Rolls-Royce haspulled a nice PR stunt based on a rock star urban legend, and we thought it was a fine time to look into it and set the record straight because, well, why not?
Let’s introduce the characters involved: Moon the Loon, otherwise known as Keith Moon, drummer for The Who. If you ever wondered why drummers are the ones that keep on dying in Spinal Tap, the inspiration goes to Keith though, admittedly, drummers have a reputation of being among the craziest of the bunch. Folklore suggests that Keith drove a Rolls-Royce into a pool for a fun prank during his 21st birthday in Flint, Michigan. The story has come from Keith, with various aspects being pieced together from others who claim to have been present.
Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce
Responding to this legend, and as part of Rolls-Royce Phantom’s 100th anniversary, the most hallowed of automakers has planted a Phantom Extended in a swimming pool at Tinside Lido in Plymouth, England. Credit goes to Car and Driver for bringing this to our attention—it even used the proper word “apocryphal” to describe Moonie’s story.
However, in recent years, I recall reading a different, more honest story. I tried to find it online, with one resource saying Huffington Post got down to the truth of the matter, but that story is no longer available online. However, the author of the missing story does claim the following:
Keith Moon definitely did not drive his Rolls Royce into the swimming pool either at his home, as is sometimes suggested, or at the Holiday Inn in Flint, Michigan, where it is also reported to have happened during the drummer’s twenty first birthday party. “What he did do though,” says author Steve Grantley, “is reverse it by accident into his garden pond one morning and then had to ask the AA to tow it back out for him.“
The story that I recall is that someone needed a car—a Lincoln—moved in the hotel parking lot, and Keith volunteered, only to accidentally end up in the pool due to a mishap that was all his. It is quite possible I’m also conflating things the same way that history has also done over the years.
We at The ClassicCars.com Journal enjoy setting the record straight—witness our myth-busting on the history of the term “muscle car” and Daytona/Superbirdmisinformation that refuses to die—but this Keith Moon story is one that will have to remain speculative for us for the time being. Nonetheless, we should offer kudos to Rolls-Royce marketing for thinking creatively with this endeavor.
The 1970s were a tough time for muscle car fans. Government regulations, an oil crisis, shifts in consumer demand, and high insurance rates created circumstances that forced some manufacturers to discontinue or significantly detune performance-oriented models. The 1979 Camaro brought back the muscle car spirit, and the market received it with open arms (as well as open checkbooks!). Featured on AutoHunter is this 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. The car is being sold by a dealer in St. Louis, Missouri, and the auction will end Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. PDT.
The 1979 Camaro achieved 282,571 units sold – including 84,877 performance-oriented Z28 models – making that year the most successful for all 1970-81 second-generation vehicles. The car was just what Chevrolet needed in order to stay competitive against other vehicles in the segment (namely, the Fox Body Ford Mustang that came out that year).
Revheads is proud to present a 1979 Z28 with a few tricks up its sleeve. The dealer calls itself, “A car consignment specialist for people who live loud and drive louder.” In this case, that “loudness” comes courtesy of a replacement 383ci stroker V8 with an Edelbrock intake manifold and a four-barrel carburetor. The engine bay is a chrome-laden work of art, so the car is equal parts “show” and “go.” A 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and a 10-bolt rear end with a 3.55:1 Positraction differential get things moving.
Finished in silver metallic paint with blue Z28 decals, the exterior features front and rear spoilers, fender vents, a hood scoop, color-matched side mirrors, and a dual exhaust system. Traction comes from Cooper Cobra white-letter tires mounted to 15-inch Rally wheels. The cockpit is appointed with black vinyl bucket seats, a center console, power steering, power door locks, and a Sony audio system.
Part of the beauty of the Z28 involved the use of equipment that could not be readily seen at a glance. At the core of the car’s engineering was an upgraded suspension system, since Chevrolet emphasized the car’s ability to hug the curves with confidence. Upgrades included heavier-duty brakes, front and rear stabilizer bars, and unique shock absorbers.
As Chevrolet said in advertising: “Now stop imagining yourself behind the wheel. Grab hold and take it from Chevrolet – people who know what performance is all about. Buy or lease a ’79 Camaro Z28. Then go road hunting.” Speaking of hunting, AutoHunter should be your next stop.
Since BMW introduced the original M5 in 1986 as a 1987 model it has been the literal measuring stick for all full size high performance sports sedans. Over its various generations it has pushed the envelope for what a sports sedan can be; each generation has almost become a collector car from the instant they were released. As a result the M5 has been a car that has increased in value over the years, especially the original E28 version and the now mythic 3rd generation E39 model.
There is one classic M5 that seems to have been overlooked, though, and that is the 2nd generation E34 M5. That has always seemed weird to me as the E34 M5 took everything that made the original a great sports sedan and improved it in every category. Doubt that statement? Then consider that while the E28 M5 covers 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, ran the 1/4 mile in 14.6 seconds, and a top speed of 146 mph, the E34 M5 made it to 60 in only 5.6 seconds, did the 1/4 mile in 14.2 seconds, and had a top speed of 155 mph. In addition to that the E34 M5 was the last BMW M model that was basically a handmade car by the BMW M division. I have personally owned one of each of these cars and have always thought that not only was the second generation M5 the better car, but when you also consider the quality of materials, ergonomics, and overall ability of the car, that it was in many ways in a whole other category.
This M5 seems to be the very definition of a survivor or preservation car. According to the seller it still wears its original Alpine White paint over its original grey leather interior. They add that it is an early production date car (06/90), and numbers matching everywhere.
They go on to say that this M5 has spent its time in Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida and is a four-owner car. It has about 145,189 miles and is current on all maintenance. It includes the original BMW books, literature, manuals, and BMW service stamps from 1991-on and now resides in Florida.
The exterior of this 1991 BMW M5 has the original factory Alpine White paint which they verified with paint meter readings, and it has spent most of its life in southern climates with no exposure to salt or snow. It rides on 235/45ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Sport tires with 8.0-by-17-inch M system II throwing star wheels. Being original there are a few nicks, dimples, and scratches which you would expect from a 32-year-old car that has been used as intended. the car has a clean Carfax with no issues or body work other than resprayed side mirrors and bumpers.
The interior is upholstered in awesome grey bison leather with a leather steering wheel. It has power sport front seats, and the seating shows minimal wear for a 32-year-old car. This lack of wear is due to the optional Bison leather which wears much better than the standard BMW leather of the time. There are no cracks in the dash and all the gauges work with no dead pixels. It also still has its factory stereo with BMW cassette player and CD changer located in the trunk. The seller does say that there are a few issues including that the cruise control, pass. door lock rod non-op, central locking system, and driver side thigh extender do not currently work. They also add that the door cards are starting to separate a little which is a normal failing on E34 cars. Finally, they state that there is no sagging of the headliner, another common failing in E34 cars over time.
Under the hood is an exceptionally clean original s38 engine with no aftermarket modifications. I personally love the look of the individual throttle bodies on these engines, an engine that started its history in the M1. This is also unusual as with BMW M cars, many owners feel the need to add things to improve performance. These mods are always a trade off and to me an E34 M5 offers plenty of performance and does not need these. A stock M5 is always going to be worth more than the modified one, no matter how well executed the modifications are.
If you have driven an E28 M5 I would describe the difference as where the E28 M5 is more raw, the E34 version is more sophisticated. To me the driving experience in the E34 M5 always felt more capable than the E28 and was an easier car to drive at the limit.
Here’s the best part. In today’s market, where a nice original 1st generation E28 M5 will cost somewhere north of $60,000, this second generation 1991 BMW M5 is being offered for only $39,995. When you consider the difference in price and the fact that these are the last hand assembled M cars that just seems like a great deal that will not last long.
Over the past several years, the popularity of “getting away from it all” and overlanding has broadened the spectrum of off-road vehicles. At one end are more rugged versions of vehicles that were once purely road-focused, such as the new Nissan Armada Pro-4X and the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT. It may be just a one-off, but Chrysler’s Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept shows just how far the appeal of vehicular adventuring has reached. At the other end of the spectrum are more focused versions of true off-roaders, including rigs such as the Lexus LX 700h Overtrail, Nissan Frontier Pro-4X R by Roush and, the subject of this week’s vehicle review, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter.
HOW DOES ONE HUNT A TRAIL?
As part of its complete overhaul of the Tacoma for the fourth-generation model released in 2024, Toyota added two new trim levels: the Platinum built on the upscale appearance and amenities of the Limited; the Trailhunter was built for overlanding and served as an alternative to the TRD Pro, which is more suited for high-speed adventures in the wild.
Like last year’s model, the 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter is equipped with gear designed to get it across rough terrain far away from civilization. It rides an inch higher in the front and half an inch higher in the back on a set of 18-inch wheels with 33-inch tires. A high-clearance front bumper, rock rails, ARB rear bumper with recovery hooks, and onboard air compressor are in place to help the Trailhunter avoid contact with Mother Nature, minimize the damage she does, or extract the Trailhunter from her clutches. Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks with rear piggyback reservoirs absorb bumps along the way.
The Tacoma Trailhunter is exclusively powered by Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a 48-horsepower electric motor and a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. Total output is an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, which reaches the pavement or dirt through an eight-speed automatic and part-time four-wheel drive.
That hardware and firepower comes at a Lexus-like price: our Tacoma Trailhunter press loaner has an MSRP of $63,235. With the addition of the Towing Technology Package, a spray-on bed liner, and three small accessories, the as-tested price balloons to $66,405—more than the starting price of a 2025 GX.
LITTLE BIG RIG
Even with the five-foot bed (a six-footer is also available), the Trailhunter was an absolute hulk, making it hard to believe it was a midsize truck. It felt just as substantial and authoritative behind the wheel. Everything within reach—the thick steering wheel rim, gear-like dials, and chunky shifter—fits the Trailhunter’s looks and personality.
Despite its rough and tough, off-road loner image, the Trailhunter was generously equipped. The Mineral SofTex front seats were heated and ventilated. Behind the heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel was a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The massive 14-inch infotainment touchscreen provided access to the settings for the 10-speaker JBL audio system as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although I found the connection with my iPhone to be infuriatingly sporadic.
The only thing that was uncharacteristically small about the Trailhunter was its back seat. Legroom was tight and the bolt-upright seatbacks were almost immediately uncomfortable. I sometimes wish I could ride in the back of press vehicles while someone drives just so I can experience them like a second-row passenger, but a minute or two in the back of the Trailhunter was enough for me.
Given the Trailhunter’s size and nearly 5,400-pound curb weight, I expected it to be an absolute brute on the road. To my surprise, it rode much better than I expected. Compared to cars, trucks get a little leeway when it comes to steering and brake feel, but the Trailhunter didn’t need much slack because they were both nicely weighted and felt natural. Every jab of the throttle released the hybrid engine’s mammoth torque, and dramatic whooshes and whistles from the high-mounted air intake.
A SATISFYING DISAPPOINTMENT
My colleague Luke Lamendola, the Collector Car Network’s media supervisor Dustin Johnson, and I went out to the Four Peaks trail in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest to put the Trailhunter to the test. They had been there before, so they knew which routes would give us a chance to use its various features, such as the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism, Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems, and rear locker. After we aired down, we ended up engaging many of those, but only in the academic sense, not out of necessity. No matter which line we picked or how steep or rutted the path ahead was, there was no “pucker moment.” The Trailhunter never scraped its chin, dragged its belly, or lost traction. Its machinery equaled its machismo.
You can watch Luke and me break down the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter’s exterior, interior, powertrain, and on- and off-road driving dynamics in the video below.
Crisp mornings, cool evenings, and roads lined with fall colors, autumn is one of the best times to enjoy a classic or collector car. But with the change of season comes added stress on older engines, drivetrains, and electrical systems. For enthusiasts, one unexpected breakdown can turn a dream ride into a costly project parked in the garage.
That’s where a Classic Vehicle Service Contract makes all the difference. It’s not just coverage; it’s peace of mind that keeps your vintage investment running smoothly through fall, winter, and beyond.
The Expensive Reality of Classic Car Repairs
Let’s face it: repairs on collector cars are anything but cheap. Parts are harder to find, labor is specialized, and tariffs on imported components are driving prices even higher. A small malfunction today could cost thousands tomorrow. With a service contract, you’re protected from those surprise bills just so you can focus on enjoying the drive.
What’s Covered Under a Classic Car Service contract?
Unlike generic plans, a Classic Vehicle Service Contract is built for vintage cars, with coverage designed to protect the systems that fail most often and cost the most to repair:
Engine Coverage
From pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, and valves to oil pumps, timing chains, and even turbochargers or superchargers. Engine rebuilds on classics can run $7,000–$12,000, but with coverage, you’re protected. Get a quote now at LegendaryCarProtection.com and see how affordable engine protection can be.
Transmission Coverage
Both automatic and manual transmissions are covered, including torque converters, shafts, clutches, solenoids, and gear sets. Transmission repairs often exceed $4,000–$6,000 without protection.
Axle shafts, gear sets, bearings, hubs, and four-wheel drive systems are included. Failures here are rare but devastating and often cost thousands.
Brake Systems
Wheel cylinders, master cylinders, calipers, and lines are covered. A complete brake system overhaul can set you back $3,000 or more.
Suspension & Steering
Ball joints, steering gears, shock absorbers, stabilizers, and bushings are part of Level 2 coverage. Suspension rebuilds often cost $5,000+, especially on vintage vehicles.
Air Conditioning & Electrical
Compressors, condensers, alternators, ignition modules, starters, and control units are covered. With tariffs pushing up part costs, even “smaller” fixes like an alternator replacement can run $400+.
Why Now? Tariffs and Rising Part Costs
The global market is making repairs more expensive than ever. Tariffs on imported car parts have caused a 20–40% spike in common components over the past year, with specialty or rare parts seeing even greater increases. For classic car owners, this means the cost of maintaining your vehicle is only going up. A service contract locks in protection now, before those costs climb even higher.
Coverage is designed to fit your lifestyle and your budget. Choose from multiple contract lengths and payment options including monthly payments instead of paying upfront. That way, you can keep your car protected without stretching your finances.
Easy Claims, Nationwide Coverage
Breakdowns don’t wait for a convenient moment. Thankfully, filing a claim is simple and can be done online or over the phone. Better yet, coverage applies at licensed repair facilities nationwide, so whether you’re at a fall car show or on a weekend cruise, you’re never stranded without help.
Getting Started
This fall, protect your dream ride with Legendary Car Protection. Get your free quote today and drive into the season with confidence.
To explore tailored protection options for your specific vehicle, visit LegendaryCarProtection.com. By submitting basic information such as make, model, and mileage, you can get a customized quote and select the plan that fits your needs.
Car ownership today comes with high expectations and high risks. A well-designed Vehicle Service Contract not only protects your finances, but also ensures your vehicle receives the care it deserves – no matter how iconic, rare, or routine it may be.
Bugatti has a tradition of crafting powerful, exclusive automobiles for the ultra-wealthy. Since 1925, it also has a history of either inspiring timepieces or working directly with watch companies. The newest products of that kind of collaboration are Jacob & Co.’s aptly named Bugatti Tourbillon and its flashier sibling, the Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette.
The car the watches are named after is the first Bugatti made under the ownership of Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac, which previously made a name for itself with the 1,914-horsepower Nevera. The quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 has been discontinued, so the Bugatti Tourbillon—to use an horological expression—has a new, naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 movement. Its trio of electric motors don’t make time move any faster, but they certainly make the Tourbillon quicker by bringing its total output to 1,800 horsepower.
BUGATTI TOURBILLON
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon
The visual connections between the Bugatti Tourbillon car and watch range from subtle to undeniable. According to Bugatti, the 52 x 44 x 15mm case’s design “emulates that of the Tourbillon car—from the rear wing and windows, to the grille and radiators. The latter features are lodged in recesses of the case, covered with a laser-etched grid pattern, while inlaid sapphire crystal in the case sides—shaped and tinted like the vehicle’s side windows—offer a tantalizing glimpse into the inner workings of the movement.”
The car’s gauges were designed by watchmakers, so it’s natural that the timepiece’s instrumentation has a similar layout. At the top left is the 30-second flying tourbillon (the French word for whirlwind), which rotates parts of the movement’s components to counteract the effects of gravity. The actual time display is in the center. A third subdial on the right shows how much of the watch’s 80-hour power reserve is left.
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon
Like its four-wheeled counterpart, the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon has an engine. A sapphire crystal engine block contains a 22.37mm crankshaft connected to 16 titanium pistons that start moving with the push of a button.
BUGATTI TOURBILLON BAGUETTE
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette
If the regular watch is too low-key, 18 enthusiasts can add the Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette to their collections.
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette
Crafted out of 18K white gold, the case is covered with 328 baguette-cut diamonds (equivalent to 17 carats). The two ribbons of rubies near the crown at 6 o’clock add a touch of color and mimic the layout of the Bugatti Tourbillon’s taillights.
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon
In most places, the odds of seeing either one of these watches on someone’s wrist are as low as the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic‘s production numbers. But there’s a good chance someone will be wearing (or driving) a Bugatti Tourbillon at next year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. When we’re there, we’ll try to catch a glimpse—ideally, photos—of either one.
Imagine for a moment that you’re out enjoying a Sunday drive in your classic car or truck. Life is great. Clear skies, open roads, and not a care in the world. Suddenly, for whatever reason, you find yourself in a fender bender or worse. Luckily no one is hurt, but your beloved classic has sustained damage and will undoubtedly need an expert touch to ensure repairs are done right. In these situations, after the initial shock wears off, we tend to remind ourselves, “Well, I have insurance. Everything will be fine.” But the unfortunate truth is that the majority of classic car and truck owners will be in for a shock when they do need to file claim with their insurance company. Most will discover that their coverage is inadequate and that the value and authenticity of their ride is now in serious jeopardy.
Research has shown that of the 40 million+ collector vehicles in the United States, most are insured by standard auto insurance programs, which were never designed to protect classic and collector vehicles; they were designed for daily drivers. This often proves to be a costly decision. When the time comes when they need to file a claim, these owners discover that they don’t have the coverages needed to correctly repair these types of vehicles. Even for minor repairs, standard auto insurance programs do not guarantee that they will cover original parts or that their approved body shop network even has the expertise necessary to repair these types of vehicles.
Things only get worse in the event the vehicle is a total loss. In these situations, these collectible vehicle owners discover that their insurance program uses a depreciated value to calculate the vehicles worth. Having the right protection in the form of an agreed value policy would have guaranteed a payout based on their ride’s actual replacement cost; one that is uses a true market value and considers the vehicle’s condition as well as the owner’s investments.
As you can see, having inadequate coverage can lead to some serious headaches. But what if after enduring all those challenges you also discover you have been overpaying for coverage? This is yet another unfortunate truth that many classic car and truck owners have recently been discovering.
Now more than ever U.S consumers are looking for ways to cut costs and save more of their hard-earned money. For several years now U.S. drivers have been seeing their auto insurance rates steadily climb year after year. Most auto insurance companies are betting on the typical driver not noticing how these increases have quickly added up and hurt their wallet. But according to the Consumer Price Index, the cost of auto insurance has risen six times faster than inflation over the past three years.
What is driving these surging costs? Well over the past few years many auto insurance companies have been working hard to recover from recent catastrophic losses they’ve faced. Beginning in 2020, there were more frequent accidents, faster-than-normal speeding and instances of drunk driving surged. This all caused a spike in crash severity, which led to more catastrophic vehicle and injury claims placed on auto insurers. Moreover, materials, parts, and labor shortages during that same time frame caused repair costs for claims to climb like never before. In response, auto insurance companies began raising rates with little relief in sight. In effect, collectible vehicle owners and good drivers have been quietly subsidizing the recent losses felt by insurance companies rather than being rewarded for their stellar driving records.
Unfortunately, owners of classic, antique, and custom cars or trucks are among the most severely affected by these insurance cost increases. Standard auto insurance rates do not consider the fact that these classic car and trucks owners have a significantly lower risk profile and are statistically less likely to get into an accident or file a claim. Instead, their rates are calculated based on all the risks that come with typical daily driver usage, doing things like daily commutes to work and running errands in all types of weather and traffic conditions. For them, all rides share the same risk profile as a daily driver and their inflated insurance rates reflect that inaccuracy.
Collectible Vehicle Owners Are Flocking To New Program
In all this turmoil there does seem to be some good news for classic car and truck owners, and word is quickly spreading. Recently the auto enthusiast community has been buzzing about a program being offered by the Dallas-based collector vehicle insurer OpenRoad. Customer testimonials from owners previously covered by standard auto insurers, as well as many previously insured by classic car insurance providers, continue to roll in highlighting significant savings, better coverage, and superior customer service.
OpenRoad has built a truly unique collector vehicle insurance program that all starts with pricing. Not only do they provide significant savings for drivers with great driving records, but they also account for the reduced accident frequency associated with collector vehicles. Both often result in far lower insurance rates overall. But OpenRoad goes further on reduced pricing, offering additional discounts to car club members as well as any customer who transfers their coverage from another classic car insurer.
Setting a New Bar For Classic & Collector Vehicle Insurance
OpenRoad exceeds what many other programs out there can offer. In addition to getting all the coverage you’d expect with any auto insurance policy— think comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, and the like — every OpenRoad policy comes with several protections tailored to car collectors. Their agreed value policy guarantees that the insurance payout you’ll receive in the event of a total loss equals the actual worth of your classic car, rather than a depreciated value that most insurance programs use. This guarantees that you’re covered for the true value of your ride, considering the time, effort, and investments you put into your vehicle as well as its condition and rarity.
OpenRoad is also setting a new bar when it comes to coverage for repairs. Under their program you know that if you need to file a claim the repairs will be done right. Not only will repairs be performed with OEM parts specifically tailored to your vehicle, but you’ll also get to choose a repair shop you know and trust, one that specializes in collector vehicles and classic car restorations. This is another differentiator from standard auto insurance programs that often do not guarantee coverage for OEM parts and rarely let you pick a shop outside of their approved body shop network.
OpenRoad also includes a generous emergency roadside cost reimbursement program at no additional cost as well as coverage for the relocation and temporary storage of your ride in the event of major disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires.
Delivering Superior Customer Service & Specialized Coverage
With so many auto enthusiasts making the switch to OpenRoad, it seems that they have found everything that they have been looking for in a classic auto insurance provider. Just check out these recent customer reviews:
“Almost half the price (of) your competitors for equal coverage.”
“Better coverage for less cost than other classic car insurance companies.”
“They made it easy for me to switch from my old insurance policy to new one and at less than half the price!”
“Not only did they match our previous collector car insurance, they beat it even after adding another vehicle to the policy! They are rockstars! Would recommend to everyone!
“To my total surprise I got more coverage for a fraction of what I have been paying.”
Beyond the significant cost relief, many customers also point to the excellent customer service they received with reviews that include statements such as, “The team went above and beyond to help us,” and, “Overall, the best experience I’ve had setting up insurance.” That’s some high praise for an auto insurance company.
Rapidly Expanding Across the U.S.
To keep up with the massive market demand that they’ve seen, OpenRoad has been rapidly rolling out its insurance program across the U.S., quickly growing coverage availability to 25 states.
Don’t reside in one of their currently live states? Don’t worry, the brand plans to add coverage across several more states by the end of 2025. You can also sign up for their launch newsletter and get notified as soon as coverage is available for your area.
Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this restored 1938 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan, which is #41 of 58 Series 75 Fleetwood Convertible Sedans produced in its model year. It’s powered by a rebuilt 346ci V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Finished in black and equipped with a beige convertible top over a gray leather interior, this four-door drop-top is now offered by the selling dealer in Arizona with spare parts, tools, owner’s manual, and clear title.
Originally Moleskin Gray, the body was refinished in its current black. Both rows of the passenger compartment are covered by a beige convertible top with a rectangular rear window; when lowered, it fits under a gray top boot. Other exterior features include chrome bumpers with guards, auxiliary front lights, hood ornament, two-piece windshield, dual side mirrors, rear fender skirts, rear trunk, and a single exhaust outlet.
This big-bodied Caddy can roll through small-town parade routes or to the drive-in on its 15-inch steel wheels with Cadillac wheel covers and Firestone whitewalls.
The cabin offers gray leather bench seating in both rows.
Amenities include woodgrain trim, front and rear clocks, a retractable glass partition between the first and second rows, and footrests and a fold-down center armrest for rear passengers.
Instrumentation consists of a 110-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and voltage. The odometer shows 97,589 miles, but the title for this vehicle indicates it’s mileage-exempt.
Under the hood is a rebuilt 346ci V8 that was factory-rated at 140 horsepower. It runs 6.7:1 compression and comes paired with a single-barrel carburetor and a YnZ’s Yesterdays Parts wiring harness. A column-shifted three-speed manual gearbox sends the engine’s power to the rear wheels; drum brakes keep it in check.
You don’t see a lot of four-door convertibles on the road, but you can see this 1938 Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan in your garage every day if you place the winning bid on it. Make sure you do that before the auction for this distinctive drop-top ends on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. (PDT).
The Suburban holds a longstanding name in households across America. After 90 years, 12 generations, and many millions of units sold, it has become a legend in American automotive history. It is also the only vehicle to ever receive a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame—celebrity status indeed. We love square-body pickup trucks, but it isn’t very often that we get to talk about their people-hauling Suburban counterparts. The Pick of the Day is a 1989 Chevrolet Suburban listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Foira, Illinois.
“This is not your average Burb,” the listing says. “Was used to tow old cars to shows.”
The 1973-91 Suburban model was part of the C/K Series of General Motors’ full-sized truck series. It was a heavy-duty workhorse with an emphasis on brute power, and its truck-based underpinnings made it a capable rig for hauling and towing. As a people-mover or a cargo-hauler, its interior dimensions were vast, too (especially with the rear seats removed). One of Chevrolet’s advertisements said, “No ordinary wagon has its capacity to do the job.”
The custom exterior color scheme for this Suburban is attractive and complementary. I like the subtle red pinstripe to go with the otherwise neutral palette. The tinted windows, upgraded wheels, and dual exhaust system give the otherwise very flat body an element of pizzazz. The interior has been similarly upgraded with a set of Dakota Digital gauges and a Lecarra leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Towing capability comes from a rebuilt 454ci big-block V8 mated to a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban certainly won’t excel at fuel economy (it’s probably lucky to get 10 mpg, like my F-Series) but, if your primary use for the vehicle is occasional weekend towing, it will certainly be up to the task. Mechanical upgrades according to the seller include a new radiator, ceramic-coated headers, three-inch exhaust system, Gear Vendors overdrive unit, and rebuilt suspension with Ridetech airbags.
The Suburban, while to some not a practical everyday driver, has classic appeal and is suited to people who want vintage style with the added benefit of utility. What kind of toys do you need to haul around? There probably isn’t much this beast can’t handle.
“Time for someone else to hopefully enjoy as much as I have,” the listing concludes.
We’ve visited theHot Wheels Legends Tour several times when it has passed through Phoenix, but the tour is not just for North America. On August 23 and 24, 2025, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK was at the Gravity Car Show in Birmingham to crown a new king.
Of course, someone else already wears a different sort of crown, and we don’t want to arouse the legal team for offending Family Windsor’s sensibilities, but this coronation has more resonance with us Yanks. This is how it went down: Entries started being accepted on May 28; the entry period ended on our Independence Day (huzzah!). Nineteen days later, two finalists were announced. Fans got a chance to name a third one on August 4. All three competed at the Gravity Car Show. One winner was selected. The new king? A 1982 “E21” BMW 3 Series.
If something looks strange yet familiar about this car, you’re not the only one to think that: This vehicle’s single headlights mean it’s a 315 or 316, models which were never imported to the U.S. But if you think about it, those give it a look similar to the 2002 precursor with which we’re familiar. After Paul and Ethan Foster finished their 14-year build, it took on a look more akin to a Group 2 racer.
Image courtesy of Hot Wheels
“It’s amazing to win the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK. Built together with my son Ethan, it’s part of our family and we’ll never sell it. We’ve both been huge Hot Wheels fans since we were kids. I just can’t believe it,” says Paul Foster. “Representing the UK at the next round of the competition is so exciting. Thank you to everyone for the support.”
Here’s how Hot Wheels has described the build: Paul Foster’s 1982 BMW E21 3-Series combines aggressive Group 2 styling with bespoke engineering in a true life-size Hot Wheels car. The 345/35/15 rear tires, fiberglass wide-arch kit, alloy diffuser and deep front splitter give it a muscular stance, while the race livery featuring violet, red and blue accents, is a nod to 80s and 90s BMW touring cars. An original Group 5 rear wing, now with a carbon blade, adds downforce and drama in equal measure, whilst under the bonnet sits a 420 bhp 5.0-liter Rover V8 with twin Jenvey throttle bodies. Other performance features include flame spitting side pipes, DTM Getrag gearbox and Quaife LSD whilst GAZ coilovers and uprated Willwood brakes ensure it handles as well as its looks.
Hot Wheels designer Charlie Angulo, together with judges Nicola Hume, Jordan Clarke, and influencer Mat Armstrong, scored each entry based on design, authenticity, and garage spirit criteria.
So, what’s next for the Bimmer? It will head to the European final on September 20, a virtual regional competition that includes the Middle East, Latin America, and the U.S. One winner will be selected from each region to compete at the Global Grand Finale, where the winner will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends.
Adds Ted Wu, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel, “This year, the UK once again delivered a lineup of jaw-dropping contenders, each brimming with raw garage spirit, authenticity and the kind of imagination that Hot Wheels enthusiasts crave.”
