Journal Classic Cars

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS. Power is supplied by a numbers-matching L79 327ci V8 engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include bucket seats, console, Delco AM radio with rear speaker, and Positraction. Finished in bronze over an off-white vinyl interior, this Nova SS comes with extra parts including the original wheels and correct wheel covers, Protect-O-Plate and transferable Rhode Island registration.

This 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was built on January 28, 1966, in Norwood, Ohio. The original owner, who purchased it from Count Darling Chevrolet in Andalusia, Alabama, reportedly kept it for 30 years. The exterior was refinished 25 years ago in the original color of Aztec Bronze (code M). Features include accessory bumper guards, rocker moldings, left and right rearview mirrors and rear-mounted antenna.

A set of 14 x 6-inch Aztec Bronze steel wheels is wrapped in new 205/70/14 BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radial tires.

The vinyl interior is upholstered in Light Fawn (code 718). Features include padded dashboard, center console with shifter, and manual steering.

The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer, clock and gauge for the fuel level. A Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge is mounted under the dashboard. The odometer has rolled over and reads 125,307 miles, which the selling dealer reports to be accurate.

Power is provided by a numbers-matching, 350-horsepower L79 327ci V8 engine fed by a correct, rebuilt Holley 3245 600-cfm carburetor. Other features include a dual-snorkel air cleaner and Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual, which is reportedly the original transmission to the car.

This Nova SS is equipped with an independent front suspension and BS-code 12-bolt solid rear axle with 3.31:1 gears and Positraction. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. A $1,500 NCRS-approved Gardner dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The selling dealer will include the original SS wheel covers along with the 14 x 6-inch hubcaps. Other items included as part of the sale are the original fuel and water pumps, alternator, paperwork from previous ownership, owner’s manual, and the aforementioned Protect-O-Plate. Additional documentation photos can be seen in the auction’s gallery.

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS equipped with the L79 327 ends on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 2:40 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 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS. Power is supplied by a numbers-matching L79 327ci V8 engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include bucket seats, console, Delco AM radio with rear speaker, and Positraction. Finished in bronze over an off-white vinyl interior, this Nova SS comes with extra parts including the original wheels and correct wheel covers, Protect-O-Plate and transferable Rhode Island registration.

This 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was built on January 28, 1966, in Norwood, Ohio. The original owner, who purchased it from Count Darling Chevrolet in Andalusia, Alabama, reportedly kept it for 30 years. The exterior was refinished 25 years ago in the original color of Aztec Bronze (code M). Features include accessory bumper guards, rocker moldings, left and right rearview mirrors and rear-mounted antenna.

A set of 14 x 6-inch Aztec Bronze steel wheels is wrapped in new 205/70/14 BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radial tires.

The vinyl interior is upholstered in Light Fawn (code 718). Features include padded dashboard, center console with shifter, and manual steering.

The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer, clock and gauge for the fuel level. A Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge is mounted under the dashboard. The odometer has rolled over and reads 125,307 miles, which the selling dealer reports to be accurate.

Power is provided by a numbers-matching, 350-horsepower L79 327ci V8 engine fed by a correct, rebuilt Holley 3245 600-cfm carburetor. Other features include a dual-snorkel air cleaner and Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual, which is reportedly the original transmission to the car.

This Nova SS is equipped with an independent front suspension and BS-code 12-bolt solid rear axle with 3.31:1 gears and Positraction. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. A $1,500 NCRS-approved Gardner dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The selling dealer will include the original SS wheel covers along with the 14 x 6-inch hubcaps. Other items included as part of the sale are the original fuel and water pumps, alternator, paperwork from previous ownership, owner’s manual, and the aforementioned Protect-O-Plate. Additional documentation photos can be seen in the auction’s gallery.

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS equipped with the L79 327 ends on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 2:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

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

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

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

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

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

Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.

The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.

Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.

No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.

The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.

Expect similar numbers for the #3.

Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Teaser for Smart #3 debuting at 2023 Shanghai auto show

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

Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.

The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.

Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.

No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.

The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.

Expect similar numbers for the #3.

Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Teaser for Smart #3 debuting at 2023 Shanghai auto show

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

Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.

The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.

Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.

No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.

The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.

Expect similar numbers for the #3.

Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Teaser for Smart #3 debuting at 2023 Shanghai auto show

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

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On February 14 when I was 15 1/2 years-old, my parents were in the driveway of our neighbor’s home and called me over. When I got to the driveway, my mom clicked the garage door opener and revealed a Rally Green 1968 Z/28 Camaro with a sign on the windshield saying Happy Valentines Day. I was overwhelmed with excitement as it was exactly the car I had been longing for. The only problem was I had to endure seven months until I was sixteen and able to drive. My dad put the car under a cover and placed it in our backyard. I would come home from school and start it daily, and I even washed it at least three times a week.

Finally, the day came when I got my driver’s license! On my way home to drive it I had an accident and severely broke my left ankle and clutch foot. I ended up in a soft cast for three weeks with my leg elevated before I was finally fitted with a hard cast and crutches. That weekend my dad was doing yardwork when I hobbled out to my car. He asked what I was doing and I told him I just wanted to start the Camaro. He said that I knew I couldn’t drive it. When I sat in the car, I lifted my leg and placed my cast on the clutch, I told myself I think I could do this. I waited until my dad turned his back, and then I took off for my first drive.

He wasn’t happy when I returned, however let me show him how I could drive. To make a long story short, I got into nothing but trouble. After two exhibitions of speeding, one drag racing ticket and a very minor accident, my parents took the car away and sold it in 1973.

In 1985 my dad was restoring a ‘57 Chevy Bel Air and was trying to get me to buy a ‘55 or ‘56 Chevy, I told him the only car I wanted was to have my Camaro Z/28 back. He got a real laugh at that and told me after twelve years I’d never find it again. He would be wrong. During a DMV visit, I had a car loving employee give me a printout on the car. I followed it and ended up in places in LA I never should have been. Finally, I found the car in Bakersfield where it had been purchased by another car lover for his sixteen-year-old son.

The car had been stored for twelve years, there were only 42,000 miles on it and it looked exactly the same as when my family sold it. By 1987 the son wanted a truck instead of the Camaro, and after fourteen years I bought my car back –at a price a bit higher than the $1,300 my day had sold it for. For the past thirty-six years my car has remained in my garage and only sees occasional car shows, usually with my son usually taking it. The Camaro is unrestored and, if I do say so myself, looks incredible for its age. Now we’re on the third generation of those who love it as my grandson is now four.

–Randy R., California

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 convertible showing 84,198 miles on the odometer. This R230-chassis SL is dressed up with aerodynamic and performance equipment courtesy of the the AMG Sport package, including unique styling elements for the front air dam, mesh air intakes, side sills, and rear fascia. Torque comes from a 5.0-liter V8 which sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. Finished in metallic silver over a gray leather interior, this SL is offered from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The silver body has a color-matched power-retractable hardtop. Other exterior features include xenon headlights, fog lamps, fender vents, pin striping, turn signal repeaters in the mirror caps, a trunk-mounted third brake lamp, and dual exhaust outlets. The AMG Sport Package adds a unique front air dam with mesh air intakes, special side sills, and a package-specific rear fascia.

The 18-inch AMG Sport wheels come mounted to a staggered set of low-profile tires.

The cabin is optioned with gray leather bucket seats with matching door panels, lower dash, center console and carpeting. Along with gloss woodgrain trim, additional amenities include a COMAND navigation system, Bose audio, dual-zone automatic climate control, a center console, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, Keyless Go access, and power windows.

Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, a 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock and auxiliary gauges that show fuel level and coolant temperature. The digital odometer reads 84,198 miles, a figure that lines up with the most recent CARFAX entry of 84,087 in May 2022.

Under the hood, power comes from an M113 5.0-liter V8 that was rated at 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque when new. Service was completed earlier this year, and the valve cover gasket and power steering pump were changed about 30,000 miles ago. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The chassis uses Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system. Stopping power comes from four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

The auction for this 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 ends on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 2:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery