AutoHunter Spotlight: 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible.

During a frame-off restoration, this eye-catching drop-top received a modern Vortec V8 powertrain along with enhancements including power brakes, power windows, power steering, shaved door handles, rear air shocks, and modern front suspension. It is being offered for sale by a private party in Greenwood, Delaware and has all right elements to make it a stunning yet reliable 70-year-old classic car.

The exterior has a “lead sled” look to it thanks to clean lines and a lowered stance. The body refinish took place about two years ago according to the seller and included a long list of modifications to make this Super 88 look as sleek as it does. The car of course retains plenty of 1950s chrome treatment, but it also received frenched headlights, a shaved hood, lake pipes, dummy spotlights, rear wheel skirts, and custom taillights. The Coker wide-whitewall tires add to the look, and that low stance was made possible by drop spindles, lowering springs, and air shocks with an onboard compressor.

The Oldsmobile 88 model had a 50-year history with the Oldsmobile brand, first launching in 1949 as what General Motors referred to as an “image leader.” That initial generation continued through to 1953 as shown here, with the “Super” 88 assuming its position at the top of the model hierarchy. Some enthusiasts argue that the 88 – particularly with equipped with an available “Rocket” V8 engine – could be considered one of the first muscle cars, thanks to its relatively light body and a powerful engine.

The interior on this custom hot rod received late-model power-adjustable bucket seats, power windows, power steering, and a CD sound system which all work together to bring it into the modern era. The dash face is adorned with engine-turned aluminum trim which extends to a custom center console.

The mechanical magic of this restomod Super 88 is found under its hood, where a late-model 5.3-liter Vortec V8 is installed for optimal reliability. A 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission sends power to the pavement, and performance upgrades include a custom intake along with tube exhaust headers. True mileage on the chassis is unknown.

If lowered looks and a late-model powertrain are attributes that catch your eye, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better custom ride than this Olds.

The auction for this 1953 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible ends September 5, 2023, at 12:20 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

A comprehensive restoration involves a checklist that covers virtually every aspect of a vehicle’s mechanical and cosmetic condition. For some people, it makes more sense to buy a vehicle that is already well-sorted as opposed to taking on a project car. This car fits into the ready-to-show category.

The Pick of the Day is a 1975 Chevrolet Nova SS listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)

“This 1975 Nova SS is a very nice example of a fourth-generation Nova and could be just what you’re looking for,” the listing states. “Born a factory Nova SS hatchback with a four-speed transmission, this car has gone through a thorough rolling chassis restoration in 2017 by the previous owner.”

Based on the vehicle description, there isn’t much on this car that hasn’t already been upgraded or refurbished: In addition to the paint work in 2017, the car received a new Blueprint small-block engine, suspension work, new factory-correct seat covers, replacement moldings, and a Hurst shift kit.

The Nova lived through five distinct generations beginning in 1962, with a gap between model years 1980 and 1984. From the onset, it was designed to be a simple, compact car. General Manager Ed Cole said during the car’s launch that was intended to offer “maximum functionalism with thrift.” However, the Nova (initially branded as a Chevy II), went on to deliver far more than just economical transportation. It also evolved into a venerable muscle car with big-block power and sporty aspirations.

This clean example comes from the X-body-based fourth generation which had received significant design updates compared to prior models. Exterior lines were modeled after European sedans, and some trim levels of the Nova catered specifically to people who wanted high-end features in a compact car. One was the “LN” package which offered reclining seats, added sound insulation, and map pockets.

This generation of Nova could be configured in three different body styles, including a two-door coupe, a three-door hatchback, and a four-door sedan. This Nova comes in a two-door hatchback body layout, which Chevrolet was so proud of that they placed “Hatchback” emblems on the C-pillars.

Similar to the exterior and interior, the drivetrain of this Nova comes fully refreshed. Torque comes from a crate-sourced small-block 350cid V8 that was installed in 2019 and is upgraded with an aluminum intake manifold, a performance cam, a Holley Street Warrior four-barrel carburetor, a new water pump, and more.

“This is truly one of the nicest fourth-generation Novas you’ll find anywhere. It’s straight, runs and sounds great, and is in ready-to-cruise or show condition,” the listing concludes.

The asking price is $28,500 or best offer for this Nova.

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

The Jaguar E-Type was a high point in sports car history, and this episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” features a well-preserved example.

This 1963 E-Type spent years buried under clutter in a garage in Burbank, California. But because it was parked by its original owner after just a few years on the road, with only about 17,000 miles on the odometer, it remains in all-original condition. And because the E-Type was entombed about a mile from Jay Leno’s Garage, it’s now part of the collection.

Some work was done to make the car roadworthy after it was pulled out of its slumber. The brake and clutch master cylinders, as well as the brake and fuel lines, were replaced, the differential was serviced, and the sticking passenger-side door was fixed. The wheels were also replaced with slightly wider versions, as the originals were corroded. Everything else is original, though, including the paint, interior, and top. As far as Leno can tell, the top has never even been down.

The car spent most of the past 50 years underneath piles of blankets, water heaters, and other junk. That left some dents in the bodywork (which were repaired without harming the paint), but also protected the bodywork from rust, Leno notes in the video. It even preserved chalk marks left by factory workers during assembly. 

This E-Type is an earlier Series I model, with the cleaner look that first wowed attendees at the E-Type’s launch in Geneva on Match 15, 1961. Later Series II and Series III models augmented this styling, and Jaguar later replaced the inline-6 engine used in the first cars with a V-12. But the Series I E-Type is still considered the most desirable version.

Now in drivable condition, this convertible joins a white 1963 Jaguar E-Type coupe in Leno’s collection. This car’s originality makes it stand out, though, and Leno says it even drives better than some restored E-Types. How can you argue with that?

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

Think you know your cars? Then try the below automotive puzzle highlighting headlights of vehicles that are currently listed on AutoHunter.

Sealed beam headlights were introduced on all American cars for 1940. In 1957, quad headlights became legal in all 48 states and, in 1974, regulators permitted rectangular sealed beam headlights. For 1984, the Lincoln Mark VII became the first American vehicle to feature composite headlamps with a replaceable bulb. The 1990s brought high-intensity discharge headlights, which seems like the first step in today’s nutty variety of front-end illumination.

So put on your thinking hat and identify the below quartet of vehicles in the comment section below, then click on each image to learn whether you guessed correctly. Have fun!

Click on each image to reveal the vehicle and year

Be sure to check out our other puzzles with taillights and dashboards! And if you have an idea for another automotive puzzle be sure to tell us below!

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this frame-off restored 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible. This vehicle has been with the seller for 42 years, which is practically the car’s whole life. This VW is powered by a fuel-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a four-speed manual transaxle. Features include European-style headlights and heated rear glass. Finished in Alpine White with white convertible top over a white vinyl interior, this garage-kept Super Beetle comes with plenty of extra parts (check the auction page for the complete list) and a clear title.

Not only was 1979 the last year for the Beetle convertible, but it also was the final year for the Beetle in America. It’s likely a vehicle that more people alive have had experience with than any other. Though its origins may come from a dark place, the Beetle and its offshoots have brought millions of people to a happy place. Even if it’s not American, the Beetle is an American institution almost as much as the Model T.

In 1997, the body was bead-blasted and refinished in the original color of Alpine White (code L90E). Additionally, the frame for the manual convertible top was restored and the top was replaced. Features include European-style headlights with chrome rings, dual side-view mirrors, and heated rear windshield. Four of the videos in the auction page show walk-around footage of the exterior as well as the interior.

A set of 15-inch gray Volkswagen steel wheels is wrapped in 165R15 Arizonian Premium Metric steel-belted radial tires.

The front bucket seats and rear seat were reupholstered in white vinyl, plus new black carpeting was installed in 2022. Features include Motorola AM/FM radio and a newer steering bushing.

The instrument panel includes a 100-mph speedometer and fuel gauge. The odometer reads 104,384 miles, which includes 72,000 miles added during the seller’s 42 years of ownership.

Power is provided by a fuel-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine backed by a four-speed manual transaxle. The engine was replaced in 1983, and currently has logged fewer than 2,000 miles since being rebuilt and tuned for high-altitude (8,000 feet) driving in 2018. A video on the auction page shows a cold start of the engine.

This Volkswagen is equipped with four-wheel independent suspension that was rebuilt and fitted with urethane bushings in 2022, with the rear axle shafts being rebuilt in 2021. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. The exhaust exits at the rear through a single outlet.

As part of the sale, the seller will include a black convertible top boot, black bra, two-piece car cover, tools, new wiper relay, removed original parts, spare parts and miscellaneous components, seat upholstery, service records, and owner’s and service manuals.

The auction for this 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible ends Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 12:50 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

We recently wrote about an elegant 1965 Lancia Flaminia with a V6 that originated from the 1950 Lancia Aurelia, the first mass-produced car to feature a V6. With that inspiration, today’s Pick of the Day is a 1965 Buick Special V6 convertible. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)

The Buick Special traces its origins from General Motors’ “Senior Compacts” of 1961. Of the trio (which included the Oldsmobile F85 and Pontiac Tempest), the Special vied for the most interesting of the bunch, thanks to its aluminum 215 V8. That engine was the basis for the iron-block 1962 198 Fireball V6, which was another advanced mechanical bit for GM. That engine was increased to 225cid in 1964 and was produced through 1967, plus it was shared with the Oldsmobile F-85 from 1964-65. The tooling was sold to Kaiser in 1967, and AMC used it after picking Jeep from Kaiser. After the first gas crisis, GM bought back the tooling and created the 231 V6. The rest, they say, is history.

When the 1964 Special was introduced, it grew into a conventional mid-size car. The available models were Special, Special Deluxe, and Skylark. Interestingly, a convertible was available in the base Special in addition to the Skylark — somewhat unusual for a bottom-of-the-line series, as compact and mid-size convertibles tended to be in higher trim levels. Perhaps Buick’s upscale positioning was a factor?

This 1965 Special convertible features the V6 engine, one of 3,357 built that year (another 3,365 were built with the 300cid V8, which was an iron-block evolution of the 215). Painted Silver Cloud, this Buick is an older redux that is begging to be driven or some gentle refurbishment. “Virtually dent- and ding-free, the exterior is holding up well … with some slight areas of orange peel,” plus a few chips on the rockers. The power-operated black convertible top is clean without any tears or rips, though the plastic backlite is slightly yellowed. Inside, the original red interior is in “very good condition for its age” though there is “slight age wear” in various parts. Of special note is that “the upper padded dash is crack-free.” The Fireball V6 is connected to a two-speed ST300 automatic with 3.08 gears.

What you have here is an unusual 1960s American car with a powerplant that would do the Italians proud. “A quick starter, and effortless drive [with] smooth acceleration and a smooth ride.” For $23,500, you can just hop in and drive, or you can give it a little TLC and make it irresistible. With the right color combo and interesting tech, this 1965 Buick Special convertible is arguably irresistible already.

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

The ClassicCars TV feature we’re highlighting today is a 2003 Bentley Azure Mulliner Final Edition, one of 62 Final Edition vehicles and the only one finished in Monaco Yellow. A turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower is paired to four-speed automatic transmission. At the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction this Bentley sold for $74,800.

Want to see more interesting finds and car reviews? Check out the ClassicCars TV channel on YouTube!

Ferrari as a marque needs no introduction. They are the most mythic brand in the world of sports cars due to their history on the race track and the scores of celebrity owners the cars have had. Ferraris also offer world class performance and some of the most amazing styling to ever grace a sports car.

Of these cars there is a single model that has been wildly popular over the last 7 or 8 years due not only to its performance and styling but also due to the fact that it is the easiest to drive V12 powered Ferrari GT car that they have ever built. That car is the 330 GTC.

The 330 GTC shared the short wheelbase as well as its independent rear suspension of the outgoing 275 models nut in a more refined GT car package than other Ferrari cars of the time. They we quieter, easier to drive, and more comfortable behind the wheel, much like the 2+2 models but in a two seat configuration. Journalists at the time were heard to say that the 330 GTC “was probably the first Ferrari in which you could actually enjoy listening to the radio”.

The 330 GTC was introduced in March of 1966 at the Geneva Motor Show. Featuring a two seat configuration with striking yet subdued styling by Pininfarina combined with a powerful 4 liter Ferrari V12 engine with a 5 speed gearbox with a gated shifter. I can say from personal experience that the 330 GTC is a wonderful car behind the wheel and completely delivers on the whole Ferrari V12 GT car deal.

The Pick of the Day is one of these amazing cars, a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC for sale on ClassicCars.com located in Christchurch, New Zealand. Before you let the location put you off, consider that you can ship this car to the U.S. for around $10,000.

The seller describes this 330 GTC as a very original 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC that is powered by a 4 liter V12 engine with a 5-speed transaxle gearbox and is one of 598 cars produced from 1966 to 1968.

The car is equipped with factory air conditioning and it has received a beautiful repaint back to the the car’s original color of Grigio Fumo/grey with a restored black leather interior. It is equipped with period correct Michelin tires with its original Campagnolo magnesium wheel rims.

The seller adds that the engine recently underwent an engine and 5-speed trans axle gearbox rebuild that included all seals, restoration of downdraught weber carburetors, new correct fuel hoses, new pumps, a restored fuel tank, a radiator rebuild, and all cooling hoses also replaced. In addition, the wiring was all completely overhauled or replaced and the dashboard was removed and restored at that time. The engine and mechanical work was mostly carried out by AutoRestorations of Christchurch, New Zealand.

This 330 GTC was imported into New Zealand from the USA in January 2020 and the seller can provide all paperwork needed for importation back. The car also includes all books, a complete original Ferrari factory toolkit, and service records.

The 330 GTC tends to be an expensive car, often selling for more than $600,000. The best part of this listing, other than the amazing car itself, is the price. This 1967 330 GTC has an asking price of only $466,000, and if I were again in the market for one of these cars I would contact the seller immediately to set up a pre-purchase inspection and then take it home.

No other car delivers the feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment like a Ferrari in the garage, so don’t miss this amazing car.

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

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this frame-off restored 1941 Cadillac Series 61 five-passenger coupe. It is powered by a 346cid V8 backed by a three-speed manual transmission. Features include interior woodgrain appliqué, AM radio, and heater. Finished in black over a tan cloth interior, this Cadillac with the original sales paperwork and clear title.

Nineteen forty-one was the first year since 1929 that Cadillac relied solely on V8s. That wasn’t a bad thing because the 1940s were full of new values and new style, plus the (re)introduction of the Series 61 series that played the role of the discontinued LaSalle.

The exterior of this 1941 Cadillac was refinished in original black hue during restoration. Features include chrome bumper guards, hood ornament, dual mirrors, fender and rocker trim, and rear wheel skirts.

A set of Vincennes Red steel wheels with chrome hubcaps caps and trim rings are wrapped in whitewall bias-ply tires.

The interior is upholstered in tan ribbed cloth. Features include manual steering, woodgrain appliqué, column-mounted manual transmission shifter, AM radio, heater, and white two-spoke steering wheel. 

The instrument panel consists of a 100-mph speedometer plus gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, battery, and temperature. A clock is mounted on the right side of the dashboard. The odometer reads 63,028 miles.

Power is provided by a 346cid L-head V8 and backed by a three-speed manual transmission. An electric fuel pump and PerTronix electronic ignition system have been added for reliability.

This Cadillac was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. A single exhaust outlet exits at the rear.

The auction for this 1941 Cadillac Series 61 Five-Passenger Coupe ends Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery