Journal Classic Cars

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster.

Companies in Japan are quite interesting. In the 1950s and early 1960s Japanese products were often though of as cheap imitations of products made in Europe and the United States. Most of this was post-war bias and hostility towards Japan, because in reality what Japanese companies did was to take exciting products, electronics, cameras, watches, and even automobiles and improve them. They did this by adding increased precision in manufacture, more advanced technologies, and offered these products at a lower price than their competitors.

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight, a 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster, is a prime example of this phenomenon, and while it might look a lot like an MG or a Triumph, was actually something that was a better car built with much higher quality and technology. This specific 2000 Roadster has also been further upgraded by its previous owner to make it even better that the original and, yet, has stayed true to the original idea the engineers had when they built the car, using later model and even higher quality Datsun/Nissan technology.

According to the listing, this 1969 Datsun 2000 roadster has had an engine swap from the original SOHC inline 4 cylinder to an upgraded SR20DE 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It was the recipient of a frame-off rebuild and comes with front disc brakes, a sway bar, and a JVC stereo. Finished in red over a black vinyl interior, this restored Datsun also comes with a removable black hardtop. The seller states that this car is rust free, an important piece of data for anyone considering any early Datsun car. The car rides on 14-inch seven-spoke aluminum Minilite style wheels that are wrapped in 175/70 Firestone FR680 radial tires.

The interior of the car features an original two-seat cockpit black vinyl bucket seats, matched to the door panels, dash, lap belts, and new carpeting. Features include a clock, a JVC radio, a black roll bar, and a trunk-mounted spare tire. The instruments have been upgraded to Speedhut instrumentation that includes a 140-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and a combination gauge that shows the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. 

The seller listing this car for auction resides in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and goes on to state that this car’s updated engine is a fuel injected SR20DE twin-cam 2.0-liter inline-four with 165 horsepower. This, to me, makes this 2000 Roadster the perfect car to take on vintage rallies with the additional power and fuel injection making for a perfect combination. The car will be both more reliable as well as considerably faster. I bet this car is a blast to drive.

If you have always loved British roadsters but want something a bit different that is also more drivable, you should seriously consider this thoughtfully upgraded 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster.

The auction for this 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster ends Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Jaguar will launch a large electric sedan as one of the three vehicles planned in its brand overhaul, Autocar reported on Wednesday citing a source familiar with the plans.

The overhaul, known as Reimagine and announced in 2021 by former CEO Thierry Bollore, will see Jaguar’s current lineup phased out and replaced by three electric vehicles all positioned at higher price points than any members of the current fleet.

The first of the new Jaguars arrives in 2025. It’s been confirmed by the brand as a sleek four-door grand tourer.

It was previously thought the GT would be followed by a pair of SUVs, though according to the Autocar report only one SUV, a mid-size offering targeting the Bentley Bentayga and Range Rover, is coming, with the third model to be the large sedan.

All three will reportedly ride on a purpose-built EV platform dubbed JEA (Jaguar Electric Architecture), which Jaguar has previously confirmed for its four-door GT.

Though the market is clamoring for SUVs of all sorts, the segment is already extensively covered by fellow JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover) brands Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender. Instead, Jaguar, with its new focus on lower-volume, higher-margin vehicles can target segments where the other JLR brands aren’t present.

And having two sedans in its lineup (the four-door GT will likely be a hatch) is a strategy Jaguar has explored for a while. When planning for the future of the XJ early last decade, Jaguar looked at introducing two body styles: a sporty coupe-like design for performance fans and a roomier three-box design to be targeted at well-heeled Chinese buyers who prefer to ride in the back.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

It’s fun to see how etymology relates to automobile names. Have you ever wondered about the story behind the word “belvedere”? The term has been around since the 1500s and combines two Italian words: “bel” for “beautiful” and “vedere” for “view.” So, feast your eyes on the beautiful view that this stunning four-door example of Detroit iron gives us.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1958 Plymouth Belvedere sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)

“The car is fully restored, top to bottom. It comes with manufacturer A/C and power steering,” the listing says.

In all its glory, this Belvedere has the sky-high tailfins that the world came to know and love in the late 1950s. I love the color combo on this car, and I wish we could review the trim tag to find out its true identity. The color name may be some variation of salmon, coral, or rose – I did some Googling and saw that Coral (paint code S) was an option that year. Either way, it’s a stunning look, especially when done up in two-tone form with a complementary white roof and wide whitewall tires.

The black and white seats have a clear vinyl wrapping over the seats and look to be in great condition throughout. This makes sense since the seller said the car went through inside-and-out refurbishment. Power up front comes from a V8 paired with a push-button automatic transmission, and there were a variety of V8 engines available during this era ranging from 260cid through 350cid displacements. The seller says that the car runs smoothly.

The Belvedere model lived from 1954 through 1970, initially sold as a full-size model but later classified as a midsize. In the late 1950s (up until 1958, at least), the Belvedere was the top-trim offering for the Plymouth lineup, which explains why its amenities were well-appointed for its time. This one comes with power steering, a radio, a dual exhaust system, and lots of brightwork to turn heads.

Lastly – I surely can’t discuss any 1958 Plymouth model without at least making a quick mention of Christine, the famous Plymouth Fury who came to life as a haunted car in Stephen King’s 1983 novel (later made into a horror film that remains one of my favorites to this day).

The asking price is $35,000 or best offer for this beautiful Belvedere.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Ferrari, which tells the story of Enzo Ferrari and the formative days of his eponymous car company, won’t play down the carnage of racing at that time.

The movie, which stars Adam Driver as Ferrari, focuses on three months in 1957 that were pivotal in the man’s career and personal life, director Michael Mann said in a recent interview with Variety. Ferrari had just lost his son Dino to illness, and his wife Laure (played by Penélope Cruz) would soon find out about his affair with Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley).

Ferrari’s company was also failing, and in the movie at least, the only way to save it was for the factory race team to finish well at the 1957 Mille Miglia. Named for its 1,000-mile distance, the race was run on public roads before modern safety considerations. In 1957, Ferrari driver Alfonso de Portago crashed in the Italian village of Guidizzolo, killing himself and 10 spectators, including five children. After 1957, the race was switched to a rally-style format, with cars only driving at high speeds on closed stages.

Before filming, Mann had cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt and his camera crew study footage of the 1955 fatal crash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Pierre Levegh’s Mercedes-Benz was launched into the grandstands, killing Levegh and what is estimated to be more than 80 spectators in the deadliest racing incident in history. Mann then made a trip to Guidizzolo, interviewing a witness to the 1957 crash.

The inspiration for Ferrari was something a little more pleasant. In the interview, Mann said he was inspired to make a movie about Enzo Ferrari when he saw a 275 GTB rolling down a London street while a film student in 1967.

Mann started work on the movie in 1993, after reading a script based on the late Car and Driver editor Brock Yates’ biography of Enzo. The movie remained in production hell for decades, getting close to approval in 2014, with Christian Bale set to play Ferrari. Bale then dropped out (he would go on to play Ken Miles in 2019’s Ford v. Ferrari) and in 2020 Hugh Jackman entered to talks to play Ferrari. Now the movie is finally on the verge of reaching screens.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible.

During a frame-off restoration, this eye-catching drop-top received a modern Vortec V8 powertrain along with enhancements including power brakes, power windows, power steering, shaved door handles, rear air shocks, and modern front suspension. It is being offered for sale by a private party in Greenwood, Delaware and has all right elements to make it a stunning yet reliable 70-year-old classic car.

The exterior has a “lead sled” look to it thanks to clean lines and a lowered stance. The body refinish took place about two years ago according to the seller and included a long list of modifications to make this Super 88 look as sleek as it does. The car of course retains plenty of 1950s chrome treatment, but it also received frenched headlights, a shaved hood, lake pipes, dummy spotlights, rear wheel skirts, and custom taillights. The Coker wide-whitewall tires add to the look, and that low stance was made possible by drop spindles, lowering springs, and air shocks with an onboard compressor.

The Oldsmobile 88 model had a 50-year history with the Oldsmobile brand, first launching in 1949 as what General Motors referred to as an “image leader.” That initial generation continued through to 1953 as shown here, with the “Super” 88 assuming its position at the top of the model hierarchy. Some enthusiasts argue that the 88 – particularly with equipped with an available “Rocket” V8 engine – could be considered one of the first muscle cars, thanks to its relatively light body and a powerful engine.

The interior on this custom hot rod received late-model power-adjustable bucket seats, power windows, power steering, and a CD sound system which all work together to bring it into the modern era. The dash face is adorned with engine-turned aluminum trim which extends to a custom center console.

The mechanical magic of this restomod Super 88 is found under its hood, where a late-model 5.3-liter Vortec V8 is installed for optimal reliability. A 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission sends power to the pavement, and performance upgrades include a custom intake along with tube exhaust headers. True mileage on the chassis is unknown.

If lowered looks and a late-model powertrain are attributes that catch your eye, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better custom ride than this Olds.

The auction for this 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible ends September 5, 2023, at 12:20 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

A comprehensive restoration involves a checklist that covers virtually every aspect of a vehicle’s mechanical and cosmetic condition. For some people, it makes more sense to buy a vehicle that is already well-sorted as opposed to taking on a project car. This car fits into the ready-to-show category.

The Pick of the Day is a 1975 Chevrolet Nova SS listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)

“This 1975 Nova SS is a very nice example of a fourth-generation Nova and could be just what you’re looking for,” the listing states. “Born a factory Nova SS hatchback with a four-speed transmission, this car has gone through a thorough rolling chassis restoration in 2017 by the previous owner.”

Based on the vehicle description, there isn’t much on this car that hasn’t already been upgraded or refurbished: In addition to the paint work in 2017, the car received a new Blueprint small-block engine, suspension work, new factory-correct seat covers, replacement moldings, and a Hurst shift kit.

The Nova lived through five distinct generations beginning in 1962, with a gap between model years 1980 and 1984. From the onset, it was designed to be a simple, compact car. General Manager Ed Cole said during the car’s launch that was intended to offer “maximum functionalism with thrift.” However, the Nova (initially branded as a Chevy II), went on to deliver far more than just economical transportation. It also evolved into a venerable muscle car with big-block power and sporty aspirations.

This clean example comes from the X-body-based fourth generation which had received significant design updates compared to prior models. Exterior lines were modeled after European sedans, and some trim levels of the Nova catered specifically to people who wanted high-end features in a compact car. One was the “LN” package which offered reclining seats, added sound insulation, and map pockets.

This generation of Nova could be configured in three different body styles, including a two-door coupe, a three-door hatchback, and a four-door sedan. This Nova comes in a two-door hatchback body layout, which Chevrolet was so proud of that they placed “Hatchback” emblems on the C-pillars.

Similar to the exterior and interior, the drivetrain of this Nova comes fully refreshed. Torque comes from a crate-sourced small-block 350cid V8 that was installed in 2019 and is upgraded with an aluminum intake manifold, a performance cam, a Holley Street Warrior four-barrel carburetor, a new water pump, and more.

“This is truly one of the nicest fourth-generation Novas you’ll find anywhere. It’s straight, runs and sounds great, and is in ready-to-cruise or show condition,” the listing concludes.

The asking price is $28,500 or best offer for this Nova.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

The Jaguar E-Type was a high point in sports car history, and this episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” features a well-preserved example.

This 1963 E-Type spent years buried under clutter in a garage in Burbank, California. But because it was parked by its original owner after just a few years on the road, with only about 17,000 miles on the odometer, it remains in all-original condition. And because the E-Type was entombed about a mile from Jay Leno’s Garage, it’s now part of the collection.

Some work was done to make the car roadworthy after it was pulled out of its slumber. The brake and clutch master cylinders, as well as the brake and fuel lines, were replaced, the differential was serviced, and the sticking passenger-side door was fixed. The wheels were also replaced with slightly wider versions, as the originals were corroded. Everything else is original, though, including the paint, interior, and top. As far as Leno can tell, the top has never even been down.

The car spent most of the past 50 years underneath piles of blankets, water heaters, and other junk. That left some dents in the bodywork (which were repaired without harming the paint), but also protected the bodywork from rust, Leno notes in the video. It even preserved chalk marks left by factory workers during assembly. 

This E-Type is an earlier Series I model, with the cleaner look that first wowed attendees at the E-Type’s launch in Geneva on Match 15, 1961. Later Series II and Series III models augmented this styling, and Jaguar later replaced the inline-6 engine used in the first cars with a V-12. But the Series I E-Type is still considered the most desirable version.

Now in drivable condition, this convertible joins a white 1963 Jaguar E-Type coupe in Leno’s collection. This car’s originality makes it stand out, though, and Leno says it even drives better than some restored E-Types. How can you argue with that?

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Think you know your cars? Then try the below automotive puzzle highlighting headlights of vehicles that are currently listed on AutoHunter.

Sealed beam headlights were introduced on all American cars for 1940. In 1957, quad headlights became legal in all 48 states and, in 1974, regulators permitted rectangular sealed beam headlights. For 1984, the Lincoln Mark VII became the first American vehicle to feature composite headlamps with a replaceable bulb. The 1990s brought high-intensity discharge headlights, which seems like the first step in today’s nutty variety of front-end illumination.

So put on your thinking hat and identify the below quartet of vehicles in the comment section below, then click on each image to learn whether you guessed correctly. Have fun!

Click on each image to reveal the vehicle and year

Be sure to check out our other puzzles with taillights and dashboards! And if you have an idea for another automotive puzzle be sure to tell us below!

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this frame-off restored 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible. This vehicle has been with the seller for 42 years, which is practically the car’s whole life. This VW is powered by a fuel-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a four-speed manual transaxle. Features include European-style headlights and heated rear glass. Finished in Alpine White with white convertible top over a white vinyl interior, this garage-kept Super Beetle comes with plenty of extra parts (check the auction page for the complete list) and a clear title.

Not only was 1979 the last year for the Beetle convertible, but it also was the final year for the Beetle in America. It’s likely a vehicle that more people alive have had experience with than any other. Though its origins may come from a dark place, the Beetle and its offshoots have brought millions of people to a happy place. Even if it’s not American, the Beetle is an American institution almost as much as the Model T.

In 1997, the body was bead-blasted and refinished in the original color of Alpine White (code L90E). Additionally, the frame for the manual convertible top was restored and the top was replaced. Features include European-style headlights with chrome rings, dual side-view mirrors, and heated rear windshield. Four of the videos in the auction page show walk-around footage of the exterior as well as the interior.

A set of 15-inch gray Volkswagen steel wheels is wrapped in 165R15 Arizonian Premium Metric steel-belted radial tires.

The front bucket seats and rear seat were reupholstered in white vinyl, plus new black carpeting was installed in 2022. Features include Motorola AM/FM radio and a newer steering bushing.

The instrument panel includes a 100-mph speedometer and fuel gauge. The odometer reads 104,384 miles, which includes 72,000 miles added during the seller’s 42 years of ownership.

Power is provided by a fuel-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a four-speed manual transaxle. The engine was replaced in 1983, and currently has logged fewer than 2,000 miles since being rebuilt and tuned for high-altitude (8,000 feet) driving in 2018. A video on the auction page shows a cold start of the engine.

This Volkswagen is equipped with four-wheel independent suspension that was rebuilt and fitted with urethane bushings in 2022, with the rear axle shafts being rebuilt in 2021. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. The exhaust exits at the rear through a single outlet.

As part of the sale, the seller will include a black convertible top boot, black bra, two-piece car cover, tools, new wiper relay, removed original parts, spare parts and miscellaneous components, seat upholstery, service records, and owner’s and service manuals.

The auction for this 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible ends Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 12:50 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

We recently wrote about an elegant 1965 Lancia Flaminia with a V6 that originated from the 1950 Lancia Aurelia, the first mass-produced car to feature a V6. With that inspiration, today’s Pick of the Day is a 1965 Buick Special V6 convertible. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)

The Buick Special traces its origins from General Motors’ “Senior Compacts” of 1961. Of the trio (which included the Oldsmobile F85 and Pontiac Tempest), the Special vied for the most interesting of the bunch, thanks to its aluminum 215 V8. That engine was the basis for the iron-block 1962 198 Fireball V6, which was another advanced mechanical bit for GM. That engine was increased to 225cid in 1964 and was produced through 1967, plus it was shared with the Oldsmobile F-85 from 1964-65. The tooling was sold to Kaiser in 1967, and AMC used it after picking Jeep from Kaiser. After the first gas crisis, GM bought back the tooling and created the 231 V6. The rest, they say, is history.

When the 1964 Special was introduced, it grew into a conventional mid-size car. The available models were Special, Special Deluxe, and Skylark. Interestingly, a convertible was available in the base Special in addition to the Skylark — somewhat unusual for a bottom-of-the-line series, as compact and mid-size convertibles tended to be in higher trim levels. Perhaps Buick’s upscale positioning was a factor?

This 1965 Special convertible features the V6 engine, one of 3,357 built that year (another 3,365 were built with the 300cid V8, which was an iron-block evolution of the 215). Painted Silver Cloud, this Buick is an older redux that is begging to be driven or some gentle refurbishment. “Virtually dent- and ding-free, the exterior is holding up well … with some slight areas of orange peel,” plus a few chips on the rockers. The power-operated black convertible top is clean without any tears or rips, though the plastic backlite is slightly yellowed. Inside, the original red interior is in “very good condition for its age” though there is “slight age wear” in various parts. Of special note is that “the upper padded dash is crack-free.” The Fireball V6 is connected to a two-speed ST300 automatic with 3.08 gears.

What you have here is an unusual 1960s American car with a powerplant that would do the Italians proud. “A quick starter, and effortless drive [with] smooth acceleration and a smooth ride.” For $23,500, you can just hop in and drive, or you can give it a little TLC and make it irresistible. With the right color combo and interesting tech, this 1965 Buick Special convertible is arguably irresistible already.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.