I don’t know which books are in your automotive literature collection, but I do know that there are more you may want to add. “Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business” by Bob Lutz and “Bruno Sacco: Leading Mercedes-Benz Design, 1975-1999″ by Nicholas Greene are on my list. If you’re a fan of GM cars, Harley Earl’s designs, or the Oldsmobile Toronado, “Designing Dreams: Essays on the inside story of GM, Harley Earl and America’s Golden Automotive Age” might be the next addition to your library.
In this 197-page read, author Dick Ruzzin, former Director of Design for Chevrolet Cars in the United States, shares over one hundred sketches and GM archival images, as well as essays about the creative process and ideas behind certain cars. One of those essays focuses on the Oldsmobile Toronado, a car which Ruzzin had a hand (and pen) in designing.
No discussion of 20th-century GM styling would be complete without covering Harley Earl. The Automotive Hall of Fame inductee and former head of GM design is credited with introducing the use of clay modeling, the Buick Y-Job (which GM calls “the industry’s first concept car”), and “Project Opel,” which eventually became the first Chevrolet Corvette. According to Veloce, the publisher, Ruzzin’s book “reflects on the profound influence of Harley Earl, the pioneer car designer who elevated automobiles into works of art. Earl’s creativity and design philosophies reshaped the industry, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.”
“Designing Dreams” is available to pre-order now before its release on July 29, 2025. Barnes and Noble and Amazon have digital versions priced at $18.99; the hardcover goes for $29.99. Those of you overseas can find it on Veloce’s website for £24.99.
Since the early days of the automobile, manufacturers have tailored cars to market in specific regions of the country. One example is the RAM 1500 Lone Star Edition, sold only in Texas. It’s essentially just a Big Horn-trim level truck with unique badging, but buyers appreciate the exclusivity. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen some “Arizona Edition” Cadillacs with cactus pinstriping, too.
In the late 1960s, the Ford Mustang was similarly offered in unique variants based on specific regional target markets. Among them were the California Special (sold in the West Coast), the High Country Special (sold in Colorado) and the Golden Nugget (sold in Oregon and Washington). Now is a perfect time to look a little more closely at that last one.
A wealth of information (only some of which appears to cite source data) abounds on the Golden Nugget, but from what I was able to gather, Ford’s Seattle sales district made a request for a special edition Mustang, and Ford delivered one in 1968—called the Golden Nugget. Only 481 such cars were produced, and all were directed toward dealerships in Oregon and Washington. Exclusive features included Sunlit Gold paint with black hood stripes (code Y5), black striping, a black vinyl top, and some gold features on the interior. There even was a dash placard featuring the original owner’s name.
This car was assembled at Ford’s San Jose, California, assembly plant on January 16, 1968, and was originally delivered to a dealership called Smith & Gandy Inc. in Seattle. The Marti Report says its features included the Visibility Group, whitewall tires, wheel covers, console, power steering, AM radio and deluxe seat belts. The original owner took delivery on September 26, 1968. The steelies have been ditched for 16-inch American Racing wheels, and the audio system is upgraded to a Bluetooth setup, but the car is otherwise original to many of its build specifications.
Power comes from a rebuilt, period-correct 302-4V V8 mated to the car’s reportedly original C4 three-speed automatic transmission. The seller says that the car has been driven just 395 miles since the engine rebuild, and upgrades include a Summit Racing four-barrel carburetor, an aluminum radiator, and shorty headers. The odometer says 71,275, but the title reads mileage-exempt.
Various people have tried tracking the surviving Golden Nugget Mustangs over the years. Today, the “official” record/registry is apparently a Facebook group managed by Bill Gorman with just 32 members in it. Bill indicates that there used to be a website that served as a repository for the information, but the information was lost when the page was corrupted.
So, what better way to start with helping the community to rebuild the most current data than by becoming a member of the Golden Nugget Mustang family yourself? You’ve made your lucky strike on the search for rare metal.
If you’re looking forward to the start of fall, you’re not alone—we are too because summer in Arizona is brutal! September will be a great time to visit national parks, such as Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and Maine’s Acadia National Park, according to Earth Trekkers. It’s a classic American road trip that’s the perfect fit for another American classic: the Chevrolet Suburban, one of which happens to be our Pick of the Day. You can find this 1972 Chevrolet Suburban listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Englewood, Colorado.
Consider this Suburban part of the end of an era. As a 1972, it’s from the final model year of the legendary model’s sixth generation that debuted for 1967. After this, it was nearly 20 years of the “Square Body” version that ran through 1991.
The 1972 model year was also the last time Chevrolet offered a three-door Suburban: one door on the driver’s side and two on the passengers’ side.
The unusual door layout could lead to you being the only one getting in on your side but, once your passengers load into the bright blue vinyl and cloth interior, they’ll have room for their luggage behind the second row bench and enjoy the comfort of the optional front and rear air conditioning system (once it’s recharged).
As the driver, you’ll appreciate the air conditioning as well as the convenience of power steering, three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic, cup holders, and gauges for the battery, temperature, and oil pressure (there’s never a good time for the engine to overheat, but one of the worst is halfway through a 10-hour out-of-state trip).
A good, old-fashioned 350ci small-block and a set of Rally wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires will get you and your family and/or friends on the way to the park of your choice. Power front disc and rear drum brakes will help each of you get there in one piece (it’s much easier to enjoy the view from the top of a mountain that way).
Fall is getting closer and closer, and this 1972 Chevrolet Suburban C10 Custom Deluxe might not be available by the time it arrives. You can officially start planning your trek to one of our country’s majestic national parks once you buy this iconic people-mover for $36,900.
The Acura Integra turns 40 this year. The most recent iteration of it was released as a 2023 model with turbocharged power, an available six-speed manual gearbox, and a liftback body style. For 2026, Acura’s sport compact receives a variety of visual and technology updates that make it more distinctive and user-friendly.
Three new options join the palette of available colors: Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl (which you may recognize from the 2025 TLX Type S we reviewed), and Double Apex Blue Pearl. Acura automatically pairs the latter (and Performance Red Pearl) with a new color-matched grille; Urban Gray Pearl and Platinum White Pearl Integras can be equipped with a matching grille as an option. Otherwise, Integras in all other colors come with a black grille, with Double Apex Blue Pearl and Performance Red Pearl models having that as an option. Long story short: you can opt for a black grille with every Integra color, and the body-color grille on several.
The A-Spec package gets updated with a new body kit that adds glossy black side spoilers to the corners of the front fascia and side sill accents.
The A-Spec 18-inch wheels have also been redesigned and now come in black instead Shark Gray.
Integras with the A-Spec package receive the bulk of interior revisions for 2026. In addition to the new dash trim, larger nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charger (all standard equipment for ’26 Integras), the A-Spec package includes extended ambient lighting and additional color-specific visual updates.
According to Acura, “Integra A-Spec models with the Orchid interior gain new blue micro suede inserts, first seen on the 2025 ADX. Integra A-Spec models with the Ebony interior sport new yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift boot and door panels.”
Integra enthusiasts in the U.S. had to wait more than 20 years for its full return (the Acura RSX of the early to mid-2000s that we got here was called the Honda Integra in other markets). The good news is that they only have to wait until late August for the updated 2026 model to arrive in Acura dealerships. Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but it’s reasonable to expect it to increase slightly from the 2025 base price of $33,000.
Some cars are rare people few people ordered them. In the case of the 1970 AMC Trans-Am Javelin, it was rare because AMC built it that way—only 100 were distributed to 2300 dealerships. All were painted red/white/blue with 390 four-speed, Go Package with 3.91 gears, adjustable spoiler, gauge package, five-spoke mags, nifty two-spoke steering wheel, and more.
Photo courtesy of Jim Campisano
Yet you could be forgiven to think this was AMC’s Trans-Am homologation special, as that was reserved for the Mark Donohue Javelin. Why confuse enthusiasts decades later? That would be too easy.
Photo courtesy of Jim Campisano
The Trans-Am Javelin was created as a publicity vehicle to highlight AMC’s participation in SCCA racing. It was a halo car to get people talking—compare that to the Donohue Javelin, which was basically a regular Javelin SST (some believe base Javelins may have also received the Donohue treatment) with a fancy rear spoiler (different from the Trans-Am’s) and hi-po engines.
Noted Pontiac author Don Keefe from the Iron Stable Garage brought Muscle Car Campy this Trans-Am Javelin on loan from a customer. They took the ram-air pony car around the streets of Tampa while extolling the unique updates AMC made to the Javelin for 1970.
If you enjoy this video, you can view more Muscle Car Campy videos here!
Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this customized 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Stepside, which is based on the chassis and suspension of a 1972 Chevrolet C10. Power comes from a new 350ci V8 crate engine and is delivered to the rear wheels through a TH400 three-speed automatic. Finished in light blue over a tan cloth interior, this Chevrolet “Task Force” pickup comes from the Missouri selling dealer with a clear title.
As part of a custom build process, the body and Stepside bed were refinished in light blue. Exterior features include a chrome front bumper, chrome grille, wrap-around windshield with body-color visor, chrome mirror housings, and side exhaust outlets in front of the rear wheels. The floor of the bed is lined with wood planks, which are separated by body-color bed strips.
This classic Chevy truck rides on a set of black 20-inch American Racing wheels wrapped in 245/45 front and 275/45 rear Landsail LS588 radial tires. Behind those big wheels is a set of power front disc and rear drum brakes.
Inside, the cabin has been updated with tan cloth seating and door panels. Features include a tilt steering column, power steering, aftermarket four-spoke steering wheel, floor-mounted automatic shifter, and fold-down center armrest.
Instrumentation consists of a 100-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, amperage, oil pressure, and fuel level. The odometer shows 112 miles, but this truck is mileage-exempt according to its title.
Chevy didn’t offer a 350 in the 1950s, but this Apache has a new one fresh out of the crate. It’s equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, chrome valve covers, headers, and aluminum radiator. A TH400 three-speed automatic sends its output to the rear axle.
The original frame of this truck was swapped out for the underpinnings and suspension from a 1972 C10. Another upgrade was moving the fuel tank to underneath the bed.
If you want to make an upgrade to your garage, add this customized 1959 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Stepside to it. You can only do that by placing your bid—do that right away because the auction ends on Thursday, July 31 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).
Remember when Detroit was moving towards longer/lower/wider before the first oil crisis? In retrospect, Detroit was experiencing hubris, handing the Japanese (and certain quality Europeans) a large slice of the American automotive pie. Interestingly, in the late-1980s, certain German manufacturers moved towards the same design themes with some models, though hubris was not part of the equation. Our Pick of the Day, a 1997 BMW 850 Ci, is one of these vehicles. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Charlevoix, Michigan.
The BMW 8 Series can trace its origins back to the Neue Classe coupe that was introduced in 1965. It served as the basis for the “E9” coupes that began with the 2800 CS that was introduced in 1968. In 1976, it was replaced by the “E24” 6 Series, which was produced in much larger numbers as BMW continued to establish itself better in the United States. In 1990, a successor was introduced and christened the 8 Series.
The “E31” 8 Series appeared much larger than its predecessor, but its wheelbase and length were actually close to the outgoing model, with the 8 Series gaining 2.2 inches in wheelbase and one inch in length—in fact, based on the U.S.-spec 6 Series, the 8 Series actually was over five inchesshorter. The 8 Series was a bit more upscale and compared favorably with the Mercedes SL that was introduced in 1988—again, another longer/lower/wider vehicle. When it was introduced, the E31 was available as the 850i with a 5.0-liter V12. As time when on, the V12 was increased to 5.4 (850 Ci) and 5.6 liters (850 CSi), plus the 4.0- and 4.4-liter V8-powered 840 Ci.
Unlike the 6 Series, the 8 Series was pillarless. As a car developed in the 1980s, it was among the first BMWs to have been entirely designed using CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Additionally, it was also among the first production vehicle with a drive-by-wire throttle and multi-link rear suspension. The fanciest of the bunch, the 1992-96 850 CSi, featured four-wheel steering for cars sold in Europe. Weight? Time for Richard Simmons, as the 8 Series was a porker at up to 4300-plus pounds at its heaviest.
Though produced through 1999, U.S. production ended after the 1997 model year, making this Cosmo Black 1997 BMW 850 Ci the swan song of an unusual collectible. Power comes from BMW’s 322-horsepower “M73” 5.4-liter V12, which makes it one of 1,218 cars built, with approximately 363 sold in the United States. The car is backed by a five-speed automatic, as a six-speed manual was only available with the earlier 850i and the CSi. “This 850 has been meticulously maintained at a level 1 condition and always garaged,” says the seller. “The 850 has heated leather seats, automatic air conditioning, traction control, power windows and locks, power moon roof, and original phone. It also has a Blaupunkt stereo with an SD card slot, USB port, and a 6-CD changer in the trunk.”
With a low 55,000 miles on the clock, this is a prime example of a car whose time has come to be more celebrated among post-Malaise-era vehicles, even though its role as a future collectible has already transitioned. Perhaps now’s the time to avoid your own sort of hubris and catch one before the $72,500 price becomes a distant memory.
The ClassicCars.com Journal will be visiting Pebble Beach shortly, and one of the things that we anticipate witnessing is the selling of this pair of Aston Martins at the Broad Arrow Auction August 13-14, 2025, during Monterey Car Week.
Starting in 2017, Aston Martin began production on the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation series, “each example an impeccable recreation” of the original 1960s model that competed on the racetrack with Ferrari and others. Then, in 2019, Aston Martin created 19 examples of the DBZ Centenary Collection to celebrate the Italian design house’s 100th anniversary and the relationship between the two brands. Two cars, consisting of a DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and a DBS GT Zagato, were created and sold only as a pair for $8.1 million—and quickly sold out. If you’re a nepo baby and missed out six years ago, you can thank your lucky stars because now you have a second chance.
Image by Ryan Merrill/courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
“The Broad Arrow Monterey Jet Center auction has quickly become a fixture of Monterey Car Week, and what better way to kick it off than with one of the rarest collector car duos of modern times,” says Alexander Keck, Car Specialist with Broad Arrow Auctions. “The Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection combines yesteryear with today in a way that is unprecedented in the motoring world, and we are extremely excited to be able to offer this rare pairing to the international car collecting community.”
Image by Ryan Merrill/courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
Chassis no. DB4/GT/0239/L is an authentic Caribbean Pearl replica of a 1963 DB4 GT complete with Obsidian Black and Connolly Blue leather interior complemented with blue carpeting. This Continuation car took an astounding 4,500 hours to build, exactly in the manner how it was built over 60 years ago. This particular example features only 62 miles on the odometer, as displayed on the period-correct Smiths gauges. Liberties were taken underneath the hood, however, as the original 3.7-liter was punched out an extra liter to achieve 76 more horses totaling 390 horsepower. It is backed by a “competition-specification” non-synchronized four-speed.
Image by Ryan Merrill/courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
The modern incarnation is the 2020 DBS GT Zagato, also finished in Caribbean Blue. Based on the DBS Superleggera, it features Zagato’s trademark “double-bubble” roof, in this instance constructed from carbon fiber to match the rest of the bodywork. The 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 features a horsepower bump to 760 horses and is backed by an eight-speed ZF automatic. Inside, you’ll find Dark Knight leather with embossed Zagato headrest logos. For those into new-fangled interior tchotchkes, you’ll be delighted to learn that many carbon and metal interior elements were created with a 3D printer, including a silver trim inlay that was a $33,000 option.
Image by Ryan Merrill/courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
This special pair of Aston Martin history is two of over 170 vehicles to be sold at the August 13-14 Broad Arrow Auction at The Monterey Jet Center during Monterey Car Week, just around the corner from Pebble Beach. “With an estimate of $3,500,000 – $4,500,000, the DBZ Centenary Collection set provides an unprecedented opportunity to acquire two iconic models that hold a remarkable place in motoring history,” adds Keck. “The DB4 GT Zagato is a genuine icon of the 1960s, a timeless masterpiece of design that is worthy of any international collection. Add to that Zagato’s modern approach in the DBS GT Zagato and you have two of the most desirable automobiles on the market today, celebrating two of the world’s finest motoring brands in a truly exceptional way.”
The world of freelance automotive writers is a constantly changing place. Some go into making vehicle review videos on YouTube full-time. Others get jobs in completely unrelated industries. Many of them eventually wind up working for automotive manufacturers. One of my former freelance colleagues, Jeff, recently contacted me out of the blue, telling me he had seen my piece on the Velocity Restorations 1972 Ford F-150 and that he was now working for Velocity. Then he asked me if I’d be interested in driving one of the company’s “Re-Engineered Classics”: a $262,400 1966 Ford Bronco build. I think you can guess what I told him.
Over the past decade, I’ve driven vintage vehicles, gone off-road in hardcore 4X4 SUVs, and tested models with eye-popping price tags. The Velocity Blackout Package 1966 Ford Bronco, as the company calls it, was unlike anything I’d experienced before because it was all three of those in one.
A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT (VERY GERMAN) COLOR
Velocity, a veteran-founded Florida company, started with a model from the very first year of Bronco production, restored and powdercoated its original frame, then updated everything attached to and above that. As it is on many Broncos of all ages, the suspension was upgraded, receiving a 2.5-inch lift and a set of Bilstein shocks. A Dana 44 front axle, Ford nine-inch rear end, 10R80 10-speed automatic, and dual-range twin-stick transfer case convert the 460-horsepower, 420-lb-ft Coyote 5.0-liter V8 crate motor’s output into ferocious forward motion. Velocity matches that modern firepower with a Hydroboost braking system that clamps down on Wilwood disc brakes.
The “Velocity Blackout Package” is just what it sounds like: a lot of black accents and trim. There’s no chrome on the outside of the Bronco—just ebony bumpers, grille lettering, LED headlight bezels, fender badges, door handles, and 17-inch Method Race Wheels, which are surrounded by BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
All of that black coordinates with the Nardo Gray paint, a color that may be familiar to you if you’re a fan of modern Audis. Velocity offers two roll cage and top combinations on its Bronco builds. The Family-Style roll cage is paired with a Safari soft top; my test vehicle was fitted with a Sport-Style roll cage and a Bikini top.
The cabin itself is largely dark, furnished with a black dash pad, black diamond-stitched marine-grade vinyl seats, black door panels, and black carpeting. The Blackout Package makes the center of the wood-rimmed steering wheel, control knobs, and the trim around the Dakota Digital instruments match the color scheme. Velocity used the Bronco’s limited interior real estate to fit power windows, an Ididit steering column (in black, of course), a Clarion Bluetooth head unit, Focal speakers and subwoofer, and the controls for a Vintage Air climate control system.
LETTING IT RUN WILD
I didn’t have to go far to saddle up the Bronco; it was in the showroom of Right Toyota (one of Velocity’s 13 dealers) in Scottsdale, less than 10 minutes from my office. Seeing it in person, there was no mistaking it for anything but a first-gen Bronco despite all the modern hardware. Those mechanical changes are in line with what many off-road enthusiasts either look for in a rig or end up adding to it: aftermarket wheels, all-terrain rubber, and the ability to hear and feel the great outdoors around them as they go wheeling. Velocity’s Bronco also comes equipped with the conveniences people typically add to vintage vehicles, such as disc brakes, power steering, A/C, and a modern stereo.
Both types of buyers can appreciate the extra power a Gen III Coyote V8 provides—I know I did. In 1966, the Bronco’s optional two-barrel 289ci V8 was rated at 150 net horsepower and 242 lb-ft of net torque. The Velocity version of it is no doubt heavier than stock because of the upgraded parts, but that added weight is beyond negated by more than triple the original horsepower, nearly 75 percent more torque, and a 21st-century automatic. I could tell what kind of fury the Bronco was restraining with every touch of the gas pedal. Once the road ahead straightened out, I let it loose, causing the beast under the hood to grow more enraged and pull me harder behind it. The roar from Velocity’s custom exhaust quickly rushed through the open space behind me and filled the air as I charged down the road.
To learn more about the Velocity Blackout Package 1966 Ford Bronco and to see – and hear – it in action, check out the video below. (I also got a chance to drive a $322,400 Velocity 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, so stayed tuned for my coverage of that in a later article.)
For those who treat their garage as more than just a place to park…
For those who tinker, shine, wrench, and unwind in the garage…
For those who are done dealing with cracked concrete and have the desire for something that looks good, holds up to real use, and feels like part of the car collection—not just a parking space—there is a sleek solution that you will be proud of.
Swisstrax is rethinking the garage space. These modular interlocking garage tiles that fasten like Legos, eliminate the frustration associated with flaking epoxy, chipped paint, and stained concrete. These tiles are a LASTING DIY game-changer.
They go together in an afternoon.
Liquids drain right through.
Tiles can be swapped out if something happens.
They just plain look sharp.
And there is an invite-only offer for ClassicCars.com Journal readers at the end of this article…
Here are some of the best floor setups seen on their site or check out the top designs shared below.
For those with a two-bay garage packed with tools, parts, and maybe a car or two under wraps, something clean, functional, and maybe even a little fun is ideal.
Some liked ideas include:
Checkerboard style – Classic black and white always looks right.
Color-coded zones – Parking on red, tools on gray. Helps organize the chaos.
Custom borders or logos – Just enough flair without overdoing it.
Classic and sleek – One color, one style and the tile does the work (this video shows off a single car bay and firefighter’s reasonings behind choosing Swisstrax.)
Got Something More Unique in Mind?
Not every garage fits the mold. Maybe yours doubles as a workshop, a hangout, or a showroom. That’s where these tiles really shine—you can get creative and even order samples that will be credited toward your final order.
Here is what has been said:
“I wanted something different. Swisstrax let me customize my garage floor with colors and patterns that matched my car and style. Everyone who visits loves it.” — Chris S.
And here’s what has been done:
Mix bold colors for a racing stripe effect
Add your own logo or design
Go with dark metallic tones for an industrial vibe (check out Vyper)
Try fun layouts like chevron or angled tile placement
Why It Works (And Keeps Working)
After years with the floor, here’s what stands out to customers world-wide:
No tire marks
No stains from oil or brake fluid
No slipping around when it’s wet
No better “welcome home” when you click that garage door opener
And if a tile is ever damaged, it can just be popped out and swapped for a new one (always heard this, but took doing it to believe it…and it sounds like other owners agree: “I work on my cars a lot, and Swisstrax has been fantastic. Oil spills wipe up, no staining, and if I damage a tile, I can replace just that one.” — Phil C.)
Want to Map Out Your Garage?
There’s a handy online tool where you can design your own layout. Takes about 10 minutes to figure out exactly what you want.
Pick your tile style
Try out color combos
See what fits your space
“The online designer made it easy. I planned out my floor exactly how I wanted, and the end result is perfect. Highly recommend Swisstrax.”— Todd P.
Build Your Layout – but if you don’t want to, one of their flooring specialists will help you out – no additional cost. They are kind and passionate about getting you the perfect product for your lifestyle.
If there’s hesitation, it’s worth noting that this is one of the easiest upgrades made—and one of the most satisfying every time the garage door is opened.
Through THIS July only, to celebrate Classic Car Collectors Month, Swisstrax has extended 15% OFF for our readers with Code: CLASSIC25. It works on their floor designer, with a flooring specialist or on their store directly.
But don’t just take it from this article, see for yourself what other owners are saying. There are hundreds of reviews and videos online. But if searching isn’t appealing, spend one minute and check out Barry’s experience with Swisstrax, the World’s Finest Modular Flooring and history with Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Car Collector Auction. It’s a story that might evoke a bit of jealousy and relate to if there is a passion for car collections.
“I was proud of my car collection before, but now that I have that floor [Swisstrax] down, it has enhanced it and taken that car collection to a whole new level.” – Barry B.
