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1964 Buick Riviera, which is powered by a numbers-matching Wildcat 465 425ci V8 mated to a Super Turbine 400 three-speed automatic transmission. Features include power windows and steering, air conditioning, and power brakes. Finished in Granada Red over a black vinyl interior, this classic Buick is now offered by the private seller in Florida with a broadcast sheet, service manual, original owner’s guide, a new glovebox liner, new front seat foam, and a clear title.
The Granada Red exterior features chrome bumpers, a driver-side mirror, C-shaped side trim, and dual exhaust outlets with blued tips.
A set of 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels with 235/75 Mavis Highway Touring all-season radial tires connect this cruiser to the road. Behind the wheels is a set of power drum brakes and – at the rear – air shocks.
Black vinyl covers the cabin’s front and rear seats, but it’s offset by the wood trim on the door panels and center stack/console. Features include power windows, power steering, air conditioning, and a retro-look AM/FM/Bluetooth radio.
Instrumentation consists of a 140-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge. The odometer shows 46,566 miles, but this classy coupe is mileage-exempt, according to its title.
Buick managed to stuff a big beast under the hood: a 425ci Wildcat 465 V8. As its name implies, it was factory-rated at 340 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, thanks in part to 10.25:1 compression. In 2024, the four-barrel carburetor was replaced with a Holley Sniper EFI system. Power reaches the rear end through a Super Turbine 400 three-speed automatic transmission.
If you want this 1964 Buick Riviera to reach your driveway, bid on it now. The auction ends on December 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (MST).
The year was 1958 when NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, was created with the mission of coordinating American space activities. Space-themed energy was catching on around the nation because the cars of that year – and for several years to follow – had rocket-influenced elements throughout. The Pick of the Day is a 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday four-door hardtop listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Palmyra, Wisconsin.
“This Oldsmobile is a turn-key cruiser with incredible vintage charm,” the listing begins. “Runs and drives great, and still sports its original paint and interior – a survivor with character and patina.”
The 88 was a full-size car that first debuted in 1949 and had a lengthy 50-year run through 1999, with the step-up Super 88 appearing for 1951-64. (Oldsmobile as a division of General Motors was later phased out entirely in April 2004.) During the mid-to-late 1950s, the Super 88 (like many American cars) featured abundant chrome trim. And for 1958 specifically, the 88 received quad headlights, since that feature had just become legal in every state. Considering it is wearing its original finish, this example looks to have a straight body and well-kept finishes for being 67 years old.
The listing doesn’t provide the car’s engine specifications, but the standard offering that year was a 371ci “Rocket” V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. A four-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels for most cars, although a three-speed manual was available. Maintenance history for this Super 88 includes a recent tune-up, the installation of a new exhaust system, a rebuild of the carburetor, and replacement of the brakes. “Starts easily, runs smooth, and drives strong,” the seller says. The odometer reads 31,000 miles, but the true mileage on the car is unknown.
A magazine advertisement from the era bore the headline “Oldsmobility.” It said, “A 1958 Oldsmobile is waiting for you – a car that’s in a class by itself! A new Rocket Engine car, a magnificent performer in the Rocket tradition, and offering the greatest improvement in fuel economy in Oldsmobile history.” The ad also talked about the available “New-Matic Ride” air suspension as well as the distinctive new styling both inside and out.
My favorite angle for the car is the rear three-quarter view, where the car looks like it’s about to take off into the sky with a pair of rocket boosters as taillights. Maybe NASA should have put a few more chrome accents on the space shuttle.
In that cesspool known as NextDoor.com, I often see people complaining about other drivers. I tend to poo-pooh the poster and commenters because they certainly can’t be perfect like me, the only guy in the state who rides a motorcycle and use turn signals.
For all their concern for proper driving etiquette, I don’t seem to encounter these folks on the roads, as there are plenty of people who don’t use their turn signals. And the latest trend these days (“these days” could be “the past 10 years, for all I know) is for people to signal right when they are entering another lane. I thought the purpose of the turn signal was intention? There is no intention when there is no pause between signal and movement.
Here are other thoughts about turn signals that can make you a better driver:
2017 BMW M3 in its natural habitat—without signaling. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
Merging: Using your turn signal show you’re planning to turn into my lane, especially if I happen to miss the sign showing an upcoming merge. Most people don’t, but since the signal about communication, why not tell the rest of us on the road?
Turn lane—headed towards me: Ever try to make a left turn against traffic, only to have to wait for an oncoming car to pass? But then, it seems that oncoming car also wishes to turn in the same direction, but you can’t know because (s)he doesn’t communicate this via turn signal. I am sure you value efficiency while driving, so a signal from an approaching car actually may give you a chance to beat him/her to the punch.
And what if an oncoming car wants to turn to your right? In case you don’t know, a motorcyclist’s nightmare is when a car turns in front of him or her, leading to a collision. As such, seeing a turn signal as I approach familiarizes me with what I can anticipate in a worst-case scenario. Especially in two-way traffic (versus at an intersection), it’s sometimes difficult to notice a car is positioned to turn while I approach, so that little bit of light makes all the difference.
Turn lane—same direction: I don’t understand why people turn into a turn lane but only put the turn signal afterwards. Why not do it to show your intention before?
If you haven’t figured it out, these observation aren’t really about a crabby motorcyclist, as they also pertain to your safety. Now, if we could get other motorcyclists to use their turn signals, we’d be all set.
