Journal Classic Cars

Every now and then, you pass a vehicle that’s been customized with accessories in a certain color, such as red badges and wheels. If blue is your color of choice, then you’ll probably like the latest release in the Twelve 4 Twelve line of vehicles designed to celebrate Jeep‘s 85th anniversary: the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rockslide.

Jeep Brand CEO Bob Broderdorf said, “Rooted in the strengths of Sahara and Rubicon, Rockslide takes factory customization even further while staying true to the Jeep brand’s core DNA. And blue continues to stand out as a color that reflects our heritage, individuality and the strong emotional connection our community has with their off-road vehicles.”

Available on the Wrangler Sahara, Mojave, and Rubicon (as well as the Gladiator Mojave and Rubicon), the Rockslide treatment adds an Anvil gray grille surround and matching hardtop. The Sahara and Rubicon trim levels include automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights and daytime running lights, Gorilla Glass windshield, heated mirrors, body-color fender flares (also standard on Mojave models), dark window tint. and more. In Rockslide form, the Wrangler Sahara is equipped with standard rock rails for the first time since 2017.

Which shade of blue was Jeep’s big boss talking about? Three shades, actually. On the outside, the Rockslide receives Blue Agave (a color that you may remember was offered inside the Grand Wagoneer several years ago) side stripes, hood decals, and “4 Wheel Drive” graphic. Inside, the instrument panel surround, center console, and door armrests are covered in Indigo Blue (too bad the steering wheel is left black). By far, the coolest shade of blue (no pun intended) is Jean Blue, which Jeep used for the cloth upholstery on the seats and the dashboard insert. Consider that a throwback to the 1970s, the decade in which Jeep offered the CJ-5 and CJ-7 with the Renegade Package, which included “sporty and tough, weather-resistant Levi’s vinyl bucket seats” in blue or tan along with “matching rear seats, instrument panel pad and matching sun visors” (you could even order a Levi’s soft top!).

Ticking the box for the Rockslide package will add $695 to the cost of a compatible Wrangler or Gladiator with a body‑color hardtop. You can do that when the order banks open in April.

For this week, we have four cars listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com that feature the same wheelcover. How can that be? They all used the same manufacturer, Garwood Industries, with the respective logo put on each faux center cap.

Since you already know the connection among the quartet, let’s keep it easy and simply have you tell us the year/make/model of each. Please post your answers in the Comments section below.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

The ClassicCars.com Journal introduces a new automotive puzzle every Tuesday. You can also click here to play past car games!

Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1996 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra convertible, which is powered by a 4.6-liter DOHC V8 paired with a Borg-Warner T45 five-speed manual gearbox. Finished in Black Clearcoat and equipped with a black power convertible top over a Black leather interior, this 30,000-mile performance car is now offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with the original window sticker, top boot, a clean AutoCheck report, and clear title.

For the 1996 model year, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) updated the Mustang Cobra with a new hood, rocker panels, tail lamps, spoiler, rear valance, and dual exhaust outlets. This particular Cobra comes in the sleek and sinister combination of triple black for the paint, convertible top, and interior. Exterior features include a Cobra-specific front fascia with fog lamps, hood vents, power mirrors with black caps, tinted windows, side scoops, and a heated glass rear window.

A set of chrome 17-inch five-spoke wheels with 245/45 BFGoodrich g-Force Super Sport A/S tires let this Mustang show just how special a vehicle it is.

Black leather covers the front buckets and rear seats. Comfort and convenience features include power windows and locks, cruise control, tilt steering column, air conditioning, and factory Mach 460 AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo.

Instrumentation consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, temperature, voltage, and oil pressure — all with white dials. The odometer shows 30,275 original miles; the most recent mileage reading of 19,854 miles on the AutoCheck report was logged in July 2009.

Under the hood is a 4.6-liter DOHC V8 with four-valve heads that helped it hit factory ratings of 305 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Channeled through the Borg-Warner T45 five-speed manual, those figures enabled the SVT Cobra to reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and finish the quarter mile in 13.99 seconds and 101. 6 mph, according to the 1996 SVT Cobra’s brochure.  

As part of its 1996 model year updates, Ford revised the SVT Cobra’s front suspension geometry to reduce dive, improve turn-in, and provide better communication through the power rack-and-pinion steering, which was equipped with new helically-cut gears for better precision and feel. Power reaches the road through an 8.8-inch rear end with a limited-slip differential and 3.27:1 gears. Four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS keep this Cobra from sinking its fangs into a ditch or a tree.

If you want this low-mileage, triple-black 1996 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra convertible, be sure to strike fast because the auction ends on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

It’s St. Patrick’s Day, which means everyone is Irish (by blood or honorary). It only makes sense that our Pick of the Day has an Irish connection, and we found one on ClassicCars.com that is about as Irish as Guinness and red hair. This 1960 Shamrock convertible is listed for sale by a dealership in Lebanon, Missouri.

For a country that’s considered part of the British Isles, Ireland certainly has plenty of distinction from its British masters. From music and dance to literature and libations, Ireland has made its mark on the world despite the struggle of being in the monarchy’s shadow. Not bad for a bunch of peasants!

Back in the 1950s, an American businessman by the name of James Conway went on a family vacation to Ireland. Amid the high unemployment and poverty at the time, he had the bright idea of helping the Irish economy by building a car and exporting it to the United States. He partnered with another American, William Curtis, establishing the company and a factory in Castleblaney in the County of Moneghan.

They commissioned another guy who’s not from Ireland — Alvin “Spike” Rhiando, an ex-Formula 3 Canadian racer — to pen the new car. Looking like a vehicle from Courageous Cat & Minute Mouse, the car was christened the Shamrock and was posed as a personal luxury convertible similar to the Ford Thunderbird. The design featured fiberglass body panels on a ladder frame with a 98-inch wheelbase; coil springs were on all four corners with an independent suspension up front. Power came from a 55-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a four-speed manual, both borrowed from the Austin A55. Compare those specs with the T-bird’s 113-inch wheelbase and big-block power up to 350 horses!

Admittedly, the Shamrock was projected to cost $1000 less than the four-seater Ford, but it also was more roadster than convertible as there were no side curtains. Additionally, the design was such that the rear axle needed to be lowered to change the rear tires.

A projected 3,000 cars a year manifested to an estimated 10 production vehicles before the venture was discontinued — clearly there was no four-leaf clover involved.

Several reside in the United States, including this 1960 Shamrock convertible bearing serial number SH121. Once part of the Harrah’s National Automotive Museum in Reno, this Shamrock then joined a collection in Kansas City before heading to Seattle. The current owner bought it in 2014 and has driven it sparingly, maintaining it in climate-controlled storage. Currently, this Shamrock shows just over 10,000 miles since new. “The white paint on the vehicle still presents well and the limited brightwork on the vehicle is in excellent condition,” says the seller. “Both the car’s interior and convertible top appear to be in very good condition.”

Since everyone is Irish today, having pride in Irish culture is something we all share. For $84,900 (OBO), let’s drink to that.

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

Admit it: Betcha thought this was a GTO, right?

In a recent Pick of the Day, I wrote about a 1972 LeMans Sport convertible that nicely played the role of poseur because the GTO convertible had been discontinued. However, one could also have created a poseur in 1971 thanks to the introduction of the “T41” Endura Styling Option, a $73.72 extra that allowed a LeMans Sport two-door hardtop, convertible, or four-door hardtop to strut with the look of a GTO. Later in the model year, Pontiac allowed the pair of LeMans station wagons to be ordered with the T41 option.

Does that sound like cannibalization? Sure, seems like it considering the Endura front bumper was a GTO trademark. I bet John DeLorean would never have allowed this, but here we are.

In total, 4,660 LeMans models were built with the T41 option, including 778 LeMans Sport convertibles. Muscle Car Campy caught up with Rocky Trombacco, the owner of this ragtop that features a 400 four-barrel just like what you’d find on a GTO. Other factory-installed features include Honeycomb wheels, body-colored side mirrors, Custom Sport steering wheel, air conditioning, and more.

In retrospect, Pontiac fans don’t consider it a poseur at all — it’s simply an interesting footnote in Pontiac history, adding texture to a moment that had manufacturers scrambling to maintain a segment in decline.

Click here to view more videos from Muscle Car Campy!

Diego Rosenberg and Luke Lamendola team up to cover two of Pontiac’s coolest full-size performance cars: a 1964 Catalina 2+2 and 1965 Catalina 2+2. These are close relatives, but they land on totally different sides of Pontiac’s mid-1960s glow-up: the first-year 2+2 formula in 1964 and the fully restyled 1965 body that changed the whole look and presence of the car. Filmed at WestWorld of Scottsdale during the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, this comparison is all about the details that matter to enthusiasts: styling, stance, and performance.

The Grundy Insurance Agency has offered Agreed Value Collector Vehicle Insurance to America’s automobile enthusiasts for over 75 years. Their policies are designed for car guys and girls to enjoy their vehicles without fear of loss. Additional benefits include towing and labor, trip interruption, repair shop of your choice, and more. Contact them today for a quote on one or all of your vehicles. www.grundy.com

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Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this frame-off restored 1969 Chevrolet Camaro custom coupe powered by a 383 small-block V-8 paired with a four-speed manual. Features include aftermarket air conditioning, Cowl Induction hood, front and rear spoilers, Custom interior, aftermarket Bluetooth stereo, and more. Painted in Performance White with black vinyl top and “band-aid” stripes over a black/white vinyl/cloth houndstooth interior, this Bow Tie pony car comes from the private seller with spare parts, a clean AutoCheck report, and clear title.

The original Dover White hue has been replaced with Performance White, which is complemented by twin Z/28-style black stripes. Other features include black “halo” vinyl top, front and rear spoilers, Cowl Induction hood, black rear panel, rear quarter moldings, bright taillamp trim, dual chrome mirrors, SS and 383 badging, and more. A set of 15-inch Rally wheels are wrapped in staggered-width BFGoodrich raised white letter radials, 215/65 (front) and 235/70 (rear). 

The cabin features the Custom interior package which included (in this case) black vinyl and white/black houndstooth cloth seats. In between the front buckets is a console with a Hurst manual shifter. Other features include woodgrain trim, aftermarket air conditioning, power steering, and aftermarket retro-look AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and console-mounted gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery, and fuel. There also is a clock in the center of the instrument panel. The odometer shows 25,000 miles, though the title says that’s not the actual miles.

Powering this Camaro is a 383 “stroker” V-8 featuring a four-barrel carburetor with aftermarket intake manifold, long-tube headers, and Champion aluminum radiator. Note the generous use of chrome! The engine is connected to a four-speed manual transmission.

The undercarriage features power front disc brakes, 12-bolt rear end, and H-pipe dual exhaust system.

The 1969 Camaro is arguably akin to the 1957 Chevy of the collector car world — it doesn’t get more popular than that. The example that’s the focus of this AutoHunter Spotlight features the classic combination of white with black trim, giving this Bow Tie pony car presence to support its performance potential. Don’t hem and haw while the clock ticks because the auction for this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro custom coupe ends on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The fourth-generation Corvette made a technological leap from its predecessor, boasting new, aerodynamic wedge-shaped styling and a quasi-unibody structure. High-performance variants like the limited-production ZR-1 took the C4’s performance to new heights, too. Our Pick of the Day is a 1992 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Beaufort, North Carolina.

“One owner, vehicle number 119 off assembly line,” the listing says. “Components are original except for tires, brakes, battery, and starter, replaced due to age.”

The exterior is finished in Black Rose Metallic (paint code 73U) and, according to data assembled by the Corvette Action Center, there were only 48 1992 ZR-1s built in that color. (Trivia: 1993 saw 10 built, with 1994 another 11, so 69 built in this hue in total!) Features include pop-up headlights, frameless windows, quad taillights, and dual exhaust system.

The key to the ZR-1’s performance prowess was its unique engine: It came with an all-aluminum, 32-valve “LT5” that was designed by Lotus and produced by Mercury Marine in low volumes. Even in stock form, the LT5 cranked out 375 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering of Decatur, Indiana, took this ZR-1 to the next level in 1999 when it had just over 10,000 miles on the odometer. Following the work, a dyno test showed that the car made 530 horsepower.

The car itself is special, but the supporting documentation makes it even more compelling. Included with the car are an owner’s manual, window sticker, bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, temporary license plate, dealer invoice, and certificate of title. It’s a true “package deal” with plenty of provenance.

“[This] Vette is personal to me, as I worked with the owner for 10 years and became good friends until his passing in 2009,” the listing says. “I hope the new owner will care for it as we have.”

The asking price for this 1992 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is $49,500.

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

To many people, when it comes to engine output, more is more. If you’re one of those folks, we have great news: Ford Racing Parts (FRP) has announced new supercharger kits for the 2021-26 F-150, and the 2024-26 Mustang GT and Dark Horse equipped with the Coyote 5.0-liter V-8. Horsepower figures are boosted as high as 810 with 615 lb-ft of torque.

Co-developed with Whipple Superchargers, both Gen 6 3.0-liter blowers are designed to run on 91-plus octane and use Whipple’s inverted twin-screw design, a dual-pass intercooler, and exclusive Ford Racing calibration. Most importantly, they’re covered by a three-year/36,000-mile warranty.

Priced at $10,250, the supercharger kit for the Coyote-powered F-150 is slightly cheaper than the Mustang’s $10,500 setup. According to Ford Racing Parts, it pumps up the truck’s engine from 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque to 700 horses and 590 lb-ft — increases of 75 percent and 44 percent, respectively.

The Mustang GT and Dark Horse supercharger package adds a 92mm throttle body, GT500 port fuel injectors, and cold spark plugs (which FRP says are “designed and intended for competition use only or off-highway use only”). Those changes add up to a huge jump in power. In stock form, the Mustang GT’s Coyote V-8 produces a maximum of 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft when it’s paired with the optional active exhaust. The Dark Horse’s enhanced version of the 5.0 pumps out 500 and 418, respectively. With the FRP/Whipple supercharger installed, the Coyote (with the active exhaust system) makes its rear tires howl with 810 horsepower and 615 lb-ft (the regular exhaust comes up 10 ponies short).

Do the math and you’ll see that that first figure is just five short of the Mustang GTD’s horsepower rating. Using the Dark Horse as the baseline, calculations show that the blower increases horsepower by 62 percent and torque by 47 percent. In other words, that’s more — a lot more.

My uncle Jeff is a certified car nut, having built a number of hot rods over the years. Below is a photo of him with one of his project cars (a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop) taken sometime during the 1970s.

Even today, Jeff jokes about how he had to use a tool box as a driver seat to move the car around the property (photo of a photo below for reference).

During a visit to Jeff’s home in Salt Lake City over the holidays, he presented me with a book published in 1984 about General Motors’ first 75 years in business. It contained a wealth of knowledge about the organization’s chronology, which formally began on September 16, 1908 when incorporation papers were filed. Between 1910-20, more than 30 companies came together under the GM umbrella. And by 1920, GM offered a line of seven brands.

GM’s momentum continued from there. From the 1950-70s, GM and its subsidiaries accounted for more than half of the U.S. automobile market share. In the late 1970s through early 1980s, GM was selling anywhere from six to nine million vehicles worldwide. The company’s history runs deep, and it’s no wonder why GM car culture became such an integral part of our day-to-day lives. (One reference in the book said that, at the time of its writing, one-sixth of the jobs in the United States had ties to the auto industry.)

An interesting thing about this book is that there was a letter taped inside the front cover. It was written by then-Chairman Roger B. Smith, who served in that role from 1981-90. To some, his skills were less than adequate. Fortune magazine named him one of the 10 Worst Auto Chiefs, with one writer saying that Smith “wasted billions trying to revive the sagging giant.”

Indeed, Smith was tasked with leading the company during the difficult Malaise era. As turns out, he passed away in late 2007, just a year before GM would celebrate its 100^th birthday.

The final chapter in the book has some forward-looking statements and photos, discussing the new C4 Corvette and mid-engined Fiero. The last paragraph of the book concludes, “Over 235 million vehicles from GM, and its 75 years of building on excellence, speak eloquently for GM’s contribution to the American way of life.”

Over four decades have passed since the 75th-anniversary book was written. Do you feel like GM remains the juggernaut it once was, or have other automakers risen to supremacy?