Do you have a classic car with a story to share? Visit this link and fill in the information to submit your story for a chance to be featured on the ClassicCars.com Journal.
Back in high school I had a Chevy truck that was a real beater. It was a handful, and I had to fix things that broke often. But everyone loved how it could carry stuff, so I’d help people to move all the time.
1951 Chevrolet 3100. Images provided by William K.
I finally had to get rid of it. I was an auto mechanic for over 30 years, but having to fix it so often became too much. When I was getting rid of it, my son started driving first car, a Camaro. He ended up rolling it, and thankfully only got a little bruised up. He then got an Audi all-wheel A4, I told him to keep all wheels on the ground.
I got the idea of getting an old truck for him, like what I had back in high school. After looking around for quite a while, I found the one I wanted. It was restored many years ago and with independent front suspension, a big block 454, four inches chopped, and shaved off all emblems. This handles and drives great compared to what I had, but it really brings back a lot of memories from my past. It’s definitely a real attention-getter, we get waves and thumbs up wherever it goes.
AC Cars is getting back into the Cobra game, this time with a clean-sheet design that will be revealed in April.
Ahead of the debut, the company has provided computed-generated images that clue fans in on what’s to come.
Founded in 1901, AC Cars is one of the U.K.’s oldest car companies, and it’s the company whose original Ace sports car was injected with V-8 power by Carroll Shelby to create the legendary Shelby Cobra in 1962. The Shelby was marketed as an AC Cobra in some markets, and recently AC started building replicas, some of them powered by batteries.
The new car will go by the name AC Cobra GT Roadster, and while it may look like the original it has been developed from scratch using modern technology and engineering processes. For example, it features an extruded aluminum chassis and a body made from carbon-composite materials, and the suspension has been developed in partnership with a professional racing team.
Teaser for AC Cobra GT Roadster due in 2023
The Cobra GT Roadster is bigger than the original Cobra. The wheelbase is 101 inches, or about 11 inches longer than the original, but the overall length has only grown by 4.3 inches, coming in at a total of 166 inches. The track is also wider, helping improve handling while also providing a tougher stance.
The car is also fitted with modern creature comforts such as power windows, automatic climate control, and an infotainment system with navigation. AC will also offer a long list of options, including carbon-fiber seats, leather trim, and a removable hard-top roof.
Teaser for AC Cobra GT Roadster due in 2023
Power comes from a Ford 5.0-liter V-8, which can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. Peak output is 654 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. With the curb weight expected to hover around 3,300 pounds, this much power should deliver 0-60 mph times of approximately 3.4 seconds, AC said. The top speed will be about 172 mph.
AC is yet to finalize pricing but said the starting price is expected to be about 285,000 British pounds (approximately $342,000). The order books are already open, and the first deliveries are scheduled for 2024. Production will be limited, AC said.
It’s somewhat fascinating to find a car that used to be common but hasn’t been common for awhile. The rate of attrition plays a part, as does the level of enthusiasm a vehicle has had in the past. Combine those factors with a Malaise vehicle from the 1970s and you have the makings of a car that’s likely rarer than so-called rare cars. This 1977 Buick Century Custom Coupe is one such vehicle, which is why it’s our Pick of the Day. It’s for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Tacoma, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)
The 1977 Buick Century was the last of the line before General Motors downsized its mid-size cars. Introduced in 1973, the “Colonnade” Buicks were a nice update from the 1968-72 models, but they dawned during a time when structural and mechanical compromises were being demanded by the federal government. As such, few models from this era capture the imagination of collectors.
For 1977, the Colonnade Buick coupes ranked like this: Century Special was the bargain of the mid-size line, offering Buick qualities at a price point that was more competitive with lesser brands. It, along with the base Century, featured a slicker roofline. Move up to the Century Custom and you received a more formal roofline, which also was shared with the upmarket Regal. The Regal also featured its own front end with a grille that was vertical and squarish rather than slanted and rakish like the Centurys.
Not only is this 1977 Buick Century Custom Coupe a nicely preserved example of something that used to be seen in Everywhere, USA, but it’s also a nicely equipped example. Looking at the build sheet, it was originally built with bucket seats, Landau vinyl top, accent stripe, power front disc brakes, 350 two-barrel, tilt steering wheel, chrome mag wheels, and a host of other less interesting equipment. Color is Firethorn with a matching interior.
The seller of this 1977 Century Custom Coupe says it’s “still equipped with its CAT and single exhaust” and that the interior is mostly original and in good shape though “with fading from the sun over the years.” With a claimed 59,000 miles, $9,995 seems like a fantastic buy for a “nice solid old car that you do not see a lot of these days.”
The world’s fastest accelerating production car broke a series of speed records at India’s Natrax test facility in February. The pure-electric Battista by Automobili Pininfarina secured its place as the fastest in the world to complete the ¼ mile and ½ mile sprints, in doing so taking the title of fastest road-legal car ever on Indian soil.
With VBOX data systems in place to verify Battista’s incredible performance, the ¼ mile time of 8.55 seconds and ½ mile result of 13.38 seconds were the highlights of a flurry of remarkable results for Automobili Pininfarina’s first luxury electric car. With Autocar India’s Hormazd Sorabjee and Renuka Kirpalani joining the Italian brand’s Performance, Test and Validation Team including Development Driver Stefano Costa at the event, the aim was to showcase the exceptional performance accessible to all Battista owners and drivers.
The Battista top speed test was undertaken with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires fitted. In this test, Hormazd Sorabjee secured with ease a top speed of 358.03km/h on track – eclipsing the previous top speed record in India of 332km/h, which was also held by Autocar India. Renuka Kirpalani went on to clock 357.10km/h, setting the record for the fastest Indian female driver in the world. Both these top speed records were validated by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the Indian sporting body affiliated to the FIA.
Battista hyper GT
With the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tire then fitted for acceleration tests, Battista registered two new production car world records for sprints over ¼ and ½ mile distances. Both sets of Michelin tires are available to order with Battista at the point of purchase.
The Battista produces over 1,900hp and 2,340Nm torque, with power distributed across all four wheels via four motors and through a unique, sophisticated torque vectoring system tuned by Automobili Pininfarina’s engineers at the luxury carmaker’s development center in Italy.
Paolo Dellachà, Automobili Pininfarina CEO said: “We were very proud to bring Battista to India for the first time. Collaborative events there with our shareholder Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd were delivered at a significant time for Automobili Pininfarina. In 2022 we began production of Battista at our new Atelier facility in Italy, with deliveries to customers worldwide starting soon after.”
Battista hyper GT
“This year, new Battista owners are excited to explore the unprecedented performance of this design and engineering masterpiece. These speed records – and independent tests – have validated our ambition to create a new generation of hyper and luxury car leading with Battista, whereby electric power delivers performance that is simply unachievable in the world of ICE powertrains.”
“For Hormazd and his Autocar India team to showcase what is possible with Battista in their hands is hugely important. We conceived Battista as a hyper GT – a special blend of beautiful design and attention to detail synonymous with the Pininfarina brand, allied to extreme electrified performance and a level of vehicle dynamics which sets a new benchmark among hypercars. In these tests Battista has shown that record-breaking performanceis there to be enjoyed by every driver on road or track.”
Hormazd Sorabjee was joined by Autocar India colleague and experienced road tester Renuka Kirpalani for its debut Indian performance test. Hormazd said: “Nothing prepares you for the brutal acceleration and pace of the Battista. It’s like being shot from a cannon. Equally amazing is the ease with which Battista hit its top speed, within just half a straight of Natrax’s high speed track. Even at VMax, the Battista felt rock solid, relaxed, and discreet. This is the future of speed.”
Renuka Kirpalani celebrates with Battista
A unique livery adorns the beautiful, exposed carbonfibre body of the Battista tested in India, crafted by Automobili Pininfarina’s talented Colour, Materials and Finishes Design team. The special Battista was the undisputed star of the Hyderabad E Motor Show, then making its spectacular dynamic debut at the 2023 Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix, where superstar former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was treated to an electrifying lap of the street circuit alongside Mahindra Racing reserve driver Jehan Daruvala.
In 2022 the Battista set a series of performance world records at its test base in Nardò, Italy. Battista’s unique launch control technology contributes to Formula 1 car-beating acceleration, with 0-60mph achieved in 1.79s, 0-100km/h completed in 1.86s, 0-120mph executed in 4.49s and 0-200 km/h obliterated in just 4.75 seconds. Official tests also confirmed Battista achieves the shortest stopping distance of any electric vehicle in the world, completing 100-0 km/h in just 31 meters/102 feet: click here.
Do you lust after an Alfa Romeo but are afraid to buy one? No one wants to get stuck with a car the way Car and Driver did several years ago. Like a mate you simply couldn’t leave, the Alfa’s charms had a way of worming into their sense of judgement: “We would continue coming back to the Giulia, no matter how it betrayed us,” the magazine said in 2019. So, with Alfa now hinting at what’s in store for the 2025 Giulia, is reliability a hump that can be overcome?
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
According to Car and Driver, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has confirmed the Giulia’s lineup will switch to electric powertrain for 2025. The base version will offer 350 horsepower, while the Veloce will produce 800 horses, and the Quadrifoglio will be closer to 1,000. Unfortunately, that means the current flavor-of-the-day, the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 in the Giulia Quadrifoglio, won’t make the transition, though the current Quadrifoglio offers half the horsepower of what is expected for 2025.
These cars will be built on Stellantis Group’s STLA Large platform, which is based on the Giorgio platform on which the current Giulia is based. It will utilize 800-volt architecture with fast-charging, and be capable of a range of up to 500 miles.
Is twice as much horsepower enough to get over the trance of piston-popping perfection? It remains to be seen … as long as it stays out of the shop.
I can’t imagine there are a lot of Aston Martin DB5 project cars floating around anymore. Scarcity (1,059 DB5s were produced from 1963 to 1965) and the appeal of being James Bond’s preferred car has led to few and fewer unfinished DB5s floating around, but RM Sotheby’s is offering one it describes as a “metaphorical blank canvas.” It’s a bit rough around the edges but has potential.
1964 Aston Martin DB5 ‘Project’
The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 ‘Project’ (Chassis No. DB5/1736/R) has a matching-number chassis and engine (Engine No. 400/1724) and is documented with a certificate from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT). It’s a right-hand drive DB5 featuring an automatic transmission with a 3.54:1 rear axle ratio and is available at Sotheby’s Villa Erba auction in Lake Como, Italy on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
“First finished in Sierra Blue over an interior trimmed in grey, the Aston Martin was despatched nearly a month later to the London dealership, Brooklands of Bond Street,” the listing states. “While the DB5’s early history is largely unknown, by November 1989 the car was acquired by an enthusiast based in Georgia, USA. This owner retained possession for at least 16 years, as is reflected by registrations available to view on file. By this time, the car was refinished in the current configuration of Midnight Blue with a beige interior.
1964 Aston Martin DB5 ‘Project’
“In more recent years the Aston Martin has been kept in storage by its consigning owner, an esteemed car collector. For the marque connoisseur interested in overseeing a full DB5 refurbishment, this car presents an enticing opportunity. Poised to make the transition from long-term storage to touring enjoyment—or potentially even concours presentation—this Aston Martin should appeal to any enthusiast seeking to put their own stamp on a quality DB5 restoration.”
No estimated sale price has been put forth by Sotheby’s, but a similar 1964 DB5 project car (DB5/1678/R) was sold by the online auction platform Collecting Cars for $502,000 (£416,900) on February 11, 2022.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2022 Lamborghini Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologato) powered by a 5.2-liter V10 paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle. Features include the sport exhaust system, adjustable front splitter, Contrast Pack, Travel Package and embroidered upholstery. Finished in black and green with matching Alcantara interior, this Huracán STO is offered by a dealership with a clean CARFAX report and clear Florida title.
The lightweight body is largely made of carbon fiber and comes finished in Nero Noctis accented by Verde Selvans from front to back. Features include adjustable front splitter, front air ducts, NACA air intake, diffuser, carbon fiber engine bonnet and other trim, manually adjustable rear wing, LED front and rear lighting, dual matte black exhaust outlets and STO decals.
The forged, matte black 20-inch HEK wheels are wrapped in staggered-width Bridgestone tires.
The two-seat cockpit is fitted with Nero Cosmus and Verde Fauns Alcantara-covered carbon fiber bucket seats. Amenities include touchscreen infotainment system with rear-view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, multi-function Alcantara steering wheel with paddle shifters, STO embroidery and Huracán-inscribed aluminum door sills.
Instrumentation includes a digital speedometer, 10,000-rpm tachometer and customizable gauges for additional vehicle vitals. The digital odometer reads 850 miles, which is in line with the most recent mileage listed in the CARFAX report.
The naturally aspirated mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10 was rated at 631 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. The CARFAX report shows that a service was performed in November 2022 at a Lamborghini dealership. Power is fed to the rear wheels via an LDF (Lamborghini Doppia Frizione, or“Lamborghini double clutch”) seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle plus limited-slip differential.
Steering is performed by an electro-mechanical power rack connected to a four-wheel steering system. The suspension uses front and rear double-wishbone setups along with anti-roll bars. Handling and traction is aided by electronic stability control. Stopping is provided by carbon-ceramic anti-lock disc brakes with green calipers. The front suspension can be lifted to clear speed bumps and driveway entrances.
The CARFAX report shows this is a one-owner vehicle with an accident-free history.
Ford’s Pro Electric Supervan concept is set to tackle the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and the Blue Oval has teed up current Pikes Peak record holder Romain Dumas to do the driving.
The French racing driver posted a blistering time of 7:57.148 in 2018 behind the wheel of Volkswagen’s ID.R electric time attack special, and while the Supervan isn’t expected to set a new record, it may come close.
The concept was unveiled at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed with a powertrain consisting of four electric motors that together deliver 1,972 hp, more than Rimac’s Nevera hypercar. The multiple motors enable the wild van to sprint to 62 mph from rest in less than 2.0 seconds.
The concept is based on Ford’s E-Transit Custom electric van but shares very little with that production model. For example, its unique body is made from composite materials, and the platform is a purpose-built steel space frame with front and rear subframes housing unequal-length double wishbone suspension front and rear.
Ford Pro Electric Supervan
Ford built the concept to serve as a demonstrator for new technologies, both in electric powertrains and in connectivity and other digital features that can benefit businesses. Similarly, the automaker in 2020 presented a Mustang Mach-E with 1,400 hp, and earlier this month it teased another EV performance concept, this time expected to be based on the F-150 Lightning.
The 2023 Pikes Peak is scheduled for June 25. This will be Dumas’ eighth appearance at the Race to the Clouds. His first outing was in 2012. Ford’s history at the annual race just outside of Colorado Springs goes back to 1916, when a Model T made the climb up to the finish at 14,115 feet above sea level in a time of 28:03.
Not every classic car is a concours-ready example. Some enthusiasts would rather start out with a car that need a little work and allows them to customize or finalize the restoration in their own tastes.
“Excellent candidate for restoration,” the listing begins. “This Ford is an AZ original car, very straight and clean.” The Custom and the Custom 300 slotted below the Fairlane models beginning in 1957. While the base Custom was targeted specifically for fleet buyers, the Custom 300 sat just above it and offered some value. The model was phased out by 1960 so its lifespan was short-lived.
Whenever a seller includes a photo of a car’s data plate in the photo gallery, it’s interesting to run the information through an online decoder. The trim tag on this Custom 300 can be decoded as follows:
Serial Number: C9PG174799
Engine Code C: 292cid V8
Body Series 58E: Custom 300 Fordor
Assembly Plant P: Twin Cities, Minnesota
Production Sequence: 174,799
Color LC2: Surf Blue and Wedgewood Blue
Trim 02: Blue Ribbed Vinyl Bolster and Blue Block Fabric
Date 08F: June 8, 1959
Trans 2: Overdrive
Axle 3: 3.70 Ratio
Here’s where things get interesting: The seller states in the listing that power comes from a 332cid V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. This information conflicts with the trim tag since the car left the factory with a 292cid motor and an automatic transmission. It’s not uncommon for cars to receive motors and transmission swaps, especially when they are 64 years old. And regardless of the current drivetrain setup, the seller asserts that mechanical condition of the car is sound. “Always starts and runs great,” the seller says. “Clutch is smooth, car starts good, and runs great.”
Cosmetically, the car looks a little worn although it is complete and rust-free. The exterior is finished in two-tone blue and is dressed in brightwork for the bumpers, side moldings, and badging. Footwork comes from steel 14-inch wheels with Ford-branded chrome hubcaps.
This car looks like a great canvas for further restoration or customization, and the price is reasonable. The seller is asking $12,500 or best offer for this Custom 300. Best of all, it looks like the car comes with a set of blue fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror.
Kyle Busch cruised to victory at the Pala Casino 400 on Sunday at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Busch finished 2.998-seconds ahead of runner up Chase Elliott for his 61st NASCAR Cup Series career victory and in the process set a Cup Series record with at least one race win for a 19th straight season, breaking a tie with Richard Petty. His 61 Cup Series race wins are the most among active drivers and ninth all-time. During the off-season Busch signed with Richard Childress Racing after 15-seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing and Sunday was his first win with the new squad.
“I can’t thank Richard and Judy (Childress) enough, Austin (Dillon) for calling me and getting me talking and getting me the opportunity to come over here to RCR,” said Busch. “The guys did a great job. (Crew chief) Randall (Burnett)—everybody that worked so hard in the offseason. We did a lot of sim stuff, a lot of testing in general, just trying to get up to speed.”
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 26: A general view of racing during the NASCAR Cup Series Pala Casino 400 at Auto Club Speedway on February 26, 2023 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Brad Chastain led a race high 91-laps and finished third ahead of his Trackhouse Racing teammate, Daniel Suarez, and Kevin Harvick rounded-out the Top 5 on Sunday.
Sunday was the last race at California Speedway under its current two-mile set up. The SoCal racetrack will be reconfigured to a half-mile oval, but the timeline for the project has not been determined, and according to AutoClub Speedway president Dave Allen it will not host a race in 2024.
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – FEBRUARY 23: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 23, 2023 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
News & Notes
Formula 1 closed out its preseason testing at the Bahrain International Circuit over the weekend with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez turning the fastest lap of the three-day test with a 1:30.305 jaunt. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso ran the most laps (270 laps totaling 1,461 km), and Alpha Tauri led all teams with 456 laps totaling 2,467 km. With preseason season testing wrapped up the 2023 F1 season starts this Sunday with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The entry list for the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans has been revealed and the 62 cars invited to the 100th anniversary of the iconic endurance race comprise a lineup of 16 Hypercars, 24 LMP2s, 21 LMGTE Am cars, and one Innovative Car. The full list is available HERE.
Ferrari is returning to the top tier at Le Mans for the first time in 50-years and will join Porsche, Peugeot, Cadillac, Vanwall, Glickenhaus and Toyota in the Hypercar class. Toyota Gazoo Racing dominated the Hypercar class in 2022 with first and second place finishes, and in 2023 its looking for its sixth-straight win in the 24 of Hours Le Mans’ top class.
Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Image courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports)
NASCAR is returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Garage 56’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 racing as an Innovative Car outside of official classification. The Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is being entered by Hendrick Motorsports and was developed by a collaboration with NASCAR, Chevrolet, Goodyear, and IMSA. It’s NASCAR’s first foray at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1976 and the Garage 56 Camaro will be driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, ex-F1 driver Jenson Button, and 2010 Le Man’s winner Mike Rockenfeller. The 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for June 10th.
