Journal Classic Cars

One of the most coveted of all fifth-generation Corvettes was the high-performance Z06 model. Here’s a chance at owning one in a stealthy black finish with only 75,000 miles on the odometer.

The Pick of the Day is a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Spokane, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)

“You are viewing a very nice Z06 that is an excellent driver,” the listing begins. “The car has 75k well cared-for miles and [I have] owned for the last three years. Runs and drives like new.”

The fifth-generation Corvette sport car initially came to market for the 1997 model year using all-new exterior styling on the General Motors Y-body platform. In the interest of optimizing strength while minimizing weight, most of the body was assembled from a type of fiberglass called sheet molded composite (SMC).

A high-performance C5 Corvette was introduced in 2001 and named the Z06. The heart this beast was its LS6 motor, which was essentially a tuned 5.7-liter LS1. Output was initially rated at 385 horsepower and was soon ramped up to 405 horsepower starting in 2002. The only available transmission for the Z06 was a six-speed manual throughout the production run.

There are a few visual things that make the Z06 stand out from other Corvettes. One is the fixed-roof coupe (FRC) body style which is a contrast to the traditional glass hatchback. Another noteworthy design cue is the brake ducts which are just forward of the rear wheel on either side.

The interior cockpit of this ‘vette has an eye-catching two-tone red and black leather motif. The seller states that a short shifter has been added but the rest appears factory-original. The digital odometer shows just 75,343 miles on this 20-year-old car, and the listing doesn’t discuss much about maintenance history other than the fact that the Bridgestone Potenza tires are newer.

The 405-horsepower version of the Z06 achieved zero-to-60 acceleration in 3.9 seconds and it was recorded as completing a quarter-mile drag race in 11.9 seconds. Those are significant numbers for any performance car – and that is precisely why so many Z5 Z06 models were heavily tracked and abused over the years. This black beauty remains unmodified and was clearly enthusiast-owned.

“A very nice car to drive and enjoy. Lots of performance at an affordable price,” the listing concludes.

The asking price is $28,500 for this special C5.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1955 Chevrolet Nomad.  

When General Motors reworked its Chevrolet lineup in favor of a “shoebox” style layout by flattening the exterior body panels after model year 1954, it set a precedent in automotive design that remains even today.

The 1955 Nomad up for auction shows the distinct direction that was taken. Best of all, it comes with a drivetrain that was retrofitted from C4 Corvette such as a small-block 350cid V8, a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel disc brakes. This Ruby Red Nomad has a Pearl White roof, a tan vinyl interior, and a clear Missouri title.

The Nomad nameplate was used for a couple of decades and referred to a station wagon variant of the Bel Air and the Impala models. All 1955 through 1957 Chevrolets have gone on to become very collectible in the marketplace, and the Nomad is no exception. It was produced as a two-door station wagon on the General Motors A-body platform alongside the Pontiac Safari, and it stickered at $2,571 for the inaugural 1955 model year.

This first-year Nomad went through a frame-off restoration by a Chevrolet Camaro specialty facility in California wherein it received a respray in Ruby Red with a Pearl White roof. The exterior look was completed via a set of 18-inch Tyfun wheels wrapped in staggered Nexen tires sized 245/40 up front and 255/35 in the rear.

True to its station wagon body style, the Nomad delivered on utility. Aside from the two rows of bench seats upholstered in two-tone tan and ivory vinyl, the rear cargo area offers plenty of space for belongings and the carpet has been embossed with a Chevrolet bowtie logo.

The magic of this wagon happens underneath its hood: In place of the Nomad’s original 265cid V8 lives a C4 Corvette-sourced 350cid V8. The motor came from a 1987 Corvette and has been upgraded with a Mattson’s radiator, a stainless-steel exhaust system, and a stainless-steel 20-gallon fuel tank. The seller says that maintenance has been kept up over the years.

Similar restomod treatment happens underneath the body where underpinnings both front and rear come from a Corvette along with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Bilstein front shock absorbers, and power steering.

The already-popular Nomad has been made even better in this custom hot rod, thanks to Corvette running gear, disc brakes, and a reupholstered interior. Now is your chance to make a move and place a bid!

The auction for this 1955 Chevrolet Nomad ends on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

The Jeep brand, celebrating more than eight decades of freedom, adventure, passion and authenticity, has again been named as America’s most patriotic brand. For the 22nd year in a row, the Jeep brand is America’s most patriotic*, according to Brand Keys Most Patriotic Brands survey. Consumers who were surveyed assessed brands that best embody the value of patriotism in 2023.

The Jeep brand and the USO also announced as part of its Fourth of July celebrations that their enduring partnership, marking 15 years, has been renewed.

“Over the years, through many campaigns, sponsorships, events and in-kind donations of vehicles and other support, our partnership with the USO mission has helped make it possible to keep service members connected to family, home and country,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president, Jeep brand North America. “And to celebrate July 4th, we wanted to do something extra for our military members by increasing the brand’s military discount for 10 days, from July 1 through July 10, to $2,000.

“The Jeep brand’s origins date back to 1941 with the birth of an iconic 4×4-capable vehicle that was requested specifically by the U.S. Army. Since that time, the Jeep brand has become synonymous around the world for outdoor adventure and freedom. Being recognized as America’s most patriotic brand for the past 22 years is a testament to our passionate Jeep community and to all those who protect America’s independence,” Morrison said.

Through the Jeep brand’s Military Incentive Program, select military personnel are eligible for military bonus cash to use toward select 2023 vehicles. Active, active reserve, retired military, retired military reserve, 100% disabled veteran and honorably discharged veterans, within 12 months of discharge date, are eligible under the program. The offer applies to purchases and leases on a range of 2023 Jeep brand vehicles. 
  
As a tribute to U.S. military members, the Jeep brand also offers a military-themed, special limited-edition Freedom package for the 2023 Gladiator and Wrangler, featuring military-themed exterior and interior design cues. The 2023 Jeep Freedom Edition (limited quantities) pays tribute to those who serve in the U.S. military. With unique military-themed decals and badges and impressive features for the road and trail, it honors the perseverance of brave service members. The Jeep brand will make a $250 donation to military charities with every Freedom edition sold. “Since 1941” is a badge of honor proudly displayed on all Jeep brand vehicles, recognizing the Jeep brand’s long-standing military heritage and legendary 4×4 capability leadership for more than 80 years.
  
Another reward for being a Jeep 4×4 owner is the Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4×4 lineup, which is filled with benefits and exclusive benefits to deliver Jeep vehicle owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. 
  
The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles, including Jeep Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, three-row Grand Cherokee L, Grand Cherokee 4xe, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe, as well as the premium extension of the Jeep brand with the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. 
  
Fans can visit the Jeep Store by Amazon for Jeep merchandise. 

*Based on Brand Keys 2003-2024 Most Patriotic Brands Survey 

When Lotus and General Motors put their engineering teams together in the late 1980s, monster muscle machines were born.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by Precious Metal Classic Cars in Elkhart, Indiana. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Fully documented, collector-grade ZR-1 survivor that’s logged just 8,979 miles,” the listing states.

When it launched in 1984, the C4 Corvette was the first to receive engineering advancements like a “uniframe” chassis, molded plastic bumpers, a glass hatchback, and a liquid crystal instrument cluster. Big news soon arrived in 1986 when General Motors acquired Group Lotus and got to work building a hopped-up version of the Corvette. Lotus was a revered name in motorsports known for its lightweight, high-performance sports cars.

Tasked with building the ultimate performance-tuned C4, Lotus cooked up the “LT5” 5.7-liter engine using an aluminum black, quad camshafts, 32 valves, and a unique air management system. This 375-horsepower V8 was the key ingredient in the ZR-1 Corvette’s magic, but the package didn’t stop there: Additional treatment included a standard Bosch anti-lock braking system, a Bilstein “FX3” suspension, and wider tires compared to the standard Corvette. Torque was fed rearward through a ZF six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip rear end.

This exceptionally low-mileage black ZR-1 looks showroom fresh both inside and out. The engine received a tune-up and new injectors, so the seller states that it is ready for the road. “This great example of the 1991 ZR-1 comes completely serviced. With its all-original appearance and even wearing its original rubber, you’ll be ready for the field at Bloomington earning a reward with the National Corvette Restorers Society.”

Included in the listing’s photo gallery are over 80 detailed photos such as a shot of the center console placard that denotes the engine’s horsepower and torque ratings. The window sticker shows an original retail price of $65,338 and delivery to DuTeau Chevrolet in Lincoln, Nebraska. Roughly half of that price ($31,583) was for the ZR-1 package alone. Hard to believe you could nearly buy two base Corvettes for the price of one ZR-1.

Incidentally, General Motors sold off its stake in Group Lotus in 1993 so this car was part of a short-lived partnership. There certainly can’t be very many unmodified ZR-1s left in existence, let alone with fewer than 10,000 miles on the odometer.

“If you’re in the market for one of the finest examples of a very desirable C4 Corvette in a stunning color, your car has arrived,” the seller states. The asking price is $46,500 for this ZR-1, which includes collector-grade swag like a VHS tape, a tire gauge, books, and other memorabilia.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1973 Ford Mustang.

Now I know that some of you know me and the cars I like, so you may be surprised that I picked a 1973 Mustang. Well I honestly like the luxury Mustang and have ever since seeing Diamonds are Forever. Sure, that was a Mach 1 but these are nice driving cars and offer plenty of power, and I honestly think that the styling has really aged well. In addition these are the most comfortable to drive classic Mustangs.

The seller offering this car up for auction describes it as a Mustang that has only covered 19,321 original miles and has been with the current owner for 24 years. It is equipped with its reportedly original 302cid V8 and three-speed automatic transmission.

Features include power steering, power front disc brakes, bucket seats, a center console, and air conditioning. Finished in Bright Red and equipped with a white vinyl top over a white vinyl interior, this Mustang comes on consignment from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The seller describes the paint as having been refinished in the original color of Bright Red (code 2B) in the late 1990s. Features on this Mustang include a color-keyed urethane front bumper, a black grille insert, side impact moldings, wheel well and rocker moldings, color-keyed sport mirror housings with a manual driver-side remote, a white vinyl top, a chrome rear bumper, and a black taillight panel insert.

The contrast that the interior offers agains the red paint is simply awesome. The front bucket seats and the rear seat are upholstered in white vinyl.

Features include power steering, manual windows, the great looking chrome center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter, air conditioning, white door panels and trim, and a black dashboard. The selling dealer states that the Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo was purchased new in 2010 and installing it did not require modifications to the dashboard.

These cars still trail the 1964 1/2-1970 Mustangs, and as a result offer the last great value in a classic Mustang. Having personally driven many Mustangs, from a 1965 GT350 to a 1973 Mach 1 and everything in between, these are enjoyable and comfortable cars that are fast enough to be fun. I mean james Bond drove a mach 1 so why not give this car a try.

The online auction for this 1973 Ford Mustang ends on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

The 911 Classic Club Coupe, sold during the Broad Arrow auction celebrating 75 years of Porsche sports cars at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, has been delivered to its new owner. Comedian and collector Jerry Seinfeld personally took possession of the one-off creation based on a 911 Carrera (996 generation) during the annual Porsche Parade being held by the club in Palm Springs, California.

The 911 Classic Club Coupe is a one-of-one Sonderwunsch (special wishes) project completed by Porsche Classic in collaboration with the Porsche Club of America (PCA). That this is a unique car will not surprise anyone who sees it, but a “No. 001/001” badge on the dashboard underscores its scarcity. A ducktail spoiler reminiscent of the 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7, a double-bubble roof, 18-inch forged aluminum Fuchs wheels and unique paint combine to create a striking resemblance to the Type 997 911 Sport Classic. Those looks are only part of the story.

Based on a 1998 911 Carrera, the chassis, brakes and engine in this sports car are taken from the 996.2 911 GT3, the first such model homologated for sale in the U.S. Accordingly, the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six generates 381 horsepower. The donor car, which PCA Executive Director Vu Nguyen found in a state of neglect in Colombia, Virginia, traveled to the Porsche Classic workshop near the main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen where it was originally built. There, it went through a complete restoration including total disassembly, and strengthening of the body-in-white using both original and newly developed parts.

In January 1989 the world of luxury cars was forever changed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit when Lexus launched the LS400. For the very first time a Japanese company aimed a head on assault not at American luxury brands but on the Mercedes and BMW cars from Germany, which many people considered the best in the world. The car was not just as good as the German competition, however in many ways was better than the Mercedes S class and BMW 7 series. To sweeten the deal for customers the LS400, even when fully optioned, was less expensive and more reliable than its German competition. 

How Toyota did this with their new car brand was to literally start from scratch and develop a car with no budget and not based on any car they had ever built. The company employed a staggeringly large team of 60 designers, 1,400 engineers in 24 teams, 2,300 technicians and over 200 support workers to develop the LS400. The cost for the project was an estimated $1 billion.

In addition, another Toyota masterstroke was to sell the new LS400 at Lexus-only dealerships. These were set up to offer their customers the best possible experience both in buying their cars and in the service department as well. What best illustrates this is when in December 1989, shortly after the car’s launch, Lexus ordered a voluntary recall of the 8,000 LS models they had sold. This was based solely upon two customer complaints concerning defective wiring and an overheated brake light assembly. All vehicles were serviced within 20 days, and the incident set the stage for what customers should expect from a top tier automotive brand.

The result was that the car did indeed capture quite a few customers from the German luxury segment, and almost overnight the Lexus LS became the new measuring stick for quality and luxury. In fact, by 1990 the LS400 had outsold the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S class, and the Jaguar XJ series.

The Pick of the Day is one of these amazing cars for sale on ClassicCars.com, a 1993 Lexus LS400 located in Elkhart, Indiana.

The seller describes this as an excellent two owner LS400 with only 64,000 miles from new. Painted in its original Diamond White tri-coat paint that is said to be in great condition.

They add that the original Tan leather interior is in excellent condition and comes with two sets of factory floormats. This is because when the first owner purchased this Lexus new, they bought a second set of factory floor mats to keep the originals in like-new condition.

The car is powered by its legendary and original Lexus UZ-FE 4.0 liter V8 and backed by its original 4-speed automatic transmission. They state that the engine and transmission perform just as they should and deliver a very effortless driving experience that you would expect from a well-maintained luxury car.

This LS400 is nicely equipped with power steering, power 4-wheel disc brakes, automatic climate control, the gold logo package, power tilt/telescopic steering, factory car phone, dual power mirrors, power windows, power seats, heated seats, rear defrost, cruise control, power sunroof, keyless entry, power door locks, Nakamichi AM/FM stereo w/ cd changer, heater/defrost, and variable speed wipers. 

Finally, this LS400 still retains its original owners guide, inspection certificate, original trunk mounted tool kit, and its original first aid kit.

The LS400 is a car that has been slowly creeping up in value as more collectors rediscover what a landmark car the original LS series was. They literally sent their competition back to the drawing boards to catch up with the LS.

The asking price for this time capsule 1993 Lexus LS400 is only $16,500 and I would expect in to increase in value over the next few years.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

The unmistakable “blue oval” Ford emblem has graced the nose of hundreds of thousands of Ford pickups over the years. Ford first introduced its scripted logo in 1903, and the design went through eight different subsequent changes. Ford trucks, however, didn’t feature the grille logo until model year 1980, many decades into the company’s existence.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1981 Ford F-150 pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Closter, New Jersey. (Click the link to view the listing)

“New interior, new paint, wheels, tires, many other new parts,” the listing states. “Runs and drives great.”

Model year 1981 was the second year for the seventh generation for the F-Series. Aside from a more squared body, advancements were made to powertrains and equipment: A diesel engine was introduced for the first time, and the dashboard was revised to incorporate more complete instrumentation. This generation was also the first to wear the blue oval logo on its grille. In today’s case, it’s also spelled out across the hood in bold lettering. Ford made sure that there was no mistaking this truck for a competing brand!

The Powder Blue and White two-tone exterior has a stepside body configuration, and the rally-style wheels with polished trim rings and Goodyear tires provide nice curb appeal. Based on the photos in the listing, the interior of the cargo bed appears just as clean as the rest of the body, so this truck hasn’t been put through very much hauling duty post-restoration. The interior of the cab is trimmed in all-blue with a vinyl bench seat, and audio comes from a modern Sony AM/FM/CD head unit.

Under the hood, this half-ton, two-wheel drive has a 300cid inline-six mated to a three-speed manual transmission. The seller states, “Original miles on drivetrain 60,595. Motor all original, not touched during restoration, but has been serviced with all new belts, hoses, filters, etc.”

Worth noting: Some newer Ford trucks have reverted to not having a blue oval grille emblem. For example, the Raptor (first introduced in 2010) simply has “FORD” spelled out across its front end.

The seller is asking $17,995 or best offer for this clean, low-mileage F-Series.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

If you’re starting out a nice, long holiday weekend take a few minutes to enjoy this AutoHunter Cinema feature of a 1932 Ford hot rod built by Hollywood Hot Rods. This dark metallic brown Ford was virtually built from scratch and rides on Dunlop Racing tires for a vintage aesthetic. Power comes from a period-correct 1949 Cadillac 331ci V8 mated to a TREMEC five-speed manual plus a Winters Performance Products quick change rear end.

Check out AutoHunter’s latest 4K video and many others by subscribing to the YouTube channel.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1948 Chevrolet Coupe.  

At 75 years old, this custom coupe is turning more heads than ever. Gone is the vintage running gear, and in its place sits a small-block 350cid V8 paired with a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. The long list of enhancements continues from there. In total, the seller states that the build cost in excess of $100,000. Having recently completed a much smaller-scale restoration of my own, I can attest that the expenses seem to snowball.

The brilliant Meridian Copper exterior finish is only the beginning of the custom treatment that this coupe received. The long list of enhancements also includes power-assisted disc brakes, an air suspension, power windows, power steering, an independent front suspension, and air conditioning. It’s no wonder this feels like a “spared-no-expense” build with a checklist like that.

Eagle-eyed Chevy fans will notice that the front grille was retrofitted from a 1947-model-year vehicle, and the body was also customized with shaved door handles and molded front and rear fenders. A set of five-spoke aluminum wheels from Billet Specialties add to the street cruiser look perfectly. The raked stance comes courtesy of Ridetech ShockWave air springs and shocks.

No custom ride is complete without the right kind of interior trimmings, and this build hits the mark. There are six-way power-adjustable bucket seats up front and a bench in the rear, all upholstered in two-tone “Ultraleather” material. Features include power brakes, a tilt-adjustable steering column, a JVC stereo system, Vintage Air climate control, and a Lokar shift lever.

Under the hood lives a small-block 350cid V8 motor that has been upgraded with chrome valve covers, a Walker radiator, an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, an Edelbrock 650-cfm carburetor, March Performance pulleys, ceramic coated headers, and more. A dual exhaust system with Magnaflow mufflers has been added, so this Chevy is certain to sound as awesome as it looks.

When this 1948 Chevy was auctioned on AutoHunter in February, the final price didn’t meet the seller’s reserve. That reserve has been lowered, so now is your chance to get this custom hot rod for a fraction of what it cost to build.

The auction for this 1948 Chevrolet Coupe ends on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 12:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery