Has your spouse or significant other told you that you can make a connection between cars and anything, no matter how random or obscure it is? My wife has told me that more than once. I can’t help it because my head is so full of car trivia that sometimes it just flies out of my mouth when I have even the slightest opportunity to share it.
That’s why I’ve started a new weekly series called Car Connections here on The ClassicCars.com Journal. Every Saturday, I’ll have the Random Word Generator spit out 3-5 words, then I’ll link them to cars in some way—without using Google. I’ll just rely on the minutiae rattling around inside my brain. If the word is overtly car-related, I’ll take it out of the running and use a different one. Some of the connections will be simple and quick; others will be more labored and convoluted (but probably more fun to make and—I hope—follow).
For this first installment in the series, I’m going with three words: brown, revolution, and number. Let’s see what I can do with them.
Aston Martin DBS (Photo courtesy of Aston Martin)
Brown: UPS delivery truck. Done. (Or Aston Martin‘s former owner Sir David Brown, whose name led to the “DB” model name prefix still used today.)
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo courtesy of Hyundai)
Revolution: At first glance, I interpreted this in the sense of a cultural movement, not revs. A tachometer is too easy, so let’s try a different route: styling. The Porsche 911 has always had an evolutionary design because each generation has the same basic layout and an overall family resemblance. The Hyundai Santa Fe, however, went through a design revolution. Launched in the 2024 model year, the fifth-generation SUV tossed out its predecessor’s curves for a blockish design that brings the Land Rover Defender to mind.
McLaren F1 (Photo courtesy of McLaren)
Number: Several years ago, I read something about the McLaren F1 in which the writer said that everything associated with the BMW 12-powered ’90s icon was “telephone numbers.” That means if any repair needs to be done, the price for it will have a lot of numbers in it.
How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. And be sure to share your ideas for random words to use in a future installment of Car Connections.
The ML55 AMG is an important vehicle for Mercedes as it was the company’s first SUV to receive the AMG treatment. It is powered by the naturally aspirated M113 5.4-liter SOHC V8, one of the most reliable AMG engines ever. That develops 342 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, which gave the 5,000-pound ML55 a respectable-for-the-era 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 141 mph, making it the fastest SUV at the time – and the first truly sporty SUV. The ML55 AMG showed manufacturers such as BMW and Porsche that there was a market in the U.S. for performance SUVs. The rest is history. Now, several automakers build high-performance SUVs and sell them by the thousands, but Mercedes was the first. Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is a 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG offered on AutoHunter by a Phoenix, Arizona seller.
The seller describes this ML55 AMG as being finished in black with a black leather interior. The vehicle has covered 93,000 miles from new and has not only been well cared for, but it has also received a number of upgrades that improve its already good off-road capabilities.
The exterior of this ML55 looks to be in excellent condition, with nice black paint and no issues to be seen. Being in Phoenix, it has not had to live with salt on the roads. Based on the condition, I am guessing that this car spent its off hours in a garage, otherwise the paint would not look this good. This ML rides on a set of factory 18-inch AMG Monoblock wheels clad with 275/70 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.
The interior looks amazingly nice. The black leather appears to be in great condition as does the rest of the cabin. It includes WeatherTech mats as well as the original Mercedes carpeted mats. The only change from stock is the Pioneer replacement head unit that adds Bluetooth and SiriusXM radio.
Under the hood, the M113 V8 looks great. The engine compartment is clean and everything appears as if it was cared for and maintained. Recent service includes the replacement of the crank position sensor, A/C drier, A/C expansion valve, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, thermostat, water pump, valve cover seals, coolant reservoir, power steering pump, and power steering reservoir. In addition, this ML55 received a recent transfer case rebuild, a new transmission pan seal, and fresh brake pads and rotors.
Upgrades include Bilstein shocks, H&R one-inch spring spacers, and a MagnaFlow dual exhaust system.
This ML55 AMG has not only been extremely well cared for, but it also has some great upgrades. The stance on this Mercedes makes it look ready for both off-road fun and daily driving.
If this ML55 AMG looks as good to you as it does me, then act fast and bid on it right now. Don’t forget that when it was new, this Mercedes had a list price of over $65,000. You have an opportunity to get one of the original performance SUVs and the very first factory-built AMG SUV, so get in there and bid because the auction for this 2001 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG ends on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (MST).
The first episode of the “Star Trek” sci-fi television series premiered on NBC on September 8, 1966—the same year our Pick of the Day was manufactured. This 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Petaluma, California.
Did you know “Star Trek” was set in the Milky Way galaxy in about the year 2266? Without a crystal ball, we, of course, have no way of knowing what automotive designs will look like hundreds of years from now. But throughout the 1960s, there was an automotive pop-culture obsession with outer space, and Ford tried hard to sell its full-size Galaxie as a car of the future. In the earliest days of the model (dating back to 1959), the nameplate was used as a high-end trim level for the Fairlane. Within a year, a separate model under the Galaxie name had branched off. And, true to its name, the Galaxie had futuristic space-age lines, most noticeably at the rear, with its turbine-style taillights in most years.
The Galaxie was one of Ford’s most well-rounded models and, over the years, it could serve as a family car, luxurious vehicle, or performance machine depending on the body style and equipment. This California-kept convertible looks fresh for being nearly 60 years-old. Finished in burgundy paint, it features chrome bumpers, LED headlights, dual mirrors, and a black power-operated soft top. Footwork comes from a set of 15-inch Allied Wheel Components wheels wrapped in Toyo Extensa tires.
Performance-wise, this car has a few goodies worth mentioning. Under the hood is a 289ci V8 that has been bored to 302ci and upgraded with Ford Racing valve covers as well as an MSD ignition system. A column-shifted three-speed manual transmission sends power to the back wheels via a nine-inch rear end. A set of power brakes—including discs up front—add modern-day safety and convenience to the driving experience.
A lot of the marketing themes around the 1966 Galaxie 500 had to do with the car’s refinement. To that end, one advertisement talked about “Ford’s quiet quality.” The interior of this Galaxie 500 features its reportedly original Emberglo vinyl upholstery, and has been upgraded with some modern niceties. An aftermarket air conditioning system (with Bluetooth control) has been added, as well as a custom under-dash console that houses a JL Audio head unit. The sound system is connected to a trunk-mounted subwoofer.
“Star Trek” lasted for three seasons and 79 episodes, but the show’s legacy lives on. And just like there are still die-hard “Trekkies” today, there are devout Ford Galaxie fans out there. If you’re one of them, do yourself a favor and check this car out. The asking price is $25,000.
I made an interesting discovery this morning while checking the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum‘s events calendar: members of the Girl Scouts can go to the museum to earn their badges for Automotive Design.
Photo courtesy of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
The Girls Scouts website shows there are six grade level-based tiers within the organization: Daisy (K-1), Brownie (2-3), Junior (4-5), Cadette (6-8), Senior (9-10), and Ambassador (11-12). All of them have a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) section on their Badge & Award Charts, but only the first three have a STEM category for Automotive Engineering. That umbrella covers badges for Automotive Engineering, Automotive Manufacturing, and Automotive Design.
Junior Automotive Design badge (Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts)
Requirements for the third one on that list get increasingly complex as girls transition from Daisy to Junior, which has five steps:
Explore mobility across time
Conduct automotive market research
Create your vehicle’s design criteria
Sketch a vehicle to meet your criteria
Sculpt and share your vehicle
Photo courtesy of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
On Saturday, November 22, Daisy, Brownie, and Junior scouts can add the Automotive Design badge to their vests by attending the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum’s Mechanical Engineering: Car Design workshop. In the beautiful art deco building, which was once an Auburn showroom, they’ll “discover the place where some of the world’s most elegant and groundbreaking cars came to life” and “explore the history and innovation that shaped the automotive industry.” Prices are $18 for Girl Scouts and $3 for each adult chaperone. The registration fee also covers access to the museum as a whole, which will provide Girl Scouts in attendance even more of an automotive education.
If you’re wondering, Scouting America has its own car-themed Merit Badge for Automotive Maintenance, which goes over everything from basic fluids and dashboard lights to connecting jumper cables and properly disposing of used coolant.
Photo courtesy of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
It’s nice to know that these programs exist for young girls and boys, and that venues such as the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum support them. Not only do the badge requirements teach children important skills, but they also engage kids with classic vehicles, potentially creating part of the next generation of car enthusiasts. The more I read about Scouting America, the more I want to involve my little guy Hayden once he’s old enough.
When it comes to muscle cars, 1970 is usually held as the peak year. There’s a small segment of the population that holds 1969 in highest regard, which is a valid counterpoint. But what if I submitted the idea that there was another year in the decade that was more significant for American automotive enthusiasts? As one who is familiar with a decade in which I did not live through, I respectfully submit 1964 as the greatest.
You don’t need to disguise your snickers—I don’t allow my feelings to be dictated by strangers—but you should hear me out.
Nineteen sixty-four was the year when everything converged. Glance at popular culture and you cannot ignore the Beatles as the band appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in February of that year. It wasn’t just the Beatles that caught America’s fancy—a whole slew of bands tried to break into the American market, rendering the then-current crop of surf instrumentals and “girl groups” obsolete. This “British Invasion” spurred a batch of American kids to pick up instruments and learn to play, leading to innumerable bands that were formed in garages, some of which released 45s or even LPs as they matured.
For Detroit, Pontiac introduced the GTO for 1964. The months leading up to the GTO were difficult for the brand because General Motors had ended all direct and indirect support for racing activities on January 24, 1963. This was to comply with the Automobile Manufacturers Association ban on racing involvement. Pontiac, a success in NASCAR and drag racing, had built its reputation on performance, yet now it was not allowed to do the performing. Pontiac’s answer to this was to focus on street performance and, with this paradigm shift, founds its way through an engineering experiment with a Tempest—newly upsized into a full-fledged mid-size vehicle. The top engine was planned to be a 326 High Output (which put out a respectable 280 horsepower), but engineers dropped in a 389 from the big cars for $#!+$ and giggles. After a bit of fun, they knew they had to get Pontiac to build this car but, alas, GM had an edict that limited cubic-inches to 330ci for mid-size vehicles. What made the GTO a brilliant move was that it was promoted through the upstairs offices as a package, which did not arouse the same scrutiny of approval as an actual model with an engine that was not allowed. By the time someone figured out the ruse, Pontiac already had several thousand orders for the car.
The GTO gave enthusiasts a nifty package that would end up influencing the whole industry.
Culturally even more significant was the Ford Mustang, which was officially introduced on April 17, 1964. Though serially denigrated as a “secretary’s car,” the original Mustang was so much more: a car developed via market research—not unlike the Edsel—but with lessons learned. In a world where more households were buying a second car, the Mustang made sense; in a world where a large segment of the population was coming of age and ripe for driver’s licenses, the Mustang made sense; in a world where a new generation of youths was the largest generation in America, the Mustang made sense; in a world where more women were owning their own cars, the Mustang made sense. Sure, the Plymouth Barracuda debuted 16 days earlier, but it was not a marketing tour de force designed to capture the baby boom and other sociological elements—it merely was a fastback Valiant.
As you know, the Mustang captured the imagination of America, quickly becoming a phenomenon never seen in Detroit, and establishing a new class of American car.
Yes, but no
Nothing in culture is a coincidence—several facets converged at the same time, one after the other. There is a reason 1964 rings strong and, as a result, it makes for a more substantive argument than any for 1969 or 1970.
Yesterday, my cubemate DerekShiekhi observed how several modern cars have handled two-toning, to mixed reviews. In a previous era, two-toning was more uniform and consistent.
An aged photo of a two-tone 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge (Photographer: Alvin Hedges)
As far as I can tell, two-toning picked up in popularity in the 1940s, with the greenhouse being painted a contrasting color. Not until the advent of postwar redesigns did two-toning become more widespread, with the roof being painted a different color. Using trim helped add even more contrast, with several brands (notably Packard in 1955) even offering three-tone schemes. But as the 1950s ended (like all decades, they bled into the next one), manufacturers reverted to just a contrasting roof. Glance at a 1963 Ford and it would not be unusual to see a contrasting roof—you’ve probably seen one with a white or black top countless times but never blinked. Of course, other contrasting colors were available.
To these eyes, it appears that two-toning began to be less and less popular as we entered the 1970s, which is also the decade that luxury (or pseudo-luxury) cars began to flaunt fancy two-tone paint schemes. The painted roof seemed so quaint by that time, but the 1970s was an era of excess style, the last moment we were footloose and fancy-free before America became more complicated and (dare I say) over-regulated.
When my mom was shopping for wagons and honed in on a 1979 Pontiac LeMans Safari (no doubt due to my influence after being exposed to the charms of Pontiac thanks to our neighbors, whose family owned a Pontiac dealership in Elmer, New Jersey), she certainly didn’t want the fake wood paneling of the Grand LeMans, and was disappointed she could not get the two-toning she had seen on a Grand Prix. Looking at a Pontiac brochure, I see that LeMans two-tone paint was option W50, though I cannot determine from this alone whether it was available on the wagon or if the salesman led us astray.
This 1937 Delahaye has coachwork from Figoni et Falaschi
Certainly, there are factory limitations to how paint can be applied to a mass-produced car, but paint is something that can be used as a styling instrument, much like headlight lighting today—witness the above Delahaye.
If you think classic cars don’t need a vinyl top to offer a contrasting roof, then you may dig the Two-Tone Muscle Cars (and more!) group on Facebook. While black or white tops seem to be most common, it can be exciting to see other color combinations that can’t be offered with the limited color availability of vinyl tops.
Barrett-Jackson is gearing up for another extraordinary collector car season in 2026 with the ultimate automotive lifestyle event, Jan. 17-25 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Enthusiasts from around the world will travel to Arizona to see over 1,800 collectible vehicles, including supercars, Resto-Mods, customs and classics cross the block with No Reserve, as well as enjoy hundreds of exhibitors, dozens of dining options, Thrill Rides and Dirt Rides with professional drivers from top manufacturers and unique VIP experiences. The Rock The Block kickoff concert, Barrett-Jackson Cup competition, STEMfest and Family Day are among the many featured events during the auction.
On Friday, Jan. 16, country music superstar Cole Swindell will perform live for the 3rd annual “Rock The Block” concert in the Auction Arena at WestWorld of Scottsdale. In addition, the opening act will feature multi-platinum singer-songwriter Chase Rice.
“There’s so much to be excited about as we gear up for our flagship Scottsdale Auction in January,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’re creating an immersive automotive lifestyle experience unlike anything in the world. We’ll start the event with our annual “Rock The Block” concert and keep the energy up throughout the week. We’re ready to kick off the 2026 collector car auction season this January and look forward to seeing everyone in Scottsdale.”
Not-to-be missed attractions that are part of admission to the Jan. 17-25 Scottsdale Auction include:
Coca Cola Family Day, Jan. 17 – All guests can get up-close looks at the auction vehicles on display before they cross the block and enjoy all the event has to offer before the automobilia items and collector car auctions begin in the following days.
STEMfest, presented by Honeywell, Jan. 17 – as part of Barrett-Jackson’s continuing commitment to STEM education, the festival will feature more than two dozen STEM exhibitors with interactive displays from Honeywell and other companies from around the Valley.
The Barrett-Jackson Cup competition – Jan. 17-24. With a $20,000 cash purse and other prizes, 50 world-class custom car builders from around the country will vie for the top slot: Ultimate Best In Show.
The Collector’s Club, Jan. 17-25 – Curated for the discerning collector, the Collectors Club hospitality pavilion offers an exclusive, elevated space where you can relax in comfort with ample seating and premium beverages. Open to the public, the Collectors Club is your go-to destination for an unforgettable auction-day experience.
The 2026 Scottsdale Auction will once again start the week off with the Opening Night Gala before the collector cars begin to roll across the auction block. It’s a chance for VIPs, consignors, bidders and special guests to relax, dine and dance the night away.
Daily at the nine-day event, guests can shop the vast Exhibitor Marketplace, presented by Swisstrax, take a Thrill Ride with Dodge and Toyota on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track and experience an adrenaline-pumping off-road Dirt Ride with Toyota. Attendees can also enjoy the Midway patio, presented by Hilton Grand Vacations, take in live music performances from local favorites and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor dining offerings.
Barrett-Jackson VIP Experiences hospitality packages, from Quint Events, include Craig Jackson’s Skybox, Luxury Lounge and Staging Lanes. Each of these all-inclusive packages provide premium vantage points, hospitality access, exclusive extras, gourmet culinary offerings and premium beverages.
“Over the last 50 years Barrett-Jackson has earned the right to say that we are ‘The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions’,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The contributions we’ve made to grow the collector car hobby is something we are all proud of. We’re planning an outstanding event for January – from an out-of-this-world docket and live entertainment to activities the whole family can enjoy. I hope everyone can join us in Scottsdale and share the pure passion we all have for this amazing hobby.”
2017 Ford GT – formerly owned by Tim Allen, with just 937 actual miles.
2023 Brabus 900 Rocket R – one of two legal for use in the U.S. and one of just 25 produced worldwide.
2005 Ford GTX1 – autographed by Carroll Shelby, Roger Penske, Henry Ford III, Edsel Ford, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Tony Kanaan.
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – fully restored and powered by its matching-numbers 429ci/375hp V8 engine paired with its original 4-speed manual transmission.
1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible – powered by a date-code-correct 440ci Six-Barrel engine and one of 29 440ci Six-Barrel convertibles produced in 1970.
1971 Chevrolet Nova Custom Hardtop – featured on “Bitchin’ Rides” and has been shown at SEMA, Goodguys, the Boise Roadster Show and the Salt Lake Autorama.
Included with the nine cars that will be auctioned for charity during the 2026 Scottsdale Auction, Barrett-Jackson is once again teaming up with NASCAR Cup Series Champion Ryan Blaney – this time to offer a 2005 Ford GT benefiting the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation. The car was generously donated by a Ford and NASCAR enthusiast. Barrett-Jackson waives all fees and commissions on charity sales, ensuring that 100% of the hammer price goes directly to support the charity. To date, Barrett-Jackson has raised more than $164 million for charity.
Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the 2026 Scottsdale Auction. Those interested in being part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid may do so here. VIP Experiences hospitality packages are available here. Throughout the nine-day Scottsdale Auction, children age 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students age 13 through college age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $27 at the AXS online box office.
Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
During the early 1970s, Chevrolet promoted its brand with the tagline, “Building a better way to see the U.S.A.” Some advertisements said, “Take to the highways and back roads in a car that’s easy on everything—particularly the upkeep.” Featured on AutoHunter is a Bow Tie from this era, a 1972 Chevrolet Nova two-door Coupe. It is being sold by a dealer in Asheboro, North Carolina, with the auction ending on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).
Now, five decades after Chevrolet launched its “see the U.S.A.” tagline (truthfully, it was a nod to a campaign from more than 20 years earlier), I can still think of relatively few ways that might be better means of transport for a cross-country tour than behind the wheel of a sporty, classic muscle car. This frame-off-restored Nova might be just the ticket.
The car’s exterior is finished in Candyapple Red, and the dual black stripes provide a bit of contrast and flair to the body. Modeled as a Super Sport tribute, the car has obligatory “SS” badges in the grille and taillight panel. Other features include a Cowl Induction hood, dual side mirrors, tinted windows, chrome brightwork, and a dual exhaust system. Traction comes from 15-inch Rally wheels wrapped in Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.
The Nova (previous known as a trim level for the Chevy II) was in its third generation from 1968-72. Thanks to its unibody construction and compact size, it had a strong power-to-weight ratio and was capable of being a formidable performance car on the street or track. Chevrolet generally promoted the car’s low cost of ownership: a magazine advertisement for the 1972 Nova said, “How to see less of your mechanic and more of America.” It went on to say, “When Motor Service and Service StationManagement surveyed independent auto mechanics, they rated Nova the car with the least mechanical problems and said it was the easiest to service.”
This Nova’s original 350 engine has been removed, but a replacement small-block has taken its place. This V8 is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a 10-bolt rear-end. A few performance upgrades have been integrated into the build, including a Holley 650cfm four-barrel carburetor, Champion aluminum radiator, a speed starter, and an AGM battery.
The selling dealer has posted a video with a virtual tour which showcases the exterior, interior, and trunk. It also demonstrates the Bluetooth audio system, digital gauges, and ambient cabin lighting. What do you think? Seems like a nice cockpit to hang out in for a long U.S.A. driving tour!
No automotive enthusiast I know is into cars exclusively. Each of them has at least one other interest (such as watches). Many people are into certain movies or film franchises, which can often guide numerous fantasies and even the purchasing decisions of gearheads. “Back to the Future” is not only an iconic movie by itself, but it’s also well known amongst the car community for popularizing the DeLorean DMC-12, albeit one that was heavily modified into a time machine. Our Pick of the Day is perfect for both fans of the movie and its hero vehicle. This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 “Back to the Future” time machine replica is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Miami.
It’s safe to say that ever since “Back to the Future” first hit theaters in 1985, people have been creating replicas of its stainless steel-skinned time machine. Building one of those on a limited budget in a garage can end poorly. However, this one is on a completely different level as it was created by Bruce Coulombe of Coulombe Enterprises, a Florida company which has built nearly 70 BTTF time machine replicas.
Just look at the details. According to the selling dealer, “Great lengths were spent achieving a correct representation of the movie down to the correct purple clamps that hold the external wires. Most builders would use black clamps—these are aviation purple clamps use just like in the movie car. It has all-metal aluminum construction for the rear vents, external mesh rails and other parts.”
There’s also a Mr. Fusion device at the back, which Doc Brown used at the end of the first movie/beginning of “Back to the Future Part II” to turn ordinary trash into power.
Inside the cockpit, there are all the buttons and displays that helped send Marty McFly back to 1955. The seller adds, “Fully functional ‘Time Circuits’ can be programmed with any dates/times you like. Real working ‘Plutonium Gauges’ exactly as in the film. The ‘Upper Console’ is mounted to the ceiling, along with many other details in the car that are exact replicas of the parts seen in the film.” In addition, there are plenty of prop replicas that come with the car, including a hoverboard signed by Christopher Lloyd.
No BTTF DeLorean would be complete without a Flux Capacitor. I think you can guess by now that this replica has one. It emits a resonating buzz and, when you put it into “time travel” modes, it even lights up.
Mechanically, this DeLorean did some time-traveling into the future, receiving upgraded front shocks and adjustable rear coilovers. The PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.85-liter V6 is connected to a five-speed manual gearbox and cooled by an upgraded radiator with dual electric fans.
If you feel that it’s your “density” to buy this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 “Back to the Future” time machine replica, don’t be timid like the 1955 version of George McFly—act like the more confident 1985 George McFly and go after what you want. You might need to sell a lot of books, though, because it’ll cost you $175,000 to put this creation in your driveway.
Just like automatic shifters, two-tone vehicle paint jobs are nothing new, but manufacturers keep coming up with different versions of them.
You can put new vehicles into drive using buttons, a lever, or a dial. If you want something a little more dynamic than one solid color, certain models allow you to select a two-tone color scheme. Some of those are more conventional than others.
2025 Ford F-150 King Ranch (Photo courtesy of Ford)2025 Bentley Flying Spur (Photo courtesy of Bentley)
The 2025 Ford F-150 King Ranch comes with Marsh Gray lower-body trim, then lets you select from a range of colors for the rest of the truck. If you really want to mix things up, there are options out there. For $68,000, you can add the Ombré by Mulliner finish (which gradually transitions from one color to another) to your Bentley.
2026 Toyota Crown (Photo courtesy of Toyota)
In the realm of more affordable vehicles, there’s the Toyota Crown and the Ford Expedition. Toyota’s high-riding, all-wheel-drive hybrid sedan is available in a variety of solid colors, with four that are paired with black for part of the nose, hood, roof, trunk lid, and part of the tail. The blacked-out hood brings the carbon-fiber hoods installed on some modified Asian cars to mind, so it works. The roof does as well, but all that black at the rear throws things off and makes the Crown look a little odd.
2025 Ford Expedition Platinum (Photo courtesy of Ford)
Then there’s the 2025 Expedition. I thought the first one I saw out on the road was a police cruiser. Why? Because it was white and the top part of its Ford Split Gate was black. I was surprised to learn that civilians can get theirs like that from the showroom floor. I can’t say I’m a fan because I think the key to an attractive two-tone paint job is flow. If you see a handsome bi-color Chevrolet C10, its two colors are stacked, start at the front, and end at the back. The same goes for ultra-luxury cars such as the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
2025 Ford Expedition Platinum (Photo courtesy of Ford)
There’s a flow to the Toyota Crown, but all that black pools up in the rear. In a way, the Ford Expedition has a flow: its profile has the roof as the top layer, darkened B-, C-, and D-pillars below that, and the rest of the body at the bottom. But then there’s that seemingly random black liftgate, which makes the vehicle look out of balance.
What do you think? Have automakers gone too far with two-tone? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
