When we talk about the most durable cars, we’re not just referring to vehicles that rack up high mileage, but to those that withstand the test of time, weather, and relentless use. Durability in automotive terms means more than just mechanical reliability—it’s about smart engineering, robust materials, and designs proven in the real world.
For generations, drivers have trusted certain models to keep running year after year, building reputations that transcend trends. These vehicles have become legends, showing how reliability can shape a brand’s legacy and inspire fierce loyalty. As we explore each example, we’ll see how innovation and practical design combine to create true automotive longevity.
Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better way to soak in the sunshine than behind the wheel of a cool 1970s convertible.
This was a decade of bold contrasts and automotive flair. In the early ’70s, American streets thundered with the power of convertible muscle cars that turned every stoplight into a starting line. As the decade wore on, style began to shift and in came smooth cruising. Luxury convertibles redefined cool with their expansive hoods and plush interiors, turning every drive into a slow- motion red-carpet moment.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Europe brought its own flavor to the open-air scene. Compact, spirited and undeniably stylish, European convertibles offered a zesty take on summer freedom. Whether you prefer Detroit steel or a European drop-top, the ’70s had a convertible for every kind of vibe, and they’re still perfect for catching rays and turning heads today. Check out this gallery featuring some of the highest-ranking convertibles that have crossed the Barrett-Jackson block over the last year.
MAIN PHOTO: 1971 PLYMOUTH ’CUDA CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $214,500
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
One of 87 produced. Restored by Dave Dudek. Powered by its original engine and date-code-correct transmission. Includes Build Sheet and certified by Wise Validation Report.
1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $291,500
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Fresh, professional build with 300 test miles. Powered by a Chevrolet LT4 supercharged V8 engine and a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with a Roadster Shop chassis, 3-inch stainless-steel exhaust, Penske double-adjustable shocks and a custom leather interior.
1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS L34 CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $198,000
2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION
Certified by Chevelle expert Chris White. Comes with the original Build Sheet. Powered by the original
matching-numbers 396/350hp V8 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.
1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS 396 CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $126,500
2024 SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
Powered by an L78 396/375 engine mated to a Muncie M21 close-ratio 4-speed transmission, with a 3.55 12-bolt posi-traction rear axle.
1970 BUICK GS 455 STAGE 1 CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $110,000
2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION
One of 232 for the model year. Equipped with a matching-numbers 455ci V8 engine and automatic
transmission, factory air conditioning and bucket seats, as well as power steering, brakes, windows and top. From the Cars of Dreams Collection.
1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 CONVERTIBLE
SOLD! $110,000
2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION
Powered by its matching-numbers 455/365hp engine and original Turbo 400 automatic transmission with a 3.23 ratio posi-traction rear. Features factory air, power accessories, W25 option and more. Documented with two original Build Sheets.
1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL ROADSTER
SOLD! $176,000
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION
Extensive rotisserie restoration. Powered by a M130 2.8-liter inline-6 engine paired with an upgraded ZF 6-speed manual transmission. Finished in a black exterior over a red leather interior.
This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.
In recent years, the spotlight has shifted toward underrated muscle cars—models once overlooked in favor of their more famous siblings.
Enthusiasts and collectors are now recognizing the unique appeal and scarcity of these hidden gems, causing their market values to surge.
Factors such as nostalgia, limited production numbers, and a growing appreciation for distinct designs are fueling this trend.
As demand increases, so do prices, making these vehicles attractive investments for savvy collectors.
This article explores 20 muscle cars quietly climbing the value charts, revealing why now might be the perfect time to take notice before these rising stars become unattainable.
Featured on AutoHunter is this restored and lifted 1977 Ford F-150 4X4, which is powered by an upgraded 400ci V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Finished in Candyapple Red over a new red cloth and vinyl interior, this “Dentside” Ford pickup is now offered by the selling dealer in Oregon with a Deluxe Marti Report and clear title.
The body was recently repainted in this truck’s original color of Candyapple Red, which is accented with pinstriping on the bedsides and tailgate. Exterior features include a chrome front bumper, chrome mirror housings, bedliner, diamond-plate rear bumper, and new exhaust system with dual outlets.
This F-150 Regular Cab rides down the road or trail on a set of a 15-inch steel wheels equipped with manual locking front hubs and new 31- x 10.5-inch Dextero All Terrain radial tires.
The cabin is furnished with a new interior that includes a red cloth and vinyl bench seat, and black and red door panels. Other features include power steering, column-mounted automatic shifter, floor-mounted transfer case shifter, air conditioning, and Pioneer AM/FM/Bluetooth head unit.
Instrumentation consists of an 85-mph speedometer and gauges for the oil pressure, fuel level, alternator, and temperature. The odometer shows 28,408 miles, but the title for this truck shows it’s mileage-exempt.
Under the hood, the original 351ci V8 has been replaced with a 400, which is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and aluminum radiator. The original four-speed manual gearbox has also been replaced with a three-speed automatic transmission. A dual-range transfer case sends power to all four wheels.
A lift kit makes this four-wheel-drive pickup more capable off-road; Monroe shocks soak up the bumps along the way. Power front disc brakes keep this truck from bumping into things.
If you want to take this handsome, modified 1977 Ford F-150 4X4 on a summer road trip or to your favorite off-highway vehicle park, bid on it now. The auction ends on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
When we think of the popular cars that we enjoy as classic car enthusiasts, there usually is a corporate twin to choose from—witness the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird. However, in the 1960s, Dodge did not have an equal to the Plymouth Barracuda. Instead, Dodge had several sporty Darts to play the role. Our Pick of the Day is one of those cars: a 1969 Dodge Dart GTS hardtop. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Volo, Illinois.
When the Barracuda was first introduced in 1964, most of its Valiant-based equipment list was shared with the Dodge Dart. The Dart was never offered as a fastback, but every other typical body style was available, from sedans to bucket-seat hardtops, with engines up to the 273. When the Barracuda was redesigned for 1967, the Dart followed suit, but it still lacked the availability of a fastback, and the two-door hardtop lacked the specialty-car look of its Plymouth brethren.
However, 1967 marked an uptick in pony car power: the Mustang gained a 390, and a 396 was added to the Camaro’s option list several months into production. Over at Highland Park, the Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda featured a new 383 big-block. The Dart with the 383 was only available on the Dart GT hardtop and convertible, and the addition of the big-block changed it to the Dart GTS (GT Sport).
The GTS was carried over into 1968 as a full-fledged performance model, perfect for introducing Chrysler’s new small-block performance V8 measuring 340ci. Though rated at 275 horsepower, this little engine developed a giant-killer reputation. Other manufacturers building compacts with engines of comparable size could not compete with the 340 Mopars out of the showroom.
The GTS featured a unique grille applique, hood with simulated intake ports, dual exhaust tips, unique full-length side trim (or choose a Bumblebee stripe or no stripe), GTS badges on all four sides, wide-tread 14-inch tires, heavy-duty suspension, and more. Optional was the 383, which had gained 20 horsepower for an even 300.
For 1969, the GTS was refined with the typical model year changes. The grille was redesigned, now a black stamped aluminum piece divided horizontally by argent paint, plus new rectangular parking lights. The longitudinal stripe that was standard on the ’68 was replaced, making the redesigned Bumblebee stripe standard (and, of course, it could be deleted). The simulated intakes on the hood were also restyled. The 340 remained unchanged (aside from the camshaft for the four-speed, which now was shared with automatics), while the 383 gained another 30 horsepower. Additionally, a 440 Magnum debuted midyear. Overall, while the Dart GTS lacked the specialty-car styling of the Barracuda and was not considered a member of the pony car fraternity, the Dart’s bones were identical.
This 1969 Dodge Dart GTS hardtop is documented with the original fender tag, build sheet and window sticker, and features the spunky 340 backed by TorqueFlite automatic. What stands out with this one is the “F6” Bright Green metallic paint, a color that was announced in December 1968. “Believed to be original paint!” says the seller. “Overall, it shows great. It [also] has original glass including windshield, which is a good indicator of low miles,” in this case, 44,820. “The interior is said to be all-original and in outstanding condition,” adds the seller. Features include power steering, front disc brakes, sport steering wheel, bucket seats with center console, remote mirror, vintage 8-track tape player, black vinyl top, and even a vintage Sun Super tachometer mounted on the column. Rear gears are 3.23 Sure-Grip.
Two-hundred seventy-five horsepower doesn’t sound like much, even for a lightweight vehicle like a Dart, but the 340 has an eager disposition. The originality of this car and its spectacular hue and you have what could be characterized as a desirable “Unpony car” (with apologies to Geoffrey Holder and 7-Up). For $67,998, it can be yours.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
This ’37 Ford is a fiberglass-bodied coupe that was built around 2006. It is powered by a 6.0-liter LQ9 Vortec V8 with aluminum heads, Sanderson headers, and polished pulleys and brackets, and the engine is linked to a 4L60-E automatic and a Currie rear end with 3.50 gears. The car rides on a custom frame from Downs Manufacturing and features adjustable air suspension, a polished independent front, tubular crossmembers, and four-wheel disc brakes along with staggered Billet Specialties wheels. The body has a 3″ roof chop and was lengthened 4″ before it was painted Hugger Orange, and inside is custom upholstery, air conditioning, carbon-fiber accents, and a chrome Ididit tilt column. Acquired by the seller in 2020, this ’37 Ford street rod is now offered with a build sheet and a clean Nevada title in the seller’s name listing the car as a 1937 Ford.
The fiberglass body was sourced from Downs Manufacturing, and it was lengthened 4″ with a 3″ roof chop. The paintwork is DuPont Hugger Orange with pearl, and it is accented by custom-built polished bumpers. The hood tilts forward, and the trunk lid is powered with billet arms. The grille is chromed, and the rear plate is recessed. LED bulbs were utilized, and the doors operate on poppers.
The car rides on a custom frame from Downs Manufacturing and features AirRide suspension, a polished independent front, tubular control arms and crossmembers, a four-link rear, and four-wheel disc brakes along with staggered Billet Specialties wheels measuring 17″ up front and 20″ out back.
The custom interior was done by Shawn Cook, and it has bucket seats with integrated belts along with a console, polished air conditioning controls and vents, and carbon-fiber trim. The Alpine stereo is linked to an eight-disc changer, two amplifiers, a subwoofer, two 6.5″ speakers, and two 6×9″ coaxial speakers.
The billet wheel is mounted on an Ididit column. The ~2,700 miles on the Classic Instruments cluster represents the mileage on the build, and the seller has driven the car 500 miles.
The build sheet notes that the 6.0-liter LQ9 Vortec V8 was a crate motor at the time of installation. It is topped by aluminum heads an has Sanderson headers and polished accessories. The Griffin radiator is cooled by an electric fan.
The 4L60-E automatic is linked to a Currie rear end with 3.50 gears.
Build details are displayed in the gallery.
The car is titled as a 1937 Ford using the VIN 184048224.
When unpredictable weather, rocky trails, or steep inclines stand between you and your destination, all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles step up to the challenge. AWD systems distribute power to all four wheels, providing better grip and confidence on slippery or uneven surfaces.
But off-road capability doesn’t have to come at a high price.
This article explores 20 budget-friendly AWD cars that master tough terrain without draining your wallet.
Whether you’re a weekend explorer or need reliable traction daily, these vehicles prove you can have both affordability and adventure-ready performance.
From the earliest days of motoring, automotive engineers have wrestled with the challenge of doing more with less.
As environmental awareness and fuel costs climbed, the quest for superior fuel efficiency became a central concern for both automakers and drivers alike.
Breakthroughs in lightweight materials, aerodynamics, and new powertrains have continually raised the bar.
This article explores the landmark vehicles and pivotal innovations that have forever changed our expectations—showing how evolving priorities and relentless ingenuity have redefined what’s possible on the road.
Today’s automotive market is transforming the idea of luxury.
Drivers now have access to a wide range of upscale vehicles that deliver refined comfort, advanced technology, and eye-catching style—all without breaking the bank.
These affordable luxury cars appeal to those who crave sophistication and performance, yet demand value for their investment.
From sleek sedans to versatile SUVs, the latest models prove that premium features are accessible to more drivers than ever before.
Let’s explore the top 20 options that offer a true taste of luxury at an attainable price.
World War I marked a turning point in military mobility. The introduction of motorized staff cars transformed how officers commanded troops and coordinated massive operations.
Instead of relying on horses or bicycles, leaders now traveled swiftly across muddy battlefields and behind shifting front lines.
This leap in mobility meant decisions could be relayed faster, and strategic oversight became more dynamic than ever before.
These vehicles didn’t just change how generals traveled—they modernized warfare itself, paving the way for the rapid, mechanized command we know in today’s armies.