If your brain is fried after the workweek, I’ve got great news—it’s time for another installment of Car Connections! You won’t have to figure out how three words from the Random Word Generator can possibly be linked to cars in some way because I’ll do all the thinking for you.
This week’s words are prosper, occupation, and first. I have to admit that these aren’t the most exciting options, but that makes them a little more challenging, so I’ll give them a shot. Here goes!
Prosper: The first thing that comes to mind is the quote “Live long and prosper” from Mr. Spock in the original “Star Trek” TV series, which also starred William Shatner. I could just stop at Shatner’s former 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo, but I’ll go a couple of steps further. Shatner worked with one of my favorite musicians, Ben Folds, in the short-lived group known as Fear of Pop in the late 1990s, and Folds was the producer of Shatner’s 2004 album “Has Been.” In 2014, Acura and ELS Studio Premium Audio from Panasonic sponsored Folds’ Live Performances Tour. Long story short: Acura.
First: “First is the worst . . .” Bratwurst. Bathurst. Australia. Peter Weir, who directed “The Cars That Ate Paris.” The trailer for that 1974 movie shows the flaming shell of a Jaguar 3.4 Sedan.
How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. And be sure to share your ideas for random words to use in a future installment of Car Connections.
Barrett-Jackson will kick off the year with a number of coveted classic American muscle cars set to cross the block during the 2026 Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 17-25 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. From freshly restored models to rare originals, the American muscle cars that will be featured include a 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda convertible (preview) that is one of 29 Six-Barrel ‘Cuda convertibles produced in 1970, as well as a 1966 Shelby GT350 (preview), one of only 252 examples of the 1965 model year with the 1966 model facelift.
“We’ll have over 2,000 highly coveted collectible vehicles crossing the block this January, including several premium American muscle cars that have been professionally rebuilt to maintain their originality,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “These muscle cars are icons of a past era that continue to have an enduring appeal to collectors worldwide. The 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda (preview), for example, is an exceptional find with its date-code-correct engine and 4-speed manual transmission. We also have several historically significant 1960s Shelbys, still powered by the original, matching-numbers drivetrain the Shelby American team installed over 60 years ago.”
Finished in Hi-Impact Lemon Twist Yellow, the restored 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible (preview) is one of 29 Six-Barrel ‘Cuda convertibles produced in 1970 and one of 17 equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. The interior features a wood-grain console, tachometer and an AM radio with an 8-track player. A 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 (preview) was restored to factory specifications during a professional three-year, fully documented restoration. It is finished in its factory-correct Tuxedo Black exterior over a Saddle interior and retains its original matching-numbers V8 engine with Chevrolet dealer-installed 4-speed manual transmission.
“Thirty years ago Barrett-Jackson recognized that the big-block American muscle cars of the 1960s and ’70s were going to be in demand by the next generation of collectors,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Over the years, these American machines have become the crown jewels in collections worldwide. We’re proud to continue to roll some of the very best versions across the block this January. A 1968 Shelby GT500 (preview) on our docket is a great example of a concours-standard restoration that keeps these collectible vehicles looking like they just rolled off the assembly line.”
Classic Shelbys crossing the block in January include the 1966 Shelby GT350 (preview), which is powered by a matching-numbers V8 mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. Also crossing the block will be a 1967 Shelby GT500 (preview) powered by its original matching-numbers Police Interceptor V8 with a 4-speed manual transmission and a correct Ford 9-inch rear differential. The car retains factory power steering and front disc brakes, and the engine bay includes original hardware and fasteners consistent with its long-term preservation. The exterior is finished in its factory-applied Nightmist Blue paint and features the correct fiberglass hood with twin scoops, as well as original Shelby badging and trim, and all original fiberglass components are present. A 1966 Shelby GT350-H (preview) on the docket is powered by a V8 engine with original drivetrain. The recipient of a concours-level restoration completed in 2025, it received a Premier Award at SAAC-50 in Sonoma, California.
Two Ford Boss 429 Mustangs include a fully restored 1970 model (preview) finished in Calypso Coral with a black deluxe interior. It is powered by a matching-numbers Boss 429 V8 engine rated at 375 horsepower, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. A Candy Apple Red 1969 version (preview) is one of 857 produced for the model year and is powered by its factory-original matching-numbers V8 rated at 375 horsepower. Discovered in 2023, it underwent a complete nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration that was completed in 2025 after being stored for nearly 40 years.
Finished in Rally Red with a red vinyl interior, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427 (preview) is powered by a rebuilt L71 engine paired to a 4-speed Muncie transmission. It is equipped with F41 suspension and retains both its NCRS-validated Tank ticker and Window Sticker. It has earned multiple major awards over its lifetime, including 12 NCRS Top Flight awards, Bloomington Gold certification and a Gold Spinner award. A 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 RS (preview) retains its factory configuration with the original radiator, flywheel, distributor, crankshaft pulley, water pump pulley, bellhousing, Hurst 4-speed shifter, intake manifold and carburetor.
A 1970 Plymouth AAR ’Cuda (preview) underwent a complete rotisserie restoration performed to concours standards. It is powered by its original matching-numbers 340 Six-Barrel T/A engine paired with a 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission. It is finished in its original Ivy Green Metallic exterior with a matching Ivy Green bucket-seat interior and comes with two original Broadcast Sheets, as well as a photo album showing casting numbers and stampings. A 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A (preview) is a factory FM3 Panther Pink example retaining its original fender and VIN tags. It is powered by a freshly rebuilt 340-cubic-inch Six-Pack T/A engine mated to a rebuilt 727 automatic transmission with power steering, power front disc brakes, Rallye gauges, a center console, black bucket seats and new carpeting installed during the restoration.
Click here to view the 2026 Scottsdale Auction Select Preview and browse hundreds of featured collectible vehicles.
On Friday, Jan. 16, country music superstar Cole Swindell will perform live for the 3rd annual Rock The Block concert in the auction arena at WestWorld of Scottsdale. In addition, the opening act will feature multi-platinum singer-songwriter Chase Rice.
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. VIP Experiences hospitality packages are available here. Throughout the nine-day Scottsdale Auction, children age 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students age 13 through college age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $27 at the AXS online box office.
Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this customized 1950 Chevrolet 3100, which is powered by a Chevrolet Performance 350ci V8 crate engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Highlights include Positraction and a QA1 four-link rear suspension with coilovers. Finished in red and white over a gray and tan leather interior, this classic pickup is now offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with a clear title.
The exterior was refinished in a combination of white for the upper part of the cab and red for the rest of the cab and the body. Features include chrome bumpers, dual mirrors, body-color running boards with integrated exhaust outlets, and blue-dot taillights. The floor of the bed is lined with wood planks and metal strips; the tailgate lowers on rubber-covered chains.
That two-tone color scheme continues down to the red 15-inch steel wheels, chrome Chevrolet hubcaps, and 235/35 (front) and 295/50 (rear) whitewall tires. Behind the set of four are manual drum brakes.
The cabin is tri-tone, featuring a bench seat covered in gray leather with tan leather inserts, and brown and gray door panels. Conveniences include a tilt steering column and a retro-look AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity.
Instrumentation consists of a 120-mph speedometer and a multi-gauge that displays the fuel level, voltage, temperature, and oil pressure. The digital odometer shows 546 miles, but this vehicle is mileage-exempt, according to its title.
The original engine has been replaced with a Chevrolet Performance 350ci V8 crate engine connected to a four-barrel carburetor. The same goes for the transmission, which is now a four-speed manual gearbox.
There are more upgrades underneath, such as tubular upper and lower control arms, QA1 four-link rear suspension with coilovers, and 12-bolt rear end with Positraction.
Dressed in red and white, this 1950 Chevrolet 3100 looks ready for Christmas. If you want to give it as a gift (even if it’s to yourself), throw some green at it by placing your bid now because the auction ends on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).
Just like any other keepsake, a classic car can serve as an inheritance that evokes nostalgia and memories for someone who has passed away. The Pick of the Day is one such car—a 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner convertible, specifically—that was owned and loved by the seller’s father for many decades. The car is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com and located in Burbank, California.
“My father, one of the founding members of the LA Roadster Club, gave me this car upon his passing,” the listing begins. “It has been in our family since the mid-60s. I am selling it so someone can enjoy the car and take care of it as it deserves.”
In marketing materials, Ford called the 1956 Fairlane the “Kissin’ Cousin of the Thunderbird.” Expanding on that idea, Ford said, “It not only has the heart-winning lines of its Thunderbird cousin, it also has the Thunderbird’s famous V8 engine. This is the standard eight in all Fairlane and station wagon Fords … at no extra cost!”
That engine, by the way, is a 292ci Y-block V8, and this Fairlane is said to run great with only about 40,000 miles on it. The Holley carburetor was rebuilt, and the battery was replaced under the seller’s ownership. Prior to that, the seller’s father logged a few other key maintenance items (some of which were done in 2011 or prior). They included replacement of the U-joints, hoses, mufflers, shock absorbers, front wheel bearings, radiator, and slave cylinder. The listing says does call out a few current flaws: the top does not go up, there is a crack in the passenger side window, and the paint shows some chips.
The seller has provided a video showing a start-up, and the car sounds healthy. The tour continues with an exterior walk-around and a look at the interior, complete with a pair of fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror. “The car is a head turner and a great cruiser,” the listing says. This Fairlane Sunliner brings a lot to the table—iconic 1950s style, open-air freedom, and the provenance of long-term single-family history.
The asking price is $39,000 or best offer, and that price includes several spare parts, if the buyer wishes to have them (engine, transmission, manifolds, and an air filter).
It’s been 10 years sinceGenesis branched off as Hyundai‘s standalone luxury brand. Currently, it has a mix of sedans, SUVs (of course), and EVs. Genesis has begun its second decade in the market by unveiling two vehicles in France: one is the 601-horsepower all-electric GV60 Magma, the first model in its line of Magma performance luxury vehicles (aka Genesis’s version of BMW’s M division or Mercedes-AMG); the other is the G90 Wingback Concept, a car that could signal the addition of different body styles to Genesis’ future portfolio.
Aside from a style of chair, what exactly is a Wingback? According to Genesis’s Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke, who previously designed cars for Bentley, Lamborghini, and Audi, the G90 Wingback Concept is a “bridge between Magma and the One of One bespoke program.” Donckerwolke and his team started with a stock G90 sedan and amplified certain design elements, such as the Crest Grille and the Two-Line headlamps. A more sculpted front bumper with the Magma logo, large lower air intakes, and canards replaces the stock unit. The performance division’s influence is especially apparent in the flared fenders over the massive 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires. It also seems to have added a pair of spoilers and a diffuser to the sport wagon rear end.
Inside, the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, and center console are covered with suede-like Chamude upholstery accented with green stitching. Once again, Magma left its mark—this time, more literally in the form of logos on the seats.
As of right now, there’s no word on what powers the G90 Wingback Concept. Whether it’s the sedan’s available twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with a 48-volt electric supercharger or something hotter is almost secondary. As Donckerwolke puts it, “Magma does not shout; it invites. Where most chase aggression and extremes, we seek balance. Magma is designed to be rewarding, not challenging; to complement the driver, not to intimidate them.”
Given that the Wingback is based on an existing Genesis vehicle, there’s a possibility it could be put into production. Even if it’s not, there may still be a silver lining. Donckerwolke has made it clear that he thinks SUVs will reach a saturation point and make other body styles more attractive. And this isn’t the first time Genesis has shown nearly production-viable concept vehicles that aren’t SUVs. Remember the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible that Genesis displayed at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025?
The 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance had three “Preservation” classes for vehicles that weren’t restored but still showed a great amount of care and dedication. This 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (with a removable hardtop) was one of the winners in the Postwar Preservation Late category – and for good reason.
Not only is it a roadster, the successor to the legendary “Gullwing” coupe, but it also has decades of patina. Despite being more than 60 years old, this German classic retains its original paint, leather upholstery, and even luggage. Join us for a closer look at this award-winning Mercedes 300SL Roadster.
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.
Whether you were pulling out Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus decorations or doing laundry, you were probably in your garage recently. If you’re like many people, you probably have noticed you have a lot of stuff in there you haven’t used in a long time. Perhaps one of those things was a car. In that case, I have great news: you can list it for sale on ClassicCars.com and score a 25 percent discount on the listing fee now through December 30, 2025. Just use code WINTER (and get a head start on spring cleaning).
Our award-winning team of dedicated customer service specialists provide individual attention and use their knowledge and experience to enhance your vehicle’s listing.
ClassicCars.com offers three ways to free up a car-sized space in your garage, all of which will keep your listing on the site until your vehicle is sold. Below is the trio of packages, with the full breakdown of each package’s features here:
The year is flying by, so don’t wait to take advantage of this offer. You need to create your vehicle listing on ClassicCars.com between now and December 30, 2025, but be sure to enter the promo code WINTER to get 25 percent off your listing fee.
*Promotion available only to private sellers and new listings.
The Petersen Automotive Museum joins forces with Donut Media on Saturday, December 13, 2025, to host their first holiday cruise-in and toy drive. From 9 a.m. to noon, you can wander around the artsy parking structure at the Petersen and view hundreds of vehicles on display.
It’s the holiday season and, benevolent people that we are, we are only too happy to help Southern California children have a December to remember. To help contribute, pay the $25 entry fee to attend (which includes one admission ticket to the museum plus an exclusive poster) and, while you’re at it, bring a new, unwrapped toy for the little ones. In addition to that special feeling you get from giving to others, you will receive $5 off a future purchase at Donut Media’s online store.
Image courtesy of the Petersen Automotive Museum
If you wish to display your vehicle, that honor will cost you $49 – and yes, you too will receive one ticket to the museum plus the exclusive poster.
Additionally, the Donut Media crew will be on-site for meet-and-greets throughout.
For more information, including online ticket purchases, visit petersen.org/museum-events. For directions, plug 6060 Wilshire Boulevard 90036 into your GPS.
Built between 1975-93, the Volvo 240 is the longest-running single model in the entire history of Volvo. Very few cars last so long virtually unchanged in production. In fact, the only other car I can think of from the 1970s that had this kind of staying power is the R107 Mercedes SL roadster. The 240 was the brainchild of Volvo designer Jan Wilsgaard, who also designed the 122 and the 140 series cars. The 240 was the one that has to be his most successful as Volvo sold 2.8 million of them during the model’s 19-year production run. The AutoHunter Spotlight for today is one of these cars, a 1986 Volvo 240 DL wagon.
The reason for its long tenure is that the Volvo 240 really is as good a car as fans say it is. These cars are very well-built, incredibly durable, easy to drive and, at the time, were the absolute safest cars you could buy. As a result, there are tens of thousands of these still being used as daily transportation more than 30 years after production ended.
This specific 240 Wagon is finished in its correct Volvo code 201 Beige paint over a brown vinyl interior. The seller states that this 240 is powered by its correct B230F 2.3-liter I4 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and comes with wheel covers, an AutoCheck report, and a clear title.
The exterior of this 240 looks to be in truly excellent condition. This is likely due to the fact that it has covered a total of only 97,559 miles (which is low for a 240) and also because it has only had two owners from new. The paint looks excellent, as does all the rubber trim and exterior brightwork. It rides on its stock steel wheels with factory Volvo wheel covers.
The interior of this car is also excellent. The brown vinyl seats are in great condition (and also are heated), and the door cards look excellent, as do the carpets. The seller adds that there is a crack on the driver’s side of the dash, which is something common on these cars. All in all, this is a nice driver-level Volvo 240 Wagon.
Under the hood is the virtually unbreakable Volvo B230F 2.3-liter SOHC I4 cylinder engine that produces 114 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. The entire engine compartment looks immaculate, speaking to the care this Volvo has received over the years.The seller adds that recent services on this 240 include new drive belts, battery, exhaust pipe seal, and brake pads, plus a fluid flush.
Yes, given the horsepower and torque numbers above, you can guess that a 240 is not a sports sedan. It was in fact never meant to be one. It is instead an extremely well-built and nice-driving European car. In Wagon form, it also offers more utility and storage space than any other car of the era. In the early 1990s, I drove my 1987 240 GL wagon to Los Angeles to pick up gear and people for a movie we were working on. By the time I left LA, I had our director of photography in the passenger seat, all our luggage, a full Panavision camera package, and a camera dolly and track all loaded in the 240. Everything fit perfectly, and we comfortably headed to Arizona with the gear for the shoot. These cars are literally European pickups with a roof.
In closing, one of the nicest things about these collectible Volvo cars is that they are still quite affordable, and every part you could ever want is available. If you want a cool collector car with more utility of anything outside of a Mercedes wagon (the Volvo can actually hold more) and also want to join a fun community, then why not make a bid or two on this very nice example of Volvo’s masterpiece?
As an added bonus, the auction for this car ends in plenty of time before Christmas, making it a perfect present to be delivered for the holiday. The auction for this 1986 Volvo 240 Wagon ends on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. (MST), so act fast as examples this clean are getting harder to find.
Here we have another one of those funky Canadian cars that was not sold in the U.S. It may look familiar, but several trim differences should become apparent with scrutiny. Under the skin, our Pick of the Day would be identical to a Chevrolet Nova SS, but it’s much rarer. This 1969 Acadian SS is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
It’s always worth reminding Yanks why Canada had its own special models—something that was common among the Big Three automakers at the time. Though these days Canada appears on par with the U.S., the Great White North featured stark differences in population and median income, which was reflected in the Canadian automobile market. Due to economies of scale, General Motors Canada built both Chevrolets and Pontiacs that were Chevrolets underneath.
Canadian dealerships often featured several brands out of necessity in order to cater to a smaller population. What if there was no Chevrolet dealership for miles (kilometers didn’t become a thing in Canada until 1977)? The solution was for Pontiac to produce a badge-engineered model.
But why all this complication? Tariffs! They protected the Canadian automotive market, but thanks to the Auto Pact trade agreement that was signed in 1965 to help stem the Canadian trade deficit, the need to offer distinction was diminished, especially starting in 1970. (That being said, the Canadian industry often had unique models not available in the U.S., even in more recent years.)
With the introduction of the Chevy II in 1962, Canadian Pontiac dealerships would receive the Acadian—not a model, but a separate brand that looked like a Chevy II but featured Pontiac design elements like the split grille. When the Nova was redesigned for 1968, the Acadian appeared to be even more badge-engineered than before, including the elimination of anything that resembled Pontiac styling or motifs. New was the Super Sport, which had evolved from a sporty trim package to a performance package. After 1971, the Acadian was discontinued, replaced by the Ventura II that had been introduced in the U.S. in 1971.
This LeMans Blue 1969 Acadian SS sports the Astro-Flash 350 V8, which was rated at 300 horsepower. As in the Nova SS, standard was a floor-shifted HD three-speed manual, with a four-speed, Powerglide, or Hydra-Matic 350 as options. Other standard equipment with the Super Sport Package included simulated air intakes on the hood, black rear-end panel and upper and lower periphery moldings, simulated louvers and special 350 V8 emblems on the front fenders, an SS nameplate on the grille, an SS steering wheel hub emblem, special front and rear suspension, power front disc brakes, 14×7-inch wheels with red-stripe tires, and underhood insulation. The seller has included nothing in the description, but I spy bucket seats, a gauge package that was available with a center console, a vinyl top, and a remote mirror. Vintage Vehicle Services documentation gives us more information, which covers the rear window defogger, Positraction, power steering, trim rings, AM radio, and auxiliary speaker and lighting.
Overall, this is a nicely equipped Nova (don’t you dare call it a Nova!). If you’re a Chevy guy who pines for something different—often difficult in the Bow Tie world—then here’s a car for you, served on a silver platter; if you’re Canadian and enjoy the quirkiness of home-market cars, then here’s a car for you – also served on a silver platter. To anyone else, this is a pretty rare find as only 1,091 V8 Acadian Coupes were built in 1969, and there’s no saying how many of those had the SS package. For this honor, it will cost you $65,995 (USD).
