Journal Classic Cars

The triumvirate of German luxury brands includes the legacies of other automakers. For example, Audi rose from the ashes of NSU and Auto Union once Volkswagen took over, while Daimler-Benz became the majority owner of (irony of ironies!) Auto Union. And BMW? Our Pick of the Day may have a BMW badge, but its origins come from another German automaker. This 1968 BMW 1600 GT is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Costa Mesa, California.

BMW has existed for a long time, but the 1950s were quite rough for the brand. Most of its lineup was for the rich; only one model had mass appeal around the world: the 507 sports car. Producing the Isetta under license may have helped the company, but the low profit margins from the microcar put BMW in a precarious financial position by the end of the decade. The BMW 700 helped save the company and allowed it to move up to the Neue Klasse line of sedans and coupes that set the tone—both culturally and financially—for BMW to this day.

Glas was originally an agriculture brand, which evolved into motor scooters (inspired by Vespa) and then cars. Its first four-wheeler was the Goggomobil T sedan, introduced for 1955. Several years later, the TS coupe debuted (somewhat familiar to American enthusiasts), as well as a TL van.

For 1958, Goggomobil introduced the T600 and T700, both of which became the first models built under the Glas name; the rechristened 1960 Glas Isar (Isard for export markets) offered several advanced engineering features but suffered from poor reliability. In 1962, a larger Glas 1004 was introduced, which featured a 992cc OHC inline-four with a rubber timing chain.

In 1964, Glas introduced the Frua-penned Glas 1300 GT, powered by a 1290cc OHC inline-four, with the 1700 GT added late in 1965. However, in 1966, BMW took over the company and installed the 1573cc inline-four from the BMW 1600, creating the BMW 1600 GT. Along with adding an independent rear suspension, the Glas-derived BMW now featured enhanced power and handling. Also added was the Bimmer’s signature twin-kidney grille and round taillights. As configured, this vehicle and all other remaining Glas models were available through 1968.

This restored 1968 BMW 1600 GT features the 103-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline-four. “It has recently been expertly renewed by European specialists, Oldenzaal Classics in the Netherlands,” says the seller. Painted Granada Red with a black vinyl interior, it’s an interesting Italo-Teutonic hybrid of which 1,259 were built before production was discontinued. “Their exceptional attention to authentic detail is evident in features like the 14-inch chrome wheels with BMW hubcaps, front disc brakes, perforated headliner, metric VDO instrumentation, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and period-correct radio.”

Originally a German-market car, this off-the-radar Bimmer now resides in the United States, so there’s no fussing with import duties or the inconvenience of shipping. With a contemporary fastback design and an engine that has good club support, this $92,500 1968 BMW 1600 GT is an interesting remnant of the postwar German automotive history.

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

The roster of 1970s Chrysler and Imperial vehicles reviewed by Consumer Guide was not as bad as I had expected. The takeaway after surveying the pair of books was that early C-bodies were horrible in the beginning but became better as the decade wore on, with the LeBaron actually forging an improved path for the brand.

So, what about Plymouth?

My recollection suggests that there was only one Plymouth that the testers recommended as a used car, with other models having poor body integrity over time, bad fuel economy, or too many recalls. Would that still be the case once I evaluated Plymouth’s entire lineup? I suspect my memory is a bit harsher than reality, so let the excerpts below demonstrate most of the reality versus my perception. Observe the captive imports save the Rootes-based Cricket (the latter of which had a poor record) and Mitsubishi-based Sapporo. Please note the CG rating scale of 5 being Excellent and 1 being Poor.

Plymouth
“The unitized bodies are practical for subcompacts and compacts, but they are unacceptable for the bigger, comfort-oriented models.”

• Barracuda: “Workmanship was bad. Body integrity was worse, resulting in air and water leaks, plus penetrating noise at all speeds.” CG rating: 1
• Fury/Gran Fury: “If you don’t mind sacrificing quiet [due to unitized construction], then the Fury is a good used-car buy.” CG rating: 2-3
• Satellite/Fury: “Plymouth’s intermediate … gives good gasoline mileage for its class and loses resale value quickly. That would be enough to qualify it as a best buy, if it were not for the car’s lackluster repair history.” CG rating: 2-3
• Horizon and TC3: “Overall, a fine little car, and rather underrated … [though] workmanship more lax than on German or Japanese imports.” CG rating: 5
• Valiant: “No car sold during 1969 through 1975 can compare with its all-around good sense and economy.” CG rating: 5
• Volaré: “A basically good design for its day spoiled by haphazard assembly practices.” CG rating: 5
• Champ: “Performance okay for this sort of car … fine fit and finish [make it an] excellent used-car buy.” CG rating: 4
• Arrow: “Engine and drive train durability is better than average, and body integrity superior.” CG rating: 4

August 11^th marks 60 years since Ford introduced the Bronco “sport-utility” to the world. To celebrate this milestone, Ford is offering a 60th Anniversary Package for the 2026 Bronco (sure, there was a 25-year gap between the fifth- and sixth-generation models, but who doesn’t love a party?).

Ford starts with the four-door-only Outer Banks model powered by either the EcoBoost 2.3-liter I4 or the EcoBoost 2.7-liter V6. Color combos are limited to Ruby Red with white 60th anniversary side graphics and Wimbledon White hardtop, or solid Wimbledon White with Vermilion Red graphics. No matter which color is selected, all Broncos with the 60th Anniversary Package receive a heritage-inspired Warm Alloy grille with Vermilion Red “BRONCO” lettering and special badging that identifies their place in SUV history.

The Sasquatch Package comes standard and adds automatic on-demand four-wheel drive, a high-clearance suspension, front and rear e-lockers, and a more aggressive rear end ratio. A set of 35-inch Goodyear Territory RT tires surrounds the unique 17-inch Gravity Gray wheels, which are styled after the wheels on the original Bronco. Vermilion Red center caps with a Bucking Bronco logo and the Bronco’s first production year, 1966, deepen the anniversary model’s connection to the original.

At the back, the 60th Anniversary Package adds a matte black Ford badge on the swing gate and a tire cover with a Wimbledon White hard center that features Vermilion Red “BRONCO” branding.

Getting into the cabin will be a little easier thanks to running boards and A-pillar-mounted grab handles, which are available on all 2026 Broncos. Like the outside, the leather seats are two-tone: Ebony around Alpine white inserts.

Other special touches include Alpine marine-grade vinyl armrests, Alpine stitching on the leather-topped dashboard, and 60th Anniversary logos embossed into the seatbacks. Bronco Red accents on the instrument panel and grab handles add pops of color to the otherwise neutral interior.

Expect Ford to release pricing for the 2026 Bronco and the 60th Anniversary Package shortly before dealers start accepting orders in October.

A family heirloom is typically not sold because it’s been a part of so many memories that it’s transcended being an object and become a part of the family. You can consider our latest AutoHunter Spotlight car, a 1967 Ford Mustang Hardtop, an heirloom because it’s been in the same family since it was new. But this Lime Gold pony car with an Ivy Gold vinyl interior is very much for sale. If you place the top bid on AutoHunter.com, you’ll become the new caretaker of this well-preserved Challenger 289-powered Mustang that’s equipped with a SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic. It comes from the Missouri-based private seller with an owner’s manual, Classic Auto Investments appraisal, and clear title.

The 1967 model year brought revised exterior styling (especially at the rear end), interior changes, and an optional 390ci Thunderbird Special V8, among other updates. That’s when the seller’s grandma bought this Mustang Hardtop. He says he’s had it the last 30 years and that it’s “all original,” which means the “motor, paint, interior and even the wheels” came straight from Ford’s factory back during the LBJ administration. Understandably, the Lime Gold paint has developed a patina over the last 58 years. The photo gallery shows chrome trim that appears to be in great shape.

Four things that have been changed—for good reason—are the tires, which are now 205/70 Goodyear Regatta whitewalls.

With 81,820 original miles on the clock, this car hasn’t been moth-balled, but it also hasn’t been driven a lot, considering its age. You can see that in the overall shape of the Ivy Gold vinyl upholstery and its lack of cracks and rips. The original AM radio is still in place. Even the headliner seems to be holding up well (literally) against Father Time. To see an entire list of things that have aged well on this car, check out the Classic Auto Investments appraisal. However, one thing that does need to be addressed is the factory air conditioning because the seller reports it doesn’t work.

According to the brochure for the ’67 Mustang, Ford offered it with four V8s. The one under the hood of this particular car is the entry-level Challenger 289 with 9.3:1 compression and a two-barrel carburetor, a combination which was factory-rated at 200 horsepower. A SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic (a.k.a. C4) three-speed auto turns that number into forward motion; manual drum brakes reign it in.

After nearly 60 years as a four-wheeled member of the seller’s family, it’s time for this 1967 Ford Mustang Hardtop to find a new home. If you’d like to welcome it to your family, the only way you can do that is by placing the winning bid for it on AutoHunter. Do it now before the auction for this heirloom automobile ends on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

While not as luxurious as the Bel Air or even the mid-range 210, the Chevrolet 150 was a popular car for economy-minded buyers and those managing fleets. It has also become a popular model for hot-rodders because it is essentially a blank/basic canvas. While badged as a Bel Air, today’s featured car is actually a 150 in disguise. More importantly, it has a few tricks up its sleeve, like a fuel-injected V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Pick of the Day is a 1957 Chevrolet 150 two-door wagon listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“The main components of this 150 wagon’s powertrain date from the 21st century,” the listing begins. “The engine is a 6.0-liter iron-block LS V8 sourced from a modern Chevrolet truck that showed about 25,000 miles on the odometer when the engine was removed.”

Throughout its lifespan, Chevrolet touted the 150’s value. One advertisement said, “You get more to be proud of in a Chevy. You’ll take extra pride and pleasure in the way it looks—the way it acts—and the way it’s put together. No other low-priced car is quite so sweet, smooth and sassy, or so solidly and finely made as Chevrolet.”

As for this car’s performance powertrain: The LS engine was reportedly torn down and rebuilt using LS3 components, including the cylinder heads, camshaft, and intake/fueling components. The seller says, “The engine bay is executed cleanly enough to nearly pass as factory.” Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission pulled from a 2011 Camaro.

The car’s two-tone Surf Green and Highland Green paint theme continues to the interior, where they work together nicely. While details of the options are not itemized in the listing, the photos show features that include a floor shifter, under-dash climate control vents, lap belts, radio, and wood-rimmed steering wheel.

My take: I love how the car is impressive on paper, yet so unassuming in person. It’s a wagon, it’s not a super flashy color, and it even has a set of simple retro-look wheels. But underneath its skin, it has more to offer—and it moves with the power and confidence of a modern fuel-injected V8. Yes, please.  

The asking price is $60,000 or best offer.

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

If you want to know the true difference between a restoration and a restomod, ask someone to tell you a vintage vehicle he or she finds attractive, then put him or her behind the wheel of it. Unless this person is an absolute purist, you’ll probably hear complaints related to the bias-ply tires or the lack of power steering or the suspension’s rough ride. Many people want the looks of a classic, but don’t want to live with the reality of one. That’s why vehicles such as Velocity Restorations‘ version of the 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer exist: It combines the Blazer’s old-school SUV presence with modern power and conveniences.

ON PAPER

Velocity calls its Ford Bronco (one of which we reviewed here), Chevrolet K10, International Scout, and other builds “Re-Engineered Classics” for good reason. Instead of retrofitting parts here and there, the Florida-based company goes from the tires up. Each vehicle is constructed as it passes through several stages that focus on the metal, paint, engine, chassis, interior, and more.

Velocity bases the K5 Blazer on a new foundation, using a company-specific frame from Roadster Shop. Believe it or not, Chevy offered the ’72 Blazer with two-wheel drive, but Velocity equipped its rig with a Dana 44 front axle with Warn locking hubs and a Dana 66 rear end with a limited-slip differential. As part of the hardware overhaul, Velocity installs front and rear sway bars and replaces the leaf springs with Fox coilovers. Of course, it also adds larger wheels and tires, opting for a set of 18-inch rollers with 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain rubber. Behind those are Wilwood discs connected to a hydroboost braking system.

According to the brochure for the ’72 Blazer, Chevy’s color palette included Wheatland Yellow and Grapefruit Yellow. My test vehicle came finished in Ice White and War Bonnet Yellow, which was available on other Chevrolets: the 1971 and 1972 Corvettes. Velocity strikes a balance between going completely roof-on and totally topless by adding a “Safari” top connected to a family-style roll cage.

Power-deploying side steps ease entry to the cabin, which looks largely like it did back in the Nixon administration while providing useful upgrades in key areas. Behind the gorgeous wood-rimmed steering wheel is a set of new factory-style gauges from Dakota Digital. Black leather covers the bucket front and bench rear seats. Although the fabric roof prevents the sun from beaming straight down into the Blazer, most of the space underneath it is always open, so the Vintage Air A/C is a necessary addition. The touchscreen below the center HVAC vents has Bluetooth connectivity and provides access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Skeletonized manual-style cranks for the power windows help bottle in as much chilled air as possible or let the wind rush in completely for a more stimulating driving experience.

Under the hood, a pair of beautiful billet hinges flank an LT1 6.2-liter V8 crate engine from Chevrolet Performance Parts. Sorry, C8 Corvette Stingray fans – there’s no eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to go with that, but there is a 10L80 10-speed auto and a twin-stick, Advance Adapters Atlas dual-range transfer case that help deliver the small-block’s 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque to the road or trail.

ON PAVEMENT

After some of the personnel at Right Toyota, one of Velocity’s 13 dealers, pulled the Velocity Blazer out of the showroom, it was my turn to get behind the wheel. I knew the Blazer would turn heads. Many people are not used to seeing vehicles from the early 1970s in traffic. Then there’s the Blazer’s sheer size, which was effectively made even larger by the distinctive War Bonnet Yellow paint. Fans of the classic, full-size Blazers would definitely see it coming. Everyone would hear the K5 before it was even visible.

So how many people did I catch doing a double take as I thundered down the roads of Scottsdale, Arizona? I have no idea – I was so busy enjoying the experience (and making sure I – and everybody near me – didn’t get a scratch on my $322,400 borrowed set of wheels). The Velocity K5 Blazer was pure Americana: A big, burly, body-on-frame off-roader with a loud, powerful V8. Being able to hear the LT1 roar through Velocity’s performance exhaust while the wind blew through my hair made the drive even better. Despite all the new hardware, the Blazer’s lovable rawness and rugged charm remained undeniably intact.

To see – and hear – the Velocity Restorations 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer in action, watch my video review below.

Click above and watch our full video review on YouTube!

Located in the Black Hills of Yavapai County, Arizona, Jerome is a settlement about two hours from Phoenix that got its start as a copper mining boomtown. At its peak about 100 years ago, approximately 10,000 people lived there. Today, fewer than 1,000 call it home.

The main attraction for most who visit Jerome is its Wild West tourism: the historic buildings erected on the twisty roadways of Mingus Mountain remain largely the same today as they were a century ago. With that in mind, my destination for a one-night stay was the Jerome Grand Hotel—a former 30,000-square-foot hospital that sat vacant for over four decades and was later converted into a hotel in 1996. The lobby is located where the old emergency room reception took place, and the on-site restaurant is called Asylum. Thrill-seekers love going to the hotel for its paranormal activity, particularly on the third floor, where the psych ward was located. I was not sure if I wanted to spend the night with any otherworldly entities.

What I did want to see, though, was located just about a mile up the road. The Gold King Mine was established in 1890 when a 1,270-foot shaft was dug and gold was struck. Thus, the small settlement of “Hayden” was established. Eventually, the ore was exhausted, the mine was closed in 1914, and the town dried up. But in the 1980s, Terry and Don Robertson turned it into an outdoor museum. Sprinkled around the property are over 180 cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Based on my general observations, the vast majority of the vehicles are heavy-duty trucks.

Here were some of the vehicles that caught my eye during my visit:

1936 Dodge LC Truck

This truck rolled off the line the year Franklin D. Roosevelt was reelected as president of the United States, and it had a modern look for its time. The most common engine was a 201.3ci L-head inline-six paired with a three-speed manual transmission. According to signage on the door, this one participated in the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) National Antique Truck Show in Bloomington, Minnesota in June 1999.

1939 Studebaker Commander Coupe

Powered by a 226ci L-head inline-six, this car was one of the pioneers of a specific type of independent front suspension. The sweeping lines became signature characteristics of Studebaker models during the era. Even the dashboard had an Art Deco look to it. This was one of the few cars on-site with fully inflated tires. Maybe it “ran when parked?” I’d sure love to see it cruising down the road again.

1941 International Harvester Heavy-Duty Tanker Truck

Even though it was older by a decade and a half, this truck immediately made me think of the menacing 1955 Peterbilt 281 tanker truck from the famous 1971 Steven Spielberg horror movie “Duel.” This fuel-hauler was decked out in Shell Oil livery; an Arizona license plate on the rear end expired in 2007. This is a vehicle I’m quite unfamiliar with. International apparently evolved from its D-Series to its K-Series line of heavy-duty trucks right around model year 1940. Can someone definitively help us identify this colorful truck?

1949 Ford F-3 One-Ton Truck

A placard affixed to the driver door of this F-3 said it had a six-cylinder flathead engine and a four-speed transmission. It also said, “Used Every Day.” I’m not sure when that badge was attached to the vehicle, but something tells me it hasn’t been used in quite some time. The upholstery was so mutilated that the bench seat was nothing but rusty springs.

1952 Chevrolet 3600 Truck

The “Advance Design” series of General Motors trucks, produced between 1947 and 1955, have an incredibly strong enthusiast following. This truck more than likely came with either a Thriftmaster 216.5ci inline-six or a slightly larger 235.5ci version of the same. The driver door said “Cannon’s Salvage and Towing” in Clarkdale. It turns out that Cannon Salvage is still in business. I wonder if it wants its truck back?

1956 Studebaker 2E “Transtar” Truck

This dually was definitely set up for heavy hauling. More than likely, it was powered by a 259ci Commander V8 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Some online sources say there were 20,218 trucks of this type built for the year. The way the tires were sinking in the ground, it was almost as if Mother Earth was trying to reclaim it.

I hope you enjoyed kicking the tires—some inflated and some not—of these old rusty rides with me. Want to check out the Gold King Mine yourself? Admission is $12 for adults, and the property is open for self-guided tours every day except Tuesday. Check out the Gold King Mine website for more visitor information.

Barrett-Jackson will auction “Hot and Heavy ” a custom motorcycle built by Paul Cox Industries with 100% of the hammer price to benefit Tunnel to Towers during the 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction, Oct. 15-18, 2025, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The No Reserve auction of the one-of-one motorcycle, commissioned and donated by Mohawk Group, is part of Barrett-Jackson’s yearlong commitment to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U. S. military veterans, first responders and their families.

“We’re honored to continue our support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation by auctioning this extraordinary custom motorcycle,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ve partnered with the foundation over the years because we stand behind their mission to support the brave men and women who serve our country and communities.  We’re looking forward to this custom bike crossing the block during our Scottsdale Fall Auction to directly support Tunnel to Towers’ efforts to ensure our nation’s heroes have the resources, support and recognition they deserve.”

The custom, hand-made motorcycle was commissioned by Mohawk Group, the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, and inspired by their Hot and Heavy II Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Collection.

“Hot and Heavy” started with a custom rigid frame fabricated by Paul Cox Industries and is powered by a classic 1966 Harley-Davidson engine. The one-of-one motorcycle features Paul Cox’s signature design elements developed over 20 years of custom bike building. In addition to his distinctive Girder-style front fork, it offers custom features throughout using fender and gas tank hand hammering, planishing and finish work on an English Wheel. The Baker 4-speed transmission sports an electric start, and all aluminum motor parts were hand-blended at the seams and machine-polished before assembly.

“We hold a special place in our hearts for our country’s frontline heroes,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re always honored to work with Tunnel to Towers and use our platform to support the men and women who serve in our military and first responder communities. The auction of Paul’s custom motorcycle represents American craftsmanship and is a symbol of the generosity and compassion we all share as members of the collector car community.”

“Commissioning this bespoke chopper, hand-built by Paul Cox, for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a powerful way to connect exceptional craftsmanship with profound purpose,” said Jackie Dettmar, vice president of product, design, and marketing for Mohawk Group. “We are incredibly proud that our Hot and Heavy II LVT could inspire such a unique symbol of support for America’s heroes, and we are thrilled to see the proceeds from this auction go to such a vital cause.”

Since 9/11, Tunnel to Towers Foundation has helped America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for badly injured veterans and first responders. The Foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America Never Forget September 11, 2001.

“We’re deeply grateful for Barrett-Jackson’s partnership and years of support of our mission,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “When the final hammer falls, someone will take home a truly one-of-a-kind motorcycle—and with it, the pride of knowing they’ve played a vital role in honoring and supporting America’s heroes.”

“Hot and Heavy” will be a part of this year’s 24th Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC, held on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The event symbolizes Stephen Siller’s final footsteps from the foot of the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers and pays homage to the 343 FDNY firefighters, law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. For more information visit https://t2t.org/new-york-city-5k/.

Those interested in consigning their vehicles with confidence for the Scottsdale Fall Auction are welcome to submit their application online. In addition, bidder registration is now open, with three packages to choose from and upgrades for Muscle Lounge access. Throughout the four-day Scottsdale Fall Auction, children aged 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students ages 13 through college age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $28.  

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. 

While writing this recent overview on American Motors and the 1970s used car market, I discovered that the mid-year introduction of the 1970 Gremlin included a cut-rate version that lacked a rear seat.

The Gremlin was a clever, short-wheelbase take on the Hornet compact, which had been introduced several months before in the autumn of 1969. AMC liked to hype the fact that it was two inches longer than a Volkswagen Beetle, yet it was seven inches lower and had a turning radius that was about three feet less than that of the German, all the while designed to American standards of comfort and convenience. This two-pronged approach allowed AMC to compete with the likes of both the Ford Maverick and Pinto—compact and subcompact.

The two-seat Gremlin (love the name, but probably not a good idea today) reminds me of a business coupe or utility sedan, a throwback to a time when tradesmen were targeted with austere, fleet-style vehicles that often lacked a rear seat, leaving more room for equipment or wares. However, I doubt this version of the Gremlin was targeted at these folks. Instead, I suspect it was for those who were interested in basic transportation and seduced by a range of almost 500 miles on a full tank (21 gallons, no less) of fuel, a smooth ride, and decent acceleration, as described by a period AMC ad.

In addition to the lack of a rear seat, the two-seat Gremlin featured a fixed rear window, while four-seat Gremlins featured a flip-up “lift-gate” to give easy access to the storage area. If you wanted access to the cargo area of the two-seater, you had to use the side doors. Most Gremlin options were available, though bucket seats and items that toned down the austerity were not.

AMC advertised the four-passenger Gremlin as having the lowest list price of any car made in America, $1,959, aside from the two-passenger Gremlin’s $1,879 MSRP. According to the Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975, only 872 two-seat Gremlins were produced for the abbreviated 1970 model year, while an additional 2,145 were made for 1971. After that, all Gremlins featured a rear seat.

Was the two-seat Gremlin the AMX version of the Hornet? That’s quite a stretch, but the two-seat subcompact definitely contrasts with the cheapest cars of today, which feature standard power windows and air conditioning.

Over the last 20 years, when Ford has pushed the boundaries of its performance and the associated pricing, there has been at least one person who has shown the company it’s on the right track: Jay Leno. He’s put money down on the first-gen, 550-horsepower GT of the mid-2000s, the EcoBoost-powered second-gen model and, most recently, the $300,000-plus Mustang GTD. Jay discusses the latter with Ford CEO Jim Farley in the below video.

Leno is not alone in his support of the super-Mustang because his car is #12 in the production run (just like both of his GTs). In its standard form, the Mustang GTD is a purpose-built machine. The body is made out of carbon fiber and pushed closer to the road with a massive rear wing that’s mounted to the C-pillars. The supercharged “Predator” 5.2-liter V8 pumps out 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, which an eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle shuttles to the street or track. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes help reign in all that raw power.

Leno went beyond that already impressive configuration by spec’ing his GTD with the optional Performance Package’s front splitter and dive planes, lightweight magnesium 20-inch wheels, and drag reduction system for the rear wing.

The Mustang GTD is a direct attack on European exotics, which was successful on perhaps the world’s most difficult battlefield. At Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, a demanding 12.9-mile course full of elevation changes, different weather zones, and dozens of turns and corners, the Mustang GTD beat its previous time of 6:57.685 with a 6:52.072 lap, securing the #4 spot on the list of fastest sports cars.

So was Leno’s Mustang GTD worth going through the application process and waiting a year and a half for delivery? Is it too harsh and focused to be an enjoyable road car? Watch and find out.