Journal Classic Cars

To view more information about our Pick of the Day, click the links in the article below.

While giving a ClassicCars.com auction tour at the Bonhams auction in Arizona, I briefly spoke to the group about a pair of Porsche 928 cars. One was a perfect survivor condition example with a 5-speed manual gearbox, original paint, and a Pasha interior, and the other was a decent driver. Both were sunroof delete models which to me is important, as I do not fit in sunroof cars.

I told the group that the 928 has always been one of my all-time favorite Porsche road cars ever since I drove one for the first time when I was 17 years old. No, it is not a 911, which is a pure sports car, but instead is possibly the finest GT car of the 1970s and 80s. The build quality of the cars is second to none, the V8 engine sounds amazing, the comfort of the interior is better than any Porsche model built at the time, and the futuristic (for the time) styling seems to get better with each passing year. I bid on the second car, but stopped when the price got to a point that I started to wonder if the car had any recent service history.

The 928 was introduced to the world in 1978 and was Porsche’s first clean sheet design since the introduction of the 356. You can argue that the 911 was a new design but if you look hard enough it is in its basic form an extensive revision of the 356. The car was commissioned by Ferdinand Porsche and aimed at the Mercedes and BMW market. The car offered luxury combined with performance but still has the Porsche feel and look. The mistake made with the car is that Porsche at one point thought of the 928 as a replacement for the 911, which it never would be.

The Pick of the Day is one of these fantastic GT cars, a 1980 Porsche 928 finished in Grand Prix White paint over a black leather interior. 

According to the O’Fallon, Illinois, dealer representing this car it has covered only 40,600 miles from new and is original aside from service items, including a few nice upgrades.

They also state that in 2020 maintenance included replacement of the timing belt, water pump, fuel pump and filter, air intake hoses, air filter, airbox straps, fuel injectors, ignition coils, spark plug wires, spark plugs, distributor cap, distributor rotor, new battery, and hood pad. In addition, the transaxle was also recently rebuilt, and the torque converter was replaced. The A/C system was recently serviced and blows strong and cold; however, the climate control unit is stuck on the cold setting and its heating function is currently inoperative. They state that this can be easily fixed by replacing the climate control unit, which is readily available and inexpensive. I think they may be right, but this should be checked to be sure that it is not a $3,000 job. At the same time the coolant expansion tank and radiator were replaced with aftermarket all aluminum units.

These cars are simply amazing to drive at speed and to this day remain the best 70s-80s GT I have ever driven.

The asking price for this 928 is a very reasonable $29,000, especially when you consider the recent service items that have been attended to. The owner of this car knew what the trouble spots on an older 928 can be and seems to have addressed them properly.

If you want a classic Porsche, but want a GT instead of a sportscar, look no further than this 928.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu. It has undergone a restoration that included new paint, seats and a fuel tank. Power comes from a rebuilt 350ci V8 backed by a TH400 automatic transmission. Notable features include tilt steering column with three-spoke steering wheel. Finished in blue over a white interior, this reportedly rust-free Chevelle comes with a Florida title in the seller’s name.

The exterior was refinished in a metallic blue about 18 months ago. Features include newer window trim, black grille with silver trim, and wheel arch moldings.

A set of five-spoke American Racing wheels is wrapped in newer Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.

The front bench seat, rear seat, trim, and door panels have been reupholstered in white vinyl. The seller also states that a new headliner and black carpeting were recently installed. Other features include tilt steering column, three-spoke steering wheel, power steering and brakes, and automatic shifter on the column.

The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge, plus an aftermarket tachometer and a set of three auxiliary gauges are located under the dashboard. This Malibu has been driven 700 miles since the engine was rebuilt, with the current owner having added 150 miles. The odometer currently reads 84,690 miles though the true mileage remains unknown.

Power comes by a rebuilt 350ci small-block backed by a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. The engine features include black valve covers and air cleaner lid, exhaust headers and electronic ignition. The seller states that while this Chevelle was originally equipped with an air conditioning system, it is currently disconnected and will not be included in the sale.

Braking is provided by power front disc brakes and rear drums. A full-length dual exhaust system exits at the rear. A new fuel tank has also been installed.

This 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu‘s auction ends on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 4:20 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

The Nissan Z first came to the U.S. in the late 1960s as the Datsun 240Z, but in Japan this first-generation model (code-named S30) was known as the Nissan Fairlady Z. On a recent episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” Z specialist Jay Ataka shows off an early example of the version sold in Japan.

While sold in both markets, the 240Z was designed with the U.S. in mind. Yutaka Katayama, then head of Nissan’s West Coast operations and known as Mr. K to Z car fans, pushed for the car and, concerned that Americans wouldn’t like the Fairlady name, advocated for the 240Z name instead. Like other U.S.-market Nissan models of the period, the sports car was also badged a Datsun.

The car shown here is easily identifiable as a JDM model by its fender-mounted mirrors, a common feature on cars sold in Japan. It also has covered headlights, grille-mounted turn signals, and, because this is a base model, plain steel wheels without hub caps. This car also has a locking gas cap, which wasn’t offered in the U.S. as a factory option.

The U.S.-spec 240Z launched with a 2.4-liter inline-6 producing 130 hp, but that was later downgraded to 125 hp partway through 1971. However, Japanese-market base models like this car left the factory with a 2.0-liter version of this engine, and also started production a bit earlier, in late 1969. This car features an upgraded head that boosted output to 125 hp, with a 5-speed manual transmission. 

Japan also got the 2.4-liter version, as well as a special Z432, which had a twin-cam version of the 2.0-liter inline-6 shared with the Nissan Skyline GT-R sold at the time. The S30-generation Z was relatively affordable in Japan when new, Ataka noted, but most still went to the U.S.

The 240Z is still a common sight in U.S. classic-car circles today, with multiple examples appearing on Jay Leno’s Garage over the years, but this JDM Fairlady Z provides a rare look at the Nissan Z’s early history. Watch the full video and check it out.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today unveils Phantom Syntopia, an intricate, Haute Couture-inspired masterpiece created in collaboration with renowned Dutch fashion designer and Haute Couturière Iris van Herpen. Based on Phantom Extended – the ultimate blank canvas for personalization – it is the most technically complex commission ever undertaken by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective. Now, after four years of continuous development, this extraordinary and unique creation is complete; it will soon take its place in the private collection of discerning patrons of the brand.

Phantom Syntopia takes its name from Iris van Herpen’s landmark 2018 collection, designed on the principles of biomimicry in which art is inspired by patterns and shapes found in nature. Like the collection, which comprises a series of highly sculptural garments brought to life through movement, Phantom Syntopia seeks to represent the elusive, ethereal beauty of fluid motion in solid materials through its ‘Weaving Water’ theme.

“From the very beginning, this truly was a meeting of minds: two luxury houses that share the innovative vision and ambition to transcend the boundaries of luxury design,” says Gavin Hartley, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Together, we further explored the potential of Phantom as a perfect canvas for individualization. Phantom Syntopia literally takes Rolls‑Royce interior design into a new dimension with its immersive, sculptural elements, reinterpreting the elusive fragility of nature’s forms in a perfectly engineered reality.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls Royce Motor Cars CEO states, “Phantom Syntopia is the most ambitious, singular and highly Bespoke Phantom we have ever created, and a clear statement of Rolls-Royce’s standing as a true luxury house.”

EXTERIOR COACHWORK: IRIDESCENT MAGNETISM
To create the stunning, shimmering exterior, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective developed a one-off Liquid Noir paint. Iridescent in sunlight, it reveals Purple, Blue, Magenta and Gold undertones when viewed at different angles. To achieve this effect, the marque’s darkest solid-black paint is overlaid with a finish incorporating a mirror-like pigment, selected for its colour-shifting properties. To add a subtle, elegant shimmer, the team developed a brand-new technique for applying pigment to the clearcoat – a process that took several months, including over 3,000 hours of testing and validation alone.

On closer inspection, the motor car’s bonnet is seen to feature a subtle rendering of the Weaving Water motif that appears throughout the interior, produced by carefully redistributing the pigment during the finishing process.

INTERIOR SUITE: THREE-DIMENSIONAL ART
Phantom Syntopia’s interior suite incorporates magnificent features which were co-created in a creative and technical meeting of minds by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective and Iris van Herpen. Some interior elements were handcrafted at the Home of Rolls-Royce by the company’s leading craftspeople working alongside members of Iris van Herpen’s team, while others were created in Iris van Herpen’s Amsterdam atelier, alongside her Haute Couture garments.

NEXT CHAPTER IN TEXTILE EXPLORATION
Phantom Syntopia continues the Bespoke Collective’s exploration of textiles. In homage to Rolls-Royce’s heritage, this unique motor car recalls an era where a driver’s seat was trimmed in hardwearing leather and the rear compartment in luxurious, inviting fabrics. The front seats of Phantom Syntopia are finished in Magic Grey leather, distinguished by its lustrous finish. The rear seats are upholstered with a specially created silk-blend fabric, featuring a distinctive pattern which recalls the patterns cast by light reflecting on water at night.

The seats are quilted with a Weaving Water motif, inspired by a tufting technique often employed in fine furniture-making in which embroidery is applied to the reverse side of the textile. This creates a three-dimensional depth while achieving a smooth, seamless, uninterrupted surface.

PINNACLE LUXURY MEETS HAUTE COUTURE
For a truly Haute Couture experience, Iris van Herpen will design a one-off garment especially for the clients of this transformative commission. The sculptural design of the dress echoes the Weaving Water theme explored in Phantom Syntopia’s Starlight Headliner, featuring an elegant application of the ‘liquid metal’ fabric and the glass organza petals, laser-cut and hand-stitched in a pattern resembling undulating waves. This exquisite garment, reflective of Iris van Herpen’s newly developed Haute Couture techniques, is expected to take around six months of work, including pattern development, crafting and applying the petals, embroidery, fitting and tailoring.

Phantom Syntopia will take its place in the clients’ private collection in May. As a true one-of-one commission, Rolls-Royce has undertaken that it will never be replicated.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today unveils Phantom Syntopia, an intricate, Haute Couture-inspired masterpiece created in collaboration with renowned Dutch fashion designer and Haute Couturière Iris van Herpen. Based on Phantom Extended – the ultimate blank canvas for personalization – it is the most technically complex commission ever undertaken by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective. Now, after four years of continuous development, this extraordinary and unique creation is complete; it will soon take its place in the private collection of discerning patrons of the brand.

Phantom Syntopia takes its name from Iris van Herpen’s landmark 2018 collection, designed on the principles of biomimicry in which art is inspired by patterns and shapes found in nature. Like the collection, which comprises a series of highly sculptural garments brought to life through movement, Phantom Syntopia seeks to represent the elusive, ethereal beauty of fluid motion in solid materials through its ‘Weaving Water’ theme.

“From the very beginning, this truly was a meeting of minds: two luxury houses that share the innovative vision and ambition to transcend the boundaries of luxury design,” says Gavin Hartley, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Together, we further explored the potential of Phantom as a perfect canvas for individualization. Phantom Syntopia literally takes Rolls‑Royce interior design into a new dimension with its immersive, sculptural elements, reinterpreting the elusive fragility of nature’s forms in a perfectly engineered reality.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls Royce Motor Cars CEO states, “Phantom Syntopia is the most ambitious, singular and highly Bespoke Phantom we have ever created, and a clear statement of Rolls-Royce’s standing as a true luxury house.”

EXTERIOR COACHWORK: IRIDESCENT MAGNETISM
To create the stunning, shimmering exterior, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective developed a one-off Liquid Noir paint. Iridescent in sunlight, it reveals Purple, Blue, Magenta and Gold undertones when viewed at different angles. To achieve this effect, the marque’s darkest solid-black paint is overlaid with a finish incorporating a mirror-like pigment, selected for its colour-shifting properties. To add a subtle, elegant shimmer, the team developed a brand-new technique for applying pigment to the clearcoat – a process that took several months, including over 3,000 hours of testing and validation alone.

On closer inspection, the motor car’s bonnet is seen to feature a subtle rendering of the Weaving Water motif that appears throughout the interior, produced by carefully redistributing the pigment during the finishing process.

INTERIOR SUITE: THREE-DIMENSIONAL ART
Phantom Syntopia’s interior suite incorporates magnificent features which were co-created in a creative and technical meeting of minds by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective and Iris van Herpen. Some interior elements were handcrafted at the Home of Rolls-Royce by the company’s leading craftspeople working alongside members of Iris van Herpen’s team, while others were created in Iris van Herpen’s Amsterdam atelier, alongside her Haute Couture garments.

NEXT CHAPTER IN TEXTILE EXPLORATION
Phantom Syntopia continues the Bespoke Collective’s exploration of textiles. In homage to Rolls-Royce’s heritage, this unique motor car recalls an era where a driver’s seat was trimmed in hardwearing leather and the rear compartment in luxurious, inviting fabrics. The front seats of Phantom Syntopia are finished in Magic Grey leather, distinguished by its lustrous finish. The rear seats are upholstered with a specially created silk-blend fabric, featuring a distinctive pattern which recalls the patterns cast by light reflecting on water at night.

The seats are quilted with a Weaving Water motif, inspired by a tufting technique often employed in fine furniture-making in which embroidery is applied to the reverse side of the textile. This creates a three-dimensional depth while achieving a smooth, seamless, uninterrupted surface.

PINNACLE LUXURY MEETS HAUTE COUTURE
For a truly Haute Couture experience, Iris van Herpen will design a one-off garment especially for the clients of this transformative commission. The sculptural design of the dress echoes the Weaving Water theme explored in Phantom Syntopia’s Starlight Headliner, featuring an elegant application of the ‘liquid metal’ fabric and the glass organza petals, laser-cut and hand-stitched in a pattern resembling undulating waves. This exquisite garment, reflective of Iris van Herpen’s newly developed Haute Couture techniques, is expected to take around six months of work, including pattern development, crafting and applying the petals, embroidery, fitting and tailoring.

Phantom Syntopia will take its place in the clients’ private collection in May. As a true one-of-one commission, Rolls-Royce has undertaken that it will never be replicated.

The 2023 Formula 1 World Championship got underway on Sunday with the Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Red Bull Racing was the dominant team, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen leading a one-two finish ahead of Sergio Perez, who came in 12 seconds behind.

Rounding out the top three was Fernando Alonso, racing for the first time at Aston Martin. The double world champion finished approximately 38 seconds behind the winner.

Red Bull locked out the front row of the starting grid, with Verstappen on pole and quicker than his teammate off the line when the lights turned green. Perez got bogged down and lost a place to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and was left trying to defend third place from Ferrari’s other man, Carlos Sainz.

Behind them, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll came into contact with Alonso while entering Turn 4, which allowed Mercedes-Benz AMG’s Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to get ahead. Alonso then put on a great battle to first pass Russell and then Hamilton.

In front it was a lonely race for both Verstappen and Perez. There was trouble for Leclerc, though. After putting some pressure on Perez, the Ferrari driver was forced to retire on lap 41 after his car came to a stop. This freed up third place for Sainz but he didn’t hold it for long as Alonso manged to pass him and secure the final podium spot just four laps later.

Other impressive runs came from Williams’ Alexander Albon, who finished 10th, and U.S. driver Logan Sargeant, who in his F1 debut finished 12th for Williams. Fellow rookies Nyck de Vries and Oscar Piastri had opposing results. While Piastri had to retire on lap 14 after his McLaren failed to start following a steering wheel change, de Vries drove a solid race to finish 14th in his AlphaTauri.

Following the past weekend’s action, Verstappen leads the 2023 Drivers’ Championship with 25 points. Perez is second with 18 points and Alonso third with 15 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull leads with 43 points, versus the 23 of Aston Martin and 16 of Mercedes. The next race on the calendar is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in a fortnight.

Below are the full results from the 2023 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix:

1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing +11.987 seconds
3) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin +38.637 seconds
4) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari +48.052 seconds
5) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-Benz AMG +50.977 seconds
6) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin +54.502 seconds
7) George Russell, Mercedes-Benz AMG +55.873 seconds
8) Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo +72.647 seconds
9) Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri +73.753 seconds
10) Alexander Albon, Williams +89.77 seconds
11) Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri +90.870 seconds
12) Logan Sargeant, Williams +1 lap
13) Kevin Magnussen, Haas +1 lap
14) Nyck De Vries, AlphaTauri +1 lap
15) Nico Hulkenberg, Haas +1 lap
16) Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo +1 lap
17) Lando Norris, McLaren +1 lap
NC) Esteban Ocon, Alpine – DNF
NC) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – DNF
NC) Oscar Piastri, McLaren – DNF

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com.

The 2023 Formula 1 World Championship got underway on Sunday with the Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Red Bull Racing was the dominant team, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen leading a one-two finish ahead of Sergio Perez, who came in 12 seconds behind.

Rounding out the top three was Fernando Alonso, racing for the first time at Aston Martin. The double world champion finished approximately 38 seconds behind the winner.

Red Bull locked out the front row of the starting grid, with Verstappen on pole and quicker than his teammate off the line when the lights turned green. Perez got bogged down and lost a place to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and was left trying to defend third place from Ferrari’s other man, Carlos Sainz.

Behind them, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll came into contact with Alonso while entering Turn 4, which allowed Mercedes-Benz AMG’s Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to get ahead. Alonso then put on a great battle to first pass Russell and then Hamilton.

In front it was a lonely race for both Verstappen and Perez. There was trouble for Leclerc, though. After putting some pressure on Perez, the Ferrari driver was forced to retire on lap 41 after his car came to a stop. This freed up third place for Sainz but he didn’t hold it for long as Alonso manged to pass him and secure the final podium spot just four laps later.

Other impressive runs came from Williams’ Alexander Albon, who finished 10th, and U.S. driver Logan Sargeant, who in his F1 debut finished 12th for Williams. Fellow rookies Nyck de Vries and Oscar Piastri had opposing results. While Piastri had to retire on lap 14 after his McLaren failed to start following a steering wheel change, de Vries drove a solid race to finish 14th in his AlphaTauri.

Following the past weekend’s action, Verstappen leads the 2023 Drivers’ Championship with 25 points. Perez is second with 18 points and Alonso third with 15 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull leads with 43 points, versus the 23 of Aston Martin and 16 of Mercedes. The next race on the calendar is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in a fortnight.

Below are the full results from the 2023 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix:

1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing +11.987 seconds
3) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin +38.637 seconds
4) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari +48.052 seconds
5) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-Benz AMG +50.977 seconds
6) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin +54.502 seconds
7) George Russell, Mercedes-Benz AMG +55.873 seconds
8) Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo +72.647 seconds
9) Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri +73.753 seconds
10) Alexander Albon, Williams +89.77 seconds
11) Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri +90.870 seconds
12) Logan Sargeant, Williams +1 lap
13) Kevin Magnussen, Haas +1 lap
14) Nyck De Vries, AlphaTauri +1 lap
15) Nico Hulkenberg, Haas +1 lap
16) Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo +1 lap
17) Lando Norris, McLaren +1 lap
NC) Esteban Ocon, Alpine – DNF
NC) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – DNF
NC) Oscar Piastri, McLaren – DNF

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com.

Not all T-birds are created equal. For 1957, there were several engines that made the two-seater a true performance car.

This rotisserie-restored 1957 Ford Thunderbird featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is reportedly one of fewer than 1,500 produced with the E-code 312 V-8 — that’s 270 horsepower from dual-quads. This car has been in the possession of the current owner for 30 years. Features include three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, Town & Country AM radio, rear fender skirts, wire wheels and power brakes. Finished in Thunderbird Bronze and equipped with a tan top over copper vinyl interior, this award-winning Thunderbird comes from the selling dealer with the original wheels and wheel covers, original invoice (which confirms the E-code engine status), restoration photos and a clear title.

The frame-off rotisserie restoration was completed in the late 1980s by Mitch’s T-Birds of Paramount, California. The exterior was refinished in the original (code Q) Thunderbird Bronze. Features include driver-side mirror, tan canvas folding convertible top with plastic rear window, color-keyed rear fender skirts, and reverse lights. The selling dealer states that there is faded paint on a rear fender and a blemish behind the passenger seat under the top.

A set of chrome Kelsey-Hayes-style wire wheels is wrapped in whitewall radial tires.

The (code XJ) copper vinyl interior was redone during the restoration. Features include manual steering and brakes. A Town & Country AM radio handles the audio playlist.

A 140-mph speedometer, 5,000-rpm tachometer, gauges for the fuel level and temperature, and clock can be found on the instrument panel. A Town & Country AM radio handles the audio playlist. The odometer reads 1,275 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by the optional 270-horsepower 312 V8 topped by a pair of Holley carburetors and paired with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Features include finned aluminum valve covers, aluminum dual-quad intake manifold, and special air cleaner housing for the carburetors.

This Thunderbird was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear drive axle. Braking is handled by four-wheel manual drums.

The selling dealer states this Thunderbird has won multiple Gold Medallion awards at Thunderbird events. Included in the sale is the original invoice, original wheels and wheel covers, and restoration photos, plus clear title.

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird’s auction ends on Monday, March 13, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

The phrase “lead sled” comes to mind when thinking of a mid-century Ford or Mercury that has undergone extensive body modifications. Presenting a perfect example:

The Pick of the Day is a 1950 Mercury coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Los Angeles, California. (Click the link to view the listing)

This car embodies the lead sled design aesthetic to a tee. The listing states, “This 1950 Mercury coupe is a restomod with updates to the exterior, interior, and drivetrain. The vehicle is chopped 4.5” front and 6” rear.”

The chopped top is only the beginning of a long list of customizations that this Mercury has received: The two-tone blue exterior also features shaved door handles, dual spotlights, a 1952 DeSoto grille, Buick side trim, and rounded corners on the hood, doors, and trunk. The body rides on a four-link Ridetech air suspension and utilizes a Chevrolet Camaro front clip along with a Chevrolet S-10 rear end. Needless to say, there isn’t much left on this Mercury that’s original to its 1950 production.

Adding to the curb appeal is a set of wide whitewall tires, although the car sits so low on its air suspension, we can barely see the back tires. This kind of stance is one of the reasons why a lead sled is much like a “sled,” after all: the car appears to glide down the road as if it’s sliding along.

A custom street-rod needs to have the right cabin fit and finish. With that in mind, the interior on this coupe is well appointed with a color-keyed dash, VDO instruments, blue accent lighting, climate control from Vintage Air, a Chevrolet Corvette steering column, and a mahogany banjo-style steering wheel.

Even though this is a FoMoCo car, torque comes from a Chevrolet Vortec 350cid V8 that is mated to a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and a new drive shaft. Additional drivetrain enhancements include new Edelbrock components for the carburetor, roller rockers, and roller cam. The fuel tank and electric fuel pump are reportedly new, so it seems this car is ready to take down to Main Street and turn a lot of heads along the way. A two-minute walkaround video accompanies the listing.

The seller is asking $70,000 or best offer for this custom lead sled Mercury. Just remember to duck your head when getting inside!

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Styling, like all creative things, is subjective. As such, it takes cojones to bestow the title “World’s Ugliest Car” when there’s many others to choose from. If you have issue with this, would “World’s Ugliest Shooting Brake” suffice? Nah, looking at John Dodd’s The Beast, it may certainly take the Victoria Sponge Cake as something that would elicit, “My, what in the Lord’s name is that, dear Sir?”

It all started with a gentleman named Paul Jameson, an automotive technocrat of the British persuasion who wanted to build something utilizing that British marvel of engineering, the 27-liter Rolls-Royce Meteor V12 (the updated version of Rolls’ Merlin V12 often found in tanks). Jameson built a frame utilizing parts from British vehicles with names like Jaguar, Wolseley, Jensen, Lotus and Reliant. Jameson met a chap named John Dodd, whom he commissioned to build an automatic transmission for the chassis.

Soon, Jameson offered Dodd the vehicle in body-less form. Dodd subsequently sent the chassis to Fibre Glass Repairs (whose owners also owned Santa Pod Raceway) to create a body for the chassis. “It was then that it gained a Rolls-Royce grille and mascot, in a nod to the engine’s provenance,” says Car & Classic, the UK-based online auction.

After a trip to Sweden resulted in fire damage, Dodd had the car rebodied in the form you see here; also new was a 750-horsepower Merlin V12 plus a Rolls-Royce grille and mascot sourced from a Silver Shadow. The company from Manchester made issue of the trademark infringement and sued when Dodd would not remove the items. Dodd lost, then lost an appeal, refused to pay the fine and then emigrated to Spain to avoid the warrant for his arrest. Of course, The Beast went with him, though now sporting “JD” on a conventional grille.

The initial body featured some Ford Capri influence, while the second was more of a beige shooting brake with some features that would make Clark Griswold proud. An official 183-mph top speed was achieved in 1973, which isn’t bad for a two-ton, 19-foot something. In 1977, The Beast made The Guinness Book of Records as the most powerful car on the road, though no mention was made of its 2-mpg appetite for fuel.

In its current form, The Beast features “a custom interior includes a bank of red switches which are used to initiate the starting sequence for the Merlin engine. The front suspension uses Austin elements whilst the rear is derived from a Jaguar XJ12 and sports a heavy-duty Currie axle.”

“This is a genuine once in a lifetime opportunity and I hope the lucky new buyer continues to use and enjoy the car the way John did,” says Tom Wood, CEO of Car & Classic. If you can get past the car’s styling, then you should know that the auction starts on March 9, 2023 and lasts for seven days.