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    Driving Forces: Classic Cars That Shaped Today’s Auto Landscape

    The modern car industry is an exciting place. The most recent and significant change has been the introduction of electric vehicles, which will change the automotive landscape forever. However, even though battery-powered cars will change the mechanical aspect entirely, they still follow the forms and vehicle classes introduced decades ago.

    That raises the question of what cars influenced the industry and what cars shaped the automotive world we live in today. Check out the most influential cars and models that helped shape the automobile world as we know it today.

    Willys M38 Jeep 7
    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    Jeep Willys

    Off-road vehicles were born out of necessity and the legendary Jeep Willys is the best example. Conceived just before World War II as a light military vehicle capable of going over any terrain, it was durable enough to withstand bullets and explosions and able to survive harsh conditions. It turned out to be one of the weapons that won the biggest war in history. Production on the original Jeep started in 1942 as the US entered the war. It ended in 1946 after more than 600,000 examples were built and exported to all parts of the world. Also called Willys MB or Ford GPW, it was a simple machine yet incredibly tough and dependable (via Jeep).

    Willys M38 Jeep 2
    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    It was powered by a miniature 2.2-liter four-cylinder with 60 hp and used a simple four-wheel drive layout, an innovative concept for the 1940s. Despite being a military vehicle, the Jeep proved its worth after the war as an efficient machine that could be equipped to do numerous things. The unique concept of a rugged, compact, and extremely capable off-road machine evolved into the Jeep brand, the biggest producer of off-road vehicles and SUVs.

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    Before The Limelight: The Untold Story of Early Luxury Trucks

    Pickup trucks have been a large focal point of the auto industry for the last decade. What was once mainly a farm tool has become commonplace transportation for millions each day. Although some trucks will never have more than a piece of plywood in their bed, they have become increasingly luxurious. A pickup truck can now set you back far more than a top-tier luxury car used to. These oversized land yachts appeal to people who want to feel safer or just more dominant on the road.

    Brands like Cadillac and Lincoln innovated the luxury SUV scene and now everyone is in the mix. In this article, we looked at the pickup truck and SUV models that innovated the segment. What started as just a leather-wrapped trim package inspired trucks that now have everything from built-in wireless internet to seat warmers and coolers. So whether you haul a bale of hay or a bunch of friends, these were the luxury trucks that changed things forever.

    Jeep1
    Photo Credit: Motor Trend

    1976-1983 Jeep J10 Honcho

    One of the first luxury pickup trucks ever made is a surprising one. The Jeep J10 Honcho is a special edition truck that has a unique appearance package and a posh interior. Although this truck was an off-road-focused beast, it was also more comfortable than anything that came prior. The Honcho shared a platform with the Wagoneer so this isn’t a surprise. It had a couple of engine options including the AMC inline-6 and V8 engines (via Hot Cars).

    Jeep2
    Photo Credit: Motor Trend

    The Honcho package was a limited edition offering, making these trucks somewhat rare and sought after by collectors today. The people who owned one of these unique trucks got to enjoy something a lot more comfortable than your average farm truck. These days Jeep is a company that almost exclusively builds expensive luxury-focused SUV models, a far cry from its days of simple off-road ruggedness.

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    Alternate Reality: American Concept Cars That Captivated Auto Fans

    Concept cars are used to lure visitors to car shows. But nowadays, concept cars have mostly been abandoned by major car companies, just like car shows. Yet for almost 90 years, concept cars were the talk of the industry. They excited crowds, showed off new designs, and influenced the car industry’s future. Most of the show cars never made it to production, but some did.

    The American car industry invented concept cars in the late 1930s and developed it into a trend during the ’50s. Some concept cars surprised car fans, showing them how some brands were innovative and advanced in their thinking. As mentioned, most of these vehicles were close to production but were canceled at the last moment. That’s why we decided to look back through Detroit’s alternate history. Check out the concept cars that turned heads despite never hitting the pavement here.

    Buick Y Job Concept Car 8
    Photo Credit: GM

    Buick Y Job

    The first concept car in the world was the 1939 Buick Y Job. It was the brainchild of famous GM designer Harley Earl, who designed the car for a show circuit and to show future trends. The Y Job was renowned for its hidden headlights, smooth lines, and elegant appearance. It was built on a regular production chassis with a standard drivetrain but featured a unique interior (via Hemmings).

    Buick Y Job Concept Car 5
    Photo Credit: GM

    Unlike some other concept cars, which are purely for show purposes, the Y Job was a fully functional vehicle. It was even used by Harley Earl for many years. If you look at the design of early ’50s Buick models, you’ll notice a resemblance to the Y Job concept. Today, this vital piece of American car history and culture is a permanent piece of the GM Heritage collection.

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    Supercharged 436 Stroker Hemi–Powered Plymouth Coupe Hot Rod

    This Plymouth hot rod is a steel-bodied five-window coupe that is powered by a 436ci Hemi V8 equipped with a Dyer’s supercharger, dual four-barrel carburetors, and a nitrous-oxide injection system. Finished in black, the car features a chopped top, an open engine compartment, a louvered trunk lid, side exhaust pipes, and staggered-width 15” wheels. The cabin offers a wood dashboard, gray bucket seats, a B&M gear selector, and an AM/FM/cassette radio. The frame has been boxed, and additional equipment includes a three-speed automatic transmission, a Ford 9″ rear end, a front drop axle, a four-link rear setup, and four-wheel disc brakes. Acquired by the seller out of Texas in 2020, this Plymouth hot rod is now offered with a binder of build documents and a clean New Mexico title in the seller’s name.

    The frame was boxed and the roof was chopped during the build, which was reportedly completed in the late 1990s. The car has been repainted in black and features a canted grille, an open engine compartment, a tilt-out windshield, a louvered trunk lid, chrome headlight buckets, door-mounted side mirrors, coach doors, rear wheel-arch extensions, and horizontal blue-dot taillights.

    Staggered-width 15” alloy wheels are mounted with Mickey Thompson tires. The front suspension features a drop axle and longitudinal leaf springs, while the four-link rear setup is equipped with adjustable coilovers. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs.

    The cabin features high-back bucket seats trimmed in striped gray cloth along with gray carpeting. The wood dashboard features a three-dimensional Pentastar logo and houses a Pioneer AM/FM/cassette radio. Additional appointments include a B&M gear selector, a faceted windshield-crank knob, flame-patterned door panels, and black floor mats with “34 Hemi” embroidery in red.

    The wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel fronts Classic Instruments gauges consisting of a 120-mph speedometer flanked by auxiliary readouts, while a 6k-rpm tachometer is mounted atop the dash. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 9k miles, approximately 3k of which have been added under current ownership.

    The trunk compartment houses a fuel cell, the battery, and Nitrous Oxide Systems components.

    The 436ci stroker Hemi V8 is topped by a Dyer’s supercharger, dual Carter AFB 650-cfm carburetors, and a Hillborn-style scoop. The polished valve covers feature Moon-Eyes breathers and T-bar fasteners, and additional equipment includes a nitrous-oxide injection system, a remote oil-filter housing, a Holley electric fuel pump, and four-into-one headers that flow into side exhaust pipes.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through an A727 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end. A driveshaft safety loop has been added to the frame.

    An identification plate affixed to the passenger-side B-pillar is shown above, and the number–288479134–matches the VIN listed on the current New Mexico title, which describes the car as a 1934 Plymouth coupe. A similar identification plate riveted to the frame is pictured in the gallery below.

    1969 Lincoln Continental 2000hp Beast

    The CarShowz.com Choice Award presented at the Lone Star Throwdown 2024 event went to this bad a$$ 1969 Lincoln Continental beast! Owner Daniel Wojdyla, better known as @masters824 on Instagram brought the Conti out to LST last year and it was about 20% complete. The windows were blacked out, with two turbos and massive engine […]

    The post 1969 Lincoln Continental 2000hp Beast appeared first on CarShowz.com.

    Torque Titans: Revealing the Real Monsters of the Road

    One of the most exciting things about driving is the thrill that we get from driving a powerful car. Nothing quite matches the thrill of real horsepower and there’s no replacement for displacement. Automotive design is subjective and not everyone loves the same thing, but we can all agree when horsepower is phenomenal the look of the car doesn’t matter.

    So we looked at some of the most powerful rides ever built. These cars were barely street-legal yet still completely changed the game. These cars were simply torque monsters. Buckle up as we looked back at the most powerful cars that ever touched the pavement.

    2021 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300
    Photo Credit: Motor 1

    Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+

    You probably remember the Chiron. After Bugatti floundered in the ’90s, it became one of the most talked about comeback stories of the 2000s. Many celebrities and rappers wanted to own one. The 300+ was the fastest production car on the planet for a long period thanks to an insane amount of horsepower (via Bugatti).

    2020 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300 Top View Carbuzz 705212 1600
    Photo Credit: Motor 1

    Every inch of the car was hand-built, which is why it created such a stir. Its top speed of 304.773 mph was thoroughly impressive. Not many people will take this car to that kind of a limit. But if you’ve got a couple million to toss in the trash can then you might want to give this car a whirl. There’s something to be said for the pure power and feel of a Bugatti.

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    Custom 1949 Mercury Eight Coupe

    This 1949 Mercury Eight coupe was acquired by its current owner in September 2006 and has been modified with shaved door handles and turn signals, rounded door and hood corners, a louvered hood, and a custom flame paint job that extends from the front end to the rear quarter panels. The car is powered by a 350ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, and it is also equipped with power steering, front disc brakes, Monroe rear shocks, a dual exhaust system, a Pertronix ignition system, an electronic cooling fan, a two-piece windshield, a frenched antenna, electric door poppers, aftermarket gauges, an 8-ball shift knob, a Fulton traffic light finder, and a Pioneer CD stereo. This lead sled is offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner with fiberglass fender skirts, a vinyl front-end cover, a car cover, and a clean Wisconsin title in the owner’s name.

    The car was nosed and decked, the door handles and turn signals were shaved, the door and hood corners were rounded, and the hood was louvered prior to the application of orange and yellow flames by Crash! Customs of Lake Havasu, Arizona. Additional details include a two-piece windshield, a frenched antenna, dual side mirrors, and halogen headlights. The trunk is accessed via a lever hidden behind the fuel door.

    The 15″ steel wheels wear polished covers and were mounted with Venezia Classic 787 whitewall tires approximately 2k miles ago. The car is equipped with front disc brakes, power steering, and Monroe rear shocks.

    The interior is accessed via magnetically controlled door poppers and features front and rear bench seating upholstered in white leather with black piping as well as a matching headliner and door panels. Appointments include a center console with cupholders, black carpets, an 8-ball shift knob, a Fulton traffic light finder, an analog clock, a Mercury-branded swing-out tissue box holder, and a Pioneer CD stereo.

    The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and sits ahead of a Haneline combination gauge with a 140-mph speedometer and readouts for oil pressure, voltage, fuel level, and coolant temperature. A Sun Super Tach II 8k-rpm tachometer is mounted to the steering column. The digital odometer shows 11k miles, all of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

    The 350ci V8 was sourced from a 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass and was installed in 2023 by Zapp’s Rod Shop of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. The engine features a Pertronix electronic ignition system, Offenhauser finned-aluminum valve covers, an electronic cooling fan, a dual exhaust system, and a custom-painted air cleaner lid with flames that match the exterior of the car.

    A George Barris signature adorns the firewall.

    Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a replacement Turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission. A transmission fluid leak is noted.

    Also included in the sale are a set of black-painted fiberglass fender skirts, a car cover, a vinyl front-end cover, and parts brochures.

    The car is titled using the VIN 9CM136524 shown above. An additional underhood data plate shown in the gallery has the number 9CM218220.

    The Wisconsin title lists “Street Modified” under the Additional Vehicle Details section, and a redacted image of the title is provided in the gallery.

    LS1-Powered ’32 Ford Roadster Street Rod 6-Speed Project

    This street rod was built approximately twenty years ago utilizing a ’32 Ford roadster-style steel body mounted to a Boyd Coddington chassis, and was reportedly partially built by Boyd Coddington’s garage. The car is powered by a 5.7-liter Chevrolet LS1 V8 paired with a six-speed manual transmission, and it is finished in metallic copper and features a black soft top, electric door poppers, a central exhaust outlet, 17” and 20” alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and front and rear independent suspension with adjustable coilovers. The interior is trimmed in tan upholstery and has been partially disassembled, no gauges are installed, and the front grille is not installed. This hot rod is now offered with a digital gauge cluster, a Dan Fink grille insert, removed and spare parts, build photos, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name listing the car as a 1932 Ford.

    The Denver Deuce steel roadster body and the Boyd Coddington boxed frame are finished in metallic copper. The doors and trunk lid have concealed hinges and electric poppers, and additional details include a black soft top, a raked windshield, an oval-shaped central exhaust outlet, and LED taillights that illuminate through the paint. Corrosion is noted on the chassis hardware, and paint chips around the car can be viewed in the gallery.

    The underside of the rear decklid bears multiple signatures, including a Boyd Coddington signature dated 2004.

    Polished Boyd Coddington 17” front and 20” rear alloy wheels are mounted with BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 tires measuring 205/45 and 275/35, respectively. The independent suspension system features polished front control arms, a multi-link rear setup, and adjustable coilovers at all four corners. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs with cross-drilled rotors.

    The seats and door panels are trimmed in brown upholstery, and color-coordinated carpets line the floor. Trim has been removed from the right door and will accompany the car. Wear on the interior surfaces can be viewed in the gallery.

    The Boyd Coddington three-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a tilting column. The dashboard has been partially disassembled, and a removed digital instrument cluster is included in the sale. Total chassis mileage is unknown.

    The 5.7-liter LS1 V8 is fitted with an aftermarket throttle body assembly and wears Corvette-branded fuel-rail covers. The aluminum radiator provides cooling along with an electric puller fan.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, and the rear differential wears a Boyd Coddington-branded cover.

    An uninstalled Dan Fink grille will accompany the car along with other spare parts that are shown in the gallery and a collection of photos taken at various stages of the initial build.

    Recapping the 2024 Arizona Concours d’Elegance

    Even rain couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits at the 2024 Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January. ClassicCars TV encountered an impressive collection of classics, ranging from a 1930s Bugatti to a sleek 1990s Ferrari, with each packing rich automotive heritage. Standouts included a unique 1936 Packard Mulholland Speedster and the gilded flanks of a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk. The overcast skies offered some benefits as the legendary 1967 Shelby King Cobra sparkled with the rain droplets.

    Subscribe to the ClassicCars TV channel for more finds, car reviews, and event recaps!

    Pick of the Day: 1967 Ford Mustang

    A menacing black paint job is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to upgrades and enhancements for today’s featured Mustang. The longer you look at it, the more impressive it becomes. One thing is for sure, this build gave attention to even the smallest details. The results are jaw-dropping.

    The Pick of the Day is a custom 1967 Ford Mustang coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Roswell, Georgia. (Click the link to view the listing)

    “The full blackout style of this 1967 Ford Mustang restomod gets you ready for a mean power pony, and the fuel-injected Boss crate motor doesn’t disappoint. But more than just muscle, you also get a ton of upgrades like a sports suspension, overdrive transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, and a loaded custom A/C interior. So this is exactly how to get the best of everything in one iconic package,” the listing says.

    The car looks good from every angle, but my favorite perspective is the rear end which showcases the integrated spoiler. The subtle charcoal metallic ghost stripes are an attractive feature.

    Power under the hood comes from a Ford Performance crate-sourced 363cid V8. Upgrades include aluminum heads, an Edelbrock intake, cast Ford Racing valve covers, Holley Terminator electronic fuel injection, MSD ignition components, and an aluminum radiator with an electric fan. Torque is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission and a Currie nine-inch rear end with 4.10:1 gearing. What speeds up must slow down, and a set of Wilwood disc brakes does the duty there.

    The listing has 74 photos showing detailed aspects of the car including the exterior, interior, engine bay, and the underside. I’m tempted to use the word “flawless” to describe it, but that’s really how it looks.

    “This Ford carries a proper Blue Oval muscle-machine vibe. The dual exhaust even has cutouts in case you want people to hear you coming well before you get to the show. Then again, you may choose to skip all events entirely just because you’re having too much fun on the road,” the listing says.

    The asking price is $72,000 or best offer. The car was ceramic-coated within the past year, so that brilliant exterior finish will present well at shows for many years to come.

    To view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com, check out the listing here.