Journal Classic Cars

I’ve had a few cars over the years, from a 1992 Toyota Cressida (complete with a built-in car phone!) to a 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt to my current 2023 Hyundai Sonata. But the car I had the longest was a pre-owned 1998 Acura Integra LS Sports Sedan, which my parents bought me for my birthday. Over the course of several years and roughly 80,000 miles, it took me to and from Texas State University, dates, movies, and friends’ houses. These are some of the things I learned from my time with it.

MY PARENTS TIMED IT RIGHT

My four-door Integra (series DB7) came from the the model’s third generation (1994-2001), which marked the introduction of a new design with softer lines and quad round headlights, as well as an updated interior and a new chassis. In 1998, Acura refreshed the Integra with revised bumpers, redesigned front and rear light clusters, interior upgrades, and new wheels for the LS and GS-R models. Not only do the the 1998-01 Integras look better than their predecessors, but they also were technically the last Integras in the U.S. market (the follow-up model was called the RSX) until the fifth-generation model returned for 2023.

FOLLOW THE NIKE PHILOSOPHY: JUST DO IT

I’ve been watching this great series of videos from a YouTube channel called Jason’s Supra, in which Jason installs a series of cosmetic and performance upgrades on his third-gen Integra. After watching him clean and restore his car’s headlights, I remembered just how much work I did on my sedan. I got it with nearly 117,000 miles on it including badly yellowed headlights, so I removed the front clip and put in a fresh set. To keep the oil in the B18B1 1.8-liter DOHC I4 where it belonged, I installed a new valve cover gasket; I also swapped in fresh spark plugs, wires, and tube seals while I was at it. Eventually, the oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, so I slid underneath the car and got those jobs done. The first and only time I’ve ever swapped in a new windshield washer fluid reservoir was on that Integra. Doing all that work myself saved me money (a great thing when you’re a broke college student) and, most importantly, gave me a greater sense of comfort and confidence under the hood—and body—of a car. Looking back on those days, I also realize that overthinking or preemptive stress didn’t prevent me from doing something new. I knew what needed to be done and I just did it.

THE COMFORT OF RITUAL

I spent many Sunday evenings making my Cayenne Red Pearl Integra look its best. When I first developed my routine, I decided it would be kind of old-school to have a beer while I did it, which led me to filling a large tumbler with ice, then jamming a long-neck bottle down into it. Then I’d spend the next hour or two washing, drying, and waxing the body; cleaning the glass; scrubbing the wheels and tires; and applying tire shine. I went to bed tired but proud of what I had accomplished.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COULD AND SHOULD

Years earlier, my brother got his hands on a set of blade-style three-spoke chrome wheels with low-profile tires. They were so ’90s and absolutely massive—probably 18 inches in diameter. For some reason (I blame the tastelessness of youth), I decided I would remove my Integra’s stock 14-inch wheels and bolt on these monstrosities. Now I look back on that short period of time and laugh (and shudder a little).

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

I was a junior in high school when the trailers for “The Fast and the Furious” hit the Internet. Just a few years later, I had my very own Asian import car. I didn’t have the money for a turbo kit or a manual swap for the four-speed auto, but I did have enough to add some aftermarket Acura Integra-branded seat belt pads and a pair of pedal covers with red lighting to the Graphite Moquette cloth interior. If I were to get another third-gen Integra, I wouldn’t make those mods, but I also don’t beat myself up over making them back then. Underbody and in-cabin lighting was a big thing in those days, especially on Japanese cars. It was nice to live in those times in my own little, inexpensive way.

Before Electrify Expo Phoenix 2025 opened to the public, Collector Car Network Media attended Ford’s nearby cars and coffee event. As a Ford F-150 Lightning powered the outdoor speakers and the breakfast station, we chatted with EV Product Communications Manager Sam Schembari, who told us how the automaker would educate potential electric vehicle buyers at the event.

We also learned that customer feedback about the Mustang Mach-E led to an important cold-weather feature in the updated 2025 model. Of course, we asked Schembari if he drives an EV. The answer is yes – a Mustang Mach-E Rally. In fact, it’s one of two Mustangs in his garage. Any guesses for what the other one is? Let us know what you think it is in the comments below.

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It wasn’t that long ago when Ford Motor Company created its Ford Performance division (which was recently renamed Ford Racing). Ready Set Ford is the company’s first new global marketing campaign in more than 15 years. But it’s been nearly 70 years since Ford moved into its new headquarters, aka the “Glass House.” Later this year, Ford will host the grand opening of the new Ford World Headquarters at the Henry Ford II World Center product development campus in Dearborn, Michigan.

Measuring 2.1 million square-feet over four floors, Ford World Headquarters is more than double the size of its predecessor and offers room for up to 4,000 employees—twice as much as the Glass House (we have a feeling Billy Joel wasn’t allowed to visit it in 1980 for cosmetic reasons). An additional 14,000 employees will have a short, 15-minute walk away from the new facility. Those changes, plus a mix of studios, garages, fabrication shops, and individual and group workspaces, are designed to foster greater cross-department collaboration and speed up the pace of innovation and problem-solving.

In a press release, Ford said, “This is part of a larger investment in our people and our facilities across the globe. We are committed to providing employees with world-class workspaces, modern technology, and the best tools to do their life’s best work—from our global offices to our manufacturing floors. Our dealers around the world are likewise investing in their stores and service centers to elevate the customer experience.”

What will become of the Glass House? Once everyone vacates the building, it will be demolished over the course of 18 months. After that, it’s not exactly clear; Ford said, “We are working with the City of Dearborn on a plan for how the site can best serve our employees and neighbors, and we will have more to share about those plans later.”

Ford will open the doors to its new global global HQ to employees and public tours in November. It has yet to complete the landscaping and a final section of the building, but those will be done and the next chapter in Ford’s history will officially begin in 2027.

Chevy folks have a secret weapon with the Chevy II. Not quite as big as a Chevelle and not quite as sporty as the Camaro, Chevrolet’s compact was nonetheless capable of handling a Mark IV big-block without trouble. That means less weight and fine weight transfer for those who are more interested in winning than looking good.

Perhaps Chris Teed didn’t know what an intelligent purchase he made when he was 16 years old, but 46 years later, he still owns this L78-powered 1968 Chevrolet Nova SS. Over the years, he’s learned how to maximize its power to run ETs that you’d expect from a car with ported heads, headers, and slicks.

Sure, the Super Sport now runs L89 aluminum heads and may have an adjustment here or there that may not be showroom-stock, but this is a vehicle that follows the NHRA rulebook and impresses in ways that you’d expect from a modified car.

Join Muscle Car Campy as he chats with Chris about his high school car and how he’s dialed in his Bow Tie to run high 11s. If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out other automotive segments from Muscle Car Campy.

Many SUV owners spend a lot of time and money customizing their rigs for their particular lifestyles. Overlanders add roof-top tents, onboard air compressors, and even water tanks for showering to make their time off the grid easier. Lexus goes all in on modifying its SUVs for certain purposes, too—in concept form, at least. Last year, it rolled out the golfer-focused GX 550 Malbon Edition. Its newest hyper-specific one-off is the Lexus Glam LX.

Lexus worked with Complete Customs to create a rolling nail salon, hair studio, and wardrobe department that can get to even the most remote modeling or filming locations (it would look perfect as Elle Woods’ vehicle if they ever make another “Legally Blonde” sequel). The body is covered in a distinctive “pearl symphony chameleon” wrap. Two-tone crystal Lexus badges replace the factory emblems.

The pink and white leather interior is where models and performers can get their nails done, hair styled, and clothes and shoes on, all while surrounded by mohair, silk, and stone inlays. The glove box was altered to hold bottles of nail polish and UV/LED lighting for quick color changes and manicures.

Lexus replaced the stock rear doors with coach doors that open to a makeup studio with a full-width drop-down mirror, a halo-lit skylight, and tray tables with stone inlays.

According to Lexus, “Hot tool holders, integrated power outlets, a refrigerated makeup console, and an LED-lit handbag storage compartment ensure beauty and styling items are always accessible on the go.”

Instead of the regular liftgate, the Glam LX has a pair of French doors that provide access to a pair of illuminated mirrors, a small clothing rack, shoe- and purse-sized storage cubbies, acrylic drawers, and a pair of custom pullout chairs for getting ready. There’s even a retractable privacy screen to make sure there’s no audience for the next wardrobe or costume change.

Lexus will be taking the LX Glam concept to various locations for people to experience. If you happen to see it somewhere, the soundtrack for the event will probably be people saying, “No, Honey, it’s not for sale. Lexus isn’t going to put it into production.”

The Pacific Northwest has always been known for its attractive greenery—and, in this case, it applies to a classic truck as well: this 1955 Ford F-250 Pickup currently listed on AutoHunter. The truck is being sold by a private party in Lynden, Washington, with the auction ending on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Lynden is a small community about 100 miles north of Seattle and fewer than 10 miles from the Canadian border. It looks like a beautiful place to explore—especially from behind the wheel of a vintage pickup.

The truck in question has been newly refreshed both inside and out; it received new paint, trim, and a wood bed about a year ago. Exterior features include black bumpers, a driver-side mirror, running boards, and a side-mounted spare tire. The inside of the cab has been similarly overhauled in recent months, with appointments including tan vinyl upholstery, new sun visors, and replacement headliner.

In model year 1955, Ford called its truck “The Money Maker.” The background for that claim was what Ford referred to as “Triple Economy.” Expanding on that, the pickup was said to offer value in three specific areas:

• Money-making power: The available Cost Clipper Six and Power King V8 were said to have new durability features and be engineered to last longer.
• Money-making convenience: The cab was “driverized” with conveniences to enhance comfort and cut fatigue, giving drivers an incentive to do their best work.
• Money-making capacities: Ford trucks were designed to deliver top load-carrying ability while keeping overall chassis weights lower.

Did Ford deliver on its promises? The answer to that will probably be subjective, but one thing is for sure: the early F-Series pickups paved the way for Ford’s runaway success in the decades to come. In fact, the F-Series would go on to later hold the title as the best-selling truck in America, a feat which it still holds today in 2025 after a near-50-year streak.

Power for this truck comes from a reportedly numbers-matching Power King 239ci V8 mated to a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The engine was rated at 132 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque when new, and the listing says it was completely rebuilt in March 2025. The odometer shows 198 miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown since the mileage was reset to zero when the aforementioned mechanical work was performed.

A walk-around video has been provided which shows the exterior, interior, and engine compartment. There’s a lot to love about all-things green in the PNW, and this tidy, restored F-Series is no exception.

The auction for this 1955 Ford F-250 Pickup ends Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

What is it about Detroit’s propensity for watering down great names? In 1962, Chrysler replaced the Windsor with the new 300, a mainstream mid-trim level situated between the Newport and New Yorker that compromised the equity of the 300 letter-series. Not only did Buick do a similar thing a year later, but the automaker did it in the same price class as the 300. Our Pick of the Day is the first version of this model before Buick mainstreamed it. This 1962 Buick Wildcat is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in O’Fallon, Illinois.

Buick’s completely redesigned 1959 models also included all-new model names. At the bottom was the LeSabre, which replaced the Special as the brand’s bread-and-butter car. Replacing the Century was the Invicta, which rode on the LeSabre’s shorter wheelbase and had the power of the senior Buick’s new 401 V8. The replacement for the Roadmaster was the Electra, with a special Electra 225 model featuring an additional five inches in length (for 225 inches in total) and several additional standard features.

Starting in 1960, the Invicta two-door hardtop and convertible were available with the Custom package, which added stylish bucket seats with genuine leather trim and a two-way power driver’s seat. The Custom package manifested itself as an Invicta special sub-model for 1962 called the Wildcat.

“Buick introduces torrid new luxury sports car! First with the sure-footed sock of advanced thrust,” proclaimed the spring ad introducing the Wildcat. The special vehicle included front bucket seats divided by a bright metal console featuring a tachometer and Turbine Drive stick shift (another way of saying Buick’s Dynaflow transmission). A vinyl top—unusual for the time—was included. Other “sports car touches” included a foam rubber headliner with chrome strips like a convertible, deep carpeting, rear seat courtesy light, Electra taillights, and special Wildcat wheel covers. As the Wildcat was based on the Invicta, it was powered by a standard 401 “Nailhead” with 325 horsepower.

Think of the 1962 Wildcat as Buick’s answer to the Pontiac Grand Prix and you will not be far off. However, the Wildcat never had a chance to play the same role again as, for 1963, it was mainstreamed as Buick’s mid-livel series, taking over the Invicta’s place as a full-fledged line that included a four-door and convertible. This didn’t leave Buick without a personal luxury model, however, as the Riviera was introduced for 1963, which most certainly was one of the most stylish American vehicles from the 1960s.

This Arctic White 1962 Buick Wildcat is a rare and unusual collectible not often found for sale. Making it more unusual is the white-on-white color combo, though it currently lacks its vinyl top. Power steering and brakes, and an AM radio are several features on this vehicle. Plus, if you glance at the data plate, you’ll see several accessory codes: S7, U7, and N7. Those codes mean this vehicle was originally equipped with a driver-side remote mirror, power windows, and “N2” air conditioning and “N4” Vanity Group (N2 + N4 = N7 in Buick’s world), the latter of which included a right-hand mirror, tissue dispenser, and litter basket.

Imagine this: You enjoy sporty cars, but you’re at a stage in life where you’d rather deal with easy cruising instead of a spine-jarring ride and a rumpety-rump engine that is a pain to tune. This Wildcat may check all the proper boxes for you because it’s still sporty yet gives you luxury, rarity, and exclusivity. For $21,000, this is a good habit worth indulging.

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

Several days ago, I published a Pick of the Day on a car not often seen on these pages: a 1970 Buick Skylark Custom four-door hardtop. Not only was it an unusual find, but it was also in unusual condition for this particular body style. Writing an accurate story was a challenge, but I had a good Buick aficionado to help me sort things out.

I was aware Buick discontinued the Special and let the Skylark play the role of entry-level A-body for 1970. I also knew there were several variations of the Skylark available to consumers that year. The 1970 brochure laid it out for me.

The above guide helped me discern the trim levels and available body styles:

Model	Body Style
Skylark	Two-door Sedan
	Four-door Sedan
Skylark 350	Two-door Sport Coupe (hardtop)
	Four-door Sedan
Skylark Custom	Two-door Sport Coupe
	Two-door Convertible
	Four-door Sedan
`	Four-door Hardtop

The brochure featured this passage: The 1970 Buick Skylarks. Four to choose from. From the above picture, I was able to infer that Skylark and Skylark 350 were two trim levels that included four models. So why was the Skylark 350 an upgrade from the base Skylark? Was it because it included a 350 engine? Did that mean base Skylarks only had a straight-six? The brochure was not clear in this regard.

I reached out to Greg Cockerill, a retired GM designer and Buick fan. He too felt the brochure was “a bit ambiguous.” For one thing, why was the upgraded Skylark model called Skylark 350 if it came standard with a six?

Greg agreed, stating, “Yes, but as-written, it is saying six-cylinder is standard, even on the Skylark 350, though the Salesman’s Guide points out that the 350 is a ‘required’ option. But it’s kind of goofy to make the V8 a required option as opposed to being standard equipment.”

In previous years, the LeSabre was available as a LeSabre 400, which didn’t necessarily mean it was powered by a 400ci V8—it wasn’t—but that it was a package that paired the TH400 transmission with the small-block, instead of the two-speed Super Turbine transmission normally offered. Could the Skylark 350 have been named in a similar vein? Considering the standard transmission was a three-speed manual and not the TH350, likely not. Greg added, “In contrast, 1970 was the one single year for a ‘LeSabre 455’ which DID have 455 engine.”

Without an adequate solution, we both agreed an order form would hold the key to the answers we sought. “Well, I think I solved the mystery/ambiguity . . . “ said Greg once he found an order form in his collection of literature.

“It is clear that a Skylark 350 could not have a six-cylinder. However, it also clearly shows that a ‘base’ Skylark could indeed have a V8! Hence, if the Skylark 350 was ONLY available as V8 , then the name would be defensible.” Greg then adds, “Perhaps a better question is: Why bother with offering a Skylark 350 model? Perhaps, in addition to the mandatory V8, it also has some other equipment or elevated trim level? That would be the only logical reason to offer it at all.”

With a quick glance in the brochure, we can see the Skylark 350 featured an upgraded interior from the base Skylark, plus the Skylark 350 featured several optional interiors that were not available on the base Skylark.

Mystery solved!

Monterey Car Week never disappoints, and this year was no exception. From catching some of the week’s big auctions to exploring events all around town, Collector Car Network Media saw incredible cars at every turn.

We interviewed Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson, witnessed the unveiling of the 2026 Shelby Super Snake-R, and spotted everything from wild concept cars to the latest exotics on the streets. The week started off cloudy and rainy, but by the time the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance started, the skies cleared and the sun lit up the Pebble Beach Golf Links’ 18th fairway – the perfect finale to an unforgettable trip.

This video is sponsored by our friends at Borro. For the trusted source in liquidity when you need it most, call Borro today at (720) 458-6788 or learn more at borro.com.

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Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad. Certainly one of the nicest American cars from the 1950s, the Nomad featured hardtop styling on a station wagon, something that had never been done before. This Nomad is powered by an upgraded 350 small-block and is paired to a three-on-the-tree. Other features of this classic Bow Tie include a three-spoke steering wheel, factory pushbutton AM radio, split bench seat, and more. Painted Twilight Turquoise and India Ivory with a two-tone turquoise vinyl and gray cloth interior, this Tri-Five Chevy is offered by a private seller with a clear title.

The Twilight Turquoise and India Ivory are the original colors for this Nomad. Exterior features include a driver-side mirror, longitudinal brightwork, chrome window trim, and front-mounted antenna. A set of 15-inch steel wheels with chrome wheel covers is wrapped in 205/75 Hankook whitewall radials.

The interior features a two-tone turquoise vinyl and gray cloth interior, with a split bench seat up front. Interior features include a column-mounted manual shifter, three-spoke steering wheel, and factory pushbutton AM radio.

Instrumentation includes a 110-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature and fuel. The odometer reads 16,366 miles though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The original engine was replaced by a 350ci small-block a long time ago, as this one was rebuilt in 1987. It features a four-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock intake, and HEI ignition. The horsepower and torque are directed through a three-speed manual transmission.

The undercarriage features a single exhaust system and manual drum brakes on all four corners. A wheel alignment and complete front-end replacement were performed in August 2023.

It is a no-brainer to find this 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad as our AutoHunter Spotlight because it’s one of the most stylish designs out of Detroit, if not from any 1950s styling studio. The 350 upgrade is perfect for someone who enjoys the stock look while enjoying driving around in a classic car. The auction will end on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. (PDT) so you have time to clean your garage in preparation for this classic.

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery