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    Pick of the Day: 1989 Ford F-250 XLT Lariat

    Having recently completed a 2,000-mile road trip in my 1994 Ford F-250, I can confirm that it wins an award as the least fuel-efficient vehicle I have ever owned (out of 50-plus vehicles). It is powered by a massive 7.5-liter (460ci) big-block V8. Even the truck’s original window sticker omitted city and highway EPA ratings; it just said, “Not Applicable to this Unit.”

    I’m not sure how Ford got away without publishing the figures, but my real-world experience shows that the truck achieves between 8 and 10 miles per gallon on average. Hey, at least it has dual tanks with a combined fuel capacity of 37 gallons. And when it comes to brute power and towing, a thirsty V8 is always up to the task.

    The Pick of the Day is a 1989 Ford-F250 XLT Lariat pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Huntington, New York.

    Drivetrain details are not specifically called out in the listing, but based on the photos, we can narrow things down. The “EFI” badge on the front end tells us the truck is two-wheel drive and has a fuel-injected gasoline engine. More than likely, it has 5.8-liter or 7.5-liter V8. Mechanically, a great deal of work has been performed during the seller’s ownership, including replacement of the fuel tanks and pumps, fuel transfer valve, steering box, tires, spark plug wires, transmission pan gasket, timing chain cover gasket and water pump.

    The Desert Tan Metallic and Colonial White exterior color combination look a lot like Jason’s F-Series that we featured on The Journal a couple of years ago. Exterior features include running boards, swing-away tow mirrors, pinstriping, a sliding rear window and a drop-in bedliner. The condition is extraordinary. The seller says the paint on the hood and roof has been resprayed, so that explains part of it. The tan cloth bench seat is in nice condition, and the cab is well-optioned with niceties like power windows, power door locks and (newly converted) air conditioning.

    All in all, this “bricknose” eighth-generation F-Series is one of the nicest I’ve seen in the marketplace in recent months. For anyone looking for a classic, reliable work truck with a nostalgic feel, look no further. What it lacks in fuel economy, it more than makes up in heavy-hauling capability.

    “The truck is 100% ready to go,” the listing concludes. “Drives great.”

    The asking price is $14,000.

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

    239 Flathead-Powered ’29 Ford Model A Highboy Roadster

    This ’29 Ford Model A is a steel-bodied highboy roadster that was refreshed in 2024 by the seller, who believes the car had been raced in California in the 1950s. It is powered by 239ci 59AB Flathead V8 with Sharp heads, an Isky cam, chromed Red’s Headers, and three Stromberg 97s with Lucky Burton race scoops, and the engine is backed by a ’39 Ford transmission. The car rides on 16″ ’35 wire wheels and has Houdaille front shocks, a Model T buggy rear spring, and juice brakes, and details include Arrow 775H headlights, a ’32 grille and dash, a louvered hood, a ’39 Ford column drop, an F1 steering box, a chopped windshield, and more as described below. Acquired by the seller in 2022. This Model A is now offered with a clean Arizona title in the seller’s name.

    The steel body was repainted, wet-sanded, and buffed in 2024. It has a chopped windshield, and a ’40s jewel was mounted in the rechromed single A taillight. Chopped ’31 A roadster top bows are included, but no top has been made. The woodwork was smoothed, stained dark walnut, and cleared with a satin finish.

    Arrow 775H are mounted on hand-bent and chromed stands made from an A headlight bar, and the painted ’32 grille has a polished surround.

    The 239ci 59AB flathead was rebuilt with an Isky cam, polished Sharp heads, and a polished Sharp 3×2 intake with three rebuilt Stromberg 97s topped by Lucky Burton race scoops. A Powergen alternator and Stromberg e-Fire distributor were utilized along with a US Radiator brass radiator, and the Red’s Headers are chromed.

    Staggered Firestone bias-ply tires are mounted on the ’35 Ford 16″ wire wheels. Juice brakes were fitted at all four corners, and the rear drop was done with a Model T buggy spring. The rebuilt and polished steering box is from a Ford F1, and the Houdaille front shocks were rebuilt by Houdaille Shock in New Hampshire.

    The unfinished interior has a bench seat with a rebuilt frame that tilts forward for under-seat storage, and the upholstery is whiskey brown. F1-sourced clutch and brake pedals were utilized along with a ’32 throttle pedal, and aircraft-style seat belts were fitted.

    The center of the ’39 steering wheel was rechromed, and it is mounted on a ’39 drop column with a push-button starter. The dash is from a ’32, and ’36 Pontiac gauges are fitted but not connected. The beehive Bakelite shift knob is painted black and topped by a jewel. The turn signals are not connected.

    The seller notes a cloth wiring harness was used along with a Tanks, Inc gas tank, and the battery was replaced.

    The car has a ’39 Ford three-speed and a Borg Warner torque-tube overdrive, though the latter is not currently connected. The straight pipes dump ahead of the rear axle.

    The car is titled as a 1929 Ford using VIN A1424381.

    15 Cars You Could Only Buy Through the Mail or Over the Phone

    Long before online car configurators and interactive dealership portals, automotive enthusiasts explored an entirely different method of purchasing their dream rides—through mail-order catalogs and telephone orders.
    In an era where showrooms were limited and niche carmakers lacked extensive dealer networks, buying directly from the manufacturer via mail or phone was often the only option.
    This unconventional approach not only added an air of exclusivity but also fostered a unique connection between the buyer and the manufacturer.
    From iconic kit cars and limited-edition sports cars to quirky electric vehicles, we’ve rounded up 15 fascinating automobiles you could only acquire with a stamp and an envelope or by picking up the phone.

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    10 Cars Engineered By Porsche But Sold By Other Companies

    Throughout automotive history, Porsche has quietly lent its engineering prowess to a wide array of vehicles sold under different badges. These collaborations, often shrouded in secrecy, resulted in cars that combined another manufacturer’s styling and brand identity with Porsche’s celebrated chassis dynamics, powertrain expertise, and meticulous attention to detail.

    From rugged off-road workhorses to high-performance hot hatches, this list highlights ten notable vehicles engineered by Porsche but marketed by other companies. Each model bears Porsche’s hallmark precision while wearing a different crest. Read on to discover the fascinating blend of collaboration and engineering excellence that blurred the lines between automakers.

    1. DKW Munga (1956-1968)

    Dkw Munga (1)
    Photo Credit: Wiki

    Short for “Mehrzweck-Universal-Geländefahrzeug,” the DKW Munga emerged in 1956 as West Germany’s answer to a versatile military and civilian 4×4. Auto Union entrusted Porsche with designing its underlying structure, leading to a lightweight tubular steel frame and torsion-bar front suspension that delivered impressive off-road capability for its era.

    Olympus Digital Camera
    Photo Credit: Wiki

    Powered by a 900 cc two-stroke, three-cylinder engine producing about 34 hp, the roughly 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) Munga could tackle muddy trails and steep inclines, reaching around 82 km/h (51 mph). Over its twelve-year production run, more than 46,000 units served the Bundeswehr, police forces, and farmers, demonstrating Porsche’s early mastery of rugged terrain dynamics.

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    15 ’90s Cars That Look Like They Belonged in a Sci-Fi Movie

    The 1990s was an era of bold experimentation within the automotive industry, with designers pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
    Streamlined silhouettes, futuristic interiors, and unconventional features became hallmarks of car design, making many vehicles look as if they’d driven straight off the set of a sci-fi blockbuster.
    Concept cars inspired production vehicles, blurring the lines between imagination and reality.
    From sleek, aerodynamic sports coupes to curiously shaped family cars equipped with cutting-edge technology, this decade offered plenty of futuristic charm.
    Join us as we journey back through time, exploring 15 standout ’90s cars whose designs still captivate and amaze today.

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    15 Times ’90s American Cars Actually Got It Right

    The 1990s automotive scene often receives mixed reviews, particularly when it comes to American cars.
    Criticisms typically revolved around questionable build quality, lackluster performance, and uninspired design choices.
    Yet amidst these critiques, several exceptional vehicles emerged, defying expectations and showcasing genuine innovation, reliability, and enduring appeal.
    From groundbreaking engineering feats to iconic styling that still turns heads today, the decade wasn’t entirely defined by disappointment.
    Let’s explore 15 standout examples from the ’90s when American automakers rose to the occasion, proving they could craft truly remarkable cars.

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    The Semantics of Special-order Cars

    I often get a kick out of special-order cars. It’s enjoyable to see a vehicle that’s outside the realm of its standard configuration. However, sometimes the term “special-order” is misused—often for good reason.

    It’s a concept missing from most mainstream brands today but, in the past, it was possible to order a vehicle that strayed from regular-production configurations. Want a color that matches the ’65 Pontiac your father had? Pay extra (and, likely, a non-refundable deposit) and you could get your wish.

    1972 Pontiac LeMans Sport in Iris Mist (Image courtesy of Mike Noun/Facebook)

    Or are you in the market for a Cadillac but wish for more contrast in the interior? That’s what the original owner of this 1960 Eldorado Seville did—(s)he specified a Heather leather interior with White inserts.

    This was an easy job for Cadillac because it offered both Heather and White as available choices. In fact, Cadillac asked that seven parts of the interior combination be specified.

    In the 1960 Cadillac Optional Specifications Manual, there is a section in handling special-orders. Cadillac has available an extra-charge trim program which permits the ordering of standard upholstery materials in special combinations of cloth, leather and coated fabrics. The factory does not wish to solicit this business. It is offered as an extra Cadillac service to accommodate owners who have individual desires in the accoutrement of their car’s interior.

    An average of six weeks is required to produce a special trim order. This time factor applies to any deviation from standard, even though it may be a single item such as the headlining, carpets, top boot or bolster.

    No matter how seemingly minor, whenever a deviation from a standard trim combination is necessary, the entire order must be removed from regular production and processed individually. This is due to the intricate patterns from which multiple sets of components are cut making it impossible to change or substitute just one part or section, such as the bolster or top boot on a Convertible, without handling the complete order on a special basis … The cost will usually be the same whether a single item is changed or if several variations are made.

    Remember, this is Cadillac, which likely gave more leeway for customers to special-order vehicles than lesser brands. And this was 1960, which was a different environment than a decade later when Oldsmobile offered four special-order colors.

    The 1970 Oldsmobile brochure shows a quartet of “special-order colors available”: Nugget Gold, Aegean Aqua, Rally Red, and Sebring Yellow, with the latter two restricted to intermediates. However, if the factory offered these colors, could they truly be considered special-order or are they simply extra-cost? The issue of semantics and marketing rear their head, and the debate has no easy answer. My opinion? Not special-order.

    Another special-order reference I sometimes see relates to a car that was ordered by a customer instead of a dealership. “My dad special-ordered this car at Kirkwood Dodge. He specified the 440 engine, TorqueFlite, and Limelight paint,” one could say, but nothing about this suggests anything veered off the order form. I’ve come to terms that people sometimes consider a retail order a special-order, but it’s not.

    Ford products have an advantage in distinguishing special-order cars. On the data plate, there generally is a two-digit DSO (District Sales Office) that reflects a region in which the car was ordered. Generally, they’re larger cities, but they’re based on a population spread, so Newark, New Jersey had its own DSO identity within the network despite its proximity to New York City.

    Look at the DSO of this 1977 Ford Bronco (click on ClassicCars.com to see more)

    However, special-orders will consist of six digits instead of two. The first two are the usual DSO numbers, but the subsequent four are special-order numbers that correspond to either a Domestic Special Order (which includes such “regular” cars as the Boss 429, Shelbys, and Cougar GT-Es), Foreign Special Order, Paint & Tire Order, or Special Production Order. Six digits is your key in learning if your Ford Motor Company product is something different from the norm.

    Can you think of other instances?

    15 Cars That Defined High-Octane Excellence

    The world of performance cars is a realm where passion meets precision, and boundaries are made to be broken.
    High-octane excellence isn’t just about raw power—it’s about the relentless pursuit of innovation,
    unforgettable design, and the thrill that pulses through every curve and straightaway.

    This curated journey spotlights fifteen automotive legends that didn’t just raise the bar;
    they reshaped what drivers dreamed possible.
    From record-shattering speedsters to technological trailblazers, these vehicles stand as monuments to engineering brilliance and automotive artistry.

    Prepare to rediscover the icons that changed the way we experience the road.

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    Cars and Fashion at the Saint Louis Art Museum

    If you live near St. Louis or anticipate passing through in the near future, then we’d recommend giving yourself time to visit the Saint Louis Art Museum for the exhibit Roaring: Art, Fashion, and the Automobile in France, 1918-1939.

    Curated by noted automotive expert Ken Gross, Roaring “explores the transformative role of the automobile in pre–World War II France and highlights innovations across art and industry by those who embraced it as a provocative expression of the modern age. This expansive exhibition features paintings, photographs, sculpture, furniture, films, fashion, textiles, and 12 historic automobiles.”

    Delahaye Type 135 MS
    Delahaye (Image courtesy of Saint Louis Art Museum)

    In case you didn’t know this, automotive designers are almost like fashion designers—they use their skills to make figure and form look better to admiring eyes. And as Paris had been the traditional hub for fashion at the time, the French took their automotive designs seriously. “As driving became more comfortable, motoring fashions evolved into stylish wardrobe staples. Magazines portrayed liberated women dressed in knit sportswear driving convertibles … With an open, interdisciplinary approach, Roaring illuminates the rich ecosystems that nourished this golden age of French automotive design.”

    The exhibit is divided into six sections, with the 12 cars being among more than 160 works from notable institutions and private collections from Europe and North America. There even is an exhibition catalog (more like a book on the exhibit) with contributions from seven authors that tie it all together.

    Voisin Type C28
    Voisin (Image courtesy of Saint Louis Art Museum)

    This exhibit will continue through July 27, 2025. If you cannot attend, the best Plan B is to listen to the audio tour where you can hear from experts about the transformative role of the automobile in France before the war. If are able to attend, then you may also be interested in the exhibit In Search of America: Photography and the Road Trip, which runs through October 19, 2025.

    AutoHunter Spotlight: 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Wagon

    We usually (and rightfully) associate the 1960s-era Chevrolet Chevelles with high-performance two-door muscle cars, but the reality is, a good number – a majority, in fact – of the Chevelles sold during that decade were family-oriented sedans built for the masses. Station wagons, too, were popular during that time for their unmatched versatility.

    But here’s the thing: Just because a car looks like a cargo-hauler doesn’t mean it can’t have a powerful drivetrain, a manual transmission, and a mean-sounding exhaust system. Best of both worlds? You’re looking at it.

    Featured on AutoHunter is this 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Wagon. The car is being sold by a dealer in Oregon City, Oregon, and the auction will end Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. PDT.

    The car is ready for a cross-country road trip, complete with a luggage rack, newer tires and a replacement engine. According to its trim tag, the car was built in Fremont, California, in November 1966 and finished in Willow Green with a Medium Fawn and Light Fawn imitation leather interior. The interior, which has a two-row-bench layout, is now upholstered in black vinyl.

    Chevrolet based the first-generation Chevelle on the General Motors A-body platform. It slotted in the hierarchy as a midsized vehicle and, in the Chevy lineup, it bridged the gap between the compact Chevy II and full-sized models. The Pontiac Tempest, Buick Special and Oldsmobile F-85 were all Chevelle-related models from a chassis engineering perspective.

    One magazine ad for the ’66 Chevelle station wagon said, “What did you buy a Chevelle Malibu wagon for?” It then listed out in two columns some of the reasons why men versus women liked the car. On one side, it talked about the long-load floor, full coil suspension and V8 for handling and power. On the other side, it mentioned the soft seats, handling and “Magic Mirror” finish. In other words, the Chevelle station wagon offered something for everyone.

    Power for this car, which the listing says was restored within the last five years, comes from a replacement 350ci small-block V8 that features a four-barrel carburetor, polished aluminum intake manifold, and a chrome air intake. A valved dual exhaust system with cutouts has been added so, despite its grocery-getter style, it has a muscle-car growl.

    So load up your luggage and fill up the tank, because this is one “muscle wagon” that is ready to work – and play!

    The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Wagon ends Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

    Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery