Journal Classic Cars

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1966 Chevrolet Nova restomod. Originally a six-cylinder car, this Chevy now features a modified 350 paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Features include four-wheel disc brakes, LED headlights, black chrome bumpers, 18-inch Ridler wheels, and more. Painted Black Cherry Pearl over a black vinyl interior, this restored Chevy II comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The Black Cherry Pearl hue is complemented by black chrome bumpers front and rear. Other features include aftermarket LED headlights, dual side mirrors, and blacked-out front and rear trim.

A set of 18-inch black Ridler wheels is wrapped in staggered-width radials—225/45 Milestars up front, 295/35 Continental Extreme Contacts out back.

The black vinyl cabin features modern, low-back bucket seats up front. Additional features include a wood-rimmed Forever Sharp steering wheel, floor-mounted shifter, and factory AM radio.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer and fuel gauge. Aftermarket gauges include oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. The odometer shows 53,995 miles, though the true mileage is unknown.

Powering this Nova is a modified 350 small-block V8 that features Sportsman II heads, flat-top pistons, and solid roller cam and rockers. Shifting dues fall upon a Muncie four-speed manual.

The undercarriage features power four-wheel disc brakes and a 10-bolt rear with 3.31 gears and Positraction. A dual exhaust system routes spent emissions to the rear.

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Nova restomod will end Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Earlier this month, we shared news that Nissan seems to be in dire straits and may only have 12-14 months left to live. As we’ve seen before, one way of staying in business is merging with another company. That could possibly not only save Nissan, but also save both automakers money in development costs. Nissan’s lifeline may just come from inside its home country. According to a report from the business publication Nikkei, “Honda Motor and Nissan Motor will begin merger talks as early as Monday as the two automakers seek to create a group that can rival Japanese leader Toyota Motor in capital-intensive fields like electric vehicles.” Another target? Chinese EV manufacturers and Tesla.

If this comes to pass, it wouldn’t be all that shocking (no pun intended). Back in August, Nissan and Honda agreed to work together on platforms for future software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which Bosch defines as those in which software shapes the customer experience and sometimes even the hardware’s specifications. The same month, Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi signed a memorandum of understanding about working together on vehicle electrification and intelligence.

Mitsubishi has been involved with Nissan for years through its alliance with them and Renault. The French automaker currently has a 15 percent stake in Nissan. In early November, Mitsubishi bought back 10.02 percent of the total number of shares it issued to Nissan, reducing its stake in Mitsubishi from 34.07 percent to a 24.05 percent. For now, the official line from Mitsubishi is no decisions have been made regarding future collaboration between Nissan and Honda.

There’s a fourth company in the mix, according to InsideEVs. Taiwanese electronics company Foxconn, one of Apple’s suppliers, wanted to buy a chunk of Nissan directly. Reportedly, Honda threatened to walk away from everything if that happened and Foxconn is going to reach out to Renault to try to purchase some of Nissan.

Nothing is definite yet, but typically, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. It’s no mystery that it’s in automakers’ best interests to spread costs and one way of doing that is through working with another company. The question is, given Nissan’s current state, would a merger with Honda be good for both companies or only Nissan? We’ll just have to wait and Z.

The 2004 Chevrolet Corvette marked the end of an era. It was the final model year of the fifth-generation model. It was also the end of the road for pop-up headlights and the LS1 V8. But this 22K-mile 2004 Chevrolet Corvette convertible featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, could be the beginning of unforgettable open-top adventures for you.

It’s what you’d call “turn-key” – in a few ways. Just look at it. Red is always a great color for a Vette, especially this rich Magnetic Red Metallic. What’s not here is also attractive. There’s no roof unless you want it there and that Light Oak soft top pairs so well with color of the body. And when the weather gets bad, it has a heated rear window you can look through to see everyone behind you clearly (a common experience for Corvette drivers).

Then there are the features. On sunny days, you can crank up the dual-zone automatic climate control system’s A/C and the Light Oak leather bucket seats won’t scorch you like black ones will. This C5 hasn’t been modified, so you get its original gear, including the AM/FM/CD audio system and the cool and helpful head-up display.

Of course, this Corvette has performance to go with its looks and bells and whistles. You’ll thunder toward the horizon with the 350 horsepower of the LS1 5.7-liter V8 under the curvy hood and the convenience of a four-speed automatic. And when you blast into curves, the Z51 suspension will be there to keep all four run-flats on the road.

If you place the winning bid for this C5 and actually turn its key to start it up, you’ll see another wonderful sight: There are only 22,144 miles on the odometer.

The auction for this 2004 Chevrolet Corvette convertible ends on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 11:50 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

We at The Journal love featuring stories about vehicles being restored as sentimental artifacts of family history. Back in August, we talked about an Acura that I restored in memory of my friend’s mother, who had passed away. I came across a similar story, except this one had to do with a truck that was fixed up for its owner who, despite having some health struggles, was still around to drive and enjoy it.

The Pick of the Day is a 1948 Chevrolet 3100 pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Phoenix, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)

“We are offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of our family’s history,” the listing says. “This truck has been in our family for over 50 years and holds a special value in our hearts. It was my father’s daily driver during his 25-year tenure at the General Motors assembly plant in Van Nuys, California, and the truck that my entire baseball team would pile into the bed of for a drive to practice.”

Chevrolet’s “Advance Design” light-duty and medium-duty pickups were produced from 1947 to 1955. They were incredibly popular in the marketplace, with sales numbers outpacing those of other manufacturers during that span. Chevrolet promoted its trucks for having “All-around value, all around the farm.” One of the features that set them apart was a cab that was “flexi-mounted” (cushioned on rubber) and had more foot room, more seating space and better visibility compared to prior models.

The listing itemizes some of the key attributes of this special truck. It rides on a lowered coilover suspension and is equipped with a Mustang II steering system, four-wheel power-assisted Wilwood disc brakes, a stainless-steel exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers, new chrome trim, and custom American Racing wheels. The complete restoration was performed by Kandy Shop Creations in Mesa, Arizona, and the truck has been driven just over 1,000 miles since that time.

Power is provided by a 383ci small-block V8 equipped with a Fi-Tech fuel-injection system, and a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission sends torque to the rear wheels.

The listing concludes, “This truck is not just a vehicle; it is a testament to American craftsmanship. It has been meticulously restored with attention to detail and care, making it a perfect addition to any classic car collection.”

Let’s help find the truck a good home! The asking price is $64,000.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, cruise over to Pick of the Day.

In today’s episode of Collectible Corner, we take a look at the customizable Toyota Tacoma available from the Hot Wheels Elite 64 Mod Shop series. And since this year is almost over, we also preview some of the upcoming castings for 2025.

Make sure to subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for all episodes of Collectible Corner, as well as to see interesting finds and car reviews.

When it comes to human beings, it is easy to fall in line and be part of the pack. The ones that stand out do so because they approach life in a different manner. That also holds true with the hot rods and customs that we build – a lot feels the same. Those who show a dose of creativity may be more likely to capture our attention like our Pick of the Day, an LS2-powered 1971 Chevrolet Malibu convertible. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Jacksonville, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)

Starting with the 1962 Lotus Elan, hidden headlights would soon become a “thing,” with the Chevrolet Corvette following the next model year. This styling feature would last into the early years of the Millennium. Mainstream vehicle adoption of hidden headlights appears to have begun with the 1965 Buick Riviera, while the most mainstream of brands, Chevrolet, never joined the bandwagon the way other manufacturers did. We all know that the 1967-69 Camaro with the Rally Sport package featured hidden headlights; much less common was the 1968-69 Caprice and 1969 Kingswood Estate wagon with the option.

Notice that the Chevelle never acquired hidden headlights. That seems to have eschewed other trends as well during that era, such as spoilers. Even air induction – something that was available for the GTO starting in 1965 – never became a thing until 1970. The Cowl Induction system that was available through 1972 became one of the more efficient systems on the market.

For 1971, Chevrolet facelifted the Chevelle, reflecting the influence of the 1970-½ Camaro, including its dual headlights and round taillights. Under the hood was another big change because General Motors decided to introduce low-compression engines a year earlier than the federal mandate. The Super Sport also became a watered-down package, now available with 350 two-barrel and four-barrel engines in addition to the big-blocks. The LS3 400 (really, 402ci) was rated at 300 horsepower, while two 454s were available: the LS5 454, which increased by five horses to 365 horsepower (though that was advertised and not on paper), while the LS6 fell to 425, which still was quite substantial. However, for some reason, the LS6 was only installed in the Corvette.

Coming full circle, here we have a very nice LS2-powered 1971 Chevrolet Malibu convertible with what looks to be hidden headlights. Clearly this was not available from the factory, but the builder created a graceful look that gives 1969 Camaro RS vibes. “Nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration completed in 2015 by Mike Staveski of RMR Dream Cars/Time Machines in Hudson, Florida,” says the seller. “This 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle was a standout at the 2015 SEMA Ignited after-party held on Friday, November 6 with a crowd of hundreds in attendance. The car was also the star of the Atech Motorsports stand at SEMA, wowing onlookers with its blend of classic Chevelle styling and 21st century craftsmanship.”

Power comes from an all-aluminum LS2 with a Rootes-type Magnuson supercharger backed by a 4L60E four-speed automatic. Out back, you’ll find a 12-bolt rear with 3.73 gears and Positraction. Other features include four-wheel disc brakes and QA1 adjustable coilovers.

In black lacquer with ghosted SS stripes and red accents, this Chevelle looks great with its full-width grille and the best that modernity has to offer . . . plus it has SEMA cred! Creativity and quality do not come cheap, however, which is why you will need $114,999 to own this special Chevelle.

Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.

The Lamborghini Countach is a car Jay Leno knows intimately. He’s owned a 1987 example since new, and over the almost four decades the car has been in his possession, he’s managed to rack up more than 70,000 miles. That’s impressive for a man with a car collection as vast as the one owned by Leno.

Leno has now featured a Countach 25th Anniversary Edition on the latest episode of his online series “Jay Leno’s Garage.” The car is a 1989 example finished in a similar shade of red to Leno’s Countach, and with a black interior.

The Countach 25th Anniversary Edition was launched in 1988 to mark Lamborghini’s 25th birthday, and had a production run that numbered 658 examples in total.

It’s distinguished from the earlier Countach Quattrovalvole (QV), which Leno owns, by unique front and side spoilers and modified air vents, some of which was designed by Pagani CEO and founder Horacio Pagani, who was working for Lamborghini at the time.

Drive comes from a 5.2-liter V-12 delivering 455 hp, and capable of carrying the car to a top speed of 183 mph. The tires fitted were the widest fitted to any production car of its time, measuring 225/50 at the front and 345/35 at the rear.

The Countach 25th Anniversary Edition came at the tail end of the Countach’s run. The car’s successor, the Diablo, entered production in 1990. Incredibly, the Countach had a production run that lasted almost two decades. The first prototype, designed by Marcello Gandini, was shown as early as the 1971 Geneva auto show. It was a hit, and the start of production followed in 1974.

Lamborghini in recent years used the iconic design of the Countach for a modern iteration based on the platform of the Aventador. The car debuted in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Countach prototype’s debut, and just 112 were built, the number referencing the LP 112 model designation used during development of the original Countach.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Featured on AutoHunter.com, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette. It was given a frame-up restoration in 2012 that consisted of the body being repainted, a new soft top being installed, and the engine being rebuilt. Power is supplied by a 283ci V8, which is connected to a four-speed manual gearbox. Finished in red and white over a black vinyl interior, this C1 Corvette comes with a clear title in the seller’s name.

The body was previously yellow but was repainted red with white coves and fitted with a new white soft top as part of the 2012 restoration. Features include chrome trim, a driver-side mirror, a plastic rear window, and a rear antenna. 

A set of 15-inch wheels wrapped in 205/75 Coker Classic whitewall radial tires connect this first-generation Corvette to the road. 

Black vinyl covers the pair of bucket seats inside. The cockpit is equipped with manual windows, a Corvette-branded three-spoke steering wheel, and a clock. The trunk has room for a spare tire. According to the seller, the Wonder Bar radio is nonoperational. 

Vehicle information is displayed on a 160-mph speedometer, a 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, temperature, battery, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 39,446 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown. 

In 2012, the 283ci V8 was rebuilt during the restoration process. It comes equipped with an aftermarket carburetor and sends its power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.  

Suspension hardware includes an independent front setup and a parallelogram rear design with semi-elliptic outrigger-mounted leaf springs. Manual brakes bring this Corvette to a stop. The engine breathes through a pair of rear bumper-mounted exhaust outlets. 

The seller notes the presence of various interior blemishes, a small tear in the driver’s door weatherstripping, and surface rust on the rear sway bar. 

The following items will come with the purchase of the vehicle:

• White hardtop with storage stand and dust cover
• Original dual carburetors and intake manifold
• Restoration and operating manuals
• Parts reference guide

The auction for this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette ends on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).        

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery 

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Tribute.

Around the time Journey dropped the hit song “Don’t Stop Believin” in October 1981, the Chevrolet Camaro was on the verge of a completely new generation. A commercial for the 1981 Camaro Z28 called it the “ultimate Camaro” and proclaimed it an exceptional driver’s car. The aerodynamic treatment on the front and rear fenders was both functional and attractive, and marketing materials called it one of the “best-dressed cars” on the road.

What happens when you combine those good looks with a modernized V8 powertrain? Today, we get to find out. This customized Camaro is being listed by a dealer in Gladstone, Oregon, and the auction will end on Tuesday.

Interestingly enough, the CARFAX history for the car doesn’t start until 17 years after production. However, based on what we know, it spent life in California, Nevada, and Oregon – all of which are known to be relatively good regions to own and preserve a collector car.

The second-generation Camaro was in its last phase of production in the early 1980s; the body style had originally launched in 1970 and went through subsequent facelifts in both 1974 and 1978. When compared to previous Camaros, this version was lower, longer, and wider than before. By 1980, development was already underway for the new generation, so the final model years received just a few updates. (One such change for 1980 was an adjustment to the speedometer that modified it from 130 mph to 85 mph).

For 1981, the Camaro Z28 was available with two V8 engines: a 305 and a 350. There were restrictions on availability of the latter – particularly in California where emissions regulations were at an all-time high. Luckily for us, today’s featured car has a few tricks up its sleeve that amplify its performance and bring it into the modern era.

Starting with the exterior, the body has been recoated in pearl white and dressed in tan tri-tone accent striping around the perimeter. A set of later-model Camaro IROC-Z wheels give a subtle “OEM-plus” look to the car.

Most notably, upgrades have taken place under the hood where we find a fuel-injected Vortec 5.3-liter V8 that is connected to a newer 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. It’s a combination that suits the car’s performance aspirations while keeping it daily-friendly.  

Chevrolet touted: “The Z28 is not only handsome and sporty on the outside, it is just as good-looking on the inside. It’s an open invitation to take the sporty steering wheel and head on out. The Z28 is a special machine, for a driver who demands more than the ordinary.”

Looking for something extraordinary? Look no further. The auction for this 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Tribute ends Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

General Motors is developing an adaptive air intake duct that could expand and contract based on airflow, which the automaker claims will allow for increased parts commonality across vehicles.

The adaptive intake was the subject of a patent application filed by GM in 2022, but which only surfaced when it was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) June 27, 2024.

In the application, GM discusses an air intake setup consisting of fixed inlet and outlet portions, with a movable element in the middle. That middle part would be “made of a flexible material having a cross-sectional area that expands and contracts responsive to the incoming air flow volume,” GM said in the application.

Potential materials that could achieve the required level of flexibility include various polyethylene blends, as well as “waterproof felt, silicone fabric, and platinum-catalyzed silicon,” according to GM.

If the interior of an air intake can expand or contract for different rates of air flow, the packaging doesn’t need to change for different applications, GM notes. That reduces the need for different air intake designs for different vehicles, along with associated manufacturing costs related to specific tooling for those design variations. An adaptive air intake would be more space efficient as well, GM claims, making it easier to package in a vehicle as well as easier to ship to factories.

The cost-cutting powers of parts commonality are hard to underestimate. It’s why automakers seek to use big-ticket items like engines and infotainment systems across as many models as possible. And that will likely be the motivation should this adaptive air intake make it to production.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: General Motors adaptive air intake patent image

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com