Journal Classic Cars

High stakes, fast-paced competition, head-turning cars – those sound like the things you’d see in a new action movie, don’t they? They’re also what you’ll find at a Barrett-Jackson auction. One of the stunning vehicles that crossed the block on Super Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction was an award-winning, meticulously restored 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe. After all the bids were in, the hammer dropped at $2.53 million. The best part? The proceeds will benefit charity.

Like many iconic performance cars, the Gullwing’s origins can be traced back to racing, specifically the Mercedes W194 endurance racer. The resemblance between the two cars is undeniable: Both have a long hood and a short deck, and use spaceframe construction, which resulted in the distinctive upward-opening doors. Like its racing ancestor, the Gullwing is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six, although it uses direct fuel injection instead of the W194’s trio of Solex downdraft carburetors. According to the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Archive, the Gullwing’s M198 engine generates 215 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. Routed through a four-speed manual gearbox, those figures enable it to fly to speeds as high as 161 mph.

If it wasn’t for a meeting between the Daimler-Benz board of directors and Mercedes’ U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Gullwing might not have ever been made. Hoffman’s lobbying for a sports car to sell in the American market resulted in the debut of the 300 SL coupe at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York.

Ultimately, Mercedes made 1,400 Gullwings between 1954 and 1957. Production of this particular 300 SL was completed on August 12, 1955, after which it was shipped to the U.S. and sold to its first owner in Belmont, California. Following a series of subsequent owners, it was put into storage in the late 1970s. Under Hjeltness Restoration‘s expert care, this Gullwing received a comprehensive overhaul that was finished in 2008. The California-based shop, which specializes in 300 SLs, used its expertise to restore the drivetrain, suspension, interior, paint, chrome, and hardware to factory-correct condition. The Gullwing went on to stun an all-new generation of enthusiasts, winning Best Show Car honors at the 2008 International Gull Wing Convention and the prize for Best in Show at the 2011 San Marino Motor Classic. Most recently, it was serviced by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA to keep it roadworthy for years to come.

When it comes to iconic vehicles, originality and documentation can be just as significant as the condition and specifications. Despite the passage of more than 70 years, this 300 SL crossed the auction block at WestWorld of Scottsdale with its matching-numbers chassis, body, engine, differential, and steering box. In addition, it went to its new owner with extensive restoration documentation, tools, supporting records, and even factory-correct fitted luggage. The lucky bidder not only received a bona fide classic, but also the satisfaction of knowing that proceeds from the $2.53 million price go directly to the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation, which provides emergency assistance to California Highway Patrol employees and scholarships for their children.

Be sure to check out the docket of vehicles and automobilia that will be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction tomorrow. Register to bid here and buy your tickets here. If you can’t make it to the event, you can watch it live by clicking this link.

Three-hundred seventy vehicles crossed the block yesterday in what could be called Fantastic Friday because Day 7 was nothing but at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Much to the delight of spectators and bidders alike, some of the best auction moments of the week staked their claim, including two charity vehicles that raised awareness—and $1,425,000—for two fantastic (there’s that word again!) causes.

The mightiest charity vehicle was undeniably the above 1972 Chevrolet C50 Custom Pickup built by Constance Nunes. One-hundred percent of the hammer price is to benefit the ForeBatten Foundation, whose mission is to provide funding, support, and hope for children with Batten disease, an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by genetic mutations. The truck initially garnered $200,000, then was immediately and donated back three more times to raise $875,000 in total.

The second charity car is a familiar sight to Barrett-Jackson attendees and online spectators: Ford GT. This 2005 model has been in the hands of its original owner, but now it’s in the hands of someone else who gave $550,000 to benefit the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation. This charity was founded by the NASCAR driver and his family to raise brain health awareness and resources to folks and families dealing with an Alzheimer’s disease or concussion awareness.

Other fantastic Friday events included a Shelby American reveal with the new Shelby GT350/TA, a Trans Am racing-inspired Mustang with 830 horsepower on tap. And making its first-ever Barrett-Jackson appearance was Major League Drone Racing, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Here are the Top 10 sales from January 23, 2026, which includes three fantastic 1969 Camaro Z/28 RS cars (click on each car below to be taken to its docket entry).

Saturday is bound to be bursting with excitement at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction on par with the above, so be sure to buy your tickets or watch it live. If you have a space in your garage that needs to be filled, register to bid for an amazing collector vehicle or automobilia collectible.

I’ve been incredibly busy all week, but I made time to come up with another installment of Car Connections for you. I had the Random Word Generator do what it does best, then took the three words it gave me and found a way to relate them to cars somehow. This week’s words are expose, drawing, and breakdown.

Expose: Originally, I thought of exposed carbon fiber, but after I started looking for a car with the lightweight material, I began to drift toward Spyker. Remember that brand? It was founded as a carriage manufacturer by two Dutch brothers in 1880. Eighteen years later, the Spyker brothers produced their first automobile. Following decades of racing and setting endurance and speed records (as well as a merger with Dutch Aircraft Factory N.V.), Spyker shut down in 1925.

Three quarters of a century later, the Dutch automaker was resurrected as the creator of dramatic, flamboyant, mid-engine exotics with Audi power. One of its signature design elements is the exposed mechanical hardware for the available six-speed manual gearbox, as seen here in the supercharged Spyker C8 Preliator.

Drawing: Draw. Draw a bath. Bathtub. Nash! Specifically, the 1949-1951 era, which included models such as this 1949 Ambassador, aka “Tubby.” You can buy it on ClassicCars.com and make a splash at your local car show.

Breakdown: Believe it not, the first brand that came to mind was Toyota. But Toyotas are known for their reliability, right? Yes, but my first car, a 1992 Toyota Cressida that received a newer 3.0-liter I6 transplant installed by a series of shade-tree mechanics, broke down on me twice in a heavy rainstorm. Not long after that, it was replaced by a 1998 Acura Integra LS Sedan, which had its original engine and proved to be much more dependable.

How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. And be sure to share your ideas for random words to use in a future installment of Car Connections. Looking for your next Spyker, Nash, or Toyota? Check out ClassicCars.com and AutoHunter.com.

Chevrolet’s marketing slogan in 2018 was “Find New Roads.” The idea behind it was to shift perceptions away from nostalgia and toward forward-thinking. The motto was launched when many of the models in the Chevy lineup were about to receive a fresh look, and one of those was the seventh-generation Corvette. Featured on AutoHunter is a 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe – a model widely featured in the advertising under Chevy’s new branding. It is listed by a private seller in Elk Grove, California, and the auction will end on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).

As much as Chevy wanted to emphasize its future direction, we can’t help but feel nostalgic about Corvettes. After all, since 1953, the car has served as a showcase/halo car of American performance – oftentimes competing head-to-head with cars priced way above it. One of the Corvettes that raised the bar in the modern era was the Grand Sport – a track-focused version of the C7 Corvette that was acclaimed for superior handling and swift acceleration.

This Arctic White Grand Sport has only racked up 18,584 miles since it was new. The AutoCheck report gives it a clean bill of health, showing ownership in Tennessee, California, Arizona, and Oregon. The report also shows that recommended maintenance was performed at 17,197 miles, so it’s a turnkey “modern classic” that is ready to hit the road.

What were the key elements that made the Grand Sport such a powerhouse? The main ingredient was found under the hood: an LT1 6.2-liter V8 that Chevrolet rated at 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Added to that were a widened body, unique springs, Magnetic Ride Control, stabilizer bars, and an active exhaust system. Everything worked well together, and Car and Driver praised the car, saying, “It’s performance you can enjoy, thanks to the clear feedback from the steering and chassis as you near the grip limits.”

Speaking of grip, this ‘Vette received new Michelin Pilot Sports just 8,000 miles ago. Perhaps it’s appropriate that the interior is upholstered in Adrenaline Red, because the car is sure to get some juices flowing.

As for that memorable “Find New Roads” campaign from Chevy, here’s a great commercial that gives a glimpse of the Corvette Grand Sport in action. Which roads in your area are calling your name?

The auction for this 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe ends Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

It’s common to see people post things in social media like, “Rare doesn’t necessarily mean desirable!” and “It’s rare because no one wanted one!” However, these proclamations fail to consider the importance of context, which can turn these tropes inside-out. Our Pick of the Day is a car that wasn’t popular when it was new, but it’s unfair to say no one wanted it. This 1972 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com in Clarkston, Michigan.

In the past, we’ve written about the Buick GS and how it reached its peak in 1970. The typical Buick buyer tended to maintain his/her car relatively stock, so Buick engineers developed its engines to be exploited best with few, if any, modifications. When Buick increased the size of the 430 to 455 cubic-inches, the planets aligned and the engineers’ efforts paid off nicely in respect to more exotic machinery. No, the Stage 1 did not produce impressive horsepower—about 1 horsepower per 10 pounds—but it relied on a fat torque curve that started at a lower RPM than its competitors. That was the secret to become the performer that Motor Trend said, “A real performance Buick stock from the showroom. It’s been a long time arriving, but it looks like it’s here.” A decent 2,697 were built in 1970, including 232 convertibles, which was on par for other competitive makes and engines.

Then, for 1971, compressions were lowered across the board at General Motors in anticipation for federalized rules for the following year. Once featuring a 10.0:1 compression, the Stage 1 fell to 8.5:1. Once rated at 360 horsepower, the Stage 1 was now rated at 345. However, road tests of the time didn’t suggest the Stage 1 had the same giant-killer virtues as it had in 1970. Sales fell to 882, including 81 convertibles. Yet when someone says, “It’s so rare because no one wanted one!” it almost seems to suggest that there was no demand for this or similar cars—quite the opposite, actually, but insurance had been putting strangling surcharges on performance and sporty cars for several years already, making it difficult to afford a vehicle beyond its purchase and hence impacting sales. Additionally, the demographic that had been buying performance cars was evolving—even maturing—as was their needs; convertible demand was slowing for a similar reason.

Interestingly, GS production remained relatively steady for 1972, falling from 9,170 to 8,575. Stage 1 production fell to 809, including 81 convertibles. We can add the premise that no one wanted one because new emissions standards could make a used, high-compression version much more desirable.

So here we have this 1972 Buick GS Stage 1 convertible. Marginal changes were made for ‘72, mainly black trim around the headlights and taillights, and a grille header on top of a blackened grille. According to records from the Sloan Museum, only two Regal Black cars were built out of the 81. Seller says the 455 is properly date-coded and built to 1970 specs, giving the best of both worlds. Note the ram air boots that are different shapes—that’s a special 1972 emissions thing that contrasts with the identical pair used for 1970-71. Other features include power steering and front disc brakes, air conditioning, tilt wheel with Rallye steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM stereo, N25 exhaust tips, 3.42 limited-slip, factory sway bar, 15-inch and more—quite the option list!

This brings us back to “rare doesn’t necessarily mean desirable!”—likewise, desirable doesn’t necessarily mean rare. This Buick would be desirable regardless of rarity, but it’s fun to tell people it’s one of 81. We will also create the premise that there are few cars that are both rare and desirable that can be bought as reasonably as this $75,900 Gran Sport.

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

During Monterey Car Week 2025, we talked with Borro and learned how it helps collectors and enthusiasts access liquidity without selling the things they have spent years acquiring. Borro specializes in luxury asset-backed loans, meaning you can use high-value items such as luxury watches, jewelry, designer handbags, fine art, and even collectible cars as collateral in a process that is fast, discreet, and light on paperwork. In this video, we find out how Borro’s valuations work, which kinds of assets it typically accepts, and why its style of financing makes sense when you need capital on a short timeline but want to keep ownership of your assets. For the trusted source in liquidity when you need it most, call Borro today at (720) 458-6788 or learn more at borro.com.

Winter can be a lovely time of year, especially here in Scottsdale, Arizona, but judging by Thursday’s top 10 sales at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, many people are looking forward to spring. That would explain why so many of the 10 spots on the list, which hammered for a total of more than $1.76 million, went to convertibles. And as the three charity car sales show, it’s always a good time to contribute to charitable causes.

A 454-powered Chevrolet Camaro coupe and a Nomad wagon took the two spots at the top of the list, but the next five vehicles – whether you call them a convertible or a Volante – after those were made for open-air drives.

Of course, sports cars and SUVs are perennially popular, so a 993 Porsche 911, first-generation Ford Bronco, and classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer rounded out the top 10.

Just below those vehicles, you’ll notice three additional entries. As usual, Barrett-Jackson also auctioned vehicles to benefit worthy causes. A modified 2018 Jeep Wrangler built by Doetsch Off-Road in collaboration with Mattel and Matchbox brought in $110,000 for the Gas Monkey Foundation, which is “dedicated to advancing the fight against Alzheimer’s and supporting first responders and veterans.” A customized 1965 Ford Mustang convertible sold for the same price, all of which went to notMYkid, an organization that helps youth, families, and schools successfully handle addiction and mental health. A 2004 AM General Humvee also crossed the block, generating $75,000 for the Fighter Country Foundation, which helps the men, women, families, and mission of Luke Air Force Base

Which vehicles will make the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction’s top 10 Friday sales? Come back to the ClassicCars.com Journal to find out. And be sure to look at the docket of vehicles and automobilia that will be crossing the auction block tomorrow. Going to the auction? Register to bid here and buy your tickets here. If you can’t make it to the event, you can watch it live by clicking here.

With about 2,000 cars on the WestWorld premises, there’s a vehicle for every purse and purpose at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Outside in the sunny skies, there are eight tents housing many of the vehicles that cross the block. What will you find under Tent 3? Here are several that stood out.

1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7
This is an unusual one because it looks like any 351 two-barrel Cougar out there, but this XR-7 is different because of the 428 Cobra Jet underneath the hood. Why no markings to indicate the storm brewing within? Because it was built without ram air induction, so there’s no hood scoop or stripes that may give a hint. In Mercury-speak, this is called a Q-code, as the R-code was the CJ that included ram air. Additionally, it has the neat rocker trim and side mirrors that were part of the Sports Special promotional package available for standard Cougars. Only 172 XR-7 Q-codes were built, with 32 having the four-speed.

1952 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
Chryslers of this era haven’t garnered much attention because their styling is a bit too conservative, especially compared to General Motors, but they’re very large, solid vehicles. Some may even have the 331 Hemi, an important engine in the evolution of the “Horsepower Wars.” This one reportedly has just over 16,000 miles, which means I wouldn’t want to drive it around, but this rarity will suit someone who is more inclined to pamper it for the rest of its life, just like the current owners who have maintained it for 38 years.

1919 Pierce-Arrow Model 31 Touring
Even back in the infancy of the American automobile, Pierce-Arrow showed distinction by having trademark headlights on the front fenders, which gave it what could be considered a more modern look compared to its contemporaries. This one is powered by a massive 415ci dual-valve inline-six paired with a four-speed manual—makes 1960s three-speeds sound antiquated, no?  Having spent much of its lifetime in the California Central Valley, it was acquired in 2007 and restored, now living the easy life. This is the epitome of “ornate craftsmanship with advanced engineering.”

1936 Oldsmobile F-36 Sport Coupe
There is something special about an old 1930s coupe with a rumble seat. This 1936 Oldsmobile F-36 Sport Coupe was one of two available coupes, with the Business Coupe eschewing the rumble seat for a large trunk. Power comes from a 213ci inline six with 90 horsepower (a 100-horse L-head eight was available too) backed by a floor-shifted three-speed. It is finished in black paint complemented by a tan OE-style interior. A few years later, Oldsmobile would be the recipient of the world’s first automatic transmission.

1988 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Kids in high school in the 1980s dreamed about this car. Perhaps a 5.0 LX is more tasteful to the eyes of an older gent or lassie but, back then, those louvers and ground effects were an exciting addition to the 14-second ETs that some cars were pulling. This 1988 GT has all the right stuff, from the five-speed manual to 3.08 gears, power windows, speed control, and AM/FM/cassette, plus it has a low 16,521 miles—kudos to the original owner, who kept it till 2023. If mothballing a car is not offensive to your sensibilities, then this Bright Regatta Blue Metallic ragtop is a primo choice for 1980s romantics.

The pace picked up on Wednesday the 21^st at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction—more vehicles crossed the block, and we enthusiasts had about 12 hours of action and more than 300 collectible cars and trucks. In addition, Barrett-Jackson announced that it has been named the Official Pace Car Sponsor for the American Heart Association’s 2026 Phoenix Heart Walk fundraising event.

American makes continue to dominate, though we have through January 25 to see if foreign brands make inroads—if history is any indication, imports may shake things up in the ensuing days. For now, here’s what sits at the Top 10 (click each vehicle name below to see its docket entry).

Will Thursday bring more foreign brands to the Top 10? Will more modern vehicles populate the next tally? You can find out by watching the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction online (click here) or reading about it tomorrow here at The ClassicCars.com Journal. Want to place a bid on one of the vehicles or automobilia crossing the block? Register here! Want to attend? Buy your tickets here!

Step back in time… but don’t take your time deciding.

For generations of car lovers, the ’57 Chevrolet has stood as the crown jewel of Detroit’s golden era — a rolling symbol of chrome, tail fins, and American confidence. Now that icon has been reborn as a world-class restomod, and it could be yours. But this exclusive ’57 Chevy Dream Giveaway closes on January 31, 2026. When the clock runs out, entries stop — and one lucky donor takes home the keys. Click here to enter now!

If you’ve ever admired jaw-dropping ’57 Chevy restomods crossing the Barrett-Jackson auction stage, this grand prize will feel instantly familiar. It’s a no-expense-spared build that belongs among the most elite Tri-Five Chevys in the country — a car that blends timeless design with modern muscle and refinement.

Finished in stunning Red Fire Pearlcoat and paired with a hand-stitched Italian leather interior, this Chevy is more than transportation. It’s a statement. Every angle, every surface, every detail was crafted to honor the original while pushing performance and comfort into modern territory.

Under the hood lives a 620-horsepower Chevrolet Performance 572ci big-block, backed by a Richmond five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip 9-inch rear end. This is hands-on driving at its finest — big torque, big sound, and total driver involvement every time you row through the gears.

Modern upgrades make it just as enjoyable to drive as it is to admire. You’ll enjoy air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes, power steering and brakes, custom gauges, and polished wheels wrapped in wide performance rubber. Beneath it all sits an Art Morrison Tri-5 GT Sport chassis, widely regarded as the finest Tri-Five restomod chassis available anywhere.

The ’57 Chevy remains one of the most desirable classics in the world — and this one is in a league of its own. Picture it parked in your garage, idling at a show, or cruising the open road on a perfect weekend drive. Enter now!

If your entry number is the lucky one, Dream Giveaway will even cover $10,000 in prize taxes, helping you take delivery of this $400,000 dream machine with confidence.

But remember — January 31, 2026 is the deadline. Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by.

Enter now for your chance to win this legendary ’57 Chevy restomod — and support veterans’ and children’s charities through Dream Giveaway at the same time.