Journal Classic Cars

When it came out in 2003, the Phantom VII was the first modern Rolls-Royce in decades. But that model’s significance went beyond its connection to its ancestors or its moment in time. The 2003-2017 Phantom VII provided a glimpse at the future of the ultra-luxury automaker.

After BMW acquired the rights to manufacture Rolls-Royce automobiles in 1998, it set about creating an entirely new factory for an all-new model. One minute after midnight on January 1, 2003, the first Phantom VII was delivered to its new owner at Rolls-Royce’s Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence, aka Goodwood, where every Rolls-Royce has been made since then.

Instead of using dated body-on-frame or even unibody construction, Rolls-Royce opted for a stiff yet lightweight spaceframe for the Phantom VII’s underpinnings. The skeletal framework, dubbed the “Architecture of Luxury,” consisted of approximately 200 extruded sections that served as connection points for the suspension, engine, and body panels. Those underpinnings have evolved over time and serve as the foundation for Rolls-Royce’s current portfolio of vehicles.

The debut of the Phantom VII also marked the introduction of an all-new BMW-sourced 6.75-liter V12 – the first 12-cylinder engine for the Phantom since the 1930s. With the exception of the Spectre EV and its high-performance Black Badge variant, all modern Rolls-Royces continue to draw upon smooth V12 power.

Surprisingly, the parameters for the first new Phantom (codenamed RR01) in more than a decade were relatively open-ended. Rolls-Royce told Chief Exterior Designer Marek Djordjevic it needed to have big wheels, the signature radiator grille, and the Spirit of Ecstasy. Djordjevic looked to Rolls-Royce’s past for inspiration, which he found in the Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow, and an early-1930s coachbuilt Phantom II. According to Rolls-Royce, the end result was a car with “a roofline just over twice the height of the wheels; a long wheelbase, with the front wheels well to the fore and a minimal front overhang; a long bonnet, visually linked to the passenger cabin by an accent line of brightwork; and an imaginary line drawn rising from rear to front along the lower edge of the body, reminiscent of a motor yacht at speed.”

The cabin was designed in line with what Rolls-Royce calls the “Authority Concept,” which emphasizes occupant comfort. In the Phantom VII, the driver had a clear view of the road ahead and could intuitively access important controls on the go just by touch alone.

Rear seating accommodations were available in two configurations: “Individual” with a fixed center armrest and console or “Theatre,” which had a flip-up armrest and seats angled slightly toward each other to make conversations easier. No matter which layout was selected, those in the rear exited the Phantom VII through a pair of distinctive coach doors.

Rolls-Royce used the Phantom’s versatile underpinnings to diversify the range of available models. An Extended Wheelbase model that offered additional second-row space was a logical progression. In response to the popularity of the 100EX concept car inspired by 1930s J-class racing yachts, and shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the automaker made a similar production car known as the Phantom Drophead Coupé. A Phantom Coupé derived from the 101EX concept debuted later as the first Rolls-Royce with the Starlight Headliner, which has become a signature Rolls-Royce feature.

Those searching for something more exclusive and personal turned to Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke division to make their Phantom VIIs truly unique. That trend has only continued over time, making 2024 the peak year for Bespoke builds.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 10 years since the Phantom VII was discontinued. Over the course of 14 years, it brought Rolls-Royce into a new age and set it up for the years to come. As its successor shows, the Phantom continues to be the ultimate sedan from the ultimate luxury car manufacturer.

A passion for automobiles is a powerful force. It drives people to do hours of research, read countless reviews and articles, and as you’ll see in this video, put time and sweat equity into building the cars they want. At the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS), part of the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction, AutoHunter Cinema met Tom Hartje, the owner of a 1997 Lotus Esprit V8, and his son William. A couple of months after Tom got this English exotic home, the engine gave out. Instead of having the Esprit hauled to a junkyard, Tom decided to rebuild the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V8 and bring his Lotus up to OEM+ specifications by keeping a lot of the original parts while making strategic upgrades.

As part of the engine overhaul, Tom installed a new crankshaft and pistons, larger turbos, custom water-to-air intercoolers, a new ECU, and more. To make sure the five-speed manual transmission could handle the engine’s higher output (which ended up reaching 629 horsepower and 632 lb-ft of torque), Tom had beefed-up internals installed. With a little help from William, Tom upgraded the lighting to LED. He also enhanced the Esprit’s distinctive lines with custom fender flares and added a set of bronze Advan wheels.

Stay tuned to the AutoHunter Cinema YouTube channel for news on upcoming events like the Future Collector Car Show, and join in on the fun!

When the Audi TT first appeared as a show car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, it was a slick slice of retro-futurism brought to you by two American designers. This was around the time the redesigned Audi A4 hit the streets, catching the industry’s eye for its attention to detail that raised the bar among upscale brands and beyond. Being based on the Group A platform (shared with the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, among others) made production of the show car a great possibility, with the production TT Coupe appearing in the fall of 1998 and the Roadster following almost a year later. This Ocean Blue Pearl Effect 2003 Audi TT Roadster quattro listed for sale on AutoHunter nicely flaunts its Bauhaus-esque style, but with the added feature of a top that drops. It comes with original window sticker, dealer-stamped service book, service and maintenance records, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

The Ocean Blue Pearl Effect hue is an attractive alternative to the silver color often found on TTs. Other features include black convertible top with glass rear window, rear spoiler, color-matched side mirrors, xenon headlights, twin exhaust tips, and silver roll hoops. A set of 17-inch forged alloy wheels is wrapped in 225/45 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S radials.

The Aviator Gray cabin features leather front bucket seats (heated, no less!). Other interior features include center console with manual shifter, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, power steering, power windows, electronic climate control, and Bose Audio Package, which includes an AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD player.

Gauges include a 160-horsepower speedometer, 7000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel. The odometer currently shows 99,486 miles, which is in line with the most recent CARFAX from December 2024.

Powering this TT is a 1.8-liter DOHC turbocharger four-cylinder, which was rated at 225 horsepower. It is shifted by a six-speed manual transmission.

Of course, being a quattro, this Audi features permanent all-wheel drive with electronic differential lock. Other features include ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program), anti-lock disc brakes, and more. The brake system has recently been flushed, and the front axles and outer tie rods have been replaced.

The Audi TT has what’s arguably one of the best designs from the past 30 years, and this 2003 Audi TT Roadster quattro is a droptop and six-speed to boot. Bidding for this AutoHunter auction ends on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

“They don’t make ’em like they used to” is a phrase that’s been used a lot. We’re willing to guess it’s been uttered quite a few times in regards to the Lincoln Zephyr of the 1930s and ’40s. The expression definitely fits our Pick of the Day, a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible Sedan posted on ClassicCars.com by a Pennsylvania dealership.

One particularly interesting thing about the ’39 Zephyr Convertible Sedan is that Lincoln didn’t build too many of them in the first place: only 302 were produced. The 1939 model year also brought the introduction of hydraulic brakes and various styling changes, including reshaped bumpers and enclosed running boards.

According to an included information sheet produced for the 2005 Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance, only a dozen ’39 Zephyr Convertible Sedans were known to be in existence at the time. This one has remained on the road and in events thanks to a frame-off restoration, which resulted in fresh Neenah Cream paint, a new tan soft top, and an interior reupholstered in brown leather.

Production numbers aside, you just don’t see convertibles like this any more. Yes, you can lower the soft top on a four-door Ford Bronco, but that’s not a sedan and you have to remove the plastic rear side windows first.

Then there’s the engine and transmission combo this Zephyr has. America hasn’t produced a V12 in ages. Even Ferrari and Lamborghini haven’t made V12 manual cars in a long time. The McLaren F1 is 30+ years old. So is the BMW 850CSi. But this Lincoln has a 110-horsepower, 186-lb-ft 267ci L-head V12 paired with a three-speed manual gearbox.

Another thing this Zephyr has? Awards. This car cleaned up in the early 2000s, winning trophies from the Antique Automobile Club of America, Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club, and Lincoln & Continental Owners Club.

They certainly don’t make cars like this 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible Sedan any more. And the number of survivors will only go down over time. You have your chance to get one of them right now for $85,000.

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

Jay Leno has had a lot of iconic vehicles in his garage: Mustangs, Corvettes, Lamborghinis, and many more. I’ve seen the videos on many of them, but I can’t recall ever seeing a GM “Square Body” truck in Leno’s automotive cathedral. That changed when I saw Empire Fabrication’s custom 1978 Chevrolet C30 dually roll in.

In the following video, Empire Fabrication founder Sean Ramage gives Leno a breakdown of the 18-month build known as “Elwood.” The owner bought the truck sight-unseen, then dropped it off at Empire’s shop in Ventura, California. Ramage and his crew soon learned some donor body panels would be needed. Once they got those, they proceeded to restore certain parts, such as the remaining original sheet metal, door handles, and steering wheel, while upgrading others.

The thirsty original 454ci gas V8 was yanked out and replaced with a much more efficient yet brawny 24-valve Cummins turbodiesel straight-six. Of course, while Empire was in the engine bay, it made sure to add some goodies from Banks Power and install a custom-made intercooler system. Output is now 260 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Instead of the original Turbo 400 or a Dodge transmission, Empire opted for an Allison six-speed auto.

As part of the build, Empire freshened up the exterior with new brightwork, thoughtful paint choices, and a set of modified wheels. It took 22.5-inch Alcoa semi wheels and machined them down to 22s. Elwood may be nice and shiny, but don’t let its looks fool you: it’s going to be put to work. The owner is going to use Elwood to pull his show truck.

Driving long distances to events means the owner is going to spend a lot of time behind the wheel. That’s why Empire modified the redyed seating to be more comfortable and installed a more modern stereo.

Watch the video below to ride along with Jay Leno as he learns more about this impressive build.

Every Bugatti is outrageous in its own way. We’re not talking about Chevy Cavaliers here. It’s a Bugatti, the product of a company that (in its current incarnation) has made only multi-million-dollar cars with 16-cylinder engines for the past 20 years. The latest of those is the Tourbillon, which is over the top, as expected. The new racing-inspired Équipe Pur Sang package takes the Tourbillon even higher into the stratosphere of exotica.

The Tourbillon does away with the Chiron’s quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 in favor of a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 that produces 1,000 horsepower. The Tourbillon was produced under the management of Bugatti’s newest owner, Rimac, the Croatian company known for making the all-electric Nevera, which uses its 1,914 horsepower to teleport to 62 mph in 1.81 seconds and surge to a top speed of 256 mph. Rimac’s involvement means the Tourbillon’s already ridiculously powerful engine is hooked up to three electric motors that pile on an additional 800 horses.

The Équipe Pur Sang (French for “Thoroughbred Team”) package doesn’t increase the Tourbillon’s output, but it does make it more aerodynamic and (somehow) even more distinctive than it already is. The treatment starts on the outside with a front splitter, which coordinates with a bespoke rear wing to up the Tourbillon’s ability to cheat the wind. The 20-inch front and 21-inch rear directional wheels also help by reducing turbulence while also sending up to eight percent more air to the rear radiator to keep this Molsheim megacar cool. At the rear is the Équipe Pur Sang package’s most distinctive feature: a special exhaust system that ends in eight outlets, which sit above a special diffuser that increases downforce.

Inside the Alcantara-lined cabin is a pair of Performance Seats, which were designed to be supportive in high-G turns, surrounded by something Bugatti calls “Black Poli” trim and the “Medium Carbon Fiber Interior Package.”

If a client doesn’t choose the Équipe Pur Sang option, there are still several ways of making his or her Tourbillon stand out from the rest. According to Bugatti, “From 23 new exterior colors to 20 new leather options, 10 new Alcantara choices, and 7 new carpet colors, the potential combinations are virtually limitless.” Even the instrument cluster, which consists of components made by Swiss watchmakers, can be ordered in different configurations.

Then again, no matter how a Tourbillon is spec’ed, it’ll be instantly recognizable. Bugatti is only going to produce 250 of them, each with a starting price of €3.8 million ($4.1+ million).

Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10, which has racked up only 26,673 miles since new. Its vented hood covers an 8.3-liter V10, which is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. Finished in Viper Red and equipped with a black soft top over a black leather and microfiber interior, this “ZB I” Viper comes from a California dealership with an owner’s manual, a service manual, a clean CARFAX report, and a clear title.

The exterior of this third-generation Viper is finished in Viper Red, which is sure to turn heads. Other exterior features include fog lights, hood scoop and hood vents, power mirrors with body-color caps, black soft top with heated glass rear window, and thermally insulated side pipes.

This metal snake slithers down the road on 18-inch front and 19-inch rear chrome factory wheels, which are wrapped in 275/35 front and 345/30 rear Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

A pair of black leather and suede-like microfiber bucket seats with deep bolsters hold the driver and passenger in place. Interior features include push-button start, power windows, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with a six-disc CD changer.

The instrumentation in the main cluster and the center stack consists of a 7,000-rpm tachometer, 220-mph speedometer, and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, oil temperature, and engine temperature. The digital odometer shows 26,673 miles. According to the CARFAX report, the last mileage reading in August 2020 was 25,143 miles.

As a Viper should, this first-year SRT-10 model has a 10-cylinder engine – in this case, an 8.3-iter V10. At the factory, it was rated at 500 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox helps send the massive engine’s output to the limited-slip rear end.

A set of four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes keep this powerful serpent from striking too hard and making an asp of itself.

If you want to make this low-mileage American performance car yours, bid now. The auction for this 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ends on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Kermit once sang, “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” a paean to success in the face of adversity. The color green indeed has faced adversity over time as it’s very much a color of the moment. Our Pick of the Day may be one of those cars to some but, to us, it also is the quintessential 1970 car. In the case of this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE, she’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by Adventure Classic Cars in Clearwater, Florida.

You may have read about the Challenger T/A that was our Pick of the Day several days ago, but this Challenger is of a different stripe: rather than being a small-block pony car to carve the road, this Challenger is a big-block monster for the straight line. It’s also unusual among muscle cars due to its luxurious content, so it’s worthy of discussion and comparison.

The Challenger SE (Special Edition) was influenced by the Mercury Cougar XR-7, a pony car that featured many luxurious and European touches. The SE featured a number of comfort, convenience, luxury, and appearance items that distinguished itself from the regular Challenger: outside, there were unique bright trim touches including molding around the front splash pan, stainless steel belt moldings at the base of the side windows, and the back of the hood and front fenders, and a distinctive aluminum-finished panel on the face of the rear deck. A vinyl top with a small, formal rear window completed the package.

Inside, leather and vinyl bucket seats were standard (with cloth and vinyl or a fancier vinyl design for those who did not want leather). Door panels featured carpeting along the lower part of the door, plus wood-grain accent panel and reflector. An overhead console in the headliner featured warning lights like “door ajar,” “fasten seat belts,” and “low fuel.” The Challenger SE was available in two versions: one with the 225ci “Slant Six” and another with V8s including a 318 two-barrel, 383 two-barrel, and 383 four-barrel.

Dodge also offered a luxurious performance model with the Challenger R/T SE. Everything that made the SE special was included, plus the R/T equipment that featured a standard 383 four-barrel, with a 440 four-barrel, 440 Six Pack, and 426 Hemi being options. In comparison, the Cougar XR-7 never had a performance version, though performance engines could be ordered; likewise, the Challenger SE and R/T SE never had a convertible like the Cougar XR-7.

Only 3,979 Challenger R/T SEs were built in 1970, of which 3,741 were built for the U.S. market. Of those, 875 featured the 375-horsepower 440 Magnum, of which only 142 were backed by a Pistol Grip four-speed. It’s also, shall we say, green—dig the Light Green Metallic paint, green vinyl top, and green cloth and vinyl interior. The original owner specified stripe-delete (as evidenced by the “V68” code on the fender tag), so there’s nothing to break up the green, though the original buyer could have specified a green longitudinal or Bumblebee stripe to make the Challenger quadruple green.

This 1970 Challenger R/T SE features a 440 four-speed, which means it has one of two axle packages, in this case the “A33” Track Pak with 3.54 Sure-Grip and heavy-duty Dana rear. Other features include console, AM radio, power steering, left-hand remote mirror and right-hand mirror, upgraded aluminum radiator, Mallory Unilite electronic ignition, and Rallye wheels. And, being an R/T, it has the Rallye instrument cluster including tach.

Sure, that’s a lot of green, but this car screams 1970 in ways few can, so we think it’s time to embrace the green. It’s the color of money ($69,990) and the color of envy, the latter of which we’ll be once we catch you pulling hole-shots in it.

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

Here’s some trivia that I’ve never thought about: despite being long in the shadow of the Pontiac Trans Am, did you know that the 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was the first that was powered by an engine bigger than the Firebird’s? Pontiac ditched the 400 after 1979, leaving a 210-horsepower 301 Turbo as the top engine.

The 1980 Camaro Z28 continued to use a trusty 350ci V8 (and, in a first, cars destined for California received a 305), with horsepower rising 15 to 190. This wouldn’t last, however, as the 1981 Z28 was downgraded to a standard 305 and an optional 350 that didn’t reach the same heights. As it turned out, 1980 ended up being the top year for the latter days of the second-generation Camaro Z28.

Jerry Palmer, a Chevrolet stylist, has claimed he designed this monochromatic look to be part of the 1974 redesign, but John DeLorean shot it down. It finally appeared in 1978 and, while looking fabulous with the feature car’s gradated Z28 striping, it was a Trans Am world and nothing in America could compete. Nonetheless, a very generous 45,137 Z28s were built.

Muscle Car Campy joins Rick Piscione for a ride in his unrestored four-speed 1980 Camaro Z28. He’s owned many classics, but this Chevy pony car currently is his funmobile for sunny Florida jaunts.

If you enjoy this segment, be sure to check out more videos from Muscle Car Campy.

If you go to the Nissan Nismo parts and accessories website, you’ll see you can order brakes, exhaust hardware, suspension components, and much more to upgrade your Z. Got a Titan? Choose from the Nismo Off Road selection of parts. You can also represent the brand by wearing Nismo-branded clothing and hats. If you look hard enough, you’ll see that Nissan also offers a Z Nismo Precision Sushi Knife.

To create this unusual lifestyle accessory, Nissan Design America collaborated with Chef Hiroyuki “Chef Hiro” Terada and Japanese knifemaker Kiryu. Satoshi Kiryu, principal knifemaker, was a natural fit for the project in more than one way. Not only has he been working for 48 years at the company his grandfather started in 1927, but he’s also a big Z fan. “When I was a kid, the Fairlady Z was my favorite car, especially the 240Z. It was such a cool-looking car,” Kiryu said. “Today, we have a new Z that reminds me of the first Z’s design. When Nissan approached me for this project, I was so happy.”

After laser-cutting each 8.27-inch, double-beveled blade, Kiryu quenches, tempers, grinds, and polishes it. Using oxide film on stainless steel, he then applies a kuro zome (black-dyed) finish. Once the blade is attached to its buffalo horn handle, Kiryu begins one of the most significant parts of the construction sequence. “Sharpening is the step in the process that demands the most attention – you must balance the amount of steel on each side of the blade. If not balanced, the blade is not symmetrical.”

Each knife has an obvious visual connection to Nismo and the new Z as a whole. According to Nissan Stories, “Crisp lines conjure images of Z’s iconic silhouette, mirroring the katana (samurai sword)-inspired silver roof accent that emphasizes the car’s side profile. The striking red spacer on the buffalo horn handle reflects the unmistakable red accents exclusive to the NISMO edition’s bodywork.”

Just like the Z, the Z Nismo Precision Sushi Knife has a function to its form. Chef Hiro, a Miami-based chef who is known on YouTube for his sushi creations, insisted on making a knife specifically for sushi as opposed to a multipurpose piece. The end result is a handcrafted knife, each one individually marked, with the blade number engraved in red. In addition to the Z logo, there’s also Chef Hiro’s signature and Kiryu’s insignia. The outside of each knife’s black-lacquered box wears the Nissan logo as well as Chef Hiro’s name; inside the lid is a visual history of the Z logo going all the way back to 1969, when the first model came out.

So how much is the Z Nismo Precision Sushi Knife? We’ll cut to the chase: Only 240 will be produced and it’ll cost $300.23 to get one. Does that seem a little steep? Don’t worry. You can’t get one anyway because they’re all sold out.