Chevrolet made the C3 Corvette for so long (1968-1982) that it can be hard to tell with a quick glance just which model year one of them is, especially if it’s passing you on the highway. But if you become the next owner of our Pick of the Day, a 1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Florida, it’ll be clear where it falls on the Corvette’s timeline.
There are a few reasons for that. Let’s start with the most obvious: the colors. To mark the end of the third-generation Vette, Chevy covered the 1982 Collector Edition in silver-beige metallic paint with pinstripes and fade-away striping on the hood, fenders, and doors. A pair of bronze-colored glass removable roof panels protected passengers from inclement weather. There’s more silver-beige metallic in the leather interior, with the bucket seats and door panels upholstered in an array of neutral colors.
Then there’s the equipment. The center console houses the shifter for the new-for-1982 four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Elsewhere in the cabin of this particular Collector Edition you’ll find power controls for the windows and mirrors, power locks, power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel on a tilt and telescoping column, and air conditioning. Fitting luggage in the back is easy thanks to the lift-up glass rear hatch, another new addition to the Corvette.
The 1982 model’s engine stayed the same size as before (5.7 liters), but came equipped with Cross-Fire Injection, which delivered gas through dual throttle-body fuel injectors. Output for the L83 was 200 horsepower at 4,200 rpm and 285 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 revs.
Over the past 43 years, this final-year C3 hasn’t been mothballed or driven into the ground. It’s actually been enjoyed (as all Corvettes should be), but not much: there are only 32,330 miles on it. For $39,997, you can add this 1982 Chevrolet Corvette Collector Edition to your collection of cool cars, then decide how many more miles you’ll put on the odometer.
Atomic Age magnificence and the Red Rocker converged at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction! Owned by Sammy Hagar, this 1962 Ford Thunderbird Landau was a new entry for the model year, adding sophisticated formality to the Thunderbird lineup thanks to a standard vinyl top and landau “S-bars” on the C-pillar. Horsepower from the standard 390 V8 was 300, which was more than enough to achieve cruising speeds exceeding 55. This space-age street rocket scored $69,300 for Sammy.
Currently on AutoHunter is this Shelby-esque 1966 Ford Mustang GT350 replica. This pony car has been transformed into a very nice street car with road-racing aspirations. Originally built as a Mustang hardtop, this vehicle has received a Dynacorn fastback conversion and a 358ci V8 transplant paired with a Toploader four-speed transmission. Finished in PPG Radiance Red with white band-aid and rocker stripes over a black and white “Pony” vinyl interior, this GT350 replica is offered by a private seller in California with restoration receipts and a clear title.
Originally a Mustang hardtop, this vehicle has been transformed into a 2+2 via a Dynacorn fastback conversion kit. The flanks are painted in Radiance Red paint, with overhead white stripes going from nose to tail and matching “GT350” stripes above the rocker panels. Other features include a hood scoop, rear brake scoops, C-pillar louvers, a driver-side mirror, Shelby gas cap, and GT-style exhausts poking out from the rear valence. Fifteen-inch American Racing Torq Thrust mags are wrapped in 205/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires.
The cabin is furnished with stylish black and white Pony vinyl bucket seats. Other interior features include four-point harnesses, a roll bar (welded to the frame), three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel with an Ididit tilt column, Hurst shifter, radio-delete plate, and more.
The instrument panel consists of a set of Intellitronix gauges that include a 160-mph speedometer and gauges for the oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, and fuel level. Auxiliary gauges include an 8,000-rpm tachometer and gauges for the oil pressure, water temperature, and voltage. The odometer currently shows 208 miles; the car’s title indicates it’s mileage-exempt.
The engine, a 358 Windsor V8 bored .040 over, is paired with a Toploader four-speed manual. An Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor sits atop an intake manifold from the same brand. Aluminum heads from Air Flow Research, Hedman shorty headers, and an MSD 6AL ignition box are other modifications to the small-block. The engine bay also features a Monte Carlo bar.
The undercarriage features an eight-inch Traction-Lok differential housing 3.31 gears. Other noteworthy highlights include Scott Drake progressive-rate front springs, Grab-A-Trak rear leaf springs, power front disc brakes, and a dual exhaust system with Turbo mufflers.
This 1966 Ford Mustang GT350 replica has a big bang-for-the-buck quotient that cannot be achieved by a regular Mustang or authentic Shelby. Whether you take it to the next car cruise or through mountain curves, we imagine you will enjoy yourself and that classic small-block burble. Be sure to prepare ahead of time with your bid because the auction ends on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
The last several years have been tough for owners of classic cars and trucks. Costs are surging for things like labor and parts while at the same time the average cost for auto insurance has increased 51% over the past 3 years. That is a growth rate six times faster than inflation overall according to The Consumer Price Index (CPI). Adding further strain on collectible vehicle owners is the limited options available when it comes to classic auto insurance. For decades, these owners have been faced with the same old confusing programs and complicated coverage options, not to mention many regularly getting notices of their rates going up even when they have good driving records and haven’t filed a claim. Given these market trends, it’s unsurprising to read reports that today 49% of auto insurance customers are actively shopping for more affordable rates.
Some Good News for Classic & Collectible Vehicle Owners
In all this market 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. The collector vehicle insurer has also seen significant interest among insurance agencies and brokerages, registering over 1,000 new partners in the past few months who are keen to have another option for their clients.
OpenRoad’s insurance program not only includes specialized coverages tailored to the unique needs of classic and modern collector vehicle owners, but their pricing models also account for the reduced accident frequency associated with collector vehicles, often resulting in far lower insurance rates. But OpenRoad goes above and beyond on pricing as well, offering additional discounts to car club members as well as customers who transfer their coverage from another classic car insurer.
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.”
“Easier to work with than other classic car insurance companies. We didn’t have to jump through hoops to get a policy.”
“Simple to use, fast to get coverage and very affordable rates! Who wouldn’t recommend such a company!!”
“Great rates and great service. Highly recommend. We have a lot of car friends!”
“Pricing was 20% lower than their direct competitor for the exact same coverage on multiple vehicles… These days, when insurance (cost) is outrageous, these people stepped up to the plate … Thank you, Open Road.”
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.
Delivering Superior Customer Service & Specialized Coverage
With OpenRoad, paying less definitely doesn’t mean getting less. In fact, their coverage goes above and beyond what many other programs out there can offer. In addition to getting all the standard coverage you’d expect with an 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.
Rapidly Expanding Across the U.S.
To keep up with the massive market demand that they’ve seen, OpenRoad has been rolling out its insurance program across the U.S., quickly growing coverage availability to 23. Don’t reside in one of their currently live states? Don’t worry, brand plans to operate in 30 states by the summer of 2025.
Many Toyota owners will attest – a 200,000-mile odometer reading is usually just the beginning. Longevity is one of the brand’s strongest suits, and the 4Runner sport-utility has been a popular vehicle for adventure-seekers for several decades. It has a longstanding legacy as a reliable, capable rig. In some magazine advertisements, Toyota called the 4Runner “The Answering Machine for the Call of the Wild.”
“This 4Runner has been carefully maintained by its owner – a mechanical engineer – for over 10 years,” the listing says. Despite the vehicle’s odometer reading of about 244,500 miles, it looks to be in remarkable shape both inside and out. The seller says the paint is original with exception of the hood, which was repainted in 2024.
The 4Runner nameplate has been around for over 40 years. It was first brought to market in 1983 with what Toyota called the “N60 series” three-door compact SUV. In other markets around the world, it was called the Hilux Surf. The 4Runner shared mechanical architecture with Toyota’s pickups of the time, and the same basic formula still holds true today: While most sport-utility vehicles now utilize unibody designs, the newest 4Runner is still built on a truck-style ladder frame (called the TNGA-F global truck platform).
The third-generation 4Runner was introduced in model year 1996 boasting a new design on an all-new chassis when compared to the outgoing model. It offered the highest ground clearance in its class, yet could be optioned with luxurious amenities like leather upholstery on upper trim models. In so doing, it paved the way for many of today’s modern SUVs. This example is an SR5 with tan cloth, but it’s still well-appointed with a power sunroof and other options. The seller has upgraded the factory sound system with a JVC head unit that has modern Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
About that long-lived engine: Power is sourced from a 3.4-liter V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The listing outlines some of the maintenance that has been carried out in the last year or so: Timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, steering rack, front CV axle, lower ball joints, power steering pump, alternator, battery, muffler, tires, charcoal canister, belts and hoses. This 4Runner easily has another quarter-million miles of life left in it with that kind of service history.
“This truck turns heads and draws compliments everywhere it goes. Please reach out if you are serious about wanting to make it yours,” the listing concludes.
Dad was working in Stamford, Connecticut when I moved to New York City for a new job in the summer of 2004. Visiting him was easy because the Metro-North Railroad made it a direct hour-long ride. During one of those visits, I spied what was possibly an “FK5” Deep Burnt Orange Metallic Plymouth B-body two-door coupe in a fenced-in lot. The taillights told me it likely was not a Road Runner, so the body-colored B-pillar meant there was a good chance it was a Belvedere. I wondered to myself, “What if it’s a 383 car?” Not only was the idea (and irony) of a Q-ship Belvedere equipped as a Road Runner just my style, but I also was well aware 383 Belvederes were as rare as any car out there (for some reason, my little “White Book” by Galen Govier doesn’t have production figures listed, but only 13 of the similar Dodge Coronet Deluxe coupe with the 383-4 were built for the U.S. market).
The standard interior for the 1970 Plymouth Belvedere Coupe (Courtesy of Hamtramck-Historical.com)
Fast-forward to 2009. I have been living in Connecticut—15 minutes north of Stamford—to be closer to a job that I no longer had, yet commuting back to NYC for my new job. On one January morning, I missed my usual Metro-North express train and was forced to take the next, local one. In between my feeble attempts at finishing office work and getting some shuteye, I noticed the very same Belvedere in the very same spot from five years before. I made a mental note of the Woodlawn stop and closed my eyes.
A similar car in better condition to what I had found (Image courtesy of barnfinds.com)
When tax time came around a few months later, I solicited the services of an accountant in the New York City borough of the Bronx. Looking at a map for driving directions told me he was by the Woodlawn stop. After my consultation, I hunted for the train stop to use it as a reference point. I knew the Plymouth was due north from the stop, so I hopped onto the Bronx River Parkway for the first time and drove one or two exits up to Mt. Vernon, which is on the cusp where Westchester County begins. Backtracking along the train’s route immediately led me to an industrial area that wasn’t open to traffic. I turned around and tried to find a street that was more traffic-friendly and closer to the tracks. With a bunch of one-way streets that often led me astray or in circles, I honed my approach till it led me back to the industrial area.
(Image courtesy of barnfinds.com)
This time, I drove all the way to the back to find a fenced lot with a sign that proclaimed NO TRESPASSING and some other mumbo-jumbo. I had a hunch this is where the Plymouth was sitting, so I inconspicuously parked beside in another lot. Approaching a man in a car in the off-limits lot, I asked if there was a porter I could speak with. He replied in the negative, somewhat confused, so I proceeded to tell him my story (as random as it sounds to anyone who’s not a car guy or gal) and what I was looking for. He mentioned this place was a police lot so I couldn’t look around, but he thought he may know about this bronze Plymouth and who owned it. He suggested I talk with the cops in the nondescript building that I apparently had passed earlier.
(Image courtesy of barnfinds.com)
The two policemen at the front desk were soon subjected to this strange story of a car seen from the train and trying to track it down. As luck would have it, one of the officers was a car guy and understood where I was coming from, so he escorted me to the lot. There, among the late-model vehicles was a forlorn Plymouth whose image had been pinned to my brain all these years. Indeed, it was a 1970 Belvedere coupe, one of 4,717 built. Dual exhausts poking under the rear bumper made my 383 dreams look promising as I rushed to the windshield to check for that all-important “N” in the fifth character of the VIN, only to find it was obscured. Undaunted, I opened the door and uncovered the VIN. A G-code—damn! That meant this Mopar was originally equipped with a pedestrian 318. Meanwhile, the cop was chatting me up about his old rides, a 1970 Cyclone Spoiler and Camaros among them. Opening the hood of the Belvedere and analyzing the data plate revealed it had originally been painted “FT6” Burnt Tan Metallic with a black vinyl top. As it sat, this old Plymouth was junk that had suffered from “Street Cruiser Syndrome” at some moment in its past and had been relegated to the indignity that many idle vehicles have suffered over the years.
(Image courtesy of barnfinds.com)
Discovering this Belvedere was not the diamond in the rough that I had hoped may appear like an underwhelming conclusion but, after five years of imagining this car as my entry into the Mopar ranks, it was the thrill of the chase that made it far from a disappointment.
Hot Wheels is world-famous for producing 1:64 die-cast automotive models since 1968. Now, 57 years later, we have the Mattel Brick Shop x Hot Wheels project, part of the Mattel Creations collectibles platform.
(Image courtesy of Mattel)
Yes, if you’ve been out of the loop since you were a kid, the world of Hot Wheels takes on many more forms—there’s plenty of instant-collectible projects for those who used to raid the aisle at Toys”R”Us. New is the Mattel Brick Shop , a new toy line for 2025 featuring kits with brick and metal parts for detailed builds of your favorite Hot Wheel cars. Even better, you can customize each build and transform the vehicle into something even more unique.
(Image courtesy of Mattel)
You can build among three available series in three scales:
Hot Wheels Speed Series (1:32)
Hot Wheels Elite Series (1:16)
Hot Wheels Premium Series (1:12)
Each set comes with a companion diecast.
(Image courtesy of Mattel)
Mattel has collaborated with several manufacturers so the “builds never compromise on accuracy or proportions.” These are the available building sets:
1:32
Maserati MC20
Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar
1:16
Corvette Grand Sport
’90 Acura NSX
1:12
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
(Image courtesy of Mattel)
These sets just dropped a few days ago but, alas, they appear to be sold out. Will more inventory become available? We don’t profess to know, but if you sign up for emails on the Mattel Creations page, you will be the first to know, plus any other Hot Wheel collectibles produced by this boutique arm of Mattel.
Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 1952 Chevrolet 3600 pickup, a custom build that was completed in 2022. It’s based on a 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu chassis and powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8, which is paired with a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. Finished in Octane Red over a black cloth and vinyl interior, this five-window pickup is now offered by the seller in Washington with a branded title indicating this truck is an antique vehicle.
The Octane Red exterior is accented with black bumpers and a matching grille, trim, and badges. Other features include a split windshield, running boards, rectangular side exhaust outlets, a stamped tailgate, and teardrop taillights.
This modified pickup connects to the road through a set of black and chrome 17-inch Ridler wheels wrapped in 235/45 front and 255/45 rear Toyo Extensa HP II radial tires.
The single cab has a bench seat upholstered in black and red cloth and black vinyl. Interior features include power windows and steering, a tilt steering column, an aftermarket four-spoke steering wheel, Vintage Air air conditioning, and a retro-style AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity.
As part of the custom build process, a set of Dolphin gauges, which includes a 140-mph speedometer and readouts for the fuel level, oil pressure, temperature, and voltage, was installed. The digital odometer shows 1,000 miles, but the title for this vehicle indicates it’s mileage-exempt.
Under the hood is an LS1 5.7-liter V8 equipped with body-color valve covers, a K&N air filter, polished headers, and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan. A 4L60E four-speed automatic delivers the engine’s output to the 3.70 rear end.
The LS1 draws fuel from a rear-mounted 1980 Chevrolet Camaro gas tank. Power Wilwood front disc brakes and a pair of rear drum brakes help this 3600 keep on truckin’.
If you’d like this updated classic pickup, bid on it now. The auction for this 1952 Chevrolet 3600 ends on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
When the 426 Hemi was introduced for street-going Plymouth and Dodge models for 1966, around 2,700 B-bodies ended up being built for homologation purposes. In contrast, when the redesigned Fairlane was introduced the same model year, Ford built only 57. Our Pick of the Day is one of these rare and unusual Blue Oval vehicles, a 1966 Fairlane 500 two-door hardtop. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Laval, Quebec, Canada.
Nineteen sixty-six was a big year for Ford: it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, introduced the 428, and the Fairlane GT became its answer to the Pontiac GTO. Available as a nicely trimmed hardtop or convertible, the Fairlane GT was advertised in a famous ad that appeared to be a recipe on cooking a tiger—a nod to the Fairlane cooking the “GeeTO Tiger” in performance. However, the truth was the opposite.
Everything about the Fairlane GT was tasteful and upscale, with generous touches of chrome trim everywhere, from the exterior and interior to the engine bay. However, the 335-horsepower 390 was not cutting it on the drag strip. Sure, Pontiac’s standard 389 was rated the same, but Pontiac also had Tri-Power with 360 horsepower, while Ford offered no optional engines. “Genuine Imitation Joins the Supercar Spectrum,” said Car Life in March 1966 after ripping 15.4 ETs. “The GTA’s problem is, quite simply, not enough power.”
So where did that “A” come from? Ford’s new Sport Shift Cruise-O-Matic Drive turned the GT into a GTA. What was unique about this transmission was the three gears (compared to the GTO automatic’s two) with a mechanism to permit both manual and automatic shifting.
However, in the spring of 1966, Ford introduced a Fairlane 500 hardtop with a 427 side-oiler. This car was produced for organized drag racing, though the Fairlane as built was quite stock. Why choose a Fairlane 500 hardtop instead of a Fairlane Club Coupe or even a Fairlane GT? No one knows, but all 57 built were identical: Wimbledon White with black interior, four-speed, fiberglass scooped hood, dual-quad 427, 3.89 limited-slip rear, transistorized ignition, extra cooling package, and 7.75 x 14-inch blackwalls.
Ford would increase the availability of the 427 for 1967 for all Fairlane models save, strangely, the GT (though one was built), and available with a single four-barrel as well. However, even with 230 built, the 1967 Fairlane 427 was not enough to make a strong impact against Brand X. That makes this 427-powered 1966 Fairlane 500 two-door hardtop quite an important artifact of Ford’s “Total Performance” days. Known as an R-code due to the engine code in the VIN, this sanitary Blue Oval is claimed to have 5,140 miles on the original driveline, engine, transmission, and differential. The original Firestone Deluxe Champions reside on the front, while M&H Racemasters support the rear, with the original spare in the trunk.
If you were going to create a museum and feature seminal performance cars of the era, this would be one—some folks may call it a “bucket list” car. If you’re putting together the best of the best, we imagine it’s worth your time to “Contact Seller” and ask about the price.
I just discovered that Nissan has a new Armada, that behemoth of an SUV that pisses off the Sierra Club. It’s not the kind of vehicle that I’d ever own but, as the product of model-year culture (especially Septembers), I do enjoy seeing new or revamped vehicles among all automakers. However, there’s an interesting, available feature that’s worth talking about: Invisible Hood View.
Today, it seems almost every brand-new vehicle on American roads has several huge screens that connect a digital instrument panel with an infotainment panel on the center stack. How could this swath of screens be better exploited better?
(Image courtesy of Nissan)
Nissan has an answer with Invisible Hood View, a nifty piece of tech that helps you—the driver—spot hidden obstacles every time you are behind the wheel. By providing a virtual view via exterior cameras that give a view of what’s ahead and below your line of sight, you can avoid hitting the curb and other clumsy moves that may result from your lack of visibility (or, let’s be honest, driving acumen). If you’re an off-roader, you’ll certainly appreciate Invisible Hood View as it will give a view of hazards and obstacles.
In fact, the Texas Auto Writers Association, an esteemed group of enthusiasts who drive the latest and greatest, named it “Best New Feature.”
(Image courtesy of Nissan)
Invisible Hood View is but one feature under an umbrella of available camera tech to make your drive easier and safer. Another feature includes Front Wide View, which gives a wide-angle perspective from your line of sight to both corners, handy in tight, obstructed parking spaces or emerging from a driveway with parked cars blocking your view. And 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor gives you the ability to swipe the touchscreen to rotate a three-dimensional view of the Nissan and its surroundings from any angle.
Besides the Armada, Invisible Hood View is available for the Rogue and Murano SUVs. For more information on the Armada and its features, click here.
