There’s been lots of Leno news over the past few days. If you’re a fan of the man who likes cars as much as you do but are not financially able to indulge, then there’s several items that would interest you.
First is the word that NBC Universal has cancelled “Jay Leno’s Garage.” Industry publication “The Hollywood Reporter” says the cancellation is part of a “larger schedule shift” that will fill the slot with reruns of “Shark Tank” and the like — shows that keep the public feeding on the reality-show teat. And what about “Jay Leno’s Garage” on YouTube? No news if it’s also affected.
The other Leno news is that he was involved in a motorcycle accident on January 17th, though it was kept on the down-low after suffering burns while working on one of his steam-powered jalopies. The story goes that he was knocked off his 1940 Indian after was cutting through a parking lot when he was clotheslined by a wire preventing traffic from entering/exiting.
Unfortunately, no one placed a flag on the wire, so it was not conspicuous to the 72-year-old Leno. All because he smelled gas and turned off to check things out! A broken collarbone, two broken ribs and cracked kneecaps were his physical casualties so, from one car enthusiast to another, we wish Jay the best in his recuperation. And when we learn more about his video presence or lack thereof, the ClassicCars.com Journal will bring the news to you.
The Shelby Cobra is one of the world’s most recognizable cars, but there’s a good chance the original AC Ace would have faded into obscurity beyond the British Isles if it wasn’t for the efforts of a certain Texas chicken farmer. If you’re not among the Cobra cognoscenti, you may not know that the archeology of the Shelby Cobra is documented and nuanced, with many variations due to running changes and need. No matter your knowledge level, all enthusiasts would relish the opportunity to own this 427-powered 1966 Shelby Cobra CSX3195 that will be auctioned on AutoHunter from February 3-13, 2023
The AC Ace was first produced in 1953 with a home-grown OHC straight-six and, later, a Bristol straight-six. When Bristol discontinued its six in 1961, Carroll Shelby just so happened to approach AC with the idea of using a V8 in the Ace chassis. AC liked the idea so Shelby approached Chevrolet with the proposition, but Chevrolet didn’t feel the need to create competition for the Corvette.
Ford, however, embraced the idea and happened to have the perfect engine for it: a modern, thin-wall “Windsor” small-block V8. The first cars came with a 260ci engine but, for 1963, Ford bored the engine to measure 289ci. Soon, a solid-lifter 271-horsepower 289 High-Performance was introduced for the Fairlane, and this is the engine that would truly create the Cobra legend. Around that time, a running change with the steering (now with rack and pinion) was made. These Cobras, called Mark II, were phased in just after the introduction of the 289.
Click the images to view the listing on AutoHunter
Few cars are afforded a legend on top of a legend, but the Shelby Cobra became one of those vehicles starting in 1965. A new chassis design was used with four-inch chassis tubes (an increase of an inch), and the suspension was changed from leaf springs to coil springs. Then Shelby dropped in the big-block 427 and, as the Mark III, a new legend was born. What may be a surprise to anyone but Cobra enthusiasts is that a handful of Cobras were built with the 428, an engine in the same series but without the racing heritage of the 427.
While 343 Shelby Cobras were built with the big-block, not all coil-sprung Cobras are equal — there were variations for the street, competition and the combination of the two (semi-competition or “S/C”). There also was the Dragon Snake drag car and the Super Snake, a supercharged S/C. This particular 1966 Shelby Cobra CSX3195 is a street version that, at some point along the way, was updated to S/C specs. According to the selling dealer, it has been driven by Carroll Shelby, and owned and track-driven by Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company.
Of course, power comes from a 427 “side-oiler” that was reportedly previously modified (to the tune of 13.5 compression, no less) for track use by Bob Corn of Roush Industries. However, the engine was recently rebuilt, with the compression ratio lowered to something more street-friendly (runs on 93 octane) yet still produces approximately 550 horsepower at the rear wheels. Of course, a four-speed “Toploader” manual gearbox handles all that power and torque.
Though originally black and then painted red, the aluminum body has worn the signature dark blue and white paint scheme since 2012. It’s accented with a pair of yellow banners, white rondels with the number 96, and Goodyear, Koni and Autolite logos. Out back, the trunk contains a fuel cell, Odyssey Extreme battery and the tank for a Firebottle Racing fire suppression system.
Peer into the cockpit and you’ll find Smiths instrumentation consists of counter-clockwise 180-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, oil temperature and fuel level; amps are displayed on a Lucas gauge. Other features include a wood-rimmed steering wheel, AC-monogrammed metal pedals and dashboard-mounted rear-view mirror. The black vinyl buckets currently installed are substitutes for the well-worn originals, which will be included with the sale along with the racing buckets used when Jim Farley owned it. The five-digit odometer currently shows 725 miles, though the true mileage on this Cobra is unknown.
If you’ve always wanted a Shelby Cobra, CSX3195 will be auctioned to the highest bidder — you! — starting on Friday, February 3, 2023. Its sale includes documentation, owner’s manual, logbook, tool roll, driving gloves, a Shelby Cobra calendar, a vintage racing book and automotive magazines. Just so you don’t miss your opportunity on owning a 1966 427-powered Shelby Cobra, be sure to add it to your watch list pronto because you would really, really hate yourself for missing out on the opportunity, right?
Click the images to view the listing on AutoHunter
Barrett-Jackson supercharged the collector car hobby by kicking off the 2023 auction calendar with their flagship Scottsdale Auction, January 21-29 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. In dynamic and trendsetting fashion, the historic event featured a diverse docket of 1,907 No Reserve collectible vehicles totaling more than $184.2 million in auction sales and surpassing 200 world auction records. Leading the charge was the 1989 Ferrari F40 (Lot #1405.1) that sold for $2.75 million. Over 1,100 pieces of authentic automobilia were also auctioned for more than $6.41 million, bringing total auction sales above $190.6 million.
Paying homage to its charitable roots, Barrett-Jackson also sold five vehicles for charity, with 100 percent of the hammer price from each vehicle benefiting its respective nonprofit initiative. Led by the 2024 GMC HUMMER EV Edition SUV VIN 001 First Retail Production (Lot #3002) that hammered for $500,000, the five vehicles raised $1.89 million for charity. To date, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise more than $151 million for charity, surpassing the $150 million milestone on Friday in Scottsdale.
“Barrett-Jackson continues to electrify the collector car hobby with our true automotive lifestyle events,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We saw a spectacular docket bring incredible sales and set more than 200 world auction records. We also welcomed a record number of enthusiasts to WestWorld, setting the tone for an exciting event season in Arizona. I am especially proud of the additional funds and awareness we built for several deserving charities as we surpassed the $150 million mark raised to date.”
The top 10 auction vehicles that sold during the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction included:
The nine-day automotive lifestyle event kicked off with record attendance over its opening weekend, beginning with QT Family Day, when children 12 and under received free admission and included an interactive STEM Fest supported by Ford Motor Company, Lucid Motors and Safe Haven Defense, as well as the Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby. Barrett-Jackson also teamed up with the Driven Project once again to provide supercar therapy to 12 children battling serious illnesses and heavy life challenges.
The following day played host to the Future Collector Car Show presented by Meguiar’s as the event welcomed a young, diverse crowd of enthusiasts celebrating the collector car hobby of tomorrow and featured over 100 future collectibles. The first weekend concluded with the Opening Night Gala, an annual celebration that signifies the beginning of Barrett-Jackson’s auction week. The Gala, a renowned ultimate automotive lifestyle event, featured 56 airmen and women in a salute to Arizona’s Luke Air Force Base and presenting of colors, as well as acclaimed live entertainment from Emerald City Band and DJ Munition, gourmet food and signature cocktails.
“The ‘Barrett-Jackson Magic’ once again made Scottsdale the ultimate place to enjoy the automotive lifestyle,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Our docket perfectly catered to every type of collector and met the demand for professionally built Resto-Mods and original, numbers-matching muscle, as well as the industry-leading selection of quality 4x4s. I’m also proud to celebrate our charity efforts over the years. Together with our collector car family, we’re lifting people’s burden so they can focus on healing mentally, physically and spiritually.”
Several of the most powerful moments during the 2023 Scottsdale Auction featured a vibrant arena of generous bidders and the sales of five charity vehicles that together raised $1.89 million. The charity vehicles that sold during the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction included:
2021 Shelby Super Snake Count’s Kustoms Edition (Lot #3000) – $350,000 to benefit Camp Freedom
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning 4×4 Super Crew Pickup (Lot #3001) – $275,000 to benefit Fighter Country Foundation
2024 GMC Hummer EV Edition SUV VIN 001 First Retail Production (Lot #3002) – $500,000 to benefit Tread Lightly!
General Colin L. Powell’s 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (Lot #3003) – $200,000 to benefit America’s Promise Alliance
2024 Ford Mustang GT Fastback VIN 001 (Lot #3004) – $565,000 to benefit JDRF. The Mustang hammered for $490,000 and received an additional $75,000 in donations from generous guests on the auction block.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association (AHA), joined Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson and President Steve Davis on the podium to mark the five-year anniversary of the Driven Hearts campaign. The Driven Hearts campaign has reached millions and raised millions to benefit the American Heart Association.
With over 1,100 authentic pieces of automobilia auctioning for more than $6.41 million, the top three sales included:
1942 17-foot Chris Craft Special Runabout “Wood” Boat Bar (Lot #9484) – $120,750
Large Ferrari Dealership Sign (Lot #9391.4) – $95,450
A highly anticipated moment on Saturday was the announcement of the winners in the Barrett-Jackson Cup presented by Castrol. Nearly 50 incredible custom vehicles were hand-selected for the competition. Hot-rod builder Bobby Alloway and automobile designer and builder Troy Trepanier selected the Top 5 finalists and the Ultimate Best of Show winner. Taking the coveted and prestigious Ultimate Best in Show Award, and a $20,000 prize, was a 1969 Pontiac Firebird built by Troy Gudgel at BBT Fabrications and owned by Brad Sather. A 1964 Buick Riviera built by Cruzer’s Customs, LLC., received the People’s Choice Award, which was chosen by thousands of passionate Barrett-Jackson’s fans who voted online.
Believe it or not, just two V-12 engine designs have powered 60 years of Lamborghini supercars. Having recently built its last non-hybrid V-12 road car, the automaker is taking a look back at these two epochal engines.
The first engine was introduced in 1963 in Lamborghini’s first production car—the 350 GT—and stayed in production until 2010. During its long life, this engine underwent many modifications, growing form 3.5 liters in the 350 GT to 6.5 liters in later versions of the Murciélago, the final Lamborghini to use it.
Lamborghini’s first V-12 started out with a front-engine configuration in the 350 GT, and got the same installation in the later 400 GT and Espada. It switched to a transverse mid-engine configuration in the Lamborghini Miura, before switching to a longitudinal mid-engine layout for the Countach, Diablo, and Murciélago.
1964 Lamborghini 350 GT
This engine was also used in the Lamborghini LM002, the automaker’s first SUV. A one-off LM002 was built using a 7.2-liter version of the V-12 designed for offshore powerboat racing, and churning out 700 hp.
Launched with an aluminum crankcase, cylinder heads, and pistons to keep weight down, as well as dual overhead cams, the V-12 made the switch from carburetors to electronic fuel injection in 1986 to meet stricter U.S. emissions standards. Aiming to improve throttle response, Lamborghini then introduced individual throttle bodies for each cylinder with the 1998 Diablo GT.
Now under Audi’s stewardship, Lamborghini introduced a 6.2-liter version making 580 hp in the Murciélago for that model’s 2001 debut. In one last update, the engine was later enlarged to 6.5 liters, and output was increased to 670 hp.
Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae
After 47 years of production, the original V-12 was finally replaced with a clean-sheet design. Introduced in 2011 in the Aventador, the second V-12 initially produced 690 hp from 6.5 liters. While it didn’t last nearly as long as the original V-12, this engine saw a lot of use powering numerous Aventador variants and limited-edition specials, including the Aventador Superveloce and SVJ, and the track-only Essenza SCV12.
The Lamborghini Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae launched in 2021 is the automaker’s final production car powered purely by a V-12 with no electric assist. In this application, the 6.5-liter V-12 produces 769 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, with peak power delivered at a screaming 8,500 rpm.
With the final Aventadors delivered, it’s the end of an era at Lamborghini. An Aventador successor is expected soon with a V-12, but now as part of a hybrid powertrain. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann in 2021 confirmed the V-12 will be entirely new, making it just the third V-12 in Lamborghini’s history.
When American Motors introduced the redesigned Rebel in 1967, it was the only new intermediate in the American marketplace. All other mid-size cars looked old in comparison. The head start was something that AMC was not used to when competing toe-to-toe with the Big Three, which was its strategy at the time. Today, Rebels are somewhat ignored except by Rambler folks, which is a good reason why we choose this 1968 Rebel 770 four-door sedan as our Pick of the Day. It is being sold on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in southern New Jersey. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Rebel series featured a monocoque body and included the base 550, mid-level 770 and top-line SST. The 770 was available as a four-door sedan and a two-door semi-fastback hardtop. AMC considered the 770 “chromier, plusher, lusher” than the 550; extra features as part of the the 770 included rear ash trays, rear arm rests, Custom steering wheel, glove box lock, dual horns, and cloth and vinyl or all-vinyl seats. Nifty features like recessed door handles were a distinguishing feature compared to the Big Three.
A 232 six was standard, with a 290 and 343 V8 with up to 280 horsepower as options (a 315-horsepower 390 was introduced later in the year). A four-speed manual was available for the V8s, and gears as radical as 4.44:1 were available from your local AMC dealership. Some trivia: not only were the Rebel 550 and SST convertibles AMC’s final intermediate droptops, but they also were the final AMC convertibles, period.
This 69,000-mile 1968 Rebel 770 four-door sedan features the 290 two-barrel engine backed by an automatic transmission. Seller says it has power steering and a limited-slip rear, the latter which is quite unusual. “Extremely solid,” (s)he says, though also admits “some rust on passenger dog leg.” The original owner’s manual and owner’s card are included.
As this is written, Barrett-Jackson’s auction in Scottsdale is going on. There are a lot of expensive vehicles out there, but there’s a lot of affordable cars to be found and enjoyed. Maybe this isn’t a Carrera GT, but it’s a solid American sedan that is not often seen. For $6,995, don’t you think this 1968 AMC Rebel 770 four-door sedan is worth a look?
Following an exhilarating Super Saturday at Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Scottsdale Auction, the excitement continued at WestWorld on Sunday, January 29, with a docket of amazing cars and automotive-related memorabilia.
More than 150 cars crossed the block on the ninth and final day of the record-breaking 2023 Scottsdale Auction. Muscle cars, pickups and SUVs drove sales, with several vehicles surpassing the six-figure mark. The day’s top sales included Lot #1593, a 1979 Chevrolet K10 pickup for $165,000; Lot #1632, a 1941 Willys custom coupe, for $126,500; Lot #1568, a 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am for $123,200; Lot #1604, a 2024 Bentley Continental Flying Spur for $106,700; and Lot #1581.1, a 1971 Chevrolet K10 pickup, for $100,100.
More than a dozen sales records were set during the afternoon. Trucks and SUVs were bidder and fan favorites throughout each day of the auction, and Sunday was no exception, with just less than two-thirds of the day’s record-breaking sales belonging to the rugged vehicles.
Sunday started with another exciting look at the past, with more than 100 authentic pieces of history getting their turn on the auction block. From tin advertising signs and pinball machines to gas globes, soda machines and much more — there was something for everyone. A crowd favorite was Lot #9586.4, an ultimate custom pickup go-kart. It was restored by a 10-year-old boy who joined Automobilia Director Rory Brinkman on the block to share details of the restoration and bang the gavel on the $17,250 sale. Other top sales included Lot #9597.3, a large Ferrari Light-Up sign, for $57,500; Lot #9599.1, a 1950s Dairy Queen neon porcelain sign for $37,950; Lot #9598.7, an early 1960s Gulf Oil porcelain with animated neon sign for $34,500; Lot #9593.2, a large Porsche dealership sign for $29,900; and Lot #9584, a vintage Kentucky Derby coin-operated kiddie ride for $28,750.
You may have heard some chatter about subscriptions in regards to new cars. Just when you couldn’t feel more old, along comes another way for automakers to change the way business is done. In particular, Volvo is finally offering Care by Volvo to California residents so they may have the option of a flexible subscription lease program that includes usage, maintenance, road hazard coverage, limited excess wear allowance and other common services — all via one monthly payment. Even insurance coverage is taken care of!
No word on whether the upcoming Volvo EX90 will have Care by Volvo available, but we anticipate it.
This program will roll out in February 2023 “in response to consumers’ increasing desire for simplicity and flexibility when it comes to ownership, whether it’s a mobile device, streaming channels, or a car.” The Care by Volvo subscription is an option that you can choose for your new Volvo, no different than adding a heads-up display or bigger wheels to the options list, whether you’re buying, financing or leasing.
“We are thrilled to give Californians the ability to subscribe to their cars,” says the Senior Vice President Americas and President and CEO of Volvo Car USA, Anders Gustafsson. “Volvo is about giving people the freedom to move in a personal, safe and sustainable way. The simplicity and flexibility Care by Volvo offers is unmatched.”
Volvo EX90
What distinguishes Care by Volvo over traditional leases is the lack of long-term commitment — you can cancel your subscription and return the vehicle after making your fifth payment (though some states like Illinois require 12 months). Up to now, Care by Volvo has not been available to California residents, but that’s changing in February 2023.
Volvo also has another subscription service called Polestar Engineered Optimization. Named after Volvo’s performance brand, this software-based upgrade allows you to download software that will make your Volvo faster and more balanced with a combination of “more engine power and torque with enhancing powertrain adjustments.” Fuel economy and emission levels are not affected, and neither is the warranty. There are up to six upgrades available for Volvo models.
To start the process for Care by Volvo, interested parties can visit www.volvocars.com to research and choose a Volvo model before visiting a retailer to review prices. Once an order is initiated, they receive a link to complete the application process from the comfort of their own home, local Starbucks or anywhere else. Approved Care by Volvo subscribers can choose a delivery date, visit the retailer to finish the paperwork and then drive off in their new vehicle.
Still confused what this new-fangled subscription thing is? Visit your local dealer to find out more.
“Gymkhana 2022” was a worthy addition to the popular gymkhana viral video series started by Ken Block, with plenty of insane stunts performed by Travis Pastrana in his 1983 Subaru GL wagon called the Family Huckster. But nearly every stunt in the video almost didn’t happen.
Subaru of America’s “Launch Control” YouTube show is doing a three-part behind-the-scenes look called “Road to Gymkhana 2022” showing just how much of a scramble it was to overcome injuries, mechanical issues, and plain old bad luck. Note that this second episode was filmed before the death of series creator Ken Block.
The problems started when Pastrana was injured attempting a BASE jump off a building in Fort Lauderdale for the video. A parachute malfunction led to a hard landing, which left Pastrana hospitalized and put shooting on hold for six months. Despite being bedridden, Pastrana was remarkably upbeat, owing to his years of experience putting his body on the line.
Travis Pastrana drives a Subaru in Gymkhana 2022
“Travis has an unusual amount of experience being injured,” William Stokes, Subaru of America motorsports manager, said in the video. So he had no problem getting back behind the wheel after his recovery.
Once filming restarted, there was an issue shooting a drag race between Pastrana and YouTube personality Cleetus McFarland, who drove a 3,000-hp Chevrolet El Camino. A fault in the Chevy’s engine mapping meant it refused to launch hard, and then the Family Huckster developed problems as well. This was especially problematic because the race was being filmed on a closed public street, with only a limited amount of time available to get the shot.
Another time constraint was daylight. By the time everything was set up to shoot Pastrana performing stunts in tandem with a monster truck, the sun was going down and the clock was ticking. That left time for two or three attempts, which could easily get eaten up during multiple takes looking for the right camera angles, or by mechanical issues.
In that high-pressure situation, Pastrana clipped a concrete barrier, damaging the suspension and rear axle. Switching to rally pit crew mode, Subaru’s mechanics descended on the wounded car and got it working again in time to get the shot.
If you’ve seen “Gymkhana 2022,” Subaru’s behind-the-scenes videos are definitely worth watching to see just how much effort goes into making something as dangerous and unpredictable as a gymkhana video.
Preface: When I initially had the idea to write a field guide of sorts on the caveats of discovering a car that is the bee’s knees, I thought a deep dive in the Internet could quickly be helpful for those out in the field. But the truth is that, even within the best websites, it’s difficult to find what you need without trial and error, which is time-consuming. In addition, the fact that factory documents don’t always agree with each other makes it even more difficult. Conclusion: read on!
When it comes to a car auction, you want to be prepared for the cars that interest you. But what happens when you stumble upon a car that piques your interest and you want to bid on it while knowing nothing about it?
When you see an auction on TV, the camera always makes things look better than what they may be. Having your eyes on a vehicle in person allows you to see the issues a car may have, yet your eyes are of no help if you are unfamiliar with a particular vehicle.
As long as your sobriety is guiding you, you need to think fast and figure out how to evaluate a vehicle. No, we’re not talking about whether the air cleaner is the correct unit or painted properly — that’s something that requires more experience or the assistance of an expert. With time running out before the vehicle goes on the block, what can you do?
Here’s some suggestions — a bit of structure to keep you focused and recommended pages to look up on your smartphone.
This is a 1971 Dodge Charger R/T. It looks sleeker than the 1968-70 Charger, and it looks wild thanks to its “High Impact” Citroen Yella (GY3) paint. This Mopar has curb appeal in spades for anyone passing by. Assuming you’re a seasoned car guy or gal, you can check body panel fit, paint and so forth on your own. Knowing whether it is legit may be beyond your acumen, but you have help.
If you’re not strong on Mopars, it’s good to bookmark www.hamtramck-historical.com. Go to the Library section and you’ll have access to original dealer literature, much of it tools for sales staff. It’s a good reference when going over this Charger, but first we must verify the VIN that’s listed in the auction description. After some trial and error, we can find Charger VINs in the Fleet data book. What does the Charger’s VIN say? WP29 is a 383-powered Charger SE. That doesn’t sound like WS23 for an R/T, does it?
If you look at the Charger section of the 1971 Dodge data book, you can confirm the R/T came standard with a 440 four-barrel, which is what this car now has. The more you peruse the site, the more you can learn what equipment distinguished the base Charger, Charger 500, Charger Super Bee, Charger R/T and Charger SE. Note the hidden headlights, standard on the SE but available on the R/T.
Note the correct taillights on this 1971 Charger R/T.
Two different taillights were available depending on the model, with this yellow car having the wrong taillights for an R/T, which should be louvered. Visiting the page that shows what’s new for 1971 says the 1971 Charger R/T had a standard louvered hood, taillights and doors (the latter simulated). What hood does this R/T have?
No, it doesn’t look louvered. The only other hood available on an R/T was the Ramcharger with ram air, so what’s this one? Per the description of “what’s new for 1971,” the Super Bee has a “performance hood with simulated valve covers.”
The correct doors.Decals without simulated louvers.
And the doors? R/Ts featured “simulated door louvers with black tape in depressions,” but look at this car — someone simply installed the tape on a door without the depressions. What does that leave us with? A Charger SE posing as an R/T with a Super Bee hood, the wrong taillights and the wrong doors. Do you want to overspend on this car without knowing this stuff?
It’s difficult to figure these things out with a limited amount of time. Even while preparing this story, I found a Mopar item that showed the Charger’s VIN to begin with X instead of W, like it was in 1970 and earlier. Clearly this was a pre-production document that was changed by the time 1971 cars were being built in August 1970, but how can you know when you’re out in the field and ferociously trying to learn as much as you can with a limited amount of time?
This 1970 Challenger R/T convertible had a similar issue. Checking the VIN on the Fleet data book for 1970 shows the prefix should be JS27. The sign on the windshield shows JH27, which means it’s a regular Challenger convertible and not an R/T. The engine code “L” means it’s originally a 383 two-barrel, which was not available on the R/T. Game over!
There are other things about this car that may or may not be red flags. See the white hood stripe? It’s a 1971 stripe in white, and the stripe was originally only available in black anyway. Plus, the side stripe has the R/T badge in it, which it shouldn’t have. A personalized car? A car restored by someone who didn’t know any better? It can run the gamut, and you can’t allow this to be a litmus test on whether something funky is going on, especially when the VIN alone is telling the tale.
Another thing to consider when scanning the landscape of vehicles is to take claims made about a car with a grain of salt. For example, check out this 1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W30 convertible. It is documented that 110 were built, but the seller is claiming only 10 were built with air conditioning.
As a former owner of the 1970 version of this car, I’m pretty familiar with the level of information that exists for Oldsmobiles, so I know the 1 of 10 distinction is not documented. Even better, I know the guy who runs the 1971 W30 convertible registry, and he currently has 22 documented vehicles on record. If you are able to find a registry on a particular car, you may be able to find answers to your questions.
Let’s return to Mopars. A 1967 GTX is a great car, a substantial performer that only pales in comparison to the top engines in the era. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think this car presents well but, as luck would have it, it was parked next to another GTX. Compare the two. Notice what’s different? (hint: compare the stripes)
Having an eye to spot these things comes in handy, but experience is the best teacher. Otherwise, a resource like Hamtramck Historical will help you learn how the stripes should be configured.
Lesson to ponder: if you try to learn as much as you can within a few hours, you will be faced with resources that may not present everything about a particular vehicle, or will offer information that doesn’t agree with a similar resource (like the 1971 Charger VINs). Perhaps if you think of it as common stock, then you would never consider buying anything after properly researching it. Why should cars be any different?
Preface: When I initially had the idea to write a field guide of sorts on the caveats of discovering a car that is the bee’s knees, I thought a deep dive in the Internet could quickly be helpful for those out in the field. But the truth is that, even within the best websites, it’s difficult to find what you need without trial and error, which is time-consuming. In addition, the fact that factory documents don’t always agree with each other makes it even more difficult. Conclusion: read on!
When it comes to a car auction, you want to be prepared for the cars that interest you. But what happens when you stumble upon a car that piques your interest and you want to bid on it while knowing nothing about it?
When you see an auction on TV, the camera always makes things look better than what they may be. Having your eyes on a vehicle in person allows you to see the issues a car may have, yet your eyes are of no help if you are unfamiliar with a particular vehicle.
As long as your sobriety is guiding you, you need to think fast and figure out how to evaluate a vehicle. No, we’re not talking about whether the air cleaner is the correct unit or painted properly — that’s something that requires more experience or the assistance of an expert. With time running out before the vehicle goes on the block, what can you do?
Here’s some suggestions — a bit of structure to keep you focused and recommended pages to look up on your smartphone.
This is a 1971 Dodge Charger R/T. It looks sleeker than the 1968-70 Charger, and it looks wild thanks to its “High Impact” Citroen Yella (GY3) paint. This Mopar has curb appeal in spades for anyone passing by. Assuming you’re a seasoned car guy or gal, you can check body panel fit, paint and so forth on your own. Knowing whether it is legit may be beyond your acumen, but you have help.
If you’re not strong on Mopars, it’s good to bookmark www.hamtramck-historical.com. Go to the Library section and you’ll have access to original dealer literature, much of it tools for sales staff. It’s a good reference when going over this Charger, but first we must verify the VIN that’s listed in the auction description. After some trial and error, we can find Charger VINs in the Fleet data book. What does the Charger’s VIN say? WP29 is a 383-powered Charger SE. That doesn’t sound like WS23 for an R/T, does it?
If you look at the Charger section of the 1971 Dodge data book, you can confirm the R/T came standard with a 440 four-barrel, which is what this car now has. The more you peruse the site, the more you can learn what equipment distinguished the base Charger, Charger 500, Charger Super Bee, Charger R/T and Charger SE. Note the hidden headlights, standard on the SE but available on the R/T.
Note the correct taillights on this 1971 Charger R/T.
Two different taillights were available depending on the model, with this yellow car having the wrong taillights for an R/T, which should be louvered. Visiting the page that shows what’s new for 1971 says the 1971 Charger R/T had a standard louvered hood, taillights and doors (the latter simulated). What hood does this R/T have?
No, it doesn’t look louvered. The only other hood available on an R/T was the Ramcharger with ram air, so what’s this one? Per the description of “what’s new for 1971,” the Super Bee has a “performance hood with simulated valve covers.”
The correct doors.Decals without simulated louvers.
And the doors? R/Ts featured “simulated door louvers with black tape in depressions,” but look at this car — someone simply installed the tape on a door without the depressions. What does that leave us with? A Charger SE posing as an R/T with a Super Bee hood, the wrong taillights and the wrong doors. Do you want to overspend on this car without knowing this stuff?
It’s difficult to figure these things out with a limited amount of time. Even while preparing this story, I found a Mopar item that showed the Charger’s VIN to begin with X instead of W, like it was in 1970 and earlier. Clearly this was a pre-production document that was changed by the time 1971 cars were being built in August 1970, but how can you know when you’re out in the field and ferociously trying to learn as much as you can with a limited amount of time?
This 1970 Challenger R/T convertible had a similar issue. Checking the VIN on the Fleet data book for 1970 shows the prefix should be JS27. The sign on the windshield shows JH27, which means it’s a regular Challenger convertible and not an R/T. The engine code “L” means it’s originally a 383 two-barrel, which was not available on the R/T. Game over!
There are other things about this car that may or may not be red flags. See the white hood stripe? It’s a 1971 stripe in white, and the stripe was originally only available in black anyway. Plus, the side stripe has the R/T badge in it, which it shouldn’t have. A personalized car? A car restored by someone who didn’t know any better? It can run the gamut, and you can’t allow this to be a litmus test on whether something funky is going on, especially when the VIN alone is telling the tale.
Another thing to consider when scanning the landscape of vehicles is to take claims made about a car with a grain of salt. For example, check out this 1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W30 convertible. It is documented that 110 were built, but the seller is claiming only 10 were built with air conditioning.
As a former owner of the 1970 version of this car, I’m pretty familiar with the level of information that exists for Oldsmobiles, so I know the 1 of 10 distinction is not documented. Even better, I know the guy who runs the 1971 W30 convertible registry, and he currently has 22 documented vehicles on record. If you are able to find a registry on a particular car, you may be able to find answers to your questions.
Let’s return to Mopars. A 1967 GTX is a great car, a substantial performer that only pales in comparison to the top engines in the era. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think this car presents well but, as luck would have it, it was parked next to another GTX. Compare the two. Notice what’s different? (hint: compare the stripes)
Having an eye to spot these things comes in handy, but experience is the best teacher. Otherwise, a resource like Hamtramck Historical will help you learn how the stripes should be configured.
Lesson to ponder: if you try to learn as much as you can within a few hours, you will be faced with resources that may not present everything about a particular vehicle, or will offer information that doesn’t agree with a similar resource (like the 1971 Charger VINs). Perhaps if you think of it as common stock, then you would never consider buying anything after properly researching it. Why should cars be any different?
