Journal Classic Cars

The word “strato” means layer. Perhaps you’ve heard of stratus clouds or a newfangled drink at Starbucks? Then you may be more familiar with the word than you think. If you’re Canadian, you probably had a head start thanks to a particular Pontiac model that is our Pick of the Day. This 1964 Pontiac Strato-Chief two-door sedan is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

Truth be told, the Strato-Chief name likely had nothing to do with layers, so what did it stand for? Considering it has a root in the word “stratosphere,” perhaps it was related to aviation and jet-age language? Speed and futuristic design? Certainly, that’s true for Pontiac’s all-new V8 that appeared for 1955. Called the Strato-Streak, the 287ci V8 was claimed to be “ready to take you wherever you may wish in a quick, sure flow of seemingly effortless power. In turn, Canadian Pontiac engines were called the Strato-Six and Strato-Flash V8, but they both were Chevrolet designs, as was the Canadian practice at the time.

In case you need to revisit the story of Canadian Pontiacs and why they exist, it all comes down to population, median income, and tariffs. In the 1960s, Canada was much more sparsely populated, and the buying power of Canadian citizens was weaker than it is today. Canada’s automobile industry and dealer network reflected this. Dealerships often combined several brands to serve a particular region, such as Pontiacs being sold alongside Buicks and GMCs. For economies of scale in Canadian plants, Canadian Pontiacs used Chevrolet running gear and, hence, were not the “Wide-Track” Pontiacs many grew to love. Tariffs were a way to protect the interests of the Canadian market, but thanks to the 1965 Auto Pact trade agreement, that need was no longer as strong.

The Strato-Chief was introduced in 1958 as the replacement for the Pathfinder Deluxe (the cheapie Pathfinder continued). It looked like a Chieftain from the outside but with a 122-inch wheelbase, while the Strato-Chief utilized Chevrolet’s 117.5-inch wheelbase and was more akin to the Biscayne. Power came from a “Strato” Six, a “Strato-Flash” V8 (283), “Super Strato-Flash” V8 (283 four-barrel), “Power Chief” V8 (fuel-injected 283), “Astro-Flame” V8 (348), or “Super Astro-Flame” V8 (348 with triple two-barrels). For 1959, the Pathfinder was dropped, and the Parisienne pushed both the Laurentian and the Strato-Chief down a notch. This structure continued through 1970.

This Biscayne-with-Pontiac-styling was an unusual hybrid that makes Canadians giddy and sometimes receives accusations from Stateside enthusiasts that it’s not a “real Pontiac,” but let’s agree to disagree as we dig in on this 1964 Pontiac Strato-Chief two-door sedan powered by a 425-horsepower 409 with dual quads. Finished in blue over blue vinyl upholstery, this is a Canadian Q-ship if there ever was one. Inside, you’ll find a four-speed shifter, heater, factory tachometer, Stewart Warner auxiliary gauges, and no radio. Inside the engine compartment, you’ll find a dual-snorkel air cleaner, chrome valve covers, and tubular exhaust headers that feed into a dual exhaust system. Body-color steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps and are mounted with 14-inch BFGoodrich Silvertown tires.

Tariffs are currently in the news, but for a different reason. If you’re American and you dig unusual machinery, then you won’t need to worry about tariffs since this 1964 Pontiac Strato-Chief currently resides in the Midwest. If you’re Canadian, please review the latest tariff news because we’d hate for you to spend more than the $47,900 (OBO) asking price.

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

The Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction starts this weekend. This event is filled with great cars, vintage Automobilia, exciting Thrill Rides and Hot Laps, and more. The auction runs from Saturday, January 17, through Sunday, January 25, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Pre-auction fun starts Friday, January 16, with Barrett-Jackson’s 3rd Annual “Rock the Block” concert featuring country music superstars Cole Swindell and Chase Rice, in the auction arena at WestWorld. If you can’t make it to Scottsdale, you can watch the auction on the Barrett-Jackson Livestream, FYI and HISTORY Channel.

EVENT AND TV SCHEDULE (all times are MST)

Friday, January 16, 2026

Rock The Block Concert
6 to 10:30 p.m.
Gates open at 6 p.m., with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Chase Rice taking the stage at 7 p.m., followed by country music superstar and multi-award winner Cole Swindell live in the Auction Arena at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Coca-Cola Family Day
Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Auction Site at WestWorld
Free admission for ages 12 and under
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

STEMFest presented by Honeywell
South Showcase
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gearing Toward the Future Career Fair
Auction Arena
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge
Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cadillac and Polestar Driving Experience
Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monster Energy BMX Show present by Coca-Cola
Midway
10 to 11 a.m.

Monster Energy BMX Show present by Coca-Cola
Midway
12 to 1 p.m.

Barrett-Jackson Cup Parade presented by BluePrint Engines and CRC
Auction Arena
3 to 5 p.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson Livestream
Barrett-Jackson Cup Parade
3 – 5 p.m.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Bidder Preview Day
Auction Site at WestWorld
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge
Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cadillac and Polestar Driving Experience
Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monster Energy BMX Show present by Coca-Cola
Midway
10 to 11 a.m.

Monster Energy BMX Show present by Coca-Cola
Midway
12 to 1 p.m.

Monster Energy BMX Show present by Coca-Cola
Midway
2 to 3 p.m.

Opening Night Gala
By invitation only
Auction Arena
7 to 10 p.m.

Monday, January 19, 2026

Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Auction Site at WestWorld
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge
Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Automobilia Auction
Auction Arena
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson Livestream
All the cars, all the time.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Collector Car Auction
Auction Arena
2 p.m. to Auction Close

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Auction Site at WestWorld
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge
Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Automobilia Auction
Auction Arena
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson Livestream
All the cars, all the time.
8:30 a.m. – Auction Close

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Collector Car Auction
Auction Arena
2 p.m. to Auction Close

TV: FYI
Barrett-Jackson LIVE
3 to 8 p.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson.com
Livestream of FYI and HISTORY broadcasts.
International viewers only.
3 to 9 p.m.

TV: FYI
Barrett-Jackson LIVE ENCORE
8 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Auction Site at WestWorld
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge
Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Automobilia Auction
Auction Arena
8:30 to 10 a.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson Livestream
All the cars, all the time.
8:30 a.m. – Auction Close

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Ford Hot Laps
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ford Bronco and TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Collector Car Auction
Auction Arena
10 a.m. to Auction Close

Collector Car Symposium
Piper Aircraft South Showcase
“COLLECTIBLES ON THE RISE” – Industry enthusiasts gather to explore vehicles gaining momentum in the modern collector market.
1 to 2 p.m.

TV: FYI
Barrett-Jackson LIVE
2 to 8 p.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson.com
Livestream of FYI and HISTORY broadcasts.
International viewers only.
2 to 8 p.m.

TV: FYI
Barrett-Jackson LIVE ENCORE
8 to 10 p.m.

Thursday, January 22, 2026 

Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Auction Site at WestWorld
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge
Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Automobilia Auction
Auction Arena
8:30 to 10 a.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson Livestream
All the cars, all the time.
8:30 a.m. – Auction Close

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Ford Hot Laps
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ford Bronco and TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Collector Car Auction
Auction Arena
10 a.m. to Auction Close

Collector Car Symposium
Piper Aircraft South Showcase 
“START YOUR COLLECTION” – This panel discusses practices that turn those starting out into informed collectors.
12 to 1 p.m.

Collector Car Symposium
Piper Aircraft South Showcase
“CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CREATIVITY: Inside the World of Custom Car Builders.”
1 to 2 p.m.

Adam’s Polishes Product Showcase
Midway
2 to 3 p.m.

TV: FYI
Barrett-Jackson LIVE
2 to 8 p.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson.com
Livestream of FYI and HISTORY broadcasts.
International viewers only.
2 to 8 p.m.

TV: FYI
Barrett-Jackson LIVE ENCORE
8 to 10 p.m.

Friday, January 23, 2026

Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Auction Site at WestWorld
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge
Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Automobilia Auction
Auction Arena
8:30 to 10 a.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson Livestream
All the cars, all the time.
8:30 a.m. – Auction Close

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Ford Hot Laps
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ford Bronco and TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cadillac and Polestar Driving Experience
Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Collector Car Auction
Auction Arena
10 a.m. to Auction Close

Collector Car Symposium
Piper Aircraft South Showcase 
“LE MANS ’66: The truth behind the myth and its importance today”
12 to 1 p.m.

TV: HISTORY
Barrett-Jackson LIVE
12 to 5 p.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson.com
Livestream of FYI and HISTORY broadcasts.
International viewers only.
12 to 10 p.m.

Adam’s Polishes Product Showcase
Midway
2 to 3 p.m.

TV: FYI
Barrett-Jackson LIVE
5 to 10 p.m.

Major League Drone Racing
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
6:15 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Auction Site at WestWorld
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge
Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com
8 to 11 a.m.

Automobilia Auction
Auction Arena
8:30 to 10 a.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson Livestream
All the cars, all the time.
8:30 a.m. – Auction Close

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Ford Hot Laps
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ford Bronco and TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cadillac and Polestar Driving Experience
Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Collector Car Auction
Auction Arena
10 a.m. to Auction Close

TV: HISTORY
Barrett-Jackson LIVE
12 to 10 p.m.

Barrett-Jackson Cup Winner announced
Auction Arena
12:30 to 12:45 p.m.

TV: Barrett-Jackson.com
Livestream of FYI and HISTORY broadcasts.
International viewers only.
12 to 10 p.m.

Adam’s Polishes Product Showcase
Midway
2 to 3 p.m.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open
Auction Site at WestWorld
8 a.m. to Auction Close

Automobilia Auction
Auction Arena
8:30 a.m. to Noon

TV: Barrett-Jackson Livestream
All the cars, all the time.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dodge and GR Supra Thrill Rides
Ford Hot Laps
Barrett-Jackson Performance Track
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TRD Pro Dirt Rides
Sponsor Pavilion
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cadillac and Polestar Driving Experience
Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience
Gate 2
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Collector Car Auction
Auction Arena
Noon – Auction Close

TV: FYI
Barrett-Jackson LIVE ENCORE – Super Saturday
12 to 10 p.m.

You got that dream car, you negotiated the price, maybe you spent the weekends building it to perfection, or you won it at auction.

Either way, the first thing you thought was: How do I protect this beauty?

So, you did your homework.

• Agreed value policy
• Theft
• Collison
• Weather damage

Then six months later, the engine needs a full rebuild. You call your insurer and you hear these words:

“That’s not covered”

What Does Classic Car Insurance Actually Cover?

Classic car insurance is essential, but coverage can be confusing. So, Legendary Car Protection has broken it down for you.

Collisions. Someone hit your ’63 Chevelle, your covered.

Theft. Your Ford GT disappears? Covered

Vandalism. Someone scratches your hood. Covered.

Weather Damage. Hail, floods, fallen trees? Covered.

Agreed value. If totaled, you get the full insured amount.

But what happens when something inside your car fails. Not from an accident, but from mechanical wear? That’s the gap most collectors don’t discover until it’s too late.

Wondering if your car has coverage gaps? Get a free quote at Legendarycarprotection.com and see what protection looks like for your vehicle.

Why Insurance Doesn’t Cover Mechanical Breakdowns?

Insurance protects against the unexpected:

Accidents

Theft

Weather

Mechanical failure is expected, it’s inevitable. Engines wear and transmissions age. Electrical systems get temperamental. When these components fail, insurances consider it the owner’s responsibility.

The Real Cost of Classic Car Repairs

According to Hagerty, specialized labor for collector cars run $70 to $125 per hour before parts. Industry data shows engine or transmission rebuilds on collector vehicles can easily exceed five figures:

• Engine rebuilds: $7,000-$12,000
• Transmission repairs: $4000-$6000
• Electrical diagnostics and repair: Varies wildly, but rarely cheap

Consider a matching number 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible, one of the only 17 built with a four-speed 440 Six Barrel. Finding parts isn’t a phone call. It’s a hunt. The price will reflect that. Your insurance company doesn’t care about rarity. They cover collisions.

For more on at-risk components, read: “Fall into Protection.”

A single mechanical failure can cost more than years of coverage. See what a VSC costs for your vehicle, at legendarycarprotection.com use code 250OFF for $250 off any plan.

What Is a Vehicle Service Contract (VSC)?

A VSC covers what insurance doesn’t: mechanical breakdowns. It’s not an extended warranty (those come from manufactures for new vehicles). A VSC is third-party protection you can purchase anytime, from 1965 or 2026.

Per California Department of Insurance, VSCs function like a service agreement: you pay upfront or monthly, and when a covered component fails, the contract helps cover the repair.

Here’s what a VSC typically covers:

• Engine: Pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, oil pumps
• Transmission and drivetrain
• Electrical: (starters, alternators, ignition modules)
• Suspension, steering, brake hydraulics
• Air conditioning

At Legendary Car Protection, we built our coverage around collector realities. Coverage for  vehicles from 1930 to today, flexible terms, no long-term commitments, and a nationwide repair network. 

How to Protect Your Classic Car Investment?

Insurance covers accidents. A VSC covers essentially everything else.

Get a free quote at legendarycarprotection.com Use code 250OFF for a $250 discount for your first year of coverage.

You’ve invested in the car. Now invest in protection.

Currently offered for sale on AutoHunter is this 1956 Continental Mark II. Ford Motor Company created a new division for 1956—Continental, placed a notch above Lincoln—specifically for the revival of the Mark series, and it was priced several thousand dollars over typical Lincoln offerings. This one has received mild customization, mainly seen in the exterior paint and interior. Power comes from a 365ci “Y-block” V8 paired with a three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission. Features include power windows, power front disc brakes, air conditioning, power seat, aftermarket stereo, and more. Painted in two-tone silver and gray metallic over a gray and red leather interior, this ultra-luxury cruiser is offered by the selling dealer in California with upholstered tool bags and a clear title.

The silver and gray metallic paints were sourced from the 2020 Mercedes-Benz palette, the same year of the Mark’s restoration. The paint is complemented by red pinstriping. Other features include driver-side chrome mirror, Continental badge on the trunk lid, and chrome rocker trim. A set of 15-inch red-painted steel wheels are wrapped in 8.50 Coker Classic whitewall radials.

The cabin is furnished with gray and red leather, with the front bench being power-operated. Features include factory air conditioning, power steering, power windows, column-mounted transmission shifter, aftermarket AM/FM/auxiliary stereo nicely tucked away, and custom cup holders.

Instrumentation includes a 140-mph speedometer, 5,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, temperature, amperage, and fuel level. The odometer shows 73,563 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The 368ci V8 was rated at 285 horsepower, and features a rebuilt four-barrel carburetor and 10:1 compression. Shifting is handled by a rebuilt three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission.

The undercarriage features power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system. A new power brake booster and shock absorbers have been installed.

In 1956, the Continental Mark II was America’s most expensive production car at a cost of $10,000. Compare that with a Lincoln Premiere convertible, which started at around $4,747—that’s quite a big difference! The Mark II was America’s Rolls-Royce, if you will, a hand-built nod to the original Lincoln Continental.

The subject of our AutoHunter Spotlight has received several tasteful modifications that make the Mark appear less conservative, but make no mistake, this is still among the classiest cars of the decade. In order to bring 1950s haute couture to your driveway, you will have to place a bid before 12:00 p.m. (MST) on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

In 1992, Buick used the tagline, “The new symbol for quality in America.” From the compact Skylark to the flagship Park Avenue, Buick promoted each model for its value and luxury. One of the cars in the lineup was a distinctive coupe called the Riviera. The Pick of the Day is a nice example—it’s a 1992 Riviera listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Mission, Kansas.

“Beautiful Riviera in like-new condition,” the listing begins. The odometer shows just 58,003 miles, and the car looks well preserved for being almost 34 years old. Exterior features include two-tone paint, a hood ornament, a chrome waterfall-style grille, a sloping tail end, wire wheel covers, and whitewall tires.

From 1963 through 1978, the Riviera was rear-wheel-drive, but beginning in 1979, the car adopted the General Motors E-body platform and became front-wheel-drive. The media liked the car—in fact, Motor Trend named the 1979 Riviera its “Car of the Year.” Fast forwarding to 1986, the E-body coupes were revised (and downsized) once more. That generation—the Riviera’s 7th—would remain in production until 1993. (The “Riv” had just one more iteration and was discontinued entirely after 1999).

True to its luxury intentions, the Riviera’s cabin boasted a lot of innovation for its time; some models even had an advanced CRT touchscreen, known as the Graphic Control Center (GCC). It was was futuristic for the time, a predecessor of today’s modern infotainment systems. My friend Jason’s Buick Reatta—one of the cars in our caravan to RADwood 2025 in Los Angeles—had a similar setup.

One of the Buick full-line brochures from 1992 said, “By now you know the 1992 Riviera is a head-turner. Its sleek exterior is complemented by a luxurious interior that features amenities like a six-way power seat and automatic climate control as standard.” Buick also promoted that the car’s body used two-sided, rust-resistant steel panels that were galvanized with zinc inside and out, ensuring “lasting value.”

Under the hood of this low-mileage Riviera is a “3800” 3.8-liter V6 with Tuned Port Injection, rated at 170 horsepower. The seller says that the air conditioning compressor was replaced and uses R-143 refrigerant. The tires, though seven years old, reportedly have good tread remaining. “Great driving car,” summarizes the listing.

The original retail price of a 1992 Riviera was over $27,000—a strong sum for its time. The asking price for this low-mileage, original example is just $12,000 or best offer.

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

Last November, Jeep kicked off its “Twelve 4 Twelve” celebration in the lead-up to its 85th anniversary. On the 12th of each month, it releases a new special-edition Wrangler. So far, we’ve brought you news of the 470-horsepower Wrangler Moab 392 and the winter-friendly Wrangler Whitecap. That brings us to the third of 12 scheduled drops: the 2026 Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition.

There are certain telltale exterior signs that the limited-run 85th Anniversary Edition isn’t a regular JL Wrangler. Up front, there are bronze tow hooks. On the sides, you’ll see Blue Agave 85th anniversary badges and decals, body-color fender flares, and a set of Steel Oxide 17-inch wheels.

Inside, the 85th Anniversary Edition’s most distinctive feature is its gold, black, and white plaid cloth seat inserts—a nod to the Wrangler’s rugged, outdoorsy, adventurous nature. Those are accompanied by matching accents on the the instrument panel and mid bolster. Other signs of this model’s significance are its Berber floor and cargo mats, 85th anniversary shifter medallion, and 85th anniversary cup holder plaque.

Jeep bundles those special touches with standard features that include LED headlights, DRLs, and fog lamps; Gorilla Glass windshield; keyless entry; remote start; tinted windows; heated front seats; heated steering wheel; and Alpine audio. Optional equipment includes a black hardtop, body-color hardtop, and all-terrain tires (which are a no-cost upgrade).

According to Stellantis, you can order this piece of Jeep history right now. Prices start at $46,300—only $710 more than a Wrangler Sport S with the Convenience Group and Alpine audio. If you need more hauling space, you can also order the Gladiator 85th Anniversary model, which is priced from $45,820, an increase of $1,005 over a comparably equipped Sport S model.

Does anyone out there remember the Magic 8 Ball? It was a plastic sphere invented in 1946 that resembled a billiards ball, and it was used to answer yes/no questions for fortune-telling purposes. If you could ask a Magic 8 Ball about a specific model that might become a future collectible vehicle, what would that vehicle be? Below are five vehicles I will be discussing at the Future Collectible Symposium on January 21 at WestWorld during the upcoming Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Our readers get a sneak peek!

Honda Integra Type R (DC5) – JDM Spec (pictured above)

It is hard for many of us to believe (or accept), but cars from the early 2000s are now officially becoming classics. One of them is a car that, up until now, has not been available stateside due to “25-year rule” federal import regulations. It’s the 2001-2006, Japanese-market Honda Integra Type R. This right-hand-drive sport-tuner came with a high-revving K20A iVTEC inline-four with 220 horsepower. In addition, it had strong balance and Recaro seats. For a raw, connected pocket-rocket, I think it’s a car to keep your eyes on.

Lexus LC500

The LC launched in 2018 and is still in production. It’s an elite grand tourer from Toyota’s luxury brand, and its price tag when new was around $100,000. The LC has held its value well, and I consider it a future collectible because we are in an era when “coupes” in general are being phased out in favor of crossover-type vehicles. Lexus has intentionally kept production numbers low (around 2,000-3,000 units per year), giving the car an exclusive feel – not to mention the fact that the cars are hand-built at the same factory that produced the LFA V10 supercar years ago. Attention to detail and build quality abound.

Ford F-150 Raptor R

The F-150 has been a best-seller for many decades, and the Raptor R takes the popular platform to new heights of performance. This is one “new” vehicle that I think you could put away in a vault and see appreciate in value in the coming years – but who would want to do that? It has a 5.2-liter Predator V8 that has been supercharged and produces 720 horsepower. Add in the off-road suspension, 13 inches of ground clearance, and 37-inch tires, and it’s a truck that will be begging to get dirty.

Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban (GMT400)

This pick takes things back a few decades, but hear me out. We already know that the car collector community is driven by nostalgia. Many, many American families had GMT400-platform vehicles as their daily drivers. The Tahoe, Suburban, early Escalade, and GMC/Chevy pickup trucks from the 1980s-2000s are booming in popularity, and well-kept examples are getting tougher to find. The Suburban is an undisputed cultural icon – it’s the only vehicle that earned itself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited (ZJ)

Before all of today’s performance-focused SUVs and crossovers like the Tesla Model X, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, and Hemi-powered Durangos, one of the pioneering models for the segment was the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited. It was available for just one year (1998) and was reportedly the world’s fastest SUV at the time. There were only about 14,000 built, and today, surviving examples are sought after. It came with a 245-horsepower Magnum V8 and Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive – making it plenty capable both on- and off-road.

What are your thoughts on the vehicles I picked?

Tune in for more about the Future Collectible Symposium as part of our ongoing Barrett-Jackson coverage this week and next! In the meantime, browse the docket!

For 60 years, the Porsche 911 has set standards, broken records, and stolen the hearts of thousands of sports car enthusiasts. Its latest iteration, which debuted in 2019, is called the 992 series. And one 992 in particular – finished in the uncommon color “Gentian Blue” – was among the many impressive supercars that were sold at no reserve at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction.

Featured on the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel is an overview discussing some of the many standout features of the 911. It was powered by a rear-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter flat-six rated at a potent 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Those performance credentials meant the car could accelerate to 60 mph in fewer than three seconds. Part of the car’s swiftness was made possible by its Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system – delivering plenty of grip on demand.

Of course, sports cars aren’t just about going fast. They need to handle with confidence and precision. Accordingly, the Porsche on the docket was equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) for maximum agility.

Besides its sheer speed, the 911 Turbo S had a lot else going for it. For starters, take a look at the interior, which is finished in an exclusive “Manufaktur” two-tone leather combination of Chalk and Bordeaux; that arrangement was an $11,110 upgrade. Additional interior options included brushed aluminum trim inlays, special seat belts, a heated GT Sport steering wheel with carbon fiber, a Burmester high-end surround sound audio system, ambient lighting, and even leather-upholstered sun visors.

All said and done, the car had a striking combination of options and extremely strong collector appeal. One lucky high bidder was able to take the car home.

We look forward to seeing what’s up for grabs at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. You can browse the docket in advance to see if anything catches your eye. Whether you plan on bidding to bring home a new ride or not, the event is a must-experience occasion for any automotive enthusiast.

Currently for sale on AutoHunter is this restored 1970 Pontiac GTO hardtop. Nineteen-seventy brought a restyle of the Goat that has made it a fan favorite. It’s not difficult to understand why as it looks sleeker than the equally photogenic 1968-69 version. What’s interesting about this one (aside of the killer color combo) is how it was originally equipped—just four options—but don’t let that sway you; several enhancements make this Poncho a mightier muscle car, including upgrades to the original 400 (now with 444 horsepower) and other mechanical bits. Painted Polar White with a red bucket-seat interior, this Gran Turismo Omologato comes from the private seller with PHS documentation, 1970 California plates, window sticker, build sheet, car cover, clear title, and more.

This GTO underwent a frame-on restoration in 2018. The Polar White paint is complemented by red GTO decals on both front fenders and the trunk lid. Other exterior highlights include a non-functional ram air hood and dual chrome mirrors. A set of 15-inch Rally II wheels is wrapped in 235/60 Uniroyal Tiger Paw radials.

The cabin is furnished in red vinyl, which includes new upholstery (door panels, seat covers, carpet, and headliner). The front bucket seats lack a console between them, so the shifter is on the column. Other features include power steering (added), the original AM radio, and an aftermarket Alpine AM/FM/Bluetooth/AUX stereo located in the glove box.

The instrument panel features a 120-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge, with a clock added in the right pod. A set of aftermarket AutoMeter gauges is mounted underneath the dashboard (water temperature, oil pressure, voltage, and transmission temperature), with an 8,000-rpm tachometer resting on the transmission hump. The odometer shows 72,545 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The numbers-matching, professionally rebuilt 400 has been bored to measure 407ci. With 10.65:1 compression, it puts out 444 horsepower and 482 lb-ft of torque. Equipment includes a Holley Demon four-barrel carburetor and an Edelbrock intake plus Hooker headers and more. The rebuilt TH400 automatic is now supported by a 2,800-rpm stall converter.

The undercarriage has been upgraded with an F41 suspension featuring large front and rear sway bars, boxed control arms, and power front disc brakes. The limited-slip rear end features 3.55 Auburn gears. The headers are connected to a 2.5-inch H-pipe dual exhaust system with MagnaFlows.

As a factory piece, this 1970 Pontiac GTO hardtop is unique in its limited option list (not even power steering), but today it is equipped with the sort of features you’d want as a driver. Add the massaged engine and sweet hues, and you have quite a desirable Goat. Do you agree? Rather than nod your head, you can bid high and bid now to welcome this Pick of the Day to your garage, then wait for the 12:15 p.m. (MST) deadline on Friday, January 16, 2026 to see if you’ve won. Good luck!

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

There are certain things that are typically associated with vehicles from different parts of the world. German cars are renowned for their engineering. Japanese cars have a reputation for reliability. If you overhear someone talking about Italian cars, there’s a good chance you’ll catch the word “beautiful.” There are good reasons for those associations—just look at our Pick of the Day and try to take your eyes off of it. You can find this 1970 Maserati Ghibli listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Farmingdale, New York.

When Maserati started developing a new GT car in 1966, it turned to Ghia of Turin for the design. As fate would have it, the job was assigned to a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, who had already penned the lines for another Italian looker, the Iso Grifo. Giugiaro would go on to co-found Italdesign in 1968 and later design the S1 Lotus Esprit and DMC DeLorean, among many others.

Named after a powerful North African wind, the Ghibli was a swirl of decisions that resulted in what many consider Giugiaro’s best design. Maserati fitted the 4.7-liter V8 from the Mexico with dry-sump lubrication, which allowed Giugiaro to lower the Ghibli’s hood. A noticeably reclined windshield connects with a fast roofline that slopes down toward triangular rear pillars, which became visual signatures of later Maserati vehicles. When you look at the Ghibli’s profile, you see a graceful flow because, as Maserati puts it, “there was no distinction between the car’s body and the passenger compartment; they were neither separate nor overlapping, rather they were joined together as a single surface,” forming one beautiful piece of rolling art. One glance at the Ghibli inspires daydreams of driving briskly along the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast wearing Persol shades and bespoke Italian tailoring.

Nearly 60 years after it left Maserati’s factory, the Ghibli continues to stun. Though powered by its original 330-horsepower V8, the aluminum body lost its original light blue hue and has been repainted in the current metallic burgundy, which pairs perfectly with the well preserved ivory white leather interior. It’s not immediately obvious, but that wood shift knob is part of another major change from stock. According to the selling dealer, “Originally ordered as a U.S.-spec car with a rare automatic transmission, this Ghibli was converted early in its life to a desirable 5-speed ZF manual gearbox, complete with correct linkage and pedals.”

While this 1970 Maserati Ghibli may not be entirely original, it was modified for the better. Most importantly, it didn’t lose its innate beauty. You can enjoy this gorgeous sight and time behind its wood-rimmed wheel every day for $149,900.

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