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    AutoHunter Spotlight: 1969 Ford Cobra

    Currently open for bids on AutoHunter is this 1969 Ford Cobra Hardtop. Based on the Fairlane, the Cobra was created to battle with the Plymouth Road Runner, so it had few standard frills. However, Ford’s trump card was a 428 Cobra Jet, an engine that simply outclassed the 383 Mopar—the strategy being that, for a few dollars more, you’d have a faster car of at least equal value. Plus, the Cobra was available as both a Hardtop and SportsRoof fastback, the latter something that no other manufacturer offered in its class. This Black Jade 1969 Cobra Hardtop features a black vinyl and cloth interior and comes with a Deluxe Marti Report and Canadian registration.

    Ford only built 3,786 Cobra Hardtops in 1969, and many were painted in Black Jade. Can you blame ‘em? It’s a gorgeous green that shifts its shade depending on the light. Other features include hood pins, a chrome driver-side remote mirror, and several badges proclaiming the model and engine size. A set of 14-inch steel wheels with Ford “poverty caps” are wrapped in 225/70 BFGoodrich Radial T/As, though if you look at the Marti Report, this car is one of the very few to be equipped with radials when new.

    The vinyl and cloth split front bench seat features head restraints, which were mandated into law on January 1, 1969. A rare feature is air conditioning, which was somewhat incongruent with the modus operandi of the Cobra, but it was available as an option. Other features include power steering, a column-mounted automatic shifter, and a factory AM radio with a glovebox-installed Jensen stereo update featuring FM, CD, auxiliary, and SiriusXM capabilities.

    The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature and fuel, plus a clock. The odometer shows 29,567 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

    The Cobra was only available with two versions of the 428 Cobra Jet: standard Q-code without ram air and R-code with the air induction system. This one is a Q-code, adding to its Q-ship (pun intended) status. Only 667 Q-code/automatic Cobra Hardtops were built for 1969.

    A Ford nine-inch rear axle houses 3.00 gears. Power front disc brakes help put a stop to this Cobra. A dual exhaust system carries spent fuel to the rear.

    While Plymouth produced over 80K Road Runners, Ford produced only 14,885 Cobras between two body styles and two Cobra Jet engines. Its relative rarity and superior powertrain make this 1969 Ford Cobra Hardtop a fine choice for your garage. Plus, your tired body would really appreciate the air conditioning, no? Be quick, as bidding for this Blue Oval muscle car ends on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

    Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

    10 Muscle Cars With Forced Induction

    We all know that the recipe for a muscle car is simple—a big, naturally-aspirated V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and a sleek body that emphasizes performance image. However, throughout the history of the segment and in a relentless quest for speed, car manufacturers presented cars with forced induction systems, enhancing power and torque. Although rare, those models are impressive and valuable parts of the segment. Let’s see what the ten most memorable are. 

    1. Oldsmobile Jetfire

    1962-1963 Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire
    Photo Credit: Hot Rod

    Unfortunately, the Oldsmobile Jetfire is an essential model in automotive history that never got the respect it deserved. Along with the Chevrolet Corvair Monza, it was the first turbocharged passenger car. For the standards of the day, the Jetfire V8 was state-of-the-art technology, and initially, the market was very interested.

    63 Olds F85 Jetfire 3
    Photo Credit: Barn Finds

    The new V8 delivered 215 hp, which was one hp per cubic inch, making it one of the best performance cars of the day. It was almost as fast as the Corvette, with a 0 to 60 mph time of around 8 seconds. 

    Source

    Did They Really Call Them Muscle Cars?

    To you Boomers out there: Yeah, I know, you and no one else ever called high-performance cars “muscle cars.” You called ‘em “super cars” or some other thing, and you know because by golly, you were alive back in the day!

    Except that perception has not aged very well over time.

    Aside from the age-old argument over which model was the first muscle car, the public started to call high-performance cars “muscle cars” as early as 1965. Is there an earlier example? Perhaps, but I haven’t found it.

    What I have found are articles and ads from several newspapers from around the country that use the term “muscle car.” Glance at the Santa Cruz Sentinel dated 1965 (June 27th and August 1st) in which the writer references “muscle cars” out of Detroit.

    The same was repeated in the January 30, 1966, edition. In a November 19, 1967, article evaluating a GS 400, the headline reads, “Buick Civilizes its ‘Muscle Car’.”

    Two days later, the Portsmouth Herald contained an ad from a dealership advertising “muscle cars.” This was followed on June 14, 1967, by a similar yet different ad. This paper also happened to feature a dealer ad in the June 5, 1965, issue that makes the earliest “muscle cars” reference I’ve found.

    In a March 4, 1966, article in the Big Spring Daily Herald, it was said that “if these kids with their muscle-cars had a place they could legally engine contests against a clock (not against other cars), so that the fastest time recorded in a quarter mile wins the brass ring, they would tend to hold down the speeding on public streets.”

    Same state, different paper: The July 26, 1967, issue of the San Antonio Express featured a Dodge ad touting “The Muscle Car” and showing a Coronet R/T with a 440 Magnum.

    After seeing these articles and ads, it should be more than clear that “muscle car” was part of our vernacular in their heyday.

    Pick of the Day: 1995 Ferrari 456 GT

    Which color do you envision when you hear the name “Ferrari“? It’s extremely likely you picture red because a red Ferrari has been a go-to status symbol for decades. Our Pick of the Day, a 1995 Ferrari 456 GT posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in New York, shows that Prancing Horses can look great in other colors, too.

    After Ferrari stopped production of the angular 412 2+2 in 1989, three years would pass until the storied brand introduced another front-engine 2+2. Instead of evolving the 412’s wedge shape, Ferrari went further back in its history and drew inspiration from a much more iconic model: the 365 GTB/4, aka “Daytona.” As Ferrari puts it, the influence on the 456’s largely aluminum bodywork is visible in “the long bonnet, featuring retractable headlight pods, running into a set back cabin. Also inspired by the ‘Daytona’ was the design treatment of the rear of the cabin envelope and tail.” The end result is a tasteful, subtle (as subtle as a V12 Ferrari can be, at least) GT that pays tribute to one of its ancestors without aping its design.

    For the 456’s engine, Ferrari started fresh, leaving behind the old flat-12 used in the Berlinetta Boxer, Testarossa, and their descendants. The F116 B 5.5-liter V12‘s two banks of cylinders were set at a 65-degree angle and equipped with track-friendly dry-sump lubrication. Ferrari rated the new V12 at 442 horsepower (although many outlets show 436) and 406 lb-ft of torque. The 456 GT’s gearbox was new as well, making the 456 the first Ferrari road car with an all-synchromesh six-speed transaxle. Together, the engine and transmission were able to bring the 456 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed north of 186 mph.

    In the 1990s, there were much flashier Ferraris, such as the F355 and F50. By comparison, the 456 is understated, which adds to its appeal. It’s a different kind of Ferrari, for those whose style is “stealth wealth”—especially in this particular 456’s Canna Di Fucile finish.

    With its rich tan leather, the four-seat cabin is the perfect complement to the low-key paint. Power front seats, adjustable dampers, a self-leveling rear suspension, and air conditioning will enable the future driver of this modern classic to rack up hundreds of miles at a clip in total comfort. He or she will also have peace of mind knowing this 56K-mile 456 underwent a $14,000 service at Ferrari of Seattle in 2023 that included new suspension bushings. In addition to service records, it also comes with its original manuals and some tools. You can be that future driver of this 1995 Ferrari 456 GT for $94,500.

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

    LS2-Powered ’37 Ford Coupe Street Rod

    This ’37 Ford custom street rod was built around 2015 by Oze Rods Shop with a fiberglass body mounted on their own frame. The car is powered by a GTO-sourced 6.0-liter LS2 V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end with 3.50 gears, and it rides on Ridetech air suspension with four-wheel discs and staggered Intro wheels. Inside are bucket seats, a custom console, a tilt column and billet wheel, power windows, and a JVC stereo. Acquired by its current owner in 2018, this ’37 Ford coupe street rod is now offered on dealer consignment in New Jersey with records and a clean Illinois title listing the car as a 1937 Ford.

    The smoothed fiberglass body has been painted Dupont Hot Hues Plum Passion Purple with flourishes, and the selling dealer tells us that the top is metal. Turn signals are integrated into the mirrors, and the Hagen taillights are flush-mounted into the rear fender character line. The doors, hood, and trunk have poppers, and there is a remote for the hidden front plate.

    The car rides on adjustable Ridetech air suspension with the controller mounted in the center console, and the rear end is a four-link triangulated setup. Intro staggered 17″ and 18″ wheels, Kumho tires, power steering, and power-assisted four-wheel discs with drilled-and-slotted front rotors as well as stainless-steel lines were utilized. In November 2024 the brake fluid was changed.

    Bucket seats were installed, and the center console is painted to match the body. A B&M shifter in mounted in the console along with controls for the air conditioning, and the JVC stereo is linked to speakers mounted in a custom bulkhead behind the seats. The selling dealer tells us that Lizard Skin undercoating was applied and Dynamat insulation was installed under the carpeting.

    The billet wheel is mounted on a tilt column, and TPI Tech gauges were utilized. The ~5,500 miles on the cluster represents the distance driven on the build.

    The 6.0-liter LS2 V8 was sourced from a 2005 GTO according to the selling dealer, who tells us it is linked to a 4L60 automatic and a Ford 9″ rear end with a limited-slip differential and 3.50 gears. The exhaust system has electrical cutouts, and a Rock Valley stainless-steel fuel tank was installed. In November 2024 the spark plugs were re-gapped, the battery was replaced, and the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and differential fluid were changed.

    A binder of documents are included.

    The car is titled in Illinois as a 1937 Ford using VIN 3862951.

    Check out the new hot rod gear at the BaT Store!

    Hilborn-Injected, Supercharged Hemi-Powered 1930 Ford Coupe Hot Rod

    This 1930 Ford Model A is a steel-bodied, five-window coupe that was purchased as an unmodified example in 2008 by the seller. The subsequent build involved chopping the top 4″ and installing a louvered deck lid and ’58 Ford-sourced roof, and the body was painted metallic orange and mounted on a custom ’32-style boxed frame. The car rides on drop front end with S&W ladder bars, a Panhard bar, and QA1 coilovers out back, and the staggered Radir wheels measure 18×3″ and 15×10″. Power comes from a 354ci Hemi V8 from a ’56 Chrysler that was rebuilt in late 2023, and the engine is topped by a supercharger and a Hilborn electronic fuel injection system. The transmission is a Tremec five-speed manual that was installed in 2022, and custom details continue in the cabin with two-tone upholstery, a roll bar, a Hurst Indy shifter, Stewart Warner gauges, and more as described below. This five-window hot rod is now offered with a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name.

    The seller reports that the steel-bodied car was unmodified when they purchased it in 2008.

    The roof was chopped 4″, and the inverted ribbed roof insert was sourced from a ’58 Ford sedan. The windshield visor is drilled, and the windows are tinted to match the metallic orange paintwork that was applied in 2018.

    The deck lid has 119 louvers, and custom flourishes were applied around the body. The cowl vent is electronically operated. The seller notes the right brake light does not work.

    The drilled and chromed I-beam drop axle has a transverse leaf spring, chrome shocks, and hairpin radius rods. 18×3″ Radir spindle-mount front wheels have Duro tires that were mounted in 2025, and discs are utilized up front.

    The 15×10″ Radir five-spoke rear wheels have M/T cheater slicks mounted. The rear suspension has S&W ladder bars, a Panhard bar, and QA1 coilovers.

    The custom interior has cream and orange upholstery, a six-point roll bar with removable down bars, and a Hurst Indy shifter.

    Stewart Warner gauges are set in an orange-finished, engine-turned panel. The odometer is stopped at 1k miles and does not work.

    In November 2023 the seller rebuilt the 354ci Hemi V8, which he states was sourced from a 1956 Chrysler. It is topped by a Hilborn electronic fuel injection system and a supercharger, and a Holley ECU was utilized.

    Baffles are included for the lake-style headers. The seller estimates output around 500 horsepower at 7 psi.

    The Tremec TKX five-speed and a McLeod twin-disc clutch kit were installed in 2022. The Ford 9″ rear end has been painted to match the body. The seller states the car has line lock and a two-step launch control system.

    The custom ’32-style frame was boxed and has a removable transmission crossmember. Additional images of the paintwork are provided in the gallery.

    The car is titled as a 1930 Ford using VIN 2887951.

    Check out the new hot rod gear at the BaT Store!

    283-Powered Ford Highboy Roadster Hot Rod

    This Ford roadster hot rod was built by the seller’s father using a Brookville Roadster ’29 Ford steel body and a fabricated frame. Completed in 2025, the build was carried out at Roberts Collision Center of Clearwater, Florida, and power comes from a 283ci Chevrolet V8 with ported-and-polished aluminum cylinder heads, a four-barrel carburetor, and an Edelbrock intake manifold. The car rides on a front drop axle with disc brakes and hairpin radius rods as well as a triangulated four-link rear setup with adjustable coilovers. The engine is linked to a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear end, and other highlights include 15” wire wheels, tan upholstery, a Lokar shifter, and white-dial gauges in a polished bezel. This Highboy roadster hot rod is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with a clean Florida title.

    The Brookville Roadster steel body and boxed steel frame are finished in BASF Glasurit blue paint and clearcoat. Exterior details include a polished grille insert, black headlight buckets, a tilt-out windshield, and LED taillights.

    Cream-finished 15” wire wheels wear polished hubcaps and are mounted with 165-series Firestone F-560 tires up front and 255/70 Firehawk Indy 500 units out back. The car rides on a drilled front drop axle supported by a transverse leaf spring and polished hairpin radius rods, while the live rear axle features a triangulated four-link setup and adjustable coilovers. Braking is handled by a Wilwood dual-circuit master cylinder with front discs and rear drums.

    The cabin features a reclining, adjustable bench seat trimmed in Ponderosa Nauga Leather that extends to the door and kick panels, and they are joined by color-coordinated lap belts. Blue carpets with black binding line the floor, and additional appointments include a Lokar shifter, a concealed USB charging port, and red ambient lighting.

    The three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of white-dial instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer flanked by gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, voltage, and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer shows 5 miles, which is said to represent the distance driven since the build was completed.

    An Optima Red Top battery is mounted in the trunk, which is trimmed to complement the cabin.

    The 283ci Chevrolet V8 was built using a cast-iron block sourced from a C1 Corvette as well as ported-and-polished aluminum cylinder heads. The engine is further equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock intake manifold, an Accel distributor, coated “rams horn” exhaust manifolds, and a chrome alternator, air cleaner lid, and valve covers. The Cold-Case aluminum radiator is cooled by an electric puller fan.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a rebuilt TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear end with 3.55:1 gearing. The rear axle housing, driveshaft, and undersides have been painted to match the body.

    The car is titled in Florida as a 1929 Ford using the VIN A1782413, which appears on a plaque mounted to the firewall.

    Auto Archaeologist Shows Us They’re Still Out There

    I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Ryan Brutt being a member of the Moparts.com forum and shoot up into automotive fame. He has a penchant for hunting down decrepit muscle cars, showing us pics and videos, and eliciting oohs and aahs. Now, Ryan has hit the big time as Chicago’s very own WGN-TV has done a profile on the barn find sleuth who profiles old cars.

    Ryan and the folks from WGN (picture courtesy of Ryan Brutt)

    Truth be told, Ryan has already hit the big time as a contributor to Hot Rod, author of two books, and the most popular display at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. Thanks to the “network effect,” car owners have gone from being suspicious of this would-be interloper to welcoming him with open arms because Ryan is honest, keeps his word, and doesn’t disclose private information. In fact, Ryan was recruited to document what may be the ultimate barn find because . . . well, because he’s the Auto Archaeologist!

    Lesson learned: follow your passions, be kind, and the universe will open up for you.

    Ryan’s Barn Finds display at MCACN

    Ryan’s adventures could be random sightings from the roads, inquiries about possible cars in barns, or an invite from a hoarder or owner of a specialized salvage yard—it runs the gamut. Looking at Ryan’s output, you’ll notice with amazement that there are a lot of very rare cars that people have sitting on dirt.

    In other words, they’re still out there!

    Click on this screen shot to view WGN’s profile on Ryan

    If you’re interested in following Ryan on social media, click here for his Facebook feed, here for his Instagram feed, and here for Auto Archaeology on YouTube.

    Here’s to Ryan for a job well done!

    AutoHunter Spotlight: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 350/300

    Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible. It’s powered by its rebuilt original Turbo-Fire 350ci V8, which is paired with a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic. Finished in LeMans Blue and equipped with a white convertible top over a Bright Blue vinyl interior, this C3 is now offered by the Texas-based seller with a body-color hardtop, service records that go back to 1980, and clear title.

    The curvy exterior is covered in LeMans Blue paint and equipped with chrome bumpers, pop-up headlights, front fender gills, chrome mirror housings, rear antenna, and dual exhaust outlets. The white manual soft top fits underneath a body-color tonneau cover.

    This Stingray glides on a set of 15-inch Rally wheels and new 255/60 Hankook Kinergy ST radial tires.

    Inside, this third-generation Vette has Bright Blue bucket seats and components. Features include manual windows, air conditioning, updated Kenwood AM/FM/cassette radio, and center console.

    Instrumentation consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure, and battery. The analog odometer shows 50,989 miles, but the title indicates this vehicle is mileage-exempt.

    Under the hood is the original L48 Turbo-Fire 350ci V8, which was factory-rated at 300 horsepower. The small-block was rebuilt in 2017 and comes equipped with a new Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, intake manifold, distributor, and battery. The refreshed engine delivers its output to the 3.08:1 rear end through a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel power disc brakes keep that power in check.

    You have the power to make this Corvette yours, but only if you bid in time. Do that now – the auction for this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette convertible ends on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

    Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

    These are the 7 Concept Vehicles at the 2025 Easter Jeep Safari

    Every spring, Jeep owners and off-road enthusiasts head to Moab, Utah for the Easter Jeep Safari. This year marks the 59th running of the event, which takes place April 12-20, 2025. Consider it one long Jeep love fest filled with wheeling, lessons, repairs, and memories. Jeep always makes sure to return the love by arriving with a variety of concepts that show new parts and different spins on past and current vehicles. This year’s batch of Easter Jeep Safari builds made in collaboration with the specialists at Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) consists of the following.

    Convoy
    This military-inspired rig pays homage to the J-Series trucks with its distinctive nose and features a 12,000-pound Warn winch, brown canvas half doors, matching top and bed canopy, and high-clearance fender flares over a set of 17-inch Warn wheels surrounded by 40-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tires.

    Bug Out 4xe
    Overlanding can be heavy if you bring too much stuff. The Bug Out 4xe is all about lightening the load, which explains its half doors and lack of rear windows. To make getting away from it all easier, the Bug Out 4xe has integrated auxiliary battery packs, 12-inch body extension with a flat rear floor to provide shelter from the elements, and attachment points for a sleeping hammock.

    Rewind
    Many Jeep builds are inspired by Jeeps from WWII. That’s not the case here. The Rewind is a throwback to the 1980s and ’90s. That’s why it’s covered in Grimace purple and colorful graphics, with the interior featuring custom retro print inserts. There’s even a vintage car cell phone (perhaps next year’s EJS will have a rig inspired by Cher Horowitz’s YJ in “Clueless”).

    Wrangler 4xe Blueprint
    According to Stellantis, the Blueprint concept is “a rolling catalog of factory-tested and factory-backed items from Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts. Carrying more than 35 accessories finished in contrasting Mopar Blue and labeled with QR codes, each provides a live link to the Mopar eStore consumer website for specific part numbers, specifications, and options to purchase.” Those parts include a two-inch lift kit, rock rails, Rubicon steel bumpers, snorkel, and tailgate table.

    Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Sunchaser
    Sometimes an outdoor adventure can take all day and night. The Sunchaser is ready for those long hours with a two-inch lift, roof rack, and concept parts such as the vented high-top steel fender flares, side storage boxes, and Mopar ILLUMINAT3 off-road pivoting light bar.

    Gladiator Rubicon High Top Honcho
    Jeep gave its modern pickup 1970s-style graphics along with white steel wheels, 40-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 rubber, Dana 60 axles, an AccuAir adjustable air suspension, and bed roll bar.

    J6 Honcho
    To make this 1970s Jeep Honcho tribute, the build team converted a Gladiator into a two-door pickup with a six-foot bed “box” area. Additional modifications include several custom parts: a triple-hoop front bumper with TYRI lights, flat steel fender flares, rock rails, roll bar with forward- and rear-facing TYRI lights, and rear spare tire carrier.

    If you happen to be in Moab, you can see all of these concepts at the Walker Drug store April 14-18. To learn more about these one-offs and the 59th annual Easter Jeep Safari, visit the Stellantis media site by clicking here.