Journal Classic Cars

If you weren’t able to attend the recent Overland Expo Mountain West, you not only missed out on rustic camping, expert-led specialized classes, and a huge trade show, but also the debut of the Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept.

As you can probably guess from the event and the name of the vehicle, the Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept is an off-road version of Chrysler‘s minivan. Yes, it’s a bit unusual as far as Pacificas go, but it’s also not surprising. The popularity of overlanding and “van life” has risen significantly over the past several years. Automakers have not only continued to pump out off-road SUVs, but they’ve also started to make rugged versions of vehicles that were previously street-focused, which explains the lifted, all-wheel-drive Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition, all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT, and three-row Nissan Armada Pro-4X.

Chrysler based the Grizzly Peak Concept on an all-wheel-drive Pacifica Limited. Designers coated the mid-range model with Arktos matte paint and Foreshadow accents, and covered the lower body with a protective wrap. A 2.75-inch front and 2.5-inch rear suspension lift along with a set of 31-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires on 18-inch Foreshadow wheels make this van less of a mall-crawler and more of a trail-climber.

Baja Designs LP4 LED fog lamps and low-profile TYRI LED lights on the roof illuminate the path ahead. If the going gets a little too tough, there’s a traction pad and a spare tire on the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform roof rack. An ARB retractable awning provides protection from the sun and helps keep meals prepared on the trail from tasting like rainwater.

The cabin was customized with a one-off color scheme of Cement Gray Katzkin leather seats, orange seat belts, and Liquid Titanium accents. Chrysler even went as far as swapping in a sport steering wheel with orange accent stitching and paddle shifters. Mopar all-weather floor mats protect the carpeting against water and mud.

Chrysler knows van life and overlanding require a vehicle that doubles as a hotel room, so it took out the third-row seats and replaced them with a large cargo floor panel to provide a better sleeping space. If that room is needed for hauling more gear, an additional set of tie-downs behind the second row helps keep it in place.

Don’t expect Chrysler to put the Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept into production, but there may be a few silver linings here: Many of these items look like the kind of stuff Mopar and its Affiliated Accessories vendors already carry or could easily add to their catalogs. Perhaps one of these days you may just see a lifted Pacifica covered in dried mud in the drop-off lane at your child’s or grandchild’s school.

Featured on AutoHunter is this restored 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS 427 convertible. As the final iteration of the SS 427 package, this Impala is one of 2,144 built, but production records on how many convertibles received the “Z24” SS 427 package do not exist. Standard power for these cars was an “L36” 390-horsepower 427ci V8 paired with a three-speed manual; this vehicle features the desirable four-speed manual. Features include air conditioning, a console, Rally wheels, and more. Painted Garnet Red with a black top and a matching interior, this big-block ragtop is now offered by the selling dealer with service receipts and the original title.

The Garnet Red paint is complemented by black longitudinal protective side trim. Other exterior features include a black convertible top, a chrome driver-side mirror, chrome wheel well and rocker panel trim, SS and 427 badges, and a rear-mounted antenna. A set of 15-inch Rally wheels is wrapped in 225/75 SureDrive All-Season radials.

The black vinyl interior has a pair of bucket seats up front. A center console houses a manual transmission shifter. Other features include woodgrain trim, air conditioning, power steering, and a push-button AM radio with aftermarket Pioneer speakers.

The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer plus a fuel gauge and a clock. The odometer shows 76,695 miles, which the seller claims to be true, although it is not indicated on the title.

The engine compartment features the “Mark IV” 427, which is hooked up to a four-barrel carburetor and a four-speed manual.

The undercarriage features power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system. The brake system and rear end were rebuilt during the 2001 restoration.

While not the last of the big Chevy big-block ragtops, our AutoHunter Spotlight car is the last of those with a performance image, as the Super Sport would not return for 1970. Starting with the fine 409-powered Impala SSs earlier in the decade, this 1969 Impala SS 427 convertible was a grand way to end the sporty/performance series with a bang. These cars don’t grow on trees, so be sure to get your bid in before September 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Preserving history is more than just taking a picture. It takes forward thinking to realize that it needs to be preserved in the first place. It requires organization, coordination, thorough record keeping, and the effort to make it accessible, such as converting paper files into digital assets. Preserving the history of cars requires all that plus the sweat equity of maintaining or restoring them and keeping them on the road. Fortunately, someone put in that kind of time and effort into our Pick of the Day. You can find this 1932 Chevrolet Confederate Coupe 2 on ClassicCars.com listed by a private seller in Mandan, North Dakota. The included documentation covers the engine build and all the parts put on this car along with their prices.

You may be scratching your head about this Chevy being called a Coupe 2. That’s what the brand called the two-seater (no rumble seat in the back) in its detailed list of specifications for its 1932 vehicles. I know that because people within Chevrolet kept the documents and someone uploaded them decades later into a vehicle information kit on the GM Heritage site.

After buying this Series BA Confederate in a partially assembled state, the devoted seller did the rest. According to him, this definition of a frame-off restoration “was fully disassembled and restored.” He adds, “Any wood in the whole car that was questionable has been replaced.” It looks as if the bodywork was refinished in the original No. 90 color combination, which is largely Crown Maroon and Black. A tasteful amount of brightwork and red wire wheels with whitewall tires make the exterior more visually dynamic.

As part of the comprehensive overhaul, the interior received new beige upholstery on the bench seat and the door panels. In addition, the three-spoke steering wheel was refurbished and the floor was lined with a new black rubber mat. Given this car’s age, there’s no air conditioning, but the good news is that the “windshield cranks up and the back window and both side windows crank down.” If the cabin doesn’t have quite enough room for luggage or gear, there’s a trunk behind it.

You can’t tell from the photos, but there’s a lot of elbow grease under the hood. The 12-valve 194ci inline-six was equipped with new pistons, sleeves, and valves as well as main bearings that have been “rebabbitted” with new alloy. The I6 draws gas from a rebuilt fuel pump and mixes it with air in a rebuilt carburetor.

It takes a lot to preserve rolling pieces of automotive history. You can spend years to trying to get a vintage car into great shape or you can just buy this 1932 Chevrolet Confederate Coupe 2. Doing that will take $43,000 (OBO).

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

Few figures in entertainment have embraced the unknown with as much charisma and curiosity as William Shatner. From commanding the USS Enterprise as Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek” to hosting “The UnXplained” on The History Channel, Shatner has made a career out of asking bold questions and venturing into uncharted territory. But beyond the sets, scripts and sound stages lies a piece of machinery that’s just as sleek, powerful and enigmatic as the man himself: a 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo. Personally owned and autographed by Shatner, the Panamera – with just under 40,000 actual miles – is now selling with No Reserve at the 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction.

This all-wheel-drive Porsche, finished in black over a matching black interior, represents a fusion of performance and presence. Its heart is a twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 engine that produces a commanding 500 horsepower delivered through a 7-speed automatic transmission. It’s a vessel of speed, engineering and control, traits that mirror Shatner’s persona both on and off the screen. Yet what makes this Porsche truly compelling isn’t just its pedigree performance or its pristine one-owner condition. It’s the signature on the driver’s sun visor, Shatner’s own handwriting, etched into the cabin like a captain’s log, a subtle but tangible reminder that this was once the command center for a man who’s spent his life exploring both the fictional frontiers of space and the real-world mysteries of the unknown. For fans of “The UnXplained,” Shatner’s Porsche invites a deeper appreciation of the man behind the questions. Since 2019, Shatner has hosted the docuseries, which delves into enigmatic phenomena ranging from ancient ruins and extraterrestrial theories to mind-bending psychological puzzles. Unlike his iconic role as Captain Kirk, where fiction provided the answers, “The UnXplained” leans into life’s gray areas, the stories that science hasn’t yet solved and that folklore keeps alive. It’s not about offering conclusions; it’s about cultivating curiosity.

That same sense of wonder seems to apply to Shatner’s approach to life. At 94 years old, he’s busier than ever, recently becoming the oldest person to fly into space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. His appetite for the unknown is a way of life. And what better car to accompany such a mindset than the Panamera Turbo, a machine that defied conventions when it debuted?

When Porsche first introduced the Panamera in 2009, it raised eyebrows. A four-door sedan from a brand known for sports cars? Yet the Panamera blended the soul of a 911 with the utility and luxury of a Grand Touring saloon. In Turbo trim, the car is a study in duality: it’s luxurious yet ferocious, stately yet startlingly quick. In many ways, it’s the automotive embodiment of Shatner himself, a polished exterior concealing endless layers of depth, passion and surprise. This particular Panamera Turbo is also enabled for Sirius XM and registered with LoJack, underscoring Shatner’s practical side.

For collectors and fans alike, registering to bid on this Porsche Panamera is a chance to own a piece of pop culture history, a symbol of a man whose career hasntraversed genres, galaxies and generations. Whether you grew up watching “Star Trek,” have followed Shatner’s many music albums and memoirs, or are a devoted viewer of “The UnXplained,” this Panamera links you directly to the legend.

Shatner once said, “You have to create your life. You have to carve it, like a sculpture.” This Porsche is part of that sculpture, an artifact from a life built on defying expectations, embracing adventure and always asking what lies beyond the horizon.

As the car crosses the auction block with No Reserve, Oct. 15-18 at WestWorld, it will carry the spirit of curiosity and wonder. Like Shatner’s voice narrating tales of haunted lighthouses or mysterious disappearances, this Panamera tells its own story: one of speed, sophistication and the relentless pursuit of the unknown.

Register to bid today!

This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com

Ford made thousands of 1957 Thunderbirds, but none of them were like this one. That’s because it was extensively modified with custom bodywork and even parts from other automakers. The Brilliant Gold Metallic exterior features 1959 Lincoln headlights, a chopped windshield, shaved door handles, tail fins, and 1959 Buick taillights. Inside, there’s diamond-stitched white vinyl upholstery as well as a Chrysler AstraDome gauge set, a Plymouth steering wheel, and an old-school telephone.

Under the hood, it’s all Ford: white vinyl surrounds a rebuilt 351ci V8, which sends its power to the road through a rebuilt C4 three-speed automatic. Someone captured this unusual 1957 Ford Thunderbird with the winning bid of $49,500 at the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction.

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Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1964 Buick Skylark Convertible, which is powered by a Wildcat 310 300ci V8 paired with a Super Turbine 300 two-speed automatic transmission. It has received several updates, including new paint, rust removal, a new top, fresh upholstery, and new engine, suspension, and brake hardware. Finished in Teal Mist and equipped with a white power convertible top over a light blue vinyl interior, this A-body drop-top is now offered by the private seller in Utah with maintenance records, restoration receipts, a car cover, a full-size spare tire, and a clear title.

In June 2024, the body was refinished in Teal Mist. Exterior features include chrome bumpers, a driver-side mirror, full-length side trim, rocker panel trim, and a single rear exhaust outlet. The seller reports a rust removal process was performed on this car and that the new white, power-operated convertible top was installed within the last two years. When lowered, the top fits under a blue vinyl boot.

Under the distinctive and graceful wheel arches is a set of 14-inch steel wheels with Buick covers and 205/75 SA4 all-season radials.

Within the last two years, the interior was reupholstered in light blue vinyl and furnished with new carpeting and door panels. Other features include manual windows, a column-mounted automatic shifter, a split-bench front seat, lap belts for both rows, and an AM Radio, although it is nonfunctional.

Instrumentation consists of a 120-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge. The odometer shows 74,176 miles, which the seller claims to be an accurate figure.

Under the hood, the original six-cylinder engine was replaced with a Wildcat 310 300ci V8, which was factory-rated at 210 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded engine is teamed with a Super Turbine 300 two-speed automatic transmission. Within the last four years, the timing was fixed and the motor mounts, oil pan gasket, and transmission mounts were replaced. Additional newer parts include the shocks, rear control arm bushings, and master cylinder for the drum brakes.

New brake components are great for slowing down, but if you like what you see here, don’t stop until you place a bid on this 1964 Buick Skylark Convertible. The auction for it ends on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Whenever I hear or read the words “spared no expense,” I immediately think of the famous quote by the character John Hammond in the movie Jurassic Park. Whether related to theme parks, real estate, travel, or cars – I think we can all agree that it’s easy to lose control of budgetary restrictions when you get going on a project. Here’s a car with a six-figure price tag that still probably cost more to build than it’s being sold for:

The Pick of the Day is a custom 1936 Ford two-door coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The listing begins, “Built from the frame up by multiple craftsmen, this one-of-a-kind classic collector’s gem was restored sparing no expense – and no detail. Pictures do this car little justice. You have to see it for yourself!”

Where do we even begin? First and foremost, the color ranks in at least the top five of any that I’ve ever come across in having written for The Journal for the last nine years. The seller says it’s a hue from House of Kolor, and it’s called “Burple” – presumably because it’s a combination of blue and purple. The car’s roof was chopped by 3.5 inches in the front in order to give it a streamlined look. Exterior features include a custom frame, a 1936 all-steel body, new hood side panels, shaved door handles, “swan” mirrors, teardrop-style 1939 taillights, and a 1937-style hood. It seems there isn’t much that’s original, but that’s the whole point of a restomod anyway: it’s a one-of-a-kind car throughout.

Even the interior was outfitted with a long list of modern niceties like tinted power windows, keyless entry, a backup camera, a custom sound system, LED lighting, aluminum door panels, a Vintage Air HVAC system, and an all-leather two-tone interior.

Momentum comes from a BluePrint 383ci high-performance stroker V8 that was rated at 430 horsepower, paired with a 700R four-speed automatic transmission. Features include aluminum heads, a roller cam, a cast steel crank, a four-bolt main, Hastings moly rings, and a heavy-duty timing set. With a spec sheet like that, I can imagine this car sounds (and drives) just as sweet as it looks.

The seller says, “This hot rod was built to sustain its classic style but meet every accoutrement of the 21st century.” As for the expense, the price tag might give some people sticker shock, but having restored a few cars myself, I can attest that it adds up quickly.

The asking price is $150,000 or best offer.

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

The sports cars Alfa Romeo has made for the United States have been fleeting, and the recently introduced 33 Stradale is bound to be even more elusive.

First was the 8C Competizione, a 4.7-liter V8-powered two-seater that was available from 2007 to 2010. Out of the 500 coupes built, 90 ended up in the U.S., plus another 35 of the 329 Spiders. If you’ve seen one, consider yourself lucky.

More attainable was the 4C, which was produced for 2014-20. This one was powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four with direct fuel injection. Rumor has it that U.S.-spec cars featured extra bracing for strengthening to help them comply with crash test regulations. All told, 9,117 Coupes and Spiders were built, with 2,127 reaching the U.S.

The new 33 Stradale—an homage to the 1967 Tipo 33 Stradale—made an appearance at four venues during 2025 Monterey Car Week, including The Quail and Motorlux. Only 33 will be built worldwide, a “bespoke celebration of Italian craftmanship, performance, and heritage.” Power comes from a 3.0-liter V6 with 630 horsepower, which will bring the 33 Stradale to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under three seconds. Floor it to oblivion and you should be able to see 207 mph as long as you don’t run out of road.

Built at Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, the 33 Stradale features a carbon fiber monocoque, active suspension, dihedral doors, and—wow!—an analog-inspired cabin that leans into driving, not texting.

Alas, all 33 that are planned to be built are already spoken for, but don’t worry—you probably couldn’t afford it anyway. Let’s hope the next Alfa Romeo sports car will be more attainable . . . and more common on these roads.

A few months before my son Hayden was born, I wrote a piece on the things I want to teach him about cars. One of those was that it’s OK if he’s not a gearhead at all; what matters most is him being himself. He’s more than seven months old now and that hasn’t changed, but I’m still trying to gradually get him into cars because it would be wonderful to share a lifelong passion with him. To my surprise, I’ve been getting a lot of help from other people.

Everyday Language

I can’t honestly say that I’ve consciously started using automotive terms and phrases as part of a sly scheme to slowly indoctrinate Hayden into the world of automotive fandom. The truth is that many of the things I say to or around him just come out of my mouth naturally because I’m a car nerd. For instance, if he’s in his stroller and I have to pop the front end up onto a sidewalk, I say, “Let’s see what kind of approach angle this thing has.” If I need to push the little guy in his stroller up a steep hill, I say, “Time to put it in 4LO.”

When it’s time to change my son’s diaper, there’s always a chance he’s had a “blowout.” There have been several times when I’ve had him on the changing table and he’s kicked his left leg out. I usually ask him, “Are trying to kick-start your imaginary motorcycle?” He just smiles. I guess I’ll never know. (I hope he’s wearing his imaginary helmet.)

Going for a Ride

I’ve been fortunate to take Mr. H for rides in not only my family’s cars, but also several press vehicles, including the 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum and the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige. Perhaps he’ll remember something from one of the many cars and SUVs he’s been in. Perhaps not. At the very least, I hope he always associates buckling in with going somewhere in a car.

A Good Investment

Several weeks ago, my wife was in the mood to buy our little man some toys. Both of us got him one that reflected our personalities, then we agreed on one that seemed very Hayden. My choice? The Turn & Learn Driver from VTech. It was money well spent. He’s gotten so much enjoyment out of it by honking the horn, using the turn signal stalk, turning the wheel from lock to lock, and even adjusting the driver-side mirror. Now he’s a better driver than a lot of people in Phoenix.

YouTubin’

I watch a lot of Hayden’s favorite program with him (more on that below), but I also show him the stuff I like to watch. He’s too young for James Bond movies and blue comedy podcasts, so I usually play car videos on YouTube. At this point, I’d like to think he has some awareness of Jay Leno. This past weekend, we watched a big chunk of the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance together. Hayden may never remember that special viewing experience, but I always will.

Clothing, Gifts, and Gear

Early on in my wife’s pregnancy, my friend Steve gave me a small book that he thought would be right for our son. It’s shaped like the profile of a first-generation Porsche Boxster and has cartoonishly oversized chunky plastic wheels. Every time I carry my boy into his nursery, we pass by a display case that holds that book and other things we want him to learn about and enjoy. I’d like to think he sees Steve’s gift when he’s in his crib, looking at the big world around him and trying to figure it out. Cars ended up being an answer for me; perhaps they’ll be one for him too.

We’ve had a lot of family members fly in to meet Hayden, many of whom have bought him baby clothes. They’re all very cute, but my favorites are the ones with little cars or Jeep-like SUVs on them (I welcome every little potential influence). I don’t think Hayden cares much about what he’s wearing – he seems perfectly happy being in just a diaper.

Celebrity Assistance

Now that I’m a father, I’m keenly aware of Ms. Rachel. She’s more than “a passionate educator who creates research-based videos to help toddlers and their families learn, bond, and thrive,” as her website states – she’s a baby whisperer. If Hayden is fussy even after I’ve changed, fed, and cuddled him, I just throw on Ms. Rachel and the second he hears her voice, he gets quiet and locks onto the TV screen. I also appreciate that she shows little cars in her videos and teaches children and parents how to sign the words “blue car” in American Sign Language. While sourcing photos for this article, I learned Ms. Rachel has an entire 22-minute speech practice video for toddlers that focuses on automobiles. When Hayden’s old enough to use the lessons in it, I’ll make sure to watch it with him.

I know all this is more than likely pie in the sky because Hayden is so young that he’ll probably forget these early days, but that’s OK. For now, I’ll keep trying to steer him toward (pun intended) an interest in cars because I really don’t know what he’s into (aside from Ms. Rachel). When I discover what exactly that is, I’ll stop. Then I’ll start listening to why he loves it so much.

The year 1956 marked a huge milestone for the automotive industry.

Made effective on June 29 of that year was the “Federal-Aid Highway Act,” also known as the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act. It was the basis upon which about 41,000 miles of interstate would be constructed (with a $25 billion budget) over a decade-long period. At the time, it was the largest public works project in American history. Motoring would never be the same. And perhaps one of the first cars to benefit from the use of those new roadways was this Pontiac.

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1956 Pontiac Safari Custom Wagon. The car is being sold by a private seller in Madera, California, and the auction will end Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).

Finished in Shadow Gray and Cream White, the car is dressed to the gills with lots of brightwork, including twin “silver streaks” (a Pontiac trademark for the era) running down the hood. The listing says that it has been owned by the seller since 2006. Features include upgraded headlights, dual side mirrors, and chrome exhaust outlets. Footwork is provided by a set of 17-inch chrome Ridler wheels wrapped in 215/55 Toyo Extensa A/S tires.

For model years 1955 through 1957, the Safari served as a General Motors A-body platform counterpart to the Chevrolet Nomad. It was a two-door (plus the rear door) hardtop station wagon with standard two-tone paint. According to sales data, there were 4,042 units sold for 1956. And, speaking of facts and figures, data tag decoding for this car reveals the following details:

• Style 56-2764: 1956 Model Year Chieftain Station Wagon
• Body CL 3544: Serialized Production Number
• Trim 278: Ivory and Dark Blue Upholstery
• Paint KV: Nimbus Gray and Avalon Blue Paint

The Safari’s versatile interior was perhaps its strongest selling point. One advertisement said, “Pontiac creates an entirely different type of car combining Catalina smartness and station wagon utility.” The rear seat was able to fold down to maximize cargo area space. The interior of this custom Safari has some special options like a custom center console up front, auxiliary gauges, and an ice chest located in the rear spare tire compartment.

Under the hood is a 350ci small-block V8 connected to a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. Features include a 650-cfm four-barrel carburetor, an aluminum intake manifold, polished aluminum valve covers, a chrome air cleaner housing, and an electric fan. An oil change was performed in March 2024.

Today, the original 41,000-mile planned United States interstate highway system spans a total of 48,890 miles. What better way to get out and explore the country than from behind the wheel of a classic Pontiac?

The auction for this 1956 Pontiac Safari Custom Wagon ends Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery