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Classic Car News - ClassicCars.com Journal

Verstappen cruises to victory at 2023 F1 Spanish Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen proved unstoppable on Sunday at the 2023 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix.

The reigning champion was in a race of his own at a revised Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, leading from the pole position and managing to set the fastest lap of the day.

Mercedes-Benz AMG’s Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were the surprise performers, as the Mercedes duo showed a resurgence in speed that has been lacking since the 2021 season. They were still well off Verstappen’s pace, though. Hamilton finished 24 seconds after Verstappen to claim second place and Russell finished a further eight seconds back to claim third place.

Verstappen was joined by local hero Carlos Sainz of Ferrari at the front of the grid. Verstappen got the better start, after which Sainz went into attack mode. However, despite his best efforts to overtake Verstappen on the outside of the first corner, Sainz couldn’t master his Red Bull rival and went back to chasing.

2023 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix

Meanwhile, Hamilton survived some contact with McLaren’s Lando Norris to move into third, while Russell worked his way up from 12th on the grid to seventh on the very first lap. Red Bull’s other driver, Sergio Perez, also had to fight his way up the order after a spin during Saturday’s qualifying session left him starting the race at 11th on the grid.

A few laps into the race, Verstappen was already carving out a gap with the rest of the field and by lap 11 he was 5.2 seconds clear of Sainz, who soon lost second place to Hamilton. He then lost another place to Russell and another to Perez, ultimately finishing the race at fifth place, just behind Perez.

Aston Martin wasn’t able to repeat its early strong performance but remained consistent, with star driver Fernando Alonso finishing seventh, one place behind teammate Lance Stroll.

Following the weekend’s action, Verstappen has created a clear lead in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship with 170 points. Perez is second with 117 points and Alonso third with 99 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull Racing is also clear of the pack with its tally of 287 points, versus Mercedes in second with 152 points and Aston Martin in third with 134 points. F1 returns in two weeks with round nine, the Canadian Grand Prix, at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, home of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix

Below are the full results from the 2023 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix:

1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
2) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-Benz AMG +24.090 seconds
3) George Russell, Mercedes-Benz AMG +32.389 seconds
4) Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing +35.812 seconds
5) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari +45.698 seconds
6) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin +63.320 seconds
7) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin +64.127 seconds
8) Esteban Ocon, Alpine +69.242 seconds
9) Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo +71.878 seconds
10) Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri +73.530 seconds
11) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari +74.419 seconds
12) Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri +75.416 seconds
13) Oscar Piastri, McLaren +1 lap
14) Nyck De Vries, AlphaTauri +1 lap
15) Nico Hulkenberg, Haas +1 lap
16) Alexander Albon, Williams +1 lap
17) Lando Norris, McLaren +1 lap
18) Kevin Magnussen, Haas +1 lap
19) Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo +1 lap
20) Logan Sargeant, Williams +1 lap

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com


Pick of the Day: 2002 Jaguar XKR Coupe

For supercharged V8 power, luxurious appointments, and an intimate coupe ambience, one of the best grand-touring performance cars in the collector marketplace is the Jaguar XK-Series from the early 2000s. Today, we turn our sights to a beautiful Canadian-spec example:

The Pick of the Day is a 2002 Jaguar XKR grand-touring coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Chilliwack, British Columbia. (Click the link to view the listing)

“This beautiful Jaguar XKR from 2002 purrs like a kitten,” the listing states. “Black on black with a low odometer reading of 94,848 kilometers (56,900 miles) in top condition. A Canadian west coast vehicle always kept indoors.”

The XK grand-tourer had a lifespan between model years 1997 and 2015 with two distinct generations. The XK8 was the first variant which conveyed styling from Jaguar Design Director Geoff Lawson. It offered 2+2 seating and was available in coupe and convertible body styles. A performance oriented XKR version launched in 1998 with a more powerful engine, mesh grilles, and a rear spoiler to set it apart.

Power for the XKR comes from an Eaton-supercharged and intercooled 4.0-liter V8 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This combination is good for 370 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque, and performance tests when new rated its acceleration at 5.3 seconds for zero-to-60. Additional engineering includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, and active suspension. As nice as this car looked, it was also built to include cat-like reflexes, sharp handling, and ample stopping power.

This 2002 XKR has a black-on-black color combination, and in line with the car’s luxury-oriented theme, its interior appointments include a navigation system, heated and power-adjustable leather seating, automatic climate control, and gloss walnut trim. The car is reportedly stock aside from 20-inch BBS wheels, an Alpine audio system, and a Magnaflow exhaust system.

The listing concludes, “The supercharged V8 engine in combination with the Magnaflow exhaust provides a driving experience like you have never experienced before.”

The seller is asking $22,900 or best offer for this XKR. Considering the low mileage, along with the fact that this car had an $86,330 suggested retail price when new 21 years ago, that sounds like a bargain!

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.


AutoHunter Spotlight: 1968 Shelby GT500

Featured on AutoHunter, the online platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1968 Shelby GT500. It’s been upgraded to a TREMEC five-speed manual in lieu of the original C6 automatic. Other features include center console, power front disc brakes, dual rear-view mirrors, AM radio, and folding rear seat. Finished in Lime Gold with tan vinyl interior, this rust-free Shelby comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.

During the time this Shelby was built, the biggest engine available in the Mustang was a 390. From fall of 1966 to April 1968, the GT500 had no equal, but that all changed when the 428 Cobra Jet was introduced for the Mustang. Shelby too implemented the CJ, phasing out the GT500 and replacing it with the GT500KR.

This Lime Gold Shelby is number 00643 and is listed in the Shelby Registry with full history. The exterior is complemented by white Le Mans stripes and side stripes. Features include air induction hood with twist-lock hood pins, fog lights, dual rear-view mirrors with driver-side remote, front fender-mounted antenna, silver rear panel with sequential taillights, and Shelby gas cap.

A set of 10-spoke Shelby wheels is wrapped in BFGoodrich radial T/A tires.

The interior is upholstered in tan vinyl. Features include woodgrain dashboard accents, woodgrain two-spoke steering wheel, center console with manual shifter, rollbar, and AM radio.

The instrument panel consists of AutoMeter gauges that include a 160-mph speedometer, 10,000-rpm tachometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. Gauges for the voltage and oil pressure are located in the center console. The odometer reads 2,523 miles, which the selling dealer reports to be the mileage since the restoration was completed.

Power is provided by a reported factory-correct 360-horsepower 428ci V8 engine backed by an updated TREMEC five-speed manual transmission replacing the original automatic. Engine features include finned Cobra valve covers and air cleaner, Holley 715 carburetor, and aluminum intake manifold and cylinder heads.

This Shelby is factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust exits at the rear with dual tips on each side. 

The auction for this 1968 Shelby GT500 ends on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery


Is This Peak Muscle Car?

The AutoHunter Cinema feature we look at today is a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429. This Mustang was introduced to homologate Ford’s new semi-hemi 429ci V8 for NASCAR, but the rules didn’t specify that it needed to be installed in the same street vehicle (in this case, the Torino Talladega). Fitting the Boss 429 engine in the Mustang led Ford to contract Kar Kraft to make the necessary modifications so the engine would fit, which it did barely — in fact, the master cylinder needed to be moved to change the number 8 spark plug. At RM Sotheby’s 2023 Arizona auction, this Grabber Green Boss sold for $280,000.

Want more interesting finds? Make sure to subscribe to AutoHunter Cinema on YouTube!


Splendor and Speed: Treasures of the Petersen Collection

The Petersen Automotive Museum recently opened a new exhibit titled “Splendor and Speed: Treasures of the Petersen Collection” that unites the most rare and renowned vehicles and artifacts in the Petersen’s collection. Visitors have a unique opportunity to view these historically significant objects as a cohesive display, showcasing the diversity and grandeur of the museum’s permanent collection. The exhibit is located in the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery on the museum’s second floor.

1967 Ford GT40 Mark III

Highlighted vehicles on display include the 1939 “Shah” Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Vanvooren, the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 by Ghia, the 1938 Delahaye 135 by Figoni et Falaschi, the 1952 Ferrari 212/225 Inter Barchetta by Carrozzeria Touring, the 1956 Jaguar XKSS formerly owned by Steve McQueen, the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe by Jonckheere, the 1967 Ford GT40 Mark III, the 1932 Ford “Ray Brown Roadster,” the 1937 Delage D8-120 Aerosport Coupe by Letourneur et Marchand and the 1947 Cisitalia 202 Coupe by Pinin Farina. Nearly 100 original mid-20th century design models and works of automotive concept art, more than 30 minutes of rare film footage, and numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts represent the museum’s important non-vehicular archives.

“The display is a fitting reflection of the exceptional assortment of vehicles we have in our collection,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “We are delighted to have visitors view the museum’s most cherished vehicles and artifacts.”

1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I

Following the “Splendor and Speed” exhibit, the museum will open “Fast/Forward: Strother MacMinn’s Sports Cars of the Future” on Saturday, June 3. This display will unite an assortment of extraordinary sports cars from the 1950s for the first time ever, highlighting their innovative designs as acknowledged by Strother MacMinn in his 1959 book “Sports Cars of the Future.” In addition, a new Ferrari exhibit is set to open in The Vault, sponsored by Hagerty, on Father’s Day weekend. This exhibit will explore Enzo Ferrari’s influence on the marque brand.


AutoHunter Spotlight: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Of all the generations of the Camaro, I personally like the 3rd generation the most. These cars were introduced when I was in high school in the 1980s and was drawn to the modern styling mix of these cars. Along with the increased performance, no doubt helped by additions including Fuel Injection for some models and almost 500 less pounds of weight to carry around, all worked to make the Camaro finally seem relevant to me as a sports car fan.

One of these cars, and one from almost the end of the 3rd generation Camaro production run, is the 1991 Chevrolet Camaro RS is currently featured on AutoHunter.

This looks like an amazing time capsule that according to the post is completely original 1991 Camaro RS with a total of only 15,000 miles from new. The listing states that this Camaro draws power from a fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 engine backed by a four-speed automatic transmission.

Features include power steering, power brakes, power windows, and a power rear hatch release. It also has a digital AM/FM/cassette stereo, a driver-side airbag, and air conditioning. The car is finished in its original Bright Red paint and a original red cloth interior. This Camaro comes from the selling dealer with a clean CARFAX report and a clear title.

If you wonder what a 1991 Camaro RS was like when new, this is the car that can show you. This looks from the pictures and description to be a show-worthy car with everything as it was when new. Considering that many of these cars were literally driven into the ground by their 3rd, 4th, or 5th owners, finding one of these cars this nice and this original is almost unheard of. These were cars that just about every owner looked to improve with various bolt on performance parts but somehow this example has been able to avoid that.

Honestly there really isn’t a lot more to say about this car as it truly looks to be an exceptionally well kept car. The underside looks as good as the body with all molding and the RS body kit makes the car look even better than a base Camaro and not as over the top as the IROC.

If you are looking for one of the best 3rd generation all original Camaros I have ever seen to both show and drive, this is the one to bid on.

The auction for this 1991 Chevrolet Camaro RS ends on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery


Pick of the Day: 1956 Ford Thunderbird

It’s a beautiful day to admire a “bluebird.” More specifically, a Peacock Blue Thunderbird.

The Pick of the Day is a 1956 Ford Thunderbird listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Sammamish, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)

“If you are one of those people who loves the iconic look of the old T-birds or just want to pick up your special someone for an evening they’ll never forget, this is the car for you. Take a cruise around the town in style,” the listing states.  

The first-generation Thunderbird (sold between model years 1955 and 1957) was offered only as a two-seat convertible and took on the classification of “personal luxury car.” It was designed to be more of a grand tourer than an all-out sports car like the Corvette. In 1955, it sold 16,155 units in comparison to the Corvette’s 674, so the marketplace reception of the car was warm. There were some changes to the car’s overall design the following year including the addition of a rear-mounted continental kit, portholes in the hardtop, a 12-volt electrical system, and revised moldings.

The seller provides some background on this specific car: “This one came off the Dearborn, Michigan assembly line on January 6, 1956, destined for the Los Angeles market. She has been with the same owner since 1987, a vintage car collector for many years before that, and is now ready for the next person to love and enjoy her.”

One of the most striking things about this car is its Peacock Blue exterior shade. This vivid color was classified as code “L” on the data plate for 1956-model-year Thunderbirds. This car’s plate shows color code “E” which crosswalks to Colonial White, so at some point in the car’s lifetime it was resprayed. The seller notes that the paint has a few minor chips, but it presents well in the photos.

Under the front-hinged hood lives a four-barrel 312cid Y-block V8 paired with a floor-shifted three-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission. The powertrain was good for 225 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque, so even as “luxury” car, the Thunderbird could still move with authority.

“If you want to be the next loving caretaker of this vintage classic automobile, please contact me,” the listing concludes. The asking price is $59,900 for this blue ‘bird, which includes a jack, a service manual, and a car cover.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.


Another 2023 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Preview

That time is rapidly approaching: Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Las Vegas auction is a-happening this month — specifically, June 22-24th. Are ya gonna go? With a diverse selection of cars, you’re bound to find something you like.

Last week, we gave you a hand-picked preview for you to create a dream sequence of sorts but, just in case your boat wasn’t floated, why not show you a few more? We feel the number of cars on our list shouldn’t be limited, and we are sure you would feel the same.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS
It may be a cliché to think “auction” and “Camaro”, but why should we ignore any cool car because of that? This one is painted in the very pretty Royal Plum and is complemented by a white vinyl top with matching interior. Not only does Z27 Super Sport equipment ensure you’re never late for Cars & Coffee, but also the Z22 Rally Sport package will ensure you look good when you arrive. The 295-horsepower 350 was all-new for 1967 and a Camaro (if not SS) exclusive, with this one being backed by a M20 four-speed manual. The data plate has the hallowed 4P designation for SS 350 and 3L for Rally Sport but, as this Camaro is originally Canadian, it also has paperwork from GM of Canada’s Vintage Vehicle Services.

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Did you miss out on the Black Ghost, the old Detroit street racer? If so, don’t fret — here’s another black Hemi Challenger for you. Not everyone gets second chances, so thank your lucky stars. Of course, it must be an R/T to be a Hemi, and it’s also black inside to boot. Stripe-delete assists in keeping things spooky, and a Pistol Grip four-speed with 4.10 gears makes this faster than your ordinary ghost. Other features include chrome side mirrors on both sides, AM radio, 15-inch Rallye wheels. With 17,805 miles, this ghost is ripe for being the centerpiece of your collection.

1957 GMC Suburban Carrier
The Chevrolet Cameo Carrier was not the only hip utility from the 1950s, Daddy-O! GMC also had its own version called the Suburban Carrier, which featured slightly different styling plus a different powerplant — no Chevy small-block here! Instead, V8-powered GMC trucks of the era featured a Pontiac engine, in this case a 347ci upgraded to Tri-Power status. Claimed to be one of 250 built, this restored Chrome Yellow and Dove White example comes complete with original parts including spotlights, chrome, trim, and wheels.

1955 Chevrolet Nomad Custom Wagon
Before the Cameo and Suburban Carriers, Chevrolet developed a utilitarian show car that featured hardtop styling. Called the Nomad, it was a two-door Corvette wagon with a roof design that eventually would be used for the full-size 1955-57 Chevrolet Nomad. While the Corvette-based wagon never made production, here we have a hot rod replica sitting on 1992 C4 running gear. That means power comes from a 300-horsepower LT1 backed by a six-speed. The interior will feel familiar to Corvette enthusiasts because you’ll find 1992 Corvette components including airbags, ABS, AM/FM/CD/cassette, digital dash, and even power locks. Imagine driving this every day and being able to get it serviced at your local Chevy dealership!


Porsche reveals revised logo ready for digital age

Porsche on Thursday revealed a revised design for its iconic crest logo that will start appearing on the automaker’s vehicles from late 2023.

The basic design hasn’t changed but elements have been simplified to make 2D versions of the logo, like those used in digital mediums, more closely match 3D versions, like physical badges.

The gold of the logo has also taken on a darker tone, while the “Stuttgart” script in the center has been made black for the first time.

There’s still the familiar layout with a prancing horse borrowed from the seal of Stuttgart, Porsche’s home, as well as red and black bars and antlers, which come from the coat of arms of the former German state Württemberg-Hohenzollern, which is now part of the state Baden-Württemberg, whose capital is Stuttgart.

All Porsche crest logos

Perhaps the most dramatic change is the honeycomb-like pattern added to the red sections of the logo. The pattern is meant to signify the technical aspect of Porsche cars and has a real-world link with weight-saving technology used by the automaker.

“We have reinterpreted historical characteristics and combined them with innovative design elements such as a honeycomb structure and brushed metal,” Michael Mauer, Porsche’s design chief, said in a statement. “The result is an aesthetically ambitious arc that bridges the history and the future of the brand.”

The logo dates back to 1952. Porsche’s first sports car, the 356, was already in production for a few years at that time and management wanted a proper logo to help build brand awareness, at the urging of U.S. importer Max Hoffman. A competition among art schools was run to seek a winning design but with none of the submissions pleasing management, in-house designer Franz Xaver Reimspiess, who designed the original Volkswagen logo in 1936, came up with a logo that emphasized civic pride.

Since the first logo, revisions have been made in 1954, 1963, 1973, 1994, 2008, and now in 2023. Anyone restoring an older Porsche can always find badges with the earlier designs via the Porsche Classic department.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Revised Porsche crest logo – June 2023

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com


AutoHunter Spotlight: 1995 Ford F-250 SuperCab

This 1995 Ford F-250 XLT SuperCab is available for sale at no reserve, on AutoHunter.com the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, so the highest bid as of the closing date and time on June 5 will take the truck. Under its hood resides Ford’s strong 7.5-liter big-block V8 capable of producing 245 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. An automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case manage the distribution of power to all four wheels which are shod in Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner tires. This F-250 is being offered with a clean CARFAX report and a clear title.

Coated in an Oxford White paint finish, this workhorse comes from the F-Series’ ninth generation, which had a lifespan from model years 1992 through 1997. Even though its bodywork was modernized and the front and rear fascias were streamlined, the chassis was essentially a carry-over of the F-Series pickups dating as far back as 1980. Exterior design was crafted by Jack Telnack, who served as the global Vice President of Design at Ford between 1980 and 1997.

Ford sold the ninth-generation F-Series in many different configurations, including regular-cab, extended-cab (or SuperCab, as seen here), and crew cabs along with a variety of bed options and payloads. This example offers the grunt of a 460cid (7.5-liter) V8 engine that was known for its torque and reliability. The transmission is a C6 three-speed automatic.

The interior of the cab has a simple design with gray cloth upholstery for the split-bench front, full-width bench in the rear, and matching soft materials throughout. Amenities include tinted windows, a dash mat, an AM/FM/CD stereo, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and a trailer brake controller.

This F-250 has accrued just a touch fewer than 200,000 miles on the odometer, and it is ready to go to its new home and continue putting in work. Towing equipment is already in place for your camp trailer, boat, or toy hauler. Best of all, the auction has no reserve, so the highest bidder will be taking this truck home for some summer fun and adventures.

The auction for this 1995 Ford F-250 ends on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 1:45 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery


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