Journal Classic Cars

Last week, we delved into several Consumer Guide books that surveyed the used car market. American Motors was the object of its affection (or lack thereof), so now it’s time to leave Kenosha and head towards Highland Park, home of the Chrysler Corporation.

The 1970s were a tumultuous time for the Chrysler Corporation. Even in 1970, with several fresh models and interest from the youth market, things were not fine behind the scenes. Chrysler’s surplus of sales bank cars was costing the company A LOT of money, plus there were rising material and labor costs, and high interest rates along with high debt, all leading to compromised profit margins.

Let’s look at it from a kid’s perspective. While at Arden Montessori, I could not help but notice Chrysler Corporation vehicles were the ones with reliability issues. One kid named Paul (who always dressed up as a cowboy) had parents who picked him up in a 1966-67 Charger or a Valiant. Both constantly had stalling issues, if not failing to start (and, yes, I scored an education on Chrysler’s famous starter with no tuition). It could be suggested that Paul’s dad was a motorhead and owned cars that were not street-friendly, but how else does six-year-old me develop a perception that Chrysler products are unreliable?

Cue the Consumer Guide book, which noticeably complained about most of Chrysler’s products . . . except one. That one we will revisit when we discuss Plymouth and Dodge, but for now, we will discuss Chrysler and Imperial. Please note the CG rating scale of 5 being Excellent and 1 being Poor.

Chrysler and Imperial
“Chrysler management decisions during the past decade [the 1970s] have been a comedy of errors … This series of mistakes came from a company that is far ahead of most of its competition in engineering excellence.”

• Cordoba: “While the repair record is no longer good enough to rate … as a best used-car buy, it isn’t a bad car either, if you can do your own engine work.”  CG rating: 4
• Imperial: “Higher-than-average owner complaint history for body rattles and rust tendencies.” CG rating: 1-2
• Chrysler LeBaron: “The engineers have done an excellent job of insulating LeBaron from unwanted road noise and surface irregularities without making it too soft for stability and control in emergency maneuvers.”  CG rating: 4
• Newport/300/New Yorker: “Chrysler’s large cars seem to have a detonator timed to go off around 50,000 miles … Before that magic point, the cars maintain average or even better-than-average records.” CG rating: 1-2
• Newport/New Yorker (1980): “All these Chrysler R-body models rate a notch below GM and Ford competitors.” CG rating: n/a

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight shines on the first year of the Chevrolet SS 396: 1966, two years after the debut of the Pontiac GTO. Someone in readerland is going to say that 201 were built in 1965, but those were Malibu SSs with the Z16 package, so forgive us for making the distinction. Of course, this 1966 Chevelle SS 396 Sport Coupe is powered by a “porcupine-head” 396, the first of the “Mark IV” big-blocks. The 396 was available in three states of tune, with this restored example having 325 horsepower that is backed by an M20 four-speed. Other features include five-spoke SS mags, the gauge package, a center console, a factory AM/FM radio, and more. Painted Ermine White with a black vinyl top over a black interior, this Bow Tie comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The Ermine White is complemented by a black vinyl top. Other exterior features include a louvered hood, dual chrome side mirrors, rocker and wheel arch trim, a blacked-out grille, and SS 396-specific badges on all four sides of the car. A set of 14-inch SS wheels are wrapped in 225/70 Goodyear Eagle ST raised-white-letter radials.

The black interior features vinyl bucket seats up front. Other interior features include a two-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel, center console with the shifter and a clock, an AM/FM radio, and more.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery, and fuel level. Additionally, an aftermarket 6,000-rpm tachometer is mounted on the dashboard to the right of the steering column. The odometer shows 62,756 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The L35 396 was rated at 325 horsepower when new. It is topped by a four-barrel carburetor and flanked by chrome valve covers. This engine sends its output through an M20 wide-ratio four-speed manual transmission.

Out back, you’ll find a dual exhaust system running around the rear axle that houses 3.31 gears. Braking is handled by four drums.

It’s undeniable that 1966 Chevelles are good-looking. It’s also undeniable that the 396 is one of the top engines of the muscle car era. Combine the two and you have this very cool, restored 1966 Chevelle SS 396 Sport Coupe for sale on AutoHunter. To bring it to your garage, you must make the top bid before the auction ends on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT)—if you’re reading this before that date, it’s very soon!

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Every person who enjoys automobiles also loves talking about them, especially their own. By submitting your My Classic Car story, you can tell the ClassicCars.com Journal‘s thousands of readers about your vehicle all at once.

That’s how proud owners have spread the word about their 1-of-1 1974 Cadillac Mozelle, 1959 Chevrolet El Camino that went Down Under, James Bond-inspired 1970 Mercury Cougar XR-7 convertible, and dozens of other beloved machines. Sharing your My Classic Car story also gives you the chance to let us know your favorite things about it, how it’s been a part of significant moments in your life, and its importance to your family.

We know it’s impossible to love cars and not talk about them. We want to hear all about yours, so we’ve made the process of submitting your very own My Classic Car story easy. Do that right now by using the form below!

Carolyn and Craig Jackson, known for their commitment to the collector car industry and community, will showcase their most recent restoration, a 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio Chassis No. 57406, during this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 17 in Carmel, California. The freshly restored Bugatti, which will be exhibited in the European Classic class, reflects the Jacksons’ efforts to make the Stelvio closer to a sound vintage rally car and honor the car’s previous owner and their friend, Don Williams. The Pebble Beach Concours will be the first public appearance of the car since its restoration. Additionally, the Jacksons will display “Little Red,” one of the most historically significant Shelby Mustangs ever built, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, on Friday, August 15, 2025.

“We were deeply honored to assume stewardship of the Bugatti Type 57 previously owned by my close friend, Don Williams,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “When working with my team, we not only wanted to ensure the Bugatti was mechanically sound but honor Don’s legacy and his love for the craftsmanship and design of this beautiful car. It’s especially rewarding to showcase this Bugatti during this year’s Monterey Car Week, where fellow auto aficionados and collectors from around the world can share our passion for this newly restored Bugatti.”

Examined by Bugatti Heritage and Certification Specialist Luigi Galli, the Bugatti retains its original No. 286 engine, No. 98C transmission (typically seen in a supercharged Stelvio), No. 427 rear axle and its No. 80 internal frame. Under Jackson’s leadership, the engine was completely rebuilt, the chassis was stripped and sandblasted and the body was fully repainted a deep, rich PPG black. Jackson selected a striking silver for the “sweep panels” that matches his 2023 Bugatti Chiron, creating a visual bridge between the marque’s prewar elegance and modern hypercar performance.

“Carolyn and I are very proud of the work that our talented team poured into the restoration of the Bugatti, and to have this historic vehicle as part of our collection,” said Jackson. “We’re honored to now be a part of this car’s rich provenance, which includes its original owner, Mr. R. Petit, as well as French actor Jacques Dufilho, 12 Hours of Sebring founder Alec Ulmann, the Blackhawk Museum and Don Williams. We’re committed to preserving it for the next generation of collectors.”

Further highlighting the Jacksons’ dedication to preserving automotive history, they will also showcase “Little Red” at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. One of the most historically significant Shelby Mustangs ever built, the 1967 Shelby GT500 EXP prototype nicknamed “Little Red” is the only twin supercharged Shelby ever built and is equipped with a 428ci engine and dual four-barrel carburetors. “Little Red” was lost for decades, Jackson led the five-year effort to locate, recover and restore the coupe to its original factory specifications.

“I’ve had the privilege of learning how to work on and restore cars with my late brother Brian, as well as my father Russ, Don Williams and Tom Barrett,” said Jackson. “The opportunity to present our restored Bugatti connects all of us to its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation that has shaped the automotive industry for over a century. Carolyn and I will continue to be part of world-class events that preserve and elevate timeless vehicles – whether it’s a rare European classic or a one-of-one American icon.”

Do you enjoy cartoons? I’m a big fan of Bugs Bunny, having spent my youth watching many Warner Brothers shorts among others that were in syndication. Another Warner Brothers character joined forces with Plymouth for 1968 and started a cartoonish trend in Detroit, four examples of which you can find below. All are cars for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com.

Can you identify each? Please tell us in the Comments section below. If you need a hint, just click on the respective image that’s giving you fits.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

Every Tuesday you can solve a new automotive puzzle at The Classic Cars.com Journal. You can also play previous games for even more car fun!

The term “car enthusiast” is a little misleading. Every one of them that I know doesn’t just have their car(s)—they have a collection of Hot Wheels or 1:18-scale model cars or automotive memorabilia. Some enthusiasts out there even enjoy putting together Lego kits that look like their favorite cars. If you’re one of those people, get your credit card out because Lego has made the Bugatti Centodieci the newest addition to its Speed Champions line, and it’s available now.

Consider the Bugatti Centodieci (Italian for 110) the company’s homage to one of its modern classics. From the late 1980s until the mid 1990s, Bugatti was owned by Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli. In that short time, Bugatti built the EB110 GT, a quad-turbo V12-powered hypercar with a six-speed manual, and the lighter and more powerful EB110 Supersport at a factory in Italy.

In 2022, Bugatti produced a run of 10 Centodieci models powered by an 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 and styled after the EB110 Supersport, complete with a small horseshoe-shaped front grille, a red Bugatti badge on the nose, five cooling holes on each side, and a black rear wing.

Lego’s 291-piece version of the Centodieci not only recreates its signature design elements, but the literal “kit car” also has the same color basic scheme as the final Centodieci that Bugatti made: white over a blue interior—minus the leather, of course. The included minifigure can either be put behind the wheel or used to draw more attention to the latest addition to your shelf full of car-related collectibles.

Over the last 25 years or so, I have owned 34 different 911 models, with the oldest being a 1969 911S and the newest an RS America. Within that group of cars, I have also owned a 1973 Carrera RS, a 1977 Turbo Carrera, and other higher-end air-cooled 911 cars. Of all those, there is only a single sub-model 911 that I chose to own not just once, but twice: the 1978-83 911SC.

The reason? I feel the 911SC was not only the best built, but also perfectly sums up the entire 911 experience. It is as if everything came together in that model, combining all the lessons learned with a strong engine and what is probably the ultimate development of the classic 911 chassis. The secret few people will tell you is that the SC drives just like every other 911, including the 1973 Carrera RS. I know some will disagree, but I have thousands of miles behind the wheel of both models, and that was my takeaway.

Our AutoHunter Spotlight is one of these cars, a 1978 Porsche 911SC offered by a private seller in North Haven, Connecticut.

This Porsche 911 would not be considered a show car; it looks like it has been well-loved and used for years. According to the seller’s listing, they have owned this 1978 911SC for the last 32 years, since 1993 or thereabouts. This is exactly the kind of owner I want to buy a vehicle from, as they know its history.

The exterior of this SC is finished in black over a tan interior. Looking at the photos makes me think this car might still have a lot of the original paint, as it has numerous chips and other flaws. Personally, I would leave the paint alone – simply detail it as well as possible and drive it. Some modifications include a very period-type modification of a Turbo Carrera-style rear tail. Other spot-on period changes include a set of 16-inch BBS RA wheels. This wheel swap was very common in the 1980s and they look great. The seller does note there is some curb rash on the wheels, which is something worth fixing.

The interior is a mix of correct and incorrect. The door cards, rear seats, and dash all look correct and in decent shape. The front seats, while in good condition, have definitely been recovered in cloth. I am not sure if I would just leave them alone or recover them with the correct leather. The seller states the dash has a few cracks, but I can’t see them in the photos.

The engine compartment is simply that of an old 911SC. It looks like it would clean up nicely, though, and would be worth the time to make it as nice as possible. I think that the way it would look after a detail would be quite surprising.

The seller states both the engine and the transmission of this 911SC received comprehensive rebuilds and that the engine rebuild cost $22,000, which is on par with costs these days. I would want to know who did the work. Connecticut has some great air-cooled 911 shops, and if it was done by one of them you just got extra-lucky.

So what we have here, in my opinion, is the perfect air-cooled 911 to simply drive and enjoy. You can even take it to a Porsche show or two. If some know-it-all comments that it’s too bad it is so worn, ask them what their 911 looks like. Chances are they don’t have one. At that point you can just bask in the feeling of owning a legendary air-cooled 911 you can drive everywhere and every day.

These cars are truly something special, and the driving experience is unlike any other sports car in the world. Sure, you can pay six figures for a mint in-the-box super-low-mile Porsche you are afraid to drive – or you can instead buy this car, one that is likely affordable and perfectly demonstrates just what driving and owning a classic 911 is all about.

The auction for this 1978 Porsche 911SC Coupe ends Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The vehicles our parents and grandparents drove are forever a part of our childhood memories. One seller on ClassicCars.com recalls riding around in the back of his grandfather’s Ford pickup on the family’s ranch in Sheffield, Texas – and he even shared a picture from back in the day showing such a ride taking place:

The Pick of the Day is a 1969 Ford F-100 pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Dublin, Ohio.

“Purchased new in Dallas, Texas in 1969, family-owned since,” the listing says. “Brought to Ohio in 2014 and restored in 2021. About 1,500 miles since restoration.”

According to the seller’s description, the truck’s restoration was comprehensive in both cosmetic and mechanical aspects. The Pebble Beige exterior was resprayed, but a great deal of prep work had to be done before that: the frame was straightened, the bed was repaired, and some floorboard rust was taken care of. Once the exterior was dialed in, the interior received its share of love, too. The seller added a new windshield, dash pad, headliner, fresh upholstery, upgraded carpet, three-point seat belts, and a Bluetooth stereo, which is cleverly tucked away inside the glove compartment. 

Model-year 1969 slotted in the fifth generation (1967 through 1972) for the F-Series. While still robust in design, Ford promoted the truck’s heightened ride comfort. One advertisement said, “Works like a truck. Rides like a car. Know why more people pick Ford than any other pickup? Better ideas—like road-smoothing Twin-I-Beam suspension. Coil springs supply the easy going. Now add Ford’s comfortable cab, roomiest of them all.”

Under the hood, power comes from an “FE” (Ford-Edsel) 360ci V8 that has been upgraded with a Holley four-barrel carburetor and an automatic choke. Torque is transferred to the rear wheels via a BorgWarner T-18 four-speed manual transmission and a Traction-Lok limited-slip rear end. During the truck’s overhaul, it received service to the radiator, ignition, clutch, leaf springs, rear axle, and drum brakes.

Well, after a long life of ranch duty, this family-owned truck is now ready to find a new home. If you buy it, let the seller take one more ride in the bed for old times’ sake.

The asking price is $36,000 or best offer, and a car cover will be included with the sale.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

If you want to soak up the summer sun while it lasts before enjoying the cool of autumn in a sporty drop-top, check out our latest AutoHunter Spotlight vehicle: a 26,445-mile 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i with the visual upgrades of the Hyper Orange Package and the M Sport Package’s cosmetic and performance enhancements. If you win the auction, it’ll come to you from a private seller in Ohio with owner’s manuals, two key fobs, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

Whether you take this Z4 on back roads or the highway, people are going to see you enjoying the wind in your hair thanks to its eye-catching Valencia Orange Metallic paint and matching power-retractable hardtop. The M Sport Package makes the Z4 even more distinctive by adding an Aerodynamic kit with unique front and rear styling, as well as a set of attractive 19-inch Style 296 wheels, which are wrapped in 225/35 (front) and 255/30 (rear) Falken Azenis rubber.

There’s more M Sport Package content inside. In fact, you’ll see some of it before you even sit down because the package includes M-badged door sill plates and an M-badged dead pedal. Once you and your passenger get seated, you’ll be in specially bolstered sport seats. That leather-wrapped steering wheel? You can thank the M Sport Package for that too. The same goes for the Adaptive M Suspension, which you can adjust (along with the throttle response, steering, and gearshifts) using the buttons for the Driving Dynamics Control system.

In addition to comfort and convenience features such as cruise control, paddle shifters, an infotainment system with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated seats, there’s more orange all around the cockpit, courtesy of the Hyper Orange Package. That includes Black Alcantara and leather seats with Orange accents and Orange Alcantara door panel inserts. Metal Weave trim highlights the lighting and HVAC controls while adding a different texture to the cabin.

Once you get on your favorite road, you can blast down it using the twin-turbo 3.0-liter I6’s 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. If you nail your launch and keep your right foot down, you should be able to get from a dead stop to 60 mph in about five seconds flat. Another benefit of the M Sport Package is that it raises the top speed from 130 to 155 mph, although we don’t recommend or condone trying to reach that on public roads.

However, we do strongly suggest that you bid on this 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i. The auction ends at 11:15 a.m. (PDT) on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Orange you glad we told you?

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Indianapolis 500 pace cars are pretty cool in my book and, apparently, those of many others considering pace cars have been on enthusiasts’ radar since the 1960s. Yet not every pace car is based on a vehicle that gets enthusiasts excited. Witness these two unusual FWD pace cars that sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction.

The Buick Riviera was chosen to pace the 1983 Indianapolis 500. While this generation had been in production since 1979, the possible reason the ’83 was chosen was it was the first time since 1976 that General Motors offered a convertible. Additionally, this was when Buick was playing with turbocharging, adding to the novelty.

Fast-forward 14 years and Oldsmobile found itself pacing the 1997 Indy 500 with the Aurora. Another unconventional pace car, the Aurora is one of the few FWD vehicles to handle track duties in this capacity. However, unlike the Buick, little was needed to modify the vehicle because by 1997, Detroit had emerged from the Malaise. Both vehicles in the video below are authentic pace cars from the track and are not replicas that were available at dealerships.

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