Throughout history, automotive design has transcended mere function, giving rise to vehicles that command attention far beyond the open road.
Some cars are more than just machines—they are masterpieces on wheels, embodying the vision of their creators and the spirit of their era.
From sweeping curves to daring innovations, these iconic automobiles blend cutting-edge technology with unparalleled aesthetics.
They ignite passion, inspire dreams, and become cultural icons.
This curated list celebrates 20 cars that truly captivated the world, each leaving an indelible mark through their timeless beauty.
Regional specials can be very cool. Perhaps the most famous is the Mustang California Special (a West Coast thing—not just California), but there are many lesser-known examples in automotive history. Our AutoHunter Spotlight is one of those: a 1970 Torino Type N/W. As part of a promotion based in the Pacific Northwest (hence the “N/W”—get it?), 601 specially equipped/painted/priced Torino two-door hardtops were planned to be built, but only 395 were part of the final tally. All featured a distinctive look that would not be confused with any other nationally available Torino. This one is powered by a beefy 351-4V backed by an FMX three-speed automatic. Features include hood pins, color-keyed racing mirrors, power steering and front disc brakes, Magnum 500 mags, heavy-duty suspension, and more. Painted Washington Green with a black knit vinyl bench seat interior, this unusual Blue Oval intermediate comes from the selling dealer with Deluxe Marti Report and a clear title.
Though this car’s color is called Washington Green, it’s actually the same as Grabber Green (with Pacific Blue and Oregon Orange corresponding to other Grabber colors). Special to the Type N/W were the black-out hood, hood pins, longitudinal protective insert, dual colored racing mirrors, lower-body paint and stripes, and Wide Oval tires with argent styled steel wheels. Currently, this vehicle sports 15-inch Magnum 500s wrapped in 235/60 Goodyear Eagle STs.
The cabin features a black vinyl interior, with the front seat being your typical bench for the era, but it breathes because the inserts are knitted. Other features include column-shifted automatic, power steering, factory AM radio, and left-hand remote mirror control.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature and fuel. The odometer shows 87,614, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
The 300-horsepower 351-4V was installed in 1,727 Torino two-door hardtops in 1970, of which 243 were Type N/W models. This 351 was the first step for those more inclined to performance, so you can expect brisk acceleration. The engine is backed by a three-speed FMX Select-Shift automatic transmission.
The undercarriage features power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system. The rear end carries 3.00 gears without limited-slip.
This is a very special Torino, yet time is tight—this auction on AutoHunter ends on July 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). It would be a shame to miss bidding on such a special regional special! Sure, there are plenty of Torinos to be had, but they wouldn’t be a 1970 Torino Type N/W like this.
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
The unfortunate truth is that most collector vehicle owners in the U.S. are unaware of the precarious situation they are in, facing perils that could cost them dearly up the road. On the one hand many are paying significantly more than they should be for auto insurance, while an even larger group is completely unaware that their current insurance does not include all the necessary coverages needed for classic and collector vehicles. Studies have shown that most collector vehicle owners in the U.S. fall into BOTH categories, overpaying for insurance while also facing significant coverage gaps. This harsh reality won’t reveal itself until the worst possible situation arises, when they get into an accident and need file a claim.
Collector Vehicle Owners Are Being Overcharged… For The Wrong Coverage
There are a few situations in play here. For starters, of the 40 million+ collector vehicles in the United States, the vast majority are insured by standard auto insurance programs. What these owners don’t realize is that these programs were not designed for classic and collector vehicles; they were designed for daily drivers. Standard auto insurance rates are calculated based on all the risks that come with typical daily driver usage, meaning more time on the road doing things like commutes and running errands in all types of weather and traffic conditions. These inflated standard insurance rates do not account for the fact that collector vehicle owners are statistically less likely to get into an accident or file a claim and typically drive their vintage vehicles fewer than 5,000 miles annually. For them, all rides share the same risk profile as a daily driver and their inflated insurance rates reflect that.
The other scenario at play here has an even broader footprint. If you think your auto insurance rates have skyrocketed in recent years, you’d be right. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw the cost of auto insurance rise 51% over the past 3 years, which is six times faster than inflation overall. What caused auto insurance rates to see the biggest price jump in decades? In recent years many of the largest standard insurance companies have been trying to recoup their losses from spikes in reckless behavior seen on US roads. Beginning in 2020, there were more frequent accidents, faster-than-normal speeding drivers and drunk driving surged. This all led to a spike in crash severity, all of which led to more catastrophic vehicle and injury claims on auto insurers. Moreover, materials, parts, and labor shortages during that same time frame caused repair costs for claims to climb like never before. Both factors combined have caused auto insurance rates to soar with little relief in sight. In effect, auto collectors and good drivers have been quietly subsidizing the catastrophic losses felt by insurance companies.
Not only are auto collectors likely paying more than they should be given their reduced risk profile, but the standard auto insurance coverage they do buy is often radically insufficient. This unfortunate truth will only be discovered when they need to make a claim. Even for minor repairs, standard auto insurance programs do not guarantee that they will cover original parts or that their approved body shop network has the expertise necessary to repair these types of vehicles. These coverage gaps and claims handling practices can put the authenticity and value of their vehicle at risk.
Great News For Collectible Vehicle Owners
In all this turmoil there does seem to be some good news for classic car and truck owners, and word is quickly spreading. Recently the auto enthusiast community has been buzzing about a program being offered by the Dallas-based collector vehicle insurer OpenRoad. Customer testimonials from owners previously covered by standard auto insurers, as well as many previously insured by classic car insurance providers, continue to roll in highlighting significant savings, better coverage, and superior customer service.
OpenRoad has built a truly unique collector vehicle insurance program that all starts with pricing. Not only do they provide significant savings for drivers with great driving records, but they also account for the reduced accident frequency associated with collector vehicles. Both often results in far lower insurance rates overall. But OpenRoad goes further on reduced pricing, offering additional discounts to car club members as well as any customer who transfers their coverage from another classic car insurer.
Setting a New Bar For Classic & Collector Vehicle Insurance
OpenRoad exceeds what many other programs out there can offer. In addition to getting all the coverage you’d expect with any auto insurance policy— think comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, and the like — every OpenRoad policy comes with several protections tailored to car collectors. Their agreed value policy guarantees that the insurance payout you’ll receive in the event of a total loss equals the actual worth of your classic car, rather than a depreciated value that most insurance programs use. This guarantees that you’re covered for the true value of your ride, considering the time, effort, and investments you put into your vehicle as well as its condition and rarity.
OpenRoad is also setting a new bar when it comes to coverage for repairs. Under their program you know that if you need to file a claim the repairs will be done right. Not only will repairs be performed with OEM parts specifically tailored to your vehicle, but you’ll also get to choose a repair shop you know and trust, one that specializes in collector vehicles and classic car restorations. This is another differentiator from standard auto insurance programs that often do not guarantee coverage for OEM parts and rarely let you pick a shop outside of their approved body shop network.
OpenRoad also includes a generous emergency roadside cost reimbursement program at no additional cost as well as coverage for the relocation and temporary storage of your ride in the event of major disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires.
Delivering Superior Customer Service & Specialized Coverage
With so many auto enthusiasts making the switch to OpenRoad, it seems that they have found everything that they have been looking for in a classic auto insurance provider. Just check out these recent customer reviews:
- “Almost half the price (of) your competitors for equal coverage.”
- “Better coverage for less cost than other classic car insurance companies.”
- “They made it easy for me to switch from my old insurance policy to new one and at less than half the price!”
- “Not only did they match our previous collector car insurance, they beat it even after adding another vehicle to the policy! They are rockstars! Would recommend to everyone!
- “To my total surprise I got more coverage for a fraction of what I have been paying.”
Beyond the significant cost relief, many customers also point to the excellent customer service they received with reviews that include statements such as, “The team went above and beyond to help us,” and, “Overall, the best experience I’ve had setting up insurance.” That’s some high praise for an auto insurance company.
Rapidly Expanding Across the U.S.
To keep up with the massive market demand that they’ve seen, OpenRoad has been rapidly rolling out its insurance program across the U.S., quickly growing coverage availability to 24 states. Don’t reside in one of their currently live states? Don’t worry, the brand plans to add coverage across several more states by the summer of 2025. You can also sign up for their launch newsletter and get notified as soon as coverage is available for your area.
Get your quote today and see how much you could save in about 5 minutes.
Movie fans and car fans found a lot of common ground at a recent Barrett-Jackson collector-car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Specifically, the Stewart A. Berkowitz collection brought in a high volume of noteworthy vehicles from on-screen – like the Flintstones car, a DeLorean, a “Herbie” Volkswagen Beetle, and even a Batmobile. Imagine being able to drive down the street feeling like a superhero… or being able to drive around a park full of dinosaurs.
The Ford Explorer and the movie “Jurassic Park” were both memorable home runs in pop culture in the 1990s. “Jurassic Park” hit the theaters on June 11, 1993 and went on to gross $914 million during its initial theatrical run alone. In fact, until “Titanic” came along four years later in 1997, it was the highest-grossing film of all time. Similarly, the first-generation Explorer (produced from 1991 through 1994) it played a huge influence on the boom of sport-utility vehicles. Ford sold over 300,000 units per year, and the Explorer was (and still is, today) an undisputed success.
It was my pleasure to kick the Goodyear Wrangler white-letter tires of a unique re-creation of one of the iconic tour vehicles from the original “Jurassic Park” movie. Themed in appropriate red, green and yellow via a custom wrap, it started life as a stock 1993 Explorer XLT four-wheel drive four-door. Based on what we know about the build, the vehicle was originally white before receiving its custom treatment. The Explorer also received yellow-finished 15-inch wheels, a front brush guard, prop fog lamps, and yellow bumpers.
One thing that did not get modified was the engine: power still came from the factory-installed Cologne 4.0-liter V6 that was rated at 160 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission and a manual-shifting dual-range transfer case sent power to all four wheels. The interior was appointed with blue cloth upholstery, power windows, a center console, and – in proper 1990s fashion – an AM/FM radio with a cassette player.
This eye-catching Ford Explorer blurred the lines behind movie magic and driveway reality. We are excited to see what other kinds of “themed” vehicles pop up next at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction which will take place October 15-18 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Join us for the fun, because the variety of vehicles on display (and up for grabs) will surprise you.
Just watch out for any T. rex sightings!
Stay tuned to the ClassicCars TV YouTube Channel for more feature stories from Barrett-Jackson.
It’s no secret that American culture is one of our country’s great exports. People in faraway lands enjoy our music, fashion, and TV shows. As shown by our Pick of the Day, a 1949 Buick Super Estate Wagon, American cars are also popular in other parts of the world, which explains why this woodie is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Jörlanda, Sweden.
If you think of California when you read the term “woodie,” that’s completely natural. A wagon like this fits that scene, even if it never carries a surfboard. But in 2008, someone in Sweden just had to have this big piece of rolling Americana, purchased it, and had it flown overseas. The original maple and northern elm wood trim around the windows and on the rear end was in bad shape, so an expert in restoring wood boats (NOT Ikea furniture) was called in to replace it. The glossy finish contrasts nicely with the satin clearcoat over the light blue paint that was laid down in 2015. According to the selling dealer, most of the chrome trim is new or has been professionally polished.
There’s more blue inside the cabin. Two shades of it, actually: light blue on the dash and door panels, and dark blue upholstery.
Between the ventiports on the front fenders is the original 248ci “Fireball” straight-eight, which is connected to a Carter two-barrel carburetor and Dynaflow automatic. The entire electrical system was upgraded to a 12-volt setup.
This 1949 Buick Super Estate Wagon is a long way from home. You can bring it back for $49,500 (OBO)—perhaps after spending a summer vacation (and maybe some meatballs) in Sweden.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
Volkswagen has always been more than the people’s car—it’s the people’s surprise.
From the lovable Beetle to the boxy Microbus, Volkswagen built its legacy not just on reliability, but on a willingness to experiment.
Over the decades, the brand has unleashed some truly eccentric and imaginative vehicles that made car enthusiasts do a double take.
Some flopped. Others became cult classics.
But all of them proved that Volkswagen wasn’t afraid to get weird.
In this article, we look back at 15 of the oddest VW cars—and why a part of us still misses them.
This ’41 Willys coupe was built circa 2008 as a gasser-style street/drag car utilizing an Active Power fiberglass body and boxed frame. The Chevrolet 496ci stroker V8 breathes through dual Edelbrock carburetors atop an Offenhauser cross-ram intake manifold and is linked with a Super T-10 four-speed manual transmission and a Currie 9″ rear end. Work following the seller’s 2024 acquisition included installing electric cut-out header valves, wheelie bars, and Hoosier Pro Street tires. Additional equipment includes a Borgeson steering box, Wilwood front disc brakes, E-T Dragmaster wheels, front leaf springs, gas shocks, rear coilovers, and ladder bars. The body is finished in red with air-brushed artwork and gold-leaf-style lettering, and the cabin is outfitted with low-back bucket seats, power windows, a Hurst shifter, Mooneyes instrumentation, a rear camera system, a Pioneer CD receiver, and brown leather upholstery. This gasser-style Willys coupe is now offered with a clean Florida title in the seller’s name that lists the car as a 1941 Willys.
The fiberglass body is finished in red with an air-brushed skull, gradient flames, and gold-leaf-style lettering. It rides on an Active Power boxed frame and features a tilting front end and shaved doors that open manually from the outside by reaching though an open window or using an emergency release hidden under the left rocker panel. Additional exterior details include a hood scoop, rear-hinged doors, a drop-down hideaway license plate bracket, remote jumper terminals, a battery cut-off switch, blue headlight lenses, and a 2″ aluminum rear bumper.
Polished E-T 15″ Dragmaster alloy wheels are mounted with 25×7.5″ front and 31×16.5″ rear Hoosier Pro Street tires. Suspension is handled by chrome parallel leaf springs and gas-charged shocks mounted to the solid front axle along with ladder bars, adjustable coilovers, and Competition Engineering sprung wheelie bars out back. Steering goes through a Borgeson box, and the car is brought to a halt by Wilwood front disc and rear drum brakes. The seller says the parking brake is not functional.
The low-back bucket seats are trimmed in brown leather that extends to the dashboard, door panels, and center console. Tan tweed carpets with brown piping overlays the floorboards and the sides of the console. A color TFT monitor that resides in the center stack is connected to a rearview camera, and switch controls are hidden beneath an upholstered cover ahead of the shifter. Additional equipment includes power windows, and a Hurst T-handle shifter with a line lock switch. A Pioneer CD receiver and Kicker speakers are mounted on the rear bulkhead.
The brown leather half-wrap steering wheel sits on a chrome column with a Mooneyes tachometer, and a suite of Mooneyes white-dial instruments are housed in the center of the dashboard in an engine-turned bezel. The digital odometer shows 3,500 miles, approximately 700 of which were added by the seller. The speedometer reads inaccurately, and true mileage is unknown.
The fuel filler is accessible through the trunk, which is upholstered to match the interior.
The 496ci Chevrolet V8 is topped with an Offenhauser cross-ram intake manifold and a pair of Edelbrock VRS 650-cfm carburetors. Fuel arrives through a Holley electric fuel pump, and gases exit through ceramic-coated headers with electric cut-out valves and an X-pipe dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers.
The engine was built utilizing Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads, Eagle connecting rods, and 10.0:1-compression JE Pistons, per the seller. Ignition is handled by an MSD Pro-Billet distributor and ignition control box, and cooling power is provided by an aluminum radiator, a chrome Mesiere high-flow electric water pump, and a thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan supplemented by a pair of switched auxiliary fans. The seller notes an oil drip after the car runs for a period of time and is then parked.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Perfection Clutch with a Howe hydraulic release bearing and a Richmond Super T-10 four-speed manual transmission with a 2.88 first gear, and a custom aluminum driveshaft linked to the Currie 9″ aluminum center section that is equipped with 31-spline axles and a 4.11:1 final gear ratio. Additional photos that show the underbody prior to the installation of the header switches, wheelie bars, and Hoosier tires can be viewed in the gallery.
Compact cars have shed their modest roots, emerging as true contenders in the luxury segment.
Today’s small vehicles are outfitted with features once reserved for premium sedans and SUVs—think plush interiors, cutting-edge technology, and advanced safety systems.
Automakers now blend efficiency and agility with surprising sophistication, making upscale driving experiences accessible to more people than ever before.
As a result, compact cars are redefining expectations, proving that you don’t need a large footprint to enjoy big luxury and innovation on the road.
In recent years, SUVs have soared in popularity among adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
As more people crave exploration beyond paved roads, the demand for vehicles built to conquer tough terrain has intensified.
But not every SUV is engineered for true off-road prowess.
The models that stand out combine advanced 4×4 systems, rugged suspensions, superior ground clearance, and smart traction management.
This list spotlights 20 SUVs that truly excel when the pavement ends, each meeting strict criteria for best-in-class off-road capability.
The automotive industry has always been a crucible of innovation, continuously reshaping how we move, connect, and experience the world.
From the earliest days of motorized transport to the present era of electrification and automation,
pioneering breakthroughs have redefined mobility, performance, safety, and sustainability.
Each transformative leap—from seat belts to self-driving cars—has not only revolutionized vehicles but also the way society functions.
As we explore these 20 automaker innovations, discover how visionaries turned bold ideas into milestones that changed the car industry forever.