The Ford Mustang wasn’t the only animal hungry for higher performance in the late-1960s. The Mercury Cougar wanted it, too. So Mercury created the Cougar Eliminator, which had cosmetic and performance upgrades, such as the Boss 302 V8, that made it clear it was a different breed of cat. Unfortunately, the Eliminator was only offered in the 1969 and 1970 model years, so Autohunter Cinema was lucky to spot this 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator at a Barrett-Jackson auction.
As part of a restoration, this Cougar Eliminator was painted the hard-to-miss color of Competition Green and accented with black stripes on the hood and sides. Under that black scoop in the middle of the hood is a numbers-matching 300-horsepower 351ci Cleveland V8 that’s kept under control by an FMX three-speed automatic, plus features such as a Competition Suspension, Magnum 500 wheels with Goodyear tires, and power front disc brakes. But none of that hardware stopped someone from buying this final-year Cougar Eliminator.
Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 17,502-mile 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria, Ford’s term for a two-door hardtop. “The roof follows a new thin-line design that increases that wonderful ‘wide-open’ convertible feeling,” Ford wrote in its new-car brochure. This one is powered by a rebuilt 292ci “Y-block” V8 paired with a three-speed Fordomatic Drive automatic. Features include a Continental kit, rocker panel trim, a grille guard, skirts, and more. Painted in two-tone Flame Red and Colonial White with a white and red vinyl and cloth interior, this ’50s flyer is offered by the selling dealer in Virginia with engine and transmission rebuild receipts, service records, a clear title, and more.
The Flame Red and Colonial White exterior (a 2013 repaint from the original Woodsmoke Gray and Colonial White) is complemented by chrome rocker panel trim, a grille guard, left- and right-side mirrors, fender skirts, a Continental kit, and chrome exhaust extensions. A set of 14-inch wheels with full wheel covers is wrapped in 205/75 BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall radials.
The cabin has front and rear bench seats in white vinyl and red cloth. Features include an AM radio, power steering, a clock, MagicAire ventilation system, and a column-mounted automatic shifter.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel. The odometer shows 17,502, which is the true mileage per the title.
Powering this Fairlane 500 is a Thunderbird 292 V8 that was originally rated at 212 horsepower with a two-barrel carburetor. It is backed by a three-speed Fordomatic Drive automatic transmission. During the 2013 rebuild, the engine received hardened valve seats.
The undercarriage features front power disc brakes and a dual exhaust system that routes emissions to the rear. Gears are 3.10 single-traction.
Nineteen fifty-seven was an interesting time at Dearborn because Ford offered two bodies for its lineup, with the Fairlane and Fairlane 500 getting a larger, slightly more stylish body. This top-of-the-line 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Club Victoria exploits that to the hilt, so time to pony up and buy that dream car you’ve always wanted! The auction for this Blue Oval ends on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), so think hard and quick, and bid. Good luck!
Toyotathon isn’t Toyota’s only yearly tradition. Since 2015, the automaker has released a new color for its TRD Pro line of off-road vehicles every year. The 2026 model year will mark the debut of its newest addition to the color palette: Wave Maker.
Over the past decade, Toyota has rolled out various shades of red, beige, silver, gray, blue, and green, according to Tacoma Lifestyle. Formulated by Toyota’s CALTY Design team, Wave Maker isn’t as dusty and low-key as 2018’s Cavalry Blue or as rich and bold as Voodoo Blue from 2019—think of it as more of an aqua blue (wherever that aqua happens to be). Benjamin Jimenez, general manager at CALTY’s Ann Arbor, Michigan location said, “With Wave Maker, we were inspired by unexplored areas of adventure including extreme territory and even beyond earth. Wave Maker expresses an elemental spirit that evokes images of glacial depths and the thrill of new frontiers.”
If you can’t swing a 2026 TRD Pro model in Wave Maker, don’t worry. In the past, Toyota has always expanded the availability of its newest TRD Pro color the year after its debut, so don’t be surprised if you see Wave Runner pop up as an optional color for other Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, and Sequoia trim levels in the 2027 model year.
When compression ratios were lowered for 1972 per federal edict, General Motors, Chrysler, and AMC continued to offer large engines in the high-performance market. Ford, it seems, abandoned it, offering the 351 Cobra Jet as its bread-and-butter hot engine. However, there was a special version that’s somewhat the low-compression successor to the 1971 Boss 351. One of these rare and enigmatic cars is our Pick of the Day, a 1972 Ford Mustang Mach I. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Volo, Illinois.
Ford introduced a redesigned Mustang for 1971. As before, there was a coupe, Grandé coupe, convertible, SportsRoof fastback, and Mach I SportsRoof. While the new pony car reflected the prevailing style for 1971, it was a bit too much for some. Car and Driver said, “While almost every mechanical spec of the [Mustang, in this case a Boss 351] is efficient and competent, the car has suffered mightily at the hands of the stylists … We aren’t condemning the [Mustang] on the basis of its external appearance. In fact, that side of it is generally attractive—striking rather than beautiful but it turns more than its quota of heads and that is what Detroit model changes are all about. It’s from the inside, from the driver’s seat, that you discover how the Boss has been sabotaged by the stylists. It’s like sitting in a bunker; You can hardly see out.”
For 1972, the Mustang hardly changed, but under the hood was a different story as federalized rules required the lowering of compression for 1972 models sold in the United States to enable the use of unleaded fuel for cleaner emissions. Gone was the big-block 429 Cobra Jet, leaving the “Q-code” 351 Cobra Jet as the sole performance offering. This engine was originally introduced in the spring of 1971 as a 280-horsepower alternative to the 285-horsepower “M-code” 351-4V, and ended up carrying the flag of performance for the Mustang through 1973. Compared to the latter, the Cobra Jet featured open-chamber cylinder heads, a lower 9:1 compression, a higher-lift hydraulic camshaft, four-bolt main bearing caps, and a 750-cfm carburetor. For 1972, it was rated at a robust 266 net horsepower.
However, there was another 351 that wasn’t available at the start of the model year which eventually appeared: the 351 HO. Essentially, this was a low-compression version of the Boss 351 engine with a milder camshaft, open-chamber heads, flat-top pistons, and an 8.8:1 compression ratio. Rated at 275 net horsepower, the 351 HO was only available with a four-speed manual and 3.91 gears. Ram air induction was not available. Like the Boss 351, it also shared the same R code in the VIN; unlike the Boss 351, the 1972 351 HO was not restricted to a package for the SportsRoof—it was available on all three body styles plus the Grandé and Mach I. Only 398 351 HO Mustangs were built in 1972 among all body styles, making these cars the last of the truly high-performance Mustangs from the era.
This Grabber Blue 1972 Mustang Mach I is one of 336 built with the 351 HO. Originally sold in Scarsdale, New York, this vehicle stayed with the original family for years before a subsequent owner embarked on a concours-level restoration in more recent years. Aside from the engine, this Mustang features 15-inch Magnum 500s, front power disc brakes, power steering, a fold-down rear seat, a tilt wheel, a Deluxe rim-blow steering wheel, an AM/8-track radio, a console, a rear defroster, Deluxe seat belts, spoilers, side stripes, and power windows.
Could this be the ultimate 1972 Mustang? Quite possibly—the combination of colors and options certainly make this Mach I a contender. For $99,998, you can verify the possibility and stake your claim as having the ultimate ’72.
No matter where you live in the U.S., the weather is just about perfect right now, so I thought I would highlight a classic motorcycle as my Pick of the Day.
I have owned a number of classic bikes: a Brough Superior SS80, six different Norton Commandos, five Harleys, and more than 20 BSAs and Triumphs, as well as Ducatis and Moto Guzzis. Of all the classic motorcycles out there, the most reliable, easiest to ride, and simplest to maintain are BMWs.
The classic bikes from BMW are well built, feel more modern than many of their contemporaries, have great parts support, and are amazingly reliable. To me, they are also an iconic part of motorcycle history.
You may note that I have not named this bike an R69S. That is because it is not an R69S, but rather an R69. You see, BMW introduced their highest-displacement (600cc) postwar motorcycle, which was tuned higher than their 600cc R60. This allowed the R69 to reach speeds in excess of 100 mph – quite fast for a motorcycle in the 1950s. The fact that it was also amazingly reliable just adds to its allure.
An innovation BMW incorporated into the R69 was the front swingarm suspension developed by Englishman Ernie Earles, called the Earles Fork. This front suspension was revolutionary at the time, as it provided incredible roadholding combined with a supremely comfortable ride. It also brought the added benefit of not having any fork dive under hard braking. What is interesting is that every BMW R-series bike since 1994 has had a similar front fork, called the Telelever.
From the many photos provided, this specific R69 looks to be in amazing condition. The seller states that it is a completely numbers-matching example (frame, engine, and transmission) and has been owned by one family from new.
It is also important to note that, according to the seller, this R69 had a comprehensive and fully documented mechanical restoration completed in 2024. This is important, as BMW bikes from this era are getting a bit old and, lacking any kind of an oil filter, they rely on “slingers” on the crankshaft to clean the oil. Over time, those can become pretty gummed up and lead to problems. Any R69 that has received a comprehensive mechanical restoration has had these attended to. Pro tip: If you have one of these bikes, simply change the oil every 1,000 miles to avoid this happening.
The bike includes its tool kit and a full set of manuals, as well as keys and accessories. In addition, this bike looks like it may even have a lot of its original paint, something that makes me like and want it even more. The seller also has a few period photos of the original owner with the bike, something pretty rare these days.
Sure, you can buy a used R69 for around $12,000, but when you factor in the cost of getting it up to speed mechanically (as this one seems to be), you are likely to go way over the $28,000 (OBO) asking price for this example.
If you love the idea of a vintage motorcycle and hate hassles, this 1959 BMW R69 would be a great one to pick.
The Factory Appearing Stock Tire (F.A.S.T.) racing series is the little brother of the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race. If you’re less a purist and more of a heads-up racer, then F.A.S.T. is the bee’s knees. Here’s a hot Poncho owned by Dave Marquis that looks good and goes better.
This Nightshade Green 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 convertible originally started out as a standard 330-horsepower example, but after Dave bought it for his wife in 2001, there were some issues that made her lose interest. Come 2017, Dave took over and converted it to a F.A.S.T. racer. He dropped in a 455 (originally destined for his 1971 Formula 400) and upgraded the camshaft, which resulted in a certified 430 horses and low-13s/high-12s in the quarter.
Dave then had the heads ported, updated the rocker arms, and selected a new 2500-rpm stall converter. Now, the Firebird pulls a best ET of 12.59 on street tires.
Join Muscle Car Campy as he gives us a driving impression of this Pontiac pony car, while Dave fills us in on this car’s journey from dismay to drag-racing dandy. If you enjoy this video, you can view more of Muscle Car Campy’s automotive adventures by clicking here.
Featured on AutoHunter is this 1959 GMC 100 pickup, which is powered by a rebuilt 350ci V8 and equipped with a TH400 three-speed automatic, four-wheel drive, and a dual-range transfer case. Finished in aqua blue and white with red pinstriping over a matching vinyl interior, this rolling tribute to Route 66 is now offered by the seller in Colorado with a clear title.
The single-cab, Fleetside exterior is finished in a combination of aqua blue and white with custom red pinstriping. Features include a visor over the wraparound windshield, chrome trim, a Route 66-themed bed floor, a custom toolbox mounted in the bed behind the cab, a diamond-plate rear bumper, and dual exhaust outlets.
This customized truck rides on 16-inch wheels with chrome covers and 235/75 whitewall radial tires.
Like the body, the cabin has an aqua blue and white color scheme with red accents and references to Route 66. Equipment includes a bench seat, a tilt steering column with an automatic shifter, power steering, air conditioning, and a Custom Autosound AM/FM/AUX/USB radio.
The set of Dolphin gauges consists of a 140-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and readouts for the fuel level, oil pressure, water temperature, and voltage. The odometer shows 3,076 miles, but the title for this truck indicates it’s mileage-exempt.
Under the hood is a 350ci V8 that was rebuilt in 2024. It comes equipped with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, Buick valve covers, and a Champion aluminum radiator. A TH400 three-speed automatic, 3.92 rear end, and dual-range transfer case deliver the engine’s output to the road or trail.
Like the engine, the suspension was rebuilt. That works with the power brakes to help this classic pickup keep on truckin’.
The auction for this 1959 GMC 100 ends on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).
It doesn’t matter how many bells and whistles your car has on it – there are some features that you’re never going to use. After having my Hyundai for a year and a half, I’ve gotten into a groove with the features that I access on a daily basis. I know other people do the same thing. That got me thinking about some of the features people in my life don’t or will never use. And now I’m wondering: Do you ever use any of the conveniences below? If you don’t, please tell me why in the comments below.
Soft-close Doors
(Photo courtesy of Genesis)
Every time I get a press car to review that has these, I always make sure to tell my wife she doesn’t have to close her door all the way because it’ll take care of that for her. And each time she gets in the car, she closes the door the same way she would in a Chevy Cavalier. She’s just so used to regular car doors. Plus, it takes a certain conscious effort to bring the door to the starting point, then let it take over. I’m somewhat used to soft-close doors because of my line of work, but even I forget to take advantage of them from time to time. For those of you who have them on your vehicle, do you let them do their job or do you just slam your door closed and get on with your life?
Rear Wiper
(Photo courtesy of Stellantis)
I can probably count the number of times I’ve used a rear wiper on two hands. Granted, not every vehicle has one, but when I’ve driven one with a rear wiper in the rain, I’ve rarely turned it on – and even then, I let it do a swipe or two before shutting it off. How much time does the rear wiper on your vehicle spend in motion?
Hands-free Liftgate
(Photo courtesy of Honda)
The idea behind this convenience is simple: If you have your hands full and need to load what you’re carrying into the back of your crossover or SUV, just wave your foot below a sensor in the rear bumper and the liftgate will open. But some vehicles are easier to do that with on the first try than others, which leave you looking like a lunatic doing a solo version of the Hokey Pokey. That’s not you, is it?
I love the panoramic sunroof on my car – when the sun’s down here in Arizona. My wife and mother-in-law have a conventional sunroof in their crossovers, which I’ve seen them use a combined total of probably one time, even at night. Under the right conditions, the view of the sky above can make any drive just that little bit better. Do you agree?
Paddle Shifters
(Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz)
Paddle shifters seem to be in or at least available in almost every kind of vehicle these days. I can imagine their instant access and clutchless shifting appeals to a lot of enthusiasts out there, but even they might only use them every once in a while. If you have paddle shifters in your vehicle, how often do you change gears with them?
Auto Start/Stop
(Photo courtesy of Ford)
If there’s any answer that’s going to noticeably skew a certain direction, it’s this one. To save gas, some automakers equip their vehicles with auto start/stop, which shuts off the engine when you stop at a red light or stop sign, then fires it up again once you take your foot off the brake. But not everyone loves the technology because they find it annoying or worry about the damage it’s doing to their engine, so they either shut it off every time they start their vehicle or use an aftermarket solution to defeat the system entirely. What about you? Do you use it or would you prefer to lose it?
Cadillac made its cars – and their paint finishes – to withstand the test of time. Did you ever notice that the trim tag on some classic Cadillacs says, “This car finished with Magic Mirror Acrylic Lacquer”? The lacquer was manufactured by DuPont and was known for its high-gloss, mirror-like finish. I am curious if the vehicles from any other divisions of General Motors were painted with such a product.
This car was one of the lucky recipients of Magic Mirror when new:
Featured on AutoHunter is this 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. The car is being sold by a dealer in Woodland Hills, California, and the auction will end Monday, May 19, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. PDT.
The listing says the car was one of 1,450 Eldorado Biarritz models produced for the year. When compared to the ostentatious Cadillacs of the late 1950s, subsequent models had toned-down tailfins, although they were still a prominent part of the design. One of the noteworthy exterior features for 1961 was the convex “jeweled” grille. According to the included photo of the trim tag, this car’s original paint code was 96: Jade Metallic.
The interior, on the other hand, bore trim code 16: Jade Florentine and ostrich leather. The cabin retains an original look, although a modern Pioneer head unit has been cleverly installed in the glove compartment – and connected to an amplifier and a speaker box in the trunk. Options abound, including power windows, power steering, power door locks, and even factory air conditioning.
For about 50 years and across 12 generations, the Eldorado held its spot as one of the automotive industry’s premier personal luxury vehicles. A magazine advertisement for the Eldo said, “Cadillac Supremacy: Wherever highways lead and quality is recognized, Cadillac is known and accepted as motordom’s supreme achievement.” The 1961 Biarritz was a car aimed at the high-rollers of society; its retail price of $6,477 was lofty compared to lesser GM models (for example, the least-expensive Bel Air was only $2,536).
Power comes from a 390ci OHV V8 mated to a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The engine is fed by a four-barrel carburetor and was rebuilt about 12,000 miles ago, according to the listing.
These days, it seems there are so many ways to dress up the exterior of a car as opposed to just a paint coating: Many people use wraps or paint protection films (some of which are available in matte finishes), and some hobbyists even customize their vehicles by creating faux patina.
Personally, I’m still a fan of the Magic Mirror concept – there’s nothing like a brilliant paint reflection to accentuate the curves of a classic machine.
Do you recall Jaguar’s “interesting” rebranding campaign? The beleaguered British automotive company aroused snickers six months ago thanks to its marketing and advertising staff’s goofy lack of self-awareness. Since then, the future world of EVs (not to mention the future world of trade) has changed a bit. Has Jaguar’s future changed as well?
According to The Telegraph, Jaguar is searching for a new advertising agency months after wiping egg off its face due to the rebranding campaign developed by Accenture Song and Spark44, Jaguar Land Rover’s agency of record. However, Jaguar refuses to comment on the rumor: “As a matter of policy JLR does not comment on any supplier arrangements, Accenture Song are currently under contract to the middle of 2026. We have nothing further to say on this matter.”
The impetus for the account review is said to have come after President Trump slapped 25-percent tariffs on imported cars from the United Kingdom, which drove Jaguar Land Rover to temporarily pause exports to the U.S. Since then, the two countries have settled on an agreement that includes the reduction of import taxes on a specific number of British cars exported to the U.S. (though no word on what Detroit thinks of this). British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the agreement as a “fantastic platform” while speaking at a Jaguar Land Rover factory. “This historic deal delivers for British business and British workers protecting thousands of British jobs in key sectors including car manufacturing and steel.”
1966 XKE, from when Jaguar ruled the world.
Jaguar is one of the most emotive automotive brands in the world. It has aspired to follow the business model of Land Rover and sell fewer cars at a price tag of more than £100,000 each (approximately $130,000), according to The Telegraph, but the poor start has not done the repositioning any favors. Let’s hope it doesn’t pull a British Leyland and disappear.
