The middle of the 20th century marked some important milestones in the automotive world, as well as in pop culture. Did you know that the first credit card was launched in 1950? Invented by Frank McNamara, the Diners Club started out because McNamara forgot his wallet when he went out to eat one evening. His wife paid the bill, but the following day, he came up with the charge card as a way to avoid future embarrassments. Some 75 years later, the average American has around $6,500 in credit card debt.
The change around us is constant; the same can be said about the automotive industry. When the 1950 Chevrolet models were assembled, most of them came with an inline-six powertrain producing fewer than 100 horsepower. But innovative enthusiasts have found ways to inject modern tech (and modern power) into the cars of yesteryear – and such is the case here. The Pick of the Day is a 1950 Chevrolet Fleetline two-door listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Salinas, California.
“Beautiful custom paint job with custom interior,” the listing begins. The exterior theme is smooth and low: The body is free of almost any trim and even the hood ornament has been deleted. The car’s aggressive stance is made possible by drop spindles and the whitewall tires hearken back to the car’s origins. Just about everything else, though, has been brought into the modern era – most importantly, the engine.
Power comes from a 350ci small-block V8 with a performance camshaft, a FiTech fuel injection system, an aluminum intake manifold, an HEI ignition system, headers, an aluminum radiator with electric fans, and a dual exhaust system. A TH700R4 four-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip rear end with a 3.42:1 gear ratio. Finally, four-wheel discs provide abundant stopping power. The result of all the above is a car that can be driven and maintained with relative ease thanks to the availability of parts and service for its components. The listing includes a walk-around video with the car at idle. It runs as smooth as it looks.
The icing on the cake is that the cabin received its share of love, too: The build includes a Vintage Air climate control system, upgraded Pioneer audio, Dakota Digital gauges, and reupholstered seating with unique diamond-pattern stitching.
The 1950 Chevrolet was referred to in advertising as “America’s best seller, America’s best buy.” To me, this restomod looks like a best buy if I’ve ever seen one. I doubt you could build one for the same price the seller is asking. “Awesome car – hate to sell it, but I no longer have the space to keep it,” the listing concludes.
The asking price for this 1950 Chevrolet Fleetline is $36,500. And no, you probably can’t pay for it with a Diners Club card.
At the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, Autohunter Cinema saw “The Color Purple.” No, we didn’t watch the 1985 movie – we got an up-close look at this 1966 GMC 1500. Back in 1971, it was painted Iris Mist, Pontiac‘s light shade of purple, and pearl white by one of the automaker’s factory workers. We also spoke with veteran Brandonn Mixon, who bought the truck several years ago and overhauled it with his family.
During the course of the customization process, Mixon started the Veterans Community Project, which builds transitional housing for homeless veterans. He and his family kept the distinctive paint job, but upgraded everything else. The Color Purple rides on a powder-coated frame, an air suspension, and a set of white 22-inch wheels. Inside the cab is a set of coordinating purple and white Buddy Bucket seats as well as a custom-made Holley digital gauge cluster. Of course, Mixon and his family didn’t leave out the engine, which is now a supercharged LS 5.3-liter V8 that cranks out 585 horsepower on the dyno. Watch our interview with Brandonn Mixon to learn more about this cool truck with a great story that led to wonderful things for people in need.
Featured on AutoHunter is this 2003 Chevrolet Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition convertible. It’s powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8, which sends its output to the road through a 4L60E four-speed automatic. Finished in 50th Anniversary Red and equipped with a Shale soft top over a Shale leather interior, this C5 is now offered by the seller in Oklahoma with an owner’s booklet, a Corvette instructional CD, a Corvette 50th Anniversary VHS tape, touch-up paint, a clean CARFAX report, and a clear title.
The 50th Anniversary Red exterior features fog lights, pop-up headlights, 50th anniversary badging, front fender vents, a Shale soft top with a heated glass rear window, and quad exhaust outlets.
This special Vette rides on 17-inch front and 18-inch rear Champagne wheels wrapped in 245/45 and 275/40 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, respectively.
Inside the cockpit are power-adjustable Shale leather bucket seats as well as power windows, locks, and mirrors; two-person driver’s seat memory; a head-up display; a tilt and telescoping steering column; cruise control; dual-zone automatic climate control; and a factory AM/FM/CD radio with Bose speakers. The center console houses the controls for the Active Handling and Magnetic Selective Ride Control systems.
Instrumentation consists of a 200-mph speedometer, 7,500-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, temperature, voltage, and fuel level. The digital odometer shows 24,403 miles, a figure slightly above the 24,377 logged in the CARFAX report in August 2024.
Under the hood is a 350-horsepower LS1 5.7-lter V8, which is connected to a 4L60E four-speed automatic.
A fully independent suspension setup and four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS keep this Corvette on the road.
As a child of the 1980s, I spent many quarters playing arcade games. From Space Port in the local mall to the Longhorn Ranch in Glen Mills and the many arcades along the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, I played so many—from electromechanical games to vector and raster classics—that I’ve developed a sense of nostalgia for my youth. I miss it even more knowing that Nissan’s Formula E Team has launched this retro arcade game.
NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo was created in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Kentaro Yoshida to mark the arrival of the FIA Formula E World Championship in Japan for the team’s home race, May 17-18, 2025.
“We’re very excited to return to our home E-Prix in Tokyo. This race is not only a major moment for us as a team, but also a chance to celebrate our Japanese heritage,” said Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan’s Formula E Team. “With ‘NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo’ we’ve created something that captures the energy we bring to the track while celebrating Japan’s legendary gaming culture. We’ve had a good season so far and we’re ready to give it our all in Tokyo to deliver excitement both on and off the track.”
Developed in an 8-bit style (think Nintendo NES), NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo allows you to get behind the wheel and simulate the 200-mph excitement of Formula E on Tokyo’s street circuit. Best of all, you can play it in the comfort of your own home—just go to www.NismoElectricRacer.com!
Additionally, Yoshida’s handiwork will appear on the Formula E team’s livery, which reimagines the Sakura-themed (cherry blossom) design. This will be unveiled during a May 14th event at Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama and across NISMO’s social media channels.
Many of us have been brought to an office at a new car dealership to be pressured by the F&I (Finance & Insurance) manager to purchase an extended warranty or a dealer-installed option we don’t really want. Our Pick of the Day, a 1969 Ford Torino GT SportsRoof, reflects an F&I success story due to one unusual feature. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Homer City, Pennsylvania.
The Torino GT was in its second year in 1969, facelifted with changes in grille and trim, but it was largely the same car as before. Available body styles were the SportsRoof fastback, the more formal Hardtop, and the Convertible. All three came standard with a 302 two-barrel with 210 horsepower. That certainly doesn’t sound like GT power, but the GT was more sporty than sport.
If you wanted more power, you could opt for the new 351, which was available in two states of tune: 250 horsepower with a two-barrel or 290 horsepower with a four-barrel. The latter was the beginning of the more sports side of the model. If torque was your desire, then the 390 four-barrel with 320 lb-ft was your next choice, but if you went that far, why not consider the 335-horsepower 428 Cobra Jet? It was the only engine available with ram air induction, though Ford included a non-functional hood scoop with all Torino GTs aside from the rarefied few that were ordered without it. New for the CJ was the Drag Pack, a package that featured upgraded parts for durability at the drag strip. In addition to 3.91 or 4.30 gears, features included an oil cooler and an upgraded crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, wrist pins, flywheel, flexplate, and harmonic balancer. The Drag Pack was introduced several months into production because Ford discovered issues with engine durability, especially with excessive oil temperatures.
Several new features stand out for the Torino GT: If you opted for the SportsRoof, you received a C-stripe that was distinct from the one available in 1968, with this one following the mid-section of the body instead of the beltline; coupes and convertibles received the traditional GT stripe above the rocker panels. Plus, the C-pillar on the SportsRoof now featured three louvers instead of five.
Thanks to the Plymouth Road Runner, Ford introduced the Fairlane-based Cobra, which came standard with the Cobra Jet. Certainly, that was more sport than sporty. Interior and exterior trim were lacking compared to the Torino GT, so when equipped with the same powerplant, the GT came off as less austere and more deluxe. Visually and intrinsically, the Torino GT presented itself more nicely.
One option not available on the SportsRoof, whether it was a Cobra, Fairlane 500, or Torino GT, was a vinyl roof. However, you might notice that this 1969 Ford Torino GT SportsRoof has a light gold vinyl roof that nicely complements the Black Jade paint and gold stripes. It’s one of the third-party dealer-installed items that was available back in the day. These pop up on occasion, but we imagine many were removed upon restoration. It certainly gives this GT a unique look and we’d bet that it was prepped by the dealership for its inventory, rather than a customer who dealt with F&I. Inside, you’ll find a Medium Ivy Green bucket-seat interior with a console housing the automatic shifter. Power comes from a 428 Cobra Jet with ram air, one of 1,285 built with this engine (of which 703 had automatics). Other options per the Marti Report show power steering and brakes, a tachometer, an AM radio, tinted windows, and the Visibility Group.
The seller states current upgrades include a Holley 600-cfm carburetor, an aluminum intake, and a PerTronix Flame-Thrower coil, but it’s that vinyl top that truly makes this already-unique car even more special. Best of all, the seller won’t try to upsell you once you spend your $52,900.
The automotive world waited decades for a mid-engine Corvette and finally got it in 2020. Now look where we are: 2026 will be the C8’s seventh model year. There are no significant engine changes in store (as of this moment), but the Vette’s interior has been completely overhauled.
The outgoing interior design.
The 2020-2025 Corvette’s interior, with its central rising strip of HVAC controls that divided the driver and passenger, had a visual drama to it that matched the flashy exterior. But that signature characteristic wasn’t popular with everyone.
Now there’s a grab handle between the two seats, but there’s an open area below it with a wireless charging pad. The layout of the center console was completely redesigned. The HVAC controls were moved to the bottom of the larger 12.7-inch display for the infotainment system, which features Google Built-in that enables occupants to use voice commands to open the updated Performance Data Recorder and operate other features. The drive mode selector was redesigned and placed in front of the controls for the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Even the cup holders were changed to an open configuration with hand-wrapped inserts, ambient lighting, and crossed flags at the bottom.
Like the main infotainment screen, the display for the digital instrument cluster was enlarged and now spans 14 inches diagonally. According to Chevrolet, “Tour, Sport and Track display designs have … been modernized with new animations and cleaner graphics for the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges.” To the left of that is a new-for-2026 configurable 6.6-inch touchscreen display that shows information such as trip mileage and the Performance Traction Management settings; those now include a new PTM Pro mode that shuts off stability and traction control while leaving ABS and certain E-Ray-specific front axle controls running.
In addition to two new exterior colors (Roswell Green Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic), there are also new interior color schemes: Sky Cool and Medium Ash Gray with Habanero accents, Santorini Blue, Very Dark Atmosphere, and Ultimate Suede with Adrenaline Red, Santorini Blue, or Competition Yellow accent stitching and matching seat belts. For the first time ever, the Corvette can be ordered with asymmetrical interior colors (Jet Black and Adrenaline Red)—and seats. Chevrolet says, “Customers can even spec a mixed seating option in Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red, with a racing-inspired Adrenaline Red Competition driver’s seat and a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat.”
To top it all off (literally), Chevrolet now offers an optional electrochromic roof panel, which can be set to full, medium, or low tint with the push of a button.
Other changes to the Corvette lineup for 2026 include carbon ceramic brakes with 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers for the ZR1’s ZTK performance package and the E-Ray’s Performance App being made available on all C8 models.
What do you think of the 2026 Corvette’s new cockpit? Will you miss the old layout? Tell us in the comments below.
Ever hear a rumor, only to be disappointed by the actual manifestation of it? That’s my story of the 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2. In the 1980s, Pontiac was my favorite American brand, and having a Pontiac version of the Monte Carlo Aerocoupe was exciting news!
Alas, when the NASCAR-influenced Poncho was finally revealed, it was disappointing to learn that it was not an equal to the Aerocoupe under the hood. While the Bow Tie offered 180 horsepower with dual exhausts, the 2+2 managed 165 with a single exhaust. Yes, muscle was slowly coming back, but in the Pontiac world, you had to go to the Firebird for a thrill.
Richard Petty was driving for Pontiac and the King didn’t like seeing Monte Carlo SSs and Ford Thunderbirds run faster on the speedway. The Grand Prix 2+2 was Pontiac’s answer to this, the last homologation special from Detroit. All were silver over charcoal with red and orange stripes. Out back, the aero rear window was fixed, so a new trunk lid needed to be fashioned. Note how much real estate the spoiler takes up.
Muscle Car Campy joined Norm MacAuley for a ride in his low-mileage 1986 Grand Prix 2+2. It’s one of 1,225 built, with all sharing the same trim configuration. Take a peek at the video below and relive the memories of when the horsepower wars were just starting to crest 200 horsepower.
If this kind of content is right up your alley, be sure to check out Muscle Car Campy’s past videos.
In the 1980s, there were a lot of boxy vehicles. Many of them were bland, boring sights because of their lack of curves—and still are. But one particular right-angled design from that decade remains attractive: GM’s pickups. One of them, a 1984 Chevrolet C10 Silverado posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Kansas, happens to be our Pick of the Day.
The third generation of GM’s C/K line of trucks debuted in the 1973 model year with new styling, a smoother ride, and improved visibility. Although GM identified the newest iteration of its pickups with the “Rounded Line” name, these days, they’re more commonly referred to as “Square Body” trucks. When you look at this ’84 C10, you can see why.
The only curves are in the wheels and tires; the rest is all lines and angles. Somehow GM managed to make such a simple, conservative design look great. With a single cab and a short bed, a Square Body is the rolling definition of the words “sport truck” – especially when it looks like this one. There’s no need for loud colors or flamboyant add-ons. The two-box profile is covered in glossy black, although that is accented with a billet-style grille and chrome trim. Other modifications are more low-key, such as the cowl hood and rear roll pan. A hydraulic tonneau cover protects the contents of the Line-X-coated bed.
There is one noticeable flourish, though—actually, there are four: the 22-inch U.S. Mags Scottsdale wheels. Yes, they are massive, especially because they dwarf their low-profile Nitto tires. Additionally, this truck has been dropped on Belltech drop spindles and features a rear axle flip kit and A-1 Racing Products rear coilovers.
To go with this truck’s classic lines is a classic engine: a 350ci V8. Of course, the replacement for the original diesel V8 has some mods of its own, which include a mild cam, Holley Street Avenger 670-cfm carburetor, and Dart intake manifold.
This truck may appear simple, but that doesn’t mean its interior is Spartan and bare of features. If you become the next owner, it’ll get you to the local car show or a weekend getaway destination with the convenience of a 700R4 four-speed automatic and power steering and brakes as well as the comfort of air conditioning. You can make that happen and get your hands on this tastefully modified 1984 Chevrolet C10 Silverado by paying the $32,900 asking price.
It’s still the Wild West with the Internet. It’s like Snake Oil has come into fashion again and we’re faced with a barrage of empty promises when flipping through social media.
It’s the same with online content. For any topic, you have good and bad actors, and that certainly stands true for automotive topics. The proliferation of social media over the past 20 years has presented the opportunity to exploit you, me, and/or the almighty dollar in the name of online hits. It makes it difficult to find quality content because few sites (and by this, we mean Facebook, Instagram, etc. in addition to regular websites) truly strive to educate, discuss, and separate the facts from fiction.
Oh, AI, what hath you wrought?
Now we have AI. The tools that are being prepared for us have very strong positive and negative implications, both trickling down into the public sphere as companies compete to perfect their AI so one can truly be the King of Artificial Intelligence.
We at The ClassicCars.com Journal have to deal with this every day. Each of our writers produce several articles of content daily, so we have to learn to be savvy about which resources are legitimate and which ones are suspect. However, not everyone has the acumen to figure this out, leading to an expansion of bad information that often seems to rise to the top. As such, we have developed a game (sorry, no prizes or fame—you’ve been lied to, but you’re used to it by now, right?) in which you read a passage and see if you can determine whether it came from AI or a website. Will you be able to determine which is which? Good luck!
1963 Pontiac LeMans
Article 1 The 1963 [Pontiac LeMans] offered the Trophy 4 and a 326-cubic-inch V8 as engine options. The Trophy 4 retained the horsepower once more, while the V8 boasted 260 horsepower. Pontiac would introduce a four-barrel High Output version of the motor rated at 355 horsepower later that model year.
Article 2 The 1969 Ford Cobra was a muscle car built as a performance-oriented model, specifically the 2-door sportroof, and known for its 428-cubic-inch V-8 engine. It was essentially Ford’s answer to the Plymouth Road Runner, offering a no-frills, affordable performance option. The Cobra was built on the Fairlane/Torino platform and featured a standard 428 Cobra Jet engine. Only 7,454 of the 11,099 Cobra sportroofs produced in 1969 were equipped with the 428 CJ engine. A significant number, 3,910, were equipped with the 4-speed manual transmission.
Article 3 Pontiac had already made a name for itself in the performance world with the GTO, but what they did with the Tempest LeMans Safari Wagon was next-level thinking. Built on the same A-body platform as the GTO, the wagon was never supposed to be a high-performance machine … They dropped in a 389 cubic inch (6.4-liter) V8, the same engine that made the GTO a legend.
Article 4 The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, especially the Hemi Cuda, is a highly sought-after classic muscle car known for its unique styling and performance. These cars, particularly the hardtop versions with manual transmissions, are considered quite rare, with only a few export models existing. A well-restored example can fetch a high price, with some Hemi Cudas selling for over $500,000. The 1971 Barracuda marks the end of the third generation of the car, known for its distinctive styling.
Answer to Article 1 This is a real paragraph from a real website. The whole article was rife with errors. We are here to show you the correct list of engines available for the LeMans in 1963:
Trophy 4 one-barrel rated at 110 (export), 115, 120, and 140 horsepower
Trophy 4 four-barrel rated at 166 horsepower
326 two-barrel rated at 250 and 260 horsepower
326 HO four-barrel rated at 280 horsepower
421 Super Duty rated at 405 horsepower
Answer to Article 2 This is AI. It’s strange there was no mention of the hardtop—just the SportsRoof. Plus, how could 7,454 of the 11,099 Cobra SportsRoofs be equipped with the 428 CJ when that engine was the only one available? What AI means to say is that 7,454 SportsRoofs (so the hardtop is not included) were equipped with the R-code 428 Cobra Jet with ram air, as there also was a Q-code CJ without ram air. The 3,910 number pertains to R-code SportsRoof four-speeds, which arguably isn’t a significant number when 3,544 automatics were built. We looked up several Marti Reports posted online to certify our stats.
Answer to Article 3 This is another real article from a website. So, what was Pontiac’s muscle wagon that was the first of its kind? The website claims the LeMans Safari wagon, but the only Safari wagons in 1964 were the Tempest and Tempest Custom. Plus, no A-body other than a LeMans equipped with the GTO package received the 389. This would be true for the entire GTO’s existence.
Answer to Article 4 Like Article 2, this is AI. Generic descriptors like “highly sought-after” and “unique styling and performance” smack of AI (or a low-grade writer). The third generation of the Barracuda was built from 1970-74, so clearly 1971 was not the final year, “distinctive styling” or not.
As you can see, it is difficult to tell which is AI and which is a poor article. What we infer from this is that AI sources information from bad websites like these, giving enthusiasts a double whammy and creating a race to the bottom for the hobby and beyond. You can count on us at The ClassicCars.com Journal to promote quality content, so curb your patronizing of lame web sites and things on Facebook, Instagram, etc. that don’t have positive outcomes or anyone’s interests in mind.
Currently listed on AutoHunter is this custom 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne pickup. Nineteen seventy-one was the first year for the Cheyenne trim level for Chevrolet pickups, which appears to be part of this Fleetside pickup’s pedigree. But there have been so many upgrades that purists may shed a tear that the Cheyenne’s “supple vinyl” seat is no longer present. But read on, gentle enthusiast, as there’s plenty of goodness in the build, such as a new 350 V8 crate engine paired with a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatic. Finished in Matte Red over a custom black vinyl interior, this C10 is offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.
The Matte Red paint is complemented by chrome bumpers front and rear. Other features include dual chrome side mirrors (part of the Cheyenne package), chrome and black trim along the sides and tailgate, a bedliner, and a hinged tonneau cover. This C10 rolls on 20-inch chrome Rev wheels wrapped in 245/45 Atturo radial tires.
The cabin features a black vinyl TMI bench seat with complementary custom door panels. Other features include a red/black Billet Specialties three-spoke steering wheel, a tilt column, power steering, and a radio-delete plate.
Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel. The odometer shows 118 miles, though the title reads this vehicle is mileage-exempt.
The 350 crate engine features a Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system, an Edelbrock intake manifold, and Hedman headers. Note the chrome pulleys! The horses are yoked to a Turbo Hydra-matic 350 three-speed automatic.
The undercarriage features a 12-bolt Positraction rear end with 3.55 gears. A Borla dual exhaust system dumps emissions by the differential. Power front disc brakes help bring any type of velocity to a standstill.
Who knew that a workhorse such as this would eventually become a collectible to the delight of hot rodders everywhere? Yet that’s what has happened with vintage pickup trucks like this custom 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne. Good looks and horsepower in a distinctly American package! There is a little time left to place your bid, but not much—the auction will end on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
