Journal Classic Cars

Once in a while, a car comes along that is just “right.” Perhaps it’s a mix of condition, colors, and options that gives that impression no matter what car it is. That feeling permeates upon viewing this 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, the ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day. It is for sale by a private individual in Phoenix. (Click the link to view the listing)

A black Beetle in prime condition with red interior and sunroof sounds like the planets have all aligned for Volkswagen fans, especially those interested in 1967s, which seem to be on the cusp of having the best of the old with the best of the new. As the final year before the facelift, 1967 marked the first Beetle to have a 12-volt electrical system, an engine bored from 1285cc to 1493cc, repositioned headlights, wider swing axles, two-speed wipers, backup lamps and government-mandated dual master cylinder.

This pristine example can trace its history back to the end of 1966, when it arrived at the Los Angeles port. The Beetle has spent much (all?) of its time in California and, now, Arizona. It has received a full restoration that was completed just over five years ago, and only 2,300 miles have been put on the odometer since. The red “basketweave” interior uses NOS material. The black wheels are the correct slotted style. The gas tank is powder-coated. All lenses (from the license plate light, reverse lights and dome light) are NOS Hella units, though the headlights have been updated to halogens. The spare has never touched the ground.

Some notable tweaks are worthy of mention. Per the seller, “This Beetle does have a number of tasteful enhancements ranging from an improved, larger displacement German VW engine for more horsepower, superior suspension and electronic ignition – all are out of plain sight. “

He adds, “This car is special.  It runs, accelerates, shifts, stops and handles beautifully.  The appearance and stance are very stock and proper. Acceleration, handling and highway capabilities are far superior.”

The one-year-only details make this 1967 Volkswagen Beetle stand out from other years, and the love given during restoration makes this VW stand out from other Beetles. At $42,000, this Beetle is not for everyone, but there’s someone out there who wants to have the best.

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

Mini is producing its first all-electric convertible. The Mini Electric Convertible will be available in April 2023 with a limited run of 999 units only available Europe, with 150 units offered in the U.K. alone. However, none are making their way across the pond to the United States.

Mini’s EV droptop is powered by a 184-horsepower (135kW) electric motor that propels the convertible from 0-60 mph in 8.2-seconds with a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range of 124 miles. This limited-edition Mini is priced at £52,500 ($63,000) and is manufactured with secondary raw materials to lower CO2 emissions during production.

“Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, and today one in five MINI models sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Electric Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI Brand.

The latest Mini EV is only available with an Enigmatic Black or White Silver exterior finish, with door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights finished in Resolute Bronze. It features consecutive numbering on the side scuttles and door sill trims to denote which of the 999 units available is yours. Interior surfaces are finished in Piano Black, which are complemented by ambient lighting Mini Electric yellow color accents. The Mini Electric Convertible rides on edition-specific 17-inch Electric Power Spoke two-tone alloy wheels made from 100% secondary aluminum.

As previously mentioned, the Mini Electric Convertible is not available in the U.S., but you can buy the Mini Cooper SE (Small Electric) two-door hardtop with a 181 hp motor and 114-mile range on a full charge. An overall lack of electric vehicle acceptance in the U.S. may have led to Mini opting out of the American market with its Electric Convertible but ultimately that is just conjecture by this reporter.

A Mini EV droptop could do well in the U.S. with its “open-air go-kart” driving experience as a vehicle to show the skeptics that you don’t need an internal combustion engine to have a fun behind the wheel. Unfortunately, a Mini Electric Convertible in the U.S. isn’t happening anytime soon (or possibly at all), another instance where America is getting left behind as the automotive industry is moving forward with alternative forms of propulsion. I realize that an EV with only 999 units produced is a drop of water in the ocean of car options but each EV can help the movement to lower emissions and a better tomorrow.

Mini is producing its first all-electric convertible. The Mini Electric Convertible will be available in April 2023 with a limited run of 999 units only available Europe, with 150 units offered in the U.K. alone. However, none are making their way across the pond to the United States.

Mini’s EV droptop is powered by a 184-horsepower (135kW) electric motor that propels the convertible from 0-60 mph in 8.2-seconds with a WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range of 124 miles. This limited-edition Mini is priced at £52,500 ($63,000) and is manufactured with secondary raw materials to lower CO2 emissions during production.

“Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, and today one in five MINI models sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Electric Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI Brand.

The latest Mini EV is only available with an Enigmatic Black or White Silver exterior finish, with door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights finished in Resolute Bronze. It features consecutive numbering on the side scuttles and door sill trims to denote which of the 999 units available is yours. Interior surfaces are finished in Piano Black, which are complemented by ambient lighting Mini Electric yellow color accents. The Mini Electric Convertible rides on edition-specific 17-inch Electric Power Spoke two-tone alloy wheels made from 100% secondary aluminum.

As previously mentioned, the Mini Electric Convertible is not available in the U.S., but you can buy the Mini Cooper SE (Small Electric) two-door hardtop with a 181 hp motor and 114-mile range on a full charge. An overall lack of electric vehicle acceptance in the U.S. may have led to Mini opting out of the American market with its Electric Convertible but ultimately that is just conjecture by this reporter.

A Mini EV droptop could do well in the U.S. with its “open-air go-kart” driving experience as a vehicle to show the skeptics that you don’t need an internal combustion engine to have a fun behind the wheel. Unfortunately, a Mini Electric Convertible in the U.S. isn’t happening anytime soon (or possibly at all), another instance where America is getting left behind as the automotive industry is moving forward with alternative forms of propulsion. I realize that an EV with only 999 units produced is a drop of water in the ocean of car options but each EV can help the movement to lower emissions and a better tomorrow.

If you have had your finger on the pulse of the old car hobby, it should be no surprise that the American car scene in Sweden (if not Scandinavia) is quite vibrant, possibly number one in popularity outside North America and Australia. If you didn’t know this, then this may come as a revelation. In fact, when things got lean in America, many used American cars were exported to Sweden — even substantial vehicles like a 1970 Hemi Challenger R/T convertible. Today, Swedes area known for their love of Virgil Exner finned 1950s starships, among other vehicles.

If you want to catch a slice of Swedish car culture, check out this video “American Car Cruising Gone Wild in Sweden” by Woody Piano Shack. This cruise can’t be confused for something on American soil, especially with the raggare, which Woody characterizes as Swedish redneck culture. You can tell these cars because they lean towards the trashed side and may be inhabited by trashed passengers drinking (presumably) American swill and glögg. We at the ClassicCars.com Journal have selected a few snapshots from the video to show you the variety of vehicles in this cruise in the southern Swedish coastal town of Ystad, a seven-hour car ride from Stockholm.

Here I spy a 1964 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88, and a 1959 Buick Electra 225. But I also spy Swedish gas prices: 21.13 kr per liter today is approximately $7.65 per gallon.

Here’s a 1962 Chrysler Newport, the “plucked chicken” of Exner’s creations. It would serve as the basis of the mid-year Dodge 880. If you want classic styling on the cheap, there are few cars that can rival this one.

Maybe a 1974 Chevelle wagon isn’t too interesting, but the 1966 Chrysler 300 in front of it is. And see that 1969 Dodge Polara convertible peeking from the left? Only 1,425 were built, and this one has the rare Super-Lite auxiliary driving light.

Here’s a neat procession that includes a 1958 Edsel, 1963 Chevrolet, 1959 Imperial and late-model Mustang.

This 1967 Pontiac strikes me as being curious. It has a 1967 GTO tail panel and badges, but also features 1967 LeMans rear fenders. My money’s on it being a LeMans.

A 1972 Cadillac Coupe de Ville passes by a 1965-66 Mustang convertible with GT badges. But check out the engine badge — could that be an honest-to-goodness K-code? The air cleaner is also giving me good vibes. A 289 High-Performance would be a sweet find in Sweden.

Hey, how did this thing get in here?!

Ignore the 1963 Chevrolet and note the trio of Buicks: 1969 LeSabre convertible, 1959 and, tucked behind, a 1966 Electra.

Swedes love American muscle, though there aren’t many in the video. This is a 1970 Charger R/T SE. Note the rare V21 hood stripes, plus the 1970 Road Runner in front of it.

If you have had your finger on the pulse of the old car hobby, it should be no surprise that the American car scene in Sweden (if not Scandinavia) is quite vibrant, possibly number one in popularity outside North America and Australia. If you didn’t know this, then this may come as a revelation. In fact, when things got lean in America, many used American cars were exported to Sweden — even substantial vehicles like a 1970 Hemi Challenger R/T convertible. Today, Swedes area known for their love of Virgil Exner finned 1950s starships, among other vehicles.

If you want to catch a slice of Swedish car culture, check out this video “American Car Cruising Gone Wild in Sweden” by Woody Piano Shack. This cruise can’t be confused for something on American soil, especially with the raggare, which Woody characterizes as Swedish redneck culture. You can tell these cars because they lean towards the trashed side and may be inhabited by trashed passengers drinking (presumably) American swill and glögg. We at the ClassicCars.com Journal have selected a few snapshots from the video to show you the variety of vehicles in this cruise in the southern Swedish coastal town of Ystad, a seven-hour car ride from Stockholm.

Here I spy a 1964 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88, and a 1959 Buick Electra 225. But I also spy Swedish gas prices: 21.13 kr per liter today is approximately $7.65 per gallon.

Here’s a 1962 Chrysler Newport, the “plucked chicken” of Exner’s creations. It would serve as the basis of the mid-year Dodge 880. If you want classic styling on the cheap, there are few cars that can rival this one.

Maybe a 1974 Chevelle wagon isn’t too interesting, but the 1966 Chrysler 300 in front of it is. And see that 1969 Dodge Polara convertible peeking from the left? Only 1,425 were built, and this one has the rare Super-Lite auxiliary driving light.

Here’s a neat procession that includes a 1958 Edsel, 1963 Chevrolet, 1959 Imperial and late-model Mustang.

This 1967 Pontiac strikes me as being curious. It has a 1967 GTO tail panel and badges, but also features 1967 LeMans rear fenders. My money’s on it being a LeMans.

A 1972 Cadillac Coupe de Ville passes by a 1965-66 Mustang convertible with GT badges. But check out the engine badge — could that be an honest-to-goodness K-code? The air cleaner is also giving me good vibes. A 289 High-Performance would be a sweet find in Sweden.

Hey, how did this thing get in here?!

Ignore the 1963 Chevrolet and note the trio of Buicks: 1969 LeSabre convertible, 1959 and, tucked behind, a 1966 Electra.

Swedes love American muscle, though there aren’t many in the video. This is a 1970 Charger R/T SE. Note the rare V21 hood stripes, plus the 1970 Road Runner in front of it.

Buyers waiting for their Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck might have to wait a bit longer than anticipated.

On Tuesday, Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg confirmed to Motor Authority that both a stop-build and an in-transit stop-ship order have been issued for the F-150 Lightning due to a potential battery issue.

The nature of the battery issue was not disclosed by the automaker.

Bergg said the potential issue was identified as part of Ford’s pre-delivery quality inspections. The automaker is unaware of any incidents or issues associated with this potential issue in the field with customer-owned trucks.

A stop-sale has not been issued and all F-150 Lightnings already built and at dealers are cleared for scheduled delivery.

Bergg wouldn’t elaborate on the potential battery issue. The engineering team is currently establishing the root cause of the potential issue.

A timeline hasn’t been given as to when the stop-build and in-transit stop-ship orders will be lifted.

“It depends on how long it will take to conduct the root cause analysis,” Bergg said.

The Lightning has received three price hikes since its launch nearly a year ago. Starting from $57,869, the Lightning is now 38.9% more expensive than when it first went on sale.

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

Buyers waiting for their Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck might have to wait a bit longer than anticipated.

On Tuesday, Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg confirmed to Motor Authority that both a stop-build and an in-transit stop-ship order have been issued for the F-150 Lightning due to a potential battery issue.

The nature of the battery issue was not disclosed by the automaker.

Bergg said the potential issue was identified as part of Ford’s pre-delivery quality inspections. The automaker is unaware of any incidents or issues associated with this potential issue in the field with customer-owned trucks.

A stop-sale has not been issued and all F-150 Lightnings already built and at dealers are cleared for scheduled delivery.

Bergg wouldn’t elaborate on the potential battery issue. The engineering team is currently establishing the root cause of the potential issue.

A timeline hasn’t been given as to when the stop-build and in-transit stop-ship orders will be lifted.

“It depends on how long it will take to conduct the root cause analysis,” Bergg said.

The Lightning has received three price hikes since its launch nearly a year ago. Starting from $57,869, the Lightning is now 38.9% more expensive than when it first went on sale.

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

When I think of British sports cars that were brought over after World War II, the one that brings majesty and beauty to my mind is Jaguar. The company has contributed some of the most gorgeous cars ever, but how did it all start? The recent Arizona Concours d’Elegance gave spectators a peek of what could be considered the first Jaguar: the SS 90 prototype.

If you’re not familiar with Jaguar history, then you may be surprised to learn the company has its origins as the Swallow Sidecar Company. The Jaguar name actually first appeared as a model name for the 1935 SS 2½-litre sports saloon in 1935. The sports-car version was called the SS Jaguar 90 because that was its top speed from its Standard-derived 2663cc side-valve six.

Only twenty-three were built until the 1936 SS Jaguar 100 continued where the SS Jaguar 90 left off, initially offered with the 2.7 (though now with a new OHV cylinder head) but in 1938 a 3.5L OHV six was added. It was during this time that SS adopted the leaping jaguar hood ornament. The company officially became Jaguar in 1945.

This particular prototype, which features a rear deck design that was not shared with production SS Jaguar 90s, served as the company’s first competition car. The SS prototype was then purchased in 1937 from the factory by a Royal Air Force Wing Commander Hugh Kennard. He sold the car in 1944, upon which it was traded several times through the 1950s until it was purchased by an enthusiast in 1962, though it sat in a Norfolk garage for over 30 years.

It then was snapped up by a Swiss collector in 1996, who commissioned Mesa, Arizona-based Terry Larson to restore it. The prototype came full circle in 2019 when Larson became the new owner.

This SS 90 prototype competed in the Aerodynamic Pre-War Sports and Race Cars class of the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, where it won Best in Class. The whole event was centered around the Art of Aerodynamics theme that demonstrated the evolution of the effect of aerodynamics on automobile design, from the Brass Era (pre-1916) through exotic sports cars from 1975-2000.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is a restored 1965 Ford Mustang fastback.

This pony car was restored by previous ownership and custom exterior features include rolled fenders, color-matched flush-fit Kindig It Designs door handles, and a hood scoop. It rides on 17″ x 8″ front and 18″ x 9″ rear Foose Legend wheels with 215/45/17 front and 245/40/18 rear radial tires.

“The heated and power-adjustable 2006 Mustang front seats and the rear seat are upholstered in black vinyl,” the listing states. “Features include a center console with a storage compartment and a five-speed manual shifter, a tilt steering column, a three-spoke Forever Sharp billet aluminum steering wheel, factory air conditioning, and a Sony AM/FM/XM stereo. Power features include the brakes, windows, steering, and trunk release.”

This Mustang fastback has a fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a BorgWarner five-speed manual transmission. The engine bay was upgraded with an export brace, and Ringbrothers billet aluminum hood hinges. This Mustang’s battery was moved to the trunk.

The Mustang’s suspension features upgraded Hotchkis Sport Suspension parts. A full-length dual exhaust system flows through the rear valance with exhaust cutouts.

This pony car’s odometer reads 9,243 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown. The sale includes a clear Texas title in the seller’s name, service records, and receipts.

This 1965 Ford Mustang fastback’s auction ends on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 4:20 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

To many people, a vehicle is an expression of style – much like a fashion statement. Over the years, many automakers have partnered with clothing brands to make the connection even more evident.

The Pick of the Day is a 1996 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Tacoma, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)

Headquartered in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a clothing chain that first launched over 100 years ago in 1920. The company specializes in outdoor gear with an emphasis on active lifestyles, and in the early 1980s, Eddie Bauer began partnering with Ford to cross-promote its merchandise. This Bronco is one product of that unique relationship.

“Beautiful and well cared-for Ford Bronco 4WD,” the listing begins. “One owner only. $4k in work just done to keep this baby in tip-top shape.”

The fifth-generation Bronco launched in model year 1992 and shared exterior design attributes with the ninth-generation F-150 pickup. It had a full-sized three-door sport-utility vehicle body style with a swing-away spare tire on the tailgate and a removable hardtop (although, in later years of the generation, Ford discouraged buyers from removing the hardtop due to safety engineering constraints).

This teal green Bronco comes from the last model year that generation. As an upgraded Eddie Bauer edition, it is equipped with two-tone paint, embroidered leather seats, a keyless entry system, an overhead console, lighted sun visors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The seller states that power comes from a replacement 5.8-liter Windsor V8 that was reportedly installed in 2014. A checklist outlines the areas that received attention as part of recent service, which included: a tune-up, spark plug wires, a distributor cap, an oil change, a transmission service, and replacement of the fuel filter, transfer case seals, serpentine belt, valve cover gaskets, plenum gaskets, and thermostat. The chassis also received work to the brake rotors and bearings under current ownership.

Ford continued the Eddie Bauer branding all the way to 2010 with other models including the Explorer, Expedition, F-150, Excursion, Taurus X, and even the Aerostar minivan. With the new-generation Bronco hitting the roadways in recent years, well-preserved older models like this are appreciating in value.

The seller is asking $18,325 for this well-maintained Bronco, which makes a strong fashion statement for anyone who drives it.

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