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In the 1980s, there were a lot of boxy vehicles. Many of them were bland, boring sights because of their lack of curves—and still are. But one particular right-angled design from that decade remains attractive: GM’s pickups. One of them, a 1984 Chevrolet C10 Silverado posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Kansas, happens to be our Pick of the Day.

The third generation of GM’s C/K line of trucks debuted in the 1973 model year with new styling, a smoother ride, and improved visibility. Although GM identified the newest iteration of its pickups with the “Rounded Line” name, these days, they’re more commonly referred to as “Square Body” trucks. When you look at this ’84 C10, you can see why.

The only curves are in the wheels and tires; the rest is all lines and angles. Somehow GM managed to make such a simple, conservative design look great. With a single cab and a short bed, a Square Body is the rolling definition of the words “sport truck” – especially when it looks like this one. There’s no need for loud colors or flamboyant add-ons. The two-box profile is covered in glossy black, although that is accented with a billet-style grille and chrome trim. Other modifications are more low-key, such as the cowl hood and rear roll pan. A hydraulic tonneau cover protects the contents of the Line-X-coated bed.

There is one noticeable flourish, though—actually, there are four: the 22-inch U.S. Mags Scottsdale wheels. Yes, they are massive, especially because they dwarf their low-profile Nitto tires. Additionally, this truck has been dropped on Belltech drop spindles and features a rear axle flip kit and A-1 Racing Products rear coilovers.

To go with this truck’s classic lines is a classic engine: a 350ci V8. Of course, the replacement for the original diesel V8 has some mods of its own, which include a mild cam, Holley Street Avenger 670-cfm carburetor, and Dart intake manifold.

This truck may appear simple, but that doesn’t mean its interior is Spartan and bare of features. If you become the next owner, it’ll get you to the local car show or a weekend getaway destination with the convenience of a 700R4 four-speed automatic and power steering and brakes as well as the comfort of air conditioning. You can make that happen and get your hands on this tastefully modified 1984 Chevrolet C10 Silverado by paying the $32,900 asking price.

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

Oldsmobile wasn’t always the dusty nameplate that faded quietly into history. Back in its prime, it was one of GM’s boldest divisions—often used to test wild ideas, futuristic tech, and luxury features that would later trickle down to the rest of the lineup. From sleek gullwing coupes to hybrid prototypes and digital dashboards before anyone else had them, Oldsmobile concept cars showed what the future might look like… even if most never made it to production. Here are 10 Oldsmobile concepts that prove this brand once had its eyes on the future.

1985 Oldsmobile Incas

GM

Looking like something out of Blade Runner, the Incas was a futuristic gullwing sports coupe with an insane cockpit. It had a yoke-style steering wheel, digital dash, and wraparound glass canopy. Powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged 4-cylinder, the Incas was never meant for production—but it turned heads worldwide.

GM

It was built by Italdesign and packed with tech that felt like sci-fi in the ’80s. Oldsmobile was trying to rebrand itself as a high-tech innovator, and the Incas was a bold, memorable start. Most people forget that Oldsmobile was te pinnacle of technology at one point in time.

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Honda has a reputation for reliability and smart engineering—but its design lab has also produced some downright bizarre ideas. Over the years, the brand has rolled out concept cars that teased futuristic tech, wild styling, or clever packaging. Some looked ready for production… but fizzled out. Others were just too strange to ever see the light of day. Whether due to bad timing, market shifts, or just being too far ahead of the curve, these 10 Honda concept cars failed to make it to showrooms—leaving behind only what-ifs and display stand memories.

2003 Honda Kiwami

Honda

The Kiwami looked like a rolling piece of origami. With its sharp edges, ultra-clean design, and hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, it was Honda’s vision of an elegant, high-tech luxury sedan. Inside, it was pure Zen—open space, wood floors, and a minimalist dash.

2003 Honda Kiwami

Honda

But hydrogen tech was still a long way from viable, and the styling was far too radical. The Kiwami vanished after the auto show circuit, leaving behind a cool name and a reminder that sometimes elegance just isn’t enough to go mainstream.

1993 Honda EVX

Honda

Before Tesla was even a dream, Honda was experimenting with electric sedans. The EVX had an ultra-aerodynamic body and a fully electric drivetrain—long before anyone took EVs seriously. It featured solar panels on the roof, regenerative braking, and a digital cockpit.

1993 Honda EVX

Honda

Unfortunately, the battery tech just wasn’t there in the early ’90s, and Honda quietly shelved the project. While it was a clear look into the future, the world wasn’t ready—and neither was Honda’s supply chain. Honda was pushing the envelope of design around this time period.

2008 Honda FC Sport

Honda

A hydrogen-powered sports car? That’s what the FC Sport was aiming for. With a futuristic three-seat layout (driver in the middle) and super-low body lines, it looked like something out of Tron. Honda never planned to produce it, but it turned heads at auto shows and made a big splash in design circles.

2008 Honda FC Sport

Honda

Still, no one was asking for a hydrogen NSX. The FC Sport never evolved past the concept phase, but it was a cool reminder that Honda wasn’t afraid to dream weird. The sleek body was ahead of it’s time and this is still one of the most beautiful concept cars to come out of Japan.

1995 Honda SSM (Sports Study Model)

Honda

This sleek roadster looked ready to be the next big thing—and eventually evolved into the S2000. But the SSM itself was never sold. With its long hood, rear-wheel drive layout, and clean lines, it previewed what enthusiasts wanted from Honda.

1995 Honda SSM (Sports Study Model)

Honda

However, delays in development, market caution, and internal hesitation meant the SSM was shelved in favor of a more refined product later on. The SSM wasn’t a total failure—but it never reached customers, even though it probably should have.

2001 Honda Unibox

Honda

Imagine a translucent plastic minivan with wheels at the corners and a lounge-style interior—and you’ve got the Unibox. Designed as a next-gen city vehicle, it focused on interior space and modular design. The floor had rails to move seats around, and everything inside felt more like Ikea than Detroit.

2001 Honda Unibox

Honda

The Unibox was quirky and imaginative, but Honda knew there was no way it would sell in real life. Still, parts of it—like reconfigurable seats—live on in Honda’s more practical minivans and SUVs. This was one of the most unique Honda concepts to come out of the new decade.

1999 Honda Fuya-Jo

Honda

This was Honda’s party car. Seriously. The Fuya-Jo was a Tokyo Motor Show concept aimed at night clubbers. It featured a tall roof so you could stand inside, DJ-style controls, and joystick steering. This was a purple beast of a concept car that didn’t look like anything else on the road.

1999 Honda Fuya-Jo

Honda

Meant to be driven short distances between clubs, it was more like a rolling rave box than a real car. Unsurprisingly, it went nowhere. But it still earns a spot on this list for being one of Honda’s most unexpected and bizarre creations ever.

2006 Honda REMIX

Honda

A small, two-seat coupe that looked ready to take on the Mazda MX-5? That was the REMIX. Lightweight, sporty, and affordable-looking, it had real potential. Car fans loved the shape and simplicity, but Honda said no—fearing it wouldn’t sell well enough.

2006 Honda REMIX

Honda

The REMIX could’ve been the spiritual successor to the CR-X, but instead it faded into concept car limbo. It’s one of those cases where the enthusiast world said “yes” and the corporate side said “nah.”

2007 Honda Puyo

Honda

The Puyo looked like a marshmallow on wheels. Built to promote hydrogen fuel cell tech and soft, people-friendly design, the car literally had a gel-like outer shell designed to reduce injury in low-speed crashes. It also glowed at night and had a joystick instead of a steering wheel.

2007 Honda Puyo

Honda

While cute and creative, the Puyo was far from production-ready. Still, it showed Honda’s weird and wild side—and its commitment to safety and alternative fuels, even in jellybean form. Honda has built quite a few.

1992 Honda EP-X

Honda

Another electric experiment from the early ’90s, the EP-X was a sleek, two-seat EV concept with a focus on lightweight design and city driving. It looked like a cross between a CRX and a spaceship. Honda never released full specs, but the car was rumored to have limited range and very basic interior features.

1992 Honda EP-X

Honda

At the time, there just wasn’t a real market for small electric cars—and Honda wasn’t ready to commit. So the EP-X quietly disappeared after a few show appearances. The Honda EP-X was a unique concept car that managed to spark a lot of interest in a Honda sports car.

2000 Honda Spocket

Honda

Half roadster, half pickup, the Spocket was one of Honda’s strangest “what if” ideas. The front was a stylish two-seater roadster, while the back had a tiny truck bed for hauling gear. It had a hybrid powertrain and was aimed at adventurous city dwellers who needed both style and utility.

2000 Honda Spocket

Honda

As odd as it was, the Spocket got people talking. Still, it was way too niche for mass production, and Honda shelved it right after its auto show run. If a Ridgeline and an S2000 had a baby, this would be it. The Spocket also became a fairly famous Hot Wheel toy as well.

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Most popular classic muscle cars have been sold in tens of thousands (or more) of examples. This means that those models can be found for sale easily. However, in the muscle car heyday, Detroit presented several pretty rare models, and none of them exceeded production figures of 1000 copies. If you wonder what those cars are, here is the answer. 

1. Buick GSX

Buick Gsx 6
Foto Credit: Auto Wp

Backed by steady sales and outstanding reception of their muscle models, Buick decided to introduce the ultimate muscle car: the legendary and scarce Buick GSX. The GSX stood for Gran Sports Experimental and was, in fact, the visually upgraded Gran Sport with a Stage 1 performance package. 

1970 Buick GSX
Photo Credit: Hot Rod

The GSX debuted in 1970 with an aggressive graphics package that was not typical of Buick products. It was available in two bright colors—Saturn Yellow and Apollo White—with front and rear spoilers, functioning hood scoops, side stripes, and Rally wheels. Buick produced only 678 examples that year. 

2. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

1969 Trans Am Convertible Remembering One Of The Rarest Muscle Cars From The Golden Era 2
Photo Credit: HR

The Trans Am model became popular and mass-produced in later generations, but in 1969, it was a rare and special limited edition car. In 1969, Pontiac wanted to present a model that could be homologated for Trans Am racing, but the company was under a racing ban from GM. To mask its intentions, Pontiac introduced the Firebird Trans Am as a loaded version that featured considerable block power from the famous 400 V8 engine equipped with a Ram Air III or IV intake system. 

Photo Credit: HR

The difference between those engines was significant since Ram Air IV featured many improved engine internals and components, but they were both rated at 366 hp, which was pretty underrated. However, this special version with signature white paint, blue stripes, Rally II wheels, and other equipment proved to be a tough seller, and only 634 Firebird Trans Ams were sold. Among those, only 8 were convertibles.

3. Mercury Cougar Eliminator Boss 302

Nelson 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator Front Three Quarter Alt 4
Photo Credit: Car Domain

Despite being a twin brother to the Mustang, the Mercury Cougar gained a cult following and created a name of its own in the late ’60s. But for the 1969 muscle car wars, Mercury had something special—the Cougar Eliminator. 

Mercury Cougar Eliminator Boss 302 29 000000000a9e07ca
Photo Credit: HR

The Cougar Eliminator was a top-of-the-line model with several interesting engine choices. You could get a Boss 302 engine, a high-revving 5.0-liter V8 in a slightly bigger body with more luxury features. However, more buyers opted for bigger 351 or 428 Cobra Jet engines, making the Eliminator Boss 302 rare. In 1969/1970, Mercury made only 638 of those great machines in two years. 

4. Ford Torino Talladega

1969 Torino Talladega The Mopar Slaying Muscle Car Legend That Revolutionized Nascar 218456 1
Photo Credit: HR

In contrast to some models from our list, which were produced for 12 months or so, Torino Talladega was made for only a couple of weeks in early 1969. This car was Ford’s answer to Dodge Daytona and Mopar’s efforts to win in NASCAR. 

Ford Torino Talladega 4 01070000093906da
Photo Credit: HR

The idea behind the Talladega (named after the NASCAR track) was to take a standard Torino, give it a unique front end and a few slippery details, and homologate it for superspeedways. A total of 754 Talladega were built in such a short time, and many of them were used for racing.

5. Chrysler 300 Hurst

Chrysler 300 Hurst 1 1244
Photo Credit: eBay

Introduced in 1970, the special limited edition 300 Hurst was a special model based on the new full-size Chrysler platform. It was built in minimal numbers, around 500, with the help of the famous transmission company Hurst. 

Chrysler 300 - Chrysler
Photo Credit: eBay

It featured an exceptional white and gold paint job, a similarly styled interior, and a rear spoiler integrated into the rear deck lid. Under the hood, a mighty 440 V8 engine with 395 hp could propel the 2-ton beast to respectable acceleration times. 

6. Dodge Charger 500

1969 Dodge Charger 500 Front Three Quarter Alt 4
Photo Credit: Hagerty

Most muscle car fans know the Dodge Charger lineup well, including the wild Charger Daytona from 1969. But Daytona’s predecessor, the Charger 500, was far less known and less successful. The standard Charger, with a deep grille and concave rear glass, wasn’t very aerodynamic, and despite powerful engines and good drivers, it just couldn’t achieve the speeds required for winning. 

1969 Dodge Charger 500 Rear Three Quarter
Photo Credit: Hagerty

Dodge decided to introduce a limited-edition Charger 500 (named 500 because it was produced in that many examples) with a flush grille, fixed headlights, and regular rear glass to improve the car’s aerodynamics. The Charger 500 had two engines, a standard 440 and an optional 426 Hemi. Since the Daytona was much more successful and interesting, the Charger 500 was soon forgotten by all except for hardcore Mopar muscle guys.

7. Chevrolet Chevelle Z16

Autowp.ru Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Ss 396 Z16 Hardtop Coupe 5
Foto Credit: Mecum

What exactly is the Chevelle Z16? Basically, it’s a fully loaded regular Chevelle with all go-fast options, a 396 V8 engine with a Muncie 4-speed gearbox, and heavy-duty suspension and equipment. 

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 1
Photo Credit: Hagerty

Some dealers weren’t even aware that this option existed, and Chevrolet refused to market the Z16 for some reason, making this Chevelle kind of a secret model.The Z16 was fast, but it was also expensive for a Chevrolet. That is why they made only 200 of them. 

8. Dodge Charger Daytona

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Front Three Quarter 1024x683
Photo Credit: HR

In the late ’60s, Dodge was desperate to enter NASCAR racing, and the Charger was the perfect candidate. However, since NASCAR cars already approached high speeds of almost 200 mph on newly constructed superspeedway tracks, aerodynamics played a key role in a car’s performance and results. 

©2012 Courtesy Of Rm Auctions
Photo Credit: Pinterest

So Dodge decided to go all out and create a racing car with a special front end, flush rear glass, and a prominent rear spoiler. The Charger Daytona was one of the first cars to be developed in a wind tunnel, and new materials were used in its construction. It was a one-year-only model, and 504 were produced.

9. Plymouth Barracuda Hemi

Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible 24
Photo Credit: Auto Wp

Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of muscle car culture are the Barracuda and the 426 Hemi engine. All through the ’60s, those industry icons didn’t mix, at least not in street-legal cars. In 1970, Plymouth offered this legendary engine in the Barracuda body style, immediately creating one of the fastest and most desirable muscle cars ever made. 

Plymouth Hemi Cuda 4
Photo Credit: Autowp

The mighty Hemi engine was an expensive top-of-the-line option for 1970 and 1971, available in coupe or convertible form. It cost around $900 more than the standard Barracuda, and it was installed in just about 600 coupes and only 17 convertibles during a two-year production period. The power was rated at 425 HP, but everybody knew that the orange monster delivered more than 500 HP straight from the box. 

10. Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1

Chevrolet Camaro - Chevrolet Chevelle
Photo Credit: Mecum

The Camaro ZL-1 was the same as the regular 1969 Camaro on the outside, but it was so fast it was barely street-legal. The official 1969 Chevrolet literature doesn’t mention the ZL-1 option for the Camaro, but if you were a successful drag racer or a dealer, you knew about this expensive option. That is why only 69 Camaros ZL-1 left the factory. 

57197d368b157 Hd 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Copo
Photo Credit: Mecum

The secret of the Camaro ZL-1 was its engine. It was a high-revving 7.0-liter V8 with around 550 hp in mild tune. Chevrolet produced about 200 of those engines, and while most of them went to Can-Am racing teams, 69 ZL-1 engines were installed in C.O.P.O Camaros and sold to drag racing teams.

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It’s still the Wild West with the Internet. It’s like Snake Oil has come into fashion again and we’re faced with a barrage of empty promises when flipping through social media.

It’s the same with online content. For any topic, you have good and bad actors, and that certainly stands true for automotive topics. The proliferation of social media over the past 20 years has presented the opportunity to exploit you, me, and/or the almighty dollar in the name of online hits. It makes it difficult to find quality content because few sites (and by this, we mean Facebook, Instagram, etc. in addition to regular websites) truly strive to educate, discuss, and separate the facts from fiction.

Oh, AI, what hath you wrought?

Now we have AI. The tools that are being prepared for us have very strong positive and negative implications, both trickling down into the public sphere as companies compete to perfect their AI so one can truly be the King of Artificial Intelligence.

We at The ClassicCars.com Journal have to deal with this every day. Each of our writers produce several articles of content daily, so we have to learn to be savvy about which resources are legitimate and which ones are suspect. However, not everyone has the acumen to figure this out, leading to an expansion of bad information that often seems to rise to the top. As such, we have developed a game (sorry, no prizes or fame—you’ve been lied to, but you’re used to it by now, right?) in which you read a passage and see if you can determine whether it came from AI or a website. Will you be able to determine which is which? Good luck!

1963 Pontiac LeMans

Article 1
The 1963 [Pontiac LeMans] offered the Trophy 4 and a 326-cubic-inch V8 as engine options. The Trophy 4 retained the horsepower once more, while the V8 boasted 260 horsepower. Pontiac would introduce a four-barrel High Output version of the motor rated at 355 horsepower later that model year.

Article 2
The 1969 Ford Cobra was a muscle car built as a performance-oriented model, specifically the 2-door sportroof, and known for its 428-cubic-inch V-8 engine. It was essentially Ford’s answer to the Plymouth Road Runner, offering a no-frills, affordable performance option. The Cobra was built on the Fairlane/Torino platform and featured a standard 428 Cobra Jet engine. Only 7,454 of the 11,099 Cobra sportroofs produced in 1969 were equipped with the 428 CJ engine. A significant number, 3,910, were equipped with the 4-speed manual transmission.

Article 3
Pontiac had already made a name for itself in the performance world with the GTO, but what they did with the Tempest LeMans Safari Wagon was next-level thinking. Built on the same A-body platform as the GTO, the wagon was never supposed to be a high-performance machine … They dropped in a 389 cubic inch (6.4-liter) V8, the same engine that made the GTO a legend.

A 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda for sale on ClassicCars.com

Article 4
The 1971 Plymouth Barracuda, especially the Hemi Cuda, is a highly sought-after classic muscle car known for its unique styling and performance. These cars, particularly the hardtop versions with manual transmissions, are considered quite rare, with only a few export models existing. A well-restored example can fetch a high price, with some Hemi Cudas selling for over $500,000. The 1971 Barracuda marks the end of the third generation of the car, known for its distinctive styling.

Answer to Article 1
This is a real paragraph from a real website. The whole article was rife with errors. We are here to show you the correct list of engines available for the LeMans in 1963:

  • Trophy 4 one-barrel rated at 110 (export), 115, 120, and 140 horsepower
  • Trophy 4 four-barrel rated at 166 horsepower
  • 326 two-barrel rated at 250 and 260 horsepower
  • 326 HO four-barrel rated at 280 horsepower
  • 421 Super Duty rated at 405 horsepower

Answer to Article 2
This is AI. It’s strange there was no mention of the hardtop—just the SportsRoof. Plus, how could 7,454 of the 11,099 Cobra SportsRoofs be equipped with the 428 CJ when that engine was the only one available? What AI means to say is that 7,454 SportsRoofs (so the hardtop is not included) were equipped with the R-code 428 Cobra Jet with ram air, as there also was a Q-code CJ without ram air. The 3,910 number pertains to R-code SportsRoof four-speeds, which arguably isn’t a significant number when 3,544 automatics were built. We looked up several Marti Reports posted online to certify our stats.

This 1969 Cobra can be bought at ClassicCars.com—just click on the image.

Answer to Article 3
This is another real article from a website. So, what was Pontiac’s muscle wagon that was the first of its kind? The website claims the LeMans Safari wagon, but the only Safari wagons in 1964 were the Tempest and Tempest Custom. Plus, no A-body other than a LeMans equipped with the GTO package received the 389. This would be true for the entire GTO’s existence.

Answer to Article 4
Like Article 2, this is AI. Generic descriptors like “highly sought-after” and “unique styling and performance” smack of AI (or a low-grade writer). The third generation of the Barracuda was built from 1970-74, so clearly 1971 was not the final year, “distinctive styling” or not.

As you can see, it is difficult to tell which is AI and which is a poor article. What we infer from this is that AI sources information from bad websites like these, giving enthusiasts a double whammy and creating a race to the bottom for the hobby and beyond. You can count on us at The ClassicCars.com Journal to promote quality content, so curb your patronizing of lame web sites and things on Facebook, Instagram, etc. that don’t have positive outcomes or anyone’s interests in mind.

In the American car landscape, pickups are the dominant category, meaning enthusiasts know a lot about popular models. Over the last century, many more trucks have been produced and sold in the USA, and they have never achieved mainstream success, but they are still worth looking at. There are 10 forgotten pickups that few people know about and are impossible to find. 

1. Datsun 120/220

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Photo Credit: Nissan

The first Japanese compact truck was the Datsun 120, introduced in 1955. Datsun was a famous Japanese manufacturer of economy models that later became Nissan. Immediately after the war, Japan needed light delivery vehicles. So, most car companies started producing three-wheeled Kei cars and vehicles based on motorcycle technology. Those small, light, and nimble pickups weren’t real trucks. So, in 1955, Datsun produced the 120, which was the first real compact truck.

Preview 928x522
Photo Credit: Nissan

They based it on their 120 Sedan model by transforming the rear end into a truck bed. Under the hood was a diminutive 860-cc engine delivering just 25 HP. The payload and towing capacity were not great, but by Japanese standards in the 1950s, the Datsun 120 Pickup did the job.

2. Chevrolet Cameo

1955 Chevrolet Cameocarrier1
Photo Credit: GM

Before the 1955 to 1958 Chevrolet Cameo, pickups had a step-side design in the truck bed. This means that beds were made with sculpted rear fenders and often with wooden sides. This production method dates back to the first trucks from the early 1920s. However, as one of the most prominent pickup manufacturers in the U.S.A., Chevrolet introduced the fleetside truck bed in its new 1955 model.

Chevrolet Cameo
Photo Credit: GM

The fleetside construction was revolutionary in many ways. First, the truck bed looked more elegant because it was flush with the cabin’s lines and the truck’s whole design. Second, the fleetside design allowed for the use of the maximum width of the truck bed, making the truck more capable of carrying a wider load. Third, the innovative construction was more durable and stronger than ever before.

3. Chevrolet 490 Series Half-Ton Pickup

20170702pm001 16
Photo Credit: Pinterest

Chevrolet introduced the Half-Ton Pickup in 1918, based on the new 490 Sedan. The Half-Ton was the first specially designed pickup in the world. This means that Chevrolet intended to present this model as a light-duty delivery vehicle rather than just as a chopped-off sedan.

6
Photo Credit: HR

Also, the power came from a four-cylinder engine, which was standard in the range. Interestingly, this pioneering truck came from the factory without the body. Customers were supposed to buy their own cabin and truck bed according to their needs. Chevrolet sold a running chassis with the engine, transmission, wheels, hood, and fenders, and then buyers looked for the rest.

4. Dodge D-Series Dude

1960 Dodge Sport Truck Mt Classic 9.jpg
Photo Credit: HR

The Dude was a regular D Series truck with a few essential features. It had bucket seats, a tachometer, an improved interior, and lively colors. But the best thing was the powerful 383 V8 engine that came standard with over 300 HP, providing significant performance. However, the feature the Dude is most famous for is the big black “C” stripe on the sides.

1970 Dodge The Dude
Photo Credit: Hot Cars

It was reminiscent of Dodge’s muscle cars of the period. The Dude is also interesting for being the first special edition truck that older guys welcomed and the younger people who were into muscle cars and performance. Also, this model proved to be influential as one of the first special versions that later evolved into separate models.

5. Chevrolet El Camino SS 454

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

The Chevrolet El Camino was conceived as a half-car/half-truck vehicle for carrying light loads, delivery duty, and useful tools for small business owners. Most of them lived their lives exactly like that. But in 1970, Chevrolet introduced the wildest El Camino of all, the El Camino SS 454.

El Camino Green 2460
Photo Credit: HR

The mighty 454 V8 LS6 was a 7.4-liter Chevrolet big-block engine with an official rating of 450 hp. In reality, the engine delivered around 500 hp and was a fire-breathing beast—one of the best engines of the muscle car era. In the El Camino SS, this engine provided significant performance figures that were close to those of the best regular muscle cars of the day.

6. Kaiser Jeep M715

Kaiser Jeep M751 1
Photo Credit: HR

This interesting vehicle is primarily a military truck, but a few were sold to civilian customers. Based on the Jeep Gladiator pickup, the Jeep M715 was introduced in the late ’60s and produced for the US Army.

Custom Kaiser Jeep M715 Pickup Truck Rear
Photo Credit: HR

The engine was a dependable and strong six-cylinder with just 130 HP, but much torque was needed to move this 3-ton truck. The M715 was built to be easy to service and highly durable, which it proved in the Vietnam War and several other conflicts. Kaiser Jeep produced over 30,000 of them until 1969.

7. Mercury M-Series

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

While most remember Ford pickups from the post-war years, few recall that Mercury also had its own line of trucks sold in Canada—the Mercury M-Series. Built from 1946 to 1968, these were essentially rebadged Ford F-Series models aimed at dealers who didn’t sell Ford but still wanted to offer pickups.

1951 Mercury M1 Pickup Truck Ford F1 2023 Mecum Kissimmee Auction 15.jpg
Photo Credit: HR

Mechanically identical to Ford trucks of the era, the M-Series featured slightly different grilles, trim pieces, and badging. Although they never officially sold in the U.S., Mercury trucks hold a special place in Canadian automotive history. They are prized among collectors today for their rarity and unique styling cues.

8. Plymouth PT105

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The PT105 was Plymouth’s attempt to break into the truck market in the late 1930s. Introduced in 1937, the PT105 was essentially a Dodge truck under the skin but wore Plymouth branding. It featured sleek Art Deco styling and a reliable flathead six-cylinder engine.

1940 Plymouth Pt105
Photo Credit: Pinterest

Although it was never a major commercial success—mainly due to the strength of Dodge’s truck lineup—the PT105 showed that Plymouth could build a handsome, dependable truck. Today, surviving models are rare and sought after by collectors who appreciate pre-war design and originality.

9. Hudson Super Six Pickup

Jbs Hudson Pickup 8 Angles 003
Photo Credit: JBS Collection

Most people know the Hudson brand for its sleek coupes and race-winning sedans, but in the late 1940s, Hudson also built pickups—specifically the Super Six-based truck. These trucks combined Hudson’s car-like handling and styling with practical utility.

Jbs Hudson Pickup 8 Angles 006
Photo Credit: JBS Collection

The most distinctive feature was the “step-down” design—an innovation that gave Hudson cars a lower center of gravity. That same engineering made its way into the pickup, which gave it a smooth, comfortable ride. Production numbers were low, and the Hudson pickups were among the rarest American trucks of their era.

10. Powell Truck

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

The Powell Sport Wagon is one of the strangest and most fascinating trucks to emerge from post-WWII America. Built between 1954 and 1957 in California by Powell Manufacturing, the Powell Truck was based on a 1941 Plymouth sedan chassis and used recycled parts to create a unique utility vehicle.

The Last Powell Sport Wagon Truck Ever Built Is Getting Restored And You Can Help 3
Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

One of its quirkiest features was the tubular carrier that slid into the rear fender—a sort of early take on built-in storage. Powered by Plymouth’s inline-six engine, the Powell wasn’t fast or refined but sturdy, affordable, and innovative. With fewer than 1,200 produced, surviving examples are highly collectible oddities today.

Source

Currently listed on AutoHunter is this custom 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne pickup. Nineteen seventy-one was the first year for the Cheyenne trim level for Chevrolet pickups, which appears to be part of this Fleetside pickup’s pedigree. But there have been so many upgrades that purists may shed a tear that the Cheyenne’s “supple vinyl” seat is no longer present. But read on, gentle enthusiast, as there’s plenty of goodness in the build, such as a new 350 V8 crate engine paired with a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatic. Finished in Matte Red over a custom black vinyl interior, this C10 is offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.

The Matte Red paint is complemented by chrome bumpers front and rear. Other features include dual chrome side mirrors (part of the Cheyenne package), chrome and black trim along the sides and tailgate, a bedliner, and a hinged tonneau cover. This C10 rolls on 20-inch chrome Rev wheels wrapped in 245/45 Atturo radial tires.

The cabin features a black vinyl TMI bench seat with complementary custom door panels. Other features include a red/black Billet Specialties three-spoke steering wheel, a tilt column, power steering, and a radio-delete plate.

Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel. The odometer shows 118 miles, though the title reads this vehicle is mileage-exempt.

The 350 crate engine features a Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system, an Edelbrock intake manifold, and Hedman headers. Note the chrome pulleys! The horses are yoked to a Turbo Hydra-matic 350 three-speed automatic.

The undercarriage features a 12-bolt Positraction rear end with 3.55 gears. A Borla dual exhaust system dumps emissions by the differential. Power front disc brakes help bring any type of velocity to a standstill.

Who knew that a workhorse such as this would eventually become a collectible to the delight of hot rodders everywhere? Yet that’s what has happened with vintage pickup trucks like this custom 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne. Good looks and horsepower in a distinctly American package! There is a little time left to place your bid, but not much—the auction will end on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

This ’29 Ford pickup rat rod was built around 15 years ago based on a steel-bodied A. The body was modified with a chopped top and mounted on a custom boxed frame, and the pickup rides on a suspension comprised of a suicide front end with a drilled drop axle, drilled radius rods, friction shocks, and a transverse leaf spring as well as adjustable coilovers with a four-link setup out back. Its 392ci Hemi V8 is topped by six two-barrel Holley carburetors and an Edelbrock intake manifold, and it has Mickey Thompson valve covers and a custom exhaust system with individual wrapped headers and baffled megaphones. It also has Buick-style drum covers on the front discs, rear discs brakes, a sliding black canvas top, 10-lug steel wheels with whitewalls, a Hurst “Lightning Rods” shifter for the TH350 automatic, and more as described below. Acquired by the selling dealer for their personal use in 2022, this rat rod is now offered with service records, spare parts, and a clean Arizona title.

The selling dealer states the build started with a 1929 Model A steel body that was modified with a chopped top. The bed has a louvered panel above the four frenched teardrop lights as well as a trunk mounted behind the aluminum fuel tank, and the sliding roof is made from black canvas. “Hotrod Roadhouse” logos have been applied to the doors.

The 392ci Hemi V8 is believed to have been sourced from a 1957 Chrysler Imperial. It is topped by an Edelbrock intake manifold with six two-barrel Holley carburetors. Staggered Pyrex class velocity stacks were custom-made for the application. Mickey Thompson valve covers and individual wrapped headers linked to baffled megaphones are additional highlights.

The “suicide” front end has a drilled drop axle, radius rods, and friction shocks along with a transverse leaf spring. The Buick drum-look covers are mounted over discs.

The rear end was sourced from an S10 according to the selling dealer. It has a four-link setup with coilovers mounted ahead of drilled friction shocks.

Steel 10-lug wheels were mounted with Firestone whitewalls, and the rear end has discs as well. The selling dealer reports the brake master cylinder and booster were recently replaced.

Bomber-style seats are separated by a transmission tunnel topped by a Hurst “Lightning Rods” shifter with skull-motif knobs.

The drilled steering wheel is mounted on a quick-release hub. The ~8,800 miles on the Stewart Warner five-digit odometer represents the distance driven since completion of the build according to the seller, who has driven the pickup approximately 800 miles.

The seller notes an aluminum radiator was utilized in the build along with Mallory ignition, and the water pump and starter were recently replaced.

A TH350 transmission was also utilized. 

The pickup is titled as a 1929 Ford using VIN 18013639. The title carries a Not Actual odometer notice.

It’s difficult to introduce a new automotive brand. But when you’re the Volkswagen Group, there are resources and money to support the endeavor. Why Volkswagen Group needs another brand is up for conjecture, but this new marque, Cupra, may hit our shores in the not-too-distant future.

Spain is not known for being a major home of automotive manufacturing, but it has managed to produce badge-engineered Fiat models for years. Known as SEAT—pronounced seh-aht (and, coincidentally, rhyming with Fiat)—it’s an acronym for Sociedad Espoñola de Automóviles de Turismo or “Spanish Society of Passenger Cars.” The 1950 inception initiated a joint venture between a government-owned institution and Fiat, but the Volkswagen Group bought SEAT in 1986. By 1991, the Spanish company began building its first model completely developed under Volkswagen Group’s ownership. Today, the brand exists in over 70 countries.

Compared to Volkswagen, SEAT has a more affordable price point, with edgier styling and less strange model names. Today, SEAT produces a subsidiary called Cupra. Though Cupra Racing originated from SEAT’s motorsports exploits (originally as SEAT Sport), Cupra in turn was established as an official high-performance brand in 2018. The first cars were Volkswagen-based, but a unique Cupra vehicle appeared for 2021. All models have been hatchbacks or crossover SUVs.

The newest model in the Cupra portfolio is the Terramar, a vehicle based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which includes familiar names like the VW Arteon and Atlas. Currently, it is either a mild hybrid or PHEV. According to Car and Driver, Cupra has aspirations to penetrate the American market as a sporty brand positioned between VW and Audi by the end of the decade. The Formentor, a subcompact battery-electric crossover, is one of the models anticipated for these shores, with another mid-sized SUV to be built in North America. According to a Cupra rep, the Terramar demonstrates “where we are, where we are going, and where we want to go in the future.” Car and Driver feels the mild hybrid comes closest to exhibiting the style and dynamics for which the brand strives.

A lot can happen in five years—witness manufacturers backing off from EV goals for the end of the decade. A Cupra on these shores smacks of brand sprawl, considering we already have Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments section below.

We all know that collecting cars is also a sound investment plan. Just look at the prices of classic muscle cars, and you will see that somebody is laughing all the way to the bank. But the question on everybody’s mind is, what is the next big thing in the muscle car world? The next sought-after cars will be the early 2000s muscle models. So here are the ten best cars from that period to invest in. 

1. Ford Mustang Cobra R

Ford Mustang Svt Cobra R 4
Photo Credit: Ford

The coolest-looking fourth-generation Mustang is undoubtedly the 2000 SVT Cobra R. Again, this limited-edition model with an “R” designation produced only 300 copies for racing drivers and teams. The Cobra R featured many improvements and enhancements compared to other regular Mustangs. 

Ford Mustang Svt Cobra R 57
Photo Credit: Ford

First and foremost was the 5.4-liter V8 with 385 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Second, the body kit with front and rear spoilers and side skirts. Third, stiff suspension and a few chassis modifications. The Cobra was born for performance, and the buyers got precisely that when they pressed the gas pedal. The 0 to 60 mph sprint was achievable in just 4.4 seconds, and its top speed was around 150 mph, which was pretty impressive for the day. It is too bad that Ford built only 300 of those thoroughbreds, which are impossible to find today.

2. Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Ford Mustang Svt Cobra3
Photo Credit: Ford

The engine was named “Terminator,” and rumors circulated that it delivered more than the advertised 390 HP. Ford equipped the SVT Cobra with an independent rear suspension setup similar to the first Ford GT to handle all that power and torque. This helped stability at high speeds and hard launches and made this Mustang handle like a dream. 

Mustang Svt Cobra Coupe 6
Photo Credit: Ford

The 0 to 60 mph time took only 4.7 seconds, making the SVT Cobra a drag-strip terror. Ford offered this model in 2003 and 2004, producing around 20,000 in coupe and convertible form. Despite being almost 15 years old, those cars still hold high prices on the used car market.

3. Cadillac CTS-V

2015 Cadillac Cts V Coupe
Photo Credit: GM

For years, Cadillac lacked a proper performance series needed to compete with BMW or Mercedes, and finally, the V-Series was born. It was all that Cadillac lovers dreamed of: powerful engines, world-class handling and suspension setups, and exclusive production. The second-generation CTS-V model produced between 2008 and 2014 was the most successful. Under the hood, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 556 HP made the CTS-V the most potent performance sedan on the market. 

Cadillac Cts V Sport Wagon 2011 1280 4b.jpg
Photo Credit: GM

The suspension and the rest of the drivetrain were advanced and up to the task, so CTS-V was considered a complete package and one of the best driver’s cars available. Cadillac produced three body styles, and the CTS-V could be a sedan, a coupe, and, interestingly, a wagon. With a 556 HP LS9 V8 engine and a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds, the second-generation CTS-V was one of the fastest four-door vehicles on the planet and a true muscle car sedan. 

4. Pontiac GTO

2005 Pontiac Gto.jpg
Photo Credit: GM

The first year for the modern GTO was 2004, and the car met universal praise from buyers and the press. The design wasn’t new or aggressive, but the GTO had the muscle car form and street presence. Under the hood was an LS1 5.7-liter V8 with 350 HP and enough performance to be one of the hottest American cars for the 2004 model year. 

2004 Pontiac Gto Rear
Photo Credit: GM

The target sales figure was 18,000, and Pontiac sold almost 14,000, which could be considered a success. Even though this model was withdrawn from the market in 2006, it is the last GTO so that the prices will go up soon. 

5. Ford F-150 Lightning (1999)

Photo Credit: Ford Trucks

In 1999, the new Lightning came with the latest and redesigned generation of F-150 trucks. This time, it was much meaner-looking, aggressive, and packed with much more firepower. Ford equipped its 5.4-liter V8 with a supercharger, which was good for 360 hp at first and 380 hp later. This was much more than the previous model and much more than any truck on the market at that moment.

Photo Credit: Net Car Show

Performance numbers were sublime. The Lightning could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds and top 140 mph. Those figures were more suited to the Porsche 911 of the period than a regular pickup truck that could tow or carry stuff like other F-150s. The second-generation Lightning proved immensely popular and stayed in production for 5 years until 2004. During that period, Ford’s SVT department produced over 30,000 Lightning trucks, a fantastic number.

6. Dodge Ram SRT-10

Dodge Ram Srt 10
Photo Credit: Dodge

Produced from 2004 to 2006, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is among the craziest, most powerful, and fastest pickups ever produced. That is hard to say since Dodge always had pretty wild special versions of their trucks. But just look at the specs: the 8.2-liter V10 engine with over 500 hp, a 0 to 60 time of fewer than 5 seconds, and fuel economy in single digits. 

1459265938 Dodge Ram Srt10 Viper
Photo Credit: Dodge

You couldn’t miss it if you saw it on the street. Of course, with the price tag of over $45,000, the SRT-10 wasn’t exactly a sales hit, but they did produce a decent number of them in the three-year production run. In 2005, Dodge introduced the Quad Cab option, which gave the SRT-10 another pair of doors and more practicality, if you could call this truck practical. The four-speed automatic was standard, but you could get a six-speed manual straight from the Viper to go with the engine. 

7. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

2002 Chevrolet Camaross35thanniversary2
Photo Credit: GM

The third-generation F-Body was GM’s favorite muscle car offering from the early ’90s to 2003, when the Camaro and its twin brother, the Pontiac Firebird, were discontinued. The Z28 Camaro was introduced in 1996, and it featured a powerful 5.7-liter V8 with 325 horsepower, which was enough to launch it from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds and propel it to a top speed of 160 mph. 

2001 Chevrolet Camaross2
Photo Credit: GM

The fourth-generation Camaro was a relatively simple car, easy to maintain and work on, and it featured a live rear axle, a strong gearbox, and a rugged chassis. This was the perfect modern muscle car. Tough, durable, and reasonably fast, with an extensive aftermarket offering of spare parts and go-fast components. In contrast to other, more sophisticated vehicles on this list, this Z28 is a red-blooded American performance machine that you can get for around $10,000. Of course, always look for stock examples that haven’t been modified.

8. Chevrolet Corvette C5

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

The fifth generation of Chevrolet’s sports car, the Corvette, was introduced in 1996 and stayed on the market until 2005. It sold in big numbers and became a popular choice among sports car fans worldwide. This car’s layout is very competent. It has a 350 hp 5.7-liter V8 in the front, gearbox, and rear suspension together (transaxle system), which gives the C5 perfect weight distribution for sharp handling. All of that is topped with a lightweight and aerodynamically efficient body. 

Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
Photo Credit: GM

The C5 could get to 60 mph in just under 5 seconds and reach 175 mph. Also, it is good to know that the maintenance costs are lower than those of similar imported sports cars, so if you are looking for a fast and cheap-to-run vehicle, this is the perfect choice. The prices for decent examples start at around $10,000, but they can go higher depending on condition and version. In any case, for ten grand, you should be able to find a decent Corvette C5 in coupe or convertible form. 

9. Chrysler 300C SRT-8

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

A competitor to the BMW M5 or Mercedes E-Class AMG, the SRT-8 was the performance version of the 300C sedan. Equipped with a 6.1-liter V8 Hemi engine pumping out 425 hp and a glorious soundtrack through twin tailpipes, the SRT-8 was a fast and capable sedan. The 0 to 60 mph sprint took around 4.9 seconds, and the top speed was over 170 mph. 

Chrysler 300c Srt8 2167 46
Photo Credit: Cars Guide

Unfortunately for Chrysler, the recession that shocked the car industry in 2010 killed the SRT-8 and many other performance models. Still, fortunately for car enthusiasts looking for good deals, the SRT-8 can be had for around $10,000 today, which is a steal. You will get a classic American muscle sedan with all modern luxury features and timeless styling, a legendary Hemi V8, and 425 galloping horses. 

10.Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H

Shelby Gt H 1
Photo Credit: Ford

With the retro-looking car came the return of legendary Mustang special versions like the Shelby GT-H. Back in 1966, Shelby offered its GT350 model as a rental car through the Hertz network. The cars were painted black with gold stripes and the GT350-H model designation. Exactly 40 years later, Ford did exactly that with 2006 Mustangs, which were turned to Shelby spec and named GT-H. 

Shelby Gt H 40
Photo Credit: Ford

The cars were regular GTs with a 19 hp power increase, a new front end, some details, and black paint with gold stripes. Once again, the Shelby GT-H was offered as a rental car in selected locations, and after use, all examples were sold to the general public as used cars. If you want a cool piece of modern Mustang history, search the ads for a Shelby GT-H in nice condition.

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