Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 9,330-mile 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport coupe, which is powered by an LT4 5.7-liter V-8 paired with a ZF six-speed manual gearbox. Highlights include ceramic coating, Selective Real Time Damping, and MagnaFlow mufflers. Finished in Admiral Blue with Arctic White striping over a Black leather interior, this limited-production C4 is now offered by the seller in Illinois with a car cover, original window sticker and owner’s manual, dealership receipts, original Goodyear Eagle tires, mufflers, and air intake cover, clean AutoCheck report, and clear title.
For the 1996 model year (the last of the C4 Corvettes), Chevrolet honored the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport race cars by producing 1,000 Grand Sport road cars, which were available as a coupe or convertible. This ceramic-coated coupe comes in the signature Grand Sport colors of Admiral Blue with Arctic White striping down the middle and dual red hash marks on the driver-side fender. Features include pop-up headlights, body-color removable roof panel, heated power mirrors with body-color caps, glass rear hatch with a defroster, and dual exhaust outlets connected to MagnaFlow mufflers.
Another distinctive element of the Grand Sport is its set of black 17-inch five-spoke wheels, which are wrapped in 275/40 front and 315/35 rear Mickey Thompson Street Comp raised-white-letter tires.
The cockpit features power-adjustable Black leather sport seats as well as the convenience of power locks and windows, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, and Delco/Bose AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system.
Instrumentation consists of a mix of digital and analog displays for the speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, oil temperature, temperature, and voltage. The digital odometer shows 9,330 miles; the AutoCheck report’s latest mileage figure of 8,690 miles was logged in August 2023.
Like the Grand Sport, the LT4 5.7-liter V-8 (which featured high-compression heads, redesigned cam, new injectors, and a performance crankshaft) was only produced for the ’96 model year. Output was 330 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 revs. A ZF six-speed manual gearbox sends the horses and twist to a limited-slip rear differential. Traction control, power disc brakes, and the F45 suspension with Selective Real Time Damping help keep this special Corvette in one piece.
If you’d like a piece of 1990s and Corvette history, bid on this 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport coupe before the auction ends on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. (MST).
Of all the cars that answered the direct call from the Pontiac GTO, the one from Dodge was the worst seller of the bunch. Styling was great from 1967-69 (and arguable for our Pick of the Day), but the sales problem was that it was in the shadow of something else. This 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Celeste, Texas.
Dodge (and Plymouth) learned the hard way that image went a long way. Certainly, Dodge had all the right equipment to compete with the Pontiac GTO (with the 383 and 426-S), but they either could not compete as well or they didn’t sell. Adding the 426 Hemi to the roster in 1966 was no help either since it was expensive, complicated, and lacked a full warranty.
By the time the 1967 model year rolled around, Dodge had indicated it was ready to straighten out and fly right by introducing the Coronet R/T. Not only did it have the shroud of a special performance car, but it also offered the equipment and performance that normally would have required optional equipment from its competition. Standard was a new 440 Magnum engine rated at 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. It came with a special four-barrel carburetor, special long-duration camshaft, low-restriction exhaust manifolds, and large-diameter dual exhaust system. The R/T was instantly identifiable by a smooth grille borrowed from the Charger sans concealed headlights; louvered hood; side contour paint stripe; distinctive “R/T” identification on the grille, rear quarter panels, and taillights; heavy-duty suspension; 7.75 x 14-inch red streak tires; bucket seats; and 150-mph speedometer, among other features. Of course, the 426 Hemi was optional.
Though the press praised the Coronet R/T, its sales were not as auspicious as had been anticipated: only 10,109 hardtops and 628 convertibles. A redesign for 1968 evolved the styling but underneath was much the same. Compared to 87,684 GTOs, Dodge only sold 10,849 — similar to 1967’s number, though 1968 was a peak year for performance cars in general. The Coronet R/T seemingly had everything: good looks, solid powertrain, and a fine marketing campaign with the Scat Pack, but it did not pay off in sales.
Dodge’s problem was that it had a new better-looking brother called Charger R/T, which was identical underneath but just so happened to sell roughly 90 percent better (and I wouldn’t doubt several Coronet R/T buyers lacking money went with the 383 Charger).
By the time the 1970 model year arrived, the Coronet had received a one-year restyle. Again, not much changed underneath, but the styling had some feeling it was somewhat bizarre thanks to two loop bumpers (influenced by Dodge’s “delta” trademark styling cues) split by a “tongue,” with Super Stock magazine claiming that “the majority didn’t care for the twin horsecollar grille.” On the other hand, the rest of the car benefited from embryonic “Fuselage” styling that was the theme of the Polara/Monaco and Challenger, especially with the “Coke-bottle” rear fenders and curved side glass. This was the year that high-performance cars reputedly reached their apex, but not in terms of sales — the Coronet R/T achieved production of just 2,615. In case you were wondering, the Charger R/T also was hit to the tune of 10,337. Of the two, only the Charger R/T would continue into 1971.
Nonetheless, a car like this 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T convertible has its fans (including yours truly). Only 296 were built, with most featuring the 440/TorqueFlite combination like this car. It is painted in the ever-popular “EB5” Bright Blue metallic with white top and blue bucket-seat interior. According to the fender tag, this car originally was built as a stripe-delete, but now it features a white “Bumblebee” stripe. One desirable feature worth mentioning is the Ramcharger hood, which was introduced in 1969. Modifications are few, but they include the 17-inch American Racing wheels, tires, and radiator. “Freshly rebuilt engine, runs and drives well,” says the seller.
It’s interesting to see how the “senior” high-performance Dodge eventually ended up playing a junior role, but it’s also worth noting that the Charger was never available as a convertible. When you put down the top, there is no conceivable way that this Coronet R/T will be overshadowed.
Have you ever traveled to another country and noticed how different the vehicles are? Well, if you’re an American who plans on traveling to the United Kingdom, you may see several familiar models: GM trucks and SUVs.
2023 Cadillac Escalade-V (Photo courtesy of the Cadillac Pressroom)
Many aspects of American culture, such as music, clothing, and movies, are embraced in other parts of the world, so it’s not surprising that there are fans of our large and powerful pickups and people-haulers across the pond. You certainly don’t have to be an American to love off-road adventures or a supercharged V-8. There’s enough of a market for big GM metal that GM Europe collaborated with UK-based GM Specialty Vehicles distributor Clive Sutton to offer UK customers the ability to buy the following models:
2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate (Photo courtesy of the GMC Pressroom)
Once the GM Specialty Vehicles UK (GMSV UK) dealer network is established, buyers will get transparent pricing, GM‑approved servicing, finance options, and the ability to commission a bespoke build. Dealers will also offer accessory packages, paint protection film, special finishes, tracker and security systems, and more.
2026 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate (Photo courtesy of the GMC Pressroom)
Clive Sutton and GMSV UK are currently accepting orders. Each vehicle will be covered by a three‑year, unlimited‑mileage warranty; an additional two years of coverage is an available option for added peace of mind. Starting this spring, the vehicles will be delivered through the Clive Sutton location in London or through GMSV UK. Cadillac Escalade-V and Bentley Bentayga Speed drag races will probably begin soon after that.
Quick! Can you name the brand that joined the bucket-seat-and-console brigade and offered this configuration in three classes of cars? This brand began offering these cars in 1962, at least a year before Brand X. Need another hint? These cars were organized under an umbrella of being part of the S-series, followed by a number that reflected a size hierarchy. Did you guess Mercury?
While researching this week’s story on the Mercury Brougham, I was reminded that Mercury (along with big brother Ford) were all-in on this sporty, Euro-influenced trend. Model years 1962-63 were the only time that Mercury grouped these cars under a certain umbrella.
1961 Comet S-22 Sedan
Comet The Comet S-22 was the first of the bunch to cash in on the popularity of sporty compacts, initially appearing mid-year in 1961. A brochure dedicated to this upscale two-door sedan claimed it had the “newest, niftiest interior under the smartest roof in the compact field!” Foam-contoured bucket seats up front, vinyl-clad steel console with hinged-door glove box in between the front buckets. Tasteful ornamentation. Extra insulation. Plus, cigarette lighter, front-door courtesy light switches, and bright metal door and window frames.
1962 Comet S-22 Sedan
It was a “beautiful combination of interior appointments and exterior styling [to] make it one of the most thoroughly luxurious compacts you can own.” However, you wouldn’t find that sportiness underneath the hood because only the Thrift Power Six and Thrift Power 170 were available.
1963 Mercury Comet S-33 Hardtop (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
A tasteful facelift for 1962 resulted in refined styling including trimmed fins and new brightwork that brought the Comet closer to the rest of its portfolio, if not the ’61 Monterey. The Comet S-22 benefited from those changes and showed distinction from lesser Comets by having six taillights (versus four). Both the two-door sedan and six-cylinder would continue to be the only choices until 1963, when a convertible joined the lineup; mid-year, an optional 260 small-block V-8 appeared, as did a slick hardtop.
Nineteen sixty-three would be the Comet S-22’s swan song because it was replaced by the 1964 Cyclone, which also came equipped with a standard 210-horsepower 289.
1962 Mercury Meteor S-33 Sedan
Meteor When Ford introduced the mid-size Fairlane for 1962, Mercury received its own version called the Meteor (not to be confused with the Ford-built Canadian brand). Though it was the perfect name considering the theme established by the Comet, it had already been mainstreamed the year before in Mercury’s 1961 full-size series. Unlike the Comet, the mid-size Meteor bore a closer resemblance to full-size 1962 Mercurys, including the rocket-like taillights. “The new-size car that fills the gap between big cars and compacts,” claimed the Meteor brochure, emphasizing the balance between compact handling and big-car roominess.
1963 Meteor S-33 Hardtop
The Meteor was available in base and Custom trim levels; mid-year, Mercury added the Meteor S-33 two-door sedan. Can you guess its equipment? Yup — buckets, console, and a higher level of trim, plus ammeter and oil pressure gauges, exclusive door panels, deep nylon-rayon carpeting, tri-color wheel covers, and standard 260 V-8.
For 1963, the Meteor received mild tweaks in styling and trim, though a two-door hardtop was added to the lineup, replacing the Meteor S-33’s two-door sedan. Just as it did with the Comet S-22 above, 1963 would mark the end of the Meteor S-33. In fact, 1963 would be the end of the mid-size Mercury until 1966.
1962 Monterey S-55 Hardtop
Monterey Nineteen sixty-two was the year that many full-size cars jumped on the sporty bandwagon, and Mercury was no different. Available as a hardtop or convertible, the mid-year 1962 Monterey S-55 “joins the bucket-seat sizzlers” with contoured bucket seats and console, three-spoke steering wheel, “deep, rich carpeting,” distinctive door panels with armrests and carpeting and courtesy lamps, padded instrument panel, electric clock, back-up lights, and pedals “edged and ribbed with bright metal.” Standard was a 292 small-block V-8, with 352 and 390 big-blocks as options. Eventually, a four-speed and two versions of the new 406 V-8 became available.
1963 Monterey S-55 Convertible
For 1963, Mercury added plenty to the Monterey S-55’s luster. Initially, a hardtop and convertible were available, with the hardtop being the new “Breezeway” with a reverse-slant, retractable backlite. Standard power was an upgrade from lesser Monterey and Monterey Custom models, a 300-horsepower 390 four-barrel, so it could be suggested that the S-55 was a performance model as well. This was unique among full-size bucket-and-console models in the industry. Top engines initially were the pair of 406s.
1963 Monterey S-55 Marauder
In the spring, the slick “Marauder” roofline was added (to make three available Monterey S-55 models), along with two versions of the new 427 to replace the 406.
1966 S-55 hardtop
Mercury dropped the Monterey S-55 for 1964, though buckets and console continued to be available as part of the Sports Package. However, the S-55 was revived for 1966 as a way to highlight the introduction of the new 428 V-8 (much like Ford’s 7-Litre). The S-55 would appear for one more year and then disappear.
Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this restored 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS convertible. A Camaro convertible is one thing, but one with the Rally Sport package? Peak GM! Powering this ragtop is a 327 four-barrel V-8 backed by a TH400 automatic transmission. Other features include front and rear spoilers, power front disc brakes, Rally wheels, fold-down rear seat, woodgrain trim, and more. Painted British Green with white convertible top over an Ivory interior, this stylish pony car comes from the selling dealer in Oregon with a clear title.
British Green was a mid-year introduction for the 1968 Camaro, one of three colors borrowed from the Corvette as part of a marketing push. It is complemented by a white convertible top. Other features include front and rear spoilers, hidden headlights (as part of the RS package), aftermarket Cowl Induction hood, chrome side mirrors, and black lower rockers. A set of 15-inch Rally wheels are fitted with staggered width radials — 215/60 up front, 265/50 out back.
The cabin features the Custom interior in Ivory, which was a mid-year running change from Parchment. Bucket seats sans console means the automatic transmission shifter is on the column, which is a configuration not often seen. Other features include woodgrain trim, three-spoke steering wheel with power steering, fold-down rear seats, and aftermarket AM/FM stereo with cassette player.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer with a gauge for fuel; aftermarket gauges, including an 8,000-rpm tachometer and an auxiliary cluster that shows the oil pressure, temperature, and voltage, reside under the dashboard. The odometer shows 797 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
Powering this Camaro is the reportedly numbers-matching 327 small-block with a four-barrel carburetor. The 275-horsepower V-8 also features aftermarket valve covers, headers, and air cleaner. Shifting is handled by a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.
The undercarriage consists of power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system.
The first-generation Camaro is one of the hobby’s most popular cars, yet green is one of its least-favorite colors. However, British Green is one of the best greens of the era and, combined with the white top and interior, makes this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS convertible a standout. Is it any wonder that it’s our AutoHunter Spotlight? So, get your finances in order and bid soon because the auction for this Bow Tie pony car ends on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. (MST).
The early 1940s was a significant time for Buick. In one of its 1941 brochures, it stated, “We had in our 1940 car the most successful model in our history — and we had to beat it.” That led to a number of updates for 1941, the same year that the United States entered World War II. Our Pick of the Day is Buick’s way of showing that it wasn’t going to rest on its laurels. You can find this restored and award-winning 1941 Buick Special Sedanet listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
The 1941 Buick Special lineup gives us a great snapshot of how Buick improved upon its previous model. It used the classic strategy of “more” to make the ’41 Special larger, roomier, and more powerful. The new Specials were set on wider frames and were both longer and wider than their predecessors. Those increased dimensions resulted in more entry room, legroom, headroom, and even luggage space.
The standard power plant was the Fireball 248ci straight-eight, which produced 115 horsepower, an eight percent increase compared to 1940. Opting for “Compound Carburetion” (essentially dual carbs, the setup under the hood of this car) bumped that number up to 125.
If you watch certain old movies or TV shows, it’s easy to believe that cars from this era were visually dull because many of them shown on-screen are finished in boring colors and seem to lead ho-hum lives transporting bland people. That’s not the case here, though. It helps that this car has tasteful curves that lead toward a graceful, sloped rear end. There’s just the right amount of brightwork, including the dramatic C-shaped trim on the rear fender skirts. A restoration 3,167 miles ago added new life — and fresh Sequoia Cream paint — which makes this Buick even more of a head-turner.
You might imagine that the interior is furnished with a more subdued color of mohair or cloth, such as tan or beige. Wrong! The seats are covered in green pleated leather and flanked by door panels of the same color. Down below? Green carpet.
The ivory-colored steering wheel, wood-tone dash, and engine-turned dash trim add contrast and texture. What’s harder to see is that the wheel is connected to power steering, and the column-mounted shifter behind it controls a three-speed manual transmission.
What a wonderful combination, inside and out! No wonder this 1941 Buick Special Sedanet won the Senior National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) in 2014. Given its design and colors, it’s a trophy itself. You can proudly display it your garage for $48,500.
Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is returning to the South Florida Fairgrounds for its second-longest-running event: the annual Palm Beach Auction, April 16-18, 2026. Since its debut in 2003, the Palm Beach Auction has evolved into the East Coast’s ultimate automotive lifestyle experience, blending high-octane bidding with family-friendly entertainment. The 2026 Palm Beach Select Preview is now live and features an exciting lineup of collectible vehicles. Its diverse offerings are designed to appeal to both first‑time buyers and seasoned collectors, reflecting the variety for which Barrett‑Jackson is known.
“Our first Palm Beach Auction in 2003 launched what has become a world-class tradition,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ve created incredible moments here, selling coveted collectible vehicles, raising millions of dollars for charity and hosting a multitude of entertainment, sports and business icons. We look forward to bringing that Barrett-Jackson magic back to Florida this April. I invite everyone to check out our Select Preview to get a glimpse of the incredible collectible vehicles in the lineup for April.”
Dodge Thrill Rides at the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track.
The three-day event offers a variety of options in and around the auction arena. Beyond the block, guests can experience:
Thrill Rides at the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track: Buckle up and leave the daring driving to the pros! Experience tire-shredding, high-speed hot laps as professional drivers push late-model machines to the limit on our custom track.
Vibrant Lifestyle Marketplace: Shop offerings from luxury goods to automotive accessories and more.
Diverse Dining and EntertainmentZones: Enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor food and beverage options, including the Barrett-Jackson Patio, while local bands and DJs perform throughout the weekend.
Secrets to a Showroom Shine: Adam’s Polishes Detailing Clinics will be offered daily at 2 p.m.
Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge: Get in the running to win a new Dodge Charger Scat Pack or $100,000 in cash with the Perfect 12 Jackpot! Compete online at promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com from 8 a.m. until the final gavel falls.
Fun for the Whole Family: Children 12 and under get in FREE with a paying adult, and student tickets are just $10.
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Techart GTstreet R
Collectible vehicles on the Select Preview include:
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Techart GTstreet R (preview) – Professionally converted to full GTstreet R specification; is number 4 of 10 built and only one allocated to the Americas; produces 850 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque through upgraded turbochargers, high-performance intercoolers, a performance exhaust system and precision ECU calibration.
1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Widebody Limited Edition (preview) – Officially licensed (No. 4 of 60); powered by a supercharged V-8 engine producing up to 882hp; includes authenticated signed photos from “Gone in 60 Seconds” cast members Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie.
1967 Shelby GT500 (preview) – Original-condition Shelby rarely driven and carefully housed; powered by a V-8 Police Interceptor engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 VIN 001 (preview) – The first ever produced at the Van Nuys plant; matching-numbers 400ci V-8 engine and loaded with nearly every 1969 option.
2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS (preview) – Features 200 actual miles, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine and SportDesign carbon-fiber package.
2005 Porsche 911 GT3 (preview) – Powered by a 375hp naturally aspirated Mezger flat-six engine with a six-speed manual transaxle.
1972 Ford Bronco Custom SUV (preview) – Reimagined with a brand-new metal body and built on a Patriot Classic frame; powered by a Gen III 5.0-liter Coyote crate engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
1953 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup (preview) – Finished in striking Pegasus Purple and Tequila Gold Candy paint; suspension is handled by a complete AccuAir e+ air-ride system.
1978 Ford Bronco (preview) – Reported to be all-original, retaining its factory components and functionality; 285 actual miles.
1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne Super Custom Pickup (preview) – Powered by a 350ci V-8 engine; Professional clearcoat finish in factory-correct black.
1985 Gentry Turbo Eagle Scarab Powerboat (preview) – APBA Superboat Class World Championship winner, piloted by actor and racer Don Johnson. Powered by three turbocharged V-8 engines rated at 1,200hp each with Mercury No. 6 sterndrives; 46-foot offshore racing hull; underwent a $1.3 million restoration completed in 2017.
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.
If you’re like me, one way in which you make sense of the world is by relating the things you see to cars. That’s what my series Car Connections is all about. I take three words from the Random Word Generator, which are often seemingly unrelated to automobiles, then find ways to link them to cars. This week’s words are legend, reluctance, and raw. How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below.
Legend: “I Am Legend,” the 2007 movie in which Robert Neville (played by Will Smith) strives to find a cure to a virus that wiped out most of humanity (but also created mutant Darkseekers). It’s bleak, but at least there’s a cool car: an S197 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which Neville uses to zoom around a desolate, overgrown Manhattan with his dog Sam. Crank up the volume to get an earful of supercharger whine from the video below.
BMW X4 M40i (Photo courtesy of BMW PressClub USA)
Reluctance: Back in 2017, BMW sent me an X4 M40i to review. I must admit that I was reluctant to tolerate the “Sports Activity Coupe” before I even drove it. I saw it as the answer to a question that nobody asked. My week behind the wheel completely changed my mind. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter I-6 was powerful and responsive, the eight-speed automatic was always in the right gear, the second row had a surprising amount of headroom despite the swoopy roofline, and there was plenty of cargo space in the rear.
2021 Ram 1500 TRX (Photo courtesy of Stellantis)
Raw: As in raw meat. I’m not a scientist, but I know dinosaurs ate plenty of that because they didn’t cook. When Ram introduced the supercharged Hemi-powered 1500 TRX (aka T-Rex) for the 2021 model year, it called the 702-horsepower high-performance pickup “the apex predator of the truck world,” a not-so-subtle jab at the Ford F-150 Raptor, which only offered 450 horsepower via the EcoBoost V-6. That eventually led to Ford introducing the Raptor R, which currently has a 720-horsepower, supercharged 5.2-liter V-8. Ram recently announced the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, which is more potent than ever, cranking out 777 horsepower and 680 lb.-ft. of torque. In a way, dinosaurs still exist — and they’ve evolved (but they still can’t cook).
At SEMA, we met David Clark, who told us all about his 1974 Plymouth ’Cuda, aka “Hellfish.” This build dates back to 2017, when David bought two raffle tickets at the Mopar Heaven meet at the Texas Motor Speedway. After the event, David got a call saying he had won a Hellcat crate motor.
That kicked off a seven-year journey of planning, parts (which include a TREMEC five-speed manual, Wilwood brakes, and a Control Freak suspension), and setbacks. All of those ups and downs led to David accomplishing his goal: showing Hellfish in all its supercharged V8 glory at SEMA. Beating other Hellcats and a Hellcat Redeye at the drag strip was a nice bonus.
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“Living the dream.” Back when I worked for a marketing research firm in the 2010s, that was the response I got from my boss every time I asked him how he was doing. I was never sure if he was being sarcastic, or trying to fool me or even himself. Whatever the case was, I didn’t believe him, but I genuinely think Ryan Shaughnessy is living his dream — he’s the Ford Mustang Brand Manager.
I met up with Shaughnessy in the Ford area at WestWorld of Scottsdale during the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction. As people checked out the Mustang RTR and Mustang GTD models on display, we talked about Shaughnessy’s career path and the brand-new supercharged Dark Horse SC, which we told you all about last month. This particular one was VIN 001, which later crossed the block for $1.25 million, all of which benefited Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to making “life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat Type 1 diabetes and its complications.” The new owner will get to spec their Dark Horse SC as they wish.
As a 2026-only Track Pack Special Edition, this Dark Horse SC was dressed in Shadow Black (the other available color is Oxford White) and equipped with the Carbon Exterior Package’s carbon fiber mirror caps and front and rear fascias, and Recaro Dinamica and leather seats with Solar Red accents, plus the 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters and shifter dial trim from the Mustang GTD. The Track Pack added carbon-fiber aero, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and carbon-fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R track tires.
Like many car enthusiasts, Shaughnessy became interested in the Mustang when he was a teenager. A kid in his neighborhood bought an S197 Mustang GT convertible, which led to Shaughnessy driving a Mustang of some sort whenever he could. He scored many more opportunities when he joined Ford in 2020. As the Mustang Product Marketing Manager, Shaughnessy worked with the design, engineering, and color and material teams as well as other departments on the Mustang Dark Horse SC, Mustang RTR, and every other future Mustang through 2031.
Shaughnessy also had a long-range vision for his career: His goal from the start was to become the Mustang Brand Manager. Several months ago, he went through an intense interview process for the position. One day, while he was vacation at the beach, his boss called to say, “I want to congratulate you. You did outstanding in the interview and you got the job.” Shaughnessy immediately pumped his fist in the air in celebration. The excitement hasn’t faded since then; he told me, “This is my dream job. I’m just grateful that I have the opportunity. Every morning, I wake up excited.”
Given that the Chevrolet Camaro is dead and there is currently no V-8 option for the Dodge Charger, I told Shaughnessy that it seems the Mustang is competing with itself. He looks at it differently. “I’d say that we’re upping our game and elevating our competition and taking it to Europe’s elite sports car competitors: Porsche, Mercedes-AMG GT — that’s who we’re going up against with the Dark Horse SC.”
With those rivals in mind, putting the Predator supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 — which you may remember from the S550 Shelby GT500 — under the hood of the Dark Horse SC was the logical choice. Official output figures and acceleration and track times aren’t out yet, but expect them to slot in between those of the 500-horsepower, Coyote V-8-powered Dark Horse and the GTD, which uses an 815-horse version of the SC’s engine.
Model lineups are interesting, but I was curious to know the SC’s position in the Mustang family. “This is like the ‘Bad Boy,’” Shaughnessy said, likening it to a rebellious brother. With the Dark Horse SC Track Pack Special Edition, “The goal was to make the most sinister, badass Dark Horse that we could,” which inspired the red calipers for the Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, fender badging, painted hood stripes, Solar Red seat accents, and red-outlined Dark Horse deck lid badging. The Predator engine definitely fits the image. According to Shaughnessy, “There’s something that happens when you hear this engine. It’s this sort of primal, visceral response that you get. It makes you want to get in the car and drive.”
The Dark Horse SC took countless hours of research, coordination, planning, configuring, and testing, but it was worth the effort. When it was finally a complete car with all of it gaps tightened and its badges on, Shaughnessy was stunned — but not speechless. “Literally, my jaw dropped and I said, ‘Holy ess’” (as a gentleman and a professional, he didn’t use the actual word. That’s okay because I knew exactly what he meant).
Judging by the constant flow of people around the SC, it was obvious that people were interested in it. Shaughnessy had already seen much more activity than I did, so I asked him for the most common response to the car. It isn’t a statement — it’s a question: “What is this?” Of course, many of the people at the auction recognized the SC and knew the available facts about it. But they and all the rest of us outside of Ford HQ don’t know what it’s like to drive. Shaughnessy told me that once people are able to get behind the wheel, they’ll be surprised by the SC’s driving characteristics, the quick shifting of its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the calibration of its MagneRide dampers, and the way it handles compared to previous high-performance Mustangs.
The 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC will be in Ford showrooms this summer. If Shaughnessy gets one of his own, it’ll be in about a year and a half. First, he has to pay for a wedding and a house. In the meantime, he’ll enjoy his Race Red 2024 Mustang GT Premium Fastback. The job he always wanted, true love, a home, and a Mustang? Shaughnessy really is “living the dream.”
