Journal Classic Cars

Ford’s Pro Electric Supervan concept is set to tackle the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and the Blue Oval has teed up current Pikes Peak record holder Romain Dumas to do the driving.

The French racing driver posted a blistering time of 7:57.148 in 2018 behind the wheel of Volkswagen’s ID.R electric time attack special, and while the Supervan isn’t expected to set a new record, it may come close.

The concept was unveiled at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed with a powertrain consisting of four electric motors that together deliver 1,972 hp, more than Rimac’s Nevera hypercar. The multiple motors enable the wild van to sprint to 62 mph from rest in less than 2.0 seconds.

The concept is based on Ford’s E-Transit Custom electric van but shares very little with that production model. For example, its unique body is made from composite materials, and the platform is a purpose-built steel space frame with front and rear subframes housing unequal-length double wishbone suspension front and rear.

Ford built the concept to serve as a demonstrator for new technologies, both in electric powertrains and in connectivity and other digital features that can benefit businesses. Similarly, the automaker in 2020 presented a Mustang Mach-E with 1,400 hp, and earlier this month it teased another EV performance concept, this time expected to be based on the F-150 Lightning.

The 2023 Pikes Peak is scheduled for June 25. This will be Dumas’ eighth appearance at the Race to the Clouds. His first outing was in 2012. Ford’s history at the annual race just outside of Colorado Springs goes back to 1916, when a Model T made the climb up to the finish at 14,115 feet above sea level in a time of 28:03.

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

Not every classic car is a concours-ready example. Some enthusiasts would rather start out with a car that need a little work and allows them to customize or finalize the restoration in their own tastes.

The Pick of the Day is a 1959 Ford Custom 300 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Laveen, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Excellent candidate for restoration,” the listing begins. “This Ford is an AZ original car, very straight and clean.” The Custom and the Custom 300 slotted below the Fairlane models beginning in 1957. While the base Custom was targeted specifically for fleet buyers, the Custom 300 sat just above it and offered some value. The model was phased out by 1960 so its lifespan was short-lived.

Whenever a seller includes a photo of a car’s data plate in the photo gallery, it’s interesting to run the information through an online decoder. The trim tag on this Custom 300 can be decoded as follows:

• Serial Number: C9PG174799
• Engine Code C: 292cid V8
• Body Series 58E: Custom 300 Fordor
• Assembly Plant P: Twin Cities, Minnesota
• Production Sequence: 174,799
• Color LC2: Surf Blue and Wedgewood Blue
• Trim 02: Blue Ribbed Vinyl Bolster and Blue Block Fabric
• Date 08F: June 8, 1959
• Trans 2: Overdrive
• Axle 3: 3.70 Ratio

Here’s where things get interesting: The seller states in the listing that power comes from a 332cid V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. This information conflicts with the trim tag since the car left the factory with a 292cid motor and an automatic transmission. It’s not uncommon for cars to receive motors and transmission swaps, especially when they are 64 years old. And regardless of the current drivetrain setup, the seller asserts that mechanical condition of the car is sound. “Always starts and runs great,” the seller says. “Clutch is smooth, car starts good, and runs great.”

Cosmetically, the car looks a little worn although it is complete and rust-free. The exterior is finished in two-tone blue and is dressed in brightwork for the bumpers, side moldings, and badging. Footwork comes from steel 14-inch wheels with Ford-branded chrome hubcaps.

This car looks like a great canvas for further restoration or customization, and the price is reasonable. The seller is asking $12,500 or best offer for this Custom 300. Best of all, it looks like the car comes with a set of blue fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror.

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

Kyle Busch cruised to victory at the Pala Casino 400 on Sunday at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Busch finished 2.998-seconds ahead of runner up Chase Elliott for his 61st NASCAR Cup Series career victory and in the process set a Cup Series record with at least one race win for a 19th straight season, breaking a tie with Richard Petty. His 61 Cup Series race wins are the most among active drivers and ninth all-time. During the off-season Busch signed with Richard Childress Racing after 15-seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing and Sunday was his first win with the new squad.

“I can’t thank Richard and Judy (Childress) enough, Austin (Dillon) for calling me and getting me talking and getting me the opportunity to come over here to RCR,” said Busch. “The guys did a great job. (Crew chief) Randall (Burnett)—everybody that worked so hard in the offseason. We did a lot of sim stuff, a lot of testing in general, just trying to get up to speed.” 

Brad Chastain led a race high 91-laps and finished third ahead of his Trackhouse Racing teammate, Daniel Suarez, and Kevin Harvick rounded-out the Top 5 on Sunday.

Sunday was the last race at California Speedway under its current two-mile set up. The SoCal racetrack will be reconfigured to a half-mile oval, but the timeline for the project has not been determined, and according to AutoClub Speedway president Dave Allen it will not host a race in 2024.

The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway next week.

News & Notes

Formula 1 closed out its preseason testing at the Bahrain International Circuit over the weekend with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez turning the fastest lap of the three-day test with a 1:30.305 jaunt. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso ran the most laps (270 laps totaling 1,461 km), and Alpha Tauri led all teams with 456 laps totaling 2,467 km. With preseason season testing wrapped up the 2023 F1 season starts this Sunday with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The entry list for the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans has been revealed and the 62 cars invited to the 100^th anniversary of the iconic endurance race comprise a lineup of 16 Hypercars, 24 LMP2s, 21 LMGTE Am cars, and one Innovative Car. The full list is available HERE.

Ferrari is returning to the top tier at Le Mans for the first time in 50-years and will join Porsche, Peugeot, Cadillac, Vanwall, Glickenhaus and Toyota in the Hypercar class. Toyota Gazoo Racing dominated the Hypercar class in 2022 with first and second place finishes, and in 2023 its looking for its sixth-straight win in the 24 of Hours Le Mans’ top class.

NASCAR is returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Garage 56’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 racing as an Innovative Car outside of official classification. The Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is being entered by Hendrick Motorsports and was developed by a collaboration with NASCAR, Chevrolet, Goodyear, and IMSA. It’s NASCAR’s first foray at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1976 and the Garage 56 Camaro will be driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, ex-F1 driver Jenson Button, and 2010 Le Man’s winner Mike Rockenfeller. The 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for June 10th.

Lego and McLaren first joined forces in 2015 and have since collaborated on six Lego Speed Champions McLarens and two Lego Technic McLarens. Now, for McLaren’s 60^th anniversary, Lego will be producing a double-pack featuring the F1 LM and the Solus GT.

Though it’s been 60 years since Bruce McLaren founded the company that bears his name, the Kiwi has been deceased for over 50 years. However, the impact he made on racing, from his Grand Prix, Can-Am and Le Mans victories to his racing team’s engineering prowess, has been profound. In the 1980s, an automotive company was formed, which resulted in the inaugural F1 and since has produced several vehicles on par with fully established greats like Ferrari.

“As 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of McLaren and our founder’s passion to create the ultimate supercars, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to come together with LEGO and celebrate some of the iconic McLaren road cars whose designs were born of that vision,” says Goran Ozbolt, McLaren Automotive’s Chief Designer.

The McLaren F1 LM (for Le Mans) was a street-going track version of the F1. Six were built, with five sold to the public. Though initially all were to be painted Papaya Orange as a homage to Bruce McLaren’s race color, two were painted black as specified by the Sultan of Brunei.

The Solus GT may be less familiar because it’s new for 2023. It’s a mid-engined track-only sports car that’s McLaren’s sixth vehicle in the Ultimate Series (McLaren also has the Sports Series and Super Series). Interestingly, the Solus GT can find its origins from a concept car that appeared in the Gran Turismo Sport game for Sony PlayStation 4.

Of course, the two models include authentic details in Lego’s unique analog 4-bit-esque manner. The F1 LM comes in the signature Papaya Orange with a central driving seat and cooling ducts on both sides, while the Solus GT also features a central driving seat plus prominent wheel arches and rear wing.

“We aim to inspire LEGO vehicle fans of all ages with new and unique building experiences, every time we expand the Speed Champions Collection,” adds Christopher Leslie Stamp, Lego Group’s Design Manager. “This launch is another great example of this long-standing partnership.”

The new LEGO Speed Champions McLaren F1 LM and Solus GT set will be available globally starting on March 1, 2023, retailing for $34.99.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is a restored 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.

“This Mustang is one of 2,378 Shelby vehicles built in 1966,” the listing states. “During the restoration 13 years ago, the exterior was refinished in Sapphire Blue. Features include chrome bumpers, a fiberglass hood with a hood scoop and hood pins, white GT350 side stripes, a Rotunda accessory driver-side mirror, side scoops, clear Shelby quarter windows, a Shelby gas cap, and GT350 badges. The selling dealer states that this Mustang was originally ordered without the optional Le Mans stripes.”

It rides on the reportedly original 14-inch Shelby alloy wheels with older radial tires. The sale includes the matching spare wheel with a tire.

The interior has front bucket seats, door panels and trim upholstered in black vinyl. This Shelby GT350 features a floor-mounted manual transmission shifter, manual steering, and manual brakes.

The odometer reads 55,051 miles, which the selling dealer reports to be accurate and documented.

Under the fiberglass hood is the reportedly original 289ci Hi-Po K-code V8 engine that produced a factory-rated 306 hp when new. The engine bay is accented by a chrome air cleaner, black cast aluminum finned valve covers, and an aluminum intake. It also features inner fender and shock tower braces. A four-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels.

This GT350 has manual front disc and rear drum brakes, and rides on an independent front suspension. It also features a full-length dual exhaust system.

The sale includes a clear title, and registration records dating back to the 1970s. The selling dealer charges a $150 documentation fee in addition to the price of the vehicle.

This 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350’s auction ends on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

If you’re looking for a distraction, this video compresses the build of Travis Pastrana’s Family Huckster Gymkhana car down to less than four minutes.

Built for filming of “Gymkhana 2022,” the Family Huckster is a purpose-built stunt machine styled to look like a 1983 Subaru GL wagon. It was built by Vermont SportsCar, the same shop that built Pastrana’s previous Gymkhana car—the WRX STI Airslayer—as well as multiple Subaru rally cars.

The video shows just how little the Family Huckster has in common with a stock GL wagon. The car is based on a bespoke tube-frame chassis, over which carbon-fiber body panels are draped. Even those are heavily massaged from stock GL wagon panels, incorporating active aerodynamic elements similar to those used on the Airslayer.

Sitting under the flat hood is a turbocharged 2.3-liter flat-4 like the one used in the Airslayer, but featuring a unique exhaust system with 3D-printed tips that exit through the passenger side front fender. Output is 865 hp, which is sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed sequential transmission.

After the car is assembled, the bare carbon fiber bodywork gets a vinyl wrap inspired by the livery of the original GL wagons Subaru built as a marketing tie-in with the U.S. ski team. That livery is one of the reasons why Pastrana chose the GL for Gymkhana instead of doing another WRX build.

Pastrana’s association with Subaru extends beyond Gymkhana to the American Rally Association (ARA) championship, where he’ll continue racing Vermont SportsCar-built WRX rally cars for a little while longer. However, he has announced that he will bow out of the 2023 championship, mainly due to his desire to spend more time with his family while still being able to focus on his own Nitro Rallycross series.

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

Aston Martin is to cast open its doors to women and girls as part of an event to inspire the next generation of talent and highlight employment opportunities in the automotive sector on International Women’s Day.

Celebrating International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March, Aston Martin will invite ambitious women and girls from across the country to visit Aston Martin Works, its iconic heritage site in Newport Pagnell, and experience a day in the life of an Aston Martin employee.

The day will include a tour of the Newport Pagnell facility and heritage dealership, as well as a conversation and panel event in partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One^TM team. Guests will also have the chance to hear from female leaders across Aston Martin’s business, before enjoying a meeting with Aston Martin Formula One^TM team Chief Information Officer, Clare Lansley.

The event is aligned to Aston Martin’s Racing.Green sustainability strategy announced in 2022, with the British ultra-luxury brand setting bold targets across all aspects of the business, from tackling climate change, creating a better environment and building a stronger, more diverse, and more inclusive company. A key component of the strategy is a goal for 25% of all leadership roles at Aston Martin filled by women within the next five years. The company continues to work towards its women in leadership target, while also supporting ongoing efforts to create equitable spaces for all.

Aston Martin Chief People Officer, Simon Smith, said: “Aston Martin is passionate about increasing female leadership at the company as well as inspiring girls to consider the huge career opportunities within the automotive sector. Through initiatives like this event on International Women’s Day and our successful Graduate/Apprenticeship programmes, we are confident that we can find the right talent for the future of Aston Martin.”  

Clare Lansley, Chief Information Officer of Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One^TM team said: “This year the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1^TM team joins forces with Aston Martin in a bid to Embrace Equity and offer opportunities to ambitious women and girls. We are excited to host the event at Aston Martin’s heritage site Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell and look forward to the future generations of women and girls joining our organisations – as we continue to drive an inclusive workplace for all.”

Open to women and girls, the day is aimed at those wanting to find out more about career opportunities within the ultra-luxury automotive sector.

Registrations are open now with places strictly limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sign up at: https://careers.astonmartin.com/cw/en/job/509816/international-womens-day.

1985 was a good year in the film industry. The iconic Back to the Future trilogy got its start on July 3rd of that summer, and over the course of the next five years earned $975 million at the box office. The fantasy of being able to travel through time captured the country’s imagination.

One of the most famous Toyotas in history was the black Toyota SR5 4×4 pickup that was prominently featured in the film. However, another Toyota from the same model year had an equally high cool-factor. The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1985 Toyota Celica listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Edina, Minnesota. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Get a slice of the 80s with this one-owner 1985 Celica GT-S,” the listing begins. “With only 88k miles, the original window sticker, and in great shape – this is the Celica to buy.”

Showing just 88,757 miles on the odometer, this Celica has relatively low mileage for being 38 years old. Cosmetically, there are a couple of small need to address including a broken headlight and marker light, but the car appears unmodified and retains its characteristic 1980s look with pop-up headlights, fender flares, and wedge-shaped silhouette.

The included window sticker shows that this car is finished in “Super Red” with a black cloth retractable top, and it was originally delivered to Rudy Luther Toyota in a Minneapolis suburb called Golden Valley. The car carried an original MSRP of $18,394 including freight and handling. Rudy Luther, incidentally, is still open in the same location today.

This car comes from the Celica’s third generation, dubbed the A60, which launched in 1981. Available initially only as a notchback coupe or a liftback, a GT-S convertible was released in limited production in 1984. The car was manufactured in Japan but subsequently customized by American Sunroof Company (ASC) in California. Between 1984 and 1985, about 4,500 units were produced.

Interior appointments were substantial for the time including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, an AM/FM/cassette stereo with an equalizer, and a split-folding rear seat. And under the hood lies Toyota’s robust fuel-injected 2.4-liter 22R-E motor mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. “Runs and drives great,” the seller says.

“It is a true time capsule, and this is a stunning example,” the seller says. “This Celica is the real deal.”

The asking price is $16,995 or best offer for this Celica GT-S, which is just as cool of a vehicle as Marty McFly’s pickup.

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

The Pontiac Bonneville first appeared in 1957, with it being mainstreamed into the Pontiac lineup in 1959. That was the first year of the brand to exhibit General Manager Bunkie Knudsen’s efforts. Starting in 1964, a Brougham package became available for those who wished for something fancier. One of those cars, a 1967 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham four-door hardtop listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, is our Pick of the Day. (Click the link to view the listing)

The full-sized Pontiac line was redesigned in 1967, now longer/lower/wider as was the trend of the time. The 1965-66 Pontiacs were athletic-looking and were a tough act to follow but, to contemporary eyes of the time, Pontiac may have pulled it off. Of special note was an interesting grille for the lower part of the front end that had multiple looks — the Catalina, Executive and Bonneville featured the trademark vertical headlights, while the Grand Prix hid its headlights behind the grille and featured unique parking lights.

Underneath the hood, the 389 was bored to 400ci, while the 421 was bored to 428ci. Tri-Power also was put to rest due to some strange edict that restricted multiple carburetion for the Corvette, but the Rochester Quadrajet was up to the task — Motor Trend magazine said that the top GTO was “the equivalent or better in performance” to its Tri-Powered predecessor.

The Brougham package for both the Bonneville two-door and four-door hardtops included Morrokide vinyl blended with Plaza bolster cloth and Princessa pattern cloth, Strato-bench front seat with center armrest., thick nylon-blend carpeting, power windows, door pulls, extra-thick foam seat padding, Carpathian elm burl woodgrain on the door panels and dashboard, electric clock and deluxe steering wheel.

Standard was a 333-horsepower 400ci backed by a three-speed manual on the column, which could also be had on the floor for a fee, as could a manual four-speed; opt for the automatic and horsepower was 325. A step-down option was a 265-horse 400 two-barrel, while two 428s (360 and 376 horsepower) were available as upgrades.

This 1967 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham four-door hardtop features what’s likely the most common combination for this car: 325-horse 400 backed by the TH400 automatic. Though the seller doesn’t give much in the way of description, the color looks like Plum Mist. Air conditioning is a fine addition to the option list, wouldn’t you say?

The seller is asking $19,995 for this plum-hued 1967 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham four-door hardtop. If you like the idea of a Pontiac that thinks it’s a Buick, look no further.

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

A restored matching-numbers 1971 Porsche 914/6 Targa once owned by Motorsports Hall of Fame member Chip Ganassi is being offered at Bonhams’ Amelia Island Auction on March 2, 2023. Bonhams estimates the Porsche 914/6 will sell for $100,000 to $125,000, and its pedigree is backed up by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and extensive restoration receipts totaling more than $38,950.

This 914/6 was manufactured in May 1971 and delivered new to Mr. Vernon W. Gurzenoa of Somerset, Pennsylvania on July 20, 1971, with a mere 30 miles on the odometer. It is unknown how long Mr. Gurzenoa owned the Porsche, but service records from the original maintenance booklet indicate the 914/6 was serviced at the same Pittsburgh Porsche dealership from new until recorded service stopped being documented in the booklet after 56,600 miles.  

“Eventually, the Porsche made its way into the hands of former racing driver and race team owner, Mr. Chip Ganassi,” the listing states. “Being the team owner of Chip Ganassi Racing and a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame means the staff and headquarters would be fully prepared to handle a nut and bolt restoration on a car. That is exactly what the Chip Ganassi Racing team did, they completed a full restoration for their legendary owner in the car’s original color combination. The restoration is documented with photos in the CD which is included in the file for this vehicle.” 

Chip Ganassi founded Chip Ganassi Racing in 1990 and, in the ensuing decades, the Indianapolis-based team has competed in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series, IndyCar, FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Extreme E. His teams have won 21 championships in various racing disciplines, and his extensive list of achievements as a team owner include five Indianapolis 500 wins plus victories at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans, 2010 Daytona 500 and the 2010 Brickyard 400. Ganassi is the first team owner to have Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and 24 Hours of Daytona victories within the same 12-month span.

This matching-numbers 914/6 is chassis No. 9141430383 and is powered by the original 1,991cc SOHC flat-six (Engine No. 6414137) with twin carburetors that produced a factory-rated 111 bhp at 5,800 rpm when new. The engine was overhauled during current ownership. This 914/6 features a matching-numbers five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel disc brakes and four-wheel independent suspension.

Bonhams’ Amelia Island Auction is scheduled for March 2^nd, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (EST)