Journal Classic Cars

The Pick of the Day is a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta pickup conversion listed for sale by a Tennessee dealership on ClassicCars.com. 

Truck-like cars (aka coupe utility vehicles) haven’t been big in a while. The Ford Ranchero rode off into the sunset at the end of the 1970s and the Chevrolet El Camino was on its way into the history books in the late 1980s. Even the Holden Ute from Australia was ute-enized last decade. But that decline in the coupe utility vehicle’s popularity didn’t stop someone from converting a 2000 Volkwagen Jetta into a pickup.

Although the selling dealer says it was handcrafted by a company in Florida, it looks like it came from Smyth of Tiverton, Rhode Island. Either way, it’s distinctive, which you can’t say about regular Jettas of the 2000s. No doubt, they were popular, but that resulted in there being so many of them that they blurred into the background. They were victims of their own success.

This custom-made Jetta truck doesn’t have that problem. In fact, it may have the opposite issue – people may see it’s a car with a bed and not even notice that it was once a Jetta. Can you blame them? You don’t exactly see these every day, even if you live in a neighborhood full of El Camino and Ranchero owners.

It started life 151,211 miles ago as a front-wheel-drive German sedan with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual gearbox.

Now it’s an unforgettable sport truck that rides on flashy wheels, low-profile tires, and an air suspension and is capable of hauling bicycles and BBQ grilles.

For $19,850, this unique Jetta can be yours. If you end up getting it, let us know in the comments section below…and how it awkward things got when you pulled up in the Home Depot parking lot next to a Ford F-350 Super Duty owner.

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

Mini GT has grown to be one of the newly favored manufacturers in the diecast scene with a balance between price, quality, engineering, and artistry. In today’s episode of Collectible Corner we will be taking a look at one of the more recent releases from their collaboration with Kaido House.

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

I will not bury the lede on my Pick of the Day. This 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda is one of the nicest cars on the planet and the single best example I have ever seen. I had the pleasure of personally judging this car at the Future Classic Car Show (now the Future Collector Car Show) during Arizona auction week a few years ago and came away stunned by how well the restoration of this car was executed. If that is not enough, the two other judges on my team were noted classic car restorers and they were as stunned by this car as I was (that’s us judging the car below).

The seller of this specific car spared absolutely no expense on the restoration. According to them, this 1970 ‘Cuda was a fairly famous race car in the Chicago area when new. During its racing days, the car was maroon, but you could still see its original paint color of Limelight Green under the carpeting and in parts of the trunk. When the seller became aware of the car, it had been sitting in a garage since the ’80s and put up for sale in well worn condition. By the time the current owner finally saw the car in person, it had already been sold. Luckily for them, the buyer never paid, so it was re-listed and they were able to buy the car.

This Plymouth ‘Cuda is one of 902, V-code 440 6-barrel cars, which was rated by the factory at 390 horsepower. It is backed by a four-speed manual gearbox. The car is equipped with power steering, power front disc brakes, and a Dana 60 rear end with a 3.54 axle ratio. It has hood tie-down pins, a heavy-duty suspension, heavy-duty 11-inch brakes, road lamps, and the Track Pack. The Rallye instrument cluster group includes variable-speed wipers with electric washers, a tachometer, an electric clock, a 150-mph speedometer, and a woodgrain instrument cluster appliqué.

This ‘Cuda was purchased by the owner in May of 2016 and went through a total nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration completed by S&S Mopar Muscle in October 2019. After the restoration, it was transported to Arizona, where it is kept in an air-conditioned storage facility in Scottsdale. The car has only been driven to car shows and has accumulated around 4,000 miles since the restoration.

The owner states that this is a numbers-matching car with the exception of the engine. Despite this, it does have a period-correct 440-6 that was stroked for improved drivability, but don’t let that fool you because it’s been dyno’d at 523 horsepower and 606 lb-ft of torque. The entire restoration and every single repair on this car are completely documented.

So here’s the deal: I am not exaggerating at all when I say that this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda is the best example I have ever seen. It is a lesson in what a proper restoration looks like – not only when new but even after five years. This car is proof positive of what is possible with a no-expense-spared restoration. Yes, the asking price is $195,000 or best offer, but for this car, I am calling that a bargain. If you want a show-winning iconic muscle car at a price that is likely less than the restoration cost, buy this ‘Cuda.

Check out the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com. 

The one-off 1964 Pontiac Banshee coupe concept is once again for sale, this time in a listing at Hemmings. The asking price is a cool $1.2 million.

The Banshee was an early attempt by General Motors to counter the Ford Mustang. Known internally as the XP-833, it was the brainchild of John Z. DeLorean, who was head of Pontiac at the time. More sports car than pony car, it featured sleek fiberglass bodywork that resembles the later C3 Chevrolet Corvette and Opel GT.

Instead of a bespoke sports-car platform, though, the Banshee borrowed mechanical hardware from the first-generation Pontiac Tempest. It used that car’s unusual rear transaxle driven by a flexible metal driveshaft often called a “rope drive” to send power from an inline-6 engine to the rear wheels.

GM nixed the Banshee after two prototypes—this silver coupe and a white convertible—were built, allegedly because executives were concerned that the Pontiac would steal sales from the Corvette. Pontiac instead got the Firebird as its Mustang fighter, sharing the GM F-Body platform with the Chevy Camaro.

The two Banshee prototypes were hidden away until they could be purchased by GM employees. The coupe stayed with its purchaser until 2006, when it was bought by dealer Len Napoli of Milford, Connecticut, for $210,600 at a Barrett-Jackson auction. Napoli is a noted Pontiac collector whose family ran a Pontiac dealership from 1958 until GM pulled the plug on the division.

Napoli has tried to sell the Banshee coupe multiple times. It first popped up for sale in 2010, and was last listed for sale through Napoli’s Kia dealership in 2020 with a $750,000 asking price. Napoli appears to be the seller once again, as the car is still listed as being sold by a dealer in Milford, Connecticut, with the same 1,498 miles as the last time it surfaced for sale. Will it finally find a buyer this time?

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Pontiac Banshee coupe (image via Hemmings)

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

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3 Coupe. This Chevelle-based two-door is powered by a 350 small-block backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include swivel front bucket seats, power sunroof, AM/FM/Bluetooth digital stereo, four-spoke steering wheel, and power steering and front disc brakes. Finished in blue with black vinyl interior, this Laguna comes with a clear title.

The reportedly rust-free body has been refinished in the correct code 26 Bright Blue. Features include color-keyed sport mirrors, Power Sky Roof sunroof, louvered rear-quarter windows, side impact strips, and black Laguna accent stripes. A walk-around and test drive video can be seen below.

A set of 15-inch chrome Cragar S/S wheels is wrapped in 245/60 (front) and 275/60 (rear) Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.

The cabin is furnished with the reportedly original Black vinyl interior including the swivel front bucket seats. Features include four-spoke steering wheel, power steering, console-mounted transmission shifter, Dual AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo, and new carpeting.

The instrument panel consists of a 100-mph speedometer and fuel level gauge plus aftermarket gauges for the voltage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 41,616 miles, though the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by a 350 four-barrel backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Engine bay features include black cast aluminum valve covers, aluminum intake manifold, chrome Edelbrock air cleaner housing, and exhaust headers. This vehicle was originally equipped with air conditioning but currently several components are not present.

This Chevrolet was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension, solid rear-drive axle, and rear stabilizer bar. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums.

The auction for this 2,382-mile 1975 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3 Coupe ends Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

The auction arena was buzzing with excitement throughout the day on Friday at the 2024 Palm Beach Auction, with the arena erupting into cheers on a number of occasions as several highly anticipated vehicles had their turn on the block.

In a diverse offering that ranged from classic SUVs and modern muscle to pickup trucks and ’50s favorites with fabulous fins, more than 200 vehicles made their way across the Barrett-Jackson block on Day 2 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. A 1981 Chevrolet Corvette Greenwood Daytona Turbo (Lot #431) took top honors for the day – and set a new world auction record – with its $247,500 sale. It was followed by a 1968 Ford Mustang Eleanor replica (Lot #416) that crossed the block for $162,800.

Collections were in the spotlight on Friday, with vehicles from John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams among bidders’ favorites. Notable sales from that collection included a 1958 Buick Special Convertible (Lot #376) with its $126,500 sale (a new world auction record) and a 1959 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible (Lot #400) that sold for $110,000.

General Motors brought several special vehicles to sell in Florida. From the Chevrolet Collection, a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Championship Edition convertible (Lot #396.2) crossed the block for $115,500, while a 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V (Lot #396) found a new home when it sold for $159,500, along with a 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Series Blackwing (Lot #396.1) that sold for $110,000, both from GM’s Cadillac Collection.

Other highlights from the day included the sale of a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/365 (Lot #445.1) for $126,500, a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 Hennessey Custom Edition “Exorcist” (Lot #411) for $116,600, a 1947 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Good Humor Ice Cream Truck (Lot #426) for $115,500, followed by a 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible (Lot #427) for $113,300. A 2023 Jeep Gladiator Custom Pickup (Lot #373) and a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Custom Convertible (Lot #391) each brought in $110,000.

A 1950s Chris-Craft Woody Speedboat kiddie ride (Lot #7283) came out on top during the morning’s Automobilia Auction with its $27,600 sale. A circa 1948 Texaco Oil Bennett Model #756 gas pump (Lot #7282), a 1946 Mobil Oil M/S 80 gas pump (Lot #7268.3) and a 1960 Gulf Oil Tokheim Model #300 gas pump in Heritage Edition GT colors (Lot #7285), along with a 1940s-50s Cadillac Authorized Service porcelain sign with neon (Lot #7298), also caught the attention of bidders.

Top Automotive Sales of Day Two

Lot	Vehicle	Sale Price
431	1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE GREENWOOD DAYTONA TURBO	$247,500
416	1968 FORD MUSTANG ELEANOR REPLICA	$162,800
396	2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE-V	$159,500
376	1958 BUICK SPECIAL CONVERTIBLE	$126,500
445.1	1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 327/365	$126,500
411	2023 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 HENNESSEY CUSTOM EDITION “EXORCIST”	$116,600
396.2	2022 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION CONVERTIBLE	$115,500
426	1947 CHEVROLET 3100 CUSTOM GOOD HUMOR ICE CREAM TRUCK	$115,500
427	1967 PONTIAC GTO CONVERTIBLE	$113,300
373	2023 JEEP GLADIATOR CUSTOM PICKUP	$110,000
391	1970 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE	$110,000
396.1	2023 CADILLAC CT5-V SERIES BLACKWING	$110,000
400	1959 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CROWN CONVERTIBLE	$110,000
422	2022 FORD F-150 SHELBY SUPER SNAKE PICKUP	$110,000
430	1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 CONVERTIBLE	$110,000
440	1990 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4 CABRIOLET GEMBELLA	$110,000

The Toyota Tundra was Japan’s first entry in America’s full-size truck market. Though initially there were teething issues, Toyota was a quick learner and created a fine competitor in no time. For 2024, the Tundra Limited CrewMax Hybrid 4×4 continues to show that Toyota is a player worthy of consideration. Let’s explore the powertrain, interior, and exterior design, brought to life by the Tundra’s rugged Smoked Mesquite paint and black 20-inch alloy wheels. Base price starts at $60,625, or $66,978 for a fully loaded one like ours.

This 2024 Toyota Tundra bids farewell to the V8 engine, embracing a new era of performance with its 3.4L i-Force MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid powertrain. Generating an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 foot-pounds of torque, this hybrid engine delivers exhilarating performance while also offering respectable fuel efficiency. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Tundra delivers seamless power delivery and a smooth driving experience across various terrains.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra offers an array of trim options, ensuring that there’s something for every driver’s preference and requirement, from the rugged TRD Pro to the luxurious Limited trim. The exterior design offers a perfect blend of ruggedness and sophistication. From the striking Smoked Mesquite paint option to the bold character lines that accentuate its muscular profile, every detail exudes confidence and style. The inclusion of 20-inch black Alloy Wheels and blacked-out accents further enhances its aggressive look.

Stepping inside the Tundra, you are greeted by a fully equipped and spacious interior consisting of several notable features. The centerpiece is a massive 14-inch infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. Additionally, the 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster provides essential vehicle information at a glance, while the 12-speaker JBL sound system delivers immersive audio performance.

From Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Tundra offers peace of mind on every journey. Additional safety features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are also great to have, especially if you’re towing.

Despite its size, maneuvering this truck among traffic is surprisingly effortless, thanks in part to the intuitive 360-degree camera system. The suspension provides a smooth ride on various road surfaces. Moreover, the hybrid powertrain delivers impressive acceleration and responsiveness, what you’d expect in a truck.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra Limited Hybrid CrewMax 4×4 represents a bold step forward in the evolution what we know as a truck. With its powerful i-Force MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid engine, luxurious interior features, and advanced safety technologies, the Tundra offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and convenience. While the hybrid variant may come at a premium, the standard model remains a solid choice for those seeking robust towing capabilities and everyday drivability.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2,120-mile 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk coupe. According to the Firehawk Registry, this vehicle is one of approximately 1,132 Trans Am coupes invoiced by SLP in 2002. It is powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8 mated to a BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Features include removable T-tops, 17-inch wheels, Monsoon audio system, and cat-back exhaust system. Finished in Black over Ebony leather interior, this final-year F-body comes with owner’s booklets, promotional literature, car cover, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

Only 430 Trans Am Firehawk coupes were Black (code 41). Exterior features include fog lamps, composite hood with air induction system, vented front fenders, removable T-tops, Firehawk graphics, and decklid spoiler.

Chrome 17-inch five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 275/40 Firestone Firehawk tires.

The 2+2 cockpit is optioned with Ebony leather bucket seats up front with the driver’s side being power-adjustable. Features include power windows and power door locks, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, Monsoon eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, Firehawk-branded floor mats, and remote keyless entry.

The instrument panel consists of a 155-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The digital odometer reads 2,120 miles, which falls in line with the CARFAX report.

The SLP-modified LS1 5.7-liter small-block was rated at 345 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a console-shifted BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission, with 768 Trans Am Firehawk coupes having this combination.

Stopping power comes from anti-lock disc brakes. The Bilstein-equipped suspension uses 35-millimeter front and 21-millimeter rear stabilizer bars. The cat-back exhaust system is an authentic SLP item.

The auction for this 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk ends Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2,120-mile 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk coupe. According to the Firehawk Registry, this vehicle is one of approximately 1,132 Trans Am coupes invoiced by SLP in 2002. It is powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8 mated to a BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Features include removable T-tops, 17-inch wheels, Monsoon audio system, and cat-back exhaust system. Finished in Black over Ebony leather interior, this final-year F-body comes with owner’s booklets, promotional literature, car cover, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

Only 430 Trans Am Firehawk coupes were Black (code 41). Exterior features include fog lamps, composite hood with air induction system, vented front fenders, removable T-tops, Firehawk graphics, and decklid spoiler.

Chrome 17-inch five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 275/40 Firestone Firehawk tires.

The 2+2 cockpit is optioned with Ebony leather bucket seats up front with the driver’s side being power-adjustable. Features include power windows and power door locks, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, Monsoon eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, Firehawk-branded floor mats, and remote keyless entry.

The instrument panel consists of a 155-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The digital odometer reads 2,120 miles, which falls in line with the CARFAX report.

The SLP-modified LS1 5.7-liter small-block was rated at 345 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a console-shifted BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission, with 768 Trans Am Firehawk coupes having this combination.

Stopping power comes from anti-lock disc brakes. The Bilstein-equipped suspension uses 35-millimeter front and 21-millimeter rear stabilizer bars. The cat-back exhaust system is an authentic SLP item.

The auction for this 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk ends Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2,120-mile 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk coupe. According to the Firehawk Registry, this vehicle is one of approximately 1,132 Trans Am coupes invoiced by SLP in 2002. It is powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8 mated to a BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Features include removable T-tops, 17-inch wheels, Monsoon audio system, and cat-back exhaust system. Finished in Black over Ebony leather interior, this final-year F-body comes with owner’s booklets, promotional literature, car cover, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

Only 430 Trans Am Firehawk coupes were Black (code 41). Exterior features include fog lamps, composite hood with air induction system, vented front fenders, removable T-tops, Firehawk graphics, and decklid spoiler.

Chrome 17-inch five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 275/40 Firestone Firehawk tires.

The 2+2 cockpit is optioned with Ebony leather bucket seats up front with the driver’s side being power-adjustable. Features include power windows and power door locks, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, Monsoon eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, Firehawk-branded floor mats, and remote keyless entry.

The instrument panel consists of a 155-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The digital odometer reads 2,120 miles, which falls in line with the CARFAX report.

The SLP-modified LS1 5.7-liter small-block was rated at 345 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a console-shifted BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission, with 768 Trans Am Firehawk coupes having this combination.

Stopping power comes from anti-lock disc brakes. The Bilstein-equipped suspension uses 35-millimeter front and 21-millimeter rear stabilizer bars. The cat-back exhaust system is an authentic SLP item.

The auction for this 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk ends Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery