Journal Classic Cars

Pace cars are somewhat of a curiosity. There was a time when manufacturers did not exploit the honor, but during the mid-1960s, they started to take pace cars seriously and use their status as a selling point. Our AutoHunter Spotlight, this Mercury Cyclone GT Indianapolis Pace Car convertible, is one of the first pace cars marketed to the public. Like all Cyclone GTs, this one is powered by an S-code 390, which is connected to a Merc-O-Matic automatic with “Sport Shift.” Other features on this Cardinal Red ragtop include a matching white power top and vinyl interior, fiberglass hood, Styled Steel wheels, an AM radio, and more. Documentation and a clear title will be included as part of the sale.

Only 2,158 Cyclone GTs were built in 1966; pace cars were painted in Cardinal Red with white trim such as the GT stripes, pinstriping, and convertible top. The non-functional twin-scooped hood was unusual for its time because it was fiberglass, so perhaps Mercury could be considered an early adopter in this case. Other features include a driver-side mirror and Cyclone badges with racing flags. Wheels are the very stylish 14-inch Styled Steel wheels wrapped in F70 Firestone Redline radials.

The cabin features white vinyl seats with buckets up front, complemented by red components. The console houses the Sport Shift mechanism that allows you to hold a gear, much like Hurst’s His and Hers shifter. Other features include a woodgrain steering wheel, power steering, and an AM radio.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, amperage, and fuel. The odometer reads 51,763 miles, though the mileage is not indicated on the title.

The 390 V8 offers 335 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor and 10.5:1 compression. It is paired with a Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission.

The underside consists of four-wheel drum brakes, 3.25 single-traction gears, and dual exhaust outlets.

This 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT Indianapolis Pace Car convertible reflects everything that was great about the Ford Motor Company during the early days of “Total Performance.” Open-air driving and a Formula 1 connection are characteristics that never go out of style. Combine those with big-block power and you have the makings of a very sweet collectible. Be sure to place your bid on AutoHunter right away because the auction ends on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Front-wheel-drive has been a part of automotive technology for so long and been in so many vehicles that we take it for granted. We now live in an age in which even certain trucks, like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, come standard with FWD. But back in the 1920s, sending power through the front end was a novel idea, at least for road cars made in America. In 1929, Cord changed that with its L-29, which is credited as the first American front-wheel-drive production car.

Many people fear what they don’t understand, especially when it comes to their safety. Cord seemed to understand that, which explains why it tried to educate the car-buying public on FWD’s benefits. In a 1929 brochure, company founder E.L. Cord himself said, “Its exclusive advantages in safety, easy handling, comfort and durability have already won a host of converts!” The captions under certain technical illustrations mentioned how the L-29’s engine/transmission/differential/front brake packaging allowed for greater efficiency, and the universal joints were capable of sharper steering angles and longer service life compared to rear-wheel-drive hardware.

Cord went into even more visual and technical detail in its 1931 promotional materials, literally going from the bottom up detailing how Cord Front Drive was better than a RWD layout. According to the automaker, its frame architecture made it more rigid and allowed for a lower body and center of gravity, as well as a more comfortable ride for rear passengers.

The lack of a prop shaft and rear differential and axle meant passengers were “not disturbed by noise, rumble or vibration of these operating parts.” Sending power to the front wheels also helped the L-29’s directional stability and enhanced its traction on difficult terrain.

The reality is that there is so much about automotive history we’ll never know because certain documents and experts have been lost to time. Fortunately, not only did Cord choose to educate consumers on its Front Drive technology, but its promo materials also continue to exist (thanks to dedicated people) and show enthusiasts of all ages just how much the industry has changed.

The hit song “Shake, Rattle and Roll” was written in 1954 by Jesse Stone and swiftly made its way to the Rolling Stone magazine list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. It was performed by Joe Turner, Bill Haley & His Comets and even the legendary Elvis Presley at one time or another.

The song also captured the rebellious spirit and freedom associated with hot rod culture. It had a youthful energy about it, which is one of the reasons why one classic-car builder decided to airbrush the song name inside the engine bay of this car:

The Pick of the Day is a custom 1951 Ford convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Radcliff, Kentucky.

“Won many Best of Show awards,” the listing says. And we believe it. The longer you look at the car, the more details you start to notice: The frenched headlights, louvered hood, dual spotlights, shaved door handles, wide whitewall tires and rear wheel skirts are just a few. To say that it’s a unique build is putting it very mildly.

The interior, too, received its share of enhancements as part of the restomod-style overhaul. The dash and upholstery are accented in pinstriping, the steering wheel is body-colored, the floor mats wear embroidered Ford logos, power windows have been added, and a Panasonic AM/FM/CD player is cleverly hidden inside the glove compartment.

Power comes from a rebuilt flathead V8 paired with an automatic transmission. (When new, a 239ci V8 was available for 1951 Rod cars, but the listing doesn’t call out the specifics in terms of displacement (or whether it’s numbers-matching). One thing is for sure – the engine bay is loaded with lots of chrome, including the valve covers, air cleaners, pulleys and radiator support. Mechanical improvements include a 12-volt electrical system, an electronic distributor and front disc brakes. The seller says, “Everything works as it should.”

A hot rod can be an expression of style and individuality, and this car has an identity unlike any other. Its inside-and-out customization – even including rock ‘n’ roll lyrics – will make it a conversation piece at any cruise or show. Bill Haley would be proud to own and drive it!

The asking price is $39,500 or best offer.

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

Bentley retired its unusual W12 engine last year, but that hasn’t stopped it from making incredibly powerful and fast vehicles. Just look at the new Bentayga Speed. Even though it’s down two cylinders compared to the outgoing Speed model, it’s both more powerful and faster.

According to Bentley, “The Bentayga Speed’s new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivers exceptional performance, with peak power of 650 PS/641 bhp/478 kW and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. These figures comprehensively surpass those of the Bentayga V8 S (4.4 seconds) as well as the 3.9 second mark set by the previous W12-engined Bentayga Speed. Peak torque of 850 Nm (627 lb.ft) is delivered between 2,250-4,500 rpm.” Flat out, the Bentayga Speed can reach a top speed of 193 mph (310 kph).

Bentley couples that enhanced engine with a standard sports exhaust system with either a pair of elliptical exhaust finishers or an optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust that ends in quad outlets. Torque vectoring, tweaks to the Sport drive mode, and a 15-percent stiffer suspension add up to sharper steering and better handling, which is further enhanced by all-wheel steering that turns the wheels in the same direction at low and medium speeds and turns them opposite directions at high speeds for better stability. Opting for carbon ceramic brakes unlocks a Dynamic (a.k.a. less intrusive) setting for the stability control in Sport mode, which allows for throttle-on slip angles or oversteer. Another bonus? Launch Control—a first for the Bentayga.

The new Bentayga Speed’s more obvious distinguishing characteristics are its dark-tinted headlamp internals and brightware, chrome Speed badging, and gray taillights with darkened bezels. Twenty-two-inch Speed wheels (in either silver or dark tint) are standard; selecting the carbon ceramic brakes also opens up the option of 23-inch wheels in a variety of finishes. A gloss or satin black roof is available, depending on the color of the body.

Inside, the Bentayga Speed gets a unique driver information display, special badging, Speed embroidery on the seats, and new Precision Diamond quilting. Chrome is the standard finish for the air vents and organ stops but, like the exterior trim, those can also be covered in dark tint.

Yes, the new Bentley Bentayga is more powerful than it’s ever been, but the question is: How will it fare against the 717-horsepower Aston Martin DBX S?

We all want to share what we love with the people we love. But not everyone is a car enthusiast or has the same level of passion for them you do—and that may be true for your significant other. If that’s the case, what do you do? The observations and tips I’ve put together below may not convert the special person in your life into a diehard gearhead, but they should give you a better understanding of the situation and how to connect over something that’s meaningful to you.

It’s Not Really About Cars

When your spouse/significant other isn’t as excited by the sight of a big-block Corvette as you are, or visibly loses interest when you go on and on about the new Mustang, you’re probably not disappointed by his/her lack of enthusiasm for the car itself. You feel let down because your special person is not into something that’s a big part of you. Whether you’ve just started seeing them or this has been an issue for a while, it helps to explain to him/her just what cars mean to you and how they’ve been such an important part of your life. Tell memorable stories from your childhood or your car-related dreams, such as that road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway you want to go on with him/her. Once again, the cars are secondary; this allows you to connect in a much more fundamental way and help him/her understand you better.

Speak Their Language

One of the great things about being able to relate cars to anything is that you can do the exact opposite. Is your mate a big fan of a certain actor or actress? You can ask, “Hey, did you see the new [Insert European Hypercar Here] that [Insert Celebrity’s Name Here] just bought?” That not only shows your mate that you pay attention to the people who interest her, but it also starts a conversation that both of you can get into. If the love of your life is into a certain band, that group’s newest music video may have a cool vehicle in it, so pull that up and watch it with her. She may notice the vehicle right away without you even mentioning it. All you have to do at that point is just let the conversation flow from there.

Get Them Around Cars

There’s give and take to any good relationship, so your spouse/significant other will go to at least a few car shows with you. When (s)he does, not only will your pure happiness and passion be evident, but also (s)he’ll also prove to you that everyone—no matter what they’re into—has some degree of enthusiasm for automobiles. Trust me. I learned that when I took my wife to a Barrett-Jackson auction. The more we walked around and saw the sights in WestWorld of Scottsdale, the more vehicles she told me she liked. Before that moment, I never knew she was into the first-generation Ford Bronco builds from Maxlider Brothers Customs or Jeff Hayes’ Corvette restomods. She also had plenty to say about the vivid exterior colors and flamboyant designs on display at the Martin Auto Museum here in Phoenix.

Be Realistic
No matter how much you bare your soul or find common ground with your spouse/significant other, there are limits to how much car talk (s)he can take in a certain amount of time, especially if it’s super technical. I know that from experience. I also know that it works the other way: there’s a certain amount of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” or “Summer House” I can handle before I get off the couch and find something (anything!) better to do.

Their Real Love

Don’t be surprised when your love starts speaking your language—just be grateful. (S)he may do that through a Hot Wheels car, by suggesting you two go see a car-related movie, or by picking a route to drive through a romantic destination. (S)he may still not love cars, but when (s)he makes gestures like that, you know that (s)he loves you.

For a long time, I thought Alfa Romeo was a brand that competed with Fiat. I could not understand how there could be these Pebble Beach Alfas that seemed so incongruent with the cars with which I was familiar. And then I learned about the brand’s tech specs over the years and was impressed—even the most basic, uninteresting Alfa had an engine and/or suspension that put then-contemporary American brands to shame.

Below are four Alfa Romeo vehicles currently listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. Can you tell us what models they are? Post your answers in the Comments section below. If you need a hint, just click on an image.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

You’ll find plenty of automotive goodness in The ClassicCars.com‘s Tuesday puzzle! Once you’re done with this one, why not try a car game from the past?

Did you know that the modern-day “seek” function on an AM/FM radio was pioneered in the late 1940s by General Motors? It was a technological advancement that changed in-car entertainment forever. GM called its radio the “Wonder Bar,” and it was activated by touching a seek bar that would automatically find the next station with a strong enough signal.

Early Corvette models were among the cars that featured Wonder Bar audio systems and, today, aftermarket companies build replicas in the style of the originals. The next time you go to change your radio station, think about how convenient it is to browse stations at the touch of a button! In fact, if you want to experience what the original Wonder Bar was like, here’s your chance.

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. The car is being sold by a private seller in Juno Beach, Florida, and the auction will end Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PDT.

The Ermine White exterior was repainted in 2024 and gives a fresh look to the classic lines. Many C1 Corvettes left the factory with two-tone paint schemes and light-colored side coves, but the monochromatic look shown here in all-white is elegant and sporty at the same time. The American Classic wide-whitewall tires give a period-correct look and feel to the overall package.

Model year 1961 was significant for the Corvette, because it marked the beginning of what became known as the “ducktail” rear end – featuring quad round taillights instead of fender-top-mounted units. Chevrolet was proud of the Corvette’s fun-to-drive demeanor in 1961 and promoted it accordingly: An ad from the period said, “Few cars from this or any other country can come remotely close to it for flashing performance, good handling and hair-trigger responsiveness. The feeling it imparts will make you chuckle with pleasure, just driving the son-of-a-gun around the block.”

That chuckle was made possible by a 283ci V8 mated to a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission. The intake manifold, carburetor, fuel pump and sending unit of this car have been replaced. The odometer says 55,664 miles, but true mileage is unknown.

The listing says that the red vinyl interior has been refreshed, and it looks showroom ready. Features include bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a clock, logo floor mats, a heater and, of course – the Wonder Bar replica radio.

Best of all, in this case, the Wonder Bar is Bluetooth-compatible. That certainly wasn’t something General Motors was thinking about in the 1960s. Get your road trip audio playlist ready, because summer 2025 is going to rock. Especially if you’re behind the wheel of a sweet classic Vette.

The auction for this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette ends Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The 1970s brought a load of 1930s nostalgia several times during the decade. In Hollywood, we had The Sting, a movie set in the mid-1930s that told the tale of a plot concocted by a pair of grifters. Another piece of 1930s nostalgia existed in the automotive aftermarket, as demonstrated by our Pick of the Day. This 1965 Volkswagen Beetle “Wunderbug” is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Morgantown, Pennsylvania.

Sitting in the back seat of Mom’s station wagon, you get to see a lot of cars. This is how a fledgling auto enthusiast cut his teeth. Of course, Volkswagens were a common sight, but then you notice the differences (horn grilles, taillight lenses, reflectors, license plate light assemblies, and backlites, among others) and learn how to organize the running changes. Once I spotted a strange Beetle with bullet-style parking lights by the headlights so, the next time I was at the mall, I visited B. Dalton Bookseller and looked up a VW book and learned the car in question was from 1957. Oldest Beetle in town?

On occasion, I’d spot a Beetle with a conversion to a Rolls-Royce or 1930s Ford grille (and, sometimes, trunklid). These were amusing curiosities for a kid like me, not quite understanding what they were other than I knew that Rolls-Royce was the most prestigious car in the world, a car I could see on occasion while visiting New York City and more often while visiting relatives in Los Angeles.

One of the companies that created these conversions was called Lieffring Industries from Kansas City, Missouri. The “Wunderbug” conversion was offered for standard Beetles (meaning no Super Beetles) and consisted of a new hood and side panels to give the funky German car the look of a 1937 Ford. Lieffring Industries was one of several companies who developed this conversion, with some featuring the similar-yet-different 1940 Ford style. “Quality fiberglass parts by an experienced auto parts maker. Hood is double (laminated) and the inside finishes as nicely as the outside,” read the brochure. “Makes expensive Mercedes-type sound when you close it. Grill assembly is mirror-bright, anodized, extruded aluminum. Double safety latch, cable controlled. Detailed installation instructions included.”

While my recollection of these cars is only as good as my memory (read: hit/miss), I don’t recall seeing this conversion on a pre-1968 Beetle until I stumbled upon this 1965 Volkswagen Beetle featuring the ’37 Wunderbug conversion. Is there irony in pointing out this “People’s Car” is using the styling of a Ford, the very same brand that originally developed a car for the people? “The chrome is nicely preserved in the bumpers, trim, and any badging which shines wonderfully in the strong Pennsylvania summer sun,” says the seller. “The gaps are very nice, and the cute little running board is all solid.” Inside, you’ll note the red and white door panels contrasting with the black seats. The engine is a 1.2-liter boxer-four with a Solex one-barrel carburetor. Of course, shifting chores are handled by a four-speed manual.

If you’re torn between a Volkswagen and a vintage Ford, we have found the solution for you. And, at $7,500, it truly is a nostalgic take on the People’s Car.

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

There’s something truly great about the Italians. Their passion for things that surround our lives—the food, the cars—is unmatched, which is why this AutoHunter Spotlight is an exciting opportunity to show you a very special Italian: a 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint coupe. It is powered by a 2,584cc inline-six paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Painted Dark Teal Blue over a blue leather interior, this senior Bertone-styled coupe comes from the selling dealer with records, a spare wheel, a clear title, and more.

The Dark Teal Blue paint was applied in 2020. Exterior features include dual black side mirror caps, a hood scoop, and front side-markers. A set of gray 15-inch wheels is wrapped in 165R400 Michelin radials.

The interior is furnished with the original blue leather. The shifter for the transmission sits on the floor between front bucket seats. A three-spoke steering wheel and power windows round out the interior features.

The instrument panel consists of a 150-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, and fuel level. The odometer shows 32,319 miles, with the true mileage believed to be 132,319 per the title.

The alloy 2,584cc DOHC inline-six is fed by three single-barrel Solex carburetors. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain received $7,900 worth of work earlier this year.

Underneath, an independent front suspension with double wishbones works in conjunction with a solid rear axle. The four-wheel disc brakes help this Alfa stop on a Lira. A single exhaust system carries fumes to the rear.

As you can tell, this 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint coupe was quite the machine when new. Today, a little TLC will go a long way to bring it back to its full glory. Only about 1,000/year were built, and this one being a U.S.-spec car makes it even more unusual. Rather than getting seduced by the Spider 1600, you can have a car that seats four adults in comfort and draws power from an engine that makes your typical American small-block seem old hat. Cars like this only appear once in a blue moon, so be sure to place a bid before the auction ends on Monday, May 9, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

New trucks need to run because they have work to get done, whether that’s transporting someone to work, a family on a road trip, or a load of drywall to a job site. Depending on who the buyer is, a vintage truck might not even have to be roadworthy to serve a purpose. I recently heard about an engagement photographer purchasing an old pickup just to use it as part of a barn backdrop for couples wanting to commemorate their upcoming nuptials. Our Pick of the Day, a 1955 Chevrolet 3800 posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Fredericksburg, Texas, could definitely do that job. Luckily, it not only works, but it also can work hard because it’s a tow truck.

As you can tell by the egg-crate grille and recessed headlights, this 1955 Chevy 3800 comes from the first model year of the automaker’s “Task Force” design. The task this one-ton truck has to accomplish? Towing a car. Perhaps you have an old junker you need to haul off or a project car you want to get to a shop you know and trust.

This brown and cream beaut can get whatever wherever with the power of a 283ci V8 and a Marquette tow crane retrofitted with a modern 12,000-pound winch. Your task is to row through the gears of the four-speed manual—and don’t forget to double-clutch when you do.

Whatever you end up doing in this rig, you’ll get it done more quickly because you won’t have distractions inside the cab. You’ll have a black vinyl bench seat, manual windows, glove box, and a Brody knob to help you turn the three-spoke wheel. That’s it—no screens or radio to slow you down.

Whether you want to use this 1955 Chevrolet 3800 tow truck as a prop or a work vehicle, one thing stays the same: It’ll be ready to do what you need it to do once you buy it for $18,500.

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