Crisp mornings, cool evenings, and roads lined with fall colors, autumn is one of the best times to enjoy a classic or collector car. But with the change of season comes added stress on older engines, drivetrains, and electrical systems. For enthusiasts, one unexpected breakdown can turn a dream ride into a costly project parked in the garage.
That’s where a Classic Vehicle Service Contract makes all the difference. It’s not just coverage; it’s peace of mind that keeps your vintage investment running smoothly through fall, winter, and beyond.
The Expensive Reality of Classic Car Repairs
Let’s face it: repairs on collector cars are anything but cheap. Parts are harder to find, labor is specialized, and tariffs on imported components are driving prices even higher. A small malfunction today could cost thousands tomorrow. With a service contract, you’re protected from those surprise bills just so you can focus on enjoying the drive.
What’s Covered Under a Classic Car Service contract?
Unlike generic plans, a Classic Vehicle Service Contract is built for vintage cars, with coverage designed to protect the systems that fail most often and cost the most to repair:
Engine Coverage
From pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, and valves to oil pumps, timing chains, and even turbochargers or superchargers. Engine rebuilds on classics can run $7,000–$12,000, but with coverage, you’re protected. Get a quote now at LegendaryCarProtection.com and see how affordable engine protection can be.
Transmission Coverage
Both automatic and manual transmissions are covered, including torque converters, shafts, clutches, solenoids, and gear sets. Transmission repairs often exceed $4,000–$6,000 without protection.
Axle shafts, gear sets, bearings, hubs, and four-wheel drive systems are included. Failures here are rare but devastating and often cost thousands.
Brake Systems
Wheel cylinders, master cylinders, calipers, and lines are covered. A complete brake system overhaul can set you back $3,000 or more.
Suspension & Steering
Ball joints, steering gears, shock absorbers, stabilizers, and bushings are part of Level 2 coverage. Suspension rebuilds often cost $5,000+, especially on vintage vehicles.
Air Conditioning & Electrical
Compressors, condensers, alternators, ignition modules, starters, and control units are covered. With tariffs pushing up part costs, even “smaller” fixes like an alternator replacement can run $400+.
Why Now? Tariffs and Rising Part Costs
The global market is making repairs more expensive than ever. Tariffs on imported car parts have caused a 20–40% spike in common components over the past year, with specialty or rare parts seeing even greater increases. For classic car owners, this means the cost of maintaining your vehicle is only going up. A service contract locks in protection now, before those costs climb even higher.
Coverage is designed to fit your lifestyle and your budget. Choose from multiple contract lengths and payment options including monthly payments instead of paying upfront. That way, you can keep your car protected without stretching your finances.
Easy Claims, Nationwide Coverage
Breakdowns don’t wait for a convenient moment. Thankfully, filing a claim is simple and can be done online or over the phone. Better yet, coverage applies at licensed repair facilities nationwide, so whether you’re at a fall car show or on a weekend cruise, you’re never stranded without help.
Getting Started
This fall, protect your dream ride with Legendary Car Protection. Get your free quote today and drive into the season with confidence.
To explore tailored protection options for your specific vehicle, visit LegendaryCarProtection.com. By submitting basic information such as make, model, and mileage, you can get a customized quote and select the plan that fits your needs.
Car ownership today comes with high expectations and high risks. A well-designed Vehicle Service Contract not only protects your finances, but also ensures your vehicle receives the care it deserves – no matter how iconic, rare, or routine it may be.
Bugatti has a tradition of crafting powerful, exclusive automobiles for the ultra-wealthy. Since 1925, it also has a history of either inspiring timepieces or working directly with watch companies. The newest products of that kind of collaboration are Jacob & Co.’s aptly named Bugatti Tourbillon and its flashier sibling, the Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette.
The car the watches are named after is the first Bugatti made under the ownership of Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac, which previously made a name for itself with the 1,914-horsepower Nevera. The quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 has been discontinued, so the Bugatti Tourbillon—to use an horological expression—has a new, naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 movement. Its trio of electric motors don’t make time move any faster, but they certainly make the Tourbillon quicker by bringing its total output to 1,800 horsepower.
BUGATTI TOURBILLON
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon
The visual connections between the Bugatti Tourbillon car and watch range from subtle to undeniable. According to Bugatti, the 52 x 44 x 15mm case’s design “emulates that of the Tourbillon car—from the rear wing and windows, to the grille and radiators. The latter features are lodged in recesses of the case, covered with a laser-etched grid pattern, while inlaid sapphire crystal in the case sides—shaped and tinted like the vehicle’s side windows—offer a tantalizing glimpse into the inner workings of the movement.”
The car’s gauges were designed by watchmakers, so it’s natural that the timepiece’s instrumentation has a similar layout. At the top left is the 30-second flying tourbillon (the French word for whirlwind), which rotates parts of the movement’s components to counteract the effects of gravity. The actual time display is in the center. A third subdial on the right shows how much of the watch’s 80-hour power reserve is left.
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon
Like its four-wheeled counterpart, the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon has an engine. A sapphire crystal engine block contains a 22.37mm crankshaft connected to 16 titanium pistons that start moving with the push of a button.
BUGATTI TOURBILLON BAGUETTE
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette
If the regular watch is too low-key, 18 enthusiasts can add the Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette to their collections.
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette
Crafted out of 18K white gold, the case is covered with 328 baguette-cut diamonds (equivalent to 17 carats). The two ribbons of rubies near the crown at 6 o’clock add a touch of color and mimic the layout of the Bugatti Tourbillon’s taillights.
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon
In most places, the odds of seeing either one of these watches on someone’s wrist are as low as the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic‘s production numbers. But there’s a good chance someone will be wearing (or driving) a Bugatti Tourbillon at next year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. When we’re there, we’ll try to catch a glimpse—ideally, photos—of either one.
Imagine for a moment that you’re out enjoying a Sunday drive in your classic car or truck. Life is great. Clear skies, open roads, and not a care in the world. Suddenly, for whatever reason, you find yourself in a fender bender or worse. Luckily no one is hurt, but your beloved classic has sustained damage and will undoubtedly need an expert touch to ensure repairs are done right. In these situations, after the initial shock wears off, we tend to remind ourselves, “Well, I have insurance. Everything will be fine.” But the unfortunate truth is that the majority of classic car and truck owners will be in for a shock when they do need to file claim with their insurance company. Most will discover that their coverage is inadequate and that the value and authenticity of their ride is now in serious jeopardy.
Research has shown that of the 40 million+ collector vehicles in the United States, most are insured by standard auto insurance programs, which were never designed to protect classic and collector vehicles; they were designed for daily drivers. This often proves to be a costly decision. When the time comes when they need to file a claim, these owners discover that they don’t have the coverages needed to correctly repair these types of vehicles. Even for minor repairs, standard auto insurance programs do not guarantee that they will cover original parts or that their approved body shop network even has the expertise necessary to repair these types of vehicles.
Things only get worse in the event the vehicle is a total loss. In these situations, these collectible vehicle owners discover that their insurance program uses a depreciated value to calculate the vehicles worth. Having the right protection in the form of an agreed value policy would have guaranteed a payout based on their ride’s actual replacement cost; one that is uses a true market value and considers the vehicle’s condition as well as the owner’s investments.
As you can see, having inadequate coverage can lead to some serious headaches. But what if after enduring all those challenges you also discover you have been overpaying for coverage? This is yet another unfortunate truth that many classic car and truck owners have recently been discovering.
Now more than ever U.S consumers are looking for ways to cut costs and save more of their hard-earned money. For several years now U.S. drivers have been seeing their auto insurance rates steadily climb year after year. Most auto insurance companies are betting on the typical driver not noticing how these increases have quickly added up and hurt their wallet. But according to the Consumer Price Index, the cost of auto insurance has risen six times faster than inflation over the past three years.
What is driving these surging costs? Well over the past few years many auto insurance companies have been working hard to recover from recent catastrophic losses they’ve faced. Beginning in 2020, there were more frequent accidents, faster-than-normal speeding and instances of drunk driving surged. This all caused a spike in crash severity, which led to more catastrophic vehicle and injury claims placed on auto insurers. Moreover, materials, parts, and labor shortages during that same time frame caused repair costs for claims to climb like never before. In response, auto insurance companies began raising rates with little relief in sight. In effect, collectible vehicle owners and good drivers have been quietly subsidizing the recent losses felt by insurance companies rather than being rewarded for their stellar driving records.
Unfortunately, owners of classic, antique, and custom cars or trucks are among the most severely affected by these insurance cost increases. Standard auto insurance rates do not consider the fact that these classic car and trucks owners have a significantly lower risk profile and are statistically less likely to get into an accident or file a claim. Instead, their rates are calculated based on all the risks that come with typical daily driver usage, doing things like daily commutes to work and running errands in all types of weather and traffic conditions. For them, all rides share the same risk profile as a daily driver and their inflated insurance rates reflect that inaccuracy.
Collectible Vehicle Owners Are Flocking To New Program
In all this turmoil there does seem to be some good news for classic car and truck owners, and word is quickly spreading. Recently the auto enthusiast community has been buzzing about a program being offered by the Dallas-based collector vehicle insurer OpenRoad. Customer testimonials from owners previously covered by standard auto insurers, as well as many previously insured by classic car insurance providers, continue to roll in highlighting significant savings, better coverage, and superior customer service.
OpenRoad has built a truly unique collector vehicle insurance program that all starts with pricing. Not only do they provide significant savings for drivers with great driving records, but they also account for the reduced accident frequency associated with collector vehicles. Both often result in far lower insurance rates overall. But OpenRoad goes further on reduced pricing, offering additional discounts to car club members as well as any customer who transfers their coverage from another classic car insurer.
Setting a New Bar For Classic & Collector Vehicle Insurance
OpenRoad exceeds what many other programs out there can offer. In addition to getting all the coverage you’d expect with any auto insurance policy— think comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, and the like — every OpenRoad policy comes with several protections tailored to car collectors. Their agreed value policy guarantees that the insurance payout you’ll receive in the event of a total loss equals the actual worth of your classic car, rather than a depreciated value that most insurance programs use. This guarantees that you’re covered for the true value of your ride, considering the time, effort, and investments you put into your vehicle as well as its condition and rarity.
OpenRoad is also setting a new bar when it comes to coverage for repairs. Under their program you know that if you need to file a claim the repairs will be done right. Not only will repairs be performed with OEM parts specifically tailored to your vehicle, but you’ll also get to choose a repair shop you know and trust, one that specializes in collector vehicles and classic car restorations. This is another differentiator from standard auto insurance programs that often do not guarantee coverage for OEM parts and rarely let you pick a shop outside of their approved body shop network.
OpenRoad also includes a generous emergency roadside cost reimbursement program at no additional cost as well as coverage for the relocation and temporary storage of your ride in the event of major disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires.
Delivering Superior Customer Service & Specialized Coverage
With so many auto enthusiasts making the switch to OpenRoad, it seems that they have found everything that they have been looking for in a classic auto insurance provider. Just check out these recent customer reviews:
“Almost half the price (of) your competitors for equal coverage.”
“Better coverage for less cost than other classic car insurance companies.”
“They made it easy for me to switch from my old insurance policy to new one and at less than half the price!”
“Not only did they match our previous collector car insurance, they beat it even after adding another vehicle to the policy! They are rockstars! Would recommend to everyone!
“To my total surprise I got more coverage for a fraction of what I have been paying.”
Beyond the significant cost relief, many customers also point to the excellent customer service they received with reviews that include statements such as, “The team went above and beyond to help us,” and, “Overall, the best experience I’ve had setting up insurance.” That’s some high praise for an auto insurance company.
Rapidly Expanding Across the U.S.
To keep up with the massive market demand that they’ve seen, OpenRoad has been rapidly rolling out its insurance program across the U.S., quickly growing coverage availability to 25 states.
Don’t reside in one of their currently live states? Don’t worry, the brand plans to add coverage across several more states by the end of 2025. You can also sign up for their launch newsletter and get notified as soon as coverage is available for your area.
Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this restored 1938 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan, which is #41 of 58 Series 75 Fleetwood Convertible Sedans produced in its model year. It’s powered by a rebuilt 346ci V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Finished in black and equipped with a beige convertible top over a gray leather interior, this four-door drop-top is now offered by the selling dealer in Arizona with spare parts, tools, owner’s manual, and clear title.
Originally Moleskin Gray, the body was refinished in its current black. Both rows of the passenger compartment are covered by a beige convertible top with a rectangular rear window; when lowered, it fits under a gray top boot. Other exterior features include chrome bumpers with guards, auxiliary front lights, hood ornament, two-piece windshield, dual side mirrors, rear fender skirts, rear trunk, and a single exhaust outlet.
This big-bodied Caddy can roll through small-town parade routes or to the drive-in on its 15-inch steel wheels with Cadillac wheel covers and Firestone whitewalls.
The cabin offers gray leather bench seating in both rows.
Amenities include woodgrain trim, front and rear clocks, a retractable glass partition between the first and second rows, and footrests and a fold-down center armrest for rear passengers.
Instrumentation consists of a 110-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and voltage. The odometer shows 97,589 miles, but the title for this vehicle indicates it’s mileage-exempt.
Under the hood is a rebuilt 346ci V8 that was factory-rated at 140 horsepower. It runs 6.7:1 compression and comes paired with a single-barrel carburetor and a YnZ’s Yesterdays Parts wiring harness. A column-shifted three-speed manual gearbox sends the engine’s power to the rear wheels; drum brakes keep it in check.
You don’t see a lot of four-door convertibles on the road, but you can see this 1938 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan in your garage every day if you place the winning bid on it. Make sure you do that before the auction for this distinctive drop-top ends on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. (PDT).
The Suburban holds a longstanding name in households across America. After 90 years, 12 generations, and many millions of units sold, it has become a legend in American automotive history. It is also the only vehicle to ever receive a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame—celebrity status indeed. We love square-body pickup trucks, but it isn’t very often that we get to talk about their people-hauling Suburban counterparts. The Pick of the Day is a 1989 Chevrolet Suburban listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Foira, Illinois.
“This is not your average Burb,” the listing says. “Was used to tow old cars to shows.”
The 1973-91 Suburban model was part of the C/K Series of General Motors’ full-sized truck series. It was a heavy-duty workhorse with an emphasis on brute power, and its truck-based underpinnings made it a capable rig for hauling and towing. As a people-mover or a cargo-hauler, its interior dimensions were vast, too (especially with the rear seats removed). One of Chevrolet’s advertisements said, “No ordinary wagon has its capacity to do the job.”
The custom exterior color scheme for this Suburban is attractive and complementary. I like the subtle red pinstripe to go with the otherwise neutral palette. The tinted windows, upgraded wheels, and dual exhaust system give the otherwise very flat body an element of pizzazz. The interior has been similarly upgraded with a set of Dakota Digital gauges and a Lecarra leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Towing capability comes from a rebuilt 454ci big-block V8 mated to a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban certainly won’t excel at fuel economy (it’s probably lucky to get 10 mpg, like my F-Series) but, if your primary use for the vehicle is occasional weekend towing, it will certainly be up to the task. Mechanical upgrades according to the seller include a new radiator, ceramic-coated headers, three-inch exhaust system, Gear Vendors overdrive unit, and rebuilt suspension with Ridetech airbags.
The Suburban, while to some not a practical everyday driver, has classic appeal and is suited to people who want vintage style with the added benefit of utility. What kind of toys do you need to haul around? There probably isn’t much this beast can’t handle.
“Time for someone else to hopefully enjoy as much as I have,” the listing concludes.
We’ve visited theHot Wheels Legends Tour several times when it has passed through Phoenix, but the tour is not just for North America. On August 23 and 24, 2025, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK was at the Gravity Car Show in Birmingham to crown a new king.
Of course, someone else already wears a different sort of crown, and we don’t want to arouse the legal team for offending Family Windsor’s sensibilities, but this coronation has more resonance with us Yanks. This is how it went down: Entries started being accepted on May 28; the entry period ended on our Independence Day (huzzah!). Nineteen days later, two finalists were announced. Fans got a chance to name a third one on August 4. All three competed at the Gravity Car Show. One winner was selected. The new king? A 1982 “E21” BMW 3 Series.
If something looks strange yet familiar about this car, you’re not the only one to think that: This vehicle’s single headlights mean it’s a 315 or 316, models which were never imported to the U.S. But if you think about it, those give it a look similar to the 2002 precursor with which we’re familiar. After Paul and Ethan Foster finished their 14-year build, it took on a look more akin to a Group 2 racer.
Image courtesy of Hot Wheels
“It’s amazing to win the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK. Built together with my son Ethan, it’s part of our family and we’ll never sell it. We’ve both been huge Hot Wheels fans since we were kids. I just can’t believe it,” says Paul Foster. “Representing the UK at the next round of the competition is so exciting. Thank you to everyone for the support.”
Here’s how Hot Wheels has described the build: Paul Foster’s 1982 BMW E21 3-Series combines aggressive Group 2 styling with bespoke engineering in a true life-size Hot Wheels car. The 345/35/15 rear tires, fiberglass wide-arch kit, alloy diffuser and deep front splitter give it a muscular stance, while the race livery featuring violet, red and blue accents, is a nod to 80s and 90s BMW touring cars. An original Group 5 rear wing, now with a carbon blade, adds downforce and drama in equal measure, whilst under the bonnet sits a 420 bhp 5.0-liter Rover V8 with twin Jenvey throttle bodies. Other performance features include flame spitting side pipes, DTM Getrag gearbox and Quaife LSD whilst GAZ coilovers and uprated Willwood brakes ensure it handles as well as its looks.
Hot Wheels designer Charlie Angulo, together with judges Nicola Hume, Jordan Clarke, and influencer Mat Armstrong, scored each entry based on design, authenticity, and garage spirit criteria.
So, what’s next for the Bimmer? It will head to the European final on September 20, a virtual regional competition that includes the Middle East, Latin America, and the U.S. One winner will be selected from each region to compete at the Global Grand Finale, where the winner will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends.
Adds Ted Wu, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel, “This year, the UK once again delivered a lineup of jaw-dropping contenders, each brimming with raw garage spirit, authenticity and the kind of imagination that Hot Wheels enthusiasts crave.”
All Jeep makes is SUVs (with the exception of the Gladiator midsize truck). But following the 2023 model year, Jeep stopped offering the Cherokee, its entry in the popular midsize segment. After months of building anticipation for the next-generation model, Jeep finally revealed the 2026 Cherokee at an event in the New York borough of Brooklyn. Not only is it all-new, but it also marks a first in Jeep history: hybrid power.
You might be thinking, Isn’t the Wrangler 4xe a hybrid? Yes it is, but it’s a plug-in hybrid with a turbo 2.0-liter I4 and a battery pack that enables it to be driven on all-electric power for short distances. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee’s hybrid system consists of a new 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder coupled with two electric motors and a battery. Total output is 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft. Although the new hybrid powertrain doesn’t provide a gas-free driving range like the 4xe setup, it can return an estimated 37 mpg (combined) and squeeze more than 500 miles out of a tank of gas, according to Stellantis.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland
If the new Cherokee looks a little boxier and more upright, that’s because it is. According to Stellantis, “The 2026 Cherokee is longer, taller, and wider than the previous Cherokee with sharp edges to recall beloved Cherokee models from yesteryear.” Unofficial translation: Jeep wanted it to look more like the beloved 1984-2001 XJ Cherokee.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Limited interior in Global Black2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland interior in Arctic
The default interior color scheme is Global Black, but Arctic white is available on the Laredo, Limited, and Overland models. A new rotary gear selector frees up space for small items up front; at the back, the new Cherokee has 30 percent more cargo capacity for gear or luggage than its predecessor.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Power reaches the trail through the Jeep Active Drive I 4×4 system while Selec-Terrain works out traction management according to which mode—Auto, Sport, Snow, or Sand/Mud—is engaged. Eight inches of ground clearance, an approach angle of 19.6 degrees, a breakover angle of 18.8 degrees, and a departure angle of 29.4 degrees should get the Cherokee back on paved roads, where the rear-axle disconnect function helps maximize fuel economy.
2026 Jeep Cherokee
Prices for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee start at $36,995 (which includes a $1,995 destination charge) for the base model and increase to $39,995 for the Laredo, $42,495 for the Limited, and $45,995 for the Overland. As of right now, there’s no word on a Trailhawk or similar variant, but that’s probably not far off. All 2026 Cherokee models get standard equipment that includes a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, Uconnect 5 infotainment with a 12.3-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and rain-sensing wipers. Also on that list are automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist identification, Intersection Collision Assist, Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection, and the Active Driving Assist system (Level 2 driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control), among other features. The Connect One connected services bundle contains 10 years of over-the-air updates, a Jeep smartphone app, and more.
Expect to see the 2026 Cherokee Limited and Overland models on dealership lots late this year; base models and Laredos will show up in early 2026. You’ll find The ClassicCars.com Journal getting some dirt on one as part of a review as soon as we can.
The AutoHunter Spotlight for today is a 2004 BMW Z4 3.0i roadster that has only covered 23,300 miles from new and is being offered by a private seller in Miami. The auctionends on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).
I am writing about this car as I have actually owned a 2005 BMW Z4 3.0i roadster. I bought the car just after the Amelia Island Concours in 2020, just before the spike in prices we saw later that year. My wife Ann had actually seen it parked in our neighborhood with a “For Sale” sign on it and told me I should go see it. It was the same color combination as the car featured on AutoHunter, but it had higher mileage and a manual transmission.
That Z4 was such an improvement dynamically and comfort-wise over my old Z3, it was simply in another category altogether. The chassis is simply incredible, and the performance from the 3.0-liter M54 engine is fantastic. Sure, the M version of the Z4 is faster, but I found the standard car’s powertrain performance perfect. I put around 15,000 miles on my Z4 and then sold it in 2023 to a friend in Pennsylvania who continues to enjoy it.
As far as running costs, there was only one non-regular service item I needed to do on the Z4: replace the oil filter housing seal. Not an expensive repair! Beyond that, all I ever did was regular oil changes. These are truly amazing cars that are both reliable and incredibly fun to drive. A good example of an E85/86 Z4 is a car that you can drive for years without any real issues . . . and have a lot of fun doing it.
This Z4 is painted in Titanium Silver Metallic and features a black power convertible top over a black leather interior. This low-mileage German roadster is offered by the seller with a CARFAX report and a rebuilt title. The details on the title cite water damage, but I looked everywhere in the provided photos of this car and could not find any evidence of this. The interior is in terrific shape with no evidence of ever getting wet; even the underside of the car looks excellent. I am guessing some of the ECUs got wet and the cost to replace them caused the title issues. That being said, this BMW really does look to be an excellent example of a first-generation Z4.
The exterior pictures show a car that looks like it has never had any issues as well. The paint looks original and in great condition. There is some slight curb damage on one of the wheels, but that is all I found.
The interior leather, carpets, door cards and such also all look to be in great condition. I doubt the interior of this car ever suffered getting wet due to the flood damage claim, unless they replaced literally everything. This well-optioned car includes BMW’s high-end sound system, which has to be heard to be believed, one of the best sound systems I have ever experienced in a roadster.
Yes, this car is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, but it really does not dull performance. While it doesn’t offer the same amount of interaction of the six-speed manual, it makes getting stuck in stop-and-go traffic much more stress-free. Even the automatic transmissions, when powering the M54 engines, offer strong performance and are nothing like the automatic-equipped Z3s.
The engine compartment is more of the same, being very clean, again with no signs of flood damage. You will notice some orange film on some of the bodywork under the hood, but this is the sealant BMW used on these parts of the body and is not rust.
There is one caveat about the Z4, especially when comparing it to a classic car like a Jaguar E-Type or Austin-Healey 3000: it does everything those cars do, only better. Again, I say that as someone who has spent a lot of time in these cars. The Z4 offers the great open-air driving experience of a classic roadster, has a fantastic view over the hood, and has a terrific engine sound and exhaust note. It also offers very comfortable seats, a top that does not leak, air conditioning, and reliability that a Jaguar or Healey could only dream about, even when new. Once you are spoiled by a Z4, you might not want to go back to your old roadster.
I also like that this Z4 still includes its full set of manuals and factory tool kit, as these somehow get lost over time. What are the risks with a car like this? I would go contact the owner and get an inspection done by a qualified BMW mechanic. If they give the car a clean bill of health, bid on it. If you win, you will have a terrific Z4 at what will likely be a bargain price.
If you are interested, I would do bid quickly (yes, you do have time), as the auction for this 2004 BMW Z3 3.0i ends on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).
There’s a certain charm about disposable cars. The vehicles that were once common and subsequently junked clearly never received love, so there’s a certain irony in loving something that has managed to survive the travails of ownership. Our Pick of the Day is one of the unloved, only to later realize the potential for love was always there. This 1974 Mercury Montego MX Brougham four-door sedan is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Saugatuck, Michigan.
The Mercury Montego can trace its origins to 1968. While the base model was the Comet, the upward steps in trim level were the Montego and Montego MX, plus the Cyclone. For 1969, Mercury added a Montego MX Brougham at the top, while the Comet had its final year as an intermediate. One redesign in 1970 was followed by another for 1972, with a federalized front bumper appearing in 1973 and the same for the rear in 1974.
The lineup was represented by the Montego, Montego MX, and Montego Brougham. Gone was the sporty Montego GT fastback, which was replaced by the Sports Appearance Group. Available on the Montego and Montego MX two-door hardtop, the package included the nonfunctional scooped hood from the GT, black-painted hub caps and trim rings, dual racing mirrors, lower-body paint and striping, wide-oval tires, a black-out rear panel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tachometer and other gauges, and bright pedal pads.
For the upscale Montego MX Brougham, one could specify the Custom Trim Option, which brought a “tone of high elegance” thanks to Twin Comfort Lounge Seats with Arden velour inserts, 25-ounce cut-pile carpeting, a visor vanity mirror, door pull assist straps, and a distinctive steering wheel. For the ultimate in personal luxury, you could veer away from the Montego portfolio and go with the Cougar, which was now a newly full-fledged member of the intermediate class, though featuring a slightly different front end than the one on the Montego.
Engine choices were familiar. Standard was a 302-2V paired with a three-speed manual, with a 351-2V, 351-4V, 400-2V, and 460-4V all requiring an automatic transmission. The 351-4V, sometimes called the 351 Cobra Jet, would have its final year, the last time a mid-size Ford offered an engine with any semblance of performance.
This Gold Glamour metallic 1974 Mercury Montego MX Brougham four-door sedan is quite unusual as it managed to avoid being unloved. In fact, it experienced the exact opposite, as evidenced by 10,628 miles on the odometer. True survivor? That’s what the seller claims and, considering it has its original paint and tires, there’s a good chance that this is indisputable. Dealer-applied undercoating certainly helps, especially considering its original Battle Creek, Michigan digs. Options include the 351-2V, a gold vinyl roof, radial tires, power steering and disc brakes, a clock, air conditioning, a rear defroster, the Appearance Protection Group, tinted glass, a driver-side remote mirror, and body-side moldings. The seller has serviced the fuel system, changed the oil, and brought the car back to life after purchasing it from the original family.
Some people will claim certain cars are disposable for a reason. We are lesser as a people due to the extinction of the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger, so isn’t it fair to think the same for certain cars? We have to send thanks to the original owners and especially the planets, which have aligned themselves to preserve the existence of this Mercury. For $17,900, would you become the caretaker of this indisposable vehicle?
Back when Detroit started adding buckets and consoles to every segment of the market, it wasn’t just for two-doors—the Ford Galaxie 500/XL was available as a four-door from 1963-64. This was quite unusual in the era, but with the increasing popularity of imports in the American market into the 1970s, it was no longer an unusual configuration.
The below AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com vehicles listed for sale are four-doors with buckets and consoles. Can you tell us the year, make, and model of each? If you are unsure, you can always click on an image for a hint.
