Many vintage vehicles get restored and upgraded with modern parts, such as the engine, which often comes from a completely different manufacturer (think vintage Ford hot rod with a Chevy 350). That’s not (entirely) the case with our Pick of the Day, which has a mix of GM components. You can find this 1956 GMC Series 100 pickup listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Fredericksburg, Texas.
During the 1955 model year, GM completely overhauled the look of its trucks, introducing the Chevrolet Task-Force and GMC Blue Chip designs. The following year brought even more changes. GMC made minor visual tweaks, increased the power of its gas engines, widened the availability of the Hydra-Matic transmission, improved the axles, offered power steering and the RSD (Road Shock Damper) Suspension on certain models, and more.
This particular Blue Chip truck received some updates of its own more recently. The body was refinished in burgundy—a perfect color for a rig from this era. Below the wrap-around rear window is a bed floor lined with varnished oak wood planks and stainless steel strips. You may recognize the wheel covers surrounded by the 225/75 whitewalls—they’re from a 1957 Cadillac.
The stuff that’s harder to see is great, too. The front end was swapped out for a Ford Mustang II-style independent setup with coilovers. Now, not only does this truck have power steering, but also it’s a rack-and-pinion configuration. Both ends were also modernized with disc brakes.
The exterior’s handsome color carries over into the cabin and contrasts nicely with the white leather bench seat, white door panels, and matching three-spoke steering wheel. Modern features include Vintage Air air conditioning and an AM/FM/Bluetooth audio system.
Before you ask, no, there isn’t a Ford “Coyote” V8 under the hood. According to the selling dealer, it’s actually a Pontiac 350, although it wears GMC-branded valve covers. A TH350 three-speed automatic transmission with a floor-mounted shifter sends power to the 3.42:1 rear end.
The mid-1950s was a great time for GM trucks. If you want to make the last quarter of your 2025 great, buy this 1956 GMC Series 100 pickup for $79,500.
It’s been a tough summer at Dodge, which is why SEMA may be a fine opportunity to show the world that everything’s gonna be alright, courtesy of Mopar.
“Mopar has prepared a wide and wild array of customized vehicles and hundreds of quality-tested, factory-backed performance parts and accessories for its display area in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center,” says Stellantis, the corporate parent of both Dodge and Mopar. Currently, we have Sneak Peek No.1, which ain’t much—looks like the nose of a Plum Crazy Charger. Yet, despite the want of a Hemi V8, the Charger is still a Dodge, a brand famous for delivering the goods in terms of past heritage and modern culture.
Image courtesy of Stellantis
Of course, Mopar is a portmanteau of Motor Parts, historically Chrysler Corporation’s parts division and the unofficial name of anything related to Chrysler. “Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era with performance parts to enhance speed and handling for both on-road and racing use.”
We are hopeful that Dodge makes us happy in November in more ways than one, so stay tuned for more sneak peeks as we get closer to the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7.
Barrett-Jackson announced recently it will sell the 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition Production No. 3 (Lot #1026) from the Ford Heritage Fleet with No Reserve during the Scottsdale Fall Auction, Oct. 15-18, 2025, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The earliest example of a 2006 GT Heritage Edition ever released to the public, the supercar is one of many Ford and Shelby collectible vehicles set to cross the Barrett-Jackson block during this year’s Scottsdale Fall Auction. Also included is a 1968 Ford Mustang Licensed Eleanor 25th Anniversary Limited Edition (Lot #1068) and a no-expense-spared 1969 Ford Bronco (Lot #1019).
“We look forward to making automotive history with Ford Motor Company during our Scottsdale Fall Auction this October,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Ford is opening its company vault to offer an unbelievable vehicle, the 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition Production No. 3 (Lot #1026). The earliest Heritage Edition GT example ever released to the public, this supercar will cross the block with No Reserve on Super Saturday. The vehicle is part of a sensational docket of Blue Oval and Shelby collectible vehicles that represent some of the best in American automotive performance and design.”
The 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition Production No. 3 (Lot #1026) was solely owned and used by Ford Motor Company and is the earliest Heritage Edition example released to the public. Finished in the iconic Gulf Oil livery, it pays tribute to Ford’s endurance racing legacy. Power comes from a supercharged V8 producing 550 horsepower and 500 ft/lbs of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Included with the sale is a Certificate of Authenticity and the original “Build Book,” which documents the car’s assembly from start to finish. The proceeds of the sale of this vehicle will be dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of the vehicles in the Heritage Fleet.
“Opening Ford’s Heritage Fleet allows us to share a tangible piece of our performance history directly with the enthusiasts who cherish it most,” said Ted Ryan, Ford’s Heritage and Brand Manager. “This 2006 Ford GT is more than just a car, it’s a rolling embodiment of our racing legacy, and we’re thrilled to have Barrett-Jackson help it find a new home where its story will continue to be celebrated.” I am even more excited that the proceeds from the sale of this vehicle will be used to restore and maintain the rest of the Heritage Fleet.
Two additional Ford GTs crossing the block include a 2006 Ford GT (Lot #1056) that is one of 31 finished in yellow with black calipers from a total production run of 2,011. It is powered by a supercharged V8 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The track-only 2021 Ford GT Mk II (Lot #1051) is powered by a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine producing over 700 horsepower paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is one of 45 built globally and has 41 actual miles.
“Ford is famous for its dominance on the track over the years, their performance on the road and the off-road capabilities of their trucks and SUVs,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “A great group of their spectacular muscle cars, supercars and track stars will roll across the block. From a race-ready 2021 Ford GT Mk II (Lot #1051) and supercharged 2021 Shelby GT500 Signature Edition coupe (Lot #975) to the iconic 1968 Ford Mustang Licensed Eleanor 25th Anniversary Limited Edition (Lot #1068), we’ll have some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to own a piece of Ford’s rich legacy.”
Classic Ford Mustangs include the 1968 Ford Mustang Licensed Eleanor 25th Anniversary Limited Edition (Lot #1068) that was issued “Gone in 60 Seconds” licensing to recognize the 25 years since this iconic movie character thrilled audiences worldwide. A certified “Eleanor” build, it has the movie-correct Eleanor body modifications and is finished in Pepper Gray Metallic two-stage exterior paint and rich black Rally body stripes. A 1967 Ford Mustang custom fastback (Lot #1007) is powered by a Coyote engine mated to a Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission. It is equipped with a Roadster Shop chassis, coilover suspension and Baer brakes, with air conditioning, leather interior, custom stereo and 18-inch Shelby wheels.
For off-road enthusiasts, the custom 1969 Ford Bronco (Lot #1019) is powered by a Ford Performance Coyote engine paired with a new 6R80 automatic transmission with auxiliary cooler, managed by a Ford Racing Control Pack. The custom tan interior with plaid inserts features tilt steering, Dakota Digital RTX gauges with digital climate control, Vintage Air and a 7-inch Alpine ILX infotainment system. A 1972 Ford Bronco (Lot #1082) is a custom frame-off build powered by a V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission with overdrive. Comfort and technology highlights include air conditioning, a Dakota Digital gauge cluster, tilt steering column, RetroSound stereo system with six speakers, amplifier and subwoofer, and Amp Research power steps that deploy automatically with the doors.
Late-model Mustangs include a 2022 Ford Shelby GT500KR Heritage Edition (Lot #1084) finished in Britanny Blue Metallic with optional Wimbledon White over-the-top painted stripes and celebrates the 55th anniversary of the GT500. With a V8 engine that produces over 900 horsepower, it is one of 225 total produced for the world for this edition and has 615 actual miles. A 2021 Shelby GT500 Signature Edition (Lot #975) is powered by a supercharged V8 engine paired with a Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is No. 31 of 100 produced for 2021 and began as a highly optioned Carbon Fiber Track Pack car before undergoing a Signature Edition conversion at Shelby American.
Other notable Ford-powered vehicles crossing the Scottsdale Fall Auction block include:
1968 Ford Mustang custom fastback (Lot #1008) – A special-order build by Xcentrick Autosports Inc., features a full carbon-fiber body with Roush V8 engine rated at 450 horsepower
1972 Ford Bronco (Lot #1092) – Freshly restored and powered by a V8 Coyote engine with a Power by the Hour accessory drive and control pack, with a 6-speed automatic transmission
Those interested in consigning their vehicles with confidence for the January 17-25, 2026, Scottsdale Auction are welcome to submit their application online. In addition, bidder registration is now open, with three packages to choose from, upgrades for Muscle Lounge access and Hammer High Tops. Throughout the four-day Scottsdale Fall Auction, children ages 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students ages 13 through college-age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $28.
Be a part of Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
Someone just had a birthday: On the first week of October 1967, an F-body muscle car rolled off the assembly line at GM’s factory in Norwood, Ohio. Featured on AutoHunter is this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS Coupe. It is being sold by a dealer in Gladstone, Oregon, and the auction will end Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
Finished in Tuxedo Black, this now-58-year-old Camaro still looks both elegant and athletic. The car’s trim tag lends some insight into its original configuration. The car was ordered as a sport coupe with a black vinyl top, and it came highly optioned for its time, featuring tinted windows, air conditioning, a center console, an antenna, and Rally Sport equipment. (The hideaway headlights are a signature element of the RS packaging.)
General Motors’ assembly plant in Norwood has an interesting story of its own: Manufacturing there began in August 1923 and lasted for 64 years, concluding on August 26, 1987. At its peak in the 1970s, the plant employed about 9,000 people and covered 50 acres with three million square feet in its floor plan. The Chevrolet Camaro and its sibling, the Pontiac Firebird, were among the many noteworthy models assembled within the facility. This Cincinnati Enquirer story has some entertaining pictures of the Norwood plant and its people. Apparently, only one building remains from the original assembly plant, and it’s a parking garage. I went on Google Maps, looked up the address, and saw that the main attraction is now a Kroger grocery store.
Back to the Camaro in question. It’s looking fresh for pushing 60 years old. Traction comes from a set of redline tires wrapped around Rally wheels, and exterior features include a driver’s-side mirror and a rear spoiler. Even the engine bay and undercarriage are well-presented; it looks to be show-level.
As with any muscle car, the important part is what’s going on under the hood, and this car does not disappoint. Power comes from an “ME”-code 327ci V8 mated to a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission. When new, Chevrolet rated the engine at 210 horsepower. The Camaro’s odometer reads 4,728 miles, although the title reads mileage-exempt.
First-generation Camaros are highly collectible today due to their classic design and cultural significance. This Rally Sport will give you an opportunity to join the huge – and still growing – community of Camaro fans. Did you know that the Camaro Club of America Facebook group has over 327,000 members in it? Get in on the action!
And bake the car a belated birthday cake while you’re at it.
Aston Martin is one of the most storied brands in the history of European sporting cars. It is built on racing history at Le Mans, as well as in cinema with its association with the 007 films. Now before you all say, “Hey, James Bond drove a DB5 in the movie Goldfinger!” (which is correct), the 1959 book that preceded the movie had James Bond driving a “whisper grey” Aston Martin DB Mark III. This is because, in 1959, the DB Mark III was the latest Aston and the DB5 had yet to exist.
I have some time behind the wheel of quite a few DB Mark III cars and, for me, these are the one that I like best. The reason for this is twofold: first, it is the classic Aston Martin DB model that fits my six-foot-four personage the best and, second, it is the car the merges the first David Brown Astons with the cars that came later. It is also the first production Aston to have the iconic grille shape (a design created by body designer Bert Thickpenny, which continues to be used today) combined with the mechanical bits that made the 1950s Aston Martins as strong on the racetrack as they were. An additional plus is that the DB Mark III is one of the more affordable classic Aston Martin cars you can buy.
The seller describes this Aston Martin as a late-production, factory left-hand drive, matching-numbers 1959 DB Mark III. The car is finished in red with tan leather interior. It is important to note that when new this DB Mark III was originally built, it was done in the desirable color combination of Elusive Blue with off-white leather. If I were to buy this car, I would use it as-is for a few years and then return it to its original colors, show it at places like Pebble, and then drive it again on tours and rallies.
The seller adds that this car is offered with its build sheet and a large number of receipts from renowned Aston Martin Specialist “Steel Wings” that includes documentation of an engine rebuild and interior work. The seller goes on to state that this Aston runs strong and drives great, with factory overdrive that’s fully functional—overall, a presentable car and excellent driver.
The interior is in lovely condition but the paint is showing its age and will require some attention (see my idea about that above). The seller adds that it has a very straight body and solid undercarriage. This is a rare car, being one of only 551 produced between 1957-59; being a factory left-hand drive example makes it even more desirable, especially here in the U.S.
The conclusion of the ad calls this 1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III a true gentleman’s sports car offering performance, exclusivity, and style, and I completely concur with that statement. This DB Mark III is perfect for an owner looking for a sports car eligible for countless driving numerous events. The additional fact that it is a matching-numbers example with build sheet and service history only adds to the value of this car.
It has an asking price of $189,500, which puts it in the middle in the market price-wise. If you were to repaint the car at some point then, yes, it would cost a fair amount of money, but bringing the colors of this car back to original would also increase the value of this vehicle. For me, this is a classic Aston Martin to start and enjoy as-is.
Honda’s non-V8 models have consistently delivered exhilarating driving experiences by combining innovative engineering, low weight, and nimble handling. These vehicles challenge the notion that a V8 engine is necessary for excitement, showcasing that performance and fun can be achieved with smaller, more efficient powertrains. Over the decades, models like the Civic Si and the S2000 have exemplified this philosophy, earning a dedicated following among enthusiasts. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to provide spirited performance without the need for larger, more fuel-consuming engines. For more insights into Honda’s performance legacy, you can explore this article on rare Honda models you might not know about. (mycarmakesnoise.com)
During my long commute to The ClassicCars.com Journal office, I often fantasize about the vehicles I’d have in my money-is-no-object collection. Recently, the first car I daydreamed about having when I was a teenager flashed across my mind, then I began to wonder: does anyone still want his or her first dream car?
Hot Wheels 1999 Ford Mustang (Photo courtesy of eBay)
When I was a little kid, the Lamborghini Countach was still in production. I remember wanting the white Hot Wheels version of it that my older brother received for his birthday. I also enjoyed the red Mazda MX-5 Miata toy car my mom gave me. And I loved staring at the 1:18-scale Maisto Ferrari 550 Maranello model I received as a gift from my dad. But I never envisioned owning the 1:1 version of any of those cars. That changed when I found a purple Hot Wheels approximation of a “New Edge” Ford Mustang sometime in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Perhaps it was because I was old enough to drive that I imagined possessing and enjoying the real thing. Whichever the case, the fantasy didn’t last long. These days, a “Terminator” Cobra or an ’04 Mach 1 would be cool, but neither one is a dream car to me.
The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt I used to own
There are several factors that can knock your first-ever dream car off its pedestal. One of them is actually buying it. When we’re young, most of us don’t have the funds to go out and pay for a new Corvette or Ferrari, but that can change. After reaching a certain level of success with your business or career, you might have bought the car you always wanted ever since you were a kid. The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt wasn’t my first dream car, but I had wanted one for a while and finally turned it into my real car in 2022 (and learned a lot from doing that). Or maybe you took your dream car for a test drive and realized it wasn’t as wonderful as you thought it would be. “Never meet your heroes” applies to cars, too.
Another thing I recently learned is that there’s a difference between what’s attractive and what’s me. There are several cars out there with head-turning designs, but I know they don’t fit my style or personality the way an SJ Jeep Grand Wagoneer does. That chrome-wrapped McLaren you lusted after in college may still look cool to you, but there’s a good chance you’re not a flashy-exotic-car kind of person these days.
So, do you still want your original dream car? If so, I hope you buy it one day. If you already own it, I congratulate you. If your dream car is now something completely different, tell me in the Comments section below.
It’s one thing to build a car. It’s another thing to sell a car. A manufacturer can send a car to a dealership and leave it in the showroom, but that alone may not lead to a sale. What do manufacturers do to move product? That’s where marketing comes into play.
Marketing departments in Detroit have created many obscure editions of vehicles that generally won’t appear in your average brochure. Here is one courtesy of Ford friend Adrian Clements—he found it in the Flickr account of literature collector Alden Jewell.
This 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado is a promotional model called Toronado Jade. I’ve dug into newspaper sites and could not find anything on it other than what you can see here, a Toronado painted in Metallic Jade Green (a color not normally available for the Toronado at the time). The late, lamented website Automotive Mileposts said it was a spring promotion introduced in April 1969. “You’d expect to pay more for the special color alone,” says this neat item. “Instead, you get the most distinctive Toronado ever built at special savings.” Another special feature appears to be “GT striping” on the hood, something not normally available on regular Toronados. In fact, it resembles the standard striping for the 4-4-2.
Clearly, automakers did anything to move iron. Have you ever seen one of these?
Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1960 Cadillac Series 62 convertible, which is powered by a 390ci OHV V8 paired with a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission. Finished in Olympic White and equipped with a power-operated Ivory soft top over a Blue Metallic leather interior, this classic convertible is offered by the selling dealer in Minnesota with a tonneau cover, car cover, and clear title.
The long Olympic White body features chrome bumpers, bright trim, a driver-side mirror, rear wheel skirts, tail fins, a center-mounted fuel door, and dual exhaust outlets. The Ivory power soft top has a plastic rear window and features a newer pump. When lowered, it fits under a blue tonneau cover.
This big Caddy floats down the road on a set of 15-inch wheels with Cadillac covers and 235/75 Cientra Classic whitewall tires.
All that Olympic White surrounds a cabin furnished with Blue Metallic leather seating, matching door panels, and dark blue carpeting. Amenities include power windows, cruise control, power steering, clock, factory AM radio, and Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo with Infinity speakers.
Instrumentation consists of a 120-mph speedometer, plus temperature and fuel gauges. The odometer shows 66,397 miles, which the selling dealer states is an accurate figure.
Under the hood is a 390ci OHV V8, which is connected to a Carter four-barrel carburetor and Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission. Power drum brakes with new shoes and hoses act as an anchor for this land yacht.
If you’re ready to sail away in this 1960 Cadillac Series 62 convertible, bid on it now. The auction ends on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).
Scandinavian design is known the world over, and it’s not because of IKEA. Alhough the “less is more” ethos is something that could have only come from Sweden and the surrounding Nordic countries, the famous department store is merely a reflection of that culture. Our Pick of the Day is one of Sweden’s most famous cars, but it happens to come from another culture of design. This 1961 Volvo P1800 coupe is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in the Netherlands.
Let’s start with the early 1950s: a wealthy Swiss enthusiast commissioned Virgilio Conrero to design an Alfa Romeo 1900 coupe for the 1953 Mille Miglia. The body of this car, christened “Supersonic,” was built by Ghia, but the car was destroyed in a racing accident. Nonetheless, the impact of the design was great, so Ghia built a handful of vehicles using the chassis of the Fiat 8V. Approximately 8-15 were built, plus three on the Jaguar XK120 and Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II chassis.
Volvo began a sports car project in 1957 after the fiberglass P1900 failed to attract enthusiasts. Helmer Petterson, an engineering consultant responsible for the postwar PV444, led the project, to be overseen by the design house Frua. Ironically, the design came from the pen of Petterson’s son Pelle, who was a Frua acolyte. As such, an Italian design ended up influencing a Swedish design supervised by an Italian and drafted by a Swede.
Volvo needed a contractor to build the new sports car. British company Jensen Motors was contracted to built 10,000 cars, which commenced in September 1960. However, due to quality issues that did not meet Volvo’s standards, production moved to a Gothenberg-based Volvo plant in 1963 after 6,000 units had been built.
Powering the P1800 was the “B18” 1.8-liter inline-four with dual SU carburetors producing 100 horsepower. It was backed by a four-speed manual, a unit produced by Koping Engineering for Volvo.
When production moved to Sweden, those cars became known as 1800S. For 1969, the engine was upgraded to 2.0 liters, with fuel injection added in 1970 to create the 1800E. A shooting brake variant (1800ES) was developed for 1972-73 before the series was discontinued due to increased safety and emissions standards being implemented in the U.S., a major market for the Swede.
This restored 1961 Volvo P1800 coupe is production number 3,273 of the 6,000 built by Jensen. It features its original 1,778cc four-cylinder engine backed by a four-speed manual with overdrive. “The exterior of this Volvo P1800 is finished in its original colour Red,” says the seller. “The interior exudes pure classic atmosphere with the black leather interior, a beautiful Jensen rear seat, and the original dashboard with aluminum finish and classic meters.”
Best of all, the seller has convenient shipping to Linden, New Jersey for interested parties—all you have to do is add $1,800 to the $67,950 asking price. However, don’t bother stopping by the nearby IKEA in Elizabeth because we can guarantee the POÄNG armchair won’t fit.
