Journal Classic Cars

Barrett-Jackson announced today its 2026 Scottsdale Select Preview is live and highlights the diverse mix of custom, Resto-Mod, supercars,  trucks and SUVs in the starting lineup for the Jan. 17-25 event at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Among the most anticipated collectible vehicles is a 2017 Ford GT (preview) with 937 actual miles that was formerly owned by actor and comedian Tim Allen. Customs set to take center stage include a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible (preview) and a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe (preview), both recently completed by Jeff Hayes Customs.

“Our Select Preview is a peek into the outstanding collectible vehicles we’re getting ready for our biggest auction of the year in Scottsdale this January,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ll have over 2,000 highly coveted collector cars and trucks that appeal to the world’s most seasoned collectors, as well as attract the attention of first-time bidders. The diversity of our docket, which includes No Reserve and select Reserve consignments, is what sets Barrett-Jackson apart and has defined our growing success over the years. We have some very special vehicles and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone in Scottsdale to kick off the 2026 collector car auction season with us.”

Supercars will be among the superstars of the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. A highly anticipated offering is a 2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R (preview), the first of 25 produced worldwide and one of two legal for use in the U.S. Finished in Mexico Blue, it is powered by a Brabus-tuned twin-turbocharged flat-6 capable of 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, 0 to 120 mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed exceeding 211 mph. The 2017 Ford GT (preview) formerly owned by Tim Allen is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle and features the Dark Energy interior. One of 541 produced in the limited-edition color, Tungsten Gray, a 2006 Ford GT (preview) features silver painted racing stripes, forged BBS lightweight wheels and red brake calipers. One of one by Genaddi Design Group and finished in Ebony Black with gold stripes, a 2005 Ford GTX1 (preview), No. 24 of 30 produced, is autographed by Carroll Shelby, Roger Penske, Henry Ford III, Edsel Ford, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Tony Kanaan.

“Our dockets are assembled with great care and attention to detail,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We go to great lengths to ensure we have something for every type of bidder. From the ultra-rare 2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R built to dominate the racetracks, to an off-road-capable 1957 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (preview), the chance to find the collectible vehicle of your dreams is within reach at our January auction in Scottsdale.”

Known as “The Rebel,” a 1950 Mercury (preview) is among the custom collectibles consigned for the January event. Professionally chopped by Joe Bailon, this custom Mercury retains an all-steel body and is powered by a mid-1980s Lincoln fuel-injected V8 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Other anticipated customs include a pair of custom Chevrolet Corvettes built by Jeff Hayes: a 1967 convertible (preview) and 1963 Split-Window coupe (preview), each powered by a LS3 Hot Cam engine producing 540 horsepower and paired with a 4L70E automatic overdrive transmission on an Art Morrison sport chassis.

Barrett-Jackson is also hauling in the adventure with collectible trucks and SUVs, including a custom 1976 Ford Bronco (preview) that is Legacy Speed & Body’s Widebody Edition Serial No. 001. The first in a limited series and a feature vehicle at the 2025 SEMA Show, it is finished in Highlander Green with a custom Bronze accent package stripe and is powered by a Coyote V8 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A multi-award-winning custom, the 1957 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (preview) is built on a Roadster Shop RS4 chassis and features a LS3 engine producing 525 horsepower. Interior features include Dakota Digital RTX gauges, a Restomod Air climate-control system with lighted billet controls and vents, and a custom audio system with Bluetooth capability.

A 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda convertible (preview) is among the restored classic American muscle cars set to find a new owner in Scottsdale this January. This rotisserie-restored factory V-code convertible represents one of the most desirable combinations in the Mopar performance lineup and is one of only 17 4-speed 440 Six-Barrel convertibles built in 1970. The recipient of a fully documented, nut-and-bolt concours restoration a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 (preview) retains its original matching-numbers LS6 V8 paired with a Chevrolet dealer-installed warranty replacement Muncie 4-speed manual transmission from 1972.

Click here to view the 2026 Scottsdale Auction Select Preview and browse hundreds of featured collectible vehicles.

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.   

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.

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

In the 1970s, Chrysler Corporation began to apply striping with a strobe theme to several vehicles among its brands. Not only do they look neat, but they also are a reflection of the advent of a new decade that stepped away from the psychedelia that was pervasive in the marketing at the end of the 1960s.

Below are four cars currently listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. All feature strobe striping. Can you identify the cars in the images? Be sure to indicate model year, make, and model. Those without shame can click on an image for a cheat if necessary.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

It’s Tuesday, which can only mean it’s game day on The ClassicCars.com Journal. You can also play past puzzles for even more fun!

Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1964 Buick Riviera, which is powered by a numbers-matching Wildcat 465 425ci V8 mated to a Super Turbine 400 three-speed automatic transmission. Features include power windows and steering, air conditioning, and power brakes. Finished in Granada Red over a black vinyl interior, this classic Buick is now offered by the private seller in Florida with a broadcast sheet, service manual, original owner’s guide, a new glovebox liner, new front seat foam, and a clear title.

The Granada Red exterior features chrome bumpers, a driver-side mirror, C-shaped side trim, and dual exhaust outlets with blued tips.

A set of 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels with 235/75 Mavis Highway Touring all-season radial tires connect this cruiser to the road. Behind the wheels is a set of power drum brakes and – at the rear – air shocks.

Black vinyl covers the cabin’s front and rear seats, but it’s offset by the wood trim on the door panels and center stack/console. Features include power windows, power steering, air conditioning, and a retro-look AM/FM/Bluetooth radio.

Instrumentation consists of a 140-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge. The odometer shows 46,566 miles, but this classy coupe is mileage-exempt, according to its title.

Buick managed to stuff a big beast under the hood: a 425ci Wildcat 465 V8. As its name implies, it was factory-rated at 340 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, thanks in part to 10.25:1 compression. In 2024, the four-barrel carburetor was replaced with a Holley Sniper EFI system. Power reaches the rear end through a Super Turbine 400 three-speed automatic transmission.

If you want this 1964 Buick Riviera to reach your driveway, bid on it now. The auction ends on December 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The year was 1958 when NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, was created with the mission of coordinating American space activities. Space-themed energy was catching on around the nation because the cars of that year – and for several years to follow – had rocket-influenced elements throughout. The Pick of the Day is a 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday four-door hardtop listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Palmyra, Wisconsin.

“This Oldsmobile is a turn-key cruiser with incredible vintage charm,” the listing begins. “Runs and drives great, and still sports its original paint and interior – a survivor with character and patina.”

The 88 was a full-size car that first debuted in 1949 and had a lengthy 50-year run through 1999, with the step-up Super 88 appearing for 1951-64. (Oldsmobile as a division of General Motors was later phased out entirely in April 2004.) During the mid-to-late 1950s, the Super 88 (like many American cars) featured abundant chrome trim. And for 1958 specifically, the 88 received quad headlights, since that feature had just become legal in every state. Considering it is wearing its original finish, this example looks to have a straight body and well-kept finishes for being 67 years old.

The listing doesn’t provide the car’s engine specifications, but the standard offering that year was a 371ci “Rocket” V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. A four-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels for most cars, although a three-speed manual was available. Maintenance history for this Super 88 includes a recent tune-up, the installation of a new exhaust system, a rebuild of the carburetor, and replacement of the brakes. “Starts easily, runs smooth, and drives strong,” the seller says. The odometer reads 31,000 miles, but the true mileage on the car is unknown.

A magazine advertisement from the era bore the headline “Oldsmobility.” It said, “A 1958 Oldsmobile is waiting for you – a car that’s in a class by itself! A new Rocket Engine car, a magnificent performer in the Rocket tradition, and offering the greatest improvement in fuel economy in Oldsmobile history.” The ad also talked about the available “New-Matic Ride” air suspension as well as the distinctive new styling both inside and out.

My favorite angle for the car is the rear three-quarter view, where the car looks like it’s about to take off into the sky with a pair of rocket boosters as taillights. Maybe NASA should have put a few more chrome accents on the space shuttle.

The asking price is $22,700.

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

In that cesspool known as NextDoor.com, I often see people complaining about other drivers. I tend to poo-pooh the poster and commenters because they certainly can’t be perfect like me, the only guy in the state who rides a motorcycle and use turn signals.

For all their concern for proper driving etiquette, I don’t seem to encounter these folks on the roads, as there are plenty of people who don’t use their turn signals. And the latest trend these days (“these days” could be “the past 10 years, for all I know) is for people to signal right when they are entering another lane. I thought the purpose of the turn signal was intention? There is no intention when there is no pause between signal and movement.

Here are other thoughts about turn signals that can make you a better driver:

• Merging: Using your turn signal show you’re planning to turn into my lane, especially if I happen to miss the sign showing an upcoming merge. Most people don’t, but since the signal about communication, why not tell the rest of us on the road?
• Turn lane—headed towards me: Ever try to make a left turn against traffic, only to have to wait for an oncoming car to pass? But then, it seems that oncoming car also wishes to turn in the same direction, but you can’t know because (s)he doesn’t communicate this via turn signal. I am sure you value efficiency while driving, so a signal from an approaching car actually may give you a chance to beat him/her to the punch.
• And what if an oncoming car wants to turn to your right? In case you don’t know, a motorcyclist’s nightmare is when a car turns in front of him or her, leading to a collision. As such, seeing a turn signal as I approach familiarizes me with what I can anticipate in a worst-case scenario. Especially in two-way traffic (versus at an intersection), it’s sometimes difficult to notice a car is positioned to turn while I approach, so that little bit of light makes all the difference.
• Turn lane—same direction: I don’t understand why people turn into a turn lane but only put the turn signal afterwards. Why not do it to show your intention before?

If you haven’t figured it out, these observation aren’t really about a crabby motorcyclist, as they also pertain to your safety. Now, if we could get other motorcyclists to use their turn signals, we’d be all set.

When the Ford Thunderbird debuted in 1955, it was a two-seater with sporty aspirations, but Ford didn’t position the car as a head-to-head competitor for the popular Chevrolet Corvette. Instead, the Thunderbird launched what became known as the “personal luxury” segment.

For a subsequent 11 generations and 50 years (with a short gap from 1998-01), the Thunderbird evolved in size, shape, and powertrain. At one time or another, it grew from two seats to four, then back to two but, along the way, it helped pioneer some of Ford’s engineering innovations. Among them were a “swing-away” steering wheel, a speed-sensitive radio, a manually operated sunroof, and more. 

When the final iteration of the Thunderbird launched in 2002, Ford had tailored it with retro-inspired styling that was designed to appeal to the nostalgic side of people who had owned the Thunderbirds of yesteryear. Unfortunately, sales figures failed to meet expectations, and the car was axed after 2005 without a successor in mind. Some 20 years later, there are rumblings about a future Thunderbird concept, but nothing has ever been confirmed by the manufacturer.

While each Thunderbird generation has a unique story worth sharing, the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction drew our attention to what we’d call the “bookends” of the T-Bird.

In this Interesting Finds, we first look at a 1956 Thunderbird—a second-year model—with a 312ci “Y-block” V8 and a Holley four-barrel carburetor. It is optioned with a continental kit, whitewall tires, and a Town and Country radio. From there, we jump to a 1958 model, which reflected the first of the controversial (yet popular) “Square Bird” generation.

Later in the video, we close things out with a glimpse at how the Thunderbird looked just before it was phased out of production permanently. The final car featured is a 2005 “50^th Anniversary” edition with just 66,000 miles on the odometer—complete with a removable hardtop, which paid homage to the original two-seater.

All five of the cars sold at No Reserve and are no doubt being enjoyed by Thunderbird enthusiasts in their respective new homes. We are confident we’ll see many more T-Birds at the upcoming January auction. Subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more Interesting Finds.

In the world of classic luxury cars, there are several manufacturers that build amazing vehicles. A classic Cadillac offers the best of American luxury and Mercedes provides the best of Germany’s Teutonic quality. Both are great automakers, but there is a single manufacturer that has set the standard for price-is-no-object luxury cars: Rolls-Royce.

I have driven a number of Rolls-Royce motorcars, from those made in the 1920s up to the latest offerings. Each one truly represented the finest luxury available in its time. What is interesting about Rolls-Royce is that despite the fact that its cars are the most exclusive and expensive luxury vehicles of their respective eras, older ones – specifically, those that are 25-30 years old – can often be bought for very affordable prices. This is amazing for the buyer as long as (s)he understands that servicing a Rolls-Royce – even one with the price of a Toyota Camry – can be expensive. Having owned a few of these cars, I will say that the money spent to keep them in good form is well worth it. There is literally nothing that beats the experience of picking up friends or going to a valet parking stand behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce.

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is one of these cars, a 1990 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II.

The seller describes this Silver Spirit II as one of only 575 built in 1990. It has covered a total of 30K miles from new and appears to be in excellent condition.

This Rolls is powered by a fuel-injected 6.75-liter V8 mated to a three-speed TH400 automatic transmission. The car is finished in Silver Metallic over a gray leather interior, and is offered by the selling dealer with spare rear footrests, floor mats, a battery tender, a clean AutoCheck report, and a clear title.

Based on the fact that this Rolls has had only three owners since 1990 and has covered so few miles, I am guessing that the paint is largely original. The car rides on its original 15-inch wheels and a set of 235/75 Hankook Optimo tires.

The interior of this Silver Spirit features the original gray Connolly leather with red piping, and looks to be in exceptional condition. The same is true for the burl walnut veneer trim, with no cracks to be seen anywhere. This is one of the best Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit IIs I have seen in years. Also note that this car also includes its sheepskin floor mats, something often missing from these cars.

Under the hood is the legendary 6.75-liter Rolls-Royce V8, looking almost as clean as it did when it left the factory. The entire engine compartment looks absolutely perfect and ready to be shown at the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club’s national convention.

As someone who has owned Rolls-Royces from this era, I would ask the seller for the service history and any documentation for it. (S)he states in the listing that the car needs rear struts but that they are going to be replaced. Beyond that, try to get an inspection done. I am guessing everything is working as it should be, but it’s best to be sure as servicing a Rolls is an expensive proposition.

The feeling you get in one of these cars is amazing. No matter how poorly your day might have gone, when you sit behind the wheel of a Rolls like this one and see the Spirit of Ecstasy above the stunning grille, you know everything is going to be alright. If you are interested in this 1990 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II, you had better act fast because cars this nice are proving to be harder and harder to find. Do not miss out on the opportunity to own a Rolls-Royce as nice as this one. Place your bid before the auction ends on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

If you’ve always wanted a Bentley, but you find the prewar/immediate-postwar models to be too dated, and modern Bentleys too flashy and techy, take a look at the era in between. Our Pick of the Day was made in that age of Bentleys and has accrued only 15,768 miles since then. This 1994 Bentley Brooklands is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sarasota, Florida.

The three-box Bentleys of the 1980s and 1990s show that luxury doesn’t have to be loud. Their conservative lines, perfect proportions, and thick sidewalls give them a stately, confident presence. Those models include the Mulsanne and Eight, and their successor, the Brooklands.

Named after the now-closed British racetrack, the Brooklands was introduced at the 1992 Birmingham International Motor Show as Bentley’s entry-level model for 1993. According to an article on The International Club for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts website, “The new Brooklands was distinguished by a colour-keyed radiator shell, a new front air dam with discreet, square fog lamps, and new alloy wheels.”

Inside, the Brooklands was “exquisitely appointed with pleated leather door trim and a leather-stitched gear selector located in the centre console.”

The 1994 model year brought minor badge and interior changes as well as the Shift Energy Management system, which reduced the 6.75-liter V8’s torque before the four-speed automatic changed gears so that each shift was nice and smooth.

This particular Brooklands is a one-owner Florida car. Given its age and prestige, there’s a good chance it was driven gently by a senior citizen. Whoever was behind the wheel, (s)he looked after this rolling ingot of British luxury. The gray paint appears to be in great shape. The same goes for the Magnolia beige Connolly leather interior with glossy burl wood veneers and blue carpeting.

No matter how sparingly and gingerly a car is driven, time catches up with it (a lesson I learned from my 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt). Fortunately, $15,000 in service was performed within the last two years.

From its design and mileage to its condition and recent service, this 1994 Bentley Brooklands has a lot going for it. If you want it going to your house, it’ll take $44,500 to get it headed your way.

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

Oldsmobile is famous for having the country’s most popular car for much of the decade. Considering the Chevrolet Impala had traditionally been Detroit’s traditional best-seller, this was a profound development. Among Cutlass models, the Cutlass Supreme led the way. How were they as used cars?

The Cutlass series and all other Oldsmobiles are the focus on this continuing serial on the 1970s used car market according to Consumer Guide. Please note the CG rating scale of 5 being Excellent and 1 being Poor.

Oldsmobile
“[The Cutlass is] more popular than its division stablemates largely because of styling, nicer interior appointments, and Oldsmobile’s durability reputation.”

• Cutlass: “No significant problem areas, [though Colonnades] not a paragon of space utilization, but adequate for a typical family.” CG rating: 2-3
• Cutlass (downsized): “Above-average for reliability, except for ’79 V6s, which rate average.” CG rating: 4
• Delta 88/Ninety-Eight: “Main drawbacks here are excess size and weight, which penalize fuel economy and maneuverability. Frequency-of-repair rate lower-than-average except for 1974 models.” CG rating: 3
• Delta 88/Ninety-Eight (downsized): “Many virtues including roomy interior, high ride comfort, big trunk, and low noise levels. Question: wouldn’t a Cutlass fit your needs just as well?” CG rating: 4
• Omega: “While we see no reason to buy the Omega over its cheaper [corporate siblings], we praise Omega’s overall good repair history.” CG rating: 2-3
• Omega (1980): “A fine used car buy for the 1980s.” CG rating: N/A
• Starfire: “The problem in taking a single GM car and spreading it throughout each of the divisions is that when the design is bad, the corporation gets not one black eye but several. This is the case with the Oldsmobile Starfire.” CG rating: 2
• Toronado: “An automobile that has a superior repair record cannot receive a poor used-car rating. But that is the only thing preventing us from ranking the Toronado lowest in the personal luxury class.” CG rating: 2
• Toronado (downsized): “A welcome return to sanity in design, fuel economy, ride, and handling.” CG rating: N/A

There are some colors that just look awful on a vehicle (anything you can call “baby-poop yellow” doesn’t belong on even the lamest of machines). But then there are colors that look great because of the bodywork they cover and the context in which they exist. A great example of this is the brown Ferrari I recently saw.

Back in September, I highlighted a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC4 listed on ClassicCars.com as a Pick of the Day. Even though I was looking at it through a computer screen, I could tell it was a beautiful machine with the right combination of sexy curves and dramatic lines. Earlier this month, I saw another 365 GTC4, but this time it was light brown (Marrone Colorado, if I’m not mistaken) and I was able to admire it up-close. I consider myself fortunate to have had that opportunity because Ferrari only produced approximately 500 of those stunners from 1971 until the autumn of 1972 (unfortunately, I wasn’t able to snap a picture of it).

After I somehow managed to pull my eyes away from the Italian 2+2’s slinky lines, I started thinking more about its earth-tone finish and automotive paint colors in general. The 365 GTC4 would look great in almost any color (except baby-poop yellow, of course), but there was something about its brown paint that made it even more attractive. Yes, it was a nice shade, but I think context had a lot to do with it, too.

First, there was the context of Ferraris and the colors they typically wear. If you happen to spot a Ferrari while you’re out and about, especially one of a certain age, there’s a good chance it’s going to be covered in some shade of red. According to a March 2018 article from Ferrari Magazine, “At its peak in the early 1990s, a remarkable 85 percent of all Ferraris built were painted red. Even today, the figure is 40 percent. There is one shade of red in particular that sears out of Ferrari’s colour swatch catalogue: Rosso Corsa, which translates as ‘Racing Red’.” Marrone Colorado was completely unexpected. It not only made the 365 GTC4 stand out (more than a classic Ferrari already does), but it also made it seem even more exotic.

Then there was the context of brown itself. It’s typically not an exciting, attractive color for cars, particularly those made for high performance. I associate it with ’70s land yachts and ’80s econoboxes. The brown 365 GTC4 I came across was shocking at first, then alluring.

Writing this reminded that the 365 GTC4 wasn’t the first brown Ferrari that wowed me. How could I forget this rare 1985 Ferrari 308 GTSi Quattrovalvole I saw at the 2024 Future Collector Car Show?