Regional specials can be very cool. Perhaps the most famous is the Mustang California Special (a West Coast thing—not just California), but there are many lesser-known examples in automotive history. Our AutoHunter Spotlight is one of those: a 1970 Torino Type N/W. As part of a promotion based in the Pacific Northwest (hence the “N/W”—get it?), 601 specially equipped/painted/priced Torino two-door hardtops were planned to be built, but only 395 were part of the final tally. All featured a distinctive look that would not be confused with any other nationally available Torino. This one is powered by a beefy 351-4V backed by an FMX three-speed automatic. Features include hood pins, color-keyed racing mirrors, power steering and front disc brakes, Magnum 500 mags, heavy-duty suspension, and more. Painted Washington Green with a black knit vinyl bench seat interior, this unusual Blue Oval intermediate comes from the selling dealer with Deluxe Marti Report and a clear title.
Though this car’s color is called Washington Green, it’s actually the same as Grabber Green (with Pacific Blue and Oregon Orange corresponding to other Grabber colors). Special to the Type N/W were the black-out hood, hood pins, longitudinal protective insert, dual colored racing mirrors, lower-body paint and stripes, and Wide Oval tires with argent styled steel wheels. Currently, this vehicle sports 15-inch Magnum 500s wrapped in 235/60 Goodyear Eagle STs.
The cabin features a black vinyl interior, with the front seat being your typical bench for the era, but it breathes because the inserts are knitted. Other features include column-shifted automatic, power steering, factory AM radio, and left-hand remote mirror control.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature and fuel. The odometer shows 87,614, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
The 300-horsepower 351-4V was installed in 1,727 Torino two-door hardtops in 1970, of which 243 were Type N/W models. This 351 was the first step for those more inclined to performance, so you can expect brisk acceleration. The engine is backed by a three-speed FMX Select-Shift automatic transmission.
The undercarriage features power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system. The rear end carries 3.00 gears without limited-slip.
This is a very special Torino, yet time is tight—this auction on AutoHunter ends on July 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). It would be a shame to miss bidding on such a special regional special! Sure, there are plenty of Torinos to be had, but they wouldn’t be a 1970 Torino Type N/W like this.
The unfortunate truth is that most collector vehicle owners in the U.S. are unaware of the precarious situation they are in, facing perils that could cost them dearly up the road. On the one hand many are paying significantly more than they should be for auto insurance, while an even larger group is completely unaware that their current insurance does not include all the necessary coverages needed for classic and collector vehicles. Studies have shown that most collector vehicle owners in the U.S. fall into BOTH categories, overpaying for insurance while also facing significant coverage gaps. This harsh reality won’t reveal itself until the worst possible situation arises, when they get into an accident and need file a claim.
Collector Vehicle Owners Are Being Overcharged… For The Wrong Coverage
There are a few situations in play here. For starters, of the 40 million+ collector vehicles in the United States, the vast majority are insured by standard auto insurance programs. What these owners don’t realize is that these programs were not designed for classic and collector vehicles; they were designed for daily drivers. Standard auto insurance rates are calculated based on all the risks that come with typical daily driver usage, meaning more time on the road doing things like commutes and running errands in all types of weather and traffic conditions. These inflated standard insurance rates do not account for the fact that collector vehicle owners are statistically less likely to get into an accident or file a claim and typically drive their vintage vehicles fewer than 5,000 miles annually. For them, all rides share the same risk profile as a daily driver and their inflated insurance rates reflect that.
The other scenario at play here has an even broader footprint. If you think your auto insurance rates have skyrocketed in recent years, you’d be right. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw the cost of auto insurance rise 51% over the past 3 years, which is six times faster than inflation overall. What caused auto insurance rates to see the biggest price jump in decades? In recent years many of the largest standard insurance companies have been trying to recoup their losses from spikes in reckless behavior seen on US roads. Beginning in 2020, there were more frequent accidents, faster-than-normal speeding drivers and drunk driving surged. This all led to a spike in crash severity, all of which led to more catastrophic vehicle and injury claims on auto insurers. Moreover, materials, parts, and labor shortages during that same time frame caused repair costs for claims to climb like never before. Both factors combined have caused auto insurance rates to soar with little relief in sight. In effect, auto collectors and good drivers have been quietly subsidizing the catastrophic losses felt by insurance companies.
Not only are auto collectors likely paying more than they should be given their reduced risk profile, but the standard auto insurance coverage they do buy is often radically insufficient. This unfortunate truth will only be discovered when they need to make a claim. Even for minor repairs, standard auto insurance programs do not guarantee that they will cover original parts or that their approved body shop network has the expertise necessary to repair these types of vehicles. These coverage gaps and claims handling practices can put the authenticity and value of their vehicle at risk.
Great News For Collectible Vehicle Owners
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 results 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 24 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 summer of 2025. You can also sign up for their launch newsletter and get notified as soon as coverage is available for your area.
Movie fans and car fans found a lot of common ground at a recent Barrett-Jackson collector-car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Specifically, the Stewart A. Berkowitz collection brought in a high volume of noteworthy vehicles from on-screen – like the Flintstones car, a DeLorean, a “Herbie” Volkswagen Beetle, and even a Batmobile. Imagine being able to drive down the street feeling like a superhero… or being able to drive around a park full of dinosaurs.
The Ford Explorer and the movie “Jurassic Park” were both memorable home runs in pop culture in the 1990s. “Jurassic Park” hit the theaters on June 11, 1993 and went on to gross $914 million during its initial theatrical run alone. In fact, until “Titanic” came along four years later in 1997, it was the highest-grossing film of all time. Similarly, the first-generation Explorer (produced from 1991 through 1994) it played a huge influence on the boom of sport-utility vehicles. Ford sold over 300,000 units per year, and the Explorer was (and still is, today) an undisputed success.
It was my pleasure to kick the Goodyear Wrangler white-letter tires of a unique re-creation of one of the iconic tour vehicles from the original “Jurassic Park” movie. Themed in appropriate red, green and yellow via a custom wrap, it started life as a stock 1993 Explorer XLT four-wheel drive four-door. Based on what we know about the build, the vehicle was originally white before receiving its custom treatment. The Explorer also received yellow-finished 15-inch wheels, a front brush guard, prop fog lamps, and yellow bumpers.
One thing that did not get modified was the engine: power still came from the factory-installed Cologne 4.0-liter V6 that was rated at 160 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission and a manual-shifting dual-range transfer case sent power to all four wheels. The interior was appointed with blue cloth upholstery, power windows, a center console, and – in proper 1990s fashion – an AM/FM radio with a cassette player.
This eye-catching Ford Explorer blurred the lines behind movie magic and driveway reality. We are excited to see what other kinds of “themed” vehicles pop up next at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction which will take place October 15-18 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Join us for the fun, because the variety of vehicles on display (and up for grabs) will surprise you.
It’s no secret that American culture is one of our country’s great exports. People in faraway lands enjoy our music, fashion, and TV shows. As shown by our Pick of the Day, a 1949 Buick Super Estate Wagon, American cars are also popular in other parts of the world, which explains why this woodie is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Jörlanda, Sweden.
If you think of California when you read the term “woodie,” that’s completely natural. A wagon like this fits that scene, even if it never carries a surfboard. But in 2008, someone in Sweden just had to have this big piece of rolling Americana, purchased it, and had it flown overseas. The original maple and northern elm wood trim around the windows and on the rear end was in bad shape, so an expert in restoring wood boats (NOT Ikea furniture) was called in to replace it. The glossy finish contrasts nicely with the satin clearcoat over the light blue paint that was laid down in 2015. According to the selling dealer, most of the chrome trim is new or has been professionally polished.
There’s more blue inside the cabin. Two shades of it, actually: light blue on the dash and door panels, and dark blue upholstery.
Between the ventiports on the front fenders is the original 248ci “Fireball” straight-eight, which is connected to a Carter two-barrel carburetor and Dynaflow automatic. The entire electrical system was upgraded to a 12-volt setup.
This 1949 Buick Super Estate Wagon is a long way from home. You can bring it back for $49,500 (OBO)—perhaps after spending a summer vacation (and maybe some meatballs) in Sweden.
With subtle fanfare and a stiff upper lip, Bentley has unveiled a redesign of its Bentley Wings emblem. The new emblem—the fifth iteration of the “Winged B”—is being introduced along with a concept car to be revealed on July 8, 2025, coinciding with the opening of a new Design Studio in Crewe.
Logo redesigns can be a risky proposition, especially when it comes to their familiarity with the public. The current redesign has been created in-house by Bentley’s own design team, following a grand tradition that began in 1919 by Sir F. Gordon Crosby (alright, he was never knighted, what?). Subsequent redesigns have been implemented in 1931, the 1990s, and 2002, all maintaining the same charm. Says Bentley, “Crafted with confidence, care and creativity, the new emblem is symbolic of an exciting future” for the automaker. Note the sleeker design with the wings’ feathers dramatically refined with diamond patterns. The B in the center of the logo has been subtly redesigned in a manner so that it can stand alone on its own. It gives the impression that it could stand alone as the center jewel of a watch.
“If a luxury brand is the product of the stories it has created, then its emblem is its signature. In more than a century of history, this is only the fourth evolution of Bentley’s iconic Winged B, and redesigning it was a formidable task for which we’ve taken great care,” says Director of Design Robin Page. “In an era of ever-increasing complexity and fidelity from digitalisation, an exercise of simplification and refinement is a modern necessity—and so the new emblem is cleaner, sharper and more impactful than its predecessor. The new Winged B—and the concept car that introduces it—both symbolise a powerful, exciting future for this company and its exceptional, handcrafted products.”
The car that it’s attached to is expected to herald the beginning of a new era of Bentley design language. Though strictly a concept car, with no plans for production, the vehicle is expected to hint what Page and his team plan for future products while using inspiration from the past. The queue to view the new vehicle on July 8th forms at www.bentleymedia.com.
The Petersen Automotive Museum and the new ownership group for Willow Springs International Raceway recently announced an exciting partnership that will integrate one of the world’s preeminent automotive museums with the historic Southern California track.
The Petersen Automotive Museum will play a key role in elevating Willow Springs as a cultural and historical landmark through the addition of the Petersen Pavilion, an outpost of the Los Angeles institution.
“As one of the most iconic racetracks in America, Willow Springs is an ideal place to celebrate the passion, heritage and innovation that define the automotive world,” said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “We look forward to bringing our expertise in storytelling and curation to create an environment where enthusiasts can engage with automotive culture in a dynamic and meaningful way.”
Photos courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum
Willow Springs was purchased in April by an affiliate of CrossHarbor Capital Partners in collaboration with Singer Vehicle Design. The new ownership group is focused on preserving the facility’s rich history while making significant investments to establish it as the premier venue for automotive and motorsport enthusiasts.
“The Petersen has helped set the bar for automotive museums around the world, and it is the perfect partner to help us engage with the vibrant history and future of automotive culture,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. “Stunning exhibitions and immersive storytelling are at the heart of what the Petersen does, and the showcase will be a tremendous asset as we reimagine Willow Springs Raceway.”
Photos courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum
Maintaining public access is a key element of Willow Springs’ success, and the raceway will continue to host both public and private events. The Petersen Automotive Museum joins a growing list of industry experts who will help upgrade and improve the track experience. Former Formula 1 driver, Le Mans winner, and track designer Alex Wurz, head of Wurz Design, will enhance existing track design and safety, while Speedway Motorsports’ subsidiary Sonoma Raceway brings years of expertise in delivering premier on-track experiences to oversee track operations.
These days, most people think of the word “hybrid” as a reference to vehicles that combine gasoline power with electric power. But since that word is defined as a combination or mixture of any two different things, you could technically call a Ford Ranchero a hybrid of a car and a truck.
Now, if only it had the fuel economy of a Prius.
Featured on AutoHunter is this 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero. The coupe-utility is being sold by a dealer in Anderson, California, and the auction will end Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. PDT.
When compared to the first Ranchero (which came out in 1957), the 1960-through-1965 models were significantly downsized. Ford based the model on its two-door Falcon sedan delivery. In the interest of economy, the base engine at the time was a miserly 144ci inline-six (maybe it wasn’t so far away from Prius fuel-efficiency after all?). Ford advertising materials said, “Just one small thing keeps this pickup out of the luxury class: Low price!”
This Ranchero comes from the last year of its generation and, according to the AutoHunter listing, it went through a complete mechanical restoration under current ownership. The repainted turquoise exterior is eye-catching, and the 15-inch Cragar S/S chrome wheels are an era-correct upgrade for the mini-truck. Inspired by the space race at the time, the Ranchero’s taillight design was inspired by jet afterburners.
The interior is where the vehicle sets itself apart even more: Black vinyl bucket seats offer comfy seating for two, and upgrades include a custom center console, air conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering column, a Grant steering wheel and a Bluetooth-compatible retro-look sound system.
Power is generated by a 302ci V8 mated to a floor-shifted C4 three-speed automatic transmission. The listing says that the engine and transmission have both been rebuilt, and performance features include an Edelbrock 650cfm four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock intake manifold, an aluminum radiator, a Pertronix ignition and a Borgeson steering box. Lastly, Wilwood disc brakes and a dual exhaust system were added.
The Ranchero’s six-foot bed was rated at a payload of 800 pounds, giving it a slight advantage (to the tune of 100 pounds) over its closest competitor, the Chevrolet El Camino. Ford also touted the Ranchero’s low loading height, “instant-lock” tailgate, 31 cubic feet of load space, bolted-on fenders and “Diamond Lustre” finish. At $1,938 for the base model, it was America’s lowest-priced pickup in 1965.
Just be careful about calling it a hybrid, especially if you’re trying to get access to the carpool lanes.
There’s a saying that amuses me: “There’s nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.” That kind of math applies to Jay Leno‘s 1974 Triumph TR6. The previous owner gave it to him, but Leno ended up paying a price for it anyway because he had it cosmetically and mechanically restored.
As Leno’s master mechanic George Swift explains, the 2.5-liter straight-six engine had burnt valves as well as a burnt piston. Luckily, Moss Motors, which sells parts for a variety of classic British cars, had the hardware Swift needed to rebuild the I6. He ultimately replaced the front disc and rear drum brakes, and the engine and transmission mounts too. Unfortunately, Swift and Leno realized in hindsight that they should have opted for a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive instead of the regular four-speed.
According to Leno, the exterior was refinished in Tahiti Blue, a bright shade that gives the little English roadster a larger presence on the road. During the restoration process, Leno made the wise decision to have the original bumper (which had bulky black rubber bumper guards on it) swapped out for a simpler all-chrome unit.
The new upholstery is all-black, which makes the wood dash fascia all the more noticeable.
Of course, as a seasoned expert, Leno is aware he probably put more money into this Triumph than it is worth. He’s okay with that as he enjoys how vintage the TR6 feels, the “lusty” performance of its big six, and the way 40 mph in it seems like 100. For those reasons and more, Leno is never going to sell his TR6. How could he? He never bought it in the first place.
Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better way to soak in the sunshine than behind the wheel of a cool 1970s convertible.
This was a decade of bold contrasts and automotive flair. In the early ’70s, American streets thundered with the power of convertible muscle cars that turned every stoplight into a starting line. As the decade wore on, style began to shift and in came smooth cruising. Luxury convertibles redefined cool with their expansive hoods and plush interiors, turning every drive into a slow- motion red-carpet moment.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Europe brought its own flavor to the open-air scene. Compact, spirited and undeniably stylish, European convertibles offered a zesty take on summer freedom. Whether you prefer Detroit steel or a European drop-top, the ’70s had a convertible for every kind of vibe, and they’re still perfect for catching rays and turning heads today. Check out this gallery featuring some of the highest-ranking convertibles that have crossed the Barrett-Jackson block over the last year.
MAIN PHOTO: 1971 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA CONVERTIBLE SOLD! $214,500 2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION One of 87 produced. Restored by Dave Dudek. Powered by its original engine and date-code-correct transmission. Includes Build Sheet and certified by Wise Validation Report.
1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE CUSTOMCONVERTIBLE SOLD! $291,500 2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION Fresh, professional build with 300 test miles. Powered by a Chevrolet LT4 supercharged V8 engine and a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with a Roadster Shop chassis, 3-inch stainless-steel exhaust, Penske double-adjustable shocks and a custom leather interior.
1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS L34 CONVERTIBLE SOLD! $198,000 2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION Certified by Chevelle expert Chris White. Comes with the original Build Sheet. Powered by the original matching-numbers 396/350hp V8 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.
1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396 CONVERTIBLE SOLD! $126,500 2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION Powered by an L78 396/375 engine mated to a Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed transmission, with a 3.55 12-bolt posi-traction rear axle.
1970 BUICK GS 455 STAGE 1 CONVERTIBLE SOLD! $110,000 2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION One of 232 for the model year. Equipped with a matching-numbers 455ci V8 engine and automatic transmission, factory air conditioning and bucket seats, as well as power steering, brakes, windows and top. From the Cars of Dreams Collection.
1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 CONVERTIBLE SOLD! $110,000 2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION Powered by its matching-numbers 455/365hp engine and original Turbo 400 automatic transmission with a 3.23 ratio posi-traction rear. Features factory air, power accessories, W25 option and more. Documented with two original Build Sheets.
1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL ROADSTER SOLD! $176,000 2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION Extensive rotisserie restoration. Powered by a M130 2.8-liter inline-6 engine paired with an upgraded ZF 6-speed manual transmission. Finished in a black exterior over a red leather interior.
Featured on AutoHunter is this restored and lifted 1977 Ford F-150 4X4, which is powered by an upgraded 400ci V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Finished in Candyapple Red over a new red cloth and vinyl interior, this “Dentside” Ford pickup is now offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with a Deluxe Marti Report and clear title.
The body was recently repainted in this truck’s original color of Candyapple Red, which is accented with pinstriping on the bedsides and tailgate. Exterior features include a chrome front bumper, chrome mirror housings, bedliner, diamond-plate rear bumper, and new exhaust system with dual outlets.
This F-150 Regular Cab rides down the road or trail on a set of a 15-inch steel wheels equipped with manual locking front hubs and new 31- x 10.5-inch Dextero All Terrain radial tires.
The cabin is furnished with a new interior that includes a red cloth and vinyl bench seat, and black and red door panels. Other features include power steering, column-mounted automatic shifter, floor-mounted transfer case shifter, air conditioning, and Pioneer AM/FM/Bluetooth head unit.
Instrumentation consists of an 85-mph speedometer and gauges for the oil pressure, fuel level, alternator, and temperature. The odometer shows 28,408 miles, but the title for this truck shows it’s mileage-exempt.
Under the hood, the original 351ci V8 has been replaced with a 400, which is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and aluminum radiator. The original four-speed manual gearbox has also been replaced with a three-speed automatic transmission. A dual-range transfer case sends power to all four wheels.
A lift kit makes this four-wheel-drive pickup more capable off-road; Monroe shocks soak up the bumps along the way. Power front disc brakes keep this truck from bumping into things.
If you want to take this handsome, modified 1977 Ford F-150 4X4 on a summer road trip or to your favorite off-highway vehicle park, bid on it now. The auction ends on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT).
