Journal Classic Cars

The SJ Jeep Wagoneer (Grand Wagoneer starting in 1984) is a handsome vehicle, but it’s not exactly rare: between 1963 and 1991, Jeep cranked out hundreds of thousands of them. However, it never built one like our Pick of the Day, a 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer custom convertible. It’s listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Indiana.

The original Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer was known for its combination of four-wheel-drive capability and luxury features. You could wear a suit and take it to a upscale restaurant, or shorts and flip flops and drive it to the beach—either way, you’d fit right in. The only catch is that if you took an SJ by the water, the closest you could get to an open-air driving experience was cruising with all the windows down; you couldn’t remove the roof as if you were in a CJ.

Technically, you can’t do that with this Grand Wagoneer either. That’s because the metal roof has already been cut off and replaced with a beige removable bikini top, which covers the roll cage over both rows of seats.

The missing roof (and windows) may be the most noticeable part (or lack thereof) of this Spinnaker Blue Grand Wagoneer, but it’s not the only significant change. According to the selling dealer, it was restored in 2020, with the cabin furnished with new beige upholstery. Some modifications have also been made, such as the black rubber flooring and black fabric door panels.

This rig is meant for letting in the elements, but that can sometimes do damage, so the speakers connected to the modern head unit are marine-grade, and the floor of the rear cargo compartment has been lined with a protective coating.

Rolling through a coastal town should be a stress-free experience thanks to the rebuilt 360ci V8, which can send its power to the rear or all four refinished wheels, plus their new BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires.

Are you ready for summer vacation? Of course you are. Who isn’t? You can feel the wind in your hair and sun on your skin in this distinctive 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer custom convertible for $42,900.

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

If there’s anything I’ve learned from being a car enthusiast for most of my life, it’s that the automotive community has a “family” feel to it. I’ve watched car-club friends raise children, land their dream jobs, and travel the world. The Honda network is an extended family to me, so visiting the American Honda headquarters’ campus in the Los Angeles area is a bit like visiting home and seeing relatives.

Honda hosts bi-monthly meetups called “Cars, Bikes & Coffee” at its campus in Torrance. Each occasion is themed around a specific topic—for example, a recent one was all about rugged off-road travel, and another was racing-focused. Here is a story I wrote about last summer’s visit in my 1989 Honda Prelude. This time, I made the six-hour, 400-mile trek in a car not nearly as classic: my 2013 Acura ILX.

Charitable cause

Honda has a long-standing history of community involvement when it comes to collaboration with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The Foundation, founded in 1991, funds childhood brain cancer research to cure kids, support families affected by the disease, and advocate for policies that help those involved. For this occasion, Honda partnered with a charity called Ride for Kids. There was a special section set apart for the Ride for Kids attendees at the venue.

Stand-out vehicles

One cool thing about Honda’s event is that it’s open to any make or model. Here were some of the noteworthy cars that caught my eye at the June 21 event.

1964 Chrysler 300 convertible

While most of the vehicles on display were polished to perfection, I loved seeing this 300 in all its unrestored glory. In this car’s case, I believe the car on display was a more affordable non-letter version of the 300-K. Check out that interior!

1969 Chevrolet El Camino

Sharing underpinnings with the midsized A-body Chevelle, the unmistakable El Camino was Chevrolet’s “coupe utility” that combined the driving dynamics of a car with the versatility of a pickup. I especially enjoyed the red paint and the American Racing wheels on this one. Based on how clean the interior of the bed was, it hadn’t done much hauling recently.

1980 Toyota Celica GT Liftback

Speaking of utility, the Celica GT Liftback was a versatile car in its day, too. The “A50” version (produced from 1980 to 1981) received square headlights in place of the prior round ones. An available GT variant came with alloy wheels, honeycomb grille, and enhanced interior appointments. Power was provided by a “20R” 2.2-liter inline-four with a five-speed manual transmission. Love the window louvers.

1985 Honda CRX Si

Honda called this compact the “unexpected sports car.” While primarily designed with economy travel in mind, its lightweight construction (at only 1,840 pounds) and fuel-injected engine gave it some performance credentials. The CRX was a two-seater with a bargain retail price of just $7,999 when new. This example was on display inside Honda’s collection hall—likely an uber-low-miler!

1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL

My friend Bill showed me the process for folding down the blue soft-top on his clean R107 SL, and then he let me have a seat behind the wheel. The textures and controls oozed quality—even at nearly 40 years old. Bill told me the car was featured on Wheeler Dealers’ YouTube channel back in 2018. When it came to two-seat roadsters, the SL was well-known for its status—and the power from its 5.6-liter V8.

Plan your visit

Honda’s event always delivers fun and, as the company has shown, can also promote charitable causes. If you are ever planning to visit Southern California, the American Honda Collection Hall is located inside the lobby and is open to the public during regular weekday business hours. Honda’s campus is located at 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90505.

The next official “Cars, Bikes & Coffee” event, themed around heritage, will be held on August 16, 2025. Stay tuned to the American Honda Collection Hall’s website for information.

It was great to reconnect with friends from SoCal and beyond! Join the fun next time.

The folks who bring you your favorite automotive spectacular are making a big splash on Saturday, July 5, 2025—that’s when Barrett-Jackson and Gila River Resorts & Casinos host what will be the coolest pool party of the summer. Open to hotel guests and day pass ticket holders, the Pool Party serves as part of an exciting summer escapade that culminates with Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Fall Auction this coming October.

Festivities commence at noon at the Oasis Pool at Wild Horse Pass. Located a convenient 20 minutes from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, this AAA Four-Diamond-awarded hotel is a fine way to spend the long weekend celebrating the birth of America.

Start off with a dip in the pool while you enjoy Barrett-Jackson swag like a pool float, sunglasses, and koozie. Then, enjoy the display of collector cars straight out of the Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom like the above Smoke Silver Mustang.

If you’re local, Pool Party day passes are available for purchase at the resort’s front desk on the day of the event. A Pool Pass is included if you book a room for the long weekend.

Near the beginning of this year, I wrote a piece about the Rolls-Royce Phantom being the epitome of luxury automobiles for the past 100 years. Its lineage started with the New Phantom, a.k.a. Phantom I, which means one of the most visually distinctive Rolls-Royces ever made is also a century old: the 1925/1934 Phantom I “Round Door.”

If you’re not familiar with this one-off coupe, you’re probably wondering why the Round Door is identified as both a 1925 and a 1934. Let’s just say money can buy you options.

This Rolls was originally configured with a Cabriolet body by the coachbuilders at Hooper & Co. for its first owner, Anna Thompson Dodge, the wife of Broadway and silent film actor Hugh Dillman. You might recognize her last name, which she took when she married her previous husband: Horace Elgin Dodge, a co-founder of the Dodge Brothers Company.

This Phantom was purchased by the the Raja of Nanpara in India, and then it changed hands once again, with the new owner sending it to Jonckheere in Belgium for a custom body with a sloping radiator grille cover, twin sunroofs, semicircular fender skirts, louvered rear end, side-hinged trunk cover with a prominent fin and, true to the car’s name, round doors. As neat as those doors are, perhaps what’s even cooler is the dramatic way in which the windows open.

By the 1950s, this creation was a battered heap residing in New Jersey. A subsequent owner named Max Obie had it painted gold and charged people $1 to see it within a semi trailer. Over the following decades, it spent time on the East Coast and even Japan before being acquired by the Petersen Automotive Museum in 2001 and restored.

Weighing 5,600 pounds and equipped with a 7,668cc I6 that only generates 110 horsepower, the nearly 20-foot-long Rolls-Royce Round Door is not exactly easy to drive. Then again, it wasn’t meant to be a performance machine; it was built to be a show car, winning the Prix d’Honneur at the 1936 Cannes Concours d’Elegance. You might not be able to see it on the show circuit any more, but you can get an eyeful at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Maybe I’ll see you there sometime because the Petersen is on my bucket list, along with the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, both Packard museums, the Studebaker National Museum . . .

Today, the AutoHunter Spotlight shines on a classic pickup with some attractive cosmetic and mechanical updates: a lowered 1970 Chevrolet C10 powered by a 350ci V8 connected to a TH400 three-speed automatic. This light blue and white C/K-series truck has a black vinyl and houndstooth cloth interior, and comes from an Oregon dealership with a clear title.

These days, classic American trucks stand out in a sea of crossovers; this short-bed C10 is especially eye-catching thanks to a bright blue body and white cab. Of course, it also has plenty of brightwork (plus a strip of woodgrain trim on the tailgate). Thanks to a Classic Performance Products lowering and handling kit, it sits three inches lower in the front and five inches lower in the back, which gives the truck a low, sporty stance on its handsome 20-inch US Mags Scottsdale wheels and new 255/35 radials.

Many trucks this age have been driven hard and it shows, but this C10’s black vinyl and black and white houndstooth cloth upholstery looks nice and fresh. The same goes for the dashboard, woodgrain trim, and carpeting. There’s even more wood on the rim of the three-spoke steering wheel, which is connected to power steering.

Straight-six engines used to be commonplace in pickups, but the I6 in this one has been replaced with the perennially popular 350ci V8. The engine is connected to a four-barrel carburetor, TH400 three-speed automatic, and dual exhaust system. A 3.07:1 12-bolt rear end delivers the upgraded engine’s power to the road; power front disc and rear drum brakes keep it in check.

If this 1970 Chevrolet C10 is the right mix of yesteryear and modern times for you, bid on it now. The auction for it ends on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The 1960s were all about the youth market. Plenty of models that looked sporty but didn’t quite have the performance to match—witness the Mustang 2+2, AMC Marlin, Dodge Charger, and many others that looked fast but were quite the opposite in standard configuration. Our Pick of the Day is one of those vehicles that had broad appeal for the masses, though its story is a bit different. This 1970 Ford Torino SportsRoof is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sherman, Texas.

When Ford introduced its redesigned Fairlane series for 1968, there were many changes in the lineup. Gone was the bucket-seat XL and GT models, now replaced by the Torino and Torino GT; unlike for 1966-67, only the Torino GT came with bucket seats standard, with the Torino featuring a fancy bench seat instead. For the GT, there were now three body styles available, as a fastback was added to the roster.

This fastback was also available as a Fairlane 500, Ford’s mid-size bread-and-butter model. It was among five ways to go, which included a two-door hardtop and convertible, four-door sedan, and wagon. The Fairlane 500 fastback was available with all engines, six and V8, including both the 390 and (starting in April) 428 Cobra Jet, though those engine were rarely ordered. And though Ford offered the Fairlane 500 fastback as a cheaper, more pedestrian alternative to the Torino GT, it was the Torino GT fastback that was the biggest seller among the whole Fairlane series by a large margin.

Ford’s marketing department decided to brand all fastbacks “SportsRoof” for 1969. In addition to the Torino GT and Fairlane 500 SportsRoof offerings, Ford introduced a new performance model—Cobra—which was available as a SportsRoof, making three fastbacks within the mid-size series.

For 1970, Ford redesigned its mid-size series. Gone was the Fairlane, with the series now buttressed by the Fairlane 500 (and, come mid-year, the Falcon) and topped by the all-new Torino Brougham. The Fairlane 500 was now only available as three body styles: two-door hardtop, four-door sedan, and station wagon—no more convertible or SportsRoof. The Torino (knocked down one rung in the hierarchy) now played the bread-and-butter role among Ford’s mid-size series and offered four body styles: two-door hardtop, four-door hardtop, four-door sedan, and station wagon. There was no SportsRoof to succeed the 1969 Fairlane 500 SportsRoof when the 1970 model year debuted.

But on December 16, 1969, Ford announced the Torino SportsRoof in a Car Merchandising News Flash bulletin. “The exceptional sportsroof [sic] styling of the 1970 Torino GT and the Torino Cobra will now be available in the standard Torino series.” In another dealer item, Ford claimed “adding Torino SportsRoof to the economy segment brings this sales-marketing feature within reach of an enormous cross-section of car buyers,” touting a price $164 cheaper than a Torino GT—“a sporty alternative to offer the GT enthusiast who can’t quite afford the higher series unit.” The Torino SportsRoof had appeal to Torino GT shoppers who need a car for less money, or any sporty compact buyer (like a Mustang) who wants to move up in vehicle size but still get a sporty-looking car in the same price range.

Not many people selected the Torino SportsRoof and opted for four-barrel engines with any semblance to horsepower, but this Medium Red 1970 Torino SportsRoof was ordered with the 300-horsepower “M-code” 351-4V. This engine was on the cusp between regular consumers seeking a bit more horsepower and the first step for enthusiasts who wanted to go fast. In fact, only 631 folks opted for this 351 paired with the FMX Select-Shift Cruise-O-Matic. In addition to the engine, this Torino features the optional 3.25 axle ratio, F70x14 belted whitewall tires, power front disc brakes, AM radio, tinted glass all-around, and argent Styled Steel wheels (one of 109 so equipped, according to Marti Auto Works). Note the lack of power steering! Seller claims 99,467 miles on this unusual Blue Oval. Judging by the pictures, the interior has been changed from the Black cloth and vinyl bench seat to all-vinyl, and the wheels are now Magnum 500s. Other observations include the addition of an FM tuner and 8-track tape player.

If you’re a regular guy or gal who tends to fall under the bell curve of life but whose automotive whims fall under the fringes, then this $28,500 Ford checks all the boxes.

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

Ford has such a long, rich history of producing vehicles in the U.S. that it’s easy to assume it has the most significant ones in a museum. Yes, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation has vehicles in it, but those aren’t its main focus. As the following video from CBS Saturday Morning shows, it wasn’t until several years ago that Ford became serious about organizing a collection of significant models here.

According to Ford historian Ted Ryan, Henry Ford II was of the opinion that Ford Motor Company should build cars, not collect them. Luckily, current CEO Jim Farley has a different way of looking at things, but it took him visiting a Ford collection in the UK to realize there should be something similar in the States. In late 2023, he sent out an email which said, “Go find the best of the vehicles in America and find a way to get them together so that our employees can learn from what we’ve done and enjoy the best of what Ford has done over the years,” as Ryan puts it.

After that, other Ford employees started coming out of the woodwork to tell Ryan about the cars they had squirreled away in various company buildings, such as the first F-150 and the last Mustang produced at Dearborn Assembly in 2004.

Overall, the Ford Heritage Fleet totals approximately 500 vehicles, nearly 200 of which are in the United States. Fifty of those are currently housed in the executive parking garage at Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. They range from first- and second-generation GT supercars to the doomed Ranger EV of the late-1990s and the 2004 Bronco concept, along with plenty of other one-offs that never made it into production. Of course, there are plenty of Mustangs in the collection, including the 10-millionth produced and the 2015 model that was disassembled, carried up the Empire State Building in pieces, and then put back together on the 86th floor to commemorate the pony car’s 50th anniversary.

If you were in charge of the Ford Heritage Fleet, what would you add to it? A first-year Thunderbird? A Harley-Davidson F-150? A 1968 Mustang GT 390? Tell us in the comments below.

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega hatchback coupe. This model, produced from 1975-76, was supposed to be the future of high-performance cars in America but, due to emissions issues and high cost, the Cosworth Vegas didn’t quite make the bang that was anticipated. Powering this Bow Tie is an aluminum, fuel-injected 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four with four valves per cylinder—pretty heavy stuff at the time regardless of country of origin. This particular ’76 is equipped with the optional five-speed manual, manual front disc brakes, racing mirrors left and right, gold cast-aluminum wheels, and more. Painted Black with gold stripes over a black vinyl interior, this landmark car is offered by the selling dealer with the original owner’s manual, sales brochures, and clear title.

One of 1,447 built for 1976, this Cosworth Vega is painted Black with complementary gold striping. Other features include dual racing mirrors and gold, 13-inch cast-aluminum wheels, which are wrapped in 205/70 Grand AM Radial GT tires.

The Custom black vinyl interior features a pair of bucket seats (adjustable on the driver’s side) with a manual shifter mounted in-between on the floor. Other features include engine-turned instrument panel, four-spoke sport steering wheel, manual steering, and manual left-hand remote mirror. Additions include an aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo with Pioneer rear speakers, and an added power outlet.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the temperature, voltage, and fuel. A clock is also housed among the gauges, and an aftermarket Sunpro gauge is mounted underneath the dashboard. The odometer shows 54,446 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The aluminum 122ci DOHC four-cylinder features electronic fuel injection and factory headers, giving it a factory rating of 110 horsepower. This little powerhouse is hooked up to a five-speed manual.

The undercarriage features manual front disc brakes and a single exhaust exiting from behind the rear left tire.

The Cosworth Vega held plenty of promise in a time when everything at dealerships were mega-bummers. Eager performance, ahead-of-the-curve specs, and Cosworth tie-in make this 1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega hatchback coupe a Malaise-era pocket rocket before that term was coined. Don’t get caught napping if you plan to make a bid on this rare vehicle—the auction ends on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Now’s your chance to win not just one, but two iconic pieces of American muscle car history—all while supporting the families staying at Ronald McDonald House Central Valley.

First up is a true classic: the 1965 Pontiac GTO. Known as the original muscle car, this GTO boasts a powerful 389 V8 engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and unmistakable style. Features include power steering, power front disc brakes, posi-traction rear differential, power windows, and more.

But that’s not all—you could also win a stunning 1969 Camaro SS in Lemans Blue. Inside, it’s outfitted with striking black-and-white houndstooth upholstery, factory in-dash tachometer, Rosewood steering wheel, and a beautifully restored dash with woodgrain trim. Under the hood, a built, date-correct 396CI engine puts out 375HP, paired with a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission, Edelbrock Air Gap intake, Holley 750 CFM carburetor, and MSD ignition. This true Super Sport was lovingly restored and it shows—from the immaculate engine bay to its smooth drivability.

Every ticket you buy helps keep families together during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Ronald McDonald House Central Valley offers a “Home Away From Home” for families with children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The House features 18 private guest rooms with two queen beds, TVs, and restrooms, plus shared kitchens, laundry, and living spaces. Families stay for an average of 15 nights—sometimes much longer—and never receive a bill.

Your donation makes this possible. Show your support today and enter to win at www.rmhccv-win.com.
Use code CLASSICCARS at checkout for a special offer!

Let’s come together to support these families—and maybe drive away in your dream car!

Of all the classic David Brown-era Aston Martin models, the one I feel is the best value (and also the most usable and pleasant to drive) is the DB6. I know some of you think the DB6 is not nearly as good a car—either as a styling exercise or as a driver—when compared to the DB4 or 5, but I beg to disagree.

There are a few big reasons for this. First, the DB6 is the most comfortable of the classic Aston Martin DBs. It has more headroom and legroom and is a perfect GT car. Second, I actually love the updated Kamm tail on the DB6; the car still has the classic DB4/5 lines but has that subtle update that made it more modern. Finally, of all the classic DB Astons, the DB6 is much less expensive than the earlier cars, so much so that I am calling it a bargain.

The Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 1966 Aston Martin DB6 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Southampton, NY.

The seller describes this DB6 as a nicely optioned left-hand-drive US-market example finished in the classic livery of British Racing Green over tan Connolly leather trim. Its chassis and twin-cam 3,995 DOHC inline six-cylinder engine are matching and, unlike some DB6 cars that came with automatic transmissions, it is equipped with a desirable 5-speed manual gearbox. Options include electric windows, Blaupunkt radio, and electric antenna.

The seller also provides this car’s recent service history, which includes a new fuel pump, new fuel sender, new fuel lines, rebuilt carbs, a full brake service with a rebuilt master cylinder, and a new battery.

Most importantly, this car includes its original owner’s manual, Heritage Trust Certificate, and factory service manual. According to the seller, this DB6 is in excellent condition and has been fully sorted by vintage Aston Martin experts.

Now if this were a DB4 or 5, the price would be well in excess of $500,000 but, because it is a model many Aston “experts” don’t like as much, it is being offered for only $395,000. To me, that seems like a lot of car for the money.

If you have always wanted a classic Aston Martin, this DB6 may be the perfect choice (especially if you’re tall).

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