Journal Classic Cars

As popular as four-wheel-drive pickups are these days, it’s hard to believe that truck manufacturers haven’t always offered 4WD from the factory. Luckily, there were aftermarket companies back in the day, such as NAPCO (Northwestern Auto Parts Company), that could give them that capability. Our Pick of the Day benefited from such a conversion. This 1956 GMC 100 NAPCO 4X4 is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Branson, Missouri.

Founded in Minnesota in 1918, NAPCO provided mechanical components to the Big Three in World War II. According to Tread magazine, “During 1942 NAPCO began building Four Wheel Drive assemblies to be fitted to Ford, GM, Chevy and Studebaker vehicles that were being shipped to Europe and the Pacific. From 1942 to 1956, Chevy and GM trucks could be ordered by the government and civilians with a NAPCO Power-Pak kit that could be installed later, for $995.”

NAPCO trucks were built for demanding work and rough conditions, so they were typically beaten up on a daily basis—which isn’t conducive to a long life. Luckily, someone restored this 1956 Blue Chip truck, refinishing it in the charming combination of red with a white roof and white B-pillars/rear window surround as well as white bumpers. There are five white 16-inch wheels, including an external spare mounted on the driver side. Putting the spare on the outside of the bed not only makes this truck look cooler, but it also leaves more space to carry stuff on the bed’s tan wood planks.

This GMC was built to work, which means the cabin is all-business. The bench seat is covered in black vinyl. There’s no need to worry about staining the carpet because there is none—just black rubber. However, there is power steering, which will help on both trails and roads. There’s also a diagram on the driver’s sun visor that shows you how to use the transfer case to engage “all wheel drive.”

The 248ci I6 was rebuilt and coated in fresh gray paint. A four-speed manual helps it deliver power to the rear end or—when the going gets tough—both axles.

This 1956 GMC 100 NAPCO 4X4 is a handsome rig from an interesting spot on the timeline of American trucks. You can buy it for $48,000 (OBO) and write the next chapter in its history . . . in mud.

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

I’ve never looked into the history of mag wheels that often decorate muscle cars, but I suspect the term comes from the magnesium wheels developed for race cars. Pontiac’s famous 8-lugs may have been the first factory offering, but I wouldn’t swear by that (if you know, hit us up!).

The cars below are listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. Can you tell us the name of the wheel? What about the cars on which they are installed? Be sure to list the model year, make, and model name. A caveat: at least one is modified, so don’t let that be a hurdle. Post your answers in the Comments section below.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

Every Tuesday is game day at The ClassicCars.com Journal. You can also play past puzzles for even more fun.

Barrett-Jackson crossed the 2025 collector car auction season finish line at full throttle with its Scottsdale Fall Auction, presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos, Oct. 15-18 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The four-day automotive lifestyle event featured 643 collectible vehicles that sold for more than $38.8 million, with a 100% sell-through rate. In addition, 449 pieces of authentic automobilia sold for $1.4 million, bringing total auction sales to more than $40 million.

“We started an auction year in Scottsdale during January and finished here again with an unforgettable celebration of automotive craftsmanship, proving that the collector car market continues to be vibrant,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We assembled a docket of rare, high-performance and historically significant collectible vehicles, and also hosted celebrity guests that included Hollywood legend William Shatner, making this year’s Scottsdale Fall Auction a tremendous way to finish the 2025 auction season.”

The top 10 vehicles sold during the 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction were:

1. 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition No. 3 (Lot# 1026) – $742,500
2. 2006 Ford GT (Lot #1056) – $660,000
3. 2021 Ford GT MK II (Lot# 1051) – $605,000
4. 1976 Ford Bronco Custom SUV (Lot #1086) – $440,000
5. 1968 Ford Mustang Licensed Eleanor 25th Anniversary Limited Edition (Lot #1068) – $429,000
6. 1972 Ford Bronco Custom SUV (Lot #1082) – $379,000
7. 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S (Lot #1045) – $341,000
8. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (Lot #1056.1) – $330,000
9. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Split-Window Coupe (Lot #1063) – $330,000
10. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot #977) – $291,500

The four-day automotive lifestyle event boasted new guest amenities, including the Collectors Club hospitality pavilion hosted in an exclusive, elevated space just steps from the Staging Lanes, and the Barrett-Jackson Fan Zone presented by Hilton Grand Vacations. Guests also enjoyed Thrill Rides in the latest Dodge performance vehicles on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track.

Celebrities who attended this year’s Scottsdale Fall Auction included William Shatner, who was on the block to help sell his 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo (Lot #964), as well as professional skier Julian Carr, Boston Red Sox MLB player Jarren Duran, and Bill and Tom Kaulitz, members of German band Tokio Hotel and stars of the hit Netflix series “Kaulitz & Kaulitz.”

The Automobilia Auction included 449 items that sold for more than $1.4 million. The top automobilia pieces sold during the Scottsdale Fall Auction included:

• 1920s Standard Oil Red Crown Rush Model “H” stovepipe 10-gallon visible filling station gas pump (Lot #9467) – $63,250
• 1926 Standard Oil Gold Crown Gasoline Dayton Model #600 visible filling station gas pump (Lot #9499) – $46,000
• 1963 Gulf Oil single-sided porcelain with animated neon service station sign (Lot #9494.2) – $34,500

Barrett-Jackson continued its charitable efforts with the sale of three vehicles, including a 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car (Lot #3000) that was donated by Chevrolet and sold for $150,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society. On Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson continued its yearlong commitment to support Tunnel to Towers with the sale of the 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH Custom Motorcycle (Lot #3001) that sold for $145,000. Also crossing the block for charity was a 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition (Lot #3002) that sold for $110,000. The Corvette was immediately donated back and raised an additional $90,000, for a total of $200,000, with 100% of the hammer price benefiting the American Heart Association. The Corvette has been generously donated again to cross the block at a future auction to benefit the American Heart Association. To date, Barrett-Jackson has raised more than $164 million for charity.

“Our Fall Auction continued to set the standard in the collector car hobby,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We brought together buyers, sellers and automotive enthusiasts for the ultimate collector car experience. We saw a massive amount of interest in cars from the 1940s to the 1960s, showcasing the diversity of the hobby. The high-quality vehicles continue to attract the attention of buyers, selling for top dollar. We’re also proud that Barrett-Jackson continues to use our platform to support our nation’s veterans, first responders and those suffering from illness. With the generous donations and gracious bidders, we were able to raise $495,000 to help so many deserving people.”

Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Those interested in being part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid may do so here. The 2026 Scottsdale Auction will be held January 17-25 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. General admission and VIP Experiences for the January 2026 Scottsdale Auction are now available for purchase.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this restored 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe. As the first of the C3s, the 1968 Corvette has several features that are different from all other C3s, perhaps most noticeable being the quartet of solid red taillights. Powering this Corvette is the infamous 350-horsepower L79 327, which is mated to a four-speed manual. Features include air conditioning, side pipes, power windows, an L88 hood, and more. Painted red with a tan vinyl interior, this example of America’s Sports Car is offered by the selling dealer in Connecticut with an owner’s manual and a clear title.

This Corvette was originally painted Corvette Bronze but was repainted in the bright red you see here. Features include T-tops, silver-painted gills, an L88 hood, side pipes, and more. The 15-inch Rally wheels are wrapped in 215/70 BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires.

The tan vinyl interior features two bucket seats divided by a console housing a manual shifter. Interior features include air conditioning, power windows, a simulated wood steering wheel with power steering, and an aftermarket radio/cassette player.

Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, water temperature, battery, and fuel, plus a clock. The odometer currently reads 67,925 miles, though the title says this vehicle is mileage-exempt.

The L79 was the top small-block available in 1968. It put out 350 glorious horsepower. It is backed by an M20 wide-ratio four-speed manual transmission. Look under the hood and you’ll find an electronic ignition and a new Champion radiator.

The undercarriage features an independent front and rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with stainless steel calipers, and (naturally!) a dual exhaust system.

When the C3 Corvette hit the streets in the autumn of 1967, it was the wildest American vehicle around in a new model year that had several stellar designs, including the GTO and Charger. Plus, every Corvette managed to give its owner the option of open-air driving, somewhat spelling doom for the convertible. Add the high-winding L79 327 and you know this 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe will be an exhilarating drive for someone who ponies up and places the winning bid. Will that be you? The auction ends on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), so bid now and bid high!

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The first time I drove the Lexus LC500 was a bit of a revelation. I had known for years that Lexus created some of the best built cars in the world but, up to this point (and with the exception of the LFA), they just lacked that little extra something that made them special.

Then I was given a LC500 to drive from Connecticut to West Virginia to attend the Greenbrier Concours. From the first time I saw the car, I thought that it was something different from Lexus and, after getting into the car, I was certain it was. All Lexus cars have always been nice cars, but the LC500 was something quite a bit more. The car felt a bit more Aston than BMW, and everything about the LC500 impressed me. This car was a world-class GT with a quality about it that surpassed every other car in the segment. It was also a lot of fun to drive and, whenever I stopped for fuel on that trip, the car was a magnet for people (especially young folks) to come over and take a closer look at the LC500.

Even years after its introduction, the LC500 still looks as fresh and new as it did when it was launched, completely embracing the large grille and angles of Lexus’ design language that make the LC500 perhaps the best-looking Lexus production car ever built.

The seating position was excellent, the performance very strong, and the build quality was better than any other Lexus I had ever driven. My idea of Lexus was a company that built amazingly well-made but pretty staid cars was forever gone. The LC500 was a world-class GT from a source I never considered in the conversation about these types of cars. Not only was it a great GT, but it was also one of the best of the modern era and not derivative of any other car (with the possibly exception of the great LFA).

The Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2018 Lexus LC500 located at a dealer in Dallas.

The dealer describes this LC500 as being painted in Ultra White with a Cashmere leather and Alcantara interior. It is equipped with the optional $5,960 Performance Package, which includes a carbon fiber roof, Active Rear + Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), active rear spoiler, and carbon fiber door sills. Other options include the Convenience Package (which adds Intuitive Park Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert), and the All-Weather Package (with Heated Steering Wheel, Windshield De-Icer and PTC Heater). Finally, this LC500 also includes the audiophile-quality Mark Levinson audio system, which is one of the best factory car stereos in the world.

The dealer adds that the LC500 is unmatched in both design and performance, calling this vehicle a flagship luxury coupe that delivers world-class craftsmanship and exhilarating power. This is not just marketing talk either. When the LC500 was put head to head against the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, it rated higher in every single category including performance. These cars are really that good, yet somehow often overlooked.

What is also interesting is that these cars still represent a serious bargain whether new or used. This 2018 LC500 had an MSRP $92,000 which, when you consider the quality and segment in which the LC500 resides, makes it look like a bargain. When you notice that Lexus incorporated a lot of LFA styling elements into a mainstream production car, with some of the finest build quality in the world and the best reliability record in the entire GT car segment, there is a lot to like with this LC500. When you consider that the asking price for this 44,000-mile example is $64,995, that looks like the best value of any used GT.

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

What if you went to an auction and saw a car you liked but you couldn’t buy it? That happened to several enthusiasts when the Arizona East Valley Mustang Club dropped by the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction at WestWorld.

Approximately 71 Ford pony cars of various model years showed up at WestWorld for all auction visitors to see. The assortment leaned towards late-model Mustangs (if going back to S-197 could be considered late-model) but ya can’t be a Mustang club without having the OG, and they were there. My favorite? Perhaps the basic, Lime Gold 1968 coupe that reeked of originality.

Pull up a chair and check out how Mustang enthusiasts in the Valley of the Sun strut their stuff.

You see a wide variety of vehicles at Barrett-Jackson auctions—everything from lifted trucks to movie-inspired vehicles and outright supercars. Our correspondent Tyson Hugie spotted a distinctive ultra-luxury sedan at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction: a blue and black two-tone 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost. Whoever configured it made sure the color scheme extended to the blue Spirit of Ecstasy and the black 24-inch custom wheels. The front and the rear coach-style doors open to a lavish cabin furnished with black leather seating, blue veneers, and an entertainment system for passengers in the second row. Everyone inside enjoys the smooth acceleration of a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 with 563 horsepower. This eye-catching executive express went to its newest owner for a hammer price of $77,000.

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Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this restored 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe, which is powered by a rebuilt 454ci V8 connected to a four-speed manual gearbox. Finished in red over a black leather interior, this C3 is now offered by the seller in Connecticut with an owner’s manual and Connecticut registration.

The color of the curvy body was changed from the original color of Mulsanne Blue to the current red. Exterior features include chrome bumpers and rocker moldings, pop-up headlights, dual mirrors, body-color T-tops, removable rear window, and MagnaFlow exhaust system with dual outlets.

Rally wheels look great on Corvettes and this C3’s 15-inch Rally wheels are no exception. They come wrapped in new 225/70 BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires.

The black leather bucket-seat interior is equipped with manual windows, tilt steering column, power steering, Hurst shifter, and a retro-look AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo with a remote.

Instrumentation consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure, and battery. The odometer shows 75,764 miles, which is not indicated on the registration.

According to a plaque on the center console, this car came from the factory with an LS5 454ci big-block V8 that generated 365 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine has been rebuilt and upgraded with a Brodix intake manifold, billet pulleys, and an aluminum radiator. The seller reports output is now 600 horsepower, which is processed by a four-speed manual transmission. New power four-wheel disc brakes keep those horses from running too wild.

Place your bid on this 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe before the auction ends on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

When you buy a new vehicle, you can choose one from inventory or order one with the exact options that you want. When you buy a used vehicle, you have less flexibility. Our Pick of the Day falls into the latter category, but you still have choices. How so? We’ll tell you in discussing this 1970 Ford Mustang Hardtop that’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Bloomington, Illinois.

As you may know, the 1970 Mustang was in its second year of this particular generation. Styling was cleaned up, with all faux scoops removed, as were two headlights, bringing the Mustang back to a pair of headlights after 1969’s quads.

Under the hood, new was a 351 Cleveland that replaced the Windsor in four-barrel form, though the 351 two-barrel was built in both Windsor and Cleveland variants. The Cleveland was exactly the engine Ford needed in the horsepower wars, especially considering that just two years before, the Mustang’s performance engine lineup began with a 390 (with a 428 appearing later), while the Camaro made do with a solid-lifter 302, 350, and several 396s. All together, performance fans had the Boss 302, 300-horse 351C, 428 Cobra Jet, and Boss 429.

Though 1970 was already past the era of psychedelia, Detroit was making up for lost time, and Ford was on the leading edge of dayglow colors. Hues like Calypso Coral (introduced for the 1969 Mustang Boss 302) and Grabber Blue, Grabber Green, Grabber Orange, and Grabber Yellow (introduced for the 1969 Shelby GTs) were popular with the young and the young at heart.

Though 1970 is often referred to as the high point of performance in Detroit, Mustang sales of all stripes were cratering, with overall Mustang sales falling by over 100,000 units, from 299,824 to 190,727. In particular, the sporty Mach I fell from 72,458 to 40,970. Insurance was but one factor to blame. It’s difficult to pinpoint which factors determined what would incur a surcharge (it seems possible a car with a four-speed alone garnered a surcharge), but there were ways around it. This rare 1970 Ford Mustang Hardtop could have been one of those cars ordered to tip-toe around the high cost of insurance.

Note the Marti Report on this vehicle: Hardtop, M-code 351 four-barrel, wide-ratio four-speed, Traction-Lok, and Competition Suspension is a speedy configuration, but this Mustang doesn’t quite look like a performance car. Well, I take it back, as you can see it has a Shaker hood and stripe (legit factory options) and a spoiler (not on the Hardtop). If it were me, I’d remove the spoiler, enjoy the Shaker for awhile before replacing it with a flat hood, and do the same with the wheel covers. It would look like a super-sanitary White Mustang-with-Vermillion-bucket-seat-interior Q-ship. Then again, it also has air conditioning and 3.00 gears, which is not the best thing for quick acceleration, but it adds depth to an already interesting car.

So what would you do? If you buy this $43,995 car, please tell us!

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

If three words could explain Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction, it would be Ford, Chevrolet, and Germans. A bit of irony rings in the air as two of the “Low-Priced Three” outshone two exotic Teutons, but we don’t make the rules, folks—it’s simply supply and demand.

And what did bidding enthusiasts demand? American sports cars, American SUVs, American muscle, and a pair of German sports cars—all glorious vehicles in their own respective right. However, Saturday’s Top 10 should be no surprise to Barrett-Jackson veterans.

We know you’re curious about the details on the Top 10, so enjoy the below list for your perusal. Click on the vehicle lot number to see the description and images.

LOT	DESCRIPTION	PRICE
#1026	2006 FORD GT HERITAGE EDITION NO. 3	$742,500
#1056	2006 FORD GT	$660,000
#1051	2021 FORD GT MK II	$605,000
#1086	1976 FORD BRONCO CUSTOM SUV	$440,000
#1068	1968 FORD MUSTANG LICENSED ELEANOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION	$429,000
#1082	1972 FORD BRONCO CUSTOM SUV	$379,500
#1045	2025 PORSCHE 911 TURBO S	$341,000
#1056.1	2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN	$330,000
#1063	1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM SPLIT-WINDOW COUPE	$330,000
#977	1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE	$291,500

Now that the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction is one for the books, you can patiently enjoy a respite because Barrett-Jackson will return to Scottsdale on Jan 17-25, 2026 for an even bigger, grander event!