Journal Classic Cars

The claim that Toyota only makes boring, milquetoast commuter cars is turning into a cliche of the past. Within the last several years, Toyota has released performance-oriented TRD versions of the Camry and Avalon, brought back the Supra (and offered it with a manual gearbox), and evolved the rear-wheel-drive 86 into the GR86. In 2023, Toyota put big power into one of its smallest cars, creating the GR (Gazoo Racing) Corolla, a hot hatchback with 300 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed stick.

Toyota turned up the heat for the 2025 model year. The newest version of the GR Corolla has a starting price of $39,160 and comes with a revised suspension, a more responsive and controllable clutch, and additional torque. For the first time, an eight-speed automatic is available. Thanks in part to an increase in boost to 26.3 psi, the turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-three pumps out 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from 3,250 to 4,600 rpm.

The new Premium Plus trim level, priced from $45,815, adds cosmetic and functional upgrades. Up front, the redesigned bumper provides room for the intercooler, standard sub-radiator, and brake ducts. The “bulge” hood is equipped with functional vents. Matte black 18-inch wheels and a forged carbon fiber roof give the GR Corolla a racy, sinister edge. Inside, the Premium Plus model has a head-up display, leather-wrapped GR steering wheel, and Black Brin Naub synthetic suede and leather upholstery with GR headrest logos and red stitching.

Given how aggressively Toyota tuned such a small engine, I had my concerns that the GR Corolla would be a lurching, ‘roided-out maniac. I was pleasantly surprised by both its docility and ferocity. In stop-and-go traffic, the clutch was perfectly weighted and easy to use. Despite its pronounced side bolsters, the driver’s seat was perfectly comfortable during my morning and evening commutes. The clutch pedal’s strong rebound stroke took a little getting used to, but ultimately it helped make each shift smoother. No matter which gear I was in or how fast I was going, the G16E-GTS under the hood always seemed to have more power in reserve. On-center, the steering was solid, but not devoid of feeling; on winding roads, it struck a nice balance between weight and responsiveness. Even on the roughest pavement, the suspension always communicated what it was encountering without drama or violence.

Whether or not Toyota ever says it out loud, the GR Corolla is a weapon it uses to combat its image as a manufacturer of A-B transportation appliances. Just a few years into its first generation, the GR Corolla has hit the bull’s-eye on a target that other manufacturers have missed, creating a car that’s simultaneously fun and comfortable, youthful and composed, flamboyant and focused.

To learn more about the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus, check out my video review below.

Click above and watch our full video review on YouTube!

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The return of the Godfather of the Hellcat, Tim Kuniskis, to CEO of Ram seven months ago was big. It was the impetus for bringing back the Hemi V8 for the 2026 Ram 1500. Then, there was the postponement of the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T for 2026, though the other Charger EV (Charger Scat Pack) will continue for now. Could a Hemi Charger be on the horizon? There’s no basis for the speculation, but we all can daydream in our cubicles as Stellantis has announced that the SRT sports division has been revived. Huzzah!

“We’re getting the band back together,” says Kuniskis. “SRT is another box we needed to check as we head into a product launch cadence enabling more performance than we’ve ever seen before. We’re working with our product development and technology organization to select the best engineers in powertrain and vehicle dynamics to build a team worthy of the SRT name.” 

Additionally, Kuniskis has been appointed head of Stellantis American brands and North America marketing and retail strategy. His boss will be Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO and COO for North America & American brands. Kuniskis will now be the big guy responsible for developing product across the brand portfolio and connecting its marketing down the chain to dealers and consumers.

The restoration of the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) performance division will also oversee Direct Connection and North American motorsports for all American brands, which includes Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep. Per Stellantis’ press release, “Consolidating the best performance engineering talent from across the four American brands, the SRT division will deliver vehicles that push the boundaries of power, aerodynamics, handling and technology, on both the street and the track, ensuring enthusiasts get the power, precision and passion they expect.”

You can read all about it on the Stellantis North America website.

The town of Seward, Nebraska, has made history.

A Seward native, Harold Davisson, came up with the idea and had a 45-ton vault buried near a furniture store he owned. Included in the vault were over 5,000 items, including—and this is why, as a car-focused website we’re interested—a brand-new 1975 Chevrolet Vega. Davisson passed away in 1999, but he left instructions that the vault should be opened on July 4, 2025.

A sign above the site said, “Contents of Time Capsule: A new 1975 Chevrolet Vega (no mileage), a new Kawasaki motorcycle (no mileage), thousands of letters and other memorabilia furnished by merchants and residents not only from this area, but across the nation.”

Last summer, the city of Seward opened a pyramid (added in 1983) that contained the capsule itself. And now, at last, the entire stash has seen the light of day—a little earlier than July Fourth, I might add.

Vega Backstory

The Vega was a subcompact produced on General Motors’ H-body platform from 1971 through 1977, and it was available in notchback sedan, hatchback coupe, station wagon and panel delivery variants. Chevrolet promoted the car by saying, “It’s a lot of car for such a little car.”

The car was praised (at least initially) in the automotive press, and it even won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award. Ultimately, the Vega became known for its not-so-positive reputation when it came to reliability. It was powered by an inline-four that was soon notorious for its noise, vibration and a tendency to overheat. One online resource I found said that every new Vega came with a service manual—it’s almost as if Chevrolet predicted the future.

Chevrolet claimed to have made over 200 changes to the car for model year 1975, which included the addition of an HEI electronic ignition system and a catalytic converter. Total sales that year amounted to 206,239—fewer than half as many Vegas as had sold the prior year. And one of those units—in bright yellow—ended up being stashed away in a vault in Nebraska for 50 years. It came out relatively unscathed; even the tires still held air.

Future Plans

The news articles weren’t clear on exactly what the plan is for the Vega. As for the other artifacts in the vault—many of them are letters that will be returned to their original owners (or the heirs thereof) over the next six months or so. Some sources say the plan is to re-seal the vault for another 50 years with new items. Which 2025 vehicle model do you think they should put inside? Also, have any of you ever owned a Vega? Was your experience a positive one?

Sun’s out, tops are down – it’s convertible season!

There’s no better way to soak in the spirit of summer than with the wind in your hair and the open road ahead. And if you ask us, no era did open-air cruising with more flair than the fabulous 1950s. Think bold tailfins, jet-age curves, sparkling chrome and paint colors as bright as a beachside sunset – these convertibles are rolling works of art sure to turn heads wherever they go.

At Barrett-Jackson, we’ve had the pleasure of watching some of the coolest drop-tops cross the auction block over the last year. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just dreaming of the ultimate summer ride, we’re excited to share these open-air classics with you.

MAIN PHOTO: 1959 CADILLAC SERIES 62 CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $330,000
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 crate V8 engine and 4L60 automatic transmission. Professionally built award-winner. Equipped with air conditioning, cruise control and a custom sound system, along with power steering, top, windows and seats.

1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $220,000
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Frame-off restoration. Powered by a supercharged 427/825hp by Texas Speed and Bowler T56 transmission. Equipped with Wegner front-drive accessories and a custom interior by Miranda Built.

1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $148,500
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
Powered by a fuel-injected 383ci stroker V8 with aluminum heads. Has an Art Morrison frame, Haartz convertible top, 17-inch Cragar Mag wheels, Vintage Air and power windows, steering and top. Two-year restoration completed in 2023 with less than 300 miles.

1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $143,000
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
Powered by a 5.7-liter crate V8 engine mated to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission. Body-off custom build; sits on an Art Morrison chassis with Budnik wheels. Equipped with Wilwood brakes, modern air conditioning and a power Haartz soft-top.

1958 CADILLAC ELDORADO BIARRITZ CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $137,500
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
No. 44 of 815 produced in 1958. Matching numbers, ground-up restoration. Powered by the original 365/335hp V8 engine paired with a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. Early production model No. 3254.

1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 190SL ROADSTER
SOLD! $225,500
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
Multi-year, ground-up rotisserie restoration powered by a 1.9-liter engine with twin side-draft Solex carburetors and a 4-speed manual transmission. Saddle interior. Has Coker classic whitewall tires and original factory hubcaps.

1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $528,000
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Built by Joe Clevenger. Powered by an LT1 direct-injected 460hp engine backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission. Features an Art Morrison chassis with independent suspension and one-off custom wheels.

1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 235/150 CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $370,700
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
No. 103 of the 300 built for the model year. Found stored in a Pennsylvania estate in 2003, where it had been unrestored since the now-deceased owner bought it in 1961. Formerly from the Bill Munday Collection.

1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $357,500
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Powered by a new LS7 570hp V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Features an Art Morrison chassis with rear independent suspension, DeWitts radiator, Vintage Air, custom wide quarters, and 18- and 19-inch rear wheels by Schott.

1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $220,000
2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION
Powered by a 350hp LS1 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission on a chassis with modern Corvette suspension. Features power steering, power four-wheel disc brakes and an Al Knoch blue leather interior. Built by Hendrick Performance.

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

In the mid-1990s, the sport-utility marketplace was gaining momentum, and Land Rover was right on the front lines. In 1994, Four Wheeler magazine awarded the Land Rover Defender 90 the title “Four Wheeler of the Year.” The following year, Land Rover did it again – this time, with the Discovery. What made the “Disco” such a standout in its segment? You might have to drive one to find out. Luckily for you, we’ve found a prime example:

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1994 Land Rover Discovery 4WD. The sport-utility vehicle is being sold by a private party in Peoria, Arizona, and the auction will end Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Finished in Beluga Black over tan, this Discovery’s silhouette showcases one of its most recognizable exterior features: a raised rear roof section over the cargo area with upward-facing windows for the ultimate safari-style experience. The vehicle’s boxy body looks straight and clean – especially for being a three-decade-old SUV that was built with off-roading intentions.

The Discovery established a name for itself as a capable rig thanks in part to its ample ground clearance (at 8.1 inches). The “Series I” version dates back to 1989 when it was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Its chassis, suspension and four-wheel-drive system were derived from the Discovery’s larger (and more upscale) sibling, the Range Rover. Exterior features included roof rails, side steps and a swing-away rear-mounted spare tire.

For being such a rugged machine, the Discovery still offered its share of creature comforts on the inside. Some of them included a power sunroof, cruise control and dual-zone air conditioning, all of which are equipped on today’s featured vehicle. The audio system is upgraded to a Kenwood AM/FM/CD setup, but the equipment appears largely unmodified otherwise.

Under the hood, you’ll find a Rover 3.9-liter V8, which is mated to a ZF 4HP22 four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The AutoHunter listing outlines some of the maintenance that has been performed since March 2025, including an oil change, air conditioner recharge, spark plug replacement and battery change.

Adding to the positive-attribute checklist, the CARFAX report shows accident-free and damage-free ownership since new. The first owner took delivery in June 1994 in California and the vehicle remained in that area until 2005; subsequently, there were registration events shown in both Washington and Arizona. The last emissions check was performed in 2018, and the current odometer reading is 136,627 miles. This Disco has plenty of adventurous miles ahead.

Back to our earlier mention of Four Wheeler magazine’s awards: Do you think you could guess which vehicle broke Land Rover’s consecutive winning streak? It was the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The auction for this 1994 Land Rover Discovery 4WD ends Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

To many car enthusiasts, any Ferrari would be a dream to have, especially in red. But then there are those who want more than just a Ferrari, which could blend in with others at an owners meeting—they want the only Ferrari that looks like theirs. Consider our Pick of the Day, a 2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti customized through the automaker’s One-to-One (OTO) service, as that kind of Prancing Horse. It’s listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Newport Beach, California.

Introduced in 2004 as a successor to the 456M GT/GTA, the 612 Scaglietti was a GT that honored coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti, a.k.a. the “maestro of aluminium.” Its long hood covered 532 horses generated by the 5.7-liter V12 and corralled by a six-speed automated manual gearbox; the 2+2 cabin seated four humans.

This particular 612 was configured by its original owner in the One-to-One customization program. When this 612 was completed, it was covered in Brunito with Grigio Ingrid side coves, the latter an homage to the color of Casablanca actress Ingrid Bergman’s Ferrari 375 MM. Total price was a cool $442,678.

The interior is just as unusual, featuring rich brown Iroko leather accented with ostrich-print leather on the door panels and dashboard.

The V12 wasn’t enhanced with the OTO build, but the engine bay was certainly improved—according to the selling dealer, Ferrari employees involved in this 612’s production signed the radiator cowl.

Two owners have put less than 6,000 miles on this Ferrari four-seater in the past 16 years. Despite the low figure on the odometer, this 612 was recently serviced by Ferrari of Newport Beach, which installed new timing belts and tires.

If this 2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is the 1-of-1 for you, you can make it yours for $224,800.

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

The highlight of the American summer is upon us, yet here you are, still with that ball-and-chain of an automobile that you’ve thought about selling but simply can’t find the motivation. What would Uncle Sam say about your procrastination? There’s no time like now to list your vehicle on ClassicCars.com because when you create a new listing between July 1-8, 2025, and use the promo code FREEDOM, you will receive 17.76 percent off.

Best of all, when you list your vehicle for sale on ClassicCars.com, the ad will remain until sold—guaranteed! You can also increase your listing’s exposure with Plus and Premium packages that give priority placement for your vehicle—different packages feature different levels of promotion, so the choice is up to you (indicated prices show discount):

• Regular Package: $149.99 $123.35
• Plus Package (our most popular!): $189.99 $156.25
• Premium Package: $349.99 $287.83

Visit here to compare package to find the one that best suits your needs. Here are some other ways ClassicCars.com can meet them:

• ClassicCars.com attracts over 3 million visits a month.
• There are over 37,000 vehicles listed for sale on ClassicCars.com.
• Choose the Premium Package and your vehicle will be featured in our “Downshift” email newsletter—that’s 160,000 extra views!
• If your car is chosen by one of our writers, this Pick of the Day will be promoted on The ClassicCars.com Journal website.
• Our award-winning team of dedicated customer support specialists provide individual attention, leveraging their knowledge and experience to enhance your listing.

Happy birthday, America! And congratulations are in order for taking the first step in selling your vehicle! 17.76 percent off is the nudge you need, but you must create your new vehicle listing between July 1-8, 2025, and provide the promo code FREEDOM to obtain the discount.

Promotion available only to private sellers and new listings.

With Independence Day weekend on the horizon, it means it’s time for the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Annual All-American Cruise-In on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Of special note is the celebration of 60 years of the Shelby GT350 and 427 Cobra.

From 9 a.m. through noon, this event will be open to all American makes and models. If you are inclined to bring your own Yankee vehicle and park so other enthusiasts can appreciate it, then the cost of entry will be $50 ($29 for Petersen Members). Aside from show parking, this includes admission to the museum, an exclusive poster, and meal voucher.

Do those sundries have appeal but your furrin car doesn’t fit the theme? General admission will cost you $35 ($13 for Petersen Members).

For general spectating, admission is free and, if you arrive early enough, you (and everyone else) can indulge in bagels and coffee.

As a bonus, if you are the owner of a Shelby GT350 or Cobra, you can participate in a 7 a.m. rally through the Santa Monica Mountains before the event. For $150 ($129 for Petersen Members), you will receive breakfast for two, free show parking, two tickets for the Petersen Automotive Museum (including Private Collection access), two food vouchers, and an exclusive poster.

More information, plus tickets, is available at petersen.org/museum-events.

Among the easiest cars for me to write about are those I have not only owned but also really liked. The E34 BMW 535i is one of those cars, and in fact was only the third BMW I had ever owned.

I was living in Scottsdale at the time and was moving on from an old Alfa Romeo Duetto. I wanted something with more space and, being in Arizona, working air conditioning. I researched a bit, decided the BMW 5 Series was a good choice and found a 1989 535i with 85,000 miles. I went to check it out and, after inspecting a binder of service records, took a test drive. That test drive was an eye-opener. The 535i handled like an honest-to-God sports car – very flat in the corners with what at the time seemed like tremendous grip. It became a game as to how fast I could enter a curved freeway on-ramp. The car was also quite quick for the time, with vintage road tests giving it a very believable 7-second 0-60 time. The interior was also nice; a big step up in luxury from the earlier E28 5 Series it replaced. It truly deserved the title of “Ultimate Driving Machine.”

Needless to say, I bought the Bimmer. I drove that car for three years and added over 100,000 miles, which included three cross-country drives, a ton of BMWCCA rallies and general commuting, as it was my daily driver. During that entire time, all I had to do was routine service. I sold it to a friend, who added another 80,000 miles before selling it to yet another friend. These cars really are that reliable when cared for. I may sound biased about the E34 535i, but the PBS show “MotorWeek” closed its review of the 535i with the statement, “The BMW 535i sets a new standard for luxury high-performance sedans.”

Featured on AutoHunter is one of these cars in a rare and desirable spec: a 1992 BMW 535i with a hard-to-find factory five-speed manual gearbox.

This 535i is powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six mated to a Getrag 260 manual transmission. The car is finished in Alpine White over a black leather interior and is offered by the seller with an owner’s manual, dealer directory, service booklet, clean CARFAX report and clear title.

The service details include a complete engine overhaul in 2018, as well as an R134 conversion for the air-conditioning system. It also has a limited-slip differential, E34 M5 front sway bar, Racing Dynamics adjustable rear sway bar and Billy Boat performance exhaust system.

The exterior appears to be in good driver-level shape; the original Alpine White paint looks decent with a few flaws. These include some chips and scrapes – what you would consider normal wear and tear on a 33-year-old BMW.

The interior looks to be in excellent condition, with the black leather seats showing wear but no cracks or tears anywhere to be seen. The interior wood also looks to be in similar shape, with no cracking or sun damage. The dash has no cracks, and the door cards (both front and rear) are also in really nice condition, as are the carpets.

Under the very cool BMW factory reverse-opening hood is the 3.4-liter SOHC M30 inline-six, which looks clean and in nice shape. The only change I notice is a strut tower brace and a valve cover someone decided to paint blue – something I would personally change. The car is said to run and drive well.

Yes, this is basically a nice driver-level E34 BMW 5 Series sedan, but the factory five-speed, combined with the documented engine rebuild from a few years back, makes this a car I would personally buy and work on making marginally better over time. It would benefit quite a bit from something as simple as a really excellent detail, and I would approach it that way – it’s not a show car, but a truly exceptional sports sedan of a certain era that is fun to drive and would be great to take to the local BMWCCA show. It would likely be well received, as manual-equipped E34 cars are quite uncommon. Happily, the car also includes all books and tools that accompanied it when new – something I tend to look for when buying a collector car.

If this 1992 BMW 535i looks interesting to you, I would recommend bidding soon, because the auction ends Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

There’s a good story about how a magazine road-tested a 1964 Pontiac GTO, only for the publication to write about its disappointment when everyone else was praising the car. This episode changed how Pontiac presented its cars to the press. Our Pick of the Day may have suffered from a similar affliction as the test car in original form, but its present state has corrected those to a fault. This 1966 Pontiac GTO restomod is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Miami.

The story goes that Hot Rod wanted to test a new GTO, but the car was in short supply. The editor was miffed that a competing periodical had already published a road test. He complained to the Zone Office, which normally didn’t handle press cars. In the interest of trying to do right for Pontiac, the zone representative “naively” lent Hot Rod his company car, a GTO convertible that was built to his wife’s specifications: 325-horsepower 389, two-speed automatic, wire wheel covers, air conditioning, and a 3.08 open rear. The resulting magazine article was akin to “What’s all the fuss about?” after driving this seemingly unobtainable car.

Pontiac adman Jim Wangers was livid, as Hot Rod carried a lot of weight with enthusiasts, so he worked with Pontiac to create and maintain a pool of optimized press vehicles. They weren’t always the fastest cars in the buff books, but they were the ones that Pontiac wanted the magazines to have—cars that ran the way they were supposed to run. Of course, this was after Car and Driver tested a GTO that ended up having a 421 transplanted from big Ponchos, so let’s just say Pontiac’s honesty and transparency was at the forefront from this moment on.

By 1966, Pontiac had exploited its charms and made the GTO quite the desirable machine for enthusiasts. Sure, some of the same complaints as before remained, such as standard brakes and suspension that bordered on dangerous in combination with the horsepower available to one’s right foot. However, just about everything else that made Pontiac strong was baked into the GTO: styling, performance, available equipment, and image on the street. The GTO’s design and styling also maxed out the grace that made the brand number-three in the industry (and the top-selling GTO ever, as it turned out).

Per the data plate (posted in the listing), this 1966 Pontiac GTO two-door hardtop was originally built with the 335-horse four-barrel and two-speed automatic, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a disappointing performer like the convertible in the above story. In the case of this vehicle, it’s been given the full restomod treatment that includes a beefed-up 6.0-liter LS with a Hurst-shifted six-speed manual. “Amazing paint and interior,” the seller proclaims and, judging by the supplied pictures, he’s onto something. Other features include AFCO Racing radiator, Hedman Hustler headers, Hotchkis Sport Suspension, Vintage Air ice-cold air conditioning, AutoMeter gauges, hands-free Pioneer Bluetooth stereo, two sets of rims (chrome Riddlers, black Fooses), slotted and drilled four-wheel disc brakes, and so much more.

The seller adds he’s bought another toy so this one needs to go, but he’s “not in a hurry to sell [so] no low-balls.” At $97,000 (OBO), it’s on you to see how it smokes your tires.

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