While writing about a Pick of the Day several days ago, a 1963 Pontiac Bonneville convertible, I discovered something interesting and new to me. I bet it will be new to you too, especially if you’re not Canadian.

I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed that for several years starting in 1961, mid-level Pontiacs received ornamentation that lesser and more prestigious models lacked. What’s a mid-level Pontiac? The Star Chief, which was situated between the popular Catalina and the more luxurious and sporty Bonneville, featured three star ornaments (for lack of a better description) on the rear fenders. Throughout the years, the location could vary.

Up in Canada, the mid-level Laurentian (situated between the Strato-Chief and Parisienne) featured the same set of chrome moldings.

What’s interesting about the Canadians is that there also was a Laurentian wagon, while Americans made do with only the Catalina and Bonneville. As such, the Laurentian wagon received this ornamentation while no American Pontiac received it.

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Additionally, while the Star Chief’s transitional successor, the Star Chief Executive, last used this trim for 1966, Laurentians used some variation of this trim through 1968.

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Just a bit of trivia to induce eye-rolling from your significant other.

Tuesday, August 11, marks the second day of Monterey Car Week festivities. In addition to the second day of the Automobilia Collectors Expo, visitors can also enjoy the Concours for a Cause event in downtown Carmel. In many ways a lower-key version of the old Concours on the Avenue, it is still held along Ocean Avenue like its predecessor used to be. Take note: The avenue is blocked off by around 7 a.m., so you’ll need to get there by 9 if you want any chance of finding parking on the side streets.

If you choose to attend, you’ll find a nice concours-style event with vehicles that run the range from prewar American and European Full Classics right through to the latest modern supercars. An unofficial meetup place for friends heading to Monterey, it makes for a fun morning activity.

The event was started to bring together vintage cars, cultural experiences, and local artists during Monterey Car Week, creating a vibrant, walkable experience for collectors, residents, and visitors alike. It is a lot of fun and well worth attending. It also benefits more than 25 local charities, including the Women Are Limitless Foundation, Carmel Woman’s Club, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, AIM Youth Mental Health, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, and the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center. Event applicant fees benefit these worthy organizations and help keep their important work going.

Who said everything during Monterey Car Week was expensive? Like the Concours on the Avenue before it, Concours for a Cause is free and open to the public. You are able (and encouraged) to donate to the benefiting charities on-site, which is a great way to give back to the community for hosting this nice event.

On the way to the office this morning, I was reminded of how so many of my dream cars were out when I was a preteen/teenager. I wouldn’t say that I’m stuck in the ’90s, but I can’t dispute the fact that I long for a Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon, second-series C4 Chevrolet Corvette, XJ Jeep Cherokee Country, and OBS Ford Bronco. The following Jay Leno’s Garage video made me realize that there’s at least one famous, successful show biz star out there who wants vehicles from the same era. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ desire for the cars of his youth led him to buy an absolute time capsule of a 1993 Ford Mustang GT Convertible.

Iglesias was born in 1976, so the ’93 model year, the end of the line for the Fox Body Mustang, was close to the end of his high school years. Cars from that time in your life are hard to forget — every time I see a fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro SS, I think about my senior year.

Now that Iglesias has the coin for the cars he couldn’t afford back then, he’s been crossing them off the list, including a 1994 Mustang SVT Cobra Convertible and a 1989 Camaro IROC-Z. And since he doesn’t want to mess with having them restored, he buys them with ultra-low mileage (although a vehicle’s age does require a certain amount of maintenance). Somehow, Iglesias tracked down this GT drop-top, which has fewer than 500 miles on the odometer! That would be cool enough if the car came in a ho-hum color, but Iglesias’ car appears to be Reef Blue with Titanium lower accents. What a great — and so very ’90s — combo.

Given that ultra-low odometer reading, the body is in great shape, as is the Black leather interior. Even the headlights are nice and clear. Of course, Iglesias had the original tires swapped out for a fresh set. He also made sure to have a bumpin’ sound system with two massive trunk-mounted subwoofers installed (some new shocks would also be a smart update to make).

Perhaps just distinctive as the Fox Body Mustang’s style was its engine. To this day, the words “five point oh” still mean something to Ford fans, both young and old. Ford fitted the 5.0-liter V-8 with forged steel connecting rods and stainless steel tubular headers. Output was 205 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. However, once Leno and Iglesias hit the road and Leno starts rowing through the gears of the five-speed manual, the Mustang feels more potent than its numbers suggest. But there’s something even more powerful than any engine out there, including the current version of the 5.0: nostalgia.

The BMW M3 is one of the most important cars the company has ever created. In many ways, it is BMW’s version of the Porsche 911, in that it has gone through six different generations, continuously evolving as an increasingly capable performance car. Of all the generations of the M3, the most interesting is the fourth, known as the E9X. Our Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2011 BMW M3 Convertible being offered on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The reason I call out the E9X generation as the best M3 ever is that it is the only one equipped with a naturally aspirated V-8 engine under the hood. Called the S65 and derived from BMW’s Formula 1-inspired S85 V-10 engine, it is a 4.0-liter four-cam V-8 that produces 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and has an 8,400-rpm redline. Those stats enable this generation of M3 to cover 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The sound of this engine at idle is very cool; at redline, it is simply spectacular.

This specific M3 is finished in its original Silverstone II metallic paint over a black leather interior. The exterior looks to be in exceptional condition, with no flaws seen anywhere. The factory wheels, wrapped in Continental ExtremeContact tires, also look perfect.

The interior is just as clean as the exterior. The power-adjustable heated front sport seats are covered in the original Palladium Silver Novillo leather, which contrasts with the carbon-look dash leather. Features include the iDrive infotainment system with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, Comfort Access keyless entry, cruise control, and a premium audio system. There is also a BMW M multifunction, leather-wrapped steering wheel with the amazing-looking M tri-color stitching. Options include the Convenience Package and Premium Package 2.

Under the hood is the magic S65 V-8 that looks as fresh and clean as it did when new. The seller states this M3 has extensive service records and has been perfectly maintained — both important factors. The seller also says that when he purchased the car two years ago, the odometer showed 23,600 miles, and he has only added 500 to that figure during his ownership. This BMW was recently serviced and has new tires.

If you browse ClassicCars.com and look for M3s, you will find that earlier generations are routinely offered for more than $35,000, with many carrying an asking price north of $40,000. This specific M3 is a convertible which, as is the case with the Porsche 911, is worth less than the coupe version, despite costing more when new. To me, this M3 embodies the best of both worlds, seamlessly transitioning from refined hardtop coupe to open-air convertible at the touch of a button. With an asking price of $29,000, it is one of the best performance bargains I have seen on our site in some time. These cars certainly aren’t getting any cheaper and demand among enthusiasts remains strong. If I were you, I would beat them to this one and add it to my garage.

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

Automotive brand loyalty is huge, and one of the many places where we see it is in the pickup truck realm. I recently did a deep dive into some newspaper archives and came across the above advertisement published in 1992 by a dealership called Crum Motors in Inez, Kentucky. Of course, I loved the vibe because it features a Ford F-Series truck like my “OBS” F-250.

Inez, located in the eastern part of the state, is only about 10 miles from the West Virginia line. The community sits along Highway 40, and even today, it remains a small establishment with a strong sense of belonging. As of the 2020 census, the population of Inez was just 546.

The city’s motto is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future.” It’s fitting that this story came about when I was learning about some of the area’s past.

Crum Motor Sales, often called Crum Motors, was a longstanding Ford dealership that operated as a fixture of Martin County. The site was constructed in 1947 along Main Street by Curtis Crum. Opening day took place on Saturday, September 20, with available products including Goodyear tires, high-compression gasoline, Sinclair motor oils, and spark plugs. The original fire engine for the community’s volunteer fire department was housed by Crum at one point in time.

The Paintsville Herald newspaper ran a story that mentioned Crum in July 1953, saying, “Which reminds me of Ford dealer Curtis Crum’s wrecker service for automobiles in distress. Irvin told me that Curtis had a sign on his towing truck which said ’23-hour service.’ When asked, ‘Why not 24-hour service?’ Curtis replied that he always takes an hour for lunch.”

Following is one of the photos that has circulated around the Internet, most likely taken sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

The oldest Google Street View imaging goes back to October 2007, and by that time, the building had already been re-branded as Mountain City Ford. However, if you look closely at the top, there remained a placard that said “1947 — Curtis Crum.” Based on some searching, Mountain City is also now closed, even though the signage was still up as of August 2025 when these photos were captured.

By the way, there were some other versions of that same playful newspaper advertisement. Slight typo on the spelling of “Lincoln” here:

And I’d love to go back in time and buy a new-ish Ford Taurus SHO.

In addition to being an enduring part of the Inez community’s economy, Crum Motors also helped fuel the fires of passion in Ford enthusiasts. I wonder what the historic building’s next phase will be after it celebrates its 80^th birthday next year.

When World War II ended, America’s automakers were eager to move beyond wartime production and return to building cars for the public. At first, however, most manufacturers relied on prewar models while factories retooled and designers prepared something genuinely new. That changed in 1948, when Detroit began unveiling cars that reflected the optimism, technology and forward-looking style of the postwar era.

At General Motors, styling chief Harley Earl had been imagining a more modern Cadillac long before peace returned. Those ideas reached production with the third-generation Series 62 and Cadillac’s other all-new 1948 models. As GM’s prestige division and the self-proclaimed “Standard of the World,” Cadillac was positioned to lead American luxury motoring into a sleeker, more contemporary age.

The design marked a dramatic break from the separate-fender look of earlier vehicles. Its front fenders flowed cleanly into the body, the hood and headlights were visually integrated, and the overall shape appeared lower, smoother and more unified. The influence was unmistakably aerodynamic, drawing on the era’s fascination with aviation and speed.

Airplanes were not new by the late 1940s, but wartime advances had made them symbols of modern engineering. Cadillac translated that excitement into metal with the modest tailfins introduced on the 1948 Series 62. Inspired in part by the twin-boom profile of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, those rear fenders became one of Cadillac’s defining styling signatures and helped launch one of the most recognizable design trends of the 1950s.

Against that backdrop, this 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Custom Royal Parade Convertible stands apart as far more than a postwar luxury car. In 1951, long before she became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth was scheduled to embarked on a cross-country Royal Tour of Canada that would inevitably draw enormous crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the future queen. General Motors of Canada seized the opportunity, commissioning Cadillac to build a unique parade car worthy of the occasion.

The result was a ceremonial vehicle built specifically for royal duty at the General Motors Cadillac factory in Detroit. Designed to place one of the world’s most recognizable figures in full view while maintaining the elegance, comfort and dignity expected of a royal appearance, the car was provided by GM of Canada to the princess for use during the tour — only months before she became Queen Elizabeth II. Few automobiles can claim a direct role in royal history; fewer still were created by the factory for that exact purpose.

At the heart of the car is Cadillac’s original 331ci overhead-valve V-8, one of the most advanced American production engines of its era. Introduced in 1949, the revolutionary OHV V-8 marked a turning point for Cadillac, delivering smooth, effortless power that helped establish the brand as America’s premier luxury automaker. Paired with a heavy-duty four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission, the drivetrain provided refined performance that perfectly suited long ceremonial processions and public appearances.

Because this Cadillac was never intended to be an ordinary road car, the factory incorporated several unique mechanical upgrades specifically for parade duty. An enlarged radiator helped maintain cool operating temperatures during extended periods of slow-speed driving, while power steering made maneuvering the large convertible considerably easier. Power windows and power-adjustable front seats added comfort and convenience for the occupants, while one particularly rare feature sets this Cadillac even further apart: a factory-installed four-barrel carburetor. Only two 1951 Cadillacs were built with this configuration, making it one of the rarest factory performance upgrades of its time.

Perhaps the most visually striking feature is the custom clear bubbletop enclosure fitted over the passenger compartment. Produced by an aviation company, the transparent canopy offered protection from rain and wind without obstructing public views of the royal passengers. The aircraft-inspired design gave the Cadillac an unmistakable appearance unlike any other production automobile of the period and transformed it into an ideal parade vehicle capable of serving regardless of weather conditions.

Finished in elegant black over a striking red Hydes leather interior, the Cadillac presents exactly as a ceremonial state vehicle should. Every detail was intended to project prestige and refinement befitting the future Queen of England. Inside, the cabin remains remarkably authentic, highlighted by its original commemorative dash plaque documenting the car’s royal assignment, a factory-installed reminder of the remarkable purpose for which it was built.

The car’s historical significance extends far beyond its mechanical rarity. During that 1951 Canadian Royal Tour, Princess Elizabeth traveled thousands of miles across the country alongside Prince Philip, greeting hundreds of thousands of spectators before she unexpectedly became Queen Elizabeth II following the death of King George VI in February 1952. As a result, this Cadillac represents a fascinating moment frozen in time, the final chapter of Princess Elizabeth’s life before history forever changed her role.

Unlike many ceremonial vehicles whose documentation has been lost over the decades, this Cadillac is exceptionally well-documented. Included with the car is its original factory build invoice, historical publications, and photographs showing the then Princess Elizabeth using the vehicle during official appearances throughout the tour. Together, these items provide an extraordinary level of provenance that few collector vehicles can match.Adding another remarkable touch is an impressive silver and rhinestone replica of the George IV State Diadem. Originally commissioned in 1820 for King George IV, the crown later became one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most recognizable pieces of regalia, appearing in countless official portraits, ceremonial events and even on postage stamps and currency throughout the Commonwealth. Its inclusion creates a fitting connection between the automobile and the monarchy it was built to serve.

Today, the Cadillac has been restored to show-quality standards while preserving the authenticity that makes it historically important. Every element reflects the care taken to honor its unique place in both automotive and royal history.

Collector cars often become desirable because of rarity, engineering or celebrity ownership. This remarkable Cadillac offers all three. It is a genuine one-off factory special, equipped with unique engineering features, documented from new, and forever linked to one of the most significant figures of the 20th century. More than simply transporting royalty, this Cadillac helped present the future Queen Elizabeth II to the people of Canada during one of the defining moments of her remarkable life.

Automobiles often tell stories, but very few become part of world history. This one did — and it’s selling with No Reserve during the Sept. 10-12 Las Vegas Auction at the West Hall of the Convention Center. 

This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.

Monterey Car Week, which starts on Monday, August 10, is truly one of the wonders of the collector car world, with multiple happenings daily throughout the week, including shows, auctions, racing, and concours events. Starting the week off is the Automobilia Collectors Expo at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, August 10-12.

For those who have not been to an automobilia event, this is where you can find that rare Porsche or Ferrari toolkit, buy some amazing and often limited-edition car books, and peruse tables covered in diecast cars, grille badges, and vintage automotive sales literature — in addition to some neon signs and a great deal of original automotive artwork. In a nutshell, it’s the place to buy all those items you might want for your car to make it more complete for a show.

Over the last 20-plus years, I have never missed this event, as I always find something I “need” to have. Beyond shopping for myself, I also find that the Automobilia Collectors Expo in Monterey is one of the best places to find rare gifts for my friends in the collector car hobby. I usually end up with a suitcase full of books, as well as things like keychains, a few car-themed neckties, a diecast car or two, and — in one instance — a limited-edition Autodromo Bryan Redman watch I purchased a few years back for a friend at BMW North America.

Some time back, the Expo changed hands. It is now run by my friend Ben Horton of Horton’s Books. He has raised the show to another level, adding an automobilia auction to the program and bringing on even more vendors. Despite that, the admission is a very reasonable $30 for a one-day pass or $60 for a three-day pass. This year, there is also a VIP pass for $125, which also includes entry to a number of forums held on-site.

Be warned, though: The admission just gets you in the door. I have never left the Expo empty-handed, and I usually spend a lot more than the entry fee on books, tools, and the like. That being said, it is a lot of fun and, in addition to the great offerings, has become the place where people meet and catch up before the craziness of the week. If you are in Monterey for Car Week, I highly recommend attending the expo, as there really is not anything else like it on the U.S collector car calendar. The Automobilia Collectors Expo takes place August 10-12 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday). Tickets are available online or at the door.

In my last Pick of the Day, I mentioned how Ford hit a visual sweet spot with the 1992-1996 F-150 because it wasn’t as boxy or curvy as the truck that came before or after it, respectively. Well, it seems Ford did the same thing back in the early 1960s with one of its cars. You can find this 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in El Cajon, California. It comes with a convertible top boot and its original spare tire, jack, and lug nut wrench. The video below shows an exterior/interior tour and a road test.

The Galaxie joined the Ford lineup for 1959. As the brochure puts it, “A bright, new personality in cars, the six Galaxie models are a full ‘fine car’ 6-passenger expression of Thunderbird luxury and classic simplicity.” One of those six models was the Sunliner convertible, which had a large rear window and a ragtop that folded down to be flush with the rear deck. It certainly has presence, but I don’t consider it visually graceful.

The 1960 Sunliner is slightly rounder and sleeker, but its horizontal rear fins look a little awkward. However, it seems as if Ford was working toward something more attractive. If you ask me, the company nailed it with the ’61 model. With its quad round headlights, creased grille, diagonal tail fins, and large round Thunderbird-style taillights, it’s dynamic, but all those different shapes and directions work well together. Somehow, there’s a flow to all of it, helped by the slope of the front wheel arches, the body side moldings, rear wheel skirts, and ribbed quarter panel trim. I can’t help but look at the ’61 Sunliner and want to jump in it and go somewhere, the wind blowing through my hair the whole way there.

That urge is especially strong with the Sunliner you see here. The light blue paint brings spring to mind. It’s way too hot in Phoenix right now, but this would be a great car to drive up to the cooler temperatures of the high country, where it could be better enjoyed with its white top down.

The two-tone blue cabin looks just as lighthearted and cheery. According to the selling dealer, “The interior is complete and in great condition. Factory front and rear bench seats. Has the original gauge cluster. All the gauges are in working order, other than the fuel gauge. Still retains the original clock. Equipped with manual windows, which roll up and down without any issues.”

You could get the ’61 Starliner with the standard 223ci Mileage Maker Six with 135 horsepower or one of several V-8s. This particular car has a 390ci V-8, although it’s unclear from the listing whether it’s the 300-horsepower Thunderbird 390 Special or the 375-horse Thunderbird 390 Super that Ford offered in ’61, or a completely different 390. One thing’s for certain: the engine is paired with a three-speed manual gearbox and manual drum brakes.

It took a few years, but the Ford Galaxie Sunliner grew into its looks. This 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner is attractive proof of that. You can show the world just how easy on the eyes it is after you buy it for $21,950.

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

Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is bringing the ultimate automotive lifestyle event back to Las Vegas from Sept. 10-12, 2026. Taking over the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, this premier auction features a spectacular docket of restored classics, authentic originals, elite restomods and late-model supercars. The excitement is just a short walk from the official host hotel, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, offering guests an unmatched blend of luxury and convenience. Among the highly anticipated vehicles set to electrify the auction block are a stunning custom 1962 Chevrolet Corvette convertible (preview) and a 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Royal Parade convertible used by Queen Elizabeth II (preview).

The 2026 Las Vegas Auction kicks off Sept. 9 with an invitation-only Opening Night Reception at LIV Las Vegas inside the luxurious Fontainebleau resort. The gathering for registered bidders will feature cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres. The event offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow guests at the Strip’s premier nightlife and daylife destination, which includes both the high-energy LIV Nightclub and the outdoor LIV Beach oasis. 

“Las Vegas fully embraces the automotive lifestyle, making it the perfect setting for our upcoming September auction,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “As a global hub for premier events like Formula One, NASCAR, the NHRA Nationals, IndyCar and SEMA, the city shares our deep passion for car culture and entertainment. We’re thrilled to bring The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions back to the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with a diverse docket, including incredible vehicles like the custom 1962 Corvette convertible and the 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Royal Parade convertible.”

Guests at this year’s Las Vegas Auction will again be amazed at the wide variety of collectible vehicles on offer, like the recently finished custom 1962 Chevrolet Corvette convertible (preview), which is powered by an LS3 stroker engine with a six-speed manual transmission and rides on an Art Morrison GT Sport Chassis. Powered by its original V-8 with four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission, the 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Royal Parade convertible (preview) was built by General Motors at the Cadillac factory as a one-off parade car for Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth prior to her accession as Queen Elizabeth II in February 1952.

Modern collectibles include a custom 1996 Ferrari F355 (preview) powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8 with a six-speed gated manual transmission. Exterior modifications include front fenders and hood vents inspired by F430 Super GT race cars, front bumper styling influenced by the F40 and one-off carbon-fiber rear wing with chassis-mounted uprights modeled after the 488 GTC.  A 2007 Ferrari F430 F1 Spider (preview) is powered by a naturally aspirated V-8 producing 483hp and paired with a six-speed F1 automated manual transmission with paddle shifters. It is finished in black with a black soft-top over a black interior, and features carbon-fiber interior and exterior accents, 19-inch black Hamann wheels and a steering-wheel-mounted Manettino dial derived from Formula 1.

Also crossing the block is a 2013 Chevrolet Corvette custom Split-Window Coupe (preview) powered by an LS3 engine equipped with a Lingenfelter E-Force supercharger and intercooler and backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. It is one of 14 limited-edition models built by Classic Reflection Coachworks on a 2013 C6 Corvette 60th Anniversary chassis and features an all-carbon-fiber body, inner fenders finished in silver gray, LED Vortex headlights and tinted windows.

“This auction represents the ultimate celebration of automotive passion, blending a phenomenal collection of vehicles with the unparalleled entertainment of Las Vegas,” said Jackson. “We look forward to providing our guests with an unforgettable event and can’t wait to reunite the collector car community in this world-class destination.”

Restored by renowned American hot-rod designer and television personality Boyd Coddington, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Split-Window Fuelie (preview) set to cross the block is powered by a fuel-injected 360hp V-8 with a four-speed manual transmission. Assembled in St. Louis, Missouri, it is one of 10,594 coupes produced for 1963 and one of 3,516 finished in Sebring Silver. The product of a five-year restoration, a 1966 Ford Mustang custom fastback (preview) is powered by a Coyote V-8 with a six-speed manual transmission. Finished in 2003 SVT Cobra Torch Red (Performance Red) with white stripes, the interior is equipped with a Dakota Digital RTX gauge cluster, push-start ignition, Ringbrothers shifter components and TMI Sport 2 seats with pony inserts.

Late-model SUVs include a 2024 Rezvani Military Edition Tank (preview) powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system with electric motors and a battery pack and mated to an eight-speed automatic hybrid transmission. Finished in Stealth Gray Satin, custom features include automatic side steps, bullet-resistant glass, Gladiator-style seats, multi-colored interior lighting, a SiriusXM audio module, BlackVue cameras and a center console safe.

Beyond the action on the auction block, Barrett-Jackson will continue its tradition of hosting a massive automotive lifestyle festival filled with activities for the whole family. The event will feature a vast Exhibitor Marketplace, interactive sponsor displays, live DJs and an array of food options.

Barrett-Jackson is inviting consignments for the Sept. 10-12 Las Vegas Auction, which will be held in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, within easy walking distance from the host hotel, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a Michelin Key Award Hotel. In addition, bidder registration is open, with three packages to choose from and upgrades for Muscle Lounge access and Hammer High Top packages. Advance tickets are on sale now, with special pricing for seniors, military and first responders. Student tickets are $10 and children 12 years of age and younger automatically receive complimentary admission. Barrett-Jackson VIP Experiences and hospitality packages are available and offer elevated access.

This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.

Italian Design and Racing (IDR), based in Fountain Hills, Arizona, was established in 1983 to serve the Ferrari community with service, restoration, and performance modifications. Over the last four-plus decades, the operation has expanded to include support for collector cars from Lamborghini, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, and other manufacturers. IDR even has the ability now to do 3D scanning and printing for obscure/obsolete parts when other options are not available. Handy resource, indeed!

IDR hosted a get-together for members of the Hagerty Drivers Club earlier this year, and there was a wide range of vehicle types in attendance. In particular, I noticed the juxtaposition of a 450-horsepower “SR II” Dodge Viper GTS and a 63-horsepower Honda Beat kei car.

On display inside the showroom was one of two custom-commissioned Ferrari 308 GT2 race cars. According to information shared about the vehicle, its engine and suspension were tuned by Lamborghini test driver Bob Wallace. The car received custom tubular A-arms, custom brake caliper adapters, adjustable suspension, one-off center-lock wheels, full cage, and, of course, a performance-built engine.

Inside one of the service bays were two examples of the rare Lamborghini LM002, a vehicle that was nicknamed the “Rambo Lambo” and known for combining the heart of a supercar with a rugged, military-grade tubular chassis. Power (450 horsepower, to be exact) came from a 5.2-liter V-12 from the Countach Quattrovalvole. Today, the LM002 is a highly prized collector’s item, with some editions commanding upwards of $500,000 in the marketplace.

Another unique vehicle that stood out was a Subaru SVX. The quirky 1992-97 SVX itself is rare, but seeing a 1994 LSI version in Bordeaux Pearl (paint code 487) made it even more special.

I enjoyed checking out a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 convertible, 1966 Pontiac GTO, and brilliant “Tobacco Brown” W108 Mercedes-Benz 280SE with a beefy 4.5-liter V-8.

One of the best things about the car community is its diversity — the vehicles, venues, and people come from a wide range of backgrounds, and it’s fun to sample a little bit of everything. I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of rides show up to the next Hagerty event.