Skip to main content

Journal Classic Cars

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

Pontiac. Triumph. Studebaker. There are numerous dead car brands that enthusiasts wish would be revived. The odds of that happening are slim to none. But in the mid-1960s, Duesenberg, a brand that ended production in 1937, was revived … sort of. Shortly after its rebirth, it was killed once again, but not before a single 1966 Model D prototype was built. This car is featured in the latest Jay Leno’s Garage.

In 1963, Virgil Exner, the former head of Chrysler design, sketched theoretical new Stutz, Packard, Mercer, and Duesenberg models for Esquire magazine. The Duesenberg didn’t make it into production form, but it led to a model made by the new Duesenberg Corporation, which had Fred “Fritz” Duesenberg (son of August S. Duesenberg) as its chairman. Exner designed the one-off in 1964, with Ghia building it on a stretched Imperial convertible chassis in 1965. Celebrities such as Elvis, Liberace, and Jerry Lewis placed orders, but those wouldn’t be fulfilled. By October 1966, the Duesenberg Corporation was no more.

Tom Shannon, the current owner of the Model D, points out that, contrary to many accounts, his car is powered by a Chrysler 413ci V8 with the “torque of a steam locomotive,” not a 440. He first saw it in the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum when he was 17. Seven years ago, he became its new owner — 43 years after he last saw it. The Duesenberg needed a lot of work to get back to its former glory. In fact, given that it was only 95 percent developed, Shannon had to finish what Duesenberg 2.0 started, then begin restoring the car. All the parts were still in place, but many needed cleaning and the paint was shot. Along with the necessary touch-ups and fresh paint, Shannon had the original Dayton wire wheels fitted with reproductions whitewalls.

Although the Model D lacks the hulking physical presence of its ancestors, it certainly draws attention. The twin-bar bumpers, island-like grille, flamboyant wheel arches, and slim profile make the Model D impossible to miss. The suicide doors open to thick pieces of wood, gold trim, and leather and cashmere seating. Shannon may have spent more on the restoration than the car is worth but, as Leno puts it, all that work was done “to respect and honor the men who built” the car originally.

Watch as Leno takes this interesting, obscure product of a short chapter in American automotive history out on the road in the video below.

Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 1967 Buick GS 340 Sport Coupe, a new model that only lasted one year before it evolved into the GS 350. Like all GS 340s, it is powered by a 340ci V-8 backed by the optional Super Turbine automatic. Features include GS 340-specific red trim, air conditioning, dual chrome side mirrors, tilt steering column, and more. Painted Arctic White with a black vinyl top over a black vinyl interior, this unusual hardtop is offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.

All GS 340s were painted Platinum Mist or Arctic White, with this one featuring a repaint in the latter. All GS 340s also featured red longitudinal stripes with matching non-functional hood scoops. Other exterior features include GS and GS 340 ornamentation on all four sides, black vinyl top, GS 340-exclusive red/chrome rear trim, driver- and passenger-side mirrors, tinted windows, and dual exhaust pipes. This car is equipped with a set of 15-inch red-painted slotted wheels with spinner hubcaps and 245/45 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.

The cabin features a black vinyl interior with a front bench seat with a fold-down armrest. Other features include a three-spoke steering wheel with tilt column, power steering, column-mounted automatic shifter, air conditioning, and push-button AM radio.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and fuel gauge; additional aftermarket gauges, including coolant temperature and oil pressure, are mounted underneath the dashboard. The odometer shows 6,440 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The power plant is a 260-horsepower 340 four-barrel V-8 with 365 lb-ft of torque. Playing a supporting role is a two-speed Super Turbine automatic.

The undercarriage features 3.73 gears, drum brakes, and an X-pipe dual exhaust system. According to the seller, it’s believed that the brakes and suspension were overhauled under prior ownership.

Only 3,692 1967 Buick GS 340 Sport Coupes were built. Not only is the object of our AutoHunter Spotlight a one-and-done version of the Gran Sport, but it also features several styling elements that were not shared with the GS 400, giving it a unique look. They used to call these “Junior Supercars,” a sub-genre of the segment, so you can see there’s several tempting aspects to this Buick. Tempted to bid? Don’t miss out as the auction ends on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

There are two things that people love to add to Jeeps: modifications and miles. That’s why many Wranglers you see for sale online have lifts, knobby aftermarket tires, and odometer readings past the 100,000-mile mark. But our Pick of the Day isn’t just any Wrangler: You can find this 30,000-mile 1999 Jeep Wrangler Sahara listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Mesa, Arizona.

Introduced for the 1997 model year, the TJ generation of the Wrangler brought several important updates. The complete exterior overhaul had a touch of the CJ-7 including round headlights, which many considered an upgrade over the square units used for the first-generation Wrangler (aka “YJ”). According to Jeep, “Nearly 80 percent of the vehicle parts were newly designed.” The all-new interior offered standard dual front airbags, an extended center stack, easier access to the wider rear seat, and the option of four-wheel antilock brakes. Of course, Jeep also upgraded the off-road hardware. The new Quadra-Coil suspension improved the on-road ride quality, while increased axle articulation, more ground clearance, and better approach and departure angles made the TJ a more capable off-roader.

In addition to those changes, this 1999 Wrangler benefits from handsome colors and newer parts. The TJ Wrangler is on my list of dream Jeeps — every time I fantasize about having one and taking my son off-roading, I envision one just like this: Forest Green Pearl Coat over a Dark Green and Camel Trailcloth interior (green seats are so cool, like the ones in the ZJ Grand Cherokee Orvis edition). The tan hardtop may look stock, but it’s actually a Bestop unit with a front panel that can be removed to let in more of the sights, sounds, and sensations of nature. Fresh Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT all-season tires are ready to help the Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive system (with Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear axles) do what it does best. The clean CARFAX report shows that the fuel level sending unit, fuel pump module, fuel pump, and radiator were replaced in 2021.

Aside from the aftermarket top, the only modification is the Bluetooth-compatible head unit with a CD player. Otherwise, everything is stock, including the shift knob for the five-speed manual gearbox.

With only 30,550 miles on its odometer, this 1999 Jeep Wrangler Sahara has decades of adventures ahead of it, especially since it has the Power Tech 4.0-liter I-6 under the hood, an engine known for its durability. You can decide whether those adventures will be on your favorite local trail or in the wilds of Alaska for the asking price of $29,500.

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

Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, will rumble into Florida for its annual Palm Beach Auction, April 16-18, 2026, with classic, restored and custom American collectible vehicles crossing the block with No Reserve. Among the most anticipated American collectibles is a fully restored 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T (preview) and 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition (preview) that began life as an original S-code 390ci big-block Mustang GT fastback. Also included is a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Baldwin Motion custom speedster (preview) that has over 2,500 hours invested in the build.

“Barrett-Jackson brought original and custom American vehicles from the 1950s through the 1970s to the forefront of the collector car community over 30 years ago, and it continues to be a hot market for fans worldwide,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We have a number of professional restored options that are powered by their matching-numbers engines, including the 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T (preview) and 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 convertible (preview). For those wanting a classic look with modern drivetrain and technology, we’ll have plenty of those as well, like the 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition (preview).”

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 convertible

Fully restored using factory NOS parts, the award-winning 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T (preview) is powered by a matching-numbers Hemi V-8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Finished in Hemi Orange with a black vinyl roof, it retains its original configuration without a center console as ordered. It won Gold and Best of Show at the 2004 Mopar Nationals and was featured in Mopar Muscle and Mopar Action magazines. The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 convertible (preview) underwent a complete nut-and-bold restoration and is powered by a matching-numbers V-8 engine paired with its matching-numbers transmission. It is equipped with factory air conditioning, along with power steering and power brakes. The exterior features a white canvas convertible top and retains factory Super Sport equipment.

1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition

Powered by a Ford Performance Coyote crate engine and six-speed manual transmission, this 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition (preview) is officially licensed by Gone in 60 Seconds LLC. The cabin was fully refreshed to original Eleanor specifications, and the sale includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Denise Halicki, along with signed photographs of “Gone in 60 Seconds” cast members Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. A 1968 Ford Mustang custom fastback (preview) is powered by an 880-horsepower supercharged Coyote V-8 engine. The exterior is refinished in DuPont Magic Red with Hot Hues Sandstorm stripes and features Cognac and Saddle Italian hide leather on the interior as well as AutoMeter Phantom gauges, Pioneer touchscreen, Vintage Air controls and a power-operated trunk lined in matching leather with a custom toolkit and leather luggage set.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe

The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe (preview) is one of only 10,594 produced for the 1963 model year and one of 4,612 finished in Riverside Red. It is powered by a V-8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission and features a black interior equipped with bucket seats, center console, Sport steering wheel, AM/FM radio and clock. Another 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe (preview) is an early serial number, 225, for the model year and is finished in Sebring Silver. It is powered by a 327ci engine paired with a T10-1C four-speed manual transmission. It includes GM-stamped hoses, correct Carter carburetor (3461SAFB), open-element air cleaner and power brakes.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Baldwin Motion custom topless speedster

Custom builds include a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Baldwin Motion custom topless speedster (preview) powered by an LS3 Hot Cam V-8 engine paired with a 6L90E automatic transmission. Originally built as a convertible, it was transformed into Speedster serial number 001 to relaunch the Baldwin Motion brand and incorporates a European-inspired design within the 1969 Camaro platform. The body was stripped to bare metal and refinished in custom gray paint with red accents using basecoat/clearcoat. The custom interior is trimmed in Douglass Products red leather and Alcantara suede and includes a PCS push-button shifter with paddle shifters. Powered by a V-8 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, a custom 1967 Chevrolet Camaro (preview) is finished in Blackjack Black with red racing stripes and features all-new stainless-steel trim. The interior includes red bucket seats, a Vintage Air system and center console.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air custom convertible

A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air custom convertible (preview) is powered by a V-8 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It has undergone a comprehensive frame-off restoration and is finished in beautiful two-stage red paint with a high-gloss finish, complemented by all-new chrome and stainless trim, new glass and new weatherstripping. The all-new interior features power seats, Dakota Digital gauges, electric wipers, an AM/FM/AUX stereo, air conditioning and a power-operated black cloth convertible top. A custom 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (preview) is powered by a new V-8 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. It underwent a frame-off restoration and includes new bumpers, grille, lights, polished moldings and trim, fenders, quarter panels, door skins and trunk floor, along with new hood hinges, mirrors, weatherstripping, locks and latches. The interior features red and beige leather upholstery, Vintage Air climate control, power windows, custom gauges and a new clock, radio and speakers.

The Select Preview for the April 16-18 Palm Beach Auction is live and highlights a diverse selection of vehicles that will appeal to first-time and seasoned collectors alike.

Barrett-Jackson is inviting consignments for the April 16-18 Palm Beach Auction. Bidder registration is open with options that give full access to the action. Advance tickets are on sale now, with special pricing for seniors, military and first responders. Student tickets are $10 and children 12 years of age and younger automatically receive complimentary admission. Barrett-Jackson VIP Experiences hospitality packages are available and offer elevated access. 

Barrett-Jackson will host its inaugural Columbus Auction at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, June 25-27, 2026, and is returning to Nevada for its Las Vegas Auction, Sept. 10-12, 2026, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.

Below we have four cars currently listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. They all are from a particular era, but that’s not what they necessarily have in common. Can you tell us how they are arguably related?

Additionally, tell us the year/make/model of each. Post your answers in the Comments section below.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

The ClassicCars.com Journal introduces a new automotive puzzle every Tuesday. Click here to play past car games!

Rolls-Royce vehicles are typically associated with owners who are so wealthy that they can pay for a chauffeur to drive them everywhere. They don’t exactly have a reputation for being “drivers” cars (you could say they’re seen more as “riders” cars), but a new wave of customers changed that and led to the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge sub-brand in 2016.

2021 Wraith and Dawn Black Badge Landspeed

It was a major demographic shift. New-money clients were buying Rolls-Royces to celebrate their success. According to the automaker, “In the early 2010s, a new generation of entrepreneurs began approaching Rolls-Royce. They had built their success at a young age, frequently leveraging new technologies and platforms to completely reshape industries. They projected their influence unapologetically, demanding exquisitely crafted products and uncompromising experiences, but with a dynamic edge and a defiant attitude that reflected their lives, their ambitions, and their daring. Their taste defined new codes of luxury: darker in aesthetic, more assertive in character and bolder in design.”

Rolls-Royce responded with the Black Badge model line, distinguished by new colors, materials, and vehicles designed to be driven by their owners, not chauffeurs. Black Badge models even have their own symbol: (infinity), which represents “the seemingly endless surge of power delivered by Black Badge-tuned V-12 engines and honours Sir Malcolm Campbell, who piloted the Rolls-Royce-powered Blue Bird K3 hydroplane to a record-breaking 130 mph in the 1930s, carrying the same emblem.”

In addition to engine tuning that unlocks more horsepower and torque, black is a key part of the lineup (and the literal black badges on the cars). Rolls-Royce developed one of the auto industry’s darkest black paints, which is hand-polished to a high-gloss piano finish. For the signature Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon grille, the company’s artisans mix a black chrome electrolyte into the chrome plating process.

2020 Black Badge “Neon Nights” paint trilogy

Several one-offs and special editions of the Black Badge Wraith, Ghost, and Cullinan have been made over the past decade, such as the 2020 “Neon Nights” paint trilogy inspired by exotic plants and animals, and the 2023 Wraith Black Arrow, a run of 12 cars that marked the end of Rolls-Royce’s V12 coupe production.

John Lennon’s 1964 Phantom V

So what does John Lennon have to do with the Black Badge models? Before his 1964 Phantom V was repainted in psychedelic electric yellow and decorated with flowers, Romany scrolls, and zodiac signs, it was a custom Rolls of a different sort. Built by Mulliner Park Ward, it was delivered with almost everything blacked out, from the rear windows to the leather front and Bedford cord cloth rear seats — except for the Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon grille, which Rolls-Royce insisted on being left bright and shiny.

1928 20 H.P. Brewster Brougham

While the 1928 Rolls-Royce 20 H.P. Brewster Brougham is an early example of the Black Badge look, with its black Spirit of Ecstasy and radiator grille, Lennon’s Phantom is the Black Badge’s spiritual ancestor.

Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this 1952 MG TD, the car that literally introduced Americans to European sports cars. Before it was imported to the contiguous U.S., Americans had literally nothing that compared to it. This origin of the species that is this MG spurred such a revolution in the U.S. that we formed clubs, founded magazines, and created aftermarket parts businesses around it. Finished in Ivory with a tan convertible top over a tan leather interior, this British sports car is offered by the selling dealer with a New York Registration.

I know many of you will say that it was actually the previous MG model (the MG TC) that started the sports car revolution, but that is incorrect. The MG TC was always a home-market British car, but the TD was intended to take America by storm, offering left-hand steering and a suspension suitable for American roads. The fact MG sold three times as many TDs as it did TCs says it all, especially with most coming to the U.S.

The seller of this specific MG TD states that it is powered by its correct 1250cc XPAG inline-four mated to a four-speed transmission, adding that at some point the car was restored including a rebuild of both the engine and gearbox. The car is painted in the correct Ivory with a tan convertible top and matching leather interior.

The exterior of this car looks to be in excellent condition, with nice paint and chrome. It is in completely stock spec with both left- and right-side mirrors, rear-mounted spare tire, and correct 15-inch factory painted steel wheels with chrome hubcaps. The wheels are wrapped in 165/80 Nexen SB-802 radial tires.

Unlike many MG TDs, the interior of this car is factory correct. The car has a dash covered in the correct tan Rexine and has not been replaced by an aftermarket wood replacement, which I personally hate in a TD. It also has the correct leather seat and Rexine door cards. Like any true sports car, instrumentation includes a 100-mph speedometer, 6,000-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, amps, and clock. The interior of this TD is not concours but looks very nice and has a wonderful worn-in look. That really suits this car nicely and will make it feel more like the true vintage sports car.

Under the hood lies the factory correct 1250cc XPAG inline-four cylinder engine. When new, this engine offered 54.5 horsepower, which sounds laughable today but is more than enough for a TD to keep up with modern traffic. I would not want to take it on an interstate myself but I know that many people still do when traveling to the many MG events across the country.

I have driven many of these cars over the years and, if you are looking for a true classic sports car experience, this MG TD is a fine starting point. It is an interesting mix of pre-war styling and post war technology. It is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven, and you are destined to gather a crowd whenever you stop for gas.

If you have always wanted a true classic sports car from the golden era of the 1950s, our AutoHunter Spotlight looks to be just the ticket. These cars are easy to own and maintain, but you won’t have a chance discover that unless you place a bid, but do so soon as the auction for this 1952 MG TD will end on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Long before the ubiquitous, top-selling Tacoma (or “Taco” as enthusiasts love to call it) hit the streets over three decades ago in 1995, Toyota was already experienced in building compact pickups. The Pick of the Day is a truck that falls into that category: a 1992 Toyota 4WD Xtracab pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hudson, Colorado.

“Classic Toyota Deluxe pickup truck,” the listing says. “Clean CARFAX, very good condition.” The description is short and sweet, but the pictures speak volumes about how the truck has been cared-for throughout its lifetime.

The Toyota pickup was celebrated for both its bulletproof reliability and its off-road capability. This example features chrome bumpers, bug deflector, wheel-arch moldings, sliding rear window, fiberglass shell, receiver hitch and, of course, some obligatory 1990s-esque side decals.

The interior upholstered in blue cloth, with a 55/45 split seat up front and dual fold-down jump seats in the rear. Features include air conditioning, radio, and power steering.

Toyota was proud of its compact truck’s merits, with one of the advertisements stating, “Everything else is beneath you. If you can’t be king of the hill, you may as well stay home.” It went on to outline a few of the truck’s features like Hi-Trac independent front suspension and shift-on-the-move 4WDemand.

Power comes from a 3.0-liter SOHC V-6 mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The 3.0 V-6 – known also as the 3VZ-E – was known for its legendary reliability. Toyota rated it at 150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. This truck’s odometer shows 128,700 miles, which is relatively low for a vehicle that’s 34 years old.

Toyota pickups from the 1990s have held their value strongly in the resale market, and for good reason: They offer reliability, off-road capability, simple maintenance, functional design, and strong aftermarket support. The original “Pickup” paved the way for the Tacoma to follow. Or did it? Seems like the Taco would have done just fine on a dirt trail.

As a daily driver or as a light-duty workhorse, this Xtracab is a solid bet.

The asking price is $22,250 or best offer.

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

Lego has offered plenty of building kits designed to look like classic cars, but its upcoming release goes back more than 100 years. Starting March 1, 2026, you can order the Lego Icons version of the 1913 Ford Model T.

The Ford Model T is an important part of American automotive history, responsible for making cars accessible to the masses. Efficient moving assembly line production drove the purchase price down over time, which only helped sales: Between 1908 and 1927, Ford sold more than 15 million “Tin Lizzies.” To do such a historically significant car justice, the Lego Icons team consulted Ted Ryan, Ford’s heritage brand manager and archivist.

According to Ryan, Senior Model Designer Ann Healy’s “research was very thorough, and her questions to us were very specific. Most of the changes we recommended were subtle, like a different angle to the fenders, confirming the Ford script was without quotes, and a single lantern on the back of the car.” Ryan went so far (literally) as to fly to Billund, Denmark to show the Icons crew 1913 Model T artifacts, photographs, and brochures that would better inform their build.

The end result of all that research, traveling, coordination, and refinement is a 1,060-piece set that forms a black Model T with gold accents, large wheels with white rubber tires, and a folding black fabric roof. The hood panels can be lifted up to reveal a Lego-fied 177ci I-4. The Model T even has functional steering and a gas tank under the seat’s removable bottom section.

If you can’t wait to add the Lego Icons Ford Model T to your desk or shelf of collectibles, don’t worry — Lego has made it available on its website by the time you read this. The price for all this Lego maniac and car nerd fun? $129.99.

We’re taking a close look at a seriously well-done 2012 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe, a one-off build that captures the Shelby Daytona Coupe look but adds modern hardware throughout. Built by Vintage Motorsports, this car earned the award for “Best Design” at Factory Five’s Open House two years in a row, and it comes with the kind of documentation you almost never see: three binders full of build photos and records.

The composite body stays true to the Daytona silhouette and features high-quality components and clean execution. Power comes from a 7.0-liter FE 427 big-block V8 making an estimated 520+ horsepower with Edelbrock aluminum heads and a Borla stack fuel injection setup. All that is backed by a Doug Nash 5-speed manual gearbox and a Centerforce hydraulic clutch.

This homage to classic racing comes with a clean history, zero racing miles, and build documentation that shows exactly how it was put together! It sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction for $60,500.

Subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more Interesting Finds.