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    The AMC – Forgotten Economy Car Heroes

    From the start, the AMC concentrated on the economy car field. For a few decades, this company presented a tough competitor to the Big Three with numerous small and cheap models that sold well and were common on American roads. Constantly trying to invent something new and stay relevant and profitable in the market, AMC presented many memorable models like the AMC Gremlin, Hornet, Pacer, and muscle duo – Javelin and AMX. Despite being much smaller than the Big Three, AMC was always innovative and resourceful. Today, we will tell you about those cars. 

    AMC Marlin 343

    1967 Amc Marlin Fastback At Amo 2015 Meet In Brown 2of7 Scaled
    Photo Credit: Edmunds

    For the 1967 model year, AMC decided to introduce a 343 V8 version of the Marlin with 280 HP on tap. Although it wasn’t very much, it was enough to give the Marlin decent performance and driving dynamics. Today, 343 V8-powered Marlins are very rare, but there were even rarer options, which consisted of a factory-tuned 343 V8 engine with 320 HP, which provided the Marlin with some real power. 

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    Rarest Volkswagens You Never Know Existed

    Volkswagen’s model lineup is well-known worldwide. The VW Beetle (the classic one) was one of the most popular cars ever produced, with over 20 million examples. Other VW models also enjoyed much success and high-volume production numbers. However, some Volkswagen models are scarce and unknown even to the most knowledgeable enthusiasts. Here are the 20 Volkswagens you might not know. 

    KDF Wagen

    Kdf Wagen 100451908 H
    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    The KDF Wagen, or Strength Through Joy Car, was the predecessor to the Volkswagen Beetle. It was designed by Ferdinand Porsche and was intended to be an affordable car for German families during the 1930s. Due to World War II, only a few KDF Wagen models were produced before production shifted to military vehicles like the Kübelwagen. Fewer than 700 units of the civilian KDF Wagen were made, making it a sought-after collector’s item.

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    Barely Disguised Racers – Craziest Homologation Specials Ever Released On The Street

    Even if you are not a keen car enthusiast, you have probably heard of the term “homologation special.” Most of the world’s racing championships only allow racing cars they base on regular production models. So, manufacturers often produce special limited runs of their vehicles to get an advantage on the race tracks. They equip them with unusual features, wild aero kits, and specially tuned engines, transforming them into thoroughbred race cars. The homologation specials are always interesting models since they are different than their more mundane cousins. They feature components or specially designed racing parts you couldn’t get any other way.

    Lancia 037 Stradale

    1982 Lancia Rally 037 Stradale Lead Image 1
    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    To homologate the car for the infamous Group B rally series in 1982, Lancia needed to produce at least 200 road-going examples. So, they presented the 037 Stradale later that year. The street-legal car was almost as extreme as the racing model. The Stradale featured a lightweight plastic body. Depending on the tune, it had a mid-mounted 2.0 or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 280 HP. The Stradale has the same stiff suspension, Spartan interior, racing seats, plastic windows, and a close-ratio gearbox. 

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    Best Hemi Cars Of All Times

    Chevrolet had its big blocks, Ford had its Cobra Jet, and Chrysler got the Hemi. For over 6 decades, the Hemi engine has been the top-of-the-line option in various Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and Imperial models and a sure sign that you have considerable firepower under the hood. Even if you are not familiar with car terminology, the name “Hemi” certainly rings a bell. So, what are the best cars with this legendary engine?

    Chrysler New Yorker

    Photo Credit: Sm Classic Cars

    Even though Chrysler introduced the Hemi engine in 1951, it became a hot item only in 1954 when Chrysler’s engineers managed to squeeze 235 HP, which is considered ludicrous power. Installed in an elegant and restrained New Yorker model, the 331 Hemi V8 proved to be fast, durable, and a record-breaker. 

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    Best Hot Rod Trucks Ever Made

    The pickup trucks can be considered one of the definitive American car classes. Even though you might be familiar with recent models such as the Ram SRT-10 or Ford Raptor, the truth is that muscle trucks date way back to the ’60s and the original muscle era. Today, we will tell you about the most interesting and best-known hot rod trucks and pickups that can tow, carry, load, and burn rubber. 

    Dodge D-Series High-Performance Package

    1960 Dodge Sport Truck Mt Classic 9.jpg Copy
    Photo Credit: Hot Rod

    Back in the early ’60s, Dodge’s truck lineup was behind that of Ford and Chevrolet. Competitors had newer models, more options, and wider engine choices. However, Dodge did not give up and introduced an interesting special edition from 1964 to 1966 that took the pickup world by storm. It was called the High-Performance Package, and it featured a lot of go-faster goodies from Mopar. First, there was the mighty 426 Wedge V8 engine with 375 hp. 

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    Most Valuable Classic Corvettes Ever Sold

    Back in 1953, Chevrolet changed sports car history with the introduction of the very first Chevrolet Corvette. Over its illustrious history, Chevrolet has produced more than 1.5 million Corvettes—a remarkable feat for a performance vehicle. While many Corvettes are iconic in their own right, some models stand out as rarer and more valuable, making them highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

    1953 Corvette – $660,000

    1953 Chevrolet Corvette 1536x864
    Photo Credit: Silodrome

    The 1953 Corvette is honored to be the car that started it all. Chevrolet produced just 300 examples in this inaugural year, all featuring white exteriors with red interiors and powered by a modest six-cylinder engine. Fewer than 100 of these groundbreaking vehicles are estimated to remain today, which explains their sky-high value. Owning a 1953 Corvette is like owning a piece of automotive history.

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    Collectors’ Dreams: The Scarcest Porsches Ever Produced

    Porsche is synonymous with excellence in sports car engineering, with millions of 911s sold globally. Yet, beyond its iconic models, Porsche has produced several ultra-rare vehicles that have become legends among enthusiasts. Let’s explore these exceptional creations.

    1. Porsche 911 ST (1969-1972) Production: 24 Cars

    Abt Classic 10 Large.jpeg
    Photo Credit: Studttcars

    The 911 ST, an early racing-focused model, was a lightweight marvel, tipping the scales at just 800 kg. It features an enhanced engine and competition-tuned suspension and catered to both circuit and rally racing. Available as an optional M471 package through Porsche dealerships, its high price limited its appeal, and production ended after only 24 units.

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    350-Powered 1940 Ford Deluxe Business Coupe

    This 1940 Ford Deluxe business coupe has been modified with the installation of a 350ci V8, a Weber carburetor, a three-speed automatic transmission, a Mustang II–style front suspension, coil springs, multilink rear suspension, a Chevrolet rear end, power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drums, and a dual exhaust system as well as tilt steering, air conditioning, VDO instrumentation, and a Sony cassette stereo. Finished in red over red leather, the car also has rear jump seats, body-color 15″ steel wheels, bright hubcaps and trim rings, and whitewall tires. The car was purchased by the current owner in 2013, and modifications are said to have been completed in 2014. This ’40 Ford street rod is now offered in Delaware on dealer consignment with a clean Montana title under the owner’s LLC.

    The bodywork is finished in red and features a two-piece windshield, dual windshield wipers, dual side mirrors, Deluxe badging, horizontal grille slats, running boards, a split rear window, chrome bumpers, and dual exhaust outlets.

    Body-color 15″ steel wheels with bright hubcaps and trim rings are mounted with 225/75 Coker whitewall tires. A Mustang II–style front end with rack-and-pinion steering has been adapted, while a multilink rear suspension is teamed with adjustable coilovers. Braking is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

    The red leather upholstery is complemented by a color-coordinated painted dashboard, upholstered door panels, and darker-colored carpeting. Interior appointments include aluminum trim, a Sony AM/FM/cassette stereo, a glovebox, and air conditioning.

    Opera-style rear jump seats are accessible by tilting the split-back front bench seat forward.

    The red-rimmed steering wheel is attached to a tilting column and sits ahead of VDO gauges including a 120-mph speedometer and readouts for fuel level, amperage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 16k miles, approximately 3k of which were added under current ownership; true chassis mileage is unknown.

    The trunk compartment is trimmed to match the interior.

    The 350ci V8 is said to have been installed as part of the build that was completed in 2014. The engine is augmented by an aluminum intake manifold, a Weber- and Magneti Marelli–branded carburetor, an open-element air cleaner, and red-accented rocker covers. The battery was replaced and the oil was changed in preparation for the sale.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission and a 1957 Chevrolet rear end.

    The VIN listed on the Montana title is 185700781, which is visible on the frame stamp shown above and corresponds with a 1940 Ford Deluxe.

    No Reserve: 392-Powered 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe by Brizio Street Rods

    This 1934 Ford 3-window coupe was built by Roy Brizio Street Rods of South San Francisco, California, utilizing a reproduction steel body from Steve’s Auto Restorations. Commissioned by the current owner’s family in 2007, the car rides on a boxed steel frame and is powered by a 392ci Ford Racing V8 joined to a five-speed manual transmission. Inside, red leather upholstery installed at Sid Chavers is accompanied by woodgrain trim, a Hurst shifter, a banjo-style steering wheel, and AutoMeter gauges. Other highlights include a rumble seat, full fenders, 15” and 16” steel wheels, finned drum brakes, an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, dual four-barrel carburetors, Patriot exhaust headers, and MSD ignition components. After the build was completed, the car won its class at the 2009 Grand National Roadster Show and was selected as Street Rodder magazine’s “Best Ford in a Ford” according to the selling dealer. This Ford street rod is now offered on dealer consignment at no reserve with build records, spare parts, and a clean California title.

    The steel body was stripped and modified with a custom-fabricated transmission tunnel and floors during the build, and the frame was boxed and reinforced with tubular crossmembers before being powder-coated in black. Epoxy primer was applied before the car was finished in black with red pinstriping at Camilleri’s Auto Works, and brightwork was refinished by Sherm’s Custom Plating. Exterior details include a louvered hood, a black roof covering, coach doors, full fenders, running boards, and a chrome grille insert, headlight buckets, and bumpers.

    Red-finished 15” front and 16” rear steel wheels have polished hubcaps and trim rings and are mounted with 195/65 and 245/70 Goodyear Eagle LS tires, respectively. The car rides on transverse leaf springs, and the dropped front axle was powder-coated along with the radius rods. A Vega steering box was installed, and braking is handled by finned aluminum drums at all four corners assisted by a booster mounted below the floor.

    The cabin was trimmed in red leather tuck-and-roll upholstery at Sid Chavers, and Dynamat Xtreme sound-deadening material was applied under the bound carpets. The dashboard and window frames wear a painted woodgrain finish, and a Hurst double-bend shifter was installed. The wiring harness was replaced, and the window regulators were rebuilt during the build.

    The Juliano’s banjo-style steering wheel is mounted to a LimeWorks column and frames AutoMeter instrumentation consisting of a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and voltage. The five-digit odometer shows 2k miles, which is said to represent the distance added since the build was completed.

    The rumble seat is trimmed to complement the cabin, and the lid latch is released by an interior handle.

    The 392ci Ford Racing V8 features an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, dual four-barrel carburetors, and finned aluminum valve covers with red-finished recesses. The coated stainless-steel dual exhaust system incorporates Patriot short-tube headers, and other equipment includes a finned air cleaner lid, a 130-amp alternator, an electric cooling fan, and an MSD distributor and ignition module.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, a custom-fabricated driveshaft, and a banjo rear end.

    Photos taken at various stages of the build are presented in the gallery along with historical documents and spare interior components that will accompany the car.

    350-Powered ’30 Ford Model A Coupe Street Rod

    This ’30 Ford Model A is a steel-bodied coupe that was built into a street rod between 2020 and 2022. According to the seller the build costs ~$63k and entailed installing a TCI custom chassis, and power-assisted disc brakes. The car was built with a supercharged 383ci V8, but since that time a 350ci V8 has been installed. Inside the chopped and lowered Apple Red Kandy body the driver is provided a Bluetooth-capable stereo, a Flaming River tilt column, power windows, and custom leather upholstery, and the car also has a ’32 radiator, an aluminum radiator, and a four-link rear end. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2024, this Model A is now offered with a clean Oklahoma title listing the car as a 1930 Ford street rod.

    The steel body has been chopped and lowered, and it is mounted on a TCI frame. The body was painted House of Kolor Apple Red Kandy in 2021, and it has a ’32 grille shell, a windshield visor, and Lokar door and trunk hinges. The seller notes three touched-up paint chips.

    The car rides on a TCI frame with a four-link rear end, radius rods with a transverse leaf spring and a drop axle up front, and chromed Wilwood disc brakes. It rides on 15″ Torq Thrust wheels, which were mounted in September 2024.

    The interior features custom leather upholstery, and Lokar pedals have been installed along with cup holders, power windows, and a Bluetooth-capable stereo.

    The Ford-logo steering wheel is mounted on a Flaming River tilt column. Pete and Jake’s gauges have been installed, and the ~5,600 miles indicated represent the distance driven since completion of the build.

    The engine is listed as a 383ci V8 on the build plaque, but the seller states that motor was quickly replaced with a 350ci V8. The seller believes it is a four-bolt main motor that was sourced from an early 70s Camaro or Corvette. It is topped by a polished intake and a single 600CFM Edelbrock carburetor. MSD ignition, billet pulleys, tubular headers, and an aluminum radiator were also utilized. The battery was replaced in August 2024, and the oil was changed in September 2024.

    The car has a TH350 automatic linked to a Ford 9″ rear.

    The stamped plaque lists some specifications and the VIN of AA3613223. The car is listed as a 1930 Ford on the title, which carries a Street Rod remark.