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.
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.
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.
For over two decades, retro-futurism has been a part of modern car design. This is when car designers borrow shapes, ideas, and details from car history to revive the famous models of the past. Cars like Volkswagen’s New Beetle, the Ford Mustang, and the Mini Cooper are examples of perfect revivals in modern form.
Designers turned these once-classic shapes into modern vehicles with unmistakable charm, designs, and appearance. During the height of retro-futurism, it looked like any car with classic lines was a sales hit, so many manufacturers decided to introduce such models. As always, there were ones that implemented this style perfectly and ones that failed miserably. Today, we will cover them all.
Photo Credit: Dodge
Dodge Challenger
After the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro got their own fantastic retro versions, the Challenger was next to receive a reimagining of a classic shape. It was a success, staying on the market for over 10 years with minimal changes. Drawing inspiration from the classic 1970 to 1974 model, the Challenger is one of the most successful retro-futuristic cars ever. This is especially true for its high-performance models, the SRT, Scat Pack, and Hellcat versions. This includes the insane Demon model (via Dodge).
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
With standard fuel, the Demon delivers an insane 808 hp, but if you use high-octane stuff, it will pump out almost 840 hp. The rest of the Demon package is equally insane from its special transmission, suspension, and brakes to the widebody stance and exterior details. Its acceleration time from 0 to 60 is less than 3 seconds, and under full power, the Demon will accelerate with 1.8 G force. The car is capable of covering a quarter-mile sprint in less than 10 seconds straight out of the box.
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.
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.
NASCAR is about to get a Netflix documentary series similar to the “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” series that has helped catapult F1’s popularity, particularly in the U.S.
Announced by NASCAR and Netflix on Monday, the new series will air in early 2024 and focus on the 2023 Cup Series Playoffs.
The first of the 2023 playoff races is scheduled for Sept. 3 at South Carolina’s Darlington Raceway.
Five episodes, each spanning 45 minutes, is planned, and filming has already begun. The episodes will show drivers and team members, both during races and away from the track.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. is among the list of executive producers, along with Ben Kennedy, Tim Clark, Matt Summers, and NASCAR Studios’ Tally Hair.
The announcement of the new series follows the successful “Race for the Championship” series that aired in 2022 on the USA Network, and covered that year’s NASCAR season. Like the new Netflix series, which hasn’t been named, “Race for the Championship” focused on several drivers and team members and how they balanced their personal lives with the pressures of racing.
Netflix is no stranger to NASCAR series. Last year saw the airing of “Race: Bubba Wallace” on the popular streaming service. The series followed the Michael Jordan-backed 23XI NASCAR team driver and featured six episodes.
Few cars have cut as deep a mark on the auto industry as the Chevelle SS. The car was a true legend that merged performance with aggressive looks. GM built many memorable muscle cars during this era but the Chevelle formulated a following of its own. The SS396 took the performance numbers of the base models to a new level and gave the car an insane amount of performance for the time. True muscle car fans know the “Super Sport” lineup was uniquely unlike anything else on the road.
The Chevelle is a car that resonated with nearly everyone who came into contact with it. The bold styling and the burly sound from the exhaust truly changed the game. And one edition of the car stands above the rest. Finding a true 1967 Chevelle SS396 is worth tons of money nowadays. We looked at the clues that signify you have a true rare survivor via Motor Trend right here. Buckle up, because the Chevelle SS396 is a car unlike anything else from even that era.
Photo Credit: GM
1967 Chevelle SS396 VIN
The very first thing that you’ll obviously want to do with an authentic Chevelle or any muscle car is check the VIN number. There are specific features that an authentic SS396 will have that separate it. Like most muscle cars from this era, the SS396 was produced in very low numbers. You won’t find a lot of these still on the road, and the few that are available are usually in mint condition (via Motor Trend).
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
These details are uniquely tailored to unaltered, genuine vehicles. The “13817” signifies the SS396’s two-door hardtop body style, “7” denotes the year 1967, “A” represents Atlanta, Georgia, and “175704” serves as the matching VIN sequence number for the engine stamp sequence. As long as the car that you’re looking at has these features, you’ve got an authentic ride.
This hot rod roadster is built on a 1932 Ford-style rolling chassis from TCI Engineering and features bodywork constructed from steel and mahogany strips. Power comes from a fuel-injected Model A inline-four, which was built by JMS Racing Engines of El Monte, California, and features a reproduction Riley four-port cylinder head. Other equipment includes a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox, electronic ignition, vented front disc brakes, a fiberglass track nose, dropped front axle, rear coilovers, staggered-diameter wire wheels, and Speedster-style seats. The car was previously listed on BaT in October 2019 and acquired by the seller later that year. This Ford hot rod is now offered with a clean Missouri title listing the car as a 1929 Ford.
The TCI chassis was built in the early 2000s and later fitted with custom bodywork that incorporates a series of steel ribs welded to the chassis and covered with Honduran mahogany strips. The wood strips were steamed to form over the ribs and are secured with stainless-steel screws. The body was finished with a polyurethane oil, and metalwork includes a tail panel, louvered frame rail covers, and an engine-turned firewall. The fiberglass track-style nose is from Speedway Motors, and the car is also equipped with 1937 Ford-style taillights and front cycle fenders.
Powder-coated Vintique wire wheels measure 16″ up front and 17″ out back and are mounted with 5.50 and 7.50 Firestone blackwall tires, respectively. A dropped front axle and rear coilovers are equipped.
Speedster-style bucket seats are trimmed in black leather with green piping and equipped with latch-and-link belts
A leather-wrapped steering wheel fronts a Moon tachometer that is mounted to an Ididit steering column. A wood dashboard houses a metal dash panel with Classic Instruments gauges including a 140-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The odometer shows 2,700 miles, approximately 200 of which were added under current ownership.
The Model A inline-four was built by JMS Racing Engines, and the reproduction Riley four-port head was rebuilt by Dick Crawford of Donovan Engineering in Torrance, California. The engine is equipped with Aeromotive electronic fuel injection, a counter-balanced crankshaft, a high-performance camshaft, electronic ignition, an alternator conversion, and a 12-volt electrical system.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox with a hydraulic clutch and lightened flywheel. The underside of the chassis has been reinforced with fiberglass.
