Today is April 17th. Does this date resonate with anyone? No, it’s not a date which will live in infamy, silly Millennial — 59 years ago, the Ford Mustang was introduced.
Mustang beginnings: the 1963 Mustang II concept and Bob Fria’s Mustang #002.
Mopar fans like to say the Barracuda was the first pony car, and that wouldn’t be far from the truth since the Barracuda was introduced on April 1st. However, the Barracuda was a Valiant fastback, while the Mustang featured unique styling and was a marketing tour de force, especially with the market research behind it.
1968 High Country Special with the 428 Cobra Jet is one of nine built.
Like the Beatles, the Mustang took advantage of something simmering in America, which included a youth-minded culture plus more households acquiring second cars (read: more women having their own cars). Sales were beyond spectacular.
The best way for a Mustang to win in 1969 was to order a Mustang coupe with the 428 Cobra Jet and the Drag Pack.
For the Mustang’s 50th in 2014, there were several official shows around the country celebrating everyone’s favorite pony car. I was able to attend the West Coast event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and, I can tell you speaking as car guy more than Mustang fan, it was a celebration to remember. Here are several reminiscent images from that pony car party.
Stark Hickey Ford from the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak campained this Cobra-Jet-powered SportsRoof in 1970.Only eight 1971 Mustang convertibles were built with the 429 Cobra Jet and the Drag Pack (which makes it a SCJ). The Mach I grille is not correct but a welcome modification.The S550 Mustang was not yet out, so this was the first time for many folks to see the new Mustang in the flesh.1966 Shelby GT350
Today is April 17th. Does this date resonate with anyone? No, it’s not a date which will live in infamy, silly Millennial — 59 years ago, the Ford Mustang was introduced.
Mustang beginnings: the 1963 Mustang II concept and Bob Fria’s Mustang #002.
Mopar fans like to say the Barracuda was the first pony car, and that wouldn’t be far from the truth since the Barracuda was introduced on April 1st. However, the Barracuda was a Valiant fastback, while the Mustang featured unique styling and was a marketing tour de force, especially with the market research behind it.
1968 High Country Special with the 428 Cobra Jet is one of nine built.
Like the Beatles, the Mustang took advantage of something simmering in America, which included a youth-minded culture plus more households acquiring second cars (read: more women having their own cars). Sales were beyond spectacular.
The best way for a Mustang to win in 1969 was to order a Mustang coupe with the 428 Cobra Jet and the Drag Pack.
For the Mustang’s 50th in 2014, there were several official shows around the country celebrating everyone’s favorite pony car. I was able to attend the West Coast event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and, I can tell you speaking as car guy more than Mustang fan, it was a celebration to remember. Here are several reminiscent images from that pony car party.
Stark Hickey Ford from the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak campained this Cobra-Jet-powered SportsRoof in 1970.Only eight 1971 Mustang convertibles were built with the 429 Cobra Jet and the Drag Pack (which makes it a SCJ). The Mach I grille is not correct but a welcome modification.The S550 Mustang was not yet out, so this was the first time for many folks to see the new Mustang in the flesh.1966 Shelby GT350
Today is April 17th. Does this date resonate with anyone? No, it’s not a date which will live in infamy, silly Millennial — 59 years ago, the Ford Mustang was introduced.
Mustang beginnings: the 1963 Mustang II concept and Bob Fria’s Mustang #002.
Mopar fans like to say the Barracuda was the first pony car, and that wouldn’t be far from the truth since the Barracuda was introduced on April 1st. However, the Barracuda was a Valiant fastback, while the Mustang featured unique styling and was a marketing tour de force, especially with the market research behind it.
1968 High Country Special with the 428 Cobra Jet is one of nine built.
Like the Beatles, the Mustang took advantage of something simmering in America, which included a youth-minded culture plus more households acquiring second cars (read: more women having their own cars). Sales were beyond spectacular.
The best way for a Mustang to win in 1969 was to order a Mustang coupe with the 428 Cobra Jet and the Drag Pack.
For the Mustang’s 50th in 2014, there were several official shows around the country celebrating everyone’s favorite pony car. I was able to attend the West Coast event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and, I can tell you speaking as car guy more than Mustang fan, it was a celebration to remember. Here are several reminiscent images from that pony car party.
Stark Hickey Ford from the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak campained this Cobra-Jet-powered SportsRoof in 1970.Only eight 1971 Mustang convertibles were built with the 429 Cobra Jet and the Drag Pack (which makes it a SCJ). The Mach I grille is not correct but a welcome modification.The S550 Mustang was not yet out, so this was the first time for many folks to see the new Mustang in the flesh.1966 Shelby GT350
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions celebrated two decades of bringing the ultimate high-octane automotive lifestyle event to Palm Beach during its annual auction held at the South Florida Fairgrounds, April 13-15, 2023. Delivering another unforgettable event in the Sunshine State, 622 vehicles were sold at auction, all with No Reserve, for $43.6 million. Additionally, Barrett-Jackson sold 263 pieces of authentic automobilia for more than $745,000, bringing total auction sales to $44.4 million with a 100-percent sell-through rate and over 40 world-record auction sales. Top auction sales were led by a 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Lot #740), which sold for $1,457,500.
“For 20 years we’ve called Palm Beach our second home and during that time we’ve created wonderful memories and celebrated countless milestones with our collector car family,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This year continued that spectacular tradition with more than 600 collectible vehicles crossing the block, including several incredible collections, that all sold at No Reserve. Like our Scottsdale event, this year’s Palm Beach Auction demonstrated that the collector car hobby continues to be a vibrant marketplace where enthusiasts are snatching up the hottest vehicles. We look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas this June.”
1965 Ferrari 212 Barchetta Roadster Re-Creation (Lot #735) – $297,000
During the three-day automotive event, Barrett-Jackson hosted several industry titans, including U.S. Congressman Brian Mast, Chip Foose, Rita and Shawn Shelby (grandson of Carroll Shelby), and actor Chuck Zito.
On Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson sold two vehicles to benefit charity, raising a total of $1.3 million. The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ First Retail Production VIN 001 (Lot #3000) sold for $1.1 million, with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting DonorsChoose. Michelle Mauzy, noted philanthropist and longtime member of the Barrett-Jackson family, donated an additional $50,000 to the nonprofit, bringing the total raised for DonorsChoose to $1.15 million.
One of only 45 built, Lee Iacocca’s 2009 Ford Mustang Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition (Lot #3001) sold for $150,000 to benefit the Ellis Island Honors Society. The sale also included a painting of the car that was created during the three-day event. To date, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise over $153 million for charity.
1965 Ferrari 212 Barchetta Roadster Re-Creation (Lot #735)
“The 2023 Palm Beach Auction was the perfect way to celebrate two decades of bringing the automotive lifestyle to Florida’s Gold Coast,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The diversity of the market and the passion that drives it are thriving in Palm Beach. Demand for everything from European supercars to amphicars was incredible. The crowd responded to our No Reserve docket, which was also filled with the finest Shelbys, classics, SUVs and muscle cars. Even during uncertain times on Wall Street, interest in collector cars continues to be strong and is attracting many new people to the hobby.”
Barrett-Jackson kicked off each day in Palm Beach with its automobilia auction, which featured 263 automobilia pieces that sold for more than $745,000. The top three automobilia pieces that sold during the Palm Beach Auction include:
Early 1960s Gulf Oil Porcelain with Animated Neon Sign (Lot #7299) – $21,850
Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the 2023 Las Vegas Auction, June 22-24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Those interested in being a part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for the 2023 Las Vegas Auction may do so here. To purchase tickets and VIP packages to the event, click here.
During Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson announced the dates for the New Orleans Auction. The good times will roll September 28-30, 2023, in the Crescent City.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions celebrated two decades of bringing the ultimate high-octane automotive lifestyle event to Palm Beach during its annual auction held at the South Florida Fairgrounds, April 13-15, 2023. Delivering another unforgettable event in the Sunshine State, 622 vehicles were sold at auction, all with No Reserve, for $43.6 million. Additionally, Barrett-Jackson sold 263 pieces of authentic automobilia for more than $745,000, bringing total auction sales to $44.4 million with a 100-percent sell-through rate and over 40 world-record auction sales. Top auction sales were led by a 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Lot #740), which sold for $1,457,500.
“For 20 years we’ve called Palm Beach our second home and during that time we’ve created wonderful memories and celebrated countless milestones with our collector car family,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This year continued that spectacular tradition with more than 600 collectible vehicles crossing the block, including several incredible collections, that all sold at No Reserve. Like our Scottsdale event, this year’s Palm Beach Auction demonstrated that the collector car hobby continues to be a vibrant marketplace where enthusiasts are snatching up the hottest vehicles. We look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas this June.”
1965 Ferrari 212 Barchetta Roadster Re-Creation (Lot #735) – $297,000
During the three-day automotive event, Barrett-Jackson hosted several industry titans, including U.S. Congressman Brian Mast, Chip Foose, Rita and Shawn Shelby (grandson of Carroll Shelby), and actor Chuck Zito.
On Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson sold two vehicles to benefit charity, raising a total of $1.3 million. The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ First Retail Production VIN 001 (Lot #3000) sold for $1.1 million, with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting DonorsChoose. Michelle Mauzy, noted philanthropist and longtime member of the Barrett-Jackson family, donated an additional $50,000 to the nonprofit, bringing the total raised for DonorsChoose to $1.15 million.
One of only 45 built, Lee Iacocca’s 2009 Ford Mustang Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition (Lot #3001) sold for $150,000 to benefit the Ellis Island Honors Society. The sale also included a painting of the car that was created during the three-day event. To date, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise over $153 million for charity.
1965 Ferrari 212 Barchetta Roadster Re-Creation (Lot #735)
“The 2023 Palm Beach Auction was the perfect way to celebrate two decades of bringing the automotive lifestyle to Florida’s Gold Coast,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The diversity of the market and the passion that drives it are thriving in Palm Beach. Demand for everything from European supercars to amphicars was incredible. The crowd responded to our No Reserve docket, which was also filled with the finest Shelbys, classics, SUVs and muscle cars. Even during uncertain times on Wall Street, interest in collector cars continues to be strong and is attracting many new people to the hobby.”
Barrett-Jackson kicked off each day in Palm Beach with its automobilia auction, which featured 263 automobilia pieces that sold for more than $745,000. The top three automobilia pieces that sold during the Palm Beach Auction include:
Early 1960s Gulf Oil Porcelain with Animated Neon Sign (Lot #7299) – $21,850
Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the 2023 Las Vegas Auction, June 22-24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Those interested in being a part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for the 2023 Las Vegas Auction may do so here. To purchase tickets and VIP packages to the event, click here.
During Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson announced the dates for the New Orleans Auction. The good times will roll September 28-30, 2023, in the Crescent City.
Ferrari is in a prime position to attract much younger fans thanks to a licensing deal with Playmobil, the popular toy line that enables children big and small to create their own tiny worlds.
The deal, signed 125 years after the birth of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, has already seen Ferrari’s SF90 Stradale join Playmobil’s vehicle fleet, and it’s likely more models from the Prancing Horse’s stable will be added in the near future.
Playmobil Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Playmobil’s fleet includes popular models from numerous brands, like the latest Ford GT supercar, multiple generations of the Porsche 911, and much-loved classics, plus all kinds of commercial vehicles.
Young auto aficionados will be able to recreate their favorite racetracks or dream up their own for the SF90 Stradale, or simply play with it in their favorite sand pit.
Playmobil Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Playmobil’s SF90 Stradale looks realistic thanks to an engine cover that reveals a V-8, as well as functioning lights front and rear. There’s room for two Playmobil figures, which can easily be added through the removable roof and windscreen.
The Playmobil SF90 Stradale went on sale on Friday with a price tag of about $80. Also in the box are two Playmobil figures, golf bags, luggage, and other extras.
Have you ever bought a new car that you regretted letting go? Charlie Pearson doesn’t have that problem — he bought a 1963½ Ford Galaxie 500 new and never got rid of it.
Charlie specified the dual-quad version with 425 horsepower (known as the “R-code” due to fifth character in the VIN) in the “fastback” Galaxie 500 two-door hardtop. This body style was introduced mid-year 1963, the same moment when the 427 replaced the 406 as Ford’s engine to kill on the street and the racetracks. Of course, the Galaxie 500/XL is the famous one due to its bucket seats and console, but perhaps Charlie was inclined to have a little honey closer to him?
Muscle Car Campy — otherwise known as Jim Campisano, the former editor of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords — gives us a ride and spins a tale with Charlie as he waxes poetic on 60 years of ownership. And if you enjoy this episode, you can check out other videos from Muscle Car Campy.
One of my all-time favorite movie cars is the 1946 Ford convertible featured in Back to the Future. In this clip, antagonist Biff Tannen struggles to try to get Marty McFly off his car while they’re battling for the sports almanac which contained all the clues on how to get rich by gambling.
That Ford saw its fair share of bumps and bruises while cruising through a tunnel in the movie. Marty’s Hoverboard in the same scene is a futuristic contrast to the retro looks of that old-school Ford.
This five-window is a coupe as opposed to Biff’s convertible, but the body lines are the same. This car reportedly went through refurbishment some time ago. The seller states, “Older paint restoration – still looks great!” The seller provides a few bullet points of specific highlights, including mechanical updates.
Post-World War II automotive production re-started in late 1945. The engineering for 1946 Ford models was largely a carry-over from pre-war in 1942 at the time, although the grille was revised, and the nose of the car was accented by inlaid red accents in the brightwork. The hood was slightly widened as well, and it received a center chrome strip to differentiate it from prior years.
Under that hood, power came from a 239cid flathead V8 paired with a manual transmission. The motor on today’s feature car is said to be unmodified, although the electrical system has been upgraded to 12 volts and a Walker heavy-duty radiator was installed. The period-correct Coker Classic wide-whitewall tires have reportedly driven only about 50 miles since installation.
Moving to the interior, the Mohair grey cloth interior looks to be a nice place to spend time, especially since the climate is controlled by a Vintage Air A/C system. The carpet has been replaced throughout.
“Excellent car, runs and drives great,” the listing concludes. Biff Tannen would definitely approve of this clean old Ford coupe. He just needs to watch his driving so he doesn’t run into a pile of manure.
The seller is asking $28,900 for this clean old Super Deluxe.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Powered by a numbers-matching L79 327 backed by a rebuilt four-speed manual, this Corvette is one of 336 convertibles produced with the L79 and air conditioning. Notable options include power steering and disc brakes, AM/FM radio and Positraction rear axle. Finished in green with a tan leather interior, this C2 Corvette will include build documentation, the NCRS record and a clear Florida title.
This Goodwood Green Corvette was originally sold by Curtis Chevrolet in Washington, D.C. and more recently restored by Gerry Yursis to National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) standards. The exterior is complemented by a tan convertible top. Options include driver-side mirror and rear-mounted antenna. The selling dealer notes the presence of a few small rock chips.
The turbine-style 15-inch wheels are wrapped in 205/75 Winston whitewall tires.
The cockpit is fitted with Saddle leather bucket seats with matching dashboard, door panels and carpeting. Features include Soft-Ray tinted glass (A01), shoulder harness (A85), factory air conditioning (C60), clock, fire extinguisher and embroidered floor mats.
Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer and auxiliary gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure and voltage. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 11,506 miles, but the true mileage on the chassis is unknown. Approximately 2,000 miles have been put on the car since its restoration.
The numbers-matching 350-horsepower Turbo-Fire small-block is paired with a rebuilt Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual and Positraction rear axle. The clutch and bell housing have been replaced with units featuring a “403” stamping, plus the master cylinder and carburetor also have been replaced. Along with videos that show start-up and a drive-by, a series of photos in the gallery of the auction page show the stampings for various parts for the vehicle.
The auction for this 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible equipped with the L79 327 ends on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 2:45 p.m. (PDT) If you wish to see this car in the flesh, you can view it at the AutoHunter booth at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
Chevrolet last week revealed a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible built to celebrate this year’s 107th running of the Indianapolis 500.
The car is the latest in the long line of Indy 500 Festival Event Cars, and 50 examples have been built. All 50 were presented together at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the race, which is currently the highlight of the IndyCar season, takes place.
Based on the Camaro SS, the car is powered by a 6.2-liter V-8 rated at 455 hp. It features the new Sharkskin Metallic color that was added to the Camaro’s options list for 2023, and unique to it are Indy 500 graphics designed by Chevy specifically for the car.
The reveal of the Festival Event Car is a tradition that dates back to the 1960s and is used as part of the celebration ahead of the Indy 500. The cars are driven on public roads by various officials in the lead up to the race and eventually sold once the race is over.
A Chevy spokesman confirmed to Automotive News (subscription required) that the latest Festival Event Cars will be sold after the race, which is scheduled for May 28. The cars come with a unique option code.
Chevy has confirmed the Camaro will bow out after the 2024 model year and that production will end next January. It means this is likely the last Camaro Festival Event car and possibly the last special-edition Camaro, at least in its current format.
Chevy has hinted that the Camaro story isn’t over, though rumors dating back to 2021 point to Chevy turning the Camaro into an electric performance sedan. Other speculation says it will arrive as an electric SUV, and that the Corvette could also get an electric SUV variant as part of an expanded lineup.
