Journal Classic Cars

If I’m correct, the average American male is 5’9”, the average woman being  5’4”. If you’re taller than the former or simply overweight, it’s possible you may not  fit in a Lotus Elise. The company has had its ups and downs but, during those moments, no one could ever accuse Lotus of following the herd. While the Millennium found Lotus working with other manufacturers in order to survive, its incarnation would have founder Colin Chapman saluting the Elise if he were alive. For that reason, the Pick of the Day is 2005 Lotus Elise listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Tempe, Arizona.

The Elise made its debut at the end of 1996. Weighing in at just over 1,600 pounds, the Elise carried on the Lotus tradition after a host of supercar-esque models from the 1970s. With a vehicle so light, it didn’t take much horsepower to give it strong performance; in this case, a 118-horsepower 1.8-liter Rover inline-four was good for sub-6-second sprints to 0-60. Higher states of tune were available — up to 192. Considering Lotus’ MO is all about lightness and handling, the Elise was fulfilling the Lotus promise that had fallen by the wayside for years.

The Series 2 debuted at the end of 2000, mainly due to changing European safety standards. The little company that could, so to speak, acquired a partner in General Motors to help financially with the upgrades (and resulting in the Lotus-based Opel Speedster and Vauxhall VX220). The base engine was the same Rover 1.8, though now with 120 horsepower, with options up to 192 horsepower. But then, in 2004, Lotus began to use a DOHC 1.8-liter Toyota engine, though tuned by Lotus. For 2005, Americans got their first chance at an Elise, with the 189-horsepower four was good for sub-5-second 0-60 sprints, and even better with the Sport package. A facelifted Series 3 version was introduced in 2010, but Americans would only get one more year to buy one as Elise would disappear for 2012 due to a safety standard upgrade that Lotus decided to forego. For the rest of the world, it would continue just until a few months ago, some with a supercharger.

This Scottsdale, Arizona-based 2005 Lotus Elise has had one owner in its entire existence on this Earth. The original female owner has driven this bunch of British energy just 32,000 miles, and she kept every piece of documentation to show that the Elise was properly maintained. The Formula Red sportster is powered by a 190-horse Toyota 1.8-liter 2ZZ engine that is harnessed by a six-speed manual. Other features include 16-inch alloys wrapped in Yokohamas, sport seats, removable soft targa top, upgraded stereo including CD, and such niceties like air conditioning, power windows and keyless entry. “The beautiful sport interior is very clean and looks amazing!” claims the seller. “The [leather] seats have really held up well with no scuffs or ware lines.” No “Prince of Darkness” funny stuff from the days of old — “everything works in the car: lights, gauges, radio, seats, windows, locks, a/c blows ice cold, etc.” The Elise also comes with its original manuals and keys.

For $39,900, this 2005 Lotus Elise can be yours. With clean CARFAX and AutoCheck, you can have peace of mind. There haven’t been many pure sports cars in the American market in recent memory that haven’t weighed two tons, so if you wish for something pristine in the manner that Colin Chapman intended, look no further.

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

For a $75 ticket price, visitors to the Sedona, Arizona area can sign up for a Jeep tour to get up-close and personal with the picturesque countryside. Most outfitters provide passengers with an open-air, bumpy jump-seat introduction to the wilderness – with dust, mud, and weather conditions included at no extra charge!

While Sedona’s 3.3-mile round-trip drive on Broken Arrow Trail to the “Chicken Point” Lookout is relatively short in length, it is one of the more technical stretches of road in Sedona for off-road enthusiasts. In fact, the trail’s entry point has a rock obstacle that locals called the “Gatekeeper.” It serves as a deterrent for people who do not have the driving skill level – or the automotive equipment – to continue and traverse the pass safely.

Recently, Honda hosted a handful of journalists in Sedona for the press launch of the all-new fourth-generation Honda Pilot three-row crossover, and I was among the lucky attendees to be part of it. I saddled up in the driver seat of a Pilot TrailSport with Honda development team member Jed Aston at my side in the passenger seat. He coached me on the ins and outs of not only my off-roading strategy, but also the merits of the vehicle that he and his team have been invested in for the last five years.

Based on my experience conquering Broken Arrow: Jed and his teammates nailed it.

Pilot Model History

The Pilot is now 20 years old which oddly enough means the oldest generation is approaching classic status. First launched in 2003, this three-row, midsize crossover has been a hit for the Honda brand, selling over 100,000 units per year consistently for over the past decade. As Honda’s largest sport-utility vehicle, the Pilot developed a reputation for its versatile cargo-carrying capacity, smooth ride, and multi-terrain qualifications.

Each generation has evolved in size, equipment, and capability in the two decades that followed, with the second generation launching in 2009 and the third generation 2016. Exterior lines became sleeker as the years went on, with the third-generation achieving a ten percent reduction in drag compared to the prior version. Along with the design revisions, technology and powertrains received similar attention: In 2017, all trims except for LX received Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And in 2021, a new nine-speed transmission became standard across the board.

To some folks, the Pilot drifted away from its go-anywhere objective, since design aesthetic used softer lines and the underpinnings were primarily street-focused. Engineers set out to change that direction for 2023.

What’s New for 2023

The fourth-generation Pilot was first revealed in November 2022 and went into production the following month at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama manufacturing facility. Designers set out to create a more capable Pilot no matter the terrain. With that in mind, the length, wheelbase, and track width were increased. The hood was lengthened, and the side profile received a strong horizontal beltline. Following are some specifics on the features Honda updated.

Interior

Honda resurrected some fan favorites to the equipment list, including a shallow parcel shelf on the passenger side of the dashboard for smaller items. The lower tray in the center console can accommodate two smartphones side by side, too. Design team representatives joked, “We all know what that feels like to lose a cell phone between the seat and the center console, so why not build a place to put it?”

I did not get the chance to put the second or third rows to the test, but that is one area where the new Pilot shines. In a class-exclusive feature, on most Pilot trim levels, the center seat in the second row is removable and can be stowed in a cargo tray at the rear of the vehicle. This reminded me of the first-generation CR-V which offered a folding picnic table in the same area – a typical display Honda innovation and space-efficiency.

Adding to that list of interior enhancements are 14 cupholders, a configurable 10.2-inch digital display on Elite models, illuminated USB charging ports, and an available Bose 12-speaker audio system.

Powertrain

Under the hood resides a 3.5-liter J-Series V6 with output of 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque — a five-horsepower bump from the previous model. Torque is transferred to all four corners through a 10-speed automatic transmission (incidentally, that is double the number of gears that propelled the first-generation Pilot). Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system (a first for the Pilot) detects and corrects wheel spin. Honda did not make mention of any upcoming hybrid or EV Pilot variants, and fuel economy is rated at 20 miles per gallon combined city/highway.

Packaging

In typical Honda fashion, there are a variety of trim levels available on the new Pilot: LX, Sport, TrailSport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Pricing points range from $35,950 to $52,030.

In the prior generation Pilot, Honda started pushing the Pilot more into the off-road realm by adding the TrailSport trim in 2022. This offering grows even more comprehensive in the newest Pilot, offering equipment such as a one-inch suspension lift, distinct 18-inch wheels, a standard hitch, three skid plates, recovery points, a tuned suspension, stabilizer bars, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, a full-size spare tire, and unique trim.  

Piloting the Pilot

Now the important part: How’s the drive? The terrain around Sedona was the perfect proving ground for our evaluation, as we set out to explore the region on pre-determined routes.

The first half of my day took place in on-road driving environments, where I had the opportunity to sample TrailSport and Elite models in a roughly 50-mile loop near the Prescott National Forest and Highway 89A. The Pilot is as predictable and confidence-inspiring as an everyday passenger car, even with its higher clearance and cargo versatility. The 3.5-liter V6 provided good punch without being intrusive in noise or harshness. I enjoyed opening the panoramic roof, which Honda pointed out is a class-exclusive feature for an eight-passenger vehicle.

The Sedona area had seen rain and snow in the days leading up to the event, so the back roads were slick. In fact, Broken Arrow Trail was closed in the early morning hours to allow the frost to melt, but I got to experience it later in the day in a TrailSport model.

My takeaway of the experience was just how easy the Pilot made things. The “point and shoot” confidence made for an impressive feeling, especially since I had heard from Jeep-owning friends how technical the trail could be. Some sections of the road were narrow, so Jed and I used the sideview and bird’s eye camera angles on the “TrailWatch” system to get a better look at our surroundings on the nine-inch touchscreen monitor.

We were also able to put the new Hill Descent Control feature to a test. It holds a constant low speed and manipulates the brake and accelerator to minimize slip. There were times when particularly rugged terrain brushed the underside. “It’s designed for that,” Jed said. The skid plates are engineered to take the entire weight of the vehicle upon impact – that’s how durable they are. I found the turning radius, ride, and traction-control systems to be well optimized for the climb. The stunning view at the summit was a crowning reward for the engineering team who worked hard to refine this vehicle for precisely these types of adventures.  

Takeaways

If history holds true, Honda will have a hit on its hands with this latest version of the popular Pilot. It’s a gateway to adventure in the outdoors – not to mention it offers a lot more creature comforts than a foam jump-seat in a Jeep tour convoy. As we passed each Jeep group on the trail from the comfort of our smooth ride, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and modern conveniences, I tried to keep my sly grin to myself. The Pilot is just that good.

Stay tuned to more on the ClassicCars.com Journal about the upcoming Pilot and other models.

Numerous classic cars crossed the stage on Monday at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction and the Top 10 sales showed the diversity of vehicles available on the docket.

Top 10 sales from Monday

The 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction continues today and runs through January 29 at Westworld of Scottsdale.

General Motors has filed a patent application for an augmented reality (AR) auto-dimming windshield to protect drivers from the glare of oncoming headlights.

First spotted by Motor1, the application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and published Jan. 17, 2023. It describes a lot of added hardware, including an AR head-up display, sensors to detect the amount of light shining on the windshield, and smart glass that allows the amount of light transmitted through the windshield to be electrically tuned.

If the sensors detect that light shining in the direction of the driver is above a certain threshold, a specific section of the windshield will dim to keep the driver from being blinded. The system detects the position of the driver’s eyes, the position of the vehicle creating the glare, and dims a portion of the windshield to protect the driver. It also creates an image of the offending vehicle on the windshield in the proper position.

This type of system could be a good defense against other drivers who forget to turn their high beams off, although the proliferation of automatic high beams in new cars will make that less of an issue as time goes on.

Auto-dimming mirrors are also a common feature in new cars today, but the idea laid out in this patent application takes the idea a step further. Current auto-dimming mirrors dim across their entire surface, rather than targeting a specific area of glare.

AR tech means the auto-dimming function could also be integrated with other features, like the AR navigation systems available in some Mercedes-Benz luxury cars. These systems project arrows onto the head-up displays (as well as the center touchscreen) to direct the driver toward their turn. Cadillac also has AR, but it shows up on digital instrument cluster instead of the head-up display.

Like other recent GM patents, including ones for anti-motion sickness technology for autonomous vehicles and dual charge ports for EVs, the AR auto-dimming windshield isn’t guaranteed to see production. Automakers frequently patent ideas without firm plans to commercialize them, so time will tell if this feature appears on future GM vehicles.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: General Motors augmented reality head-up display patent image

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

Barrett-Jackson kicked off the event season in Arizona with its 2023 Scottsdale Auction over the weekend with its highest attendance for an opening weekend in the auction company’s history. Families and young enthusiasts flocked to Barrett-Jackson to take in the excitement of Family Day on Saturday and the Future Collector Car Show on Sunday. The Scottsdale Auction continues today through Sunday, January 29, with both automobilia and collector cars auctioning from the world-famous auction block.

“After the incredible year we experienced in 2022, breaking hundreds of world auction records and shattering our own previous sales records, it’s incredible to see this level of enthusiasm from the hobby as we kicked off our 2023 Scottsdale Auction this weekend,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Our opening weekend saw the highest attendance we’ve ever welcomed at WestWorld over the first two days of our event, and I can’t wait to see what this week’s action brings.”

Barrett-Jackson’s opening weekend began on Saturday with Family Day, which featured several family-friendly activations such as STEM Fest. Barrett-Jackson also partnered with the Driven Project once again to provide supercar therapy to 12 children battling serious illnesses and heavy life challenges.

A highlight of Saturday afternoon was a parade across the auction block of the nearly 50 contenders competing for the coveted Barrett-Jackson Cup. Rick DeBruhl, part of Barrett-Jackson’s on-air talent team, announced these incredible builds, which showcase the talent and craftsmanship of custom car and truck builders across the country. The esteemed judges, custom builders Bobby Alloway and Troy Trepanier, will have the difficult challenge of narrowing the group of ultimate vehicles down to the Top 5, from which one winner will be chosen on Saturday, January 28.

Sunday’s activities put the 2023 Future Collector Car Show in the spotlight. Held on the Polo Field, the show welcomed a young, diverse crowd of enthusiasts and featured over 100 future collectibles. Ultimately, it was a 2002 Honda S2000 that earned the Best of Show title. Among the judges at the event was renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen, TV personality Bogi Lateiner and YouTuber TJ Hunt. Craig Jackson and City of Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega were on hand to welcome participants and congratulate the winners.

Sunday concluded with Barrett-Jackson’s Opening Night Gala. The renowned automotive lifestyle event featured 56 airmen and women in salute to Arizona’s Luke Air Force Base and presenting of colors, as well as acclaimed live entertainment from Emerald City Band and DJ Munition, gourmet food and signature cocktails.

The automotive lifestyle event of the year continues all week with more than 1,100 pieces of automobilia and more than 1,900 collectible vehicles all selling with No Reserve. The auction will also be broadcast live for a record 41 hours on FYI and The HISTORY Channel.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is a 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint.

“The burgundy exterior finish was applied under previous ownership and is accented with chrome brightwork for the bumpers, grille surround, headlight rings, window trim, and rocker moldings,” the listing states. “Additionally, the car was customized with a Rockwell Golde sliding sunroof. Other features include an egg-crate-style grille and a driver-side mirror. The selling dealer has provided close-ups in the gallery to the right that show blemishes such as paint cracks, chips, lower panel corrosion, and brightwork patina.”

It rides on 15-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and 165/80 Vredestein T-Trac tires.

This Alfa Romeo’s interior is reupholstered with gray vinyl and ivory cloth front bucket seats with newer upholstery for the headliner and door panels. It features manual windows, lap belts, and a truck-mounted spare tire.

It’s powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine with a 38-millimeter Weber two-barrel carburetor. The engine was sourced from a later-model 101-series Alfa Romeo and is paired with a replacement five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.

The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 57,000 kilometers, but the selling dealer states the true mileage on the chassis is unknown. A re-core of the radiator, and a re-lining of the fuel tank using a Gas Tank Renu system was performed.

The sale includes a clear Maryland title in the consignor’s name, service records, and parts receipts.

This 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint’s auction ends on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 3:20 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Modern cars are all about providing optimized visibility through cameras at the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle. Some can even depict a bird’s-eye view of a vehicle’s surroundings using a combination of all the above. But in the 1950s, all it took to enhance line of sight was more glass around the cabin.

The Pick of the Day is a 1956 Ford F-100 pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Phoenix, Arizona.

“This beautiful 1956 Ford F-100 big-window pickup is in remarkable and unmolested condition,” the listing begins. “The truck is all Henry Ford steel and is a pleasure to drive anywhere.”

Ford’s popular F-Series of pickups first came into existence in 1948, encompassing a wide range of utility vehicles from light-duty to heavy-duty. This example comes from the second generation, which started in 1953. The final year for the generation was 1956, and trucks from that model year (such as this one) had a one-year-only body style. Unique design cues included a wrap-around windshield, vertical pillars, and an optional a curved wrap-around rear glass window that gives optimal visibility.

The seller states that this pickup underwent restoration and received not only a cosmetic refurbishment, but also some upgrades like new oak planks in the cargo area, chrome brightwork, a color-matched front windshield visor, and a dual exhaust system. Beyond all that cosmetic rework, it received restomod treatment to bring it into the modern era. Added conveniences include power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a newer heater, and a Kenwood audio system.

Under the hood of this truck is a crate-sourced small-block Chevrolet 350cid V8 mated to a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Based on the two-minute video in the listing with a narrated driving sequence, the drivetrain performs well, and this truck moves down the road confidently.

The photo gallery shows a color-matched diecast scale model sitting on the dash, which could be a nice bonus if the seller is willing to include it.

“This truck has won several shows in the past and is an extraordinary value at this price point,” the seller concludes. The seller is asking $54,895 for this F-100.

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

Sunday at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale saw the return of the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) to Arizona. FCCS has close ties to the Journal, as it began in 2015 by the Collector Car Network which consists of ClassicCars.com, AutoHunter.com, and us. As part of the Barrett-Jackson family, this is something we have been excited to see all year. The show highlights the next generation of classics and collectibles in a family friendly environment. This year our very own Andy Reid was honored with being the lead judge.

Sunday’s activities for Barrett-Jackson put the 2023 Future Collector Car Show presented by Meguiar’s in the spotlight. Held on the Polo Field, the show featured over 100 future collectibles, but ultimately it was a 2002 Honda S2000 that earned the Best of Show title. Among the other judges at the event were renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen, TV personality Bogi Lateiner and YouTuber TJ Hunt. Barrett-Jackson Chairman/CEO Craig Jackson and City of Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega were on hand to welcome participants and congratulate the winners.

Continuing its tradition of blending automotive culture with the world of fashion, FCCS at Barrett-Jackson hosted a fashion show produced by Luxe and City. The winning stylist, Lamark Cole, received a $1,000 cash prize in addition to a complimentary showcase at Arizona Fashion Week later this year, and also will be able to judge Collection of the Year during that event.

In the next few days we will bring you a more detailed recap of the Future Collector Car Show from our writers who attended. You can continue to follow the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction updates on the Journal by clicking the link here.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1960 Chevrolet Corvette with a carbureted 350 small-block upgrade. Equipment includes a four-speed manual transmission, Positraction rear end and Wonderbar radio. Finished in Tuxedo Black with silver coves, and equipped with a white convertible top over a black vinyl interior, this 1960 Corvette is offered by the selling dealer with a clear Pennsylvania title.

The two-tone black and silver flanks are complemented by a white canvas convertible top. Exterior features include driver’s side mirror and dual exhausts exiting through the split rear bumper.

Steel 15-inch wheels with spinner-style polished wheel covers are wrapped in whitewall bias-ply tires.

The two-place cockpit is furnished with reupholstered black vinyl bucket seats and are complemented by matching door panels, dashboard and carpeting. Features include silver accents, Wonderbar push-button AM radio, passenger-side grab-handle, and polished door sill plates.

Instrumentation consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, voltage and oil pressure. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 55,190 miles, but the true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The original 283 has been replaced by a 350ci V8 equipped with an Edelbrock aluminum intake and Carter four-barrel carburetor. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and Positraction limited-slip rear end.

Brakes are drum on all four corners.

The selling dealer has provided a video, which can be seen on the auction page, that shows start-up, walk-around and additional details. A $145 dealer fee/tax will be added to the purchase price. The selling dealer will collect additional registration/sales tax fees if you are a resident of Minnesota, the state from which the Corvette is being sold.

Bidding for this 1960 Chevrolet Corvette ends on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 4:20 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

DPC is back on the road and covering the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. Part one of his odyssey from Phoenix to Westworld of Scottsdale is available here

I mentioned in Part One of my funky adventure that I have covered the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction seven times as a reporter, but strangely enough I have never attended the event as a customer. I’ve always wanted to check it out whilst off the clock but as we know, life can get in the way. This is a lame excuse when you consider I love cars and live in Phoenix, but I have my lazy moments when I don’t want to drive across town. On Sunday I defied my sluggish spirit, skipped the NFL Playoffs, and headed to WestWorld of Scottsdale, but not as a reporter.

I will readily admit that we reporters are spoiled when we cover events. Closer parking, separate entrances to avoid lines, and free food in the press box. It’s first-class treatment and I do my best to avoid taking it for granted. I know I am incredibly fortunate to be coddled when I’m on assignment, and I’m eternally grateful.

To have a better understanding on why I haven’t been to Barrett-Jackson as a paying customer please consider my schedule. When auction week starts, I work 12-hours a day, in at 8 a.m. and I’m heading back home after 8 p.m. This schedule changes as the days of the event gather and by Thursday, I’m in at 7:00 a.m. and heading home is best defined as “TBD.” With long hours you must stay properly fueled and I have discovered over the years that one cannot live on Red Bull alone. I could in college but that was decades ago and I’m far removed from early 20s when I needed minimal sleep, could subsist on cigarettes and caffeine, and never got hangovers. I often miss those days of poor lifestyle choices with minimal repercussions but that’s another story for another time. I love my job and I am not complaining, but I miss my family and dogs during auction week.

Sunday afternoon my wife and I head to Westworld, and I got lost. This was embarrassing but I have no idea where public parking is located, despite spending 10-days a year at Westworld and having a good idea of the general layout. We eventually parked, waited for my mother in law and I went to the box office to buy a ticket. It’s strange but it was a good experience to be a paying customer. Buying a ticket validated my Sunday experience.

Once inside I saw the main pavilion from a different angle. It wasn’t my temporary office for 10-days where I needed to stay sharp and analytical to cover the auction properly, while also being in a perpetual hurry. Quite the opposite on my day off. I relaxed, just took it all in and by taking a simple pause I developed a better understanding of the event and how it is a great opportunity to bring people together.

I ordered a Greyhound and we just strolled with no destination or schedule. We checked out whatever cars caught our eye, chatted it up, and simply had a relaxing day as a family. Easy like Sunday morning at 1:00 p.m.

If you have the opportunity take a moment and smell the flowers because you might have a chance to see something in front of you with a different perspective.