In today’s fast-paced world, car safety has become a top priority for American consumers.
Advancements in automotive technology have significantly improved vehicle safety, introducing features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and enhanced collision avoidance systems.
However, with numerous models boasting superior safety claims, selecting the ideal vehicle can be overwhelming.
Trusted organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide rigorous safety ratings, offering reliable benchmarks for comparison.
This article highlights the top 20 safest cars currently available, leveraging data-backed rankings to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next vehicle.
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
Driving safety remains a critical concern across America, with thousands of accidents occurring each year, resulting in tragic fatalities and life-altering injuries.
While driver behavior and environmental factors significantly influence accident rates, the type of vehicle driven can also play a critical role in road safety outcomes.
Recent accident statistics reveal troubling insights about specific car models that consistently appear in accident reports at higher rates than others.
Being adequately informed about these vehicles can empower consumers to make safer purchasing decisions and encourage manufacturers to enhance vehicle safety standards.
In this article, we reveal the top 20 cars with the highest accident rates in America, providing essential insights to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
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.
Coupes have long held a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, symbolizing sporty elegance, thrilling performance, and undeniable flair. Their unique two-door designs showcase sleek, aerodynamic shapes that captivate attention whether cruising city streets or conquering winding country roads.
Often combining powerful engines with agile handling, coupes provide an unmatched driving experience that sedans and SUVs rarely replicate. Additionally, their limited practicality often translates into exclusivity, elevating their allure among car aficionados. In this article, we explore 15 exceptional coupes that consistently turn heads, igniting excitement and admiration wherever they go.
America’s motorsport heritage is woven deeply into the nation’s cultural fabric, celebrated through decades of thrilling races and remarkable automotive innovation. From the roaring engines of the Indy 500 to the adrenaline-packed corners of Daytona, American race cars have long captured hearts—not just with speed, but with their stunning aesthetics and iconic designs.
These cars symbolize ingenuity, power, and sheer beauty, standing out as masterpieces of automotive artistry. In this article, we explore fifteen American race cars whose timeless elegance and bold visual presence have earned them legendary status both on and off the track.
Today we take a closer look at a stunning 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG coupe, the modern successor to the 300 SL “Gullwing” of the 1950s. Under the hood sits a hand-built, 563-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, which is paired with an AMG Speedshift 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With just 7,924 actual miles, this heritage-inspired supercar is in excellent condition.
The cockpit is loaded with comfort and tech, including a Bang & Olufsen 1,000-watt sound system, heated designo leather seats, navigation, and Park Assist. Tune in as we walk around this SLS AMG and explore its connection to its iconic ancestor. At the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction, this 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG sold for $203,500.
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This street rod pickup was built by the seller using a 1942 Ford COE pickup cab and a customized pickup bed mounted to a modified and boxed steel frame made from GM components. Power comes from a 350ci Chevrolet V8 linked to a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear end, and the truck rides on an independent front suspension with power steering and disc brakes, rear ladder bars with adjustable coilovers, and American Racing 20” wheels. Inside, brown vinyl upholstery is joined by a Vintage Air climate control system, a Lokar shifter, a banjo-style steering wheel, a Flaming River tilting column, and Stewart-Warner gauges. Other highlights include a custom rear roll pan, wood bed slats, a Holley carburetor, and an Edelbrock intake manifold. Over the past decade the truck has been featured on My Classic Car and won numerous awards at various shows. Driven 3k miles since completion, this custom COE pickup is now offered with build photos, records, spare parts, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.
The cab was stripped and repaired before it was mounted to a boxed steel frame, which the seller states is a custom-boxed unit with a ’78 Camaro front subframe and a rear section sourced from a 50s Chevrolet Advance Design pickup.
Mar-K pickup bed panels and LMC Truck fenders were installed, and the seller added a fuel door to the left fender and fabricated a custom rear roll pan with a recessed license plate box. The wood cargo bed slats are retained by polished runners.
Two-tone green and beige paint was applied in 2014, and Ford script was added to the tailgate. The glass was also replaced during the build. The tri-bar headlights have integrated turn signals, and trickle-charger terminals are mounted under the right-side running board. Other details include a tilt-out split windshield, cab vent doors, and round side mirrors. Paint bubbles are noted under the windshield and on the left-front fender along with imperfections on the nose panel.
The independent front assembly sourced from a 1978 Camaro features tubular control arms, coil springs, power-assisted disc brakes, and power steering, while the live rear axle is supported by ladder bars and adjustable coilovers.
American Racing 20×8” wheels are mounted with 255/35 Falken Azenis PT722 A/S tires.
The interior of the cab was painted to complement the body, and the individual seats and door panels were upholstered in brown vinyl. Bound green carpets line the footwells, and a Vintage Air climate control system has been added along with a Lokar shifter, three-point seatbelts, and under-dash lighting. A Kwik Wire harness and fuse panel were installed, and the wiring was individually labeled. The windshield wipers were converted from vacuum to electrical operation.
The center console and engine cover were fabricated by the seller. Concealed fasteners must be removed to access the engine compartment from within the cab.
The banjo-style steering wheel is mounted to a Flaming River tilting column and sits ahead of Stewart-Warner instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The six-digit odometer shows 3k miles.
The 350ci Chevrolet V8 crate engine and TH350 three-speed automatic transmission were sourced from Pace Performance. A Holley carburetor sits atop an Edelbrock Performer EPS intake manifold, and an electronic ignition conversion kit has been added. The dual exhaust system flows into MagnaFlow polished tips. The accessory drive system is from Bill’s Hot Rod Shop, while the AFCO Racing aluminum radiator is cooled by an electric puller fan.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Ford 9” rear end with a limited-slip differential and a 39/13-tooth ring and pinion set.
Following completion of the build, the truck was featured on My Classic Car, appeared in Mike Kelley’s Cruise News, and was awarded “Best Ride on American Racing Wheels” at the 2nd Florida Nationals show.
The truck is titled as a 1942 Ford using the VIN 550131, which appears on an identification plaque shown above.
An album of photos taken at various stages of the build will accompany the vehicle.
Fiberglass front fenders are also included in the sale along with a binder of records, literature, and other items that can be viewed in the gallery.