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    Custom ’37 Pontiac-Style Pickup Hot Rod 3-Speed

    This pickup hot rod was built by its prior owner using the front bodywork from a 1937 Pontiac Deluxe 6 and a custom tubular steel frame. Power comes from a 24-stud flathead V8 with Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads, a Holley carburetor, and headers, and the truck rides on a leaf-spring suspension with front radius rods, rear ladder bars, and 15” wheels. It is finished in black over beige cloth upholstery, and additional details include a three-speed manual transmission, a wood-lined cargo bed, a beehive oil filter, front disc brakes, three-point seatbelts, and a GPS speedometer. Acquired by the seller in 2023, this custom hot rod pickup is now offered with a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name listing the truck as a 1937 Pontiac.

    Pontiac’s revisions for the 1937 model year included a split grille with horizontal bars that connect visually to trim along the sides of the hood. This vehicle was assembled using steel bodywork from a two-sedan that was shortened to create a pickup-style cab. It was then mounted to a custom-fabricated tubular steel frame along with a cargo bed. The chassis was painted red, and the body was finished in black with beige Pontiac script and pinstriping on the tailgate. Other details include a split windshield, chrome headlight housings, and round side mirrors.

    Color-keyed 15” steel wheels wear Pontiac-logo hubcaps are mounted with 165-series Remington Himax Radial M&S front tires and 255/70 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 rear units. The suspension features transverse leaf springs, a front drop axle with hairpin radius rods, and a live rear axle with ladder bars. Braking is handled by front discs and finned rear drums.

    The cylindrical fuel tank is mounted in the cargo bed, which is lined with wood slats retained by polished runners.

    The cabin features a bench seat trimmed in beige cloth that extends to the headliner, sun visors, and door panels. The dashboard fascia is painted to match in the body, and the central bezel and Pontiac Master heater are finished in red. Three-point seatbelts have been added along with a Speedway 12-circuit wiring harness managing a 12-volt electrical system. The seller notes that the six-volt clock is inoperative.

    The four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a 120-mph GPS speedometer as well as Stewart-Warner gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and voltage. The car is not equipped with an odometer.

    The 24-stud Flathead V8 is equipped with a Holley carburetor, Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads, a beehive-style oil filter housing, and tubular headers that flow into a dual exhaust system. The radiator is cooled by an electric puller fan.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission.

    The car is titled as a 1937 Pontiac using the VIN 6CA26290.

    10 Classic Muscle Cars That Will Bankrupt You in Repairs (Avoid These!)

    Classic muscle cars are cool—until you get the repair bill. Some of the most iconic models come with hidden costs that can drain your wallet fast. Rare parts, hard-to-find trim, and engines that need constant care can turn your dream ride into a total money pit.

    Before you buy, check out these 10 classic muscle cars known for sky-high repair costs. They may look great, but keeping them on the road could leave your bank account hurting.

    1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda – High Price, Higher Maintenance

    Auto Evolution

    The 1970 HEMI ‘Cuda is one of the most famous muscle cars ever made, but owning one isn’t cheap. Its powerful 426 HEMI engine needs constant attention, and original parts are rare and expensive. Repairs and upkeep can quickly turn into a money drain if you’re not careful.

    1969 Shelby GT500 – Parts That Cost a Fortune

    Hot Rod

    The 1969 Shelby GT500 is a dream car for many, but fixing one can empty your wallet fast. Original Shelby parts are rare and priced sky-high. Whether it’s trim, badges, or engine parts, everything costs more—and finding the right pieces can take time and serious money.

    1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427 – Beautiful, But Expensive to Fix

    Hot Rod

    The 1967 Corvette 427 is a classic beauty, but it’s not cheap to keep on the road. Its big-block engine and unique design make repairs tricky. Original parts are hard to find and cost a lot, and you’ll pay plenty in labor to keep everything running right.

    1970 Dodge Charger R/T – Mopar Money Pit

    Mecum

    The 1970 Dodge Charger R/T is one of Mopar’s most iconic cars, but repairs don’t come cheap. Its 440 V8 engine, special trim, and body parts are expensive and hard to find. Restoring or fixing one can easily turn into a costly, never-ending project.

    1969 Pontiac GTO Judge – Rare Car, Rare (and Pricey) Parts

    Mecum

    The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge is a classic muscle car icon, but owning one isn’t cheap. Its special badges, trim, and parts are hard to find and often overpriced. If something breaks, expect to spend big to keep this rare ride looking and running right.

    1971 Ford Torino GT – Hard to Find Parts, Harder to Pay For

    Classic Auto Mall

    The 1971 Ford Torino GT has muscle car style, but keeping it running isn’t easy. Parts for this model, especially GT-specific trim, are tough to find. When you do track them down, they don’t come cheap. Repairs on these cars can quickly add up and surprise you.

    1968 AMC AMX – Affordable to Buy, Costly to Fix

    Mecum

    The 1968 AMC AMX might seem like a bargain at first, but fixing one is a different story. AMC parts aren’t as common as Ford or Chevy parts, and when you find them, they’re pricey. Repairs and restorations can get expensive fast, making this car tricky to own long-term.

    1970 Buick GSX – Luxury Muscle with Luxury Repair Bills

    Hot Rod

    The 1970 Buick GSX is fast and flashy, but fixing it isn’t cheap. Special parts like the badges and trim are hard to find and cost a lot. Even small repairs can get pricey. If you’re not ready to spend big, this muscle car can drain your wallet fast.

    1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Mid-’70s Money Drain

    Flickr

    The 1973 Camaro Z28 looks like a good deal, but repairs can get expensive fast. Parts made just for this year are harder to find, and rust problems are common. Fixing one often costs more than people expect, turning it into a real money drain over time.

    1964 Dodge Polara 500 – Early Mopar, Expensive Fixes

    Mecum

    The 1964 Dodge Polara 500 is a sharp-looking classic, but repairs aren’t cheap. Parts for these early Mopars are rare and usually need to be custom-made or restored. That means fixing even small things can cost a lot, making this car an expensive one to keep on the road.

    Source

    10 Forgotten Muscle Cars That Could Make You a Fortune If You Buy Now

    Everyone talks about Mustangs, Camaros, and Chargers. But there are plenty of muscle cars people forget about—cars that still offer big engines and bold looks. Right now, these hidden gems are affordable and easy to find.

    As more collectors catch on, the value of these cars is likely to jump. If you want a classic muscle car that could be worth a lot more soon, these 10 forgotten models are smart picks to buy now.

    1971 AMC Javelin AMX – The Underdog Muscle Car

    Hot Rod

    The 1971 AMC Javelin AMX doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It came with a strong 401 V8 engine and bold, aggressive styling. While most people focus on the big brands, this AMC is rare and powerful. Prices are still low, but they won’t stay that way forever.

    1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 – The Luxury Muscle Sleeper

    Wallup

    The 1970 Buick GS 455 Stage 1 looks like a classy cruiser, but it hides real muscle. Its big 455 V8 engine made it one of the fastest cars of its time. Many people overlook it, but collectors are starting to notice. Prices are climbing fast on this one.

    1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II – Built for NASCAR Glory

    BAT

    The 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II was made to win on the NASCAR track. It had a special aerodynamic design and came with strong 429 V8 power. Most people forget about it, but it’s rare and built for speed. Today, it’s one of the best muscle car deals out there.

    1974 Pontiac GTO – The Last of the Line

    Pinterest

    The 1974 Pontiac GTO was the final year for the classic GTO before it faded out. It still offered a strong 400 V8 engine and bold looks, but many overlook it. Because it’s the last of its kind, prices are low now—but that won’t last forever.

    1978 Chevrolet Nova SS – The Forgotten SS

    All Star Motors

    The 1978 Chevrolet Nova SS doesn’t get much attention, but it’s a solid muscle car. It came with a strong V8 engine and SS styling, but most buyers focus on Camaros or Chevelles. Because of that, prices are still low—making it a smart choice before values rise.

    1969 Dodge Super Bee 383 – The Budget Muscle Icon

    Fast Lane Motors

    The 1969 Dodge Super Bee 383 was built to offer big power at a lower price. Its 383 V8 engine delivered plenty of muscle without the cost of a HEMI. It’s often overlooked, but values are starting to climb fast. This is one Mopar deal worth grabbing now.

    1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 – Overlooked Mid-’70s Muscle

    BAT

    The 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 had bold looks and a strong 455 V8 option, but many people skip over it because of the year. It’s not as famous as earlier models, which keeps prices low. But collectors are starting to notice, and values are quietly rising.

    1980 Ford Mustang Cobra Turbo – Pre-Fox Body Goldmine

    Flickr

    The 1980 Ford Mustang Cobra Turbo came right before the Fox Body craze. It featured a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, offering something different from the usual V8 muscle cars. Most people forget about it, but early ’80s Mustangs like this are getting rare—and values are starting to climb.

    1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus – The Road Runner’s Cousin

    Hot Cars

    The 1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus shares much of its style with the famous Road Runner but flies under the radar. It came with solid V8 options and classic Mopar looks. Because it’s less well-known, prices stay low—making it a smart buy before more people catch on.

    1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 – Muscle Wrapped in Luxury

    Inspired Pencil

    The 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 454 looks like a luxury car but hides real muscle. Under the hood is a big 454 V8 engine, giving it serious power. Many overlook it for Chevelles, but prices are climbing fast as collectors realize how special this car really is.

    Source

    AutoHunter Spotlight: 1974 TVR 2500M

    The United Kingdom has had a vibrant craft car scene with many obscure makes coming from all parts of the British Isles. Among the most famous was TVR. Originally a car repair business in Blackpool, TVR evolved into a company that produced lightweight fiberglass bodies on tube chassis, all powered by four, six, or eight cylinders. This modified 1974 TVR 2500M roadster conversion currently listed on AutoHunter is one of 2,465 M-series cars built between 1972 and 1979. Painted British Racing Green with a tan vinyl interior, this spirited sports car is being sold with a clear title.

    It’s hard to say what the dark green paint is, so let’s call it British Racing Green since it sounds so proper. Other features include black roll hoops, black mirror caps, a black convertible top boot, front fender vents, and driving lights below the black front bumper.

    A set of 15-inch eight-spoke wheels are wrapped in staggered-width BFGoodrich g-Force Sport radials—205/55 up front, 225/50 out back.

    The light tan vinyl upholstery features black piping on both buckets and the door panels. Other interior features include a three-spoke steering wheel and a center console housing the transmission shifter and emergency brake.

    The woodgrain instrument panel features VDO gauges that include a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and readouts for the oil pressure, oil temperature, voltage, coolant temperature, vacuum, and fuel level. The odometer shows 1,961 miles, which reflects the true mileage on the drivetrain and not the chassis.

    The original 2.5-liter Triumph inline-six has been replaced with a Ford 302 crate engine topped by an Edelbrock four-barrel. More rumpety-rump can be credited to a COMP Cams camshaft. Other features include Ford Racing chrome valve covers and an electric fan. The original transmission has also been replaced, so this TVR now sports a five-speed T-5 manual.

    Interestingly, only the front brakes are discs, though there is power assist at all four corners. A custom exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers leads to two pairs of pipes at the rear end. The trunk houses the battery and fuel tank.

    Out of all the M-series cars produced in the 1970s, only 947 were 2500Ms. With a dose of American V8 and a five-speed, this TVR equals FUN. For this particular 1974 TVR 2500M roadster conversion, the auction ends on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

    Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery.

    Car Fun with AI!

    Artificial Intelligence is here and it’s wonderfulI! Our problems will be solved, efficiencies will be exploited, and you can have any kind of talent at your fingertips. What’s not to like?

    Plenty. Have you asked a question on Google and noticed how the AI-generated response lacks accuracy? For example, let’s try a trick question: How many 1970 Dodge Coronet R/Ts were built with the Hemi?

    This could have been a trick question because, among all the online resources, one may have U.S.-spec production (236) while the other may use total production (296). As you can see above, the correct number was used, but when the 426 Hemi was thrown in, the wrong answer was given. What’s the correct answer? Out of the 236 U.S.-spec cars, only one was built with the Hemi (this car is MIA). Another Canadian-spec car was built (which would be among the other 60), which is the “FT6” Dark Tan Metallic one that’s been around for over 40 years. And at least one export car, painted “FJ5” Sublime, was built (making at least two out of the 60). In total, there are three known Hemis out of the 296 convertibles built.

    It is one thing to use a search engine to generate an answer via AI, but what about the things posted on Facebook, Reddit, or any other social media website? There are many entities (people or otherwise) that have set up profiles and created posts with AI-generated cars and bios. The issue is not so much with AI as it is with nefarious online characters who don’t care about facts—they just want clicks.

    In the interest of undermining the onslaught of fake posters, here’s several that we tried—which AI failed spectacularly!

    If Buick offered a GSX in 1969, what would it look like?

    What would a 1970 Hurst/Olds look like?

    Add hidden headlights to the 1963 Buick Riviera.

    If Chevrolet built a 1975 Camaro Z28, what would it look like?

    What would a 1958 Oldsmobile look like if GM was able to respond to Virgil Exner quicker?

    If Pontiac was racing in NASCAR in 1970, what would the race car look like?

    What if Yenko Chevrolet built a Beaumont in 1969?

    Show me a 1957 Impala if Chevrolet built one.

    All cars here were generated by the GenTube app. Visit the site and let your automotive imagination run wild—just be honest about it!

    Interesting Finds: 1993 Audi 90CS Quattro Sport

    We love to see automotive enthusiasm among the next generation of car collectors. One of the many standout vehicles showcased at the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) this past October was a 1993 Audi 90CS Quattro owned by a young Arizona resident named Max. Not only was his car eye-catching – there was no mistaking its Bugatti Blue paint job – but it also had a one-of-one configuration!

    A letter displayed with the car from Volkswagen of America explained: “This special Audi 90 Quattro Sport was designed by the Audi Design Center in Simi Valley, California and manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany. Pearl Ultramarine paint coats the exterior, while matching hand-sewn leather covers the interior. This prototype Quattro Sport’s color combination was chosen for the Porsche / Audi joint project, the RS2, [and was] shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1993. Numerous refinements went into improving handling, instrumentation, audio, and performance. The total number (worldwide) of the Audi 90 Quattro Sport RS is 1.”

    The Audi RennSport (or “RS”) nameplate has historically been reserved for vehicles that Audi’s performance division has taken to new levels of handling, performance, and style. Max’s car was built as an early pioneer of that division. The Audi 90, which itself was an upmarket version of the Audi 80, was an executive car that shared the “B-series” platform and many engineering components with Volkswagen vehicles of the time. The “B4” went into production in 1991 and was intended to compete in the same mid-sized luxury vehicle segment as its fellow German brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

    The “Ultramarine” Bugatti Blue paint on Max’s Audi was the first thing to catch my eye when I saw Max’s car at FCCS. But the closer I looked, the more details set it apart from mainstream Audis of the era. Noteworthy exterior features of the car include RS2-sourced ellipsoid headlamps, headlight washers, fog lamps, a sunroof, and a decklid spoiler. The five-spoke wheels are 17-inch Azev units wrapped in 235/40 BFGoodrich G-Force tires – a nice meaty combination that, when combined with Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive system, enable to car to skillfully grip in any terrain or weather conditions.

    On the interior, the blue and black two-tone color scheme works well, although the leather seats show some wear consistent with 30-plus years of use. An RS2 shift knob was added, and the door panels have black material place of the original woodgrain inserts. The sound system is all-Alpine, consisting of a head unit, a trunk-mounted compact disc changer, and a cell phone (which, while period correct and fun to look at, is unfortunately not compatible with today’s mobile wireless networks). The white-faced instruments were sourced from an S2 model and are displayed in metric increments – the odometer shows over 300,000 kilometers, but the car looks like it could be a much lower-mileage specimen.

    Service records obtained from a prior sale of the car show that it received a replacement 2.8-liter V6 back in 2003 – an engine that Audi rated when new at 172 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. By today’s standards, those numbers aren’t remarkable, but 30 years ago it was a big deal for a sport sedan to be able to accelerate from zero to 60 in about eight seconds. A five-speed manual transaxle sends power to all four corners of the car – “Quattro” style, of course. There is no doubt about it – Max’s unique 90CS is a future collectible if we’ve ever seen one. We are excited to see the car at upcoming community events. Thanks for bringing out your one-of-a-kind Audi!

    Pick of the Day: 2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster

    The letter M in the world of BMW is reserved for their highest-performance models. Older, more classic M-model BMWs such as the M3, M5, and M6 have become serious collector cars over the past few years, with their prices rising and the supply of good cars dwindling. The prices of second-generation E36 M3 cars have just about doubled in the last two years, and the third-generation M3 is also coming up fast as a collector car, with prices rising accordingly. BMW fans completely understand the reason for this: The M designation does not just mean higher-horsepower engines shoehorned into an existing model, but instead represents a complete reengineering – with suspension, brakes, interior, exterior and chassis all improved.

    However, one true M-model car seems to have been largely forgotten – and what is surprising is that it is one of the most fun-to-drive M cars BMW ever built: the Z3 M Roadster. Depending on the year, these cars use the BMW S52 or S54 inline 6-cylinder engines. Yes, the later S54-powered cars are faster, but both received all the suspension and chassis magic that BMW could throw at the cars. They are also the least-expensive entry into classic BMW M-car ownership – and, in addition, the top goes down!

    Our Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2000 BMW Z3 M Roadster offered by a dealer located in Lutz, Florida.

    The seller describes this Roadster as one of only 326 Dakar Yellow examples produced for North America in 2000.

    The car has covered a total of only 60,000 miles from new and looks to be in truly excellent condition. In my opinion, the Dakar Yellow paint makes this one especially desirable, as it is one of those signature BMW colors you don’t see every day.

    The two-tone black and gray leather interior looks to be in excellent condition and the entire cockpit has a sort of jet fighter feel to it. The BMW sports seats are incredibly comfortable. The quality of materials in these cars is quite good – much better than, say, a Porsche Boxster of the same generation.

    Being a 2000-model-year car, this Z3 M is powered by BMW’s S52 inline 6-cylinder engine. It may not offer the extra horsepower of the later S54-powered Z3M but still delivers 0-60 times of 5.4 seconds and has all the extra suspension modifications: the wide body and huge fender flares needed for the staggered 225/45X17 front and 245/45X17 rear tires.

    This tire combination, combined with tons of factory M chassis mods, gives the car incredible grip – and the short wheelbase of the Z3 M means it rotates better than any other sports car of the period. Feed too much power to the rear tires on the exit of a corner and you will find it can over-rotate; you might end up facing the cars behind you! This, to me, makes it a super fun car to drive and the very essence of what the BMW M cars stand for. Due to its somewhat tail-happy nature, it’s also a car that is liked by many Porsche 911 fans. Don’t think this is true? Well, my friend Ray Schaffer – formerly of Porsche Classic and now at Broad Arrow Auctions, a Porsche fanatic once birth – bought one last year.

    Now, I am a Z3 owner myself, having just bought back my 007-edition Z3 last fall. Since making that purchase, I have had the opportunity to drive four different Z3 M roadsters, and I have recently found myself thinking about adding another Z3 to my garage, this time with an M badge. With an asking price of only $21,995, this car makes a compelling argument for adding another fun car to the garage, especially one with such low mileage and in such a rare color.

    If you love BMWs, you might want to seriously consider this specific Z3 M Roadster. It looks like the right example to get before everyone else wakes up to just how cool these cars are.

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

    Custom Chevrolet Coupe Hot Rod and Electric Tricycle

    This three-window coupe hot rod was built by the seller over several years using a steel Chevrolet body mounted to a fabricated frame. Completed in 2019, the car is powered by a 496ci V8 with an Enderle mechanical fuel injection system, and the engine is joined to a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission, a 2,000-rpm stall torque converter, and a 9” rear end with a spool differential. The patinated bodywork incorporates a chopped and raked roof, a front visor, a louvered trunk lid, and an acrylic roof filler panel. Hand-formed aluminum and copper panels were used to construct the interior, which features bomber-style seats, embossed leather accents, and whiskey-themed décor. The car rides on big-and-little tires, and other highlights include a front-mounted fuel tank, zoomie headers, a drilled drop axle, twisted-bar radius rods, rear disc brakes, and rear ladder bars with adjustable coilovers. Design elements are shared by an electric motorized tricycle with a David Bradley lawn tractor body, which was also built by the seller and is included in the sale. Featured in Rat Rod magazine during its construction, this custom Chevrolet is now offered with a clean Texas title listing it as a 1928 model.

    The steel body was chopped and channeled during the build, and it was mounted to a custom-fabricated tubular steel frame with a black and copper color scheme. A tinted acrylic filler panel was added to the raked roof along with a Ford-sourced visor, and a fuel tank is mounted ahead of the engine. Rust covers the exterior, which exhibits dents, exposed welds, rust holes, worn black paint, and other damage that is shown up close in the image gallery below. Spikes accent the front axle and frame rails, and other details include a louvered trunk lid, PIAA front lamps, and LED taillights.

    The billet aluminum wheels are finished in satin black with copper lips. The 18” front wheels are mounted with 3.00” tires, while the rear wheels are wrapped in Mickey Thompson units. The car rides on a “suicide” front setup with a drilled drop axle, a transverse leaf spring, and twisted square-bar radius rods, while the live rear axle is supported by ladder bars and dual-adjustable coilovers with 150-lb springs. Stopping power is provided by unassisted rear discs with 11” vented rotors. The car does not have front brakes.

    The cabin features interior panels and bomber-style seats fabricated from aluminum and copper sheet with dimple-die gussets and embossed leather accents. The door panels incorporate barn-style stars constructed from Texas license plates, and whiskey bottles have been added between the seats along with coiled copper tubing. The shifter nearly reaches the cabin roof.

    The three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a column-mounted 10k-rpm tachometer with an integrated shift light, while auxiliary gauges are mounted in the center of the dash. The car is not equipped with a speedometer or odometer.

    The 496ci Chevrolet V8 is equipped with an Enderle eight-stack mechanical fuel injection system and zoomie exhaust headers. The exterior surfaces of the copper velocity stacks are finished in matte black along with the valve covers, which are decorated with whiskey bottles, copper tubing, and brass compression fittings.

    An aluminum radiator is mounted in the trunk area and cooled by dual electric fans.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission with a 2,000-rpm stall torque converter. The 9” third member features a spool differential and 3.91:1 gearing. A safety loop encircles the driveshaft. Rust is visible on underbody components, which can be viewed in the gallery.

    The frame stamping is shown above, and the sequence 12AB42408 matches the VIN listed on the Texas title, which describes the car as a 1928 Chevrolet.

    An electric motorized tricycle built by the seller is also included in the sale. It has a David Bradley lawn tractor body grafted to a custom frame as well as a simulated aligator seat, copper accents, and bar-mounted controls.

    10 Mopar Muscle Cars That Are Secret Goldmines (And No One Is Talking About Them!)

    Everyone knows about the legendary HEMI ‘Cudas and Charger Daytonas, but there are still underrated Mopar muscle cars flying under the radar. While big-name classics have already skyrocketed in value, these hidden gems remain affordable—for now.

    From forgotten dragstrip beasts to overlooked turbocharged sleepers, these 10 Mopars are secret goldmines waiting to be discovered. Get in before prices explode!

    1974 Dodge Charger Rallye – The Last True Muscle Charger

    BAT

    The 1974 Dodge Charger Rallye was the final high-performance Charger before emissions regulations weakened Mopar muscle. With an optional 440 Magnum V8, bold Rallye stripes, and a unique split-grille design, it had serious street presence. Overshadowed by earlier models, prices remain reasonable, but demand is growing as collectors recognize its significance.

    1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Barrel – The Underrated Beast

    Pinterest

    The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Barrel came packed with power thanks to its three two-barrel carburetors. It pushed out 390 horsepower and had the look to match. While most people focus on earlier models, this one flies under the radar. It’s a real gem that’s still affordable today.

    1968 Dodge Coronet R/T – The Charger’s Overlooked Brother

    Auto Evolution

    The 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T often gets ignored because the Charger steals the spotlight. But don’t let that fool you. With a 440 Magnum V8 under the hood and classic muscle styling, it’s just as powerful. Prices are still low, but more collectors are starting to notice this hidden gem.

    1973 Plymouth Duster 340 – Light, Fast, and Forgotten

    Mecum

    The 1973 Plymouth Duster 340 is a small car with big muscle. Its 340 V8 engine gave it serious speed without the extra weight. While everyone chases Chargers and ‘Cudas, the Duster stays affordable. It’s a fun, powerful Mopar that’s still a great buy—if you can find one.

    1978 Dodge Lil’ Red Express – The Muscle Truck Nobody Saw Coming

    Streetside Classic

    The 1978 Dodge Lil’ Red Express wasn’t just a cool-looking truck—it was one of the fastest vehicles of its time. Thanks to a 360 V8 and no emissions restrictions, it could outrun many muscle cars. Still affordable today, this truck is a unique piece of Mopar history ready to rise.

    1969 Plymouth Sport Fury GT – Big, Bold, and Overlooked

    Mecum

    The 1969 Plymouth Sport Fury GT is a big, bold car with a lot of power. It came with a strong 440 V8 engine, but most people overlook it in favor of smaller Mopars. That’s why prices are still low. It’s a solid muscle car that’s ready to be noticed.

    1987 Dodge Shelby Charger GLHS – The Turbo Mopar No One Talks About

    Premier Auto Group

    The 1987 Dodge Shelby Charger GLHS is small but packs a punch. With a turbocharged 2.2L engine, it was built by Carroll Shelby himself and could outrun plenty of bigger cars. Most people forget about this one, but it’s rare and climbing in value fast. A true sleeper Mopar.

    1975 Plymouth Road Runner 400 – The Hidden Mid-’70s Muscle

    G Auto Gallery

    The 1975 Plymouth Road Runner 400 came during a tough time for muscle cars, but it still had solid power with its 400 V8 engine. While others ignore these mid-’70s models, this one stays affordable. It’s a great choice if you want classic muscle without the huge price tag.

    1963 Dodge Polara 500 Max Wedge – The Early Mopar Monster Everyone Forgets

    Mecum

    The 1963 Dodge Polara 500 Max Wedge was built for pure speed. Its 426 Max Wedge V8 made it a drag strip legend, but today, most people overlook it. While HEMI cars get all the attention, this Polara is a rare, powerful Mopar that’s still within reach for collectors.

    1992 Dodge Daytona IROC R/T – The ’90s Turbo Mopar No One’s Watching

    BAT

    The 1992 Dodge Daytona IROC R/T came with a turbocharged 2.2L engine making serious power for its time. It’s fast, rare, and often overlooked because it’s from the early ’90s. But collectors are starting to notice. This sleeper Mopar won’t stay cheap for much longer.

    Source

    The Myth of Poverty Caps

    It used to be that you could go to a car show and any muscle car would be replete with mag wheels, whether factory or aftermarket. Then, a trend towards poverty caps started to take hold, with proponents claiming that plenty of performance cars were ordered without an optional wheel, as enthusiasts would then go to his or her local speed shop to slap on aftermarket mags. How true was that? Let’s find out.

    Since 1970 is considered the high-water mark of the muscle car era, let’s focus on several mid-size performance cars and learn about the available wheel choices. First up: the Plymouth Road Runner. It was available with a standard hubcap, plus Wire and Deluxe wheel covers. There also were two wheel options: Road Wheel and Rallye wheel. Here’s how they rank in popularity when new. (Note that Plymouth Options & Accessories Report only reflects U.S.-market cars and not total production.)

    [Image courtesy of hamtramck-historical.com]
    1970 Road Runner Order Code Production Number Percentage
    Standard Hubcap N/A 5,860* 15.1
    Sport Wheel Cover W11 6,831 17.6
    Wire Wheel Cover W15 737 1.9
    Rallye Wheel W21 13,390 34.5
    Road Wheel W23 11,993 30.9
    *Extrapolated

    Let’s move a bit upmarket and focus on the Oldsmobile 4-4-2. Like Plymouth, Oldsmobile offered several hubcaps plus two wheel choices. (Note that the below statistics from the GM Heritage Center is through June 1970, so a month’s production is missing.)

    Note P06 is the standard hubcap with optional trim rings. [Image courtesy of GM Heritage Center]
    1970 4-4-2 Order Code Production Number** Percentage
    Standard Hubcap N/A 2,375* 12.5
    Chrome Wheel Disc P01 1,451 7.7
    Deluxe Wheel Disc P02 398 2.1
    Simulated Wire Disc N95 369 1.9
    Super Stock I P05 7,205 38.0
    Super Stock II N66 7,140 37.7
    *Extrapolated **Through June 1970

    Lastly, let’s note Buick’s hubcap and wheel distribution for the Gran Sport, with the latter two being very similar in design. These numbers, which come from the Sloan Museum of Discovery, include both the 350-powered GS and the GS 455.

    [Image courtesy of V8Buick.com]
    1970 Gran Sport Order Code Production Number Percentage
    Standard Hub Cap P09 3,948 19.7
    Deluxe Wheel Cover P01 3,790 18.9
    Wire Wheel Cover N95 343 1.7
    Super Sport Wheel PA6 6,457 32.1
    Chrome-Plated Wheel P05 5,558 27.7

    The big surprise here is the Buick Gran Sport had the highest percentage of poverty caps—much more than the Plain Jane Plymouth Road Runner. However, when it comes to mag wheels, it seem that, in general, the factory consistently installed a very large percentage of its home-grown wheels. This dispels the myth that aftermarket mags had a big market share among new new performance vehicles. Sure, you statisticians may point out this exercise has not yet produced a statistically significant conclusion, but the trend is there, with only more evaluations needed to solidify or dispel the conclusion.