If you’re up on your muscle car history, you’re likely familiar with how NASCAR and drag racing helped contribute to the era of GTOs and the like. In particular, drag strips popped up all over the U.S., some of which are still standing today. But have you ever heard of indoor drag racing? For locales with climate that doesn’t allow year-round racing, this sounds like a solution. Several enterprising individuals did this in Chicago from 1962 through 1964. As it turned out, it was a short-lived but memorable phenomenon.
The now-demolished Chicago International Amphitheater was the location. A 440-foot concrete strip followed by a 700-foot shutdown area was the layout, so clearly dragsters were not permitted. Cars staged outside, then entered through some doors to compete the race while spectators watched from inside. Though traction is a common enemy even today, it was certainly a challenge in this environment (not to mention carbon monoxide)—in fact, Coca-Cola syrup was applied to the floor to aid traction, but legends like Arnie Beswick and Mr. Norm have said that it did not work.
Howard Crull and Gene Devening have created a book that documents this relic of the era. The project began with the purchase of a 1964 Dodge 330 Max Wedge, which led to the discovery of a collection of photographs (which included the Mopar) taken by Herman Zehnder. The book that you see here is the photo collection in hardcover form, one of only 100 that have been printed. At $150, it’s large, beefy, and worthy of those into muscle car or Chicago history. Visit the Chicago Amphitheater Indoor Drag Races group on Facebook to inquire.
It’s the weekend, everyone! What do you have planned? A car show? Lunch with friends? A scenic drive? Whatever it is, you’re here right now, so be sure to read this latest installment of Car Connections first. I had the Random Word Generator produce a trio of words, which I then linked to automobiles. This week’s words are hen, transaction, and stun.
Hen: A female chicken. In other words, a lady bird. Former First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson. President Johnson had a 1962 Amphicar at his Stonewall, Texas ranch (aka the “Texas White House”) that he would use to play a terrifying prank on his guests. Joseph A. Califano, Jr., LBJ’s special assistant for domestic affairs from 1965-69, was one of his unsuspecting victims.
According to the National Park Service, he said, “The President, with Vicky McCammon in the seat alongside him and me in the back, was now driving around in a small blue car with the top down. We reached a steep incline at the edge of the lake and the car started rolling rapidly toward the water. The President shouted, ‘The brakes don’t work! The brakes won’t hold! We’re going in! We’re going under!’ The car splashed into the water. I started to get out. Just then the car leveled and I realized we were in a Amphicar. The President laughed. As we putted along the lake then (and throughout the evening), he teased me. ‘Vicky, did you see what Joe did? He didn’t give a damn about his President. He just wanted to save his own skin and get out of the car.’ Then he’d roar.”
2018 Jaguar XE (Photo courtesy of Land Rover Media)
Transaction: My response is another single word: Jaaaaaaaaaag. Way back in 2017, Jaguar and Shell launched an in-car gas purchase app for the updated 2018 XE, XF, and F‑PACE models.
Shell app in action (Photo courtesy of Land Rover Media)
Drivers could wheel up to a pump, use the touchscreen to enter how much fuel they needed, then complete the transaction with PayPal or Apple Pay. A receipt would then pop up on the screen and another would be sent to the driver’s registered email address. Don’t be surprised if a similar app is available when Jaguar is reborn as a high-end EV brand.
Stun: As a 007 fan, the first thing I thought of when I saw this word was the BMW 750iL in the 1997 James Bond movie “Tomorrow Never Dies,” which finds him trying to prevent media mogul Elliot Carver from starting a war between China and the United Kingdom that would benefit his empire. One of the key pieces to foiling Carver’s scheme is a GPS encoder, which 007 secures in the glove box of his V12-powered uber-luxury sedan. Carver’s thugs try to break in and steal it, but are thwarted by the car’s countermeasures that includes an electrified exterior that shocks unwanted guests. You can see more of its gadgets in the video below.
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 Amphicar, Jaguar, or BMW? Find it on ClassicCars.com and AutoHunter.com.
I was 17 years old when I was first saw the ad below. I was already a Shelby and Mustang fan, so I was excited to see the GT350 side stripe on a Mustang again. Sure, it had nothing to do with Shelby and yes, it was just a trim package but, regardless, I was an instant fan. Our AutoHunter Spotlight is a nicely preserved example of one of these cars, a 1984 Ford Mustang GT350 20th Anniversary Edition. It is listed by a dealer in Gladstone, Oregon, with the auction ending on January 19, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. (MST).
Only 5,260 GT350 20th Anniversary Package Mustangs hatchbacks and convertibles were built. It was based on a basic 1984 Mustang, with the entire package added to the car in only 35 days. All cars were painted Oxford White with dark red GT350 side stripes and dark red body side moldings. In addition, the exterior featured a rear spoiler and Marchal fog lamps.
The GT350 edition had a Dark Canyon Red interior and a center console with a clock.
Under the hood you got a choice of two 5-liter V8s, one fuel-injected and one not, or the 2.3-liter turbo engine. The suspension was also modified on all cars and included the TRX Handling Package, four-link rear axle, and gas shocks.
The seller states that this Mustang is powered by the most desirable engine option that was available, the H.O. 5.0-liter V8, and it is backed by a five-speed BorgWarner T5 manual transmission. It is offered by the selling dealer with documentation, clean AutoCheck report, and clear title.
The seller adds that this Mustang underwent an exterior and trim restoration that was accurately done using the correct materials. This car truly looks to be an excellent example.
The interior is said to be all original and also looks to be in excellent shape. Everything appears to be in literal show condition, with no flaws that I could see anywhere.
Under the hood is just as nice, with the engine compartment looking both clean and unmodified. The 175-horsepower 5-liter V8 looks excellent, and the car is fueled by its original four-barrel carburetor.
These Fox Body Mustangs have really taken off in the last few years, with younger collectors buying every nice example out there. This one, while lacking the performance of the later cars, is also rarer and was built to celebrate the milestone of 20 years of the Ford Mustang, which still seems really cool to me.
if you are also as interested in this car as I was in 1984, you should bid soon as the auction for this 1984 Ford Mustang GT350 20th Anniversary Edition ends on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. (MST).
Back when I was a kid in the ’90s, I had no appreciation for cars like the Roadmaster Estate Wagon—European exotics turned my head in those days. As I’ve gotten older and discovered cars from different eras, I’ve grown to love the 1991-1996 Roadmaster Estate Wagon’s sheer Americana. Every time I see one of those big-bodied family haulers with the faux woodgrain panels, it makes me think of a 1990s family sitcom in which everyone piles into the car on a Friday night for pizza and a trip to Blockbuster. Now that I’m a husband and father, I can easily picture myself being the lighthearted dad wheeling a Roadmaster around town for errands and being the captain of the 18-foot land-yacht for out-of-state road trips. The one you see here is the Roadmaster Estate Wagon I always envision during my daydreams: a ’96 Collector’s Edition in Bright White with the Light Colonial Oak “wood” (aka vinyl) appliques and a Light Beige leather interior.
This final-year Roadmaster also appeals to the car nerd in me. There’s really nothing quite like it anymore. Factory woodies (even those with fake wood) are long gone. No American manufacturer currently offers a station wagon—and even if one of them did, it wouldn’t be a full-size model with body-on-frame construction, V8 under the hood, and rear-facing third row. And if you spot one of these Buick longroofs on the street, there’s a very good chance it has close to or over 100,000 miles because these are big, roomy cruisers, many of which have been absolute road warriors. Not only is this particular wagon attractive, but it’s also an anomaly.
Given its model year, this final-generation Roadmaster benefits from the updates incorporated over its production run, such as the 260-horsepower LT1 5.7-liter V8, dual front airbags, and OBD-II diagnostics. Then there are all the comfort and convenience features, which include keyless entry, cruise control, tilt steering column, power everything, air conditioning, the Vista roof over the second row, and the load-leveling heavy-duty suspension. And I can’t leave out the cool two-way tailgate, which can be lowered or opened from the side like a door.
Low mileage is great, but it’s even better when coupled with refreshed hardware because let’s face it: parts wear out over time, regardless of how much a vehicle has been driven. Fortunately, this Roadmaster has received a lot of replacement components over the years. According to the selling dealer/museum, since the spring of 2024, the following new parts have been installed:
Battery
Whitewalls tires
Belt tensioner
Idler pulley
Drive belts
Water pump and gasket
Thermostat
Optispark distributor kit
Fuel pressure regulator
Spark plugs and wires
Fuel filter
Rear drum brakes
Rear ride-leveling shocks
Sadly, I can’t make this dream car of mine a reality right now, but if you can swing the $28,900 asking price for this nicely configured, low-mileage 1996 Buick Roadmaster Limited Estate Wagon, I congratulate you—and urge you to buy it ASAP.
The year 2026 is already heating up in Arizona when it comes to Japanese import performance.
Two specialty facilities in the Phoenix area hosted get-togethers for enthusiasts over the weekend of January 10-11. The first was ScienceofSpeed, a company that has been a leader in the Acura NSX performance realm since the 1990s. The “SoS” facility in Chandler, Arizona hosts a meetup each January geared toward Honda/Acura enthusiasts. On-site were a DJ and other forms of entertainment. The annual tradition brought out an array of cars, just a few of which are highlighted below.
1994 Honda Civic del Sol S
Honda’s compact two-seater, sold from 1993 through 1997, was known for innovative packaging. It had a removable targa top that was able to stow in the trunk while still leaving room for luggage. The car used Civic underpinnings throughout, and this red-wrapped “S” came from the factory with an energetic yet economical 1.5-liter SOHC inline-four.
1996 Honda Accord Wagon
The sixth-generation Accord station wagon was practical and well built. It came with an available manual transmission – unique for a family-hauler. This modified black wagon was even more special for a number of reasons, most notably its right-hand-drive (Japanese Domestic Market) configuration. The current owner added window visors, a rear spoiler, and bronze-finished four-spoke wheels to cap off the sleek look.
1998 Acura NSX-T
A two-seater with a devout enthusiast following, the first-generation NSX was sold from 1991 through 2005 in the United States and saw some enhancements along the way. Among them was the introduction of a removable targa top in 1994. This 1998 model in Monte Carlo Blue was a rare example – only 66 cars were built in that color. “NA2” (post-1997) NSXs came with a 290-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 when paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
2003 Honda S2000
The S2000 was a high-revving, rear-wheel-drive roadster sold from 1999 through 2009. It was known for its track-tuned chassis, double-wishbone suspension, and slick six-speed manual transmission (the only available transmission, by the way). This Berlina Black 2003 model came from the final year of what was known as the “AP1” series; it was powered by a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four with VTEC variable valve timing.
The following day, Hasport Performance (known for the slogan “Hot-Rodding Hondas since 1998”) hosted a get-together for enthusiasts at its Phoenix headquarters. Hasport has become known for its engine-swap components like motor mounts, but the company also runs a YouTube channel called VTEC Academy with over 168,000 subscribers. Host Brian Gillespie starts some episodes out with, “Welcome to VTEC Academy. You’re about to get schooled.”
1988 Honda Prelude
Model year 1988 marked the beginning of the Prelude’s third generation (which was sold through 1991). The Prelude was a tech-forward car for its time, boasting a sleek wedge-shaped silhouette with a low hoodline and pop-up headlights. A mechanical four-wheel steering system was offered (here’s a story and video on a car that had it!). For a fun, reliable driving experience, the Prelude was tough to beat. Honda brought the Prelude back for 2026, so nostalgia is strong.
1989 Honda CRX
The CRX was a fuel-sipper with a performance pedigree. It was only a two-seater, and on paper, it didn’t have a lot of power (even top-trim Si models made only 108 horsepower), but the CRX was beloved among enthusiasts for its fun-to-drive handling. This Barbados Yellow example looked relatively unmodified and lovingly kept!
1990 Honda Civic Wagon
Sometimes called the “Wagovan,” the fourth-generation Civic wagon had a roomy cabin with fold-flat rear seats. It was a versatile car for its time, and all-wheel drive versions were available, too. This vivid example in burnt orange received light restoration (and mechanical work to the 1.5-liter SOHC inline-four) under prior ownership. It looked stunning inside and out.
1998 Acura Integra Type R
The “DC2” Integra Type R was a legendary performance coupe. We talked in recent years about how popular it has become in enthusiast circles. The key to the Type R’s success was its powertrain: Under the hood was a high-revving 1.8-liter VTEC inline-four that was rated at 195 horsepower. The car also had a limited-slip differential, a track-tuned suspension, and lightweight construction compared to the mainstream Integra.
It was fun to see people getting out and about in their classic Hondas to enjoy the weekend!
Are you a current or prior owner of any of these Hondas and Acuras of yesteryear? Let me know in the Comments section below.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time! At a Barrett-Jackson auction, we met Kash Singh, Director of Sales and Marketing for Shelby American. He literally walked us through the history of the Shelby GT350, which has raised the performance of the Ford Mustang for more than 60 years. The first stop on the tour was a very special 1965 GT350 (which was converted into an R model with Shelby parts) owned by the Jackson family. The next GT350 was a 1-of-10 factory-supercharged 1967 model that belongs to Barrett-Jackson president Steve Davis. Just a few steps away was a 2011 supercharged GT350 created in the second era of Shelby Mustangs. Further down the row, Kash gave us an insider’s perspective on the S550 version of the GT350, which dropped the supercharger and used a high-revving, naturally aspirated Voodoo 5.2-liter V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft that gave it an unforgettable sound. Our final stop on the tour was the 2025 GT350 equipped with a supercharger that boosts the Coyote 5.0-liter V8’s output to a staggering 810 horsepower.
Barrett-Jackson announced today that the company will return to Las Vegas for a 2026 Fall Auction at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Sept. 10-12. Barrett-Jackson held its first Las Vegas event in the fall of 2008 and held auctions through June 2023. Over the years in Las Vegas, Barrett-Jackson has fueled the passion for the hobby with an exciting automotive lifestyle event that draws collector car enthusiasts from around the world.
“Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations in the world, making it the perfect backdrop for this year’s Fall Auction,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “From the Formula One weekend and the NASCAR race to the NHRA Nationals, IndyCar race and the SEMA Show, Las Vegas fully embraces the automotive lifestyle. In response to high customer demand, we are thrilled to return to the Las Vegas Convention Center. We have secured prime dates for the auction and are proud to announce Fontainebleau Las Vegas as our official host hotel. Located directly across from the auction site, the Fontainebleau offers unmatched luxury and convenience for all our collector car enthusiasts. We look forward to a spectacular return to the city this fall.”
The Barrett-Jackson 2026 Las Vegas Auction returns to the state-of-the-art Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall, which offers ample space for auction guests. The event will entertain visitors with hundreds of collectible vehicles and authentic automobilia items, an Exhibitor Marketplace and a variety of dining options. Barrett-Jackson’s host hotel is Fontainebleau Las Vegas, located adjacent to the acclaimed LVCC West Hall expansion and just a short walk away. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort that brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. It is the only resort and casino in Nevada to receive the coveted One Key designation from the 2025 Michelin Guide, recognizing its bold design and award-winning collection of luxury amenities and accommodations.
“We’re thrilled to bring our Fall Auction back to the LVCC West Hall in September,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Our deep connection with Las Vegas spans nearly two decades, beginning with our first auction there in the fall of 2008. Over the years, we’ve celebrated incredible auction moments in ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’ and helped raise $1 million for local first responders following the 2017 Las Vegas tragedy. This year’s Fall Auction in Las Vegas will be incredible, and one you won’t want to miss.”
Barrett-Jackson’s 2026 Collector Car Auction schedule includes the Scottsdale Auction, January 17-25 at WestWorld of Scottsdale; the Palm Beach Auction, April 16-18 at the South Florida Fairgrounds; the Columbus Auction, June 25-27 at the Ohio Expo & State Fairgrounds; and the Las Vegas Auction, Sept. 10-12 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. For event details and ticket information, visit www.Barrett-Jackson.com.
Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
A fledgling muscle car fan will soon discover a convertible powered by the 426 Hemi is about as good as it gets—at least, that was my script in the 1980s. I was into GTOs and 4-4-2s, but I soon learned that there was something to which all others were compared. Perhaps the E-body ‘Cuda and Challenger R/T ragtops were/are considered the ultimate, but I leaned into mid-size cars more (and still do). At the 2025 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, these cars had an opportunity to crawl out of the shadows and give us a chance to drool over many Hemi Plymouth and Dodge convertibles.
The “Street Hemi” debuted for 1966, but it did not have a place in an “image” model aside from the Charger. That was rectified for 1967 with the Plymouth GTX and Dodge Coronet R/T. For 1968, that was expanded to the Road Runner and Super Bee, plus the redesigned Charger. Plymouth expanded the availability of the Road Runner for 1969, while Dodge introduced two NASCAR homologation specials. For 1970, the E-bodies were introduced, plus the Road Runner scored its own version for NASCAR. In the Hemi’s swan song for 1971, there were no B-body convertibles produced.
The 1966 Plymouth Satellite is among the most popular Hemi convertibles with 27 built, plus 2 known Canadians.
All Hemi convertibles are rare—sometimes rarer than the hallowed E-bodies. Which one of these that appeared at MCACN is your favorite?
Please note that, due to a certain quirk with surviving production records, most Mopar production numbers count for U.S. production and not total production (including Canadian and Export shipments). Whenever possible, we will add what is known beyond the U.S.
Only 21 1966 Coronet 500 convertibles were built with the Hemi.The 1967 Coronet R/T, Dodge’s first proper “image” car. Production records are sketchy for that year, but 3 of these are known, with 2 appearing at MCACN.Plymouth’s version of the above was the 1967 GTX. Likewise, 14 are known, plus another 4 Canadians.
The Coronet was redesigned for 1968. Nine were built, plus two more for Canada. Yes, that black car has red “Bumblebee” stripes, while the blue one has a pinstripe.
The 1968 Plymouth GTX has the distinction of being the most popular Hemi convertible with 36 built, plus 4 Canadians.This 1968 Hemi GTX was used as a pace car for the Riverside Grand Prix.
Four blue 1968 Hemi GTXs were present, all with black, white, or blue stripes. Note the extra-cost hood black-out on the middle car.
This 1969 GTX convertible is one of 11 built, plus 5 more for Canada. If I took a poll, I bet this “A4” Silver metallic Hemi would be the crowd favorite.Plymouth built 10 1969 Road Runner convertibles with the Hemi, plus 2 more for the Great White North, which is where the Saddle Bronze metallic GTX is from.Another 1969 Hemi Road Runner convertible. Note the “recall” wheels.Here are 3 1969 Hemi Coronet R/T convertibles. Ten were built, plus 4 more for Canada.It is known that one U.S.-spec 1970 Hemi Coronet R/T convertible was built, but that car has never been found. There is a “T6” Dark Tan metallic Canadian car that exists, plus this Export car that was sent to Switzerland.Three 1970 Hemi Road Runner convertibles were built, plus another for the Canadian market.One of those Hemi Road Runners was restored and had its unveiling at MCACN. The color is “B3” Ice Blue metallic.
We’re in an age in which automakers have made off-road versions of their iconic sports cars. Remember the lifted Porsche 911 Dakar? Have you passed a Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato covered in dirt? Dodge didn’t do that with its Viper RT/10 back in the ’90s, but automotive engineer Matt Brown (aka SuperfastMatt on YouTube) gave his V10-powered roadster a very 21st-century overhaul and took it through the California desert.
Turning a powerful rear-wheel-drive car that was meant to go fast only on pavement into an off-roader took some . . . adjustments. For starters, Brown tilted the 8.0-liter V10 and six-speed manual gearbox down to better line up with the driveshaft. To ensure he didn’t get stranded on the trail from Jawbone Canyon to the southern end of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Brown installed a spare tire carrier at the rear.
As you can imagine, those fundamental changes have caused several issues, including leaks and rattles. The Viper’s massive hood made plenty of its own unpleasant noises over the rough terrain. (And the addition of a cup holder and speakers for a Walmart-sourced head unit after Brown’s adventure led to the interior being gutted.)
Brown’s journey wasn’t all bad, though. The fact that his radically modified Viper got him to his destination at all is one hell of an accomplishment. To see a first-gen Viper go against against its own nature and Mother Nature, watch the video below.
Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible, which reportedly has its numbers-matching 302ci V8 and original SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. Finished in Ivy Glow and white stripes, and equipped with a white power convertible top over an Avocado knitted vinyl interior, this drop-top pony car is now offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with a Marti Report and a clear title, which is currently in transit.
The body wears a combination of Ivy Glow green paint and dual white stripes that shoot down the middle of the hood and trunk lid. Exterior features include a body-color urethane front bumper, bright side trim, dual mirrors, chrome rear bumper, and single exhaust outlet. A power-operated white convertible top covers the passenger compartment.
Instead of shoes, this horse wears a set of 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in 235/60 Goodyear Eagle GTII raised-white-letter radial tires.
If this car’s green paint caught your eye, we have great news: the knitted vinyl upholstery is green, too—Avacado green, to be exact. Cabin features include manual steering, front bucket seats, factory air conditioning and AM radio, and automatic shifter with consolette.
Instrumentation consists of a 120-mph speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights for the oil pressure, temperature, alternator, and brakes. The odometer shows 78,806 miles, which is this car’s true mileage, according to the selling dealer.
Under the hood is the reportedly numbers-matching 302ci V8, which is paired with a two-barrel carburetor. The reportedly original SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission sends the engine’s power to a 3.00:1 rear end. New shocks and manual drum brakes keep this pony car from running wild.
This 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible is great in green, but green with envy is a bad look, so don’t let somebody else win it. Place your bids before the auction ends on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).
