When the One You Love Doesn’t Love Cars

We all want to share what we love with the people we love. But not everyone is a car enthusiast or has the same level of passion for them you do—and that may be true for your significant other. If that’s the case, what do you do? The observations and tips I’ve put together below may not convert the special person in your life into a diehard gearhead, but they should give you a better understanding of the situation and how to connect over something that’s meaningful to you.

It’s Not Really About Cars

When your spouse/significant other isn’t as excited by the sight of a big-block Corvette as you are, or visibly loses interest when you go on and on about the new Mustang, you’re probably not disappointed by his/her lack of enthusiasm for the car itself. You feel let down because your special person is not into something that’s a big part of you. Whether you’ve just started seeing them or this has been an issue for a while, it helps to explain to him/her just what cars mean to you and how they’ve been such an important part of your life. Tell memorable stories from your childhood or your car-related dreams, such as that road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway you want to go on with him/her. Once again, the cars are secondary; this allows you to connect in a much more fundamental way and help him/her understand you better.

Speak Their Language

One of the great things about being able to relate cars to anything is that you can do the exact opposite. Is your mate a big fan of a certain actor or actress? You can ask, “Hey, did you see the new [Insert European Hypercar Here] that [Insert Celebrity’s Name Here] just bought?” That not only shows your mate that you pay attention to the people who interest her, but it also starts a conversation that both of you can get into. If the love of your life is into a certain band, that group’s newest music video may have a cool vehicle in it, so pull that up and watch it with her. She may notice the vehicle right away without you even mentioning it. All you have to do at that point is just let the conversation flow from there.

Get Them Around Cars

There’s give and take to any good relationship, so your spouse/significant other will go to at least a few car shows with you. When (s)he does, not only will your pure happiness and passion be evident, but also (s)he’ll also prove to you that everyone—no matter what they’re into—has some degree of enthusiasm for automobiles. Trust me. I learned that when I took my wife to a Barrett-Jackson auction. The more we walked around and saw the sights in WestWorld of Scottsdale, the more vehicles she told me she liked. Before that moment, I never knew she was into the first-generation Ford Bronco builds from Maxlider Brothers Customs or Jeff Hayes’ Corvette restomods. She also had plenty to say about the vivid exterior colors and flamboyant designs on display at the Martin Auto Museum here in Phoenix.

Be Realistic
No matter how much you bare your soul or find common ground with your spouse/significant other, there are limits to how much car talk (s)he can take in a certain amount of time, especially if it’s super technical. I know that from experience. I also know that it works the other way: there’s a certain amount of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” or “Summer House” I can handle before I get off the couch and find something (anything!) better to do.

Their Real Love

Don’t be surprised when your love starts speaking your language—just be grateful. (S)he may do that through a Hot Wheels car, by suggesting you two go see a car-related movie, or by picking a route to drive through a romantic destination. (S)he may still not love cars, but when (s)he makes gestures like that, you know that (s)he loves you.

For a long time, I thought Alfa Romeo was a brand that competed with Fiat. I could not understand how there could be these Pebble Beach Alfas that seemed so incongruent with the cars with which I was familiar. And then I learned about the brand’s tech specs over the years and was impressed—even the most basic, uninteresting Alfa had an engine and/or suspension that put then-contemporary American brands to shame.

Below are four Alfa Romeo vehicles currently listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. Can you tell us what models they are? Post your answers in the Comments section below. If you need a hint, just click on an image.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

You’ll find plenty of automotive goodness in The ClassicCars.com‘s Tuesday puzzle! Once you’re done with this one, why not try a car game from the past?

Did you know that the modern-day “seek” function on an AM/FM radio was pioneered in the late 1940s by General Motors? It was a technological advancement that changed in-car entertainment forever. GM called its radio the “Wonder Bar,” and it was activated by touching a seek bar that would automatically find the next station with a strong enough signal.

Early Corvette models were among the cars that featured Wonder Bar audio systems and, today, aftermarket companies build replicas in the style of the originals. The next time you go to change your radio station, think about how convenient it is to browse stations at the touch of a button! In fact, if you want to experience what the original Wonder Bar was like, here’s your chance.

Featured on AutoHunter is this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. The car is being sold by a private seller in Juno Beach, Florida, and the auction will end Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PDT.

The Ermine White exterior was repainted in 2024 and gives a fresh look to the classic lines. Many C1 Corvettes left the factory with two-tone paint schemes and light-colored side coves, but the monochromatic look shown here in all-white is elegant and sporty at the same time. The American Classic wide-whitewall tires give a period-correct look and feel to the overall package.

Model year 1961 was significant for the Corvette, because it marked the beginning of what became known as the “ducktail” rear end – featuring quad round taillights instead of fender-top-mounted units. Chevrolet was proud of the Corvette’s fun-to-drive demeanor in 1961 and promoted it accordingly: An ad from the period said, “Few cars from this or any other country can come remotely close to it for flashing performance, good handling and hair-trigger responsiveness. The feeling it imparts will make you chuckle with pleasure, just driving the son-of-a-gun around the block.”

That chuckle was made possible by a 283ci V8 mated to a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission. The intake manifold, carburetor, fuel pump and sending unit of this car have been replaced. The odometer says 55,664 miles, but true mileage is unknown.

The listing says that the red vinyl interior has been refreshed, and it looks showroom ready. Features include bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a clock, logo floor mats, a heater and, of course – the Wonder Bar replica radio.

Best of all, in this case, the Wonder Bar is Bluetooth-compatible. That certainly wasn’t something General Motors was thinking about in the 1960s. Get your road trip audio playlist ready, because summer 2025 is going to rock. Especially if you’re behind the wheel of a sweet classic Vette.

The auction for this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette ends Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The 1970s brought a load of 1930s nostalgia several times during the decade. In Hollywood, we had The Sting, a movie set in the mid-1930s that told the tale of a plot concocted by a pair of grifters. Another piece of 1930s nostalgia existed in the automotive aftermarket, as demonstrated by our Pick of the Day. This 1965 Volkswagen Beetle “Wunderbug” is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Morgantown, Pennsylvania.

Sitting in the back seat of Mom’s station wagon, you get to see a lot of cars. This is how a fledgling auto enthusiast cut his teeth. Of course, Volkswagens were a common sight, but then you notice the differences (horn grilles, taillight lenses, reflectors, license plate light assemblies, and backlites, among others) and learn how to organize the running changes. Once I spotted a strange Beetle with bullet-style parking lights by the headlights so, the next time I was at the mall, I visited B. Dalton Bookseller and looked up a VW book and learned the car in question was from 1957. Oldest Beetle in town?

On occasion, I’d spot a Beetle with a conversion to a Rolls-Royce or 1930s Ford grille (and, sometimes, trunklid). These were amusing curiosities for a kid like me, not quite understanding what they were other than I knew that Rolls-Royce was the most prestigious car in the world, a car I could see on occasion while visiting New York City and more often while visiting relatives in Los Angeles.

One of the companies that created these conversions was called Lieffring Industries from Kansas City, Missouri. The “Wunderbug” conversion was offered for standard Beetles (meaning no Super Beetles) and consisted of a new hood and side panels to give the funky German car the look of a 1937 Ford. Lieffring Industries was one of several companies who developed this conversion, with some featuring the similar-yet-different 1940 Ford style. “Quality fiberglass parts by an experienced auto parts maker. Hood is double (laminated) and the inside finishes as nicely as the outside,” read the brochure. “Makes expensive Mercedes-type sound when you close it. Grill assembly is mirror-bright, anodized, extruded aluminum. Double safety latch, cable controlled. Detailed installation instructions included.”

While my recollection of these cars is only as good as my memory (read: hit/miss), I don’t recall seeing this conversion on a pre-1968 Beetle until I stumbled upon this 1965 Volkswagen Beetle featuring the ’37 Wunderbug conversion. Is there irony in pointing out this “People’s Car” is using the styling of a Ford, the very same brand that originally developed a car for the people? “The chrome is nicely preserved in the bumpers, trim, and any badging which shines wonderfully in the strong Pennsylvania summer sun,” says the seller. “The gaps are very nice, and the cute little running board is all solid.” Inside, you’ll note the red and white door panels contrasting with the black seats. The engine is a 1.2-liter boxer-four with a Solex one-barrel carburetor. Of course, shifting chores are handled by a four-speed manual.

If you’re torn between a Volkswagen and a vintage Ford, we have found the solution for you. And, at $7,500, it truly is a nostalgic take on the People’s Car.

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

There’s something truly great about the Italians. Their passion for things that surround our lives—the food, the cars—is unmatched, which is why this AutoHunter Spotlight is an exciting opportunity to show you a very special Italian: a 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint coupe. It is powered by a 2,584cc inline-six paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Painted Dark Teal Blue over a blue leather interior, this senior Bertone-styled coupe comes from the selling dealer with records, a spare wheel, a clear title, and more.

The Dark Teal Blue paint was applied in 2020. Exterior features include dual black side mirror caps, a hood scoop, and front side-markers. A set of gray 15-inch wheels is wrapped in 165R400 Michelin radials.

The interior is furnished with the original blue leather. The shifter for the transmission sits on the floor between front bucket seats. A three-spoke steering wheel and power windows round out the interior features.

The instrument panel consists of a 150-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, and fuel level. The odometer shows 32,319 miles, with the true mileage believed to be 132,319 per the title.

The alloy 2,584cc DOHC inline-six is fed by three single-barrel Solex carburetors. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain received $7,900 worth of work earlier this year.

Underneath, an independent front suspension with double wishbones works in conjunction with a solid rear axle. The four-wheel disc brakes help this Alfa stop on a Lira. A single exhaust system carries fumes to the rear.

As you can tell, this 1966 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint coupe was quite the machine when new. Today, a little TLC will go a long way to bring it back to its full glory. Only about 1,000/year were built, and this one being a U.S.-spec car makes it even more unusual. Rather than getting seduced by the Spider 1600, you can have a car that seats four adults in comfort and draws power from an engine that makes your typical American small-block seem old hat. Cars like this only appear once in a blue moon, so be sure to place a bid before the auction ends on Monday, May 9, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

New trucks need to run because they have work to get done, whether that’s transporting someone to work, a family on a road trip, or a load of drywall to a job site. Depending on who the buyer is, a vintage truck might not even have to be roadworthy to serve a purpose. I recently heard about an engagement photographer purchasing an old pickup just to use it as part of a barn backdrop for couples wanting to commemorate their upcoming nuptials. Our Pick of the Day, a 1955 Chevrolet 3800 posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Fredericksburg, Texas, could definitely do that job. Luckily, it not only works, but it also can work hard because it’s a tow truck.

As you can tell by the egg-crate grille and recessed headlights, this 1955 Chevy 3800 comes from the first model year of the automaker’s “Task Force” design. The task this one-ton truck has to accomplish? Towing a car. Perhaps you have an old junker you need to haul off or a project car you want to get to a shop you know and trust.

This brown and cream beaut can get whatever wherever with the power of a 283ci V8 and a Marquette tow crane retrofitted with a modern 12,000-pound winch. Your task is to row through the gears of the four-speed manual—and don’t forget to double-clutch when you do.

Whatever you end up doing in this rig, you’ll get it done more quickly because you won’t have distractions inside the cab. You’ll have a black vinyl bench seat, manual windows, glove box, and a Brody knob to help you turn the three-spoke wheel. That’s it—no screens or radio to slow you down.

Whether you want to use this 1955 Chevrolet 3800 tow truck as a prop or a work vehicle, one thing stays the same: It’ll be ready to do what you need it to do once you buy it for $18,500.

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

The 2025 driving season is officially upon us and for many classic car and truck owners that means getting their rides back on the open road. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year that many owners get hit with auto insurance rate increases, even those with good driving records and who haven’t had to file a claim. In fact, the average cost for auto insurance has increased 51% over the past 3 years, six times faster than inflation overall according to The Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Good Drivers and Auto Collectors Are Being Overcharged

In addition to the severe insurance rate spikes impacting law-abiding daily drivers, collectors of classic, antique, and custom cars are among the most severely affected by these insurance cost increases. Not only are auto collectors likely paying more than they should be given their reduced risk profile, but the coverage they do buy could prove to be radically insufficient. This unfortunate truth will only be discovered when they need to make a claim.

These collectors face a double inequity: not only are they statistically less likely to get into an accident or file a claim, but standard auto insurers often don’t offer proportionally lower rates for owners who drive their vintage vehicles fewer miles than their daily drivers. Adding further strain on collectible vehicle owners is the limited options available when it comes to classic and collector auto insurance. For decades, these owners have been faced with the same old confusing programs and complicated coverage options, not to mention those pesky letters landing in their mailboxes telling them their rates have gone up yet again.

Some Good News for Classic & Collectible Vehicle Owners

In all this market turmoil there does seem to be some good news for classic car and truck owners, and word is quickly spreading. Recently the auto enthusiast community has been buzzing about a program being offered by the Dallas-based collector vehicle insurer OpenRoad.

Customer testimonials from owners previously covered by standard auto insurers, as well as many previously insured by classic car insurance providers, continue to roll in highlighting significant savings, better coverage, and superior customer service. With so many auto enthusiasts making the switch to OpenRoad, it seems that they have finally found everything that they have been looking for in a classic auto insurance provider. Just check out these recent customer reviews:

• “Almost half the price (of) your competitors for equal coverage.”
• “Better coverage for less cost than other classic car insurance companies.”
• “They made it easy for me to switch from my old insurance policy to new one and at less than half the price!”
• “Not only did they match our previous collector car insurance, they beat it even after adding another vehicle to the policy! They are rockstars! Would recommend to everyone!
• “To my total surprise I got more coverage for a fraction of what I have been paying.”
• “Pricing was 20% lower than their direct competitor for the exact same coverage on multiple vehicles… These days, when insurance (cost) is outrageous, these people stepped up to the plate … Thank you, Open Road.”

Setting a New Bar for Classic & Collector Vehicle Insurance

OpenRoad has built a truly unique collector vehicle insurance program that all starts with their pricing. Not only do they provide significant savings for drivers with great driving records, but they also account for the reduced accident frequency associated with collector vehicles, often resulting in far lower insurance rates overall. But OpenRoad goes above and beyond on pricing, offering additional discounts to car club members as well as customers who transfer their coverage from another classic car insurer.

With OpenRoad, paying less definitely doesn’t mean getting less. Far from it! In fact, their coverage goes above and beyond what many other programs out there can offer. In addition to getting all the coverage you’d expect with any auto insurance policy— think comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, and the like — every OpenRoad policy comes with several protections tailored to car collectors.

Their agreed value policy guarantees that the insurance payout you’ll receive in the event of a total loss equals the actual worth of your classic car, rather than a depreciated value that most insurance programs use. This guarantees that you’re covered for the true value of your ride, considering the time, effort, and investments you put into your vehicle as well as its condition and rarity.

For anyone who has ever needed to file a claim for their classic or collector vehicle, you know how frustrating the process can be. OpenRoad is setting a new bar here as well. Under their program you know that if you need to file a claim the repairs will be done right. Not only will repairs be performed with OEM parts specifically tailored to your vehicle, but you’ll also get to choose a repair shop you know and trust, one that specializes in collector vehicles and classic car restorations. One customer described their recent claim experience with a testimonial that reads, “I can’t imagine any better customer service. I was extremely satisfied with my recent interaction with Open Road. Friendly, knowledgeable and courteous. My claim was handled quickly and efficiently. Best service ever! Thank you.”

OpenRoad also includes a generous emergency roadside cost reimbursement program at no additional cost as well as coverage for the relocation and temporary storage of your ride in the event of major disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires.

Delivering Superior Customer Service & Specialized Coverage

Beyond the significant cost relief, many customers also point to the excellent customer service they received with reviews that include statements such as, “The team went above and beyond to help us,” and, “Overall, the best experience I’ve had setting up insurance.” That’s some high praise for an auto insurance company.

Rapidly Expanding Across the U.S.

To keep up with the massive market demand that they’ve seen, OpenRoad has been rapidly rolling out its insurance program across the U.S., quickly growing coverage availability to 24 states. Don’t reside in one of their currently live states? Don’t worry, the brand plans to add coverage across several more states by the end summer 2025. You can also sign up for their launch newsletter and get notified as soon as coverage is available for your area.

Get your quote today and see how much you could save in about 5 minutes.