The collector car market is always shifting forward. Just like the nostalgia my dad has every time he sees a 1968 Chevy Nova, I too am drawn to vehicles from my childhood, and particularly my teenage years from the late 1990s.
I was honored this year once again to participate in a Barrett-Jackson symposium about “future collectibles” during auction week on Tuesday, January 24. Joining me on the panel were moderator Alan Taylor along with participants Sean Morris, Jim Pickering, Jay Harden, and Sam Stockham. Each panelist brought forward a unique list of vehicles to the discussion.
Here are eight vehicles I have preselected as my top picks for future collectibles, along with an explanation of why each vehicle made my list.
1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner (Third generation)
2.7-liter inline-4 150hp or 3.4-liter V6 183hp
5-speed manual / 4-speed auto
This SUV offers body-on-frame ruggedness, reliability, and even luxury when configured in Limited trim. Some examples can still be found at reasonable prices, and Toyota’s long-term cost of ownership is low.
1997-2001 Honda Prelude (Fifth generation)
2.2-liter inline-4 195hp
5-speed manual / 4-speed auto
This is a perfect example of a “Golden Era” Honda: a high-revving sports coupe with a VTEC four-cylinder, and the SH model had ATTS (an active torque transfer system) to counteract understeer.
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 668hp
6-speed manual / 10-speed auto
A family sedan that sprints to 60 in 3.4-seconds, equipped with a manual transmission and a supercharged motor. Truly a nod to true American muscle in the modern day – perhaps the last of its kind.
1998-2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W210)
5.4-liter M113 V8 349hp
5-speed automatic
This one is another people-hauler with exceptional performance and luxury car amenities. Finding one of these in good condition is getting tougher, and well-kept examples will appreciate.
2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6
Turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 274hp
6-speed manual
The design of this all-wheel drive sport sedan has aged well for being over 15 years old. It offers impressive equipment like a limited-slip differential, and it emphasizes fun-to-drive dynamics but could still be daily-driven.
1992-1997 Ford F-Series (Ninth generation)
4.9-liter inline-6, 460ci V8, 7.3-liter Power Stroke Diesel
5-speed manual / 4-speed auto
The F-Series has been America’s best-selling vehicle for over 40 years for good reason. The ninth-generation was the last true “Old Body Style” (OBS), and came in special versions such as the Lightning, Eddie Bauer, and FlareSide.
1989-1994 Nissan Maxima (Third generation)
3.0-liter V6 190hp
5-speed manual / 4-speed auto
The third-generation Maxima was the original “Four Door Sports Car” (4DSC), and the sporty SE trim had twin mufflers, tinted tails, and unique wheels. A well-kept example from this era will appreciate in collectability.
2005-2008 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon
2.5-liter V6 or 3.0-liter V6 228hp
5-speed manual / 5-speed auto
This wagon checks a lot of boxes for enthusiasts: All-wheel drive, sporty underpinnings, versatile cargo carrying, and a manual transmission. Some drivetrain elements are shared with the Ford Contour SVT – another inevitable future classic.
Tyson and Alan Taylor
No matter what era or genre of cars interest you, you’re bound to find it on ClassicCars.com. Check out the listings and find your dream future collectible.
This year somehow marks my 23rd year attending Arizona auction week, and over the years I have driven a few rentals cars and quite a few press cars. These have included everything from a Nissan Versa SV (the car least deserving of SV in its name) all the way to exotic cars such as the Aston Martin DB11. This year is a bit different in that I am driving a car for the week in Arizona that is nothing like any other car I have had: the 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring edition.
Visitors test out the Lucid Air at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with Dave in the background
If you have not yet heard of the Lucid Air, it is an all-electric luxury sedan. The car’s design is unlike any other modern car I have seen, and it is truly a breakthrough design both in its exterior and interior. It is less of a direct competitor with the Tesla S, which quite honestly the Air betters in every way, but more of a competitor of the Mercedes EQS.
I had originally planned to rent a car for the week but last week received a call from my friend Dave Buchko, Product PR Manager at Lucid, asking if I would be interested in driving an Air for the week. I, of course, agreed, as up until now I had only ridden in a prototype Air awhile back and then last year on track with Ben Collins, also known as The Stig.
Lucid Air and me
I met my Air at the offsite parking and was immediately struck with how nice the car looked. I was a bit uncertain if I would be able to figure out how to use the car, but found myself immediately at home with the car and was quickly able to sort out the control location, pair my phone, and set the navigation to head over the Barrett-Jackson to pick up my first set of credentials for the week.
On the road, even in its lowest performance setting, I was easily able to feel the truly amazing acceleration and performance available under my right foot. I did get that at a higher level during The Stig ride-along but being in control of the car myself was completely different. I also quickly realized that the Air could be driven by using only the accelerator, something that reminded me or my time driving NASCAR stock cars on ovals.
My Lucid Air for the week
I arrived at Barrett-Jackson around 30 min later, quickly realizing that I had traveled there much faster than I should have, and that I needed to carefully watch how fast I was going as the car is very easy to drive over the speed limit.
I pulled into the valet parking lot and after explaining how the car worked, I got my credentials and went into the main auction tent.
I met Dave at the Lucid booth and told him how much I liked the car. I added that it was able to fit all my suitcases, briefcase, and camera gear in the rear trunk. If you know me well you know that I bring about two weeks of clothes for a one-week trip, so this was a truly remarkable feat.
I spent the rest of the day at Barrett-Jackson planning out my auction tour and picking the cars I would discuss.
Catching some auctions my first day at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
I left the auction and met Dave for dinner at the Tommy Bahama café to discuss and ask questions about the car. I had many questions and after dinner Dave showed me some of the hidden features of the car including Launch mode to achieve maximum acceleration runs. I have not tested that out yet but might find a way to do so during the week, so stay tuned.
After dinner I drove to my hotel, checked in and went to bed.
“The Sunrise Pearl exterior features a custom widebody package with flared fenders and quarter panels, a pinched nose, and a custom-fabricated hood,” the listing states. “As a result, the body has been widened by two inches. The total cost of the paint and body work was reportedly $50,000. Additional exterior features include tucked and smoothed color-keyed bumpers, color-keyed mirror caps, shaved door handles, red accent stripes with flame graphics, and a custom rear panel and taillights.”
1971 Dodge Challenger “widebody”
It rides on staggered Boze forged wheels, 18-inch front and 20-inch rear, with 245/40 front and 315/35 rear Nitto radial tires.
1971 Dodge Challenger “widebody”
This custom Challenger has late-model front bucket seats, rear seat, trim, and door panels upholstered in black leather. Amenities include Vintage Air air conditioning, a Pioneer touchscreen stereo with hands-free capabilities, power windows, and a center console with cup holders.
1971 Dodge Challenger “widebody”
The digital odometer reads 1,700 miles, reflecting the mileage accrued since the build process was completed, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.
6.1-liter Hemi V8
Under the hood is a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 prepared by Indy Cylinder Head featuring 5.7-liter heads, an aluminum Indy Mod-Man intake with dual 500-cfm Edelbrock four-barrel carburetors, relocated coil packs, and an MSD HEMI ignition. The engine is paired with a 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission and a Dana 60 rear end.
It rides on an independent front suspension, with rack-and-pinion steering, and tubular control arms. This Challenger has power brakes courtesy of a Hydroboost set up featuring Baer 13-inch discs and six-piston calipers.
1971 Dodge Challenger “widebody”
The sale includes a clear California title in the seller’s name.
If I’m correct, the average American male is 5’9”, the average woman being 5’4”. If you’re taller than the former or simply overweight, it’s possible you may not fit in a Lotus Elise. The company has had its ups and downs but, during those moments, no one could ever accuse Lotus of following the herd. While the Millennium found Lotus working with other manufacturers in order to survive, its incarnation would have founder Colin Chapman saluting the Elise if he were alive. For that reason, the Pick of the Day is 2005 Lotus Elise listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Tempe, Arizona.
The Elise made its debut at the end of 1996. Weighing in at just over 1,600 pounds, the Elise carried on the Lotus tradition after a host of supercar-esque models from the 1970s. With a vehicle so light, it didn’t take much horsepower to give it strong performance; in this case, a 118-horsepower 1.8-liter Rover inline-four was good for sub-6-second sprints to 0-60. Higher states of tune were available — up to 192. Considering Lotus’ MO is all about lightness and handling, the Elise was fulfilling the Lotus promise that had fallen by the wayside for years.
The Series 2 debuted at the end of 2000, mainly due to changing European safety standards. The little company that could, so to speak, acquired a partner in General Motors to help financially with the upgrades (and resulting in the Lotus-based Opel Speedster and Vauxhall VX220). The base engine was the same Rover 1.8, though now with 120 horsepower, with options up to 192 horsepower. But then, in 2004, Lotus began to use a DOHC 1.8-liter Toyota engine, though tuned by Lotus. For 2005, Americans got their first chance at an Elise, with the 189-horsepower four was good for sub-5-second 0-60 sprints, and even better with the Sport package. A facelifted Series 3 version was introduced in 2010, but Americans would only get one more year to buy one as Elise would disappear for 2012 due to a safety standard upgrade that Lotus decided to forego. For the rest of the world, it would continue just until a few months ago, some with a supercharger.
This Scottsdale, Arizona-based 2005 Lotus Elise has had one owner in its entire existence on this Earth. The original female owner has driven this bunch of British energy just 32,000 miles, and she kept every piece of documentation to show that the Elise was properly maintained. The Formula Red sportster is powered by a 190-horse Toyota 1.8-liter 2ZZ engine that is harnessed by a six-speed manual. Other features include 16-inch alloys wrapped in Yokohamas, sport seats, removable soft targa top, upgraded stereo including CD, and such niceties like air conditioning, power windows and keyless entry. “The beautiful sport interior is very clean and looks amazing!” claims the seller. “The [leather] seats have really held up well with no scuffs or ware lines.” No “Prince of Darkness” funny stuff from the days of old — “everything works in the car: lights, gauges, radio, seats, windows, locks, a/c blows ice cold, etc.” The Elise also comes with its original manuals and keys.
For $39,900, this 2005 Lotus Elise can be yours. With clean CARFAX and AutoCheck, you can have peace of mind. There haven’t been many pure sports cars in the American market in recent memory that haven’t weighed two tons, so if you wish for something pristine in the manner that Colin Chapman intended, look no further.
For a $75 ticket price, visitors to the Sedona, Arizona area can sign up for a Jeep tour to get up-close and personal with the picturesque countryside. Most outfitters provide passengers with an open-air, bumpy jump-seat introduction to the wilderness – with dust, mud, and weather conditions included at no extra charge!
While Sedona’s 3.3-mile round-trip drive on Broken Arrow Trail to the “Chicken Point” Lookout is relatively short in length, it is one of the more technical stretches of road in Sedona for off-road enthusiasts. In fact, the trail’s entry point has a rock obstacle that locals called the “Gatekeeper.” It serves as a deterrent for people who do not have the driving skill level – or the automotive equipment – to continue and traverse the pass safely.
2023 Honda Pilot
Recently, Honda hosted a handful of journalists in Sedona for the press launch of the all-new fourth-generation Honda Pilot three-row crossover, and I was among the lucky attendees to be part of it. I saddled up in the driver seat of a Pilot TrailSport with Honda development team member Jed Aston at my side in the passenger seat. He coached me on the ins and outs of not only my off-roading strategy, but also the merits of the vehicle that he and his team have been invested in for the last five years.
Based on my experience conquering Broken Arrow: Jed and his teammates nailed it.
Pilot Model History
The Pilot is now 20 years old which oddly enough means the oldest generation is approaching classic status. First launched in 2003, this three-row, midsize crossover has been a hit for the Honda brand, selling over 100,000 units per year consistently for over the past decade. As Honda’s largest sport-utility vehicle, the Pilot developed a reputation for its versatile cargo-carrying capacity, smooth ride, and multi-terrain qualifications.
Each generation has evolved in size, equipment, and capability in the two decades that followed, with the second generation launching in 2009 and the third generation 2016. Exterior lines became sleeker as the years went on, with the third-generation achieving a ten percent reduction in drag compared to the prior version. Along with the design revisions, technology and powertrains received similar attention: In 2017, all trims except for LX received Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And in 2021, a new nine-speed transmission became standard across the board.
To some folks, the Pilot drifted away from its go-anywhere objective, since design aesthetic used softer lines and the underpinnings were primarily street-focused. Engineers set out to change that direction for 2023.
What’s New for 2023
The fourth-generation Pilot was first revealed in November 2022 and went into production the following month at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama manufacturing facility. Designers set out to create a more capable Pilot no matter the terrain. With that in mind, the length, wheelbase, and track width were increased. The hood was lengthened, and the side profile received a strong horizontal beltline. Following are some specifics on the features Honda updated.
Interior
Honda resurrected some fan favorites to the equipment list, including a shallow parcel shelf on the passenger side of the dashboard for smaller items. The lower tray in the center console can accommodate two smartphones side by side, too. Design team representatives joked, “We all know what that feels like to lose a cell phone between the seat and the center console, so why not build a place to put it?”
I did not get the chance to put the second or third rows to the test, but that is one area where the new Pilot shines. In a class-exclusive feature, on most Pilot trim levels, the center seat in the second row is removable and can be stowed in a cargo tray at the rear of the vehicle. This reminded me of the first-generation CR-V which offered a folding picnic table in the same area – a typical display Honda innovation and space-efficiency.
Adding to that list of interior enhancements are 14 cupholders, a configurable 10.2-inch digital display on Elite models, illuminated USB charging ports, and an available Bose 12-speaker audio system.
Powertrain
Under the hood resides a 3.5-liter J-Series V6 with output of 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque — a five-horsepower bump from the previous model. Torque is transferred to all four corners through a 10-speed automatic transmission (incidentally, that is double the number of gears that propelled the first-generation Pilot). Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system (a first for the Pilot) detects and corrects wheel spin. Honda did not make mention of any upcoming hybrid or EV Pilot variants, and fuel economy is rated at 20 miles per gallon combined city/highway.
Packaging
In typical Honda fashion, there are a variety of trim levels available on the new Pilot: LX, Sport, TrailSport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Pricing points range from $35,950 to $52,030.
In the prior generation Pilot, Honda started pushing the Pilot more into the off-road realm by adding the TrailSport trim in 2022. This offering grows even more comprehensive in the newest Pilot, offering equipment such as a one-inch suspension lift, distinct 18-inch wheels, a standard hitch, three skid plates, recovery points, a tuned suspension, stabilizer bars, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, a full-size spare tire, and unique trim.
Piloting the Pilot
Now the important part: How’s the drive? The terrain around Sedona was the perfect proving ground for our evaluation, as we set out to explore the region on pre-determined routes.
The first half of my day took place in on-road driving environments, where I had the opportunity to sample TrailSport and Elite models in a roughly 50-mile loop near the Prescott National Forest and Highway 89A. The Pilot is as predictable and confidence-inspiring as an everyday passenger car, even with its higher clearance and cargo versatility. The 3.5-liter V6 provided good punch without being intrusive in noise or harshness. I enjoyed opening the panoramic roof, which Honda pointed out is a class-exclusive feature for an eight-passenger vehicle.
The Sedona area had seen rain and snow in the days leading up to the event, so the back roads were slick. In fact, Broken Arrow Trail was closed in the early morning hours to allow the frost to melt, but I got to experience it later in the day in a TrailSport model.
My takeaway of the experience was just how easy the Pilot made things. The “point and shoot” confidence made for an impressive feeling, especially since I had heard from Jeep-owning friends how technical the trail could be. Some sections of the road were narrow, so Jed and I used the sideview and bird’s eye camera angles on the “TrailWatch” system to get a better look at our surroundings on the nine-inch touchscreen monitor.
We were also able to put the new Hill Descent Control feature to a test. It holds a constant low speed and manipulates the brake and accelerator to minimize slip. There were times when particularly rugged terrain brushed the underside. “It’s designed for that,” Jed said. The skid plates are engineered to take the entire weight of the vehicle upon impact – that’s how durable they are. I found the turning radius, ride, and traction-control systems to be well optimized for the climb. The stunning view at the summit was a crowning reward for the engineering team who worked hard to refine this vehicle for precisely these types of adventures.
Takeaways
If history holds true, Honda will have a hit on its hands with this latest version of the popular Pilot. It’s a gateway to adventure in the outdoors – not to mention it offers a lot more creature comforts than a foam jump-seat in a Jeep tour convoy. As we passed each Jeep group on the trail from the comfort of our smooth ride, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and modern conveniences, I tried to keep my sly grin to myself. The Pilot is just that good.
Stay tuned to more on the ClassicCars.com Journal about the upcoming Pilot and other models.
Numerous classic cars crossed the stage on Monday at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction and the Top 10 sales showed the diversity of vehicles available on the docket.
Top 10 sales from Monday
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz1959 Chevrolet Impala custom coupe1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS re-creation1969 Ford Mustang custom coupe1971 Chevrolet Camaro RS
General Motors has filed a patent application for an augmented reality (AR) auto-dimming windshield to protect drivers from the glare of oncoming headlights.
First spotted by Motor1, the application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and published Jan. 17, 2023. It describes a lot of added hardware, including an AR head-up display, sensors to detect the amount of light shining on the windshield, and smart glass that allows the amount of light transmitted through the windshield to be electrically tuned.
General Motors Augmented head-up display patent
If the sensors detect that light shining in the direction of the driver is above a certain threshold, a specific section of the windshield will dim to keep the driver from being blinded. The system detects the position of the driver’s eyes, the position of the vehicle creating the glare, and dims a portion of the windshield to protect the driver. It also creates an image of the offending vehicle on the windshield in the proper position.
This type of system could be a good defense against other drivers who forget to turn their high beams off, although the proliferation of automatic high beams in new cars will make that less of an issue as time goes on.
Auto-dimming mirrors are also a common feature in new cars today, but the idea laid out in this patent application takes the idea a step further. Current auto-dimming mirrors dim across their entire surface, rather than targeting a specific area of glare.
General Motors Augmented head-up display patent
AR tech means the auto-dimming function could also be integrated with other features, like the AR navigation systems available in some Mercedes-Benz luxury cars. These systems project arrows onto the head-up displays (as well as the center touchscreen) to direct the driver toward their turn. Cadillac also has AR, but it shows up on digital instrument cluster instead of the head-up display.
Like other recent GM patents, including ones for anti-motion sickness technology for autonomous vehicles and dual charge ports for EVs, the AR auto-dimming windshield isn’t guaranteed to see production. Automakers frequently patent ideas without firm plans to commercialize them, so time will tell if this feature appears on future GM vehicles.
Barrett-Jackson kicked off the event season in Arizona with its 2023 Scottsdale Auction over the weekend with its highest attendance for an opening weekend in the auction company’s history. Families and young enthusiasts flocked to Barrett-Jackson to take in the excitement of Family Day on Saturday and the Future Collector Car Show on Sunday. The Scottsdale Auction continues today through Sunday, January 29, with both automobilia and collector cars auctioning from the world-famous auction block.
Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
“After the incredible year we experienced in 2022, breaking hundreds of world auction records and shattering our own previous sales records, it’s incredible to see this level of enthusiasm from the hobby as we kicked off our 2023 Scottsdale Auction this weekend,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Our opening weekend saw the highest attendance we’ve ever welcomed at WestWorld over the first two days of our event, and I can’t wait to see what this week’s action brings.”
Barrett-Jackson’s opening weekend began on Saturday with Family Day, which featured several family-friendly activations such as STEM Fest. Barrett-Jackson also partnered with the Driven Project once again to provide supercar therapy to 12 children battling serious illnesses and heavy life challenges.
STEM Fest (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson)
A highlight of Saturday afternoon was a parade across the auction block of the nearly 50 contenders competing for the coveted Barrett-Jackson Cup. Rick DeBruhl, part of Barrett-Jackson’s on-air talent team, announced these incredible builds, which showcase the talent and craftsmanship of custom car and truck builders across the country. The esteemed judges, custom builders Bobby Alloway and Troy Trepanier, will have the difficult challenge of narrowing the group of ultimate vehicles down to the Top 5, from which one winner will be chosen on Saturday, January 28.
2023 Future Collector Car Show (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson)
Sunday’s activities put the 2023 Future Collector Car Show in the spotlight. Held on the Polo Field, the show welcomed a young, diverse crowd of enthusiasts and featured over 100 future collectibles. Ultimately, it was a 2002 Honda S2000 that earned the Best of Show title. Among the judges at the event was renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen, TV personality Bogi Lateiner and YouTuber TJ Hunt. Craig Jackson and City of Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega were on hand to welcome participants and congratulate the winners.
Sunday concluded with Barrett-Jackson’s Opening Night Gala. The renowned automotive lifestyle event featured 56 airmen and women in 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 automotive lifestyle event of the year continues all week with more than 1,100 pieces of automobilia and more than 1,900 collectible vehicles all selling with No Reserve. The auction will also be broadcast live for a record 41 hours on FYI and The HISTORY Channel.
“The burgundy exterior finish was applied under previous ownership and is accented with chrome brightwork for the bumpers, grille surround, headlight rings, window trim, and rocker moldings,” the listing states. “Additionally, the car was customized with a Rockwell Golde sliding sunroof. Other features include an egg-crate-style grille and a driver-side mirror. The selling dealer has provided close-ups in the gallery to the right that show blemishes such as paint cracks, chips, lower panel corrosion, and brightwork patina.”
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
It rides on 15-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and 165/80 Vredestein T-Trac tires.
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
This Alfa Romeo’s interior is reupholstered with gray vinyl and ivory cloth front bucket seats with newer upholstery for the headliner and door panels. It features manual windows, lap belts, and a truck-mounted spare tire.
It’s powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine with a 38-millimeter Weber two-barrel carburetor. The engine was sourced from a later-model 101-series Alfa Romeo and is paired with a replacement five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.
The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 57,000 kilometers, but the selling dealer states the true mileage on the chassis is unknown. A re-core of the radiator, and a re-lining of the fuel tank using a Gas Tank Renu system was performed.
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
The sale includes a clear Maryland title in the consignor’s name, service records, and parts receipts.
