Journal Classic Cars

During Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction earlier this year, nearly 2,000 vehicles crossed the block at no reserve.  More than 190 of them set world records, and transactions totaled about $207 million.

One of the many eye-catching cars there was a 2003 Acura NSX-T in stunning Silverstone Metallic. This car had a few special things going for it – most notably its rare configuration. Let’s dive into the deets:

The NSX enthusiast community has consolidated production statistics for all vehicles from the first generation, which ranged between the 1991 and 2005 model years. According to the data on the NSX Prime forums, there were just 171 Silverstone NSXs from 2003. Taking the analysis a step further, there were 32 produced with black interior and 25 produced with gray interior. And lastly, when factoring in the transmission offerings for that year, only 3 four-speed automatics came out in Silverstone for 2003, and 2 of them had black interiors. Barrett-Jackson’s docket featured one of those special cars.

Adding to the mystique was the fact that the car had only 10,046 miles on the odometer. Even though its exterior design stayed attractive and relevant even in recent years, the car is now over 20 years old, so finding a particularly low mileage example such as this has become a challenge to say the least.

Here is a little bit of trivia worth noting: Automatic-equipped cars had a distinct engine. Specifically, they came with a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 252 horsepower. On the flipside, manual-equipped cars came with a 3.2-liter V6 with 290 horsepower. Whether that delta translates into a vast difference in the driving experience, I haven’t personally evaluated, but either power rating is more than ample for an all-aluminum two-seater that weighs only about 3,100 pounds. Besides, the NSX was engineered more for its optimal canyon-carving balance as opposed to its go-fast, straight-line abilities.

The strong enthusiast community for NSX cars is centered around its annual event called “NSXPO,” which is put on by the NSX Club of America (NSXCA). We have shared the NSXPO experience on The Journal before, and perhaps some of our readers will recall this story about the 2022 program in Arizona which attracted over 100 cars. NSXPO 2024 will take place October 23 through 27 in Grapevine, Texas, and registration will open up in the coming months to members of the club. Hopefully the lucky new owner of the Barrett-Jackson-sold NSX will make an appearance.

The selling price for this NSX-T was $95,700, which slotted only a little bit above its $89,000 original retail price. It is no mystery that the NSX marketplace has seen strong momentum in recent years. Some of it may have been driven by heightened awareness and attention for the nameplate when it made a comeback on a second-generation model in 2017 (it has since been discontinued). Do you think NSX values are on the rise, staying put, or making a decline? Let’s hear it in the comment section.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner. Features include a 292cid V8, automatic transmission, updated dual-circuit power front disc brakes, power steering, upgraded electric windshield wipers, and AM/FM/cassette radio. Finished in light blue with dark blue power top over a blue and white vinyl interior, this ’57 Fairlane comes with rebuild and service records, and a clear title.

Originally finished in Dresden Blue (code C) and Starmist Blue (code F), the reportedly rust-free body of this Sunliner was refinished in monotone Starmist Blue in 2014. Features include backup lights, dual rearview mirrors, Fairlane side trim with gold inserts, rocker and front wheel well trim, and front bumper guards. A walk-around video can be seen at the bottom of this article.

A set of body-color 14-inch steel wheels with replica 1957 Dodge wheelcovers is wrapped in P215/75R14 Coker Classic whitewall radial tires.

The interior is furnished in blue and white vinyl (code AB). Features include power steering, column-mounted automatic transmission shifter, and updated digital AM/FM/cassette radio.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. An accessory clock is mounted to the right of the radio. Currently, the odometer reads 27,870 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by the reportedly original 292cid Y-block that was rebuilt in 2019. It is backed by a remanufactured three-speed automatic transmission that was installed in 2013. Engine bay features include chrome valve covers, four-barrel carburetor with electric choke aluminum, intake manifold, polished aluminum air cleaner lid, updated chrome power brake booster, and polished dual-circuit brake master cylinder. A chrome power steering reservoir cover, oil filler cap, water pump pulley, and other dress-up parts have been added.

This Ford was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by updated power front discs and factory rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner ends Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner. Features include a 292cid V8, automatic transmission, updated dual-circuit power front disc brakes, power steering, upgraded electric windshield wipers, and AM/FM/cassette radio. Finished in light blue with dark blue power top over a blue and white vinyl interior, this ’57 Fairlane comes with rebuild and service records, and a clear title.

Originally finished in Dresden Blue (code C) and Starmist Blue (code F), the reportedly rust-free body of this Sunliner was refinished in monotone Starmist Blue in 2014. Features include backup lights, dual rearview mirrors, Fairlane side trim with gold inserts, rocker and front wheel well trim, and front bumper guards. A walk-around video can be seen at the bottom of this article.

A set of body-color 14-inch steel wheels with replica 1957 Dodge wheelcovers is wrapped in P215/75R14 Coker Classic whitewall radial tires.

The interior is furnished in blue and white vinyl (code AB). Features include power steering, column-mounted automatic transmission shifter, and updated digital AM/FM/cassette radio.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. An accessory clock is mounted to the right of the radio. Currently, the odometer reads 27,870 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by the reportedly original 292cid Y-block that was rebuilt in 2019. It is backed by a remanufactured three-speed automatic transmission that was installed in 2013. Engine bay features include chrome valve covers, four-barrel carburetor with electric choke aluminum, intake manifold, polished aluminum air cleaner lid, updated chrome power brake booster, and polished dual-circuit brake master cylinder. A chrome power steering reservoir cover, oil filler cap, water pump pulley, and other dress-up parts have been added.

This Ford was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by updated power front discs and factory rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Sunliner ends Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Rolls-Royce has revealed its latest bespoke car, the “Pearl Cullinan,” a pearl-themed take on the Cullinan SUV commissioned by a customer as a 90th birthday gift for his father.

Commissioned by the customer in 2022, the Pearl Cullinan is the first bespoke Rolls-Royce from the automaker’s Private Office Dubai, a dedicated office handling customers in the Middle East.

The exterior is finished in an exclusive Pearl Rose paint finish inspired by a pearl from the owner’s collection, and it won’t be available to other customers. It required 30 iterations, all tested on full-size body panels. These were placed under lamps to simulate how the paint would look under the Middle Eastern sun, while ultraviolet testing was done to ensure it would hold up to that strong sunlight. The paint is accented by a hand-painted rose gold pinstripe, along with a rose gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and tread plates.

The interior features two different leather colors: Cashmere Gray for the front seats and Ardent Red for the rear seats. The latter references the color of the material on which pearls are traditionally presented to customers, while the burr walnut wood veneer is inspired by the wooden presentation boxes in which pearls are traditionally given to customers.

Living up to its name, the Pearl Cullinan also features the most mother-of-pearl in any Rolls-Royce production car. Each of the rear picnic tabletops is layered with 1,351 separate pieces of mother-of-pearl—all selected and placed by hand. The dashboard fascia has a mother-of-pearl inlay, as well as the Arabic word for “father” in stainless steel. The dashboard clock is set in a mother-of-pearl surround with a rose gold dial and hands. The Starlight Headliner also shows the sky as it appeared on the night the customer’s father was born.

One-off commissions are standard operating procedure at Rolls-Royce. The automaker also recently built a pink Ghost for a an Internet personality, as well as the Phantom Syntopia, a one-off so complex that it took four years to build.

For buyers with extra-deep pockets, Rolls-Royce can build a car totally unrelated to any model in its lineup. These are coachbuilt specials, the most recent of which is a car known as the Droptail.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Pearl Cullinan

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Rolls-Royce has revealed its latest bespoke car, the “Pearl Cullinan,” a pearl-themed take on the Cullinan SUV commissioned by a customer as a 90th birthday gift for his father.

Commissioned by the customer in 2022, the Pearl Cullinan is the first bespoke Rolls-Royce from the automaker’s Private Office Dubai, a dedicated office handling customers in the Middle East.

The exterior is finished in an exclusive Pearl Rose paint finish inspired by a pearl from the owner’s collection, and it won’t be available to other customers. It required 30 iterations, all tested on full-size body panels. These were placed under lamps to simulate how the paint would look under the Middle Eastern sun, while ultraviolet testing was done to ensure it would hold up to that strong sunlight. The paint is accented by a hand-painted rose gold pinstripe, along with a rose gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and tread plates.

The interior features two different leather colors: Cashmere Gray for the front seats and Ardent Red for the rear seats. The latter references the color of the material on which pearls are traditionally presented to customers, while the burr walnut wood veneer is inspired by the wooden presentation boxes in which pearls are traditionally given to customers.

Living up to its name, the Pearl Cullinan also features the most mother-of-pearl in any Rolls-Royce production car. Each of the rear picnic tabletops is layered with 1,351 separate pieces of mother-of-pearl—all selected and placed by hand. The dashboard fascia has a mother-of-pearl inlay, as well as the Arabic word for “father” in stainless steel. The dashboard clock is set in a mother-of-pearl surround with a rose gold dial and hands. The Starlight Headliner also shows the sky as it appeared on the night the customer’s father was born.

One-off commissions are standard operating procedure at Rolls-Royce. The automaker also recently built a pink Ghost for a an Internet personality, as well as the Phantom Syntopia, a one-off so complex that it took four years to build.

For buyers with extra-deep pockets, Rolls-Royce can build a car totally unrelated to any model in its lineup. These are coachbuilt specials, the most recent of which is a car known as the Droptail.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Pearl Cullinan

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo.

The first mention of the Supra name in the automotive world came about in the late 1970s in Japan, where it was launched as a variant of the compact Celica liftback. The Supra became a popular performance car – particularly in the “tuner” communities – because of its agile handling, capable drivetrains, and strong aftermarket support. These days, finding an unmodified Supra is no easy task, and finding an original with fewer than 50,000 miles on the odometer is even more challenging. That’s where today’s Super White 1994 Supra Turbo comes in: This car is being offered on AutoHunter by a private seller in Arcadia, California, and the auction ends this coming Wednesday.

Today’s Supra comes from the fourth generation which launched with the “A80” body in model year 1994. Chassis components at the time were shared with the first-generation Lexus SC coupe (sold as the Toyota Soarer in Japan). This Supra has somehow survived for the last 30 years without being modified. The CARFAX report also shows California-kept ownership all its life, with no accidents or damage on record. A new owner was reported about three years ago, and the history overall is squeaky clean.

The Supra was offered with two different inline-six powerplants: One was the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE, and the other was a 3.0-liter 2JZ-GTE with twin turbos. The latter was capable of 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. Toyota and Lexus shared this architecture for a number of years. In fact, my brother’s 2002 Lexus IS300 that was recently raced at No Fly Zone in Arizona has a 2JZ-GTE motor. His entire “brand” on social media centers around the “Two Jay” name for that reason.

While the Supra could easily be put to use as an all-out race car, it also catered to the grand-touring crowd – especially when outfitted with the optional four-speed automatic transmission as seen in today’s feature car. The roof has a color-matched removable panel for an open-air feeling, and the cabin is appointed with leather upholstery and automatic climate control.

You could argue that this car offers the best of multiple worlds: It has a performance-bred (yet reliable) twin-turbocharged heart, the sexy looks of a sports car, and the comfort and conveniences of a long-distance highway cruiser. You won’t find an opportunity like this very frequently. Check it out!

The auction for this 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo ends Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo.

The first mention of the Supra name in the automotive world came about in the late 1970s in Japan, where it was launched as a variant of the compact Celica liftback. The Supra became a popular performance car – particularly in the “tuner” communities – because of its agile handling, capable drivetrains, and strong aftermarket support. These days, finding an unmodified Supra is no easy task, and finding an original with fewer than 50,000 miles on the odometer is even more challenging. That’s where today’s Super White 1994 Supra Turbo comes in: This car is being offered on AutoHunter by a private seller in Arcadia, California, and the auction ends this coming Wednesday.

Today’s Supra comes from the fourth generation which launched with the “A80” body in model year 1994. Chassis components at the time were shared with the first-generation Lexus SC coupe (sold as the Toyota Soarer in Japan). This Supra has somehow survived for the last 30 years without being modified. The CARFAX report also shows California-kept ownership all its life, with no accidents or damage on record. A new owner was reported about three years ago, and the history overall is squeaky clean.

The Supra was offered with two different inline-six powerplants: One was the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE, and the other was a 3.0-liter 2JZ-GTE with twin turbos. The latter was capable of 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. Toyota and Lexus shared this architecture for a number of years. In fact, my brother’s 2002 Lexus IS300 that was recently raced at No Fly Zone in Arizona has a 2JZ-GTE motor. His entire “brand” on social media centers around the “Two Jay” name for that reason.

While the Supra could easily be put to use as an all-out race car, it also catered to the grand-touring crowd – especially when outfitted with the optional four-speed automatic transmission as seen in today’s feature car. The roof has a color-matched removable panel for an open-air feeling, and the cabin is appointed with leather upholstery and automatic climate control.

You could argue that this car offers the best of multiple worlds: It has a performance-bred (yet reliable) twin-turbocharged heart, the sexy looks of a sports car, and the comfort and conveniences of a long-distance highway cruiser. You won’t find an opportunity like this very frequently. Check it out!

The auction for this 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo ends Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

The second-generation Ford GT evolved the formula from the more “authentic” first-gen, but it wasn’t lesser because of it. Paying homage to its 1966 Le Mans win, Ford called the track car version the GT Mark II and built 45 of them, all powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 700 horsepower (40 horses more than the street version). Other tweaks include a roof-mounted intake, special outboard system, larger fixed wing and diffuser, downsized 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport GT racing tires, fixed ride height, and stripped interior (helping reduce 200 pounds in the process). When new, the 2020 GT Mark II cost over $1.2 million, with this particular example selling for $1,088,500 at RM Sotheby’s auction during Monterey Car Week 2023.

For more Interesting Finds, car reviews, and interviews make sure to subscribe to the ClassicCars TV channel on YouTube.

The second-generation Ford GT evolved the formula from the more “authentic” first-gen, but it wasn’t lesser because of it. Paying homage to its 1966 Le Mans win, Ford called the track car version the GT Mark II and built 45 of them, all powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 700 horsepower (40 horses more than the street version). Other tweaks include a roof-mounted intake, special outboard system, larger fixed wing and diffuser, downsized 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport GT racing tires, fixed ride height, and stripped interior (helping reduce 200 pounds in the process). When new, the 2020 GT Mark II cost over $1.2 million, with this particular example selling for $1,088,500 at RM Sotheby’s auction during Monterey Car Week 2023.

For more Interesting Finds, car reviews, and interviews make sure to subscribe to the ClassicCars TV channel on YouTube.

There is something mysterious about a black cat. This Jag’s elegant body lines, prominent hood ornament, and chrome accent trim evoke a luxurious and sophisticated feeling. Best of all, it has a 400-horsepower supercharged V8 engine under the hood, so this car is equal parts “go” and “show.”

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 2007 Jaguar XJR listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Clinton, New York. (Click the link to view the listing)

“I have personally owned this car for the last five years and have honestly loved every minute of it,” the listing says. “This car is spectacular with only 67,100 accident-free miles, of which I have put on approximately 10,000 of them.”

The XJ model has a longstanding history in the British luxury car world: Its first iteration – or “Series 1” – debuted 55 years ago in 1968 as a four-door saloon with a straight six powerplant. Evolution took it through a number of changes over the years, and the model has been gone from the Jaguar lineup since 2019. There’s no telling what kind of tricks the product planners might have up their sleeves to plan a rebirth.

Today’s car comes from the “X350” platform which spanned model years 2004 through 2010. Engineering advancements brought some important updates to this generation: The body shell was reportedly 40 percent lighter and 50 percent stiffer than the outgoing model’s, and an available adaptive air suspension kept things on the level at all times.

At the high end of the performance spectrum, the “XJR” model as seen today brought a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 to the formula – a powerplant that produced 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission put the power to the ground via the rear wheels.

 The seller has prepared a thorough presentation of dozens of photos and a 12-minute video to showcase the vehicle in its entirety. The elegant black finish looks well-kept, and those blocky five-spoke wheels give a sense of presence and power. Even the interior is primo-looking for being 16 years old.

The seller states, “Unquestionably, these XJRs have already become collectible, and the values continue to rise and for good reason. I do not let cars like this leave my stable every day. However, I have decided to let this seductive and alluring Jag free to find another garage to purr in.”

The asking price is $29,500 or best offer for this Jag.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.