Journal Classic Cars

My childhood chum Brian Dittmar gave me his Consumer Guide Complete Guide to Used Cars books (one covering 1969-78, the other 1971-80) many years ago. They were a nice complement to one of the first car books I bought when I was a kid (1970-79, which means I bought it when I was seven). We know that American cars had issues with reliability compared to their Japanese competitors back in the day, but how bad were they really? Let’s start this serial looking at American Motors Corporation.

Perhaps due to my age at the time, I wasn’t bored reading Consumer Guide’s opinion on the reliability of my favorite cars, nor was I offended if the writers had bad things to say about the cars that I liked. I simply was a kid into cars; this book had pictures that showed me the vehicles I saw on the street daily.

One thing that Brian’s 1971-80 book had over mine was a table that listed every engine and the fuel mileage of each. Did you know that the 426 Hemi achieved 6.4 miles per gallon? Though written in an era when fuel economy was a primary consideration for many shoppers, this series of books gives insights on other considerations car shoppers may have—especially reliability. Let’s revisit AMC’s roster from the era and see how they fared as used cars. Please note the CG rating scale of 5 being Excellent and 1 being Poor.

American Motors Corporation
“If you’re in the market for an older used car that will get you where you’re going without frills or flashy finery, and at a low price, an automobile from American Motors Corporation may be what you’re looking for.” Yet “AMC’s workmanship was spotty in the early ‘70s …”

• Ambassador: “… was one of the roomiest and most economical cars of the full-size class.” CG rating: 3
• Hornet/Concord: “… is a solid transportation vehicle that can be bought at a decent price. But it is not equal to the totally new Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr.” CG rating: 3-4
• Gremlin: “A clever bit of engineering with too many shortcomings to be an attractive buy.” CG rating: 2-3
• Javelin: “The Javelin has more strong points than most sporty compacts.” CG rating: 2
• Rebel/Matador: “… probably the most practical all-around intermediate on the used-car market today.” CG rating: 3 (Rebel), 4-5 (Matador)
• Pacer: “The car has big windows but still has a side vision problem because of the extra-wide side pillars right where most drivers look when passing in traffic.” CG rating: 2
• Rambler American: “… is no slouch either when it comes to low-speed city driving.” CG rating: 3

The 2025 Bentley Continental GT has an MSRP of $296,950. But that starting price is merely a starting point because one of out every four Bentleys is now configured with options from the Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide. The addition of new textures, colors, fabrics, and patterns has broadened that array of choices for Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga buyers. After all, what’s the point of having a Bentley if it looks like every other one on Rodeo Drive?

Glossy wood trim has long been a common sight in British luxury cars but, in recent years, the look and texture of open pore wood has become more and more popular. Mulliner’s Vavona and Liquid Amber options still have a protective layer over them, but it’s a super-thin matte finish that uses 90 percent less lacquer than a glossy finish.

For a sportier, more technical look, Mulliner offers a range of carbon fiber accents. The standard finish for the lightweight material is gloss black, but now there are four new alternatives: Damson, Kingfisher Blue, Imperial Blue, and Cumbrian Green.

As Bentley puts it, all “veneered surfaces” can be covered in a mirror-finish Piano Gloss that matches any of the leather colors or 100-plus paint choices in the standard, extended, and Mulliner color palettes. Those looking for a subtle yet distinctive accent can opt for a hand-painted pinstripe that runs across the dashboard and onto the door panels, and spec it in the same color as the vehicle or a color of leather he or she chooses.

As if Bentleys weren’t opulent enough, a new pinstriped veneer option gives the center console a nautical look inspired by the decks of luxury yachts. It’s available on open pore wood or painted veneer with either a straight or chevron pattern. Continuing the aquatic theme is Wave metal trim comprised of intertwined ribbons that produce “a repeating wave effect, catching the light and creating a stunning focal point for the interior.”

Even the anodized speaker grilles for the Bang & Olufsen audio system can be highlighted with one of eight colors, including three new choices: Kingfisher, Pillar Box Red, and Mandarin. If silver isn’t the right color for the “organ stop” air vent controls, those with especially deep pockets can order them in 18-karat gold.

In addition to all that wood, carbon fiber, and leather, the Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide also contains a range of Tweed door inserts in exclusive yarn colors and five patterns: Cheltenham, Glen Plaid, Charcoal Herringbone, Sand Herringbone, and Damson.

Buyers who want trained eyes to help them in their build process can choose from the set of available Designer Suggestions, specification combos recommended by the Mulliner Design Team, or get assistance from a Mulliner Consultant or Bentley Retail Specialist.

It’s likely that many Bentley buyers—especially first-timers—will use one of the Designer Suggestions because combining so many different shades, finishes, textures, and materials can potentially result in a very expensive hodgepodge of poorly coordinated colors and jarring patterns. A little restraint (and another pair of eyes) can go a long way.

Right now on AutoHunter you can find this 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, which is equipped with its reportedly numbers-matching 460ci and a Select-Shift three-speed automatic transmission. It’s finished in Dark Brown Metallic and topped with a White Normandie vinyl roof over a Saddle vinyl and White leather interior. Our latest AutoHunter Spotlight car comes with no reserve price from the private seller in Washington with a clear title.

The Dark Brown Metallic body is accented with chrome bumpers, chrome grille, and contrasting side moldings. Exterior features include concealed headlights, White Normandie vinyl roof, opera windows, faux continental kit, and a hitch receiver.

This big American luxury cruiser rides on a set of 15-inch wheels and 237/75 Antares Comfort A5 tires.

The cabin features the Saddle/White Luxury Group with Saddle vinyl and White leather seating. Amenities include power windows, power-adjustable Twin Comfort Lounge front seats, power steering, cruise control, Cartier clock, and AM/FM/cassette radio.

Instrumentation consists of a 120-mph speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights for various systems. The odometer shows 87,705 miles; the title for this vehicle indicates it’s mileage-exempt.

According to the seller, the numbers-matching 460ci V8 and the Select-Shift (C6) three-speed automatic were modified by a previous owner to enhance this car’s towing capability. That big V8 transmits its power through a 2.75 rear end. Power four-wheel disc brakes bring this car—and whatever it happens to be towing—to a stop.

If you liked what you read about this 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, don’t stop here—go to AutoHunter.com and bid on it before the no-reserve auction ends on Thursday, August 7 at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

One of the 2,000-plus vehicles that sold at no reserve during the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona earlier this year was a 1982 Ford Crown Victoria station wagon modeled after the famous “Family Truckster” from the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” The car was offered as part of the Dr. Stewart Berkowitz collection and, throughout the course of “auction week,” it was a huge conversation piece among attendees.

While perhaps not as eye-catching in appearance—it’s missing the quad stacked headlights, after all—this car could make a great candidate for a similar tribute.

The Pick of the Day is a 1990 Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Most notably, for those seeking an authentic 1980-90s station-wagon look, the car is adorned with plenty of wood-grain trim. It also comes equipped with a roof rack for maximum cargo-hauling utility. Inside, the cabin is the pinnacle of versatility—check out the optional inboard-facing rear seats that cleverly fold down into the floor. There are eight seat belts in the car, making it possible to haul around an average-sized family along with a friend or two. Creature comforts include power windows, power door locks, cruise control, power driver seat, and air conditioning. The seller says the air blows cold, too.

The full-sized LTD Crown Victoria was produced from 1980 through 1991 and could be ordered as a two-door sedan, four-door sedan, or station wagon. Underpinnings came from the rear-wheel drive Ford Panther platform architecture, characterized by a double-wishbone front suspension and a coil-sprung live rear axle. Across the decade-long production run, relatively few aesthetic changes took place with the Crown Victoria, although it did receive a facelift in 1988 to give some of the edges a slightly rounder look.

Power for this big people-mover comes from a 5.0-liter Windsor V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller says the car runs and drives great. One thing to note: in advertising, Ford talked about how the Country Squire could be optioned with a heavy-duty trailer towing package that was capable of lugging an extra 5,000 pounds around. The station wagon was without a doubt the king of the hill when it came to capability.

Wally World, here we come! The asking price is $16,500 or best offer.

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

These days it seems as if most vehicle buyers want a crossover or SUV, but not all of them want the same kind. Judging by the more rugged versions of vehicles that used to be strictly soft-roaders (such as the first-ever Nissan Rogue Rock Creek) it’s clear that automakers are trying to cover an increasingly broader spectrum of characteristics within single model lines. Larger SUVs, including the Cadillac Escalade, are now available as high-performance vehicles. When Lexus introduced the TX for 2024 to meet the demand for a roomy three-row SUV, the lineup included a 366-horsepower TX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid model. This year, Lexus added another athletic option: the TX 350 F Sport Handling AWD.

EMPHASIS ON HANDLING, NOT HORSEPOWER

As the name implies, the F Sport Handling variant is essentially a suspension package. Based on the TX 350 AWD, it uses an F Sport-tuned version of the Adaptive Variable Suspension, which adjusts according to driver inputs and road conditions. Of course, as an F Sport model, it also comes with an array of cosmetic and additional functional upgrades. The “Unified Spindle” grille flows into the F Sport front fascia, which is highlighted with satin silver trim. My test vehicle’s Incognito gray paint was the perfect backdrop for the black roof rails, window trim, mirror caps, and 22-inch wheels. At the rear, there’s more brightwork below the power liftgate, as well as a diffuser-like panel. Inside the NuLuxe-lined cabin, the heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed shifter, aluminum pedals and scuff plates, and front headrest logos are products of F Sport’s makeover. The heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs aren’t particularly performance-oriented, but they’re a welcome part of the package.

None of those changes—and no, not even the F Sport badges—add to the performance under the hood. The F Sport Handling’s engine is the same one in every other TX 350, but that’s not a bad thing. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Channeled through an eight-speed automatic and all four wheels, that was more than enough to keep the TX out of its own way. In Sport mode, the AVS was focused yet never flinty. It’s too bad the steering and braking weren’t as dialed in, but I did remind myself I wasn’t in an outright performance version of the TX.

The F Sport Handling’s combination of gas-only propulsion and an upgraded suspension helps it fill an important slot in the TX lineup, providing an option to buyers who want a sportier TX but don’t want to upgrade to the TX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid to get more power. Priced from $65,860, the F Sport Handling is within $5,000 of the 500h’s $70,110 MSRP. Even with the Convenience and Technology Packages, the Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio system, and a few other small accessories, my review vehicle had an as-tested sticker price of $69,430.

YOUR RESULTS MAY VARY

All TXs, no matter their trim level or drivetrain, are designed to fit three rows of people. Just what size those people can be may vary. I’m five-feet-ten, and I found the first two rows perfectly spacious, although the driver seat’s side bolstering was a little too aggressive. Aside from that and a few confusing design and hardware choices, the front of the TX’s cabin was a pleasant place to be. I wouldn’t hesitate to take the F Sport Handling on a long road trip. My family wouldn’t object, either. My wife had enough legroom in the shotgun seat when our son Hayden was in his car seat directly behind her in the second row; I didn’t hear any complains from my mother-in-law in the driver-side captain’s chair. However, it’s a little tighter in the third row, where the top of my head was uncomfortably close to the headliner. Then again, not everyone is my height. If you have family members and friends of various sizes, I’m sure you and five of them can reach a compromise that all of you will find comfortable.

To get a better idea of the 2025 Lexus TX 350 F Sport Handling AWD’s features, oddities, and interior dimensions, check out my video review below.

Click above and watch our full video review on YouTube!

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Cupra? We learned about this automotive brand several months ago when we wrote about this companion brand to Seat. The Spanish manufacturer has had aspirations to reach the U.S. market by 2030, but now we have received news that those plans have been delayed.

Owned by the Volkswagen Group, Cupra (which comes off as being somewhat like Scion, complete with hip marketing) planned to offer us edgy electric SUV and maybe more. However, Car and Driver reports that the 2030 goal has been postponed—not cancelled—after a recent earnings report. The brand “will continue to monitor market developments in the coming years to determine the best timing and approach.”

Cupra did not start out as an EV brand, but the introduction of the VW ID.3-based Born crossover that first appeared several years ago was the beginning of what will be an all-EV lineup. If and by the time Cupra is able to sort itself for the American market, we may also be the recipient of the Cupra Dark Rebel, a 2023 concept that will take the brand beyond its current crossover lineup.

Barrett-Jackson will offer an expansive docket filled with some of the most sought-after collectible vehicles, ranging from unrestored muscle cars and world-class Resto-Mods to supercars and custom trucks during this year’s Scottsdale Fall Auction, Oct. 15-18, 2025, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Among this year’s headlining vehicles crossing the block with No Reserve is a rare, track-ready 2021 Ford GT Mk II (preview) that is one of 45 built worldwide and has 41 actual miles. Also included on the docket is a custom 1979 Ford Bronco (preview) owned by professional extreme skier Julian Carr and a custom 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible (preview) with a supercharged LT4 engine.

“Barrett-Jackson is widely praised by the collector car community for offering the most diverse dockets,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This year’s Fall Auction will continue that tradition with hundreds of collectible vehicles that first-time buyers and astute collectors alike will love. From a beautiful custom 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle to the race-ready 2021 Ford GT Mk II that’s FIA-approved and the first of 45 built, the depth and breadth of our docket is truly remarkable.”

The 2021 Ford GT Mk II (preview) is powered by a track-calibrated 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine producing over 700 horsepower paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Developed by Ford Performance and Multimatic, this track-inspired race car offers FIA-compliant aerodynamic upgrades, including an adjustable rear wing, large rear diffuser, roof-mounted intake scoop and extended front splitter. It weighs approximately 200 pounds less than the street version and is finished in race-spec lightweight paint.

Resto-Mods crossing the block this fall include the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle (preview) that features a full RideTech suspension, Wilwood disc brakes, dual exhaust and a CVF Serpentine belt system. The cabin is equipped with a leather interior, power windows, Vintage Air climate control and Dakota Digital gauges.

Classic muscle cars include a black 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler SCJ (preview), an original, one-owner example that features the original engine, carburetor, air cleaner, spark plug wires, fuel tank, fuel sending unit and Motorcraft V-belts. It is powered by a matching-numbers C-code 429ci Super Cobra Jet engine paired with a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission and backed by a W-code Super Drag Pack locking rear axle. It is one of 341 painted in special-order colors and has 4,459 miles.

“Our Scottsdale Fall Auction will reflect a broad spectrum of collectible vehicles, each with their own story and unique appeal to our bidders,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ll auction several one-of-a-kind builds, like a custom 1936 Ford 5-Window coupe (preview) created by legendary builder Jesse James, and a 2022 Devin Z custom roadster (preview) that pays homage to legendary SCCA racer Bill Devin. There will be many exciting opportunities for every collector to add something special to their garage.”

The 2022 Devin Z custom roadster (preview) is powered by a 700-horsepower LS7 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a twin-disc hydraulic clutch. A tribute to Bill Devin, the 1956 SCCA Champion, it is built on a custom chassis with one-off carbon-fiber body. A Great 8 finalist for the 2022 Autorama Ridler Award, it features Oracle projector headlights, a disappearing license plate and custom diffuser. The 1936 Ford 5-window custom coupe (preview), built by Jesse James and his West Coast Choppers crew, is powered by a 350ci V8 Chevrolet engine mated to a Turbo automatic transmission. It features an 8-inch chopped top, smoothed body panels and 1936 Bugatti taillights. The coupe has appeared in books, magazines, TV shows and commercials and was immortalized as multiple diecast models and toys.

Late-model collectible vehicles include a 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S powered by a twin-turbocharged flat-6 engine with an 8-speed PDK transmission. The interior features a full leather cabin in black/Bordeaux Red with carbon-fiber trim and includes a heated GT sport steering wheel, ventilated front seats, Burmester surround sound system, Sport Chrono Package, aluminum pedals and ambient lighting.

Celebrity-owned collectibles crossing the block during the Scottsdale Fall Auction include professional elite skier Julan Carr’s custom 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT (preview). Power comes from a 5.0-liter Coyote engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift rocker switch. Painted in Candy Apple Red with new Chromatic Free Wheeling decals, the interior features Vintage Air climate-control system, Dakota Digital replacement gauges and a RetroSound stereo. Owned by the legendary “Star Trek” actor, William Shatner, a 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sedan is powered by a twin-turbo 4.8-liter engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Loaded with options, the all-wheel-drive sedan is finished in black over a black interior.

Early examples of ever-popular custom trucks and SUVs include a 1953 Ford F-100 (preview) known as “FR100,” which is powered by a 5.0-liter “Cammer” crate engine with 425 horsepower, backed by a Tremec 5-speeed transmission. The truck comes with documentation that includes time slips from when John Force drove it. A custom 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha Open-Top (preview) comes with a Duramax turbo-diesel engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It features the Adventure Package and Central Tire Inflation System and is one of 22 examples produced with a Bright White open-top body.

Those interested in consigning their vehicles with confidence for the Scottsdale Fall Auction can submit their online application. Bidder registration is also open, with three packages to choose from and upgrades for Muscle Lounge access. Throughout the four-day auction, children ages 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult, courtesy of Coca-Cola. General admission tickets for students ages 13 through college are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $28.

Be a part of Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

I hope I can be forgiven in thinking Rolls-Royce was the most prestigious automotive brand extant, a British automaker that continues to hand-build its bespoke cars to standards from another era. So, you could imagine my surprise to learn that Rolls-Royce is also a lifestyle brand. For you groundlings out there, they call those lifestyle events “client experiences.”

I am still reeling from the discovery that Montessori too is a lifestyle brand–I had this revelation when my son’s classmate was picked up in a Lamborghini Urus and, no, they didn’t look like hippies either—so you have to beg my pardon when I have doubts that everything must be a lifestyle brand. I certainly don’t blame Rolls-Royce for trying.

For this exclusive escapade for July 28-August 3, 2025, Rolls-Royce invited its clients to the French Riviera’s “most celebrated addresses” in an attempt to “remain present in the world’s most rarefied locations.”

“Our summer programme in Saint-Tropez is a considered extension of our wider philosophy—to ensure our clients are never without the community, hospitality and access that Rolls-Royce provides, wherever they are in the world,” says Boris Weletzky, Regional Director, United Kingdom, Europe and Central Asia, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Through this series of elegant engagements, set in some of the Riviera’s most sought-after addresses, Rolls-Royce affirms its role as both a curator of exceptional motor cars and a meaningful part of our clients’ lives.”

If you’re a Rolls-Royce owner, you’re missing this exclusive series of client experiences in Saint-Tropez that include “private appointments, curated drive opportunities, and private gatherings” in several landmark destination that include La Réserve and Althoff Villa Belrose. Is that near where Morrison is buried? Apparently not—”La Réserve pairs modernist minimalist architecture with extraordinary seclusion, offering a spectacular sea view” while Althoff Villa Belrose “evokes the relaxed grandeur of a private Mediterranean estate” with its “cascading terraces and panoramic views.”

Rolls-Royce claims these destinations reflect the “tastes and habits” of their clients, presumably gleaned from a Mailchimp questionnaire that, interestingly, I never received (I even looked in my Junk folder).

Of course, if Rolls-Royce designed a set of soirées for its customers, it’s likely that the company’s very expensive vehicles are not far behind. “From these venues, guests are invited to explore Rolls-Royce’s full contemporary product portfolio via 12 Bespoke motor cars on the sweeping corniches that the region is famed for. These coastal roads were once favoured by Sir Henry Royce, who refined early motor cars from his winter home in nearby Le Canadel.” See? Even one of its founders was living the lifestyle, so a lifestyle brand it is.

If you’re currently on site enjoying this excursion, please don’t forget to send us a postcard. If you’re an owner and wish to plan for 2026, you can use the marque’s private members’ app, Whispers, to anticipate Rolls-Royce’s announcement for next year’s event.

The Ford Mustang enthusiast community is far-reaching. Consider the fact that the Mustang Club of America (MCA) has over 12,000 members, as well as 170 smaller regional clubs within. In the month of August alone, there will be 18 different club-sponsored events taking place around the country.

Chances are, you could go anywhere in the country—and probably in the world—and still find like-minded people with whom to talk Mustangs. If you haven’t already had a chance to be part of the family, what are you waiting for?

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1995 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. The pony car is being sold by a dealer in Asheboro, North Carolina, with the auction ending Monday, August 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Finished in Crystal White over Charcoal cloth upholstery, the car is an accident-free and damage-free example that spent its first few years in Georgia and then North Carolina since 1998. Over the course of its lifetime, it was upgraded with a few things like a lowered suspension, BBK Performance air intake, 18-inch Saleen chrome wheels, and a Cervini’s Auto Designs aftermarket hood. The car shows just under 150,000 miles today.

The fourth-generation Mustang was dubbed “SN95” and was produced from 1994 through 2004 at Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant. When it debuted, Ford’s marketing teams worked hard to tie it to the original Mustang. In fact, this commercial in particular featured photos from the first-year car and also used the tagline, “It is what it was . . . and more.”

The GT variant was introduced just one month after the base-model Mustang, and it came equipped with a V8, stiffer suspension, 3.08:1 axle ratio, dual exhaust outlets, and 16-inch wheels. The automotive media loved it, with Motor Trend naming it as its Car of the Year in 1994.

Under the hood of this pony car is the famous 5.0-liter “High-Output” V8 mated to a five-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The combination was rated at 215 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque when new.

What’s crazy to think about is that when the SN95 Mustang came out for 1994, the Mustang nameplate was celebrating 30 years of existence—it’s been another 30 years since then. It makes you wonder what kind of Mustang we’ll be driving in 2055. Hopefully, most of us are still around to experience it!

For now, here’s a great chance to make your entry into the Mustang Club of America and join for some of those August rallies.

The auction for this 1995 Ford Mustang GT Convertible ends Monday, August 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

When it debuted, the Bugatti Veyron—the first new Bugatti since the EB110 of the 1990s—was a statistical marvel and a freak of engineering: 16 cylinders and four turbos producing 1,001 PS (987 horsepower), enabling it to hit a top speed of over 250 mph.

That was 20 years ago. Thanks to the financial backing of Volkswagen, the Veyron’s 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine wasn’t just a spectacular one-off. In various states of tune, the W16 has lasted for two decades, reaching its end in a production run of 99 W16 Mistral roadsters. In the video below, Jay Leno drives one that belongs to the Audrain Automobile Museum as his friend (and museum consulting director) Donald Osborne rides shotgun.

Given its Chiron roots, it’s logical to assume the W16 Mistral is just a roofless Chiron but, as Osborne points out, it’s not. According to the CTO of Bugatti Rimac (the new company formed under the ownership of Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac), “The Chiron family was never intended to have a roadster model.” Creating the W16 Mistral called for extensive re-engineering of various structures and components, as well as redesigning the air intake system and the body itself.

Although it’s not an outright top-speed car, the Mistral’s W16 still generates 1,578 horsepower (1,600 PS) and is capable of reaching 261 mph. At various points during his drive, Leno gooses the throttle, causing the W16 Mistral to surge forward. Whereas a V8 sounds like a ferocious beast, the open-top Bugatti ‘s W16 truly sounds like a force of nature.

Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the W16 Mistral comes across as much lighter than it is. Leno likens it to a Mazda Miata or, in show business terms, “watching Jackie Gleason tap dance.” Where does this final iteration of the W16 rank in Leno’s standings? And what does he think of the W16 Mistral as a whole? Turn up the volume and watch below.