This 1940 Ford Standard coupe was acquired from its original owner in 1990 according to the seller, who notes his father then commissioned refurbishment work and modifications on a rotisserie by Jerry McCarthy of Newark, Delaware that was completed in 1992. The car was repainted GM Flame Red Metallic, a tan mohair interior was sourced from LeBaron Bonney, and a 5.0-liter HO V8 from a 1992 Mustang GT was installed along with Mustang-sourced front disc brakes. The three-speed manual transmission was also overhauled with Zephyr gearing, and the rear end received a 3.78 differential. The battery, fuel pump, and ignition components were replaced in 2025. This ’40 Coupe is now offered by the seller on behalf of his father with a clean New Jersey title.
The steel body and fenders were repainted GM Flame Red Metallic in 1992 as part of a rotisserie refurbishment. Metal repairs were performed at that time around the drip rails and below the trunk lid. There is a repaired paint chip behind the left door hinge, and the vent window moldings are cracked.
The 16″ body-color steel wheels are mounted with Coker Classic radial tires. Early Mustang-sourced front discs were added to the original front axle.
The tan mohair interior was sourced from LeBaron Bonney. The AM radio was rebuilt but does not have power, nor does the cigarette lighter. The windshield wipers work intermittently.
The two-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a sweeping 100-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The seller states all of the 8,100 miles on the five-digit odometer were added under current ownership, and total mileage is unknown.
The seller tells us the restorer sourced the 5.0-liter HO V8 from a 1992 Mustang GT. The seller tells us the engine was disassembled and resealed before installation in 1992, and the battery, fuel pump, and ignition components were replaced in 2025.
The three-speed manual transmission was also overhauled with Zephyr gearing, and the rear end received a 3.78 differential. There is a leak between the transmission and the torque tube as well as at the rear main seal, and the car has a dual exhaust system.
The car is titled in New Jersey using the VIN 185592995, which the seller is unable to locate on the car. The title lists an odometer reading of 158k miles.
This ’29 Ford Model A was acquired by its current owner in 1999 and redone around 2021. The steel-bodied roadster is powered by a 201ci inline-four which has been fitted with a Miller cylinder head, an Evans downdraft intake with dual Stromberg carburetors, and an aftermarket tubular header. The engine is linked to a three-speed synchromesh gearbox and a Winters Performance quick-change rear end, and the car rides on 16″ steel wheels with a 4″ dropped front axle, friction shocks and hairpin radius rods up front, and a four-bar setup with adjustable coilovers out back. The interior was redone in 2021 with leather upholstery, and it also has a louvered hood and trunk lid as well as Stewart-Warner gauges. This Model A is now offered by the seller on behalf of its owner with a car cover and a clean California title listing the car as a 1929 Ford.
The steel body has been painted black, and it has a louvered hood and a louvered trunk lid. A quick-release fuel cap is mounted behind the removable top, and a racer-style mascot is mounted on the cowl. The car has an Ahooga horn, but it does not currently work.
The suspension has been modified with a 4″ dropped axle with a transverse leaf spring, friction shocks, and hairpin radius rods up front, while the four-bar setup out back is matched with coilovers. The seller notes the bias-ply big-and-littles on the 16″ steel wheels require replacement. Buick-style finned drums are fitted up front.
The owner had the interior redone with leather upholstery in 2021.
The steering wheel frames a column-mounted tachometer, and Stewart-Warner gauges were installed in the dashboard. The owner has added all of the 2,700 miles on the five-digit odometer.
In 2021 the 201ci inline-four was fitted with a Miller cylinder head, an Evans downdraft intake with dual Stromberg carburetors, and an aftermarket tubular header. It also has alloy side covers, an external oil filter and water pump, an electric fuel pump, a high-torque starter, an electric fan, and an alloy radiator.
The three-speed synchromesh gearbox is linked to a Winters Performance quick-change rear end.
The car is titled as a 1929 Ford using VIN DMV75267CA.
This 1940 Ford coupe has been customized with a modified 221ci flathead V8 featuring Offenhauser heads along with custom paint and upholstery, a hidden stereo, a dual exhaust system, oversized tires, and lowered suspension. According to the selling dealer, the owner purchased the car in 1978, and it has since been refurbished and driven 50k miles. This Tudor sedan hot rod is now offered as part of the SawMill Collection on dealer consignment with a Washington title.
The car has been repainted black, and it has running boards and directionals mounted behind the chromed grille.
The suspension has been lowered, and the car rides on body-color steel wheels with hubcaps, trim rings, and staggered BFGoodrich tires. Braking is provided by four-wheel hydraulic drums, which were introduced for the 1939 model year.
The interior was redone with black and red upholstery, and there is a hidden CD stereo in the glove box. Flames accent the dashboard.
The steering wheel sits ahead of a sweeping 100-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows under 61k miles, approximately 50k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The selling dealer tells us the 221ci flathead V8 was rebuilt with performance internal components, and it is topped by Offenhauser heads. The electronics have been updated as well, and the car has Mallory ignition and an electric fan.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission.
This 1948 Chevrolet Stylemaster coupe was refurbished under previous ownership and then modified under current ownership with a replacement driveline and interior. Modifications include a replacement BluePrint Engines 383ci stroker V8, FAST electronic fuel injection, a GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission, and a Mustang II-style front suspension assembly with rack-and-pinion steering and front disc brakes. The body is finished in yellow, and equipment includes a horizontal-bar grille, split windshield, rocker panel moldings, peep mirrors, and LED taillights. Inside, power-adjustable low-back bucket seats are installed along with a Vintage Air climate control system and an Alpine stereo unit. Acquired by the current owner in 2019, this Stylemaster coupe is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with an Arizona title in the owner’s name.
The exterior is finished in yellow with blue pinstripes, and was repainted some years ago per the seller. The car retains Stylemaster hood badging, a split windshield, and brightwork consisting of a hood ornament, side molding, bumpers with overriders, rocker panel moldings, and divided horizontal-bar grille. Dual peep mirrors are installed, the decklid carries a decal stating “’48 Creme Puff,” and an oxidized crack can be seen in the right-hand fender extension.
The car rides on a Mustang II-style front suspension assembly with tubular control arms and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. This example is mounted with chrome-finished 17″ American Racing Special Edition wheels mounted with staggered-width Continental ExtremeContact tires. Braking is handled by front discs with drilled and slotted rotors along with rear drums.
The cabin features power-adjustable low-back front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in dark blue upholstery that extends to the doors and retrofitted center console with cupholders. Period-style equipment includes a painted dashboard with a bright speaker grille, a push-button AM radio, an analog clock, and ivory-color window crank trim. The car is also equipped with Vintage Air climate control and an Alpine stereo with front footwell mounted speakers.
The black-and-ivory-finished steering wheel with a bright horn ring fronts a 100-mph speedometer alongside Sunpro gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. The five-digit odometer shows 96k miles, and total mileage is unknown.
A BluePrint Engines 383ci stroker V8 engine was retrofitted under current ownership and features an aluminum intake manifold, a FAST electronic fuel injection system, and aluminum cylinder heads. A batwing-style air cleaner is also installed along with an aluminum radiator with an electric cooling fan. Per the seller, the most recent service included spark plug replacement and an oil change.
Power is directed to the rear wheels via a GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission installed in place of the factory three-speed manual transmission. Coated exhaust headers feed into a dual exhaust system.
The tag affixed to the firewall is marked with the sequence 21FJF15276.
Automotive history is filled with moments where convention is tossed aside and creativity runs wild—sometimes for better, sometimes for bewilderment.
Designers under pressure, or perhaps just caught in a rebellious mood, have produced cars that defy logic, symmetry, and sometimes, even common sense.
Yet, it’s these very quirks that make such cars unforgettable. They might make us scratch our heads, but they also make us smile. These oddballs capture the spirit of innovation, daring to be different in a world of uniform sedans and predictable SUVs.
In this list, we celebrate the cars that broke all the rules and, in doing so, earned a special place in our hearts—and in automotive history.
In the automotive world, honesty isn’t always the best policy. Some cars have been designed or marketed with unvarnished transparency—unapologetically practical, openly slow, or refreshingly ugly.
Instead of hiding behind flashy ads or exaggerated claims, these vehicles told it like it was, refusing to sugarcoat their limitations or true intentions.
Yet, as history shows, this level of candor often clashed with what consumers wanted: aspiration, excitement, or at least a little mystique.
The result? Many of these “too honest” cars struggled to find buyers, proving that in the car business, brutal honesty can be a brutal mistake.
In the sections ahead, we’ll explore fifteen models that paid the price for daring to be real.
It’s a curious phenomenon: vehicles originally engineered for ruggedness and extreme durability eventually found themselves parked in suburban driveways, shuttling kids and groceries instead of traversing battlefields or construction sites.
Families, seeking maximum safety, reliability, and presence on the road, gravitated toward these “tanks” for their legendary build quality and robust designs.
Whether it was their solid frames, advanced safety features, or commanding stature, these cars began to symbolize peace of mind for parents everywhere.
This unexpected crossover from utility to family favorite highlights how some vehicles outgrew their boundaries—and in doing so, changed the landscape of automotive culture.
For more on how car safety influences buying decisions, see this Consumer Reports analysis.
For those who treat their garage as more than just a place to park…
For those who tinker, shine, wrench, and unwind in the garage…
For those who are done dealing with cracked concrete and have the desire for something that looks good, holds up to real use, and feels like part of the car collection—not just a parking space—there is a sleek solution that you will be proud of.
Swisstrax is rethinking the garage space. These modular interlocking garage tiles that fasten like Legos, eliminate the frustration associated with flaking epoxy, chipped paint, and stained concrete. These tiles are a LASTING DIY game-changer.
They go together in an afternoon.
Liquids drain right through.
Tiles can be swapped out if something happens.
They just plain look sharp.
And there is an invite-only offer for ClassicCars.com Journal readers at the end of this article…
Here are some of the best floor setups seen on their site or check out the top designs shared below.
For those with a two-bay garage packed with tools, parts, and maybe a car or two under wraps, something clean, functional, and maybe even a little fun is ideal.
Some liked ideas include:
Checkerboard style – Classic black and white always looks right.
Color-coded zones – Parking on red, tools on gray. Helps organize the chaos.
Custom borders or logos – Just enough flair without overdoing it.
Classic and sleek – One color, one style and the tile does the work (this video shows off a single car bay and firefighter’s reasonings behind choosing Swisstrax.)
Got Something More Unique in Mind?
Not every garage fits the mold. Maybe yours doubles as a workshop, a hangout, or a showroom. That’s where these tiles really shine—you can get creative and even order samples that will be credited toward your final order.
Here is what has been said:
“I wanted something different. Swisstrax let me customize my garage floor with colors and patterns that matched my car and style. Everyone who visits loves it.” — Chris S.
And here’s what has been done:
Mix bold colors for a racing stripe effect
Add your own logo or design
Go with dark metallic tones for an industrial vibe (check out Vyper)
Try fun layouts like chevron or angled tile placement
Why It Works (And Keeps Working)
After years with the floor, here’s what stands out to customers world-wide:
No tire marks
No stains from oil or brake fluid
No slipping around when it’s wet
No better “welcome home” when you click that garage door opener
And if a tile is ever damaged, it can just be popped out and swapped for a new one (always heard this, but took doing it to believe it…and it sounds like other owners agree: “I work on my cars a lot, and Swisstrax has been fantastic. Oil spills wipe up, no staining, and if I damage a tile, I can replace just that one.” — Phil C.)
Want to Map Out Your Garage?
There’s a handy online tool where you can design your own layout. Takes about 10 minutes to figure out exactly what you want.
Pick your tile style
Try out color combos
See what fits your space
“The online designer made it easy. I planned out my floor exactly how I wanted, and the end result is perfect. Highly recommend Swisstrax.”— Todd P.
Build Your Layout – but if you don’t want to, one of their flooring specialists will help you out – no additional cost. They are kind and passionate about getting you the perfect product for your lifestyle.
If there’s hesitation, it’s worth noting that this is one of the easiest upgrades made—and one of the most satisfying every time the garage door is opened.
Through THIS July only, to celebrate Classic Car Collectors Month, Swisstrax has extended 15% OFF for our readers with Code: CLASSIC25. It works on their floor designer, with a flooring specialist or on their store directly.
But don’t just take it from this article, see for yourself what other owners are saying. There are hundreds of reviews and videos online. But if searching isn’t appealing, spend one minute and check out Barry’s experience with Swisstrax, the World’s Finest Modular Flooring and history with Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Car Collector Auction. It’s a story that might evoke a bit of jealousy and relate to if there is a passion for car collections.
“I was proud of my car collection before, but now that I have that floor [Swisstrax] down, it has enhanced it and taken that car collection to a whole new level.” – Barry B.
Are you ready to get some kicks on Route 66? There is something magical about exploring the road less traveled – especially when it involves a destination that feels like a step back in time. Some of our readers may recall my recent visit to the remote town of Portal, Arizona, where a 1950 Chevrolet has been greeting visitors to the lodge/restaurant for decades. And before that, I spent the night at the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, which is home to several classic rides.
Along similar lines, the town of Seligman—known for its Route 66 provenance—is dotted with classic cars as if frozen in time. Seligman, Peach Springs, Kingman, and a number of other small towns lie along the old alignment of Route 66, which was bypassed by Interstate 40 in Arizona back in 1978. Since that time, things have slowed down along the historic highway, but thankfully they haven’t died off completely. In fact, the area is a popular spot for nostalgic travelers like me. I saw a tour bus full of people who had similar ideas, too!
I made the day-trip to the area to visit the “Cavern Grotto” in Peach Springs, a restaurant located about 200 feet underground. What better way to beat the Phoenix summer heat than by burying myself underground, right? The food was tasty, but the automotive scenery along the way was the icing on the cake. One of the most colorful destinations is Seligman’s Snow Cap Drive-In, which offers unique menu items like a “Cheeseburger with Cheese.” I couldn’t resist getting a picture out front with my red 1992 Acura NSX (at 33 years old, a classic itself).
Here were a few of the vehicles that caught my eye during my visit, in order by year:
1936 Pontiac Silver Streak
The Silver Streak was introduced in 1935 and was available with both inline-six and inline-eight engines. It was of course known for its “streak”—a bright strip running along the center of the hood and the rear deck. It was characteristic that would define Pontiac exteriors for many years. Hundreds of tourists take photos with this car every week as they explore Route 66.
1952 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup
Part of Chevrolet’s “Advance Design” series, which ran from 1947 through 1955, the automaker’s trucks for this era were known for being rugged and versatile. Most of them were outfitted with inline-six engines and three-speed, column-shifted transmissions. I liked how this old truck had the Snow Cap’s logo in faded patina on the doors.
1952 Packard
Packard was caught with its pants down in the early-1950s because styling wasn’t as strong as Cadillac’s, and it didn’t offer a V8—this from a company that once was America’s most popular luxury car. Nonetheless, they are stately and dignified in a way that few cars could match. This one parked in front of the “Postcard Motel” (a fitting backdrop) appears to be a ’52 Packard 300 or other “senior” Packard based on the taillights and trim. I like the windshield visor, antenna, and classic chrome trim.
1957 Ford Custom 300
The Custom 300 was a value-oriented trim level, which slotted between the base Custom and the higher-end Fairlane. It could be ordered in a two-door, four door, or Ranch Wagon. This one was more rust-colored than anything else, and its black and white Utah license plates were the style issued between 1968 and 1972. My favorite feature was the exhaust “lake pipes”—likely non-functional– on either side beneath the rocker panels.
1959 Edsel Ranger Sedan
The Ranger was priced around $2,700 when new, and it could be ordered in two-door or four-door formats (with hardtop and sedan variants for each). This yellow hardtop sedan looked like it had been parked for a long time, but it wore “Lemon Cab Company” livery and probably lived a good life!
1962 Buick Special Station Wagon
Part of the third-generation Special lineup, this was the first car to introduce a mass-produced V6 engine. Specifically, it was a 198ci V6 that produced 135 horsepower. Wagons came standard with a Turbine Drive two-speed automatic transmission. The 1962 Special was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. How about that pink paint job?
1985 Pontiac Fiero
Jumping ahead a couple of decades, I couldn’t help but notice this faded two-seat sports car basking in the sun. It was painted red, white, and blue and said, “Route 66 Patriot.” I would love to know the backstory on what the car was used for. When optioned with the available 2.8-liter V6 engine, the Fiero had some decent pickup – not to mention better aerodynamics than most of the other classics sitting around Seligman.
I enjoyed wandering around old Route 66 and taking a step back in time.
Is your classic car taking you on any road trips this summer?
There’s more to the 2026 Toyota Tundra than the TRD Pro model’s new Wave Maker paint color. Now in its fifth model year, the third-generation Tundra receives a variety of standard and optional updates that make it more luxurious and capable.
Depending on trim level, the 2025 Tundra comes with either a 22.5- or 32.2-gallon fuel tank. For 2026, Toyota has made the larger one standard across the entire Tundra lineup, along with a tow hitch and a 7/4-pin connector. Trucks configured with the Baja racing-inspired TRD Rally Package (which adds features such as a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and all-terrain tires) can now be further upgraded with a TRD three-inch lift kit and the Tow Tech Package.
Getting into the Platinum and the 1794 with the TRD Off-Road Package is a little easier thanks to optional power running boards. Currently, the Tundra Limited is only available with SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, but the 2026 Limited will have the real deal in either black with white stitching or gray with black stitching. The top-of-the-line Capstone’s seats now come draped in Shale Premium Textured leather.
IsoDynamic seats in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
One of the coolest functional upgrades to the Tundra comes from the Tacoma. IsoDynamic seats, which use a shock absorber system to control movements and stabilize vision over rough terrain, are now on the options list for the Tundra TRD Pro. All Tundra Double Cab models come with air vents on the back of the front console to make the second row more comfortable.
As of right now, there’s no word on the 2026 Toyota Tundra’s pricing or availability, but don’t be surprised if both are announced before fall.
