Journal Classic Cars

Even if your team didn’t make it to Super Bowl LX, there’s a good chance you watched the big game anyway (I’m definitely in that group). If so, you probably noticed there weren’t a lot of car commercials. Stellantis was one of the many companies that didn’t spend millions to run one, although it did release this funny spot for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid days before the Seattle Seahawks took on the New England Patriots. However, a few automakers (plus WeatherTech) shelled out dough for the pricey airtime. Watch their commercials below and tell us what you think in the Comments section.

Toyota—Where Dreams Began

In 2012, Toyota began using the tagline “Let’s Go Places” to signal its commitment to more exciting vehicles and allowing customers to help shape the automaker’s future. One of its two Super Bowl commercials takes us to three high-profile athletes, NFL wide receiver Makea “Puka” Nacua, U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters, and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, meeting their younger selves, who dream of winning. Given the advice that the kid versions of the stars offer, perhaps Toyota’s new tagline should be “Let’s Go Further.”

Toyota—Superhero Belt

This 30-second spot shows that even though the RAV4 has been around for 30 years, seat belts are still in style—whether you’re a little kid or a senior citizen.

Volkswagen—The Great Invitation: Drivers Wanted

Just as NFL teams sometimes wear throwback jerseys, this VW commercial goes retro in a couple of ways. In the 1990s, the German brand launched the “Drivers wanted” campaign, a representation of its “human-centric approach to design, performance, and culture.” This most recent installment calls on people to hop in the driver’s seat and embrace possibilities, originality, and optimism—set to another throwback: House of Pain’s 1992 song “Jump Around.”

Cadillac—Formula 1 Team 2026 Livery Reveal | The Mission Begins

If you didn’t know already, Cadillac will be racing in Formula 1, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 7. Beating the big European teams that typically dominate the sport will be a long shot—sort of like going to the moon in the 1960s.

WeatherTech—TaDa

Okay, WeatherTech is not an automaker, but it’s very auto-oriented, so we’ll let it onto the list. Sometimes you have to think outside the box (even if that box is an SUV). There’s no way Gary can fit all the luggage for him, his wife, and their two kids into one RAV4. Luckily, his wife figures out a solution that significantly increases their carrying capacity, one that showcases WeatherTech’s roof and hitch baskets.

Model year 1987 marked the final production year for Chevrolet’s famous El Camino coupe-utility—a vehicle that popularized the “car-based-truck” segment for many of today’s compact, versatile vehicles. Featured on AutoHunter is a two-owner, largely California-kept 1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS listed by a dealer in Westford, Massachusetts. The auction will end on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (MST).

The El Camino made its initial debut in 1959 and evolved through several generations over the years. For its last hurrah, from 1982-87, it was based on the General Motors G-body platform. And still looking sharp after all these decades is this final-year version in two-tone black and silver. Exterior features include quad headlights, chrome brightwork, tonneau cover, and 14-inch wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A white-letter tires.

In addition to its noteworthy condition, this El Camino is configured in Super Sport trim, as designated by its “Z15” RPO (Regular Production Option) code. According to data collected by Survivor Classic Car, there supposedly were 861 Super Sport units produced for 1987. All of them came with the larger of two available engines (as well as the requisite exterior decals and other standard features). Nearly 40 years after the last El Camino rolled off the assembly line, it has become increasingly difficult to find well-kept Super Sports.

A five-minute dealer promotional video for the G-body El Camino talks about some of the vehicle’s merits, and it even has a short clip of an El Camino towing a small tractor (something I’m not sure we recommend). The video says, “El Camino is built to handle the punishment trucks are meant to take. And yet, does it in style.” The galvanized steel cargo bed floor for the El Camino was ribbed, and the sides used double-wall construction. Chevrolet rated payload capacity at 1,250 pounds, including passengers and cargo, and the vehicle could tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. Air-adjustable rear shocks were standard equipment.  

Power for this El Camino comes from a four-barrel-carbureted 305ci V8 mated to a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The dealer promotional video talks about some of the engine’s tech specs, including Electronic Spark Control (ESC). It controls “power-robbing knock that can occur under heavy engine demand conditions with low-octane unleaded fuel.” The El Camino’s odometer reads 55,012 miles, although the true mileage is unknown.

Whether you need to tow a tractor or just make an occasional Home Depot run, the El Camino is a unique vehicle for its ability to wear multiple hats. “Toughness with elegance—a Chevrolet heritage!” proclaimed original marketing material.

The auction for this 1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS ends Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

One of the most interesting things about the collector car hobby is that there is literally something for almost every budget imaginable. If you have between $10,000 and $15,000, you can buy an excellent example of an interesting and collectible car. In a way this is much like watch collecting, where you can get an interesting and desirable watch, say an F.P. Journe, for hundreds of thousands of dollars, or you can get a Grand Seiko for as little as $5,000. Both are well made and collectible, just at different price points. My Pick of the Day is a show-worthy example of a car at the lower point of the spectrum, a 1975 Honda Civic CVCC coupe. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in North Hollywood, California.

The Honda Civic, the car on which the Japanese automaker built their brand, is not only the most important car in the history of Honda but also one of the most important Japanese cars of all time. While economical, it was also very well built and fun to drive. The Civic literally defined the economy car segment of the market.

The thing that really made the Civic CVCC remarkable was that it delivered 42 mpg on the highway and at the same time met the stringent government emissions regulations without the use of a catalytic converter.

The way it did this was with a new cylinder-head design, the CVCC. According to Honda, the term CVCC stands for Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion. “Compound” represents an engine mechanism with two combustion chambers.  “Vortex” refers to the swirl of air and fuel generated in the main chamber, caused by a jet of flame from the pre-chamber. This increased the speed of engine combustion.  “Controlled Combustion” denotes the engine’s ability to precisely control the speed of combustion. This allows the CVCC engine to use less fuel while at the same time delivering better fuel economy.

The car featured here is an all-original 1975 Civic CVCC painted in its original Caroline Yellow with an original houndstooth cloth and black vinyl interior. It has covered only 33,855 miles from new and is the cleanest example I have seen in 25 years.

The seller states that this Civic has a five-speed manual transmission, factory air conditioning (rare in these cars), and is in mostly original and very well-kept condition. The car also features its original AM/FM radio/cassette deck, manual door locks, manual mirrors, a trunk privacy shield, fold-down rear seat, power steering, and power brakes.

A look at the photos reveals a true time-capsule example. Keep in mind these Civics were so good they were usually driven for hundreds of thousands of miles – meaning that finding one this clean is almost impossible.

It is really fun to get behind the wheel of a Civic CVCC; it has great handling and an interior that, while spartan, is very well-finished, the controls are all in the right place, and it will fit just about any driver regardless of height. Despite only having a 53-horsepower 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, the Civic can easily keep up with modern traffic, even on the interstate. I say this with certainty, having owned and used one as a daily driver.

This Civic is truly a great find and I honestly feel that with an asking price of only $13,995, it is a fantastic buy and will not last long. It is the Grand Seiko of the car world.

If you want to purchase an example of the first generation of the Honda that changed the car world, I advise you to consider this one.

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

To many, cars and watches go together perfectly. Both of them can be beautiful and functional at the same time, but automakers and watch companies don’t always stay together, which is why you often see automaker-branded timepieces manufactured by different watchmakers. The latest pairing of autos and horology is the recently announced partnership between Aston Martin (and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 team) and Breitling.

If you’re a fan of high-end British cars or Swiss watches, you may remember that both Aston Martin and Breitling have collaborated with other companies in the past. It was only five years ago that Aston Martin announced that it was joining forces with Girard-Perregaux, a union that resulted in the green ceramic Laureato introduced in 2023. On the Breitling side, it created Bentley-influenced watches and installed its clocks in Bentley models for 19 years before parting ways in 2021.

Aston Martin and Breitling actually joined forces decades ago—sort of. In the 1965 James Bond movie “Thunderball,” 007 drove a DB5 (using its pop-up rear bullet shield and twin fire hoses to ward off bad guys) and wore a Breitling Top Time chronograph with a Q Branch-installed Geiger counter that detected the presence of hijacked bombs.

This new official partnership between the two brands starts with the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, a limited run of 1,959 pieces coming out in Q3 of this year. Features include a carbon fiber dial and a 43-millimeter titanium case that houses a 45-jewel movement with a 70-hour power reserve.

At $11,500, it’s a lofty purchase but, the last time we checked, that’s much easier to swing than a new Aston Martin.

Our correspondent Tyson Hugie came across a vehicle that both car enthusiasts and classic cartoon fans can appreciate. This 1974 Ford Econoline van from the Dr. Stewart A. Berkowitz Collection was customized to look like the Mystery Machine from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon “Scooby-Doo, Where are You!” The exterior is covered in an eye-catching combination of metallic aqua, bright green, and orange flowers.

Under the short hood is a 302ci V8 that sends its power through the rear American Racing Torq Thrust wheels – a great way to outrun or catch up to bad guys. The cabin is decked out with the same vivid colors (even on the headliner) and features a custom sound system and wrap-around rear seating with cup holders. How much did this impressive build sell for at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction? You don’t need a talking dog to solve this mystery because we’ll do it for you: $58,300.

Subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more Interesting Finds.

Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this 1966 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport convertible. As Chevy’s full-size buckets-and-console model, the SS was available with several engines, from a six-cylinder to several versions of the small-block and big-block. Luckily for you, this vehicle is powered by the big-block 396 backed by a four-speed automatic, giving the ability for high-speed cruising befitting the Super Sport moniker. Other features include factory air conditioning, a power driver seat, power windows, 18-inch aftermarket mags, and more. Painted black with black top over a black interior, this Bow Tie ragtop comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.

Originally painted Cameo Beige with a Beige top, this big boy now presents itself with a black body and black top. Other features include front- and rear-view mirrors, an Impala SS badge on the grille, and 18-inch black and chrome Raceline wheels wrapped in 255/45 Nitto NT555 radials.

The black bucket-seat interior was originally Fawn. Interestingly, the driver-side bucket is power-adjustable—a factory item, as evidenced by the data plate. Other features include a center console housing an automatic shifter, air conditioning and power windows (both also supported by the data plate), a Raceline steering wheel, and an aftermarket retro-look AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, with a fuel gauge and clock flanking it. Mounted on the console are gauges for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, manifold pressure, and battery. The odometer shows 91,460 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The rebuilt Turbo-Jet 396 was originally rated at 325 horsepower, but chances are it has more today, thanks to a Comp Cams flat-tappet camshaft and roller rockers, and a FiTech programmable fuel injection system. The original TH400 automatic has been replaced by a 700R4 automatic with four forward speeds.

The undercarriage features a two-inch drop-spindle suspension, rear air bags, Baer power four-wheel disc brakes, and an Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited-slip differential with 3.42 gears. Cerakoted exhaust manifolds with MagnaFlow mufflers feature electric cut-outs.

Big Chevys never seem to go out of style, and the 1966 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport convertible is among the most loved. Add the big-block and the trio of options (air conditioning, power windows, and power driver’s seat) and you have a very unusual Bow Tie drop-top. Is it any wonder it’s our AutoHunter Spotlight for today? You have several days before the auction ends, but why dillydally? Put in your bid before Friday, February 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST) – then bite your nails in anticipation!

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The 1990s was a time of technological advances, major political changes, and memorable moments in pop culture. Unfortunately, for SUV fans, the decade also brought the automotive version of an extinction-level event: the beloved Chevrolet K5 Blazer was discontinued, Ford’s Bronco rode off into the sunset, and production of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer was shut down. Our Pick of the Day comes from that unfortunate time in the American automotive industry, but it has been maintained well since. You can find this 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Farmingdale, New York.

The bones of the full-sized “SJ” Grand Wagoneer date back several decades to when Kaiser Jeep introduced the 1963 Wagoneer. Advertised as “a totally new station wagon,” the Wagoneer was available with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive and a two- or four-door configuration. It could also could be optioned with an automatic transmission, which was especially significant because that could be mated to four-wheel drive—an unusual configuration for the time.

Of course, over the decades, Jeep incorporated visual and mechanical updates and changes. In 1984, the Grand Wagoneer name was introduced. Two years later, Jeep revised the exterior styling by adding a new grille and a hood ornament, and redesigned the interior. Chrysler purchased AMC, Jeep’s parent company, in 1987. Changes for 1988 were limited to small things such as the standard AM/FM/cassette radio with four Accusound by Jensen speakers, and optional power sunroof. The 1991 model year marked the end of the road (or trail?) for Jeep’s old-school icon.

It’s common to see SJ Wagoneers/Grand Wagoneers with well over 100,000 miles on them—and the expected patina to go with those big numbers. That’s not the case with this ’91, which has racked up only 87,137 miles. That relatively limited use is evident in the state of the Gray Mist Metallic paint, which goes perfectly with the equally well preserved faux-wood exterior panels. What a handsome combination! This isn’t what I’d call a “flashy” vehicle, but people will definitely notice it, even with its subdued colors.

The cabin, on the other hand, is bolder with its rich Cordovan leather and Cumberland Cord fabric upholstery. The leather shows some age- and wear-related creases but overall the interior is in remarkably good shape. Everything is where it should be, even the factory AM/FM/cassette radio. That’s just one item on the long list of comfort and convenience features that include power windows and locks, power steering and brakes, power front seats, cruise control, and air conditioning.

No matter how great an older vehicle looks, it can still benefit from mechanical updates. According to the selling dealer, this Grand Wagoneer’s 360ci V8, three-speed automatic, dual-range transfer case, and other components have received plenty. “In November 2025, the Jeep received a comprehensive mechanical service addressing key age and wear-related items, including timing case cover gaskets, front and rear main seals, valve cover gaskets, rear transmission seal, and front transfer case seal. Additional work included new front brake pads, rear brake shoes, rear wheel cylinders, a transmission service with fresh fluid and gasket, and an engine oil and filter change, providing peace of mind for the next caretaker.”

The first-generation Jeep Grand Wagoneer has a lot of history to it; this 1991 model has a lot of history to be made in the years to come. Will it be with you? For $49,900, it can be.

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

If you enjoyed our coverage of Bonhams during Arizona Auction Week, then you will be delighted to know that the auction house has signed a multi-year agreement with WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to host its sale as an integral part of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion during Monterey Car Week.

In a week full of prestigious events, few have the gravitas of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. In fact, it was named “Motorsports Event of the Year” at the 2025 International Historic Motoring Awards. The intersection between the two events celebrates automotive history and will deliver a noteworthy experience during the summer.

“I’m delighted to confirm the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as the new home for the Bonhams|Cars sale in Monterey Car Week,” said Whitney Maxwell, Global Managing Director for Bonhams|Cars. “Monterey is one of our flagship global sales in the calendar and the location of the auction is hugely important.”

Though the move marks the first new venue for the Bonhams|Cars Monterey Car Week auction in 29 years (having previously been hosted at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering), it extends the 15-year partnership between the two companies.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bonhams|Cars as our official auction partner during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion,” said Mel Harder, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “Bonhams|Cars’ unparalleled heritage in the collector car market enhances the experience for our fans and participants, bringing world-class auctions to the iconic setting of Laguna Seca.”

One thing you won’t see during the Super Bowl this year is a commercial from Stellantis because it’s chosen to focus its money and time on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. However, that didn’t stop the company from creating a nearly two-minute spot for the all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid, “Billy Bass Goes to the River,” which just happened to come out online shortly before the big game.

Yes – it’s that Billy Bass, the animatronic fish that flops and sings the 1974 Al Green song “Take Me to the River.” If your family didn’t have one on the wall when you were a kid, you probably had a friend who passed by one in his or her home every day.

The boy in Jeep’s new commercial takes Billy Bass’s command literally and asks his dad to help make it happen. The two of them load into the ’26 Cherokee, which is powered by Jeep‘s first hybrid engine, and use a chunk of its 500+ miles of range to leave the suburbs and go deep into the woods, where they eventually find the perfect place to let Billy Bass loose.

As a father, I often daydream of hopping into a Jeep with my son and going on road trips and adventures with him, so the first 58 seconds resonated with me. After that, the part of me that appreciates ridiculous, over-the-top humor had a great time (some of you might find the rest of the commercial unbearable). I won’t spoil anything for you, but I will say that the ending gives Jeep a great reason to mention that the Cherokee has 140 safety features, which include Active Driving Assist, Intersection Collision Assist, and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking. I’m sure you eagle-eyed viewers out there will agree.

If you want to go on your own family adventures in the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, you can do that very soon because it’s in showrooms now, priced from $36,995 (which includes the $1,995 destination charge). Wherever you take it, just remember to keep an eye on your surroundings…

If you were in high school like I was in the 1980s, the Toyota pickup was one of the vehicles that many of my friends wanted to have. The Japanese automaker really hit its stride with trucks in that era, and each generation just got better and better. These pickups were also the go-to solution for many small businesses. To try and compete, American manufacturers were forced to work up their own designs or even—in the case of the Ford Courier and Chevy Luv—license already existing Japanese small trucks.

These Toyota pickups in many ways invented the whole small truck category, and they are becoming more and more collectible. Featured on AutoHunter is one of these trucks, a 1982 Toyota Deluxe Pickup listed by a dealer in Asheboro, North Carolina. The auction is scheduled to end on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (MST).

The seller describes this Toyota Deluxe as having always been in North Carolina. It is powered by its correct Toyota 22R 2.4-liter inline-four engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Finished in beige over a tan vinyl interior, it is offered by the selling dealer with service records, an owner’s manual, a window sticker, a clean AutoCheck report, and a clear title.

According to the listing, this pickup is optioned with a factory AM/FM radio and factory air conditioning. Recent services include replacement of the valve cover gasket, PCV valve, and clutch. Total mileage on this truck is said to be 210,000.

The exterior of this Toyota Deluxe looks like it’s in very nice condition. Many of these trucks were literally driven into the ground, but this one seems to have lived a very nice life. The paint and exterior trim all appear to be in great shape with no dents, heavy scratches, or other flaws. There is a small ding in the cab, but this seems to be something easily rectified with pointless dent removal. It also looks as if this Toyota pickup has escaped any tweaks from stock—a rare thing, as they often received modifications like suspension and tires to full off-road builds.

The interior looks as nice as the exterior. The original embossed vinyl interior looks amazingly well preserved, and there are no rips or tears to be seen anywhere. The dash is also in great shape with no visible cracks. The same goes for the floor covering. This truck truly looks like an all-original survivor.

The engine compartment is clean but not detailed, with the Toyota 22R looking to still be in completely stock form. The underside shows some slight surface rust on the exhaust and leaf springs, but the chassis looks perfect. Finding a Toyota truck from this era in this condition is unbelievably rare, and this truly looks like an exceptional example.

If you have been searching for one of these ’80s Toyota trucks, I would advise bidding on this one. You rarely see them this clean; you can spend months looking online and not find one that is both clean and original. If there is such thing as a collector-grade 1980s Toyota Deluxe pickup, this is it. Act fast, though, as the auction for this 1982 Toyota Deluxe ends on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery