Journal Classic Cars

It’s safe to say that most American car fans have at some point in their lives fantasized about having a Chevrolet Corvette, a convertible, or a Corvette convertible. Many of them have made that dream a reality but, if you haven’t done that already, take a look at our latest AutoHunter Spotlight: a 71K-mile 2002 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. It’s available from a dealership in Sarasota, Florida and comes with a clean CARFAX report and a clear title.

For 2001, the Corvette coupe and convertible received a variety of updates that improved NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), boosted power, and increased agility. The cockpit was quieter thanks to better sound insulation and the LS1 5.7-liter V8’s improved idle quality. Engineers also increased the engine’s output from 345 to 350 horsepower and, by opening up the intake system, bumped torque up by 10 to 360 lb-ft (for Corvettes with the 4L60-E four-speed automatic), most of which was available lower in the rev range than before. Even Corvettes with the auto and the standard rear end ratio were able to sprint to 60 mph a quarter-second faster than their 2000 predecessors, according to Chevrolet. A second-generation Active Handling stability control system, new Bosch brake pressure modulator, and revised calibrations made the ’01 Corvette more controllable whether it was oversteering or understeering.

As a 2002 model, this drop-top Vette benefits from all those changes as well as gentle use. Over the past 23 years, it has only accrued 71,767 miles, which means it has been neither a garage queen nor a road warrior. In the pictures provided by the selling dealer, the Magnetic Red Metallic paint appears even and glossy. There’s still plenty of shine on the 17-inch front/18-inch rear aluminum wheels. Soft tops in light colors easily show stains, but the Light Oak manual lid on this C5 seems to be free of discoloration.

Inside, the Light Oak power-adjustable bucket seats are in equally good shape. Whoever originally configured this Corvette picked the 1SC trim, which included a variety of convenience features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, driver’s seat memory, head-up display, and power telescoping/manual tilt steering column.

Other interior features include power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, and Bose audio system with an AM/FM/CD radio.

If you want to make your dream of driving a Corvette convertible an everyday reality, bid on this 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. You may not have a lot of time because the auction ends at 11:00 a.m. (PDT) on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, but you have the rest of your life to enjoy driving this Corvette with the top down.

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Of late, we’ve been starting to see a few automakers resurrect “car” nameplates for crossover-type vehicles. Remember what happened with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? And now Acura says it’s coming out with a new RSX crossover – repurposing the name of its former sporty hatchback. Smart? Maybe. It does play into nostalgia, which as we know is a huge driving force behind vehicle purchases (whether for late-model or classic cars).

Mercury did the same thing several decades ago. It took the Monterey name – used on its full-size car line from 1952 through 1974 – and stuck it on a minivan from 2004 to 2007. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take the earlier version.

The Pick of the Day is a 1964 Mercury Monterey convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in San Jose, California.

The 1964 Monterey was said to draw inspiration – or at least share design language with – the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln Continental models of the era. From 1961 through 1964, the Monterey was essentially the Mercury equivalent of a Ford Galaxie.

In advertising, Mercury promoted the car’s comfortable ride as well as some of its wins at competitive racing events. One promotion said, “Mercury: The look, the feel, the ride of a great road car … and a championship record to back it up.”

Finished in red with a white retractable top, this Monterey looks right at home on a lakeside cruise. The seller says “Needs some finishing touches on the bumpers and body. The internal components don’t need any attention.” The paint is believed original, and according to the trim tag, the color is “J” – otherwise known as Carnival Red.

Under the hood, power comes from a 390ci “Super Marauder” FE V8 (with a two-barrel carburetor) linked to a Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer reads 69,922 miles, and the seller says, “Looks to be original, but selling true-mileage-unknown.” The good news is there is some known service history, which includes:

• Coolant flush
• Fuel pump replacement
• Fuel tank cleaning
• Ignition coil and distributor assembly replacement
• Ignition repairs
• Oil and filter change
• Spark plug cleaning

The seller says. “You can start driving it today!”

The 1964 Monterey has aged gracefully, and its distinctive style still looks good after over 60 years. It will likely continue carry more collector appeal than its 2000s-era minivan counterpart, at least.

The asking price is $13,500.

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

It started with an email. My friend Adrian sent me a note stating, “I came across this interesting Chevrolet ad in the Monday, February 20, 1967, edition of the Gloucester County Times newspaper while doing some research on Ace Motor Sales and Eastlack Lincoln-Mercury, Inc. of Woodbury, New Jersey. Have you ever heard of this new ‘light monitoring system’ option? I wonder why it wasn’t available in California?”

I’ve seen this light monitoring system—later branded Vigilite—several times on Chevrolets, mainly 1968-69 models. It’s not a common option, being a feature that I would expect more on a Cadillac than the brand that was lowest on the General Motors totem pole. Digging into the 1967 full-size brochure, I found no mention of the option, though it appears in the 1968 catalog as a pair of fender-top monitors (versus the one pictured in the 1967 ad that sits on the rear package shelf). Logically, a vehicle should have both, so I will guess that I simply never noticed the interior monitor in cars that I have seen.

According to the ad, it was available in 1967 full-size Chevrolets and Chevelles, and I know it was expanded to Camaros for 1968. The option also was standard on the redesigned 1968 Corvette, though it was a set of monitor lights on the console.

I dove into old newspaper ads online and discovered this option was introduced in the middle of the model year. The first mention I found was a press release blurb in the January 26, 1967, edition of the Oakland (CA) Tribune.

Next, I grabbed my trusty Chevrolet SS Muscle Car Red Book, but the option was not listed for 1967 full-size or Chevelle models. However, ChevelleStuff.net shows 113 Chevelles were built with option code U46, which was introduced in February 1967. For full-size Chevrolets, the GM Heritage Center has provided a number of 1,107.

None of this addresses why cars sold in California could not be ordered with U46. Knowing that each state handles its affairs differently, it would not be unusual for something to be illegal in a particular state (the State of Pennsylvania had issues with the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird, for example). However, I did find this on the Internet:

CVC Section 25108(b–c) sets clear limits on external indicators used for monitoring functionality. Specifically:

• Exterior pilot indicators (like those used to show whether a lamp is functioning) must not exceed 0.20 square inches in lens area.
• Light intensity must be no more than 0.10 candlepower.
• Red lenses may not be visible from the front of the vehicle.

I do not know if this is particularly true for the light monitoring system in California, but I would be willing to bet the option ran afoul of state regulators.

If you know something about this, we would be appreciative if you chimed in!

The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is a 1,250-horsepower hybrid and one of the fastest cars on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The mid-engine, all-wheel-drive road rocket is light-years ahead of its ancestors in terms of output and performance. But there’s one major thing that connects the recently announced ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition to the first-generation Vette.

It certainly isn’t the layout, given that the current Corvette has its engine behind the passenger compartment. Yes, the ZR1X is powered by a V8 like most C1s, but it’s an LT7 5.5-liter DOHC V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft and twin turbos. Let’s not forget that the LT7 is assisted by the front axle’s electric motor and paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, both of which enable the ZR1X to absolutely scorch its way to 60 mph in under two seconds and top out at 233 mph.

So what exactly is it that connects the ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition to the first-gen Vette? Its color. According to Chevrolet, its Blade Silver Matte finish was inspired by the Inca Silver available on 1957-1959 Corvettes. Accents include Carbon Flash mirror caps, orange calipers for the carbon ceramic brakes, and black exhaust tips.

As a 2026 model, the ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition benefits from the comprehensive interior updates Chevrolet rolled into all Corvettes. Although the ZR1X Quail Silver comes in an exclusive color and finish, its cockpit is dressed in a combination of Sky Cool and Medium Ash Gray along with Habanero orange accents, a color scheme available on less potent 2026 Vettes. A “Limited Edition” plaque between the seats identifies each car by its build number.

Prices for the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X start at $207,395* for the 1LZ coupe; the MSRP jumps up to $217,395* for the 1LZ convertible. The price of entry into a 3LZ coupe is $218,395*; opting for the drop-top model again will cost an additional $10,000 (with all prices including a $1,995 Destination Freight Charge). The Quail Silver Limited Edition package is available only on the ZR1X 3LZ convertible and increases its MSRP to $241,395 (before delivery fees). Adding on the ZTK Performance Package will bump that number even higher, though it adds a firmer chassis, higher spring rates, the ZR1X Carbon Fiber Aero Package, and Michelin Pilot Cup 2 R tires.

As part of Monterey Car Week, Chevrolet will have the 2026 Corvette ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition on display at “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering” in Carmel, California, on August 15^th. If you happen to score a build slot for one, expect for it to come off the production line next year. If a “regular” ZR1X (the grossest of gross understatements) is fine with you, you won’t have to wait as long because that will be available by the end of 2025.

The highest-grossing film of 1978 was “Grease,” a musical starring John Travolta. It brought in $366.2 million worldwide and ended up having a wildly successful soundtrack, with over 30 million copies sold. One of the main characters in the film was a 1948 Ford . . . except it didn’t look much like a 1948 Ford at all, having been heavily modified with a plexiglass hood, chopped front fenders, and massive tailfins. Today, the actual movie car resides at the Volo Museum in Illinois.

If you’re a Ford fan who’s more into original-equipment classics, then you will enjoy our AutoHunter Spotlight that shows what the movie car might have started out looking like. This 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible is being sold by a private seller in Deltona, Florida, with the auction ending Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Parrot Green (known as “M14226” in Ford’s color palette for the year) is a muted tone that works well with the coupe’s body lines. Exterior features include chrome brightwork, spotlight, split windshield, power-retractable white soft top, and wide-whitewall tires wrapped around body-colored steel wheels. Note the aftermarket driving lights.

By the time model year 1948 rolled around, Ford was getting ready to retire its design language that had been around since 1941. Because the brand’s focus was centered on getting buyers excited about the incoming, redesigned 1949 models, the 1948 production calendar was shorter than usual. Only 12,033 convertibles were built before the plants switched over. The Super Deluxe units rolled off the line with a luxurious interior for the time, offering features like a dash clock, radio, and armrests.

Power for this car comes from a two-barrel 239ci “Flathead” V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission—a powertrain that was factory-rated at 100 horsepower. Later in life, this Ford was upgraded with a 12-volt electrical system, electric fuel pump, and power-assisted front disc brakes. The odometer shows 80,308 miles, but the title reads mileage-exempt.

The Super Deluxe is a practical ride with classic charm, making it a popular choice among collectors. If originality isn’t your thing, perhaps you have some customization ideas for a “Greased Lightning”-style hot rod tribute of your own? If so, you could start with a Super Deluxe as your blank canvas.

The auction for this 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible ends Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Toyota could have been accused of that when it introduced the MR2 in 1984 as a response to the Pontiac Fiero 2M4. While the Fiero was eventually discontinued, Toyota evolved the MR2 into a baby thoroughbred sports car of sorts. In its third incarnation, the MR2 returned to its roots. Our Pick of the Day is a third-generation example of this lightweight mid-engined car. This 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Though it may appear that Toyota was inspired by the Fiero, this was not quite the case as the MR2 hit the streets about 10 months after the Fiero. Much to the chagrin of Poncho fans, the original 1985 MR2 (code-named W10) was a better Fiero than what Pontiac developed. Of course, Pontiac sorted it out and then killed it—typical for the corporation at the time (and arguably true even today). The W10 was produced through 1989, a year after the Pontiac was unceremoniously killed.

After the Fiero was put to rest, Toyota introduced a second-generation MR2 for 1990. Appearing as a more evolved mid-engine sports car, the new “W20” MR2 featured slick styling for the time, almost like a smaller, mid-engine Ford Probe (feel free to rage in the Comments section below). Horsepower was 130 with the 2.0-liter inline-four, with a hot turbo version adding 70 more horsepower. The W20 was produced through 1999.

For the 2000 model year, Toyota brought the MR2 back to its tidy two-seater roots, though as a convertible. Called “Spyder,” the “W30” MR2 eschewed hidden headlamps for a more Austin-Healey Sprite-esque look. Throughout its six-year lifecycle (for North America; two more years elsewhere), the MR2 Spyder was powered by a 138-horsepower DOHC 1.8-liter inline-four, which could be paired with a five-speed manual or automated manual. Later, a six-speed automated manual became available, as did a six-speed manual for the European market. Unfortunately, after it built 27,941 MR2 Spyders for the North American market, Toyota decided to throw in the towel two years later.

This Solar Yellow 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder has an impressively low 12,300 miles. It also features the five-speed manual transmission, so you can cry a sigh of relief. “The car feels tight, responsive, and nearly as fresh as the day it left the factory,” says the seller. “The sleek black top is in excellent condition … and it still includes the highly sought-after carbon-fiber dash.”

The original window sticker, manuals, and accompanying books go with the sale. Considering you won’t find many affordable mid-engine cars today (the C8 Corvette is the cheapest and the only attainable example), why not go for this reasonably priced ($21,500) “Mister Two”?

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

With 16-cylinder engines and price tags in the millions of dollars, it seems as if every Bugatti is a totally unique creation, but that’s not entirely true. If you go to the French automaker’s media site, look under its Hypercars section and you’ll find a section marked Few-Off; those include 40 units of the Divo and 10 specimens of the Centodieci. And then there’s the Brouillard, a product of the company’s new Programme Solitaire bespoke division that’s a 1-of-1 build.

The person who commissioned the Brouillard collects Carlo Bugatti furniture, Rembrandt Bugatti bronze sculptures and, of course, Ettore Bugatti cars. Ettore loved horses, particularly Brouillard, “a majestic thoroughbred with a coat as white as the first snowfall, speckled with the subtle shades of a summer morning mist” and “the embodiment of everything Ettore admired: speed, beauty, and unparalleled grace.” Brouillard not only inspired the name of this one-off, but his curves and musculature also influenced its sculpted design and proportions.

Visually, the Brouillard is divided into two parts: the upper two-thirds are finished in light green, making the silhouette appear lower and longer, while the bottom third is darker, blending in with the Brouillard’s shadow.

A center spine (a design element seen on other Bugattis, including the Type 57 SC Atlantic) runs over the front of the car, across the glass roof, and down the middle of the cover for the 1,578-horsepower W16, ending just ahead of the fixed ducktail rear wing.

The cockpit is furnished with a mixture of light green leather, custom-woven fabric in a tartan pattern, green-tinted carbon fiber, and machined aluminum, as well as clear references to Ettore’s favorite steed.

The seats (custom-made to the client’s preferences) and door panels feature embroidered horse accents. A miniature hand-crafted bust of Ettore Bugatti’s prized horse is encased in glass at the front of the machined aluminum shifter for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

For now, the Brouillard is Programme Solitaire’s only completed build, but there will be others coming at a rate of only two a year; all will be based on existing Bugatti chassis and powertrains. You can see the Bugatti Brouillard in all its equine glory at its world debut during Monterey Car Week, which runs August 8-17.

News on the Dodge Charger has its ups and downs these days—usually the latter. For those of you disappointed at the loss of the Hemi V8 and the advent of the EV-powered Charger Daytona, this is an ICE story for you.

Car and Driver brings to our attention what’s in store for 2026, which means Dodge just dropped a press release. As the EV-powered Charger Daytona has been the only game in town since the Charger’s redesign, we will finally get to see the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six trickle down to dealerships before the end of the year. Is it a substitute for the Hemi? No, but “true” performance fans have finally been given some hope.

The Charger Sixpack will be available as a coupe or sedan, both featuring the Charger’s good looks that seem to get better with each iteration. So why don’t we see more of these on the roads? (Well, duh!) The Sixpack may finally receive the esteem needed for the Charger to show up on Main Street, USA.  

The entry-level version will be the Charger Sixpack R/T, which sounds strange considering R/T used to be a step-up performance model. Powering the Sixpack R/T will be a 420-horsepower version of the Hurricane engine; a 550-horse version will power the Charger Sixpack Scat Pack, which is expected to pull 12.2-second ETs. Both version feature an eight-speed automatic and AWD, with the front axle capable of disconnecting automatically to improve fuel economy for the latter—shades of 1930s free-wheeling! Additionally, Sixpack Scat Pack models will also feature Line Lock standard, sending 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels while you annoy your neighbors.

Look closely at the hood and you may notice the Sixpack lacks the “R-Wing” pass-through, which is a feature of the Daytona. Additionally, the hood features a bulge that not only looks great, but is also designed to accommodate the twin-turbo engine.

If there’s a cost to this, it’s the 4800-pound weight, which would make an Imperial break out in a sweat. What’s the weight penalty on the front wheels? Fifty-five percent. If you thought the mention of cost was going to lead to the price, then here ya go: The Charger Sixpack R/T coupe will start at $51,990, while the Sixpack Scat Pack will require five grand more. Prefer the practicality of the sedan? Add another $2,000 and patience, as the sedan won’t appear until the new year.

The Charger Sixpack Scat Pack will be the first out of the gate, appearing late in 2025, while the Sixpack R/T will follow after the start of 2026. Considering the Charger’s architecture is already primed for ICE, could a Hemi V8 be far behind? With the return of Tim Kuniskis, we can only look forward to 2027 to see what Dodge may bring us.

In the 1950s, vertical headlights began appearing on production cars; they reached the mainstream in the 1960s. Although my impression is that vertical headlights originally came from custom culture, their eventual adoption by popular makes seems to have been more inspired by turbines. The following four cars currently listed on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com feature this style of headlight layout. Can you identify each vehicle and the years they were produced?

Post your answers in the Comments section below. If you need a hint, just click on an image.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

Every Tuesday, you’ll find a new puzzle on The Classic Cars.com Journal. You can also play previous games for even more enjoyment!

Not all Camaros are created equal, and our AutoHunter Spotlight on this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS demonstrates this nicely. Thankfully, the data plate on this vehicle gives info that would be difficult to prove without documentation, so we have the benefit of knowing this particular Camaro was originally built with the Rally Sport package as well as a four-speed. Currently, it’s powered by a 350 small-block, plus it features a rear spoiler, Cowl Induction hood, three-spoke steering wheel, power front disc brakes, and more. Finished in blue with a black leather interior, this subtly modified pony car comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The current blue is a bit stronger than the original Marina Blue. Other exterior features include hidden headlights (as part of the RS package), separate back-up lights (ditto), a rear spoiler, a Cowl Induction hood, and a set of 17-inch US Mags Santa Cruz wheels. The latter are wrapped in staggered-width Yokohama radial tires—225/45 up front, 245/45 out back.

The cabin features black leather upholstery with a pair of TMI bucket seats up front. Other interior features include a Vintage Air air conditioning system, RetroSound AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth, three-spoke steering wheel, and floor-mounted Hurst shifter.

The instrument panel features aftermarket gauges that include a 140-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and readouts for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel. The odometer currently reads zero, having been reset during the restoration.

Chances are this 1967 Camaro was built with a small-block from the factory, but certainly not this 350. It features a four-barrel carburetor, an aftermarket intake manifold, headers, MSD ignition, and an aluminum radiator. The powerplant is connected to a four-speed manual transmission.

The underside features power front disc brakes, 3.73 gears in the rear differential, and a dual exhaust system.

Yes, you see many Camaros pass through the AutoHunter gates and, most of the time, they don’t have original documentation—this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS included. However, in this case, the data plate is its saving grace as the accessory codes point to this car originally being built with a tinted windshield (W), a four-speed manual (2L), and Rally Sport equipment (3L). That stuff’s golden, making this Camaro all the more desirable. But act fast and bid now because on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), the auction for this spectacular Chevy will end.

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery