Journal Classic Cars

Digital dashes were all the rage in the 1980s, when speedometers, trip computers, and touch-screen climate-control units started making their way into mainstream production cars (especially among luxury American automakers).

The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Buick Riviera convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Longmont, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Rare 1985 Riviera convertible,” the listing begins. “Runs and drives well.” One of the many high-end appointments that the Riviera boasted was a digital instrument panel.

The Riviera was Buick’s first entry into what became known as the personal luxury car segment, and the nameplate was first introduced in 1963. The word itself translates to “coastline” in Italian, and in line with the wealthy target market for this model, the marketing for the Riviera conveyed the appeal of the French Riviera region which has always been known for its vacation resorts and opulence.

Today’s Riviera comes from the final year of the sixth generation which was launched in 1979 on the General Motors E-body platform. The E-body was shared with the Oldsmobile Toronado and the Cadillac Eldorado, and this marked the first time the Riviera had front-wheel drive. A few years later in 1982, a convertible was offered, but it was sold in limited numbers and limited color combinations – it was only available with a white or red exterior, and all convertibles came with red leather interiors.

According to the Standard Catalog of American Cars by James Flammang, there were just 400 Riviera convertibles produced for the 1985 model year. To put that into perspective, there were 65,305 total Rivieras produced that year. That means only 0.6% of Riviera production was for convertible models. The seller of today’s Riviera is absolutely right about its rarity.

Appointments for the Riviera were indeed luxurious for the time, complete with power-retractable top, generous woodgrain trim, electronic climate control, and of course that all-important digital dash. The seller calls attention to some rust which is seen inside both door jambs. The underbody also shows some corrosion shown in the photos, so this Riviera could use some love to make it a show piece.

“Private owner sale, reasonable offers accepted,” the listing concludes.

Whether this Riviera makes you think of the glamorous life of the French Riviera or not, there’s no arguing about its rarity in the grand scheme of things.

The seller is asking $11,500 or best offer for this Riviera. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Digital dashes were all the rage in the 1980s, when speedometers, trip computers, and touch-screen climate-control units started making their way into mainstream production cars (especially among luxury American automakers).

The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Buick Riviera convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Longmont, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Rare 1985 Riviera convertible,” the listing begins. “Runs and drives well.” One of the many high-end appointments that the Riviera boasted was a digital instrument panel.

The Riviera was Buick’s first entry into what became known as the personal luxury car segment, and the nameplate was first introduced in 1963. The word itself translates to “coastline” in Italian, and in line with the wealthy target market for this model, the marketing for the Riviera conveyed the appeal of the French Riviera region which has always been known for its vacation resorts and opulence.

Today’s Riviera comes from the final year of the sixth generation which was launched in 1979 on the General Motors E-body platform. The E-body was shared with the Oldsmobile Toronado and the Cadillac Eldorado, and this marked the first time the Riviera had front-wheel drive. A few years later in 1982, a convertible was offered, but it was sold in limited numbers and limited color combinations – it was only available with a white or red exterior, and all convertibles came with red leather interiors.

According to the Standard Catalog of American Cars by James Flammang, there were just 400 Riviera convertibles produced for the 1985 model year. To put that into perspective, there were 65,305 total Rivieras produced that year. That means only 0.6% of Riviera production was for convertible models. The seller of today’s Riviera is absolutely right about its rarity.

Appointments for the Riviera were indeed luxurious for the time, complete with power-retractable top, generous woodgrain trim, electronic climate control, and of course that all-important digital dash. The seller calls attention to some rust which is seen inside both door jambs. The underbody also shows some corrosion shown in the photos, so this Riviera could use some love to make it a show piece.

“Private owner sale, reasonable offers accepted,” the listing concludes.

Whether this Riviera makes you think of the glamorous life of the French Riviera or not, there’s no arguing about its rarity in the grand scheme of things.

The seller is asking $11,500 or best offer for this Riviera. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Of course, it’s powered by a Trans-Am-inspired 302ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include limited-slip differential, folding rear seat, rear window louvers, rear spoiler, and modern stereo upgrade with Bluetooth. Finished in yellow with black vinyl interior, this 1970 Mustang Boss 302 comes with a Deluxe Marti Report and a clear title.

During the four-year restoration, the exterior was finished in the original color of Bright Yellow (code D) with black Boss 302-specific stripes. Features include front chin spoiler, added Shaker hood, color-keyed sport mirrors with driver’s-side remote, and black taillight panel. A walk-around video can be seen on the auction page.

A set of 15-inch reproduction Scott Drake Magnum 500 wheels is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

The front bucket seats and the rest of the cabin are upholstered in black vinyl. Features include folding Sport Deck rear seat, new Borgeson power steering system, center console with storage compartment, Hurst shifter, and RetroSound AM/FM radio with Bluetooth.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 88,935 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by a correct 290-horsepower Boss 302 engine, which features 10.5:1 compression, a high-nickel-content block with four-bolt mains, and performance heads with canted valves and solid lifters. It is paired with a rebuilt RUG-AW Top Loader close-ratio four-speed manual transmission that includes a new clutch assembly.

This Boss 302 was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and 3.91:1 Traction-Lok differential. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 ends on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Of course, it’s powered by a Trans-Am-inspired 302ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include limited-slip differential, folding rear seat, rear window louvers, rear spoiler, and modern stereo upgrade with Bluetooth. Finished in yellow with black vinyl interior, this 1970 Mustang Boss 302 comes with a Deluxe Marti Report and a clear title.

During the four-year restoration, the exterior was finished in the original color of Bright Yellow (code D) with black Boss 302-specific stripes. Features include front chin spoiler, added Shaker hood, color-keyed sport mirrors with driver’s-side remote, and black taillight panel. A walk-around video can be seen on the auction page.

A set of 15-inch reproduction Scott Drake Magnum 500 wheels is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

The front bucket seats and the rest of the cabin are upholstered in black vinyl. Features include folding Sport Deck rear seat, new Borgeson power steering system, center console with storage compartment, Hurst shifter, and RetroSound AM/FM radio with Bluetooth.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 88,935 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by a correct 290-horsepower Boss 302 engine, which features 10.5:1 compression, a high-nickel-content block with four-bolt mains, and performance heads with canted valves and solid lifters. It is paired with a rebuilt RUG-AW Top Loader close-ratio four-speed manual transmission that includes a new clutch assembly.

This Boss 302 was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and 3.91:1 Traction-Lok differential. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 ends on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Of course, it’s powered by a Trans-Am-inspired 302ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include limited-slip differential, folding rear seat, rear window louvers, rear spoiler, and modern stereo upgrade with Bluetooth. Finished in yellow with black vinyl interior, this 1970 Mustang Boss 302 comes with a Deluxe Marti Report and a clear title.

During the four-year restoration, the exterior was finished in the original color of Bright Yellow (code D) with black Boss 302-specific stripes. Features include front chin spoiler, added Shaker hood, color-keyed sport mirrors with driver’s-side remote, and black taillight panel. A walk-around video can be seen on the auction page.

A set of 15-inch reproduction Scott Drake Magnum 500 wheels is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

The front bucket seats and the rest of the cabin are upholstered in black vinyl. Features include folding Sport Deck rear seat, new Borgeson power steering system, center console with storage compartment, Hurst shifter, and RetroSound AM/FM radio with Bluetooth.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 88,935 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by a correct 290-horsepower Boss 302 engine, which features 10.5:1 compression, a high-nickel-content block with four-bolt mains, and performance heads with canted valves and solid lifters. It is paired with a rebuilt RUG-AW Top Loader close-ratio four-speed manual transmission that includes a new clutch assembly.

This Boss 302 was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and 3.91:1 Traction-Lok differential. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 ends on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Today is April 17th. Does this date resonate with anyone? No, it’s not a date which will live in infamy, silly Millennial — 59 years ago, the Ford Mustang was introduced.

Mopar fans like to say the Barracuda was the first pony car, and that wouldn’t be far from the truth since the Barracuda was introduced on April 1^st. However, the Barracuda was a Valiant fastback, while the Mustang featured unique styling and was a marketing tour de force, especially with the market research behind it.

Like the Beatles, the Mustang took advantage of something simmering in America, which included a youth-minded culture plus more households acquiring second cars (read: more women having their own cars). Sales were beyond spectacular.

For the Mustang’s 50^th in 2014, there were several official shows around the country celebrating everyone’s favorite pony car. I was able to attend the West Coast event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and, I can tell you speaking as car guy more than Mustang fan, it was a celebration to remember. Here are several reminiscent images from that pony car party.

Today is April 17th. Does this date resonate with anyone? No, it’s not a date which will live in infamy, silly Millennial — 59 years ago, the Ford Mustang was introduced.

Mopar fans like to say the Barracuda was the first pony car, and that wouldn’t be far from the truth since the Barracuda was introduced on April 1^st. However, the Barracuda was a Valiant fastback, while the Mustang featured unique styling and was a marketing tour de force, especially with the market research behind it.

Like the Beatles, the Mustang took advantage of something simmering in America, which included a youth-minded culture plus more households acquiring second cars (read: more women having their own cars). Sales were beyond spectacular.

For the Mustang’s 50^th in 2014, there were several official shows around the country celebrating everyone’s favorite pony car. I was able to attend the West Coast event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and, I can tell you speaking as car guy more than Mustang fan, it was a celebration to remember. Here are several reminiscent images from that pony car party.

Today is April 17th. Does this date resonate with anyone? No, it’s not a date which will live in infamy, silly Millennial — 59 years ago, the Ford Mustang was introduced.

Mopar fans like to say the Barracuda was the first pony car, and that wouldn’t be far from the truth since the Barracuda was introduced on April 1^st. However, the Barracuda was a Valiant fastback, while the Mustang featured unique styling and was a marketing tour de force, especially with the market research behind it.

Like the Beatles, the Mustang took advantage of something simmering in America, which included a youth-minded culture plus more households acquiring second cars (read: more women having their own cars). Sales were beyond spectacular.

For the Mustang’s 50^th in 2014, there were several official shows around the country celebrating everyone’s favorite pony car. I was able to attend the West Coast event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and, I can tell you speaking as car guy more than Mustang fan, it was a celebration to remember. Here are several reminiscent images from that pony car party.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions celebrated two decades of bringing the ultimate high-octane automotive lifestyle event to Palm Beach during its annual auction held at the South Florida Fairgrounds, April 13-15, 2023. Delivering another unforgettable event in the Sunshine State, 622 vehicles were sold at auction, all with No Reserve, for $43.6 million. Additionally, Barrett-Jackson sold 263 pieces of authentic automobilia for more than $745,000, bringing total auction sales to $44.4 million with a 100-percent sell-through rate and over 40 world-record auction sales. Top auction sales were led by a 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Lot #740), which sold for $1,457,500.

“For 20 years we’ve called Palm Beach our second home and during that time we’ve created wonderful memories and celebrated countless milestones with our collector car family,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This year continued that spectacular tradition with more than 600 collectible vehicles crossing the block, including several incredible collections, that all sold at No Reserve. Like our Scottsdale event, this year’s Palm Beach Auction demonstrated that the collector car hobby continues to be a vibrant marketplace where enthusiasts are snatching up the hottest vehicles. We look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas this June.”

The top 10 non-charity vehicles that sold during the 2023 Palm Beach Auction included:

1. 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Lot #740) – $1,457,500
2. 2020 Ford GT (Lot #725) – $990,000
3. 2005 Ford GT (Lot #725.1) – $440,000
4. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (Lot #744) – $434,500
5. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot #722) – $401,500
6. 2019 Porsche Speedster (Lot #745) – $396,000
7. 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom (Lot #739) – $363,000
8. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (Lot #748.1) – $346,500
9. 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider (Lot #737) – $330,000
10. 1965 Ferrari 212 Barchetta Roadster Re-Creation (Lot #735) – $297,000

During the three-day automotive event, Barrett-Jackson hosted several industry titans, including U.S. Congressman Brian Mast, Chip Foose, Rita and Shawn Shelby (grandson of Carroll Shelby), and actor Chuck Zito.

On Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson sold two vehicles to benefit charity, raising a total of $1.3 million. The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ First Retail Production VIN 001 (Lot #3000) sold for $1.1 million, with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting DonorsChoose. Michelle Mauzy, noted philanthropist and longtime member of the Barrett-Jackson family, donated an additional $50,000 to the nonprofit, bringing the total raised for DonorsChoose to $1.15 million.

One of only 45 built, Lee Iacocca’s 2009 Ford Mustang Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition (Lot #3001) sold for $150,000 to benefit the Ellis Island Honors Society. The sale also included a painting of the car that was created during the three-day event. To date, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise over $153 million for charity.

“The 2023 Palm Beach Auction was the perfect way to celebrate two decades of bringing the automotive lifestyle to Florida’s Gold Coast,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The diversity of the market and the passion that drives it are thriving in Palm Beach. Demand for everything from European supercars to amphicars was incredible. The crowd responded to our No Reserve docket, which was also filled with the finest Shelbys, classics, SUVs and muscle cars. Even during uncertain times on Wall Street, interest in collector cars continues to be strong and is attracting many new people to the hobby.”

Barrett-Jackson kicked off each day in Palm Beach with its automobilia auction, which featured 263 automobilia pieces that sold for more than $745,000. The top three automobilia pieces that sold during the Palm Beach Auction include:

1. 1930s-40s Phillips 66 Embossed Porcelain Neon Sign (Lot #8295) – $43,125
2. 1940 Marathon Oil Ethyl Gasoline Gas Pump Globe (Lot #8254.2) – $27,025
3. Early 1960s Gulf Oil Porcelain with Animated Neon Sign (Lot #7299) – $21,850

Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the 2023 Las Vegas Auction, June 22-24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Those interested in being a part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for the 2023 Las Vegas Auction may do so here. To purchase tickets and VIP packages to the event, click here.

During Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson announced the dates for the New Orleans Auction. The good times will roll September 28-30, 2023, in the Crescent City.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions celebrated two decades of bringing the ultimate high-octane automotive lifestyle event to Palm Beach during its annual auction held at the South Florida Fairgrounds, April 13-15, 2023. Delivering another unforgettable event in the Sunshine State, 622 vehicles were sold at auction, all with No Reserve, for $43.6 million. Additionally, Barrett-Jackson sold 263 pieces of authentic automobilia for more than $745,000, bringing total auction sales to $44.4 million with a 100-percent sell-through rate and over 40 world-record auction sales. Top auction sales were led by a 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Lot #740), which sold for $1,457,500.

“For 20 years we’ve called Palm Beach our second home and during that time we’ve created wonderful memories and celebrated countless milestones with our collector car family,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This year continued that spectacular tradition with more than 600 collectible vehicles crossing the block, including several incredible collections, that all sold at No Reserve. Like our Scottsdale event, this year’s Palm Beach Auction demonstrated that the collector car hobby continues to be a vibrant marketplace where enthusiasts are snatching up the hottest vehicles. We look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas this June.”

The top 10 non-charity vehicles that sold during the 2023 Palm Beach Auction included:

1. 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Lot #740) – $1,457,500
2. 2020 Ford GT (Lot #725) – $990,000
3. 2005 Ford GT (Lot #725.1) – $440,000
4. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (Lot #744) – $434,500
5. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot #722) – $401,500
6. 2019 Porsche Speedster (Lot #745) – $396,000
7. 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom (Lot #739) – $363,000
8. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (Lot #748.1) – $346,500
9. 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider (Lot #737) – $330,000
10. 1965 Ferrari 212 Barchetta Roadster Re-Creation (Lot #735) – $297,000

During the three-day automotive event, Barrett-Jackson hosted several industry titans, including U.S. Congressman Brian Mast, Chip Foose, Rita and Shawn Shelby (grandson of Carroll Shelby), and actor Chuck Zito.

On Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson sold two vehicles to benefit charity, raising a total of $1.3 million. The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ First Retail Production VIN 001 (Lot #3000) sold for $1.1 million, with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting DonorsChoose. Michelle Mauzy, noted philanthropist and longtime member of the Barrett-Jackson family, donated an additional $50,000 to the nonprofit, bringing the total raised for DonorsChoose to $1.15 million.

One of only 45 built, Lee Iacocca’s 2009 Ford Mustang Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition (Lot #3001) sold for $150,000 to benefit the Ellis Island Honors Society. The sale also included a painting of the car that was created during the three-day event. To date, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise over $153 million for charity.

“The 2023 Palm Beach Auction was the perfect way to celebrate two decades of bringing the automotive lifestyle to Florida’s Gold Coast,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The diversity of the market and the passion that drives it are thriving in Palm Beach. Demand for everything from European supercars to amphicars was incredible. The crowd responded to our No Reserve docket, which was also filled with the finest Shelbys, classics, SUVs and muscle cars. Even during uncertain times on Wall Street, interest in collector cars continues to be strong and is attracting many new people to the hobby.”

Barrett-Jackson kicked off each day in Palm Beach with its automobilia auction, which featured 263 automobilia pieces that sold for more than $745,000. The top three automobilia pieces that sold during the Palm Beach Auction include:

1. 1930s-40s Phillips 66 Embossed Porcelain Neon Sign (Lot #8295) – $43,125
2. 1940 Marathon Oil Ethyl Gasoline Gas Pump Globe (Lot #8254.2) – $27,025
3. Early 1960s Gulf Oil Porcelain with Animated Neon Sign (Lot #7299) – $21,850

Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the 2023 Las Vegas Auction, June 22-24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Those interested in being a part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for the 2023 Las Vegas Auction may do so here. To purchase tickets and VIP packages to the event, click here.

During Super Saturday, Barrett-Jackson announced the dates for the New Orleans Auction. The good times will roll September 28-30, 2023, in the Crescent City.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.