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The small-block engine is one of the most significant powerplants in automotive history, renowned for its compact design, reliability, and immense performance potential. First introduced by Chevrolet in 1955, the Small-Block Chevrolet (SBC) became a legend that reshaped the American auto industry and fueled the muscle car and hot-rodding movements for decades.

People love small-block engines because they are a versatile, compact, and lightweight alternative to larger engines, offering a good balance of power, performance, and affordability, especially in classic vehicles and hot rods. Their widespread availability of aftermarket parts makes them a customizable and reliable option for enthusiasts to build, modify, and maintain with readily available knowledge and components, leading to their dominance in the performance and racing communities.

Historically, the Ford Mustang 289 Hi-Po, the Chevy Camaro SS 350, and the 1968 Dodge Dart GTS with its 340 cubic-inch engine are recognized as powerful and influential small-block examples, but for this article we wanted to take a look at a few of the less heard of “underdogs,” all found on Hemmings Marketplace.

1968 Mercury Cougar

1968 Mercury Cougar listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

The 1968 Mercury Cougar offered two small-block engine options: the standard 200-horsepower 302 V8, and the more potent 210-horsepower 302 with a four-barrel carburetor. These small-block engines provided a solid, performance-oriented foundation for the upscale pony car, which shared its platform with the Ford Mustang but featured unique styling elements like hidden headlights, sequential turn signals, and an available luxurious XR-7 package.

While other more powerful engines were available (like the 390 or 428), the 302, which offered 325 horsepower and 427 pond-feet of torque out of the factory, provided a balance of usable power and the smooth, comfortable ride characteristic of a luxury-sport GT (Grand Touring) car.

We found this beautifully restored and upgraded 1968 Mercury Cougar, powered by a strong-running Ford Racing 302 crate engine, listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

1969 Buick Skylark GS

1969 Buick Skylark listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

The small-block powered 1969 Buick Skylark GS represents Buick’s unique approach to the muscle car era, offering a balanced blend of power, comfort, and a sophisticated design. The small-block in these models, a successor to the earlier Buick 300 and 340 cubic-inch engines, was a unique Buick-designed 350 cubic-inch V8, known for its low-end torque, external oil pump, and distributor located in front of the engine. When equipped with the three-speed manual gearbox, the 350 cubic-inch V8 produced 280 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque.

While not a top-tier muscle car like the GS 455, the 350 V8 offered a significant performance upgrade over the base Skylark’s inline-six and it was considered a good performer for its day. This 350 V8-powered 1969 Buick Skylark Custom listed on Hemmings Marketplace is a blend of aesthetic appeal and robust performance making it an outstanding choice for any classic car enthusiast or collector.

1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass

1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass with a small-block engine was a popular option, featuring a 350-cubic-inch V8 that provided a good balance of performance and efficiency for its time, making it a great cruiser and a fun car to drive. These cars were part of the final year of the third-generation Cutlass, offering classic styling with a range of available body styles, transmissions, and options like factory air conditioning and performance upgrades. While not as powerful as the big-block 455 models, the 350 offered a smooth, responsive powerband and was a well-loved alternative, especially in the Cutlass S and base models.

The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass featured the Rocket 350 V8, with two main power configurations: a base model with a two-barrel carburetor producing 160 or 180 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque (like this restored example), and an optional upgrade with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts, boosting output to 200 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Check out an excellent example of the four-barrel carb equipped model at this link.

1972 Plymouth Duster 340

1972 Plymouth Duster listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

The 1972 Plymouth Duster was a popular, budget-friendly muscle car that offered performance and style at an affordable price, featuring a lightweight, fastback design based on the A-body platform. The high-performance Duster 340 model was the most desirable, packing a 340 cubic inch small-block V8 engine producing around 275 horsepower, delivering strong performance that could challenge larger muscle cars.

This exceptional 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 is described as a true survivor that embodies the spirit of American muscle. This all-original car features a matching-numbers drivetrain paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Get a closer look on Hemmings Marketplace.

1973 Ford Maverick Grabber

1973 Ford Maverick Grabber listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

The 1973 Ford Maverick Grabber, powered by a small-block Windsor V8 (often the 302), was a sporty compact car that, while modest in stock form, became a legendary platform for drag racing and performance modification due to its light weight and tuner potential. It featured unique Grabber trim, including distinctive striping and hood scoops, and served as an affordable, reliable, and adaptable vehicle for enthusiasts during the Malaise Era.

In its original form, a 1973 Maverick Grabber with a 302 V8 was not a performance powerhouse, with a 0-60 mph time in the mid-9 seconds and a mid-16-second quarter-mile. Its true appeal lay in its potential for performance upgrades, making it a favorite for drag racers. Owners could easily install aftermarket parts to transform the car into a legitimate muscle car. This mostly original 1973 Maverick coupe is a rare, low-mileage example of the popular sedan.

The post Five Underrated Small-Block V8 Muscle Cars That Deserve More Love appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

The 1947 Tatra T87 is best known as a masterpiece of aerodynamic design and unconventional engineering from Czechoslovakia. This luxury sedan, with its futuristic teardrop shape, rear-mounted V8 engine, and controversial history, remains a fascinating icon for vintage car enthusiasts and collectors. The T87 embodies a rare and daring approach to automotive innovation from a company that consistently challenged conventions.

A look into the T87’s unique features

Streamlined for efficiency

The T87’s stunning, streamlined body was designed by a team led by engineer Hans Ledwinka and heavily influenced by Paul Jaray, an aerodynamicist who worked on German zeppelins. The result was an exceptionally slippery shape, complete with a prominent central fin, which delivered a remarkably low drag coefficient and impressive fuel economy for its era.

Rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 engine

At the heart of the T87 is a 2.9-liter, air-cooled, overhead-cam V8 engine. Constructed from a lightweight magnesium alloy, this advanced engine produced about 85 horsepower and enabled the car to reach a top speed of 100 mph—a formidable feat for a passenger car of its time.

Influential and innovative design

The T87’s advanced engineering had a profound impact on other automotive pioneers. Its rear-engine layout and design principles heavily influenced Ferdinand Porsche during his development of the Volkswagen Beetle. After World War II, Tatra won a settlement against VW for patent infringement related to this influence, though the story has a bittersweet end for Ledwinka.

The myth of the ‘Nazi killer’

One of the most infamous—and likely exaggerated—stories surrounding the Tatra T87 is its alleged reputation as the “Czech secret weapon”. During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, German officers favored the fast and comfortable T87 for use on the Autobahn. However, the car’s rear-heavy weight distribution and independent swing-axle suspension, combined with inexperience from drivers accustomed to more conventional front-engine cars, led to dangerous oversteer.

Rumors spread that so many officers crashed their Tatras that driving them was eventually forbidden. While the ban and the number of fatalities are often debated, the car’s tricky handling is a well-documented aspect of its history.

Why the 1947 model is special

The 1947 Tatra T87 falls into the post-war production period, after the factory was nationalized under communist rule. While production was briefly halted during the war, it resumed afterward with limited changes, continuing the legacy of its pre-war design. The 1947 model carries the weight of a unique transition: a luxurious, technologically advanced car produced for the elite in a country entering a new political reality. It was also during this period that Czech explorers Miroslav Zikmund and Jiří Hanzelka famously embarked on their multi-year expedition across Africa and Latin America in a T87, further cementing its reputation for rugged reliability.

A collector’s dream today

Today, the Tatra T87 is a rare and highly sought-after classic car, admired for its aesthetic boldness and engineering foresight. Its scarcity, coupled with its captivating backstory, makes it a star attraction at museums and auctions worldwide. Jay Leno, a prominent car collector, has called it “the greatest car that no one has ever heard of,” an apt description for this automotive pioneer that continues to surprise and delight.

The 1947 Tatra T87 (lot U320) featured in this article’s photos is from the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago. After the owner’s passing, the entire collection is set to be sold by Mecum Auctions later this month.

Read more: Billed as the “Million Dollar Tatra,” this 1934 Tatra T77 cost all that and more to restore.

The post The 1947 Tatra T87: Discovering the World’s Most Unusual Post-War Classic Car appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

The 1980s witnessed a revolution in automotive design, characterized by bold lines, sharp angles, and ambitious styling cues. This era’s vehicles often exuded a sense of speed and dynamism, even when stationary. Designers drew inspiration from contemporary fighter jets and futuristic concepts, resulting in cars that appeared far swifter than their real-world performance suggested. This trend not only captivated enthusiasts but also set the stage for the iconic designs that continue to influence automotive aesthetics today. (en.wikipedia.org)

Source

Conventional wisdom in the collector car hobby posits that convertible sales taper off after Labor Day. While that may hold true for the car parked at the end of your driveway with the “for sale” sign on it, auctions behave differently. Even before the advent of online auctions, big live events in the supposedly slower months of fall and winter never had a problem finding new homes for cars with folding roofs.

As part of our never-ending quest to help our readers make sense out what’s happening in the market, we have chosen the cars below to dive into the details. All are from European manufacturers. All promise fun in the sun. And all were sold recently via either Hemmings Auctions of Hemmings Make Offer.

You can keep abreast of the latest consignments by subscribing to the daily Hemmings Auctions email newsletter.

* Indicates a vehicle sold as a Make Offer listing.

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MK II

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MK II , front quarter, top down

Reserve: $38,000

Selling Price: $39,900

Recent Market Range: $27,000-$42,000

“Big Healeys” offer tremendous value to collectors of British sports cars. With their torquey inline-six engines, sinewy curves and low stance, they deliver an experience otherwise reserved for more expensive vehicles. Model production lasted from 1959 through 1967. Perhaps the biggest changes came with the introduction of the BJ7. Known more formally as the 3000 MK II Sports Convertible, the 2+2 BJ7 was the first of the range to have a curved windshield. It was also the first with proper roll-up windows rather than side curtains or sliding windows.

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MK II, rear quarter, top down, light metallic blue

This 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II BJ7 had the distinction of being in the same family from new, though it had changed hands several times between two brothers. The seller, a one-time auto shop teacher, restored the car over a number of years, completing it in 2005. It appeared to be a well maintained, driver-quality example.

Values for big Healeys dropped approximately 20% between 2021 and 2024, but have stabilized in the past year. The sale price here was strong for a driver-quality example, but more than 60 years of solid ownership in the same family surely helped push this example across the finish line.

1995 Mercedes-Benz SL500

1995 Mercedes-Benz SL500, side view, top up, green with a black top

Reserve: $15,500

Selling Price: $16,275

Recent Market Range: $14,500-$22,500

When the R129 generation of the Mercedes-Benz roadster debuted in 1989, it marked a design and engineering breakthrough. Overnight, the company’s premier convertible had gone from the 1970s to the 1990s. The R129 featured multi-cam engines, advanced safety features, and performance that trounced its predecessor and even gave muscle cars nightmares. It was the company’s flagship model upon its debut.

1995 Mercedes-Benz SL500, rear quarter, green with a black top, top up

This 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL500 showed just under 24,000 miles on the odometer. Its oh-so-Nineties finish in Brilliant Emerald Green appeared to be in excellent condition. While the Parchment leather interior did show some wear, the engine bay looked quite clean. Not a maintenance-free car by any means, but a rewarding combination of power, comfort, safety and design, an R129 SL can make for a fine collectible.

The selling dealer pitched this example with the words “pristine,” “excellent,” and “showroom” to describe its condition. The pictures seemed to back up those words, and the seller did share the car’s few cosmetic shortcomings. This sale appeared to be a sound buy, firmly within the expected market range.

1959 Jaguar XK150 Roadster

1959 Jaguar XK150 Roadster, maroon, top down. open two seater

Asking Price: $51,000

Selling Price: $46,200*

Recent Market Range: $44,000-$62,000

With five overall wins at Le Mans from 1951 through 1957, Jaguar firmly established its bona fides as a maker of some of the best sports cars in the world. The peak of its volume production sports car expertise in the Fifties arrived with the XK150. With a wrap-around windshield for better visibility and a wider body with more room, the XK150 proved a more comfortable car than the XK120 and XK140 that preceded it. Jaguar pioneered four-wheel disc brakes, first introducing them on the Le Mans-winning C-type. Its XK150 was among the first mass-produced cars with discs on all four corners.

1959 Jaguar XK150 Roadster, side view, maroon with a black top, top up

This 1959 Jaguar XK150 Roadster (a.k.a. Open Two-Seater in Jaguar parlance), was in storage for over 35 years. Starting in 2019, the car was “brought back to working condition.” The interior was refreshed during this period as well. Its 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six and four-speed manual were noted as original. The maroon finish exhibited many defects, which was understandable given its decades in an “old barn.” The new clutch dates from 2024, according to the listing.

Given the amount of cosmetic restoration work required, the selling price of $46,200 actually looks a bit strong. But the seller also called out the 7,002-mile odometer reading as being accurate. That low mileage and very high degree of originality clearly resonated with the buyer who acquired this car via a direct Make Offer listing.

1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Convertible

1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Convertible , red with a black top, front quarter, top up

Reserve: $13,500

Selling Price: $13,703

Recent Market Range: $10,000-$16,000

Produced from 1985 through 1997, Mercedes-Benz W124 platform underpinned sedans, coupes, wagons, limousines and convertibles. As the midsize, high-volume model in the German automaker’s lineup, the first-gen E-Class provided transportation for executives and families. It proved a solid, high-mileage taxi for legions of drivers around the world. It even served as the basis for hearses and ambulances in Europe.

1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Convertible , red with a black top, rear quarter, top up

Along with the 500E super sedan, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Cabriolet was the range-topping model for the E-Class in 1995. As such, it was well equipped from the factory, with such niceties as powered seats and a powered folding soft top with a glass rear window. All W124 Cabriolets sold in the U.S. were powered by a 217-hp, 3.2-liter DOHC inline-six.

This generation of E-Class is noted for being durable and reaching very high mileage figures when properly maintained. Given that reputation, the sub 91,000-mile odometer reading indicates this luxury convertible had lots of life left in it. There were some needs shared by the seller that indicated the top might need some attention. At a $13,703 net sale price via post-auction Make Offer listing, it sold just as expected. Save for that 500E and ultra-low-mileage examples, first-gen E-Class cars have been steady and stable in terms of pricing in recent years.

2007 Bentley GTC

2007 Bentley GTC Convertible, Blue Sapphire, top down, front quarter

Reserve: $30,500

Selling Price: $32,550

Recent Market Range: $29,000-$44,000

Since its acquisition of Bentley in 1998, Volkswagen has turned the marque into one of the most desirable ultra-luxury automakers on the planet. Production surged from just 414 cars in 1998 to over 10,000 by 2006. That leap in volume came primarily from the Continental GT coupe that debuted in 2004 and the similar GTC convertible produced from late 2006 and on. Demand was so pent up for the drop-top version that some 69% of 2007 Continental two-door sales came from the GTC.

2007 Bentley GTC Convertible, Blue Sapphire, top down, rear quarter

This 2007 Bentley GTC appeared to be a well kept example of what was one of the world’s fastest convertibles when it was new. Thanks to a 552-hp, twin-turbocharged W12 engine, it had a top speed of 195 mph. Finished in Dark Sapphire over Saddle leather, it originally carried a base MSRP of $189,900.

That incredible sticker price brings us to the depreciation that higher volume has delivered to the nameplate in recent years. The net sale price of $32,550 here is clearly in the recent market range and akin to the modern Aston Martin market as well. These cars require expensive upkeep but can reward their owners with a driving experience like no other, wrapped in top-level luxury and bestowed with speed.

1959 MGA Roadster

1959 MGA Roadster, red, front quarter view, top down

Asking Price: $21,900

Selling Price: $21,000*

Recent Market Range: $16,000-$23,000

MG was in danger of getting lost in the shuffle of the many brands under the BMC umbrella in the 1950s. Its TF sports car was modern enough with coil springs and rack-and-pinion steering, but it looked like the clock had stopped in 1938. Based on a streamlined Le Mans entry, the company created the MGA for 1955, giving the British automaker a competitive entrant in the burgeoning sports car scene, particularly in its largest market, North America.

1959 MGA Roadster, red, rear quarter view, top down

This 1959 MGA Roadster was the recipient of a body-off restoration completed in 2011. It had been upgraded from the stock 1,588-cc engine to a 1,798-cc unit from an MGB. The seller listed a host of maintenance and services completed recently that indicate a well cared for machine.

A net sale price here as a Make Offer listing so close to the asking price tells us that the seller was reasonable from the start. The seller remained engaged and responsive to questions throughout the duration of the listing. Bidders are always more likely to make an offer when such sellers are involved.

Other recent European Convertible sales on Hemmings Auctions and Hemmings Make Offer

2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500

2006 Mercedes-Benz SL500, white, front quarter, top down

Reserve: $19,000

Selling Price: $20,213

Recent Market Range: $18,000-$26,000

Details: M113 5.0-liter, 302-hp V8, clean Carfax, 32,517 miles

1993 Jaguar XJS 4.0 Convertible

1993 Jaguar XJS 4.0 Convertible, side view, white with a maroon top, top up

Reserve: $21,000

Selling Price: $18,900*

Recent Market Range: $17,000-$25,000

Details: Five-speed manual, 4.0-liter DOHC inline-six, white with a maroon top, 35,290 miles

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Convertible

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Convertible, maroon, top down, front quarter view

Reserve: $0 (No Reserve)

Selling Price: $14,700

Recent Market Range: $11,000-$18,000

Details: M272 3.5-liter, 268-hp DOHC V6, Thulite Red Metallic with a black top, 47,385 miles

The post Summer’s Not Over Yet! European Convertibles Recently Sold on Hemmings.com appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

In the midst of the 2025 Drag Week, which began on Sunday, September 14 and runs through Friday, September 19, we got to thinking: Which Hemmings Marketplace cars will make excellent race cars for drag-and-drive events? While scrolling through the plethora of hot rods and muscle cars listed for sale, we found several high-performance classic cars that are already modified to be race-ready.

Whether you’re chasing the next speed record or just looking forward to good times with race car buddies, there are several options that will get your engine revving. The hot rods and muscle cars listed below are turn-key and ready to dominate upcoming drag-and-drive events like Drag Week, Sick Week, and Rocky Mountain Race Week. Equipped with powerful built engines, roll cages, upgraded suspensions and more, these race cars are equipped to burn rubber down the dragstrip then hit the road to the next race track, over and over again.

1970 Chevrolet Camaro

Six Drag And Drive Ready Hot Rods That’ll Turn Heads At Drag Week
1970 Chevrolet Camaro race car listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

This pro street 1970 Chevrolet Camaro is built for pure performance. According to the listing on Hemmings Marketplace,  this modified muscle car features a massive cowl-induction hood, drag tires and a roll cage, all of which are clearly not just for show. Its aggressive stance is matched by a race-ready interior complete with harnesses, bucket seats, and a nitrous system. From the Hoosier tires to the wheelie bars and parachute out back, every inch of this build screams “speed!”  While it still honors the classic Camaro silhouette, this pro street build is all about power, precision, and turning heads at both the track and car shows.

Love a muscle car with flames? Cloaked in a deep purple that dances with flame orange, this 1969 Pro Street Camaro flaunts its ferocity with airbrushed flames blazing across its body.

1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 Gasser

Six Drag And Drive Ready Hot Rods That’ll Turn Heads At Drag Week
1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 Gasser listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

There are gobs of ‘55 Chevy Gassers out there, but how many 1967 Cougar Gassers are there? OK, there were a few back in the golden days of drag racing, but hardly any now. According to the Hemmings Marketplace listing, this drag racing ready 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 gasser began as a rust free body. The entire suspension was pulled and replaced with a Global West suspension kit straight axle set up, which includes all the goods to keep its Mickey Thompson drag tires planted to the pavement.

 Under the hood, the rebuilt 302 was treated to Trick Flow aluminum heads, roller rockers, a custom cut CompCams cam, and more. The odometer reads 39,272, however, there is less than 5,000 miles on the car and engine since the rebuild. A top loader four-speed transmission sends the power back to a Ford 9-inch rear diff.

“Turn the key and go. This thing runs and drives great. Obviously, it’s not a canyon carver. This goes fast – very fast – in a straight line.”

1967 Plymouth Belvedere

Six Drag And Drive Ready Hot Rods That’ll Turn Heads At Drag Week
Drag and drive-ready 1967 Plymouth Belvedere race car listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

For collectors or enthusiasts looking for a drag-and-drive-ready Plymouth Belvedere with show-quality execution, this race car for sale is as impressive in presentation as it is in performance.

According to the classified listing, this 1967 Plymouth Belvedere has been transformed into a high-quality, purpose-built race car, engineered with top-shelf components. Under the hood sits a 440 Stroker 500 cubic-inch INDY block with a solid roller camshaft, dual 1050 carburetors, a tunnel ram, and INDY aluminum heads. Supporting equipment, including the electric water pump, electric fuel pump, dual Optima Yellow Top batteries, and a fuel cell, makes this a true drag car designed for serious performance.

1971 Chevrolet Nova

1971 Chevrolet Nova drag racer listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

The Chevrolet Nova’s compact and lightweight body is a significant advantage in drag racing, allowing for greater acceleration and speed with less power. According to the classified listing on Hemmings Marketplace, this custom 1971 Chevy Nova, equipped with a high-performance engine built by Scott Blakeney of SPE Racing Engines, is meticulously engineered for superior speed, handling, and visual appeal. Upgraded suspension systems further enhance stability and traction during racing. Its compact chassis and advanced suspension system contribute to excellent track performance, while unique styling and racing heritage make it a standout for automotive enthusiasts.

1972 Plymouth Road Runner

1972 Plymouth Road Runner race car listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

This 1972 Plymouth Road Runner embodies the spirit of street and strip performance with extensive modifications aimed at the enthusiast who values both speed and style. Featuring a 499 cubic-inch engine and supported by high-performance components such as a Holley 850 double pump carburetor and Nitrous Oxide system, every aspect of this vehicle screams performance.

1969 Oldsmobile 442

Highly modified 1969 Oldsmobile 442 race car for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

Take High Anxiety to low ETs with this 1969 Oldsmobile 442 drag racing machine. The seller describes it as a “street-legal monster with a blown 455 cubic-inch V8 and a stance that lets everyone know it’s not here to play nice.” You’ll notice that a massive BDS supercharger dominates the hood, which feeds twin Edelbrock carbs and makes it clear that this 442 is far beyond stock. From the sound, to the power, to the attitude, this thing is alive.

Keep reading: Drag Racing 101: How to Prepare for Your First Drag Race

The post Six Drag And Drive Ready Hot Rods That’ll Turn Heads At Drag Week appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

The 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom is a breathtaking feat of automotive artistry, a one-of-a-kind, retrofuturistic show car built decades after the original vehicle rolled off the assembly line. Masterfully crafted by customizer Gary “Chopit” Fioto, this rolling sculpture stands as a tribute to the golden age of custom car design, borrowing inspiration from iconic builders and the space-age optimism of the 1950s and 1960s. More than a mere restoration, the Beatnik represents a full-scale reimagining of a custom bubbletop, blending a modified modern chassis with a stunning hand-formed body.

A Fusion of Classic American Iron

While the project started with a 1955 Ford, very little of the original vehicle remains, aside from a few key components. Fioto’s vision involved extensive modifications and the seamless integration of parts from several different classic American marques. The exterior features a distinct lavender paint job with hand-formed steel and aluminum bodywork, meticulously welded to create a cohesive, flowing design. The front is dominated by a customized bumper from a 1959 Cadillac, while the rear features a bumper from a 1958 Cadillac. The fins and taillights are sourced from a 1960 Chrysler, and the canted quad headlights nod to late-1950s Lincolns. The result is a spectacular blending of iconic automotive styling cues into a singularly unique and radical aesthetic.

The Largest Bubbletop Custom Ever Built

The car’s most defining and unforgettable feature is its enormous, custom-molded Lexan bubbletop. Inspired by the futuristic concept cars of the jet age, this transparent canopy is reportedly the largest ever created for an automobile. Unlike most customs where the roof is chopped and lowered, Fioto raised the roofline to accommodate the immense dome, creating a remarkable, spaceship-like profile. The interior is a work of art in its own right, upholstered in pearl white Naugahyde with a rolled and pleated design. Occupants are treated to a futuristic experience with a yoke-style steering wheel and a Chrysler Astradome instrument cluster. A tubular center console and four custom bucket seats complete the audacious interior.

Modern Foundation with Classic Power

Underneath its exquisite body, the Beatnik incorporates modern engineering for reliability and drivability. The custom body sits on a modified chassis from a 1988 Lincoln Town Car, providing a solid foundation for the ambitious project. Power is supplied by a high-performance Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch V8 engine, topped with six carburetors. The powerplant is dressed with period-appropriate chrome and polished components, including finned Moon valve covers and stainless-steel braided hoses. An automatic transmission, Vintage Air climate control, and an updated audio system also bring modern convenience to this vintage-inspired machine.

An Award-Winning Show Car Sensation

Upon its debut in 2005, the Beatnik immediately captured the attention of the custom car world and began racking up prestigious awards. It took home the Sweepstakes Award at Blackie Gejeian’s Fresno Autorama in 2005 and followed up with numerous accolades in 2006, including the George Barris Kustom d’Elegance Award and Outstanding Custom at the Grand National Roadster Show. Its success continued with a Grand Prize victory at Darryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Car Show and the American Cup at Carl Casper’s Custom Car Show. The 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop is more than just a car; it is a legendary piece of custom automotive history that continues to mesmerize and inspire enthusiasts today.

The 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom Will Sell At Auction Without Reserve

The award-winning 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom is going to auction this Saturday, September 20th, 2025, as part of Larry’s Legacy at the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago, IL.  It will sell without reserve.

The Ford Beatnik has sold at auction multiple times, including a $396,000 sale hosted by RM Sotheby’s during Monterey 2006, and another sale hosted by RM Sotheby’s in California in 2015 (sold by Barry Weiss) for $165,000.

The post Award-Winning 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom Headed to No Reserve Auction appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

It wasn’t that long ago when Ford Motor Company created its Ford Performance division (which was recently renamed Ford Racing). Ready Set Ford is the company’s first new global marketing campaign in more than 15 years. But it’s been nearly 70 years since Ford moved into its new headquarters, aka the “Glass House.” Later this year, Ford will host the grand opening of the new Ford World Headquarters at the Henry Ford II World Center product development campus in Dearborn, Michigan.

Measuring 2.1 million square-feet over four floors, Ford World Headquarters is more than double the size of its predecessor and offers room for up to 4,000 employees—twice as much as the Glass House (we have a feeling Billy Joel wasn’t allowed to visit it in 1980 for cosmetic reasons). An additional 14,000 employees will have a short, 15-minute walk away from the new facility. Those changes, plus a mix of studios, garages, fabrication shops, and individual and group workspaces, are designed to foster greater cross-department collaboration and speed up the pace of innovation and problem-solving.

Henry and Edsel Ford Research and Engineering Center

In a press release, Ford said, “This is part of a larger investment in our people and our facilities across the globe. We are committed to providing employees with world-class workspaces, modern technology, and the best tools to do their life’s best work—from our global offices to our manufacturing floors. Our dealers around the world are likewise investing in their stores and service centers to elevate the customer experience.”

What will become of the Glass House? Once everyone vacates the building, it will be demolished over the course of 18 months. After that, it’s not exactly clear; Ford said, “We are working with the City of Dearborn on a plan for how the site can best serve our employees and neighbors, and we will have more to share about those plans later.”

Ford will open the doors to its new global global HQ to employees and public tours in November. It has yet to complete the landscaping and a final section of the building, but those will be done and the next chapter in Ford’s history will officially begin in 2027.

Chevy folks have a secret weapon with the Chevy II. Not quite as big as a Chevelle and not quite as sporty as the Camaro, Chevrolet’s compact was nonetheless capable of handling a Mark IV big-block without trouble. That means less weight and fine weight transfer for those who are more interested in winning than looking good.

Perhaps Chris Teed didn’t know what an intelligent purchase he made when he was 16 years old, but 46 years later, he still owns this L78-powered 1968 Chevrolet Nova SS. Over the years, he’s learned how to maximize its power to run ETs that you’d expect from a car with ported heads, headers, and slicks.

Sure, the Super Sport now runs L89 aluminum heads and may have an adjustment here or there that may not be showroom-stock, but this is a vehicle that follows the NHRA rulebook and impresses in ways that you’d expect from a modified car.

Join Muscle Car Campy as he chats with Chris about his high school car and how he’s dialed in his Bow Tie to run high 11s. If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out other automotive segments from Muscle Car Campy.

Many SUV owners spend a lot of time and money customizing their rigs for their particular lifestyles. Overlanders add roof-top tents, onboard air compressors, and even water tanks for showering to make their time off the grid easier. Lexus goes all in on modifying its SUVs for certain purposes, too—in concept form, at least. Last year, it rolled out the golfer-focused GX 550 Malbon Edition. Its newest hyper-specific one-off is the Lexus Glam LX.

Lexus worked with Complete Customs to create a rolling nail salon, hair studio, and wardrobe department that can get to even the most remote modeling or filming locations (it would look perfect as Elle Woods’ vehicle if they ever make another “Legally Blonde” sequel). The body is covered in a distinctive “pearl symphony chameleon” wrap. Two-tone crystal Lexus badges replace the factory emblems.

The pink and white leather interior is where models and performers can get their nails done, hair styled, and clothes and shoes on, all while surrounded by mohair, silk, and stone inlays. The glove box was altered to hold bottles of nail polish and UV/LED lighting for quick color changes and manicures.

Lexus replaced the stock rear doors with coach doors that open to a makeup studio with a full-width drop-down mirror, a halo-lit skylight, and tray tables with stone inlays.

According to Lexus, “Hot tool holders, integrated power outlets, a refrigerated makeup console, and an LED-lit handbag storage compartment ensure beauty and styling items are always accessible on the go.”

Instead of the regular liftgate, the Glam LX has a pair of French doors that provide access to a pair of illuminated mirrors, a small clothing rack, shoe- and purse-sized storage cubbies, acrylic drawers, and a pair of custom pullout chairs for getting ready. There’s even a retractable privacy screen to make sure there’s no audience for the next wardrobe or costume change.

Lexus will be taking the LX Glam concept to various locations for people to experience. If you happen to see it somewhere, the soundtrack for the event will probably be people saying, “No, Honey, it’s not for sale. Lexus isn’t going to put it into production.”

The Pacific Northwest has always been known for its attractive greenery—and, in this case, it applies to a classic truck as well: this 1955 Ford F-250 Pickup currently listed on AutoHunter. The truck is being sold by a private party in Lynden, Washington, with the auction ending on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Lynden is a small community about 100 miles north of Seattle and fewer than 10 miles from the Canadian border. It looks like a beautiful place to explore—especially from behind the wheel of a vintage pickup.

The truck in question has been newly refreshed both inside and out; it received new paint, trim, and a wood bed about a year ago. Exterior features include black bumpers, a driver-side mirror, running boards, and a side-mounted spare tire. The inside of the cab has been similarly overhauled in recent months, with appointments including tan vinyl upholstery, new sun visors, and replacement headliner.

In model year 1955, Ford called its truck “The Money Maker.” The background for that claim was what Ford referred to as “Triple Economy.” Expanding on that, the pickup was said to offer value in three specific areas:

  • Money-making power: The available Cost Clipper Six and Power King V8 were said to have new durability features and be engineered to last longer.
  • Money-making convenience: The cab was “driverized” with conveniences to enhance comfort and cut fatigue, giving drivers an incentive to do their best work.
  • Money-making capacities: Ford trucks were designed to deliver top load-carrying ability while keeping overall chassis weights lower.

Did Ford deliver on its promises? The answer to that will probably be subjective, but one thing is for sure: the early F-Series pickups paved the way for Ford’s runaway success in the decades to come. In fact, the F-Series would go on to later hold the title as the best-selling truck in America, a feat which it still holds today in 2025 after a near-50-year streak.

Power for this truck comes from a reportedly numbers-matching Power King 239ci V8 mated to a Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The engine was rated at 132 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque when new, and the listing says it was completely rebuilt in March 2025. The odometer shows 198 miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown since the mileage was reset to zero when the aforementioned mechanical work was performed.

A walk-around video has been provided which shows the exterior, interior, and engine compartment. There’s a lot to love about all-things green in the PNW, and this tidy, restored F-Series is no exception.

The auction for this 1955 Ford F-250 Pickup ends Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery