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    AutoHunter Spotlight: 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Custom Wagon

    Chevrolet’s “LS” V8 engines have become so popular for engine transplants in the last couple of decades that people have created memes about them. Some of the tongue-in-cheek graphics suggest LS-swapping lawnmowers, Teslas, Mazda Miatas, and even heart pacemakers.

    Is the LS a one-engine-fits-all solution? Not necessarily. Purists, usually, would rather see a classic car with an original powertrain – or at least one from the same manufacturer as the vehicle itself. But there is no denying that the LS has a lot to offer, namely its compact size, light weight, reliability, affordability, performance and vast aftermarket/community support.

    Here’s an example of a car that benefits not only from a late-model LS1 engine, but also boasts several other niceties like disc brakes, C4 Corvette suspension components and Vintage Air climate control:

    Featured on AutoHunter is this 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Custom Wagon. The car is being sold by a dealer in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, and the auction will end Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. PDT.

    1955 marked the first year for the Nomad when it debuted as a two-door station wagon with styling similar to its Belt Air sedan and coupe siblings. Advertisements promoted its multi-faceted appeal: “The Chevrolet Nomad is station wagon styling at its height … with sports car power and flair … passenger car comfort … fashion leader of the low-price field.”

    We at the Journal love our Tri-Five Chevrolets, and this car is an eye-catching restomod if we’ve ever seen one. According to the listing, the car reportedly went through a frame-off restoration about 1,000 miles ago, and it was repainted in Barcelona Red Metallic and Pearl White. The cabin was brought into the modern era via a set of power-adjustable bucket front seats, a center console, power windows, a Jensen audio system and, of course, the Vintage Air climate-control system.

    The 5.7-liter LS1, as seen under the hood of this wagon, was best known for its appearance in the Chevrolet C5 Corvette between 1997 and 2004. But the LS1 also was found under the hood of select Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird and Pontiac GTO models around the same time. It featured an aluminum block, iron sleeves, a 75mm throttle body, multiport sequential fuel injection, and a 10.1:1 compression ratio. Depending on the application, output was usually around 350 horsepower in stock form.

    The listing says that this Nomad’s engine has been professionally rebuilt, and the fluids were changed this year. It seems an LS1 heart transplant has given plenty of new life to the car’s 70-year-old body.

    Now, if only the same application worked on humans.

    The auction for this 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Custom Wagon ends Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. PDT.

    Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

    Pick of the Day: 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal

    Edgy gran turismos were all the rage in the early 1970s. These were four-seaters that started a new direction from previous GTs or incarnations. One of these we recently discussed: a French vision of what a GT could be. But what about the Italians? Our Pick of the Day, a 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a Dutch dealership, shows the direction Alfa went.

    Yes, the Citroen SM looked at GTs of the past and turned those ideas upside-down thanks to front-wheel-drive and hydropneumatic suspension. When combined with Citroen’s trademark aerodynamic styling and Maserati V6, the SM was an arresting mix of Franco-Italian engineering that made it unlike any car in the world.

    Around the same time, Alfa Romeo was developing a GT that did the job on its own terms, contrasting sharply with the Porsche 911, BMW 3.0 CSi, and V12 Jaguar E-Type. Initially appearing as a concept car at the Expo 67 in Montreal, the Marcello Gandini/Bertone-designed 2+2 coupe featured a Giulia Sprint GT chassis with a twin-cam 1.6-liter four. It was leading-edge style for 1967, what with its semi-concealed headlights and C-pillar gills copped from the front fenders of the Giugiaro/Bertone-designed Alfa Romeo Canguro, which gave the impression the concept was a mid-engined car.

    The production version, christened Montreal in honor of the event that inspired its creation, debuted at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. To give the Montreal distinction from other cars in its class, Alfa Romeo developed a fuel-injected, 2,593cc DOHC V8 (derived from the 33 Stradale) and paired the 200-horsepower engine with a five-speed manual from ZF. Ironically, the Montreal was never sold new in Montreal as Alfa Romeo chose not to submit the Montreal for emissions testing in Canada as well as the United States.

    The Montreal was no less futuristic in production form though, like all concept-to-production vehicles, concessions had been made to bring it to reality. Those concessions—at least those that can be seen—did not detract. The NACA duct on the hood was not functional, but it was a design item to distract from the power bulge. Under the skin, a live axle and manual steering may have been compromises, but the Montreal was still an Alfa Romeo, so  its chops on the road were still true to the brand.

    Unleashed in March 1970, deliveries for the Montreal did not begin until 1971. Sales peaked in 1972 with 2,350 built, but—like for the Citroen SM—times were precarious in the automotive world as emissions, safety standards, and the first oil crisis put a damper on things. Alfa spent five more years selling the remaining inventory, which totaled approximately 3,925.

    This 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal rolled off the production line on the last day of 1972 and was sold to a lucky guy/gal in Frankfurt several months later. Over time, it made its way to Sweden and then, in 2014, the Netherlands, where it received a restoration that was completed in 2017. “Fully matching numbers and colors,” says the seller.

    If you are an Italophile, we know the Montreal is on your list of dream cars, but it also has strong appeal to V8-loving Americans. Why not skip the Road Runner and try this Alfa on for size? At $79,500 (OBO), you still have that V8 burble with looks that would make Sophia Loren jealous.

    Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

    401-Powered ’32 Ford Roadster Highboy Hot Rod

    This ’32 Ford Roadster Highboy is a hot rod that was assembled under previous ownership with a Brookville steel body over a 1932 Ford-style frame and it was purchased by the current owner on BaT in December 2019. Finished in brown over tan vinyl, the car is powered by a Buick Fireball 401ci V8 linked with a TCI Auto three-speed automatic transmission and a Winters Performance quick-change rear end. Equipment includes MSD fuel injection and ignition, Sanderson shorty headers, Flowmaster mufflers, a dropped front axle, a transverse front leaf spring, rear coilovers, front disc brakes, staggered Halibrand-style wheels, polished spreader bars, LED auxiliary lights, Stweart Warner intrumentation, square-weave carpets, and lap belts. This ’32 Highboy shows 893 miles and is offered on dealer consignment with build records and a clean Oregon title.

    The Brookville steel roadster bodywork is finished in brown with red, yellow, and gray pinstripes. Exterior details include a black convertible Bop Top, removed engine covers and fenders, LED auxiliary lights, dual side mirrors, and polished spreader bars.

    The Halibrand-style wheels measure 16″ up front and 18″ out back and are mounted with Excelsior tires. The suspension features a four-bar dropped front axle with a transverse leaf spring, as well as a four-bar solid rear axle with coilovers. The braking system features a Wilwood master cylinder, braided stainless-steel lines, and Wilwood Dynalite front calipers.

    The bench seat, door panels, and side panels are upholstered in tan vinyl. German square-weave carpets line the floors and trunk, and additional appointments include a Buick 8 dash emblem, lap belts, and polished pedals.

    The banjo-style steering wheel is mounted on an Ididit tilting column and fronts a column-mounted shifter and a wood-look dashboard. The engine-turned instrument bezel houses Stewart Warner instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. Auxiliary gauges for vacuum, transmission fluid temperature, and amperage are mounted beneath the dash. The five-digit odometer shows 893 miles.

    The fully trimmed trunk features a vintage-look Coca-Cola cooler that functions as the battery box.

    The Buick Fireball 401ci Nailhead V8 was installed in 2013 and features MSD fuel injection and ignition, a ribbed air cleaner and valve covers, ceramic-coated Sanderson “Blockhugger” shorty headers, and a dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. Results from a recent compression test are presented in the gallery. The black-powdercoated frame is a reinforced 1932-style unit with tubular crossmembers. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TCI Auto “Street Rodder” three-speed TH350 automatic transmission and a Winters Performance quick-change rear end.

    5.3L-Powered Factory Five Racing ’35 Hot Rod Truck

    This Factory Five ’35 Hot Rod Truck was assembled by the seller, and it is powered by a 5.3-liter Chevrolet V8 equipped with a FiTech Retro LS electronic fuel injection system, a Holley intake manifold, a serpentine accessory drive, and Hooker exhaust manifolds. The engine is linked to a column-shifted 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 8.8” rear end, and the truck rides on adjustable coilovers, a three-link rear setup, and Halibrand-style 18” and 20″ wheels. Interior appointments include black upholstery, Vintage Air climate control, a Bluetooth-capable head unit, and power windows, while a wood-lined cargo bed, side exhaust outlets, LED lighting, and four-wheel disc brakes are among the other highlights. Since the build was completed, the truck has participated in two Hot Rod Power Tours. This ’35 Hot Rod Truck is now offered with a Georgia title in the seller’s name listing the truck as a 2023 Factory Five.

    The hand-laid composite body is styled after a 1935 Ford and is finished in blue. Exterior details include a polished grille insert, an aluminum firewall, LED headlights and taillights, and side exhaust outlets that pass through the lower corners of the cab.

    The cargo bed has bright interior panels, and the wood floor slats are retained by polished runners.

    Halibrand-style 18” front and 20″ rear wheels have black centers and are wrapped in 245/40 front and 305/35 rear Nitto NT555 G2 tires. The truck rides on tubular front control arms, a three-link rear setup with a live axle, and adjustable coilovers that are inboard-mounted up front. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs, and an electric parking brake has been installed.

    The cab features a split bench seat trimmed in black upholstery with color-coordinated door panels and carpets. Additional appointments include a Vintage Air climate control system, a billet column shifter, a concealed Bluetooth-capable digital media receiver, power windows, and a cupholder. Wrinkles in the dashboard cover can be viewed in the gallery.

    The billet steering wheel is mounted to a polished tilt column and sits ahead of a Factory Five instrument cluster that includes a 120-mph GPS speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The digital odometer is said to indicates 4,600 miles.

    The 5.3-liter Chevrolet V8 is equipped with a FiTech Retro LS programmable EFI system, a Holley intake manifold, a T-sump oil pan, a serpentine accessory drive, and an Edelbrock finned air cleaner lid, valley cover, and valve covers. Hooker manifolds flow into a dual exhaust system, and the aluminum radiator is cooled by an electric puller fan. The seller states that Deutsch connectors were utilized in the majority of the wiring harness.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 8.8” rear end with 3.73:1 gearing and a finned aluminum differential cover.

    The car is titled as a 2023 Factory Five using the VIN GA681344. The title carries an “Assembled” notation.

    Fuel-Injected, 350-Powered 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible Club Coupe Hot Rod

    This 1940 Ford Deluxe was built into a hot rod around 2006 by a previous owner, whose family had owned the car in California for over two decades. The steel body is mounted on a TCI tubular frame with a Heidts Superide front end and a Jaguar-style independent rear end. Chromed tubular control arms, adjustable coilover shocks, and Wilwood front disc brakes were also fitted, along with staggered steel wheels. The Cabernet Red paintwork is contrasted by silver flames and a tan Stayfast top. Power comes from a fuel-injected 350ci V8 with a SCAT 383 crankshaft kit, Keith Black pistons, a Lunati camshaft, and Trick Flow aluminum heads, and it is linked to a four-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. Inside are bench seats with brown leather upholstery, a tilt column, a banjo-style steering wheel, Vintage Air climate control, and a JVC stereo. Acquired by the seller in 2011, the car was serviced in preparation for the sale with a replacement air conditioning compressor and drier as well as fluid changes. This ’40 Convertible Club Coupe is now offered with an Oklahoma title in the seller’s name.

    The seller states that the body is steel, and it was repainted in Cabernet Red with silver flames. The soft top is a tan Stayfast unit. Noted imperfections include bubbles in the right-front vent window and various chips and flaws in the paintwork.

    The car rides on a TCI chassis with independent front and rear suspension. The front end is a Heidts Superide setup with tubular control arms, rack-and-pinion steering, and Wilwood disc brakes. The Jaguar-based rear end features quad coilovers and inboard disc brakes, and the rear hub bearings were replaced in 2024. The suspension components are a mix of polished stainless steel and chrome, and the braking system uses braided stainless-steel hoses.

    Staggered steel wheels measure 14×6″ up front and 15×8″ at the back, and they are fitted with hubcaps and trim rings. The seller notes that the tires need replacement.

    The bench seats and custom door panels are trimmed in brown leather upholstery. The seller reports that the tan German square-weave carpeting requires replacement; a replacement carpet set is included in the sale. The air conditioning compressor and drier for the Vintage Air climate system were replaced in 2025, and a JVC stereo has been installed.

    The banjo steering wheel is mounted on a tilt column, and the shifter is from Lokar. The seller has added ~4,500 of the 5k miles on the Classic Instruments cluster, which represents the mileage on the build.

    The seller tells us the fuel-injected 350ci V8 was built with a SCAT 383 crankshaft kit, Keith Black pistons, a Lunati camshaft, and Trick Flow aluminum heads. Tubular headers are linked to a dual exhaust system, and the car has an aluminum radiator. The fluids were changed in preparation for the sale.

    Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential.

    The car is title using the serial number 01A663506. The title carries a Classic notation.

    15 Most Commonly Repaired Cars You Should Skip

    Choosing the right car isn’t just about style or speed—it’s about reliability and minimizing unexpected expenses. Frequently repaired vehicles can quickly drain your wallet with mounting repair bills, wasted time, and endless frustration.
    While some models might look appealing upfront, their track records for breakdowns can lead to constant headaches. Understanding which cars are notorious for repair issues helps you make smarter, more cost-effective decisions.
    In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the most commonly repaired cars you should skip if you value peace of mind and long-term value.

    Source

    Top 15 Limited Editions Designed by Iconic Car Makers

    Few experiences compare to the thrill of owning a limited edition car crafted by an iconic automaker.
    These exceptional vehicles embody a unique blend of exclusivity, artistry, and technical innovation that sets them apart from standard production models.
    Each model is meticulously designed, often featuring bespoke details and cutting-edge engineering.
    For collectors and enthusiasts, these rare machines represent not only peak performance but also a piece of automotive history.
    Their scarcity ensures high demand, turning each one into a rolling masterpiece that commands attention and admiration across the globe.

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    20 Reliable Family Cars That Come With the Best Safety Ratings

    When it comes to transporting your loved ones, safety is non-negotiable. Modern families expect vehicles to deliver not only comfort and reliability but also the latest in advanced safety technology. With so many options on the market, identifying cars that truly excel in safety can be overwhelming.

    That’s why we’ve curated a list of 20 dependable family cars that stand out for their top safety ratings, helping you make an informed decision. Explore vehicles that have earned stellar marks from respected organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and NHTSA.

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    What’s Coming in 2026 The Ultimate Preview of Next-Gen Cars and SUVs

    The automotive industry is poised for a thrilling year in 2026, with a host of new and redesigned vehicles promising cutting-edge technology, electrification, and refined performance. From sporty luxury sedans to family-oriented SUVs and high-performance electric vehicles, these models represent the next wave of innovation and style. Below are 15 of the most anticipated cars to watch for in 2026, complete with their standout features.

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    Country Music Superstar Cole Swindell to Headline Barrett-Jackson’s Annual Rock The Block Concert

    Barrett-Jackson is ready to thrill concert-goers with one of the hottest stars in country music, Cole Swindell, during the annual Rock The Block concert, January 16, 2026, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The auction’s kickoff concert will open with singer-songwriter Chris Lane, followed by headlining artist Cole Swindell, who recently released his fifth studio album, “Spanish Moss.” Concert tickets start at $85 and go on sale Friday, July 18, at 10 a.m. MST.

    “From Foreigner to Sammy Hagar and now a country music superstar, our Rock The Block concerts have become the ultimate kick-off for auction week in January,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This year, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome chart-topping country music artists, Cole Swindell and Chris Lane, to the stage to get us geared up for another incredible auction week at WestWorld of Scottsdale. They are among the most celebrated voices in country music today, and you’ll get to see them together at our Rock The Block concert in January.”

    Cole Swindell has produced chart-topping hits like “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” “Forever To Me,” “Chillin’ It,” “Single Saturday Night,” and more. With over 8 billion total global streams to date, Swindell is firmly established as a powerhouse in country music. A Georgia native, Swindell’s appearance at Rock The Block will follow his 2025 Happy Hour Sad Tour, which kicks off this September.

    “There’s nothing that compares to the energy of a live crowd, and I am so excited to hit the stage during Barrett-Jackson’s Rock The Block concert this January,” said Swindell. “I have no doubt this show is going to be something special. I can’t wait to see y’all there and make it a night we’ll never forget.”

    A North Carolina native, Chris Lane has stepped into a more grounded and personal era with his new album “Shade Tree,” which debuted with an impressive 1.65 million streams in its first week. With more than two billion career streams, Lane’s catalog includes hits like “Dancin’ In The Moonlight” with Lauren Alaina, “Howdy,” and “Stop Coming Over.” He’s earned nominations from the iHeartRadio Music Awards, ACM Awards, and Radio Disney Music Awards, as well as toured with Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, Dan + Shay and Kane Brown.

    “Much like the diversity of our collector car dockets, our Rock The Block concerts bring in an incredible range of talent that showcase different sounds and stories across different genres,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “This year the talent on our stage will be extraordinary and our guests can expect an unforgettable experience filled with great music, energy and the kind of moments that make Barrett-Jackson the ultimate lifestyle experience.”

    Rock The Block concert-goers will receive exclusive early access to the Barrett-Jackson auction site before it opens to the public and the opportunity to preview some of the world-class auction vehicles. Guests can begin the evening with a first look inside the Sponsor Pavilion, showcasing the latest vehicles and displays from leading automakers and enjoy drinks and a light bite to eat while viewing the auction’s star vehicles displayed in the North and South Showcase Pavilions that surround the auction arena.

    Tickets for Rock The Block are on sale Friday, July 18, with reserved seating and hospitality packages in the Premium Hospitality Suite located in the Muscle Lounge – an incredibly intimate setting offering elevated views with food and beverage service.

    Be a part of Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.