Journal Classic Cars

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

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

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

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

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

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

Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.

The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.

Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.

No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.

The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.

Expect similar numbers for the #3.

Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Teaser for Smart #3 debuting at 2023 Shanghai auto show

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

Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.

The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.

Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.

No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.

The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.

Expect similar numbers for the #3.

Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Teaser for Smart #3 debuting at 2023 Shanghai auto show

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

Smart might no longer operate in the U.S. but the minicar brand is very much alive and is in the midst of a reboot that kicked off last year with the arrival of the #1 electric subcompact crossover.

The rebooted Smart is now planning its second model, the #3, which judging from teaser material will be a coupe-like version of the #1. It’s set to make its world debut on April 18 at the 2023 Shanghai auto show.

Like the #1, the #3 has been developed in China by the joint venture Smart Automobile owned by Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely.

No details have been released, but the mechanicals are likely shared with the #1. They include a shortened version Geely’s SEA modular electric-vehicle platform, which offers support for fast-charging and over-the-air updates.

The #1 features a standard single electric motor at the rear axle rated at 268 hp, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in a range-topping Brabus variant rated at 422 hp. The sole battery is a 66-kwh unit that supports charging at rates of up to 150 kw and a maximum range of 270 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. The stricter EPA cycle would result in a lower rating.

Expect similar numbers for the #3.

Sales of the #3 are scheduled to start in markets where Smart operates later this year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Teaser for Smart #3 debuting at 2023 Shanghai auto show

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

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On February 14 when I was 15 1/2 years-old, my parents were in the driveway of our neighbor’s home and called me over. When I got to the driveway, my mom clicked the garage door opener and revealed a Rally Green 1968 Z/28 Camaro with a sign on the windshield saying Happy Valentines Day. I was overwhelmed with excitement as it was exactly the car I had been longing for. The only problem was I had to endure seven months until I was sixteen and able to drive. My dad put the car under a cover and placed it in our backyard. I would come home from school and start it daily, and I even washed it at least three times a week.

Finally, the day came when I got my driver’s license! On my way home to drive it I had an accident and severely broke my left ankle and clutch foot. I ended up in a soft cast for three weeks with my leg elevated before I was finally fitted with a hard cast and crutches. That weekend my dad was doing yardwork when I hobbled out to my car. He asked what I was doing and I told him I just wanted to start the Camaro. He said that I knew I couldn’t drive it. When I sat in the car, I lifted my leg and placed my cast on the clutch, I told myself I think I could do this. I waited until my dad turned his back, and then I took off for my first drive.

He wasn’t happy when I returned, however let me show him how I could drive. To make a long story short, I got into nothing but trouble. After two exhibitions of speeding, one drag racing ticket and a very minor accident, my parents took the car away and sold it in 1973.

In 1985 my dad was restoring a ‘57 Chevy Bel Air and was trying to get me to buy a ‘55 or ‘56 Chevy, I told him the only car I wanted was to have my Camaro Z/28 back. He got a real laugh at that and told me after twelve years I’d never find it again. He would be wrong. During a DMV visit, I had a car loving employee give me a printout on the car. I followed it and ended up in places in LA I never should have been. Finally, I found the car in Bakersfield where it had been purchased by another car lover for his sixteen-year-old son.

The car had been stored for twelve years, there were only 42,000 miles on it and it looked exactly the same as when my family sold it. By 1987 the son wanted a truck instead of the Camaro, and after fourteen years I bought my car back –at a price a bit higher than the $1,300 my day had sold it for. For the past thirty-six years my car has remained in my garage and only sees occasional car shows, usually with my son usually taking it. The Camaro is unrestored and, if I do say so myself, looks incredible for its age. Now we’re on the third generation of those who love it as my grandson is now four.

–Randy R., California

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 convertible showing 84,198 miles on the odometer. This R230-chassis SL is dressed up with aerodynamic and performance equipment courtesy of the the AMG Sport package, including unique styling elements for the front air dam, mesh air intakes, side sills, and rear fascia. Torque comes from a 5.0-liter V8 which sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. Finished in metallic silver over a gray leather interior, this SL is offered from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The silver body has a color-matched power-retractable hardtop. Other exterior features include xenon headlights, fog lamps, fender vents, pin striping, turn signal repeaters in the mirror caps, a trunk-mounted third brake lamp, and dual exhaust outlets. The AMG Sport Package adds a unique front air dam with mesh air intakes, special side sills, and a package-specific rear fascia.

The 18-inch AMG Sport wheels come mounted to a staggered set of low-profile tires.

The cabin is optioned with gray leather bucket seats with matching door panels, lower dash, center console and carpeting. Along with gloss woodgrain trim, additional amenities include a COMAND navigation system, Bose audio, dual-zone automatic climate control, a center console, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, Keyless Go access, and power windows.

Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, a 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock and auxiliary gauges that show fuel level and coolant temperature. The digital odometer reads 84,198 miles, a figure that lines up with the most recent CARFAX entry of 84,087 in May 2022.

Under the hood, power comes from an M113 5.0-liter V8 that was rated at 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque when new. Service was completed earlier this year, and the valve cover gasket and power steering pump were changed about 30,000 miles ago. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The chassis uses Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system. Stopping power comes from four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

The auction for this 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 ends on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 2:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

The Dodge Coronet was heavily facelifted in 1970, presenting a polarizing look that has both fans and detractors in equal numbers. The accentuated Coke-bottle rear fenders were sexier than the 1968-69 Coronet series had, but that double-loop grille is where people’s opinions split. One of the most interesting 1970 Coronets on the planet, this Dodge Coronet 440 two-door coupe, is our Pick of the Day. It is for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Homer City, Pennsylvania.

Some people are mislead by the 440 name, thinking the car has a 440 engine — 440 is just a trim level dating from earlier in the decade. The Coronet series began with Coronet Deluxe, then went up to Coronet 440 and Coronet 500; of course, there was the Super Bee, which was based on the 440, and the Coronet R/T, which was based on the 500. Engines for the Coronet 440 ranged from the 225ci six to a 383 four-barrel. The latter was rated at 330 horsepower — five less than the Super Bee’s — but a little secret is that if you opted for a regular Coronet with a manual transmission, you got the 335-horse engine.

That’s what makes this 1970 Coronet 440 coupe so interesting, but it gets even better — it has a three-speed manual, and 1970 was the first year it was placed on the floor instead of the column. Could it get better than that? Only one U.S.-spec 383 three-speed Coronet 440 coupe was built. It’s unknown how many more were built for the Canadian market or exports, but it can’t be many, if any.

Looking at the equipment list, this numbers-matching Coronet was originally built with the standard single-traction 3.23 gears. Other options include black vinyl top, Rallye wheels and AM radio. Clearly a Super Bee incognito, which likely surprised a few folks on the street if the original owner was so inclined. Seller says the Coronet’s 46,408 miles are original, and underneath the exhaust system has been updated with MagnaFlow with Flowmaster mufflers. I notice Coronet 500 rear-quarter scoop ornamentation and non-factory pinstripes but, overall, this car is stock: “Stock Coil. Stock Distributor. Stock Ignition. Stock Intake. Stock Radiator. Holley 4 Barrel Carburetor,” says the selling dealer.

Can you do without Super Bee graphics and scoops? Then the $44,900 asking price for this 1970 Dodge Coronet 440 coupe should be easy to swallow considering some of the dumb asking prices for Bees. Plus, you’d have a car that is much more unique. We should be thankful that this unusual Coronet has remained intact all these years.

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

Barrett-Jackson’s perennial 2023 Palm Beach auction will be a-happening in Florida before you know it. The April 13-15 event has the same quality and variety of vehicles you’ve seen in our Scottsdale coverage, but with a twist since America is an archipelago of states and subcultures that keeps things interesting. So, what will be interesting in Palm Beach? Here’s some hand-picked vehicles to whet your interest.

1948 Allard L-type Roadster
I’m not familiar with Allards other than they are quite desirable early British sports cars. They were hybrids, most often using Ford and Mercury flathead V8s. though there was a handful of Allard Palm Beach roadsters built with the Chrysler 331 Hemi.

The L-type was a four-seat roadster offered with one of the flatheads, with this one featuring the 221ci Ford. However, this example is a two-seater on the larger 112-inch wheelbase, so perhaps one of you Anglophiles can elaborate if this Allard is more custom and special than others.

1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Super D-500
Among the 1957 Forward Look series, Dodge was arguably the gaudiest but, to these eyes, it also comes off as the sleekest, especially in top-line Custom Royal in Lancer two-door hardtop dress. Doesn’t it look like it’s ready to take off into the air? The Chrysler 300-C may be king, but the Dodge has its charms.

Even more charming is the engine in this one: the Super D-500, which was a dual-quad Red Ram 325 Hemi putting out 310 horsepower. Backed by Chrysler’s famed TorqueFlite, this pushbutton Dodge is the one to have.

1969 Dick Harrell Camaro
You may be familiar with 427 COPO Camaros but, before those existed, several performance-oriented shops and dealerships were transplanting 427s in place of 350s and 396s. Yenko, Nickey and several others seem to garner all the glory, but it was drag racer Dick Harrell who was hired by both dealerships to develop 427 Camaro conversions.

This 1969 Camaro SS is an original Dick Harrell Performance Center conversion. Starting out as a Rallye Green “X66” 396 Camaro, Harrell’s shop dropped in a 427, added an aftermarket Stinger hood with striping from head to toe, Kelsey-Hayes Stripper mags wrapped in offset Goodyear Polyglas tires, and whatever else the original owner specified.

1980 Jeep J10 Honcho Pickup
When I was a kid, Jeep pickups were not common. Looking online, one resource shows 6,839 built, so it stands to reason, though no mention whether that’s model year or calendar year. The Honcho trim package added fancy white wheels, striping, black and chrome grille and more.

Supposedly, only 1,264 Honchos were built from 1976-83, and here’s a nice ’80 that’s had a frame-off restoration. Power comes from AMC’s capable 360 backed by a three-speed automatic. Some liberties have been taken with the resto, but no one can deny it looks good, especially with that denim interior.

To see more of what’s on Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach 2023 docket, visit www.barrett-jackson.com.