There’s no getting around it, Brand Xers: The 426 Hemi is King! It didn’t earn the nickname “King Kong” for nuthin. There have been many great V8s out of the 1960s, but none have made the same impact on the banked ovals, strip, and street as this 7.0-liter V8.
1966 Plymouth Satellite
Fans of Mopars, the Wellborn family has been involved with Hemis for quite a long time. Their cars have appeared in the buff books for over 40 years, with Tim and wife Pam, in particular, founding the Wellborn Musclecar Museum in Alexander City, Alabama, around 15 years ago.
This 1969 Dodge Super Bee coupe features a white Bumblebee stripe and blue interior.
So it only seems natural for the Wellborns to host a Mopar display at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. In fact, the Wellborns have a display at MCACN every year, with 2025 being cars powered by the 426 Hemi. Though the muscle car peak is generally acknowledged to be 1970, by far the most Hemis were built for 1966, the inaugural model year for the street version of the Hemi that made its debut at Daytona years prior. However, most of the cars in the display were from the latter part of Hemi production. Enjoy!
Only 35 U.S.-spec Pymouth GTXs were built with the Hemi in 1971.With approximately 108 U.S.-spec Hemi’Cudas built in 1971, it is no wonder that they are among the most expensive muscle cars out there.This 1969 Plymouth Road Runner coupe is “B5” Blue Fire metallic with the unusual “V6R” Sport Stripe.The lack of chrome on the B-pillar of this 1970 Hemi Plymouth Road Runner coupe means it lacks the Decor package.This 1969 Hemi Plymouth GTX was painted “Q5” Seafoam Turquoise with a white vinyl top—pretty!The cousin to the turquoise GTX above was the Dodge Coronet R/T. Note the Kelsey-Hayes “recall” wheels.
The holidays center around selflessness and giving, so one Phoenix-based event gave import car owners and enthusiasts a chance to give back to the community via a charitable toy drive.
The Kyusha Club – dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of European and Japanese cars from 2005 and older – has become one of the highest-attended events in the region. There is no registration process, and parking is first-come, first-served, so people appreciate the laid-back atmosphere.
The group also operates with a community-oriented mindset, and in December, attendees were invited to bring toys for a drive to benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The turnout was strong, to say the very least. Below were a few specific cars that caught my eye.
1983 Toyota Cressida sedan
Positioned as Toyota’s luxury offering, this four-door sedan (also available as a five-door station wagon) came standard with a 2.8-liter inline-six mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. In some markets, the Cressida was called the Mark II. This car set the stage for the upmarket Lexus brand that would debut in the late 1980s.
1991 BMW 325i coupe
The classic “E30” generation for BMW’s compact executive car lasted from 1984 through 1991. This clean final-year example in red was extremely well kept. Power came from an M20B25 2.5-liter inline-six that was rated at 168 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque. An “iX” all-wheel drive variant was offered, too.
1992 Isuzu Amigo XS 4WD
The fun-loving Amigo was a versatile SUV, known for its removable soft-top and decent off-road capability. Power came from a 2.6-liter inline-four mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The XS trim was one of the higher trim levels, and it included things like a tilt steering wheel. The Amigo nameplate was dropped in the U.S. market after model year 1995.
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL
When it came to Grand Touring, the German-built SL-class was hard to beat in the 1980s and 1990s. The car went by the “R129” code name and came standard as a two-door roadster with a hydraulic roof. Power for this luxury roadster came from a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. I thought this particular white-on-blue SL was striking.
1994 Mazda RX-7
The FD-generation RX-7, built between 1993 and 1995 for North America, developed an incredibly strong enthusiast following and remains collectible. Its unique powertrain included a 1,308cc twin-turbo, twin-rotor Wankel engine. The RX-7 had a lightweight chassis and a 50/50 weight distribution, making it a competent handler. This white RX at Kyusha Club was a Japanese-market, right-hand-drive example.
1994 Toyota Supra Turbo
Another twin-turbo favorite from the mid-1990s was the fourth-generation (MKIV) Supra, which was powered by a 3.0-liter 2JZ-GTE engine. Among tuners, it’s an incredibly popular car – and finding one that hasn’t already been modified is incredibly tough.
1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R
Twin-turbochargers were the name of the game for Japanese automakers when it came to sports cars. The R33-generation GT-R featured a 2.6-liter inline-six mated to a five-speed manual transmission. One of its other noteworthy features was an ATTESA all-wheel-drive system.
1999 Honda Civic Si
The classic Honda two-door compact got a dose of performance, courtesy of a high-revving 1.6-liter “B16” inline-four that produced 160 horsepower. Despite its value-oriented underpinnings, the Civic Si was still an engaging car to drive. A quarter-century later, almost all of them have been modified, so seeing this Electron Blue Pearl one looking mostly original was a treat.
1999 Lexus LS400
The LS400 was one of Lexus’ pioneering models when the brand launched in September 1989, and for years it went head-to-head with the premier luxury cars of Germany. It was powered by a 4.0-liter V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Many of these cars are still on the road today – a testament to their exceptional build quality.
2003 Porsche 911 Turbo
Finished in eye-catching red, this sexy 911 was from the “996” generation and came with a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six “Mezger” engine. It was a performance powerhouse, offering 415 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission.
The Kyusha Club event was a memorable occasion – and a strong reminder for all of us that car clubs are much more than a venue for talking about horsepower specs. They are opportunities to bring people together for a common good. Follow the group on Instagram for announcements about future program dates and locations.
The Mercedes-Benz W123s produced from 1975-86 have long been considered some of the finest-built vehicles the automaker ever constructed. They were more mid-range market than top-tier; sort of like a BMW 5 Series, offering great quality and plenty of period 1970 and ’80s German luxury features. Over the years they have proved to be all but indestructible, and even today are not only one of the best-built classic Mercedes cars ever, they also are still usable as daily drivers. Of all the W123s, the diesel-powered cars are so good that many have clocked over a million miles on their odometers. Our AutoHunter Spotlight of the day is one of those cars, a 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300D sedan. It is being offered by a private seller in Pasadena, California, and the auction ends on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).
According to the seller, this garage-kept 300D is powered by its correct OM617 3.0-liter inline five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine combined with a four-speed automatic transmission. The car is painted in factory-correct silver over a black MB-Tex interior. It is being offered with a car cover, shop manual, the original tool kit, and a clear title.
The exterior of this 300D looks to be in good shape. I don’t see any evidence of poor panel gaps, and the paint looks good overall—I would not be surprised if it was original. The brightwork also seems to be in excellent condition, with no corrosion on the bumpers or other chrome parts. The car still rides on its original Mercedes 14-inch bundt-pan alloy wheels clad with 195/70 Michelin Defender XT radial tires.
The interior also looks great – not a big surprise with a car that has MB-Tex for its seats. What is very nice is that the dash does not appear to have any cracks, and the wood is also in excellent shape. This really looks like a well-cared-for and truly garage-kept example. (If it wasn’t, the dash would definitely be cracked, and the wood bits would be crazed as well.)
Under the hood, the OM617 3.0-liter inline five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine looks to be in good shape and correct, albeit a little dirty. This engine compartment would look amazing after a detail. These inline five-cylinder diesel engines last literally forever, so the 119,954 miles clocked on this car means it has decades left in its lifespan. Service history includes a coolant flush, new thermostat, new upper and lower radiator hoses, power steering fluid flush, new power steering filter, new check valves, and a new air filter.
These W123 Mercedes cars literally will run forever, and this appears to be a 300D that has been carefully used and well cared for over the last four decades. In terms of its design or condition, it certainly does not look like a 43-year-old vehicle. Representing a high point for one of the world’s best auto manufacturers, this 300D would make a great daily driver or one to take to shows and even on long road trips. The auction for this 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300D ends on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (MST)—just in time to treat yourself to one fantastic Christmas present!
According to automotive historian Jonathan Wood’s 2012 book “Rippon Bros: A Coachbuilder of Renown,” the business was established in England in 1870. “Renowned for the quality of its coachwork and closely allied with Rolls-Royce for most of its corporate life, Rippon survived until 1970. Its bodies, created by some of the trade’s finest craftsmen, also featured on examples of the best British and Continental makes of their day, with Bentley, Daimler, Delage, Railton, and Renault chassis being so enhanced.”
What makes this Bentley so unusual is not just its body style (which is reportedly one of two shooting brakes built on the Mark VI chassis) but when its body was styled. Instead of starting life as a regular Mark VI and later being converted into a shooting brake, this car was initially purchased by Rippon Bros on behalf of its original owner, Captain George H. Ackroyd of the carpet company T.F. Firth & Sons, then built according to his requests.
The prevailing theory is that Ackroyd used this bespoke Bentley for hunting. Notice the side-mounted spare tire, which freed up interior room; the rear seat can be folded down to fit large cargo. If you look closely, you’ll also see a sunroof panel. Under the hood’s twin swing-up panels is a carbureted 4.3-liter OHV inline-six, which is paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
After changing hands in England in the 1960s, this unusual creation was purchased by a Rolls-Royce Owners Club member and shipped to the U.S. Under the subsequent ownership of collector Henry Petronis, the metal bodywork was painted Royal Blue, the woodwork was restored, and the leather upholstery was changed from light blue to the current tan, which coordinates perfectly with the walnut wood trim. In 2016, this Bentley was purchased from car collector and cellular phone industry pioneer Craig McCaw, then sent to Automotive Restorations for a mechanical refresh.
If you want a woodie that’s a little out of the ordinary, this 1949 Bentley Mark VI shooting brake is it. You can make it yours for $129,900, but will you be ready for all the questions people will ask about it? There’s only one way to find out . . .
If all the last-minute shopping for presents, picking up relatives from the airport, and planning Christmas dinner has you a little frazzled, just know that you can turn your brain off for a few minutes as you read this week’s installment of Car Connections. I’ll have the Random Word Generator spit out three words, then I’ll find ways to connect those to automobiles. You don’t have to think or lift a finger!
This week’s words are achieve, personal, and chapter. Pour yourself some eggnog and I’ll figure these out.
Achieve: It always amazes me that there are people with enough confidence to think they can start their own car company. John DeLorean had that as well as decades of automotive industry experience when he founded the DeLorean Motor Company in the 1970s. As we all know, his business ultimately failed, but the fact that he started his eponymous company and actually produced cars—in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles” using an inexperienced crew of Catholics and Protestants—is one hell of an achievement.
Personal: The 2020 Netflix documentary series “The Last Dance” covered the Chicago Bulls’ 1990s NBA dynasty. It also showed how Michael Jordan would take defeats and social slights personally, then use his rage as fuel for redemption/revenge. “His Airness” has owned a variety of high-end vehicles, including a 1999 Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 HSE – in red, of course.
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.
My high school chum Bob Harnsberger had a semi-custom 1956 Cadillac Sedan de Ville christened “Battlecar Cadillactica” after we had graduated. I don’t know if he has a green thumb, but if so, he’d be planting Cadillactus around his home.
Another Cadillac aficionado with a penchant for punny names is Roger Reutimann, a Swiss sculptor who was commissioned by the City of Palm Springs (California) to produce what the industry calls “public art.” Reutimann’s vision resulted in the installation of vertical sculptures scattered between the Palm Springs Airport and downtown Palm Springs that reference both local flora and Detroit iron, the latter being the most iconic American automobile from the 1950s: the 1959 Cadillac.
Though the Cadillac was a looker from all sides, it was the derriere that has inspired so many fans—Reutimann included. He used the fins and bullet-shaped taillights to “evoke the appearance of cactus spines and nocturnal blooms” that illuminate at night. These automotive-inspired sculptures are constructed in steel and fiberglass using the very same processes used on the cars, such as powder coating.
Thanks to Reutimann’s creativity, Cadillactus won the “prestigious” CODAworx People’s Choice Award in 2024, reflecting a “synthesis of sculpture, design, and engineering.” Say, wasn’t that Cadillac’s tagline several years ago?
Dr. Ajesh Parikh is the hard-working guy who has the pleasure of assembling Buick displays at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals past and present. For 2025, he went back to basics, organizing what’s generally considered the high point of Gran Sport production: 1970 GS 455.
For 1970, the A-body Gran Sport series was reshuffled. The former GS 350 became the GS, and the introduction of the 455 V8 led the GS 400 to become the GS 455. For the latter, the Stage 1 option was available, and cars so equipped received Stage 1 badges replacing the 455 on the front fenders.
As you may know, Stage 1s were a word-of-mouth affair, a car not given much notice except by those who bore witness to them beating more substantial (by reputation) machinery. After a Hemi vs. Stage 1 drag race by Car Review magazine in 1986, the cat was out of the bag, but not without controversy. That controversy continues today in social media, and it will likely continue until the end of time.
The cars above and below are all 1970 GS 455s and Stage 1s, which could get boring after awhile if not for the good doctor having the fortitude to find a broad selection of colors and equipment to keep things interesting. After viewing these MCACN pics, perhaps you will find lust in your heart for one?
Note the monotone white pearl interior on the Fireglow Pearl Stage 1, which was a custom show car during the 1970 model year’s introduction.You don’t see many Stage 1s with poverty caps and trim rings.Here’s a pretty GS Stage 1 with poverty caps sans trim rings. By far the most popular Gran Sport color for 1970 was Burnished Saddle. This car is one of 16 Stage 1 hardtops shifted by the standard floor-mounted three-speed manual.Only 2,465 Stage 1 hardtops were built, and it’s likely few wore this triple white color combo.Out of 1,416 GS 455 convertibles, only 232 were powered by the Stage 1. This one is one of two special-ordered in a Riviera hue called Tealmist Gray.Though pretty to contemporary eyes, Aqua Mist was not a popular color for performance cars in 1970. Only 36 GS 455 convertibles featured this hue.To contrast, Bamboo Cream may not have much appeal to many today, but it was one of the more popular colors for the 1970 Gran Sport. In the case of this GS 455 convertible, one of 136.This 1970 GS 455 features a four-speed transmission but what makes it stand out is that it was special-ordered in a Cadillac hue called Dark Walnut.
My week in the 2026 Volvo XC90 Ultra T8 plug-in hybrid is a reminder that, in automotive terms, the 2016 model year was a long time ago. Since then, the Corvette has transitioned from its seventh generation to a dual-clutch-automatic-only, mid-engined sports car; the Dodge Charger has gone from supercharged Hellcat power to all-electric or twin-turbo Hurricane I6 propulsion; and Jaguar is now on hiatus as it prepares to become an ultra-luxury EV brand. But one thing hasn’t changed since 2016: the second-generation Volvo XC90 is still in production.
Of course, Volvo’s largest SUV has been updated over the past decade. It’s now available as a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid; its cousin, the EX90, is a three-row EV. The most recent refresh was in the 2025 model year, when the XC90 received exterior changes, a redesigned cabin with a larger touchscreen, better ride quality, and more. My 2026 XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid test vehicle benefited from those changes plus the top-of-the-line Ultra trim level, which comes standard with second-row sunshades, cushion extensions and four-way power lumbar support in the first row, and head-up display. Nappa leather upholstery is also standard, but the person who configured my review vehicle opted for the navy Herringbone Weave fabric, which precludes the leather’s front seat coolers. The seven-seat layout with a middle bench is a no-cost option; the addition of the four-corner air suspension and the 1,410W-watt, 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system brought my media loaner’s as-tested price up to $89,695.
Despite its age, the XC90 is still an attractive vehicle. Unless you count the “Thor’s Hammer” headlights (which I don’t), there aren’t any gimmicks to its design, like cosmetic off-roader add-ons, coupe-like roofline that cuts into cargo space, or a “floating” roof—just nice lines with the right amount of curves. Like many vehicles, my XC90 tester has a dark trim package (named—get this—Dark), which coordinates well with the purple-tinted Aurora Silver paint. The XC90 is not a flashy vehicle that screams for attention but, when you do see it, it’s easy on the eyes.
The interior of my XC90 tester was similarly tasteful. Sure, it has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Light Ash wood trim that contrasts with its charcoal surroundings but, overall, the combination never looks garish or gaudy. It also isn’t entirely conventional; the navy recycled polyester upholstery is an unusual touch that tempers the almost-white accents. The Orrefors crystal shift knob is a nice (and thoughtful) touch: Volvo put a distinctive feature in a place where it can always be enjoyed because it’s used every time the XC90 is driven.
Unfortunately, I also saw something else when I was behind the wheel of the XC90: glitching or outright failure of the digital gauge cluster’s map display. That fault had company in the form of the second-row bench seat’s middle section, which refused to fully raise no matter how much I tugged on its pull-strap. The third row has an adequate amount of legroom for all five feet and 10 inches of me, but headroom can be a little tight.
There was no shortage of power from the XC90’s combination of a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, electric motor, and 18.8-kWh battery pack. Total output is 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, which reaches the road through an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Turning out of a driveway or onto an access road in a hurry required keeping both hands on the wheel because the XC90 was potent and ready to please. Volvo says the 5,064-pound XC90 can get to 60 mph in five seconds flat, and I believe it. With a completely charged battery and a full gas tank, it has a potential driving range of 530 miles. If I desired to use pure electric power—something I did a few times on the way to the office—the XC90 could travel up to 32 miles. On gas alone, it’s capable of returning 27 mpg. Using a mix of gas and electricity over 263.4 comfortable miles on the air suspension, I averaged 27.3 mpg.
The Volvo XC90 has been around an eternity in car years, but the 2026 XC90 Ultra T8 plug-in hybrid shows that age hasn’t dulled its appeal. To learn more, watch my full video review below.
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As a car enthusiast, when you hear the word “woodie,” you probably picture a station wagon of some sort, perhaps one with a surfboard on its roof rack. Those are out definitely out there, but there are more wood-sided vehicles than just wagons. Take this 1947 Chrysler Town and Country Convertible Coupe as an example. You can see it – and win it – at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction.
The Town and Country nameplate dates back to 1941, when Chrysler introduced the model as a wagon with wood paneling that covered the doors and extended to what many call the “barrelback” rear end, which featured a pair of side-hinged doors to ease loading and unloading. America’s entry into World War II cut the 1942 model year short. When the Town and Country returned to the Chrysler lineup in 1946, it looked completely different. Not only was it restyled, but it also wasn’t a wagon any more. Instead, Chrysler turned the Town and Country into its own model line, which included a 4-Door Sedan, Brougham 2-Door Sedan, Custom Club Coupe, Convertible Coupe, and Roadster – all decked out with White Ash wood frames around Mahogany panels bonded to the steel bodywork. Depending on model selection, the Town and Country was either based on the 121.5-inch-wheelbase Windsor chassis and powered by the 250.6ci Spitfire straight-six or set on the 127.5-inch-wheelbase New Yorker frame and equipped with the 323.5ci Spitfire straight-eight.
Changes for 1947 were minimal, but if you check out the Town and Country section of the ’47 Chrysler brochure, you’ll see that there’s no Roadster variant. Fortunately, Chrysler still offered the six-passenger Convertible Coupe. The one you see here is finished in a lovely shade of light green, which coordinates wonderfully with the well-preserved ash and mahogany wood. Chrome bumpers, bright trim, chrome wheel covers and beauty rings, and wide-whitewall tires add even more sparkle to an already eye-catching car.
According to the auction listing, the 323.5ci inline-eight and Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission have been “consistently serviced and maintained during approximately 15 years of ownership.” The green and tan leather interior has also been cared for and is protected by a power convertible top that “operates easily” and fits under a beige top boot.
Picture opening your garage door and seeing two perfectly matched legends staring back at you. That’s exactly what’s on the line in the Corvette Dream Giveaway, and time is running out. This giveaway ends December 31, and when the clock strikes midnight, the opportunity is gone. Click here to enter now!
At the center of this prize package is a timeless icon: a 1964 Corvette Sting Ray Convertible, professionally restored and reimagined with serious muscle under the hood. Its 502ci Chevrolet Performance big-block V8, manual transmission, side pipes, and Stinger hood give this midyear Corvette a bold, modern attitude without sacrificing its unmistakable classic soul. It looks incredible, sounds even better, and delivers the kind of driving experience that made Corvettes legendary.
Parked beside it is the ferocious 2025 Corvette Z06, a modern American supercar powered by a 670-horsepower flat-plane-crank V8 that screams to an 8,600-rpm redline. Mid-engine balance, carbon-fiber performance upgrades, and aggressive blacked-out styling make this Z06 a statement piece wherever it goes. It’s refined, ruthless, and engineered to dominate roads and racetracks alike.
As if a midyear Corvette and a mid-engine Corvette weren’t enough, the winner also takes home a Wildfire Lifts Exotic Lift so your new dream garage is ready from day one. And to make the victory even sweeter, $60,000 in federal prize taxes is included.
This giveaway ends December 31, and once it’s over, these matching black Corvettes will belong to someone else. Don’t wait.
Every donation supports veterans’ and children’s charities, turning your entry into something that truly makes a difference.
Two Corvettes. One winner. Enter now—before time runs out on December 31.
