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Classic Car News - ClassicCars.com Journal

Celebrity Cars To Hit Barrett-Jackson 2024 Palm Beach

In less than a month, the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Palm Beach Auction will be grabbing the attention of automotive enthusiasts around the world. Planning on going? Great, see ya there! Not planning on going? Bummer, but you’ll appreciate this preview for the April 18-20th event featuring cars once owned by beloved celebrities – dig in!

1958 Metropolitan Convertible
Jimmy Buffet seems to have had a thing for old cars. The late singer and island escapist once owned this 1958 Metropolitan, which had its genesis with the 1954 Nash Metropolitan, an American car built in the UK and powered by an Austin four-cylinder. After a merger with Hudson, the Metropolitan was sold under both brands but, in 1958, after the two former Independents were discontinued, the diminutive vehicle simply became Metropolitan and was sold by Rambler dealerships.

This 1958 example was last owned by Buffet in 2008 but the subsequent owner had it restored, including receiving new metal floor pans, rocker panels, adjusted doors, and rechromed bumpers, plus a repaint. Like all Metropolitan from 1958, this one is powered by a 1,491 four-cylinder and three-speed manual.

1977 Pontiac Trans Am
And then there’s Burt Reynolds, the actor who’s tied to a car that also was a star. In particular, Smokey and the Bandit was feel-good fun on the silver screen, and the hijinks during this Malaise Era flick made folks forget that fun from Detroit had been outlawed. The trademark black and gold Trans Ams were known as the SE (Special Edition), and Pontiac sold a bunch based on lust for 1970-esque memories, great looks, and that barrels-of-fun flick. What could be better than a “Bandit” Trans Am? One owned by Burt himself!

A number of engines were available, with this one featuring the 180-horepower L78 400 backed by a TH400 automatic. According to the consignor, every detail of this 45,330-mile Poncho was carefully thought out and discussed with Reynolds, from the correct antenna to the proper tires from the movie. Even the Florida license plate reads “BAN ONE”!

Like what you see? Then you’ll really like our other preview, plus the rest of the docket for the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Palm Beach Auction. And, if you have a car or truck to sell, you can consign it and be in the thick of the auction festivities during April 18-20th.


AutoHunter Spotlight: 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Type LT

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Type LT.

Of all the generations of the Chevrolet Camaro, the 1970-1973 second generation cars have what I feel is the best styling in the history of the car. These cars have strong European influence in their body design incorporating elements from cars like Ferraris. I mean, just take a look at the front end with the pointed nose reminiscent of the Ferrari 250 Lusso as well as the circular rear taillights. These are reasons that the Camaro of this era is a true icon of American muscle cars.

This specific 1973 Camaro is an LT model. The LT model was introduced in 1973 and LT stood for Luxury Touring. These LT cars offered a quieter and better-appointed interior, full instrumentation, Rally-style wheels, variable-ratio steering, sport mirrors, and hidden windshield wipers. When they introduced the Camaro LT GM stated that, “This newest Camaro is built for people who like their luxury and their sporty handling all in the same car. Like in the great European touring cars.”

The seller describes this 1973 Camaro LT as powered by a 350cid V8 backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include a rear spoiler, power steering, bucket seats, an AM/FM/cassette stereo, a center console, and front disc brakes. Finished in Light Yellow with black accent stripes over a black vinyl interior, this Camaro comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The exterior is reportedly a rust-free body that has been refinished in the original factory color of Light Yellow (code 51). Features include chrome bumpers, black accent striping, dual color-keyed sport mirror housings with a manual driver-side remote, and a rear spoiler. The car rides on a set of correct 14-inch Rally wheels with chrome center caps and trim rings is wrapped in 215/70 Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTS radial tires.

The interior of the car has the correct black vinyl front bucket seats (codes 773 and A51) and a matching rear seat surrounded by black vinyl door panels and trim. Features include manual windows, power steering, a center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter, an AM/FM/cassette stereo, and woodgrain accents. Instrumentation includes a 130-mph speedometer, a 7,000-rpm tachometer, an inoperative clock, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, and amps are located ahead of the driver. The entire interior looks both correct and in terrific condition.

Under the hood resides a correct 350cid V8 that is backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller notes that a safety inspection was recently completed.

I have personally owned a 1973 Camaro and cannot say enough about these cars. To me they were the pinnacle of classic Camaro development both for drivability and for styling. These second generation cars are also more comfortable than the 1st generation, making them perfect for a 1,200 mile classic road tour and are a icon of GM performance cars.

The auction for this 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Type LT ends Monday, April 1, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery


Pick of the Day: 1965 Pontiac GTO

Pontiac sold 75,352 GTOs in 1965. It’s one of the best-selling muscle cars ever. With so many built, it’s easy to get jaded because it’s easy to find one in the collector market. Yet, with so many built, there’s bound to be some that stand out from the masses. Our Pick of the Day is one of the more interesting 1965 Pontiac GTOs out there. It’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lillington, North Carolina. (Click the link to view the listing)

Compare the lines between the full-size and mid-size Pontiacs.

After the GTO’s introduction for 1964, Pontiac made marginal improvements to make the package even better. Horsepower increased for both the four-barrel and Tri-Power (up to 360, a 12-horse increase), but perhaps the biggest news was Pontiac’s facelift for the A-body. Tempest and LeMans models now featured vertical headlights like the full-size cars, but the Coke-bottle styling of the latter had yet to reach the A-bodies, instead continuing to exploit the crisp styling that was introduced for 1964. This and other minor restyling created a look that has come to be known as the quintessential GTO.

Also new was a hood design that featured a single non-functional hood scoop. Ornamentation was not unusual, but air induction for a street car was. It became reality as a dealer-installed option in the middle of the model year, leading to the first of Pontiac’s “Ram Air” engines in 1966.

The GTO’s success in the market was a lot more than letters and sales numbers. Pontiac had a strong, sporty image. It also had success in racing, but that success was curtailed once General Motors exited racing after supposed monopolistic fears. As Pontiac had banked on racing to support its image, it instead turned its attention to the street and exploited that with the GTO. While Pontiac previously offered performance cars for the street (such as the Catalina with the 421 HO), what made the GTO different was its size and image – a name and look all its own that wasn’t compromised by pedestrian family cars. That’s what distinguished the GTO from other cars in the market. By 1967, every Detroit manufacturer offered a proper competitor to the GTO.

This 1965 Pontiac GTO two-door hardtop is equipped with the 335-horsepower 389 and an automatic transmission, so nothing too exciting. However, the way this one is trimmed is what stands out: Capri Gold with a Beige vinyl top. Vinyl tops were only available in Black or Beige, and seeing the latter in contrast with any color is possibly a new experience for many. Both colors nicely complement the Gold interior, which features the Custom Sports steering wheel (“Looks like wood. Feels like wood.”), console, power windows, AM/FM radio, dash pad, clock, driver’s side remote mirror, and more.

“The original grill is good as are the headlight trim. The taillights and chrome in rear pitted and original,” says the seller. “The door handles are good and original. Wheel well moldings are good and original.” Transmission has been switched to a 700R automatic, which gives four forward gears including overdrive – a nice concession to modernity, plus the original two-speed comes with the car. “Edelbrock aluminum intake, Edelbrock carb, small chrome air cleaner, chrome water neck. New alternator, new belt and hoses, power steering, chrome valve covers, aluminum Edelbrock heads,” adds the seller.

There’s plenty of GTOs on the road. There’s few like this. Why not check this one out and see if it moves you? For $52,000, it may be worth your time.

Click here for this ClassicCars.com of the Day.


Steve Magnante’s Back on YouTube!

You may have heard how Steve Magnante, Barrett-Jackson on-air talent, YouTube personality, and Hot Rod alum, has had a bad spell due to encephalitis. After several months of fighting the good fight, his health is back on the upswing, though he’s not yet out of the woods and in the junkyard. However, he’s fit enough to start making videos again, this time educating us about several models for Wagon Week.

The first segment features a discussion on promotional models sold at car dealerships. These acetate plastic models were popular for a time until they were replaced in the early 1960s by polystyrene models. The acetate vehicle Steve shows us is a 1957 Chevrolet wagon, and he’s clear to point out it’s not a Nomad, as it seems everyone and his mom thinks any Tri-Five Chevy wagon is a Nomad.

The second featured promo is a 1960 Rambler Classic wagon, but Steve adds to the history by showing a Rambler Dollar, a promotional gimmick to show how Ramblers were a better value than other cars on the road.

The final feature in this video is a 1957 Chevrolet Nomad that was part of a series of Kenner SSP (Super Sonic Power) car sets called Smash-Up Derby toy from the 1970s. Cars were equipped with a zip strip that was used to spin a drive wheel, upon which you’d place the car on the ground and have it charge a similar vehicle, or have it go up a ramp and crash. Pieces of the car would separate with the right impact.

Steve’s health continues to improve. So that you don’t miss his next video drop (if not any health updates), subscribe to his channel and watch both future and past episodes.


AutoHunter Spotlight: 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396. It is powered by a rebuilt 396cid V8 backed by a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. Features include late-model bucket seats, power steering with tilt steering column, power windows, center console, power brakes, updated AM/FM/cassette radio, and more. Finished in burgundy over a black leather interior, this El Camino comes with a clear title.

The reportedly rust-free body has been refinished in a metallic burgundy. Features include louvered SS hood, black grille with bright trim, fender-mounted antenna, longitudinal trim, and SS emblems.

A set of 18-inch Boyd Coddington polished aluminum wheels is wrapped in 275/35ZR18 (front) and 295/35ZR18 (rear) Toyo Proxes radial tires.

The cabin has been updated with late-model black leather bucket seats. Features include power windows, power steering with tilt steering column, center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter, air conditioning, and vintage-look AM/FM/cassette stereo with kick panel-mounted speakers.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, temperature, and battery. The odometer reads 80,036 miles, though the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power comes from a rebuilt and reportedly numbers-matching 396 big-block backed by a TH400 three-speed automatic. Per the selling dealer, the engine has accrued less than 1,000 miles since being rebuilt. Engine bay features include polished aluminum Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, valve covers, and air cleaner housing.

This El Camino was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by power drums. A dual exhaust system exits behind the rear tires.

The auction for this 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 ends Friday, March 29, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery


Bentley Speed Six Back in Production After 94 Years

The Bentley Speed Six continuation cars are now in production, bringing back a design that first appeared over nine decades ago.

Bentley unveiled the prototype Speed Six continuation car last year, but is now working on the first of 12 customer cars, all of which have already been sold, the automaker said in a press release. Each car will take 10 months to build, Bentley estimates.

Production is being handled by Bentley’s Mulliner personalization department, with help from outside suppliers, all using period-correct materials and tools. For example, Bentley commissioned special tooling to press the Speed Six’s steel frame rails and crossmembers, a process that by itself took six months, according to the automaker.

1930 Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series production

As with the original cars, handmade ash-wood bodywork wrapped in fabric is mounted on the chassis. The continuation cars are then fitted with headlights, radiators, and fuel tanks supplied by restoration specialists. The latter is made from hand-beaten steel and copper.

The 6.5-liter inline-6 is recreated using 3D models generated from the original blueprints. This engine made about 200 hp in its day, while the continuation cars produce 205 hp. Output could have been raised even further with modern materials, according to Bentley, but the automaker wanted the continuation cars to be as close to the originals as possible.

The Speed Six is one of the cars that helped create the Bentley legend. Introduced in 1928, it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year and in 1930. Wold Barnato, then head of the company, also used a sedan-bodied Speed Six to race a train across France in 1930. Barnato and co-driver Dale Bourne covered 570 miles, averaging 43.4 mph on unpaved roads.

The continuation cars, Bentley’s second continuation project following modern examples of the 1929 Bentley Blower, used two original cars as templates: GU409, which is owned by the company, and “Old Number 3,” the 1930 Le Mans winner, which was made available by its owner for this purpose. The continuation cars incorporate changes made in period to improve reliability for the 1929 and 1930 Le Mans races.

The customer cars also benefit from testing of the prototype Speed Six continuation car, which went through 40 hours of engine testing, 6,213 miles of durability testing, and top-speed runs where it achieved 112 mph.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: 1930 Bentley Speed Six Continuation Series production

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


Pick of the Day: 1992 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Convertible

“Life is too short to drive something boring,” reads today’s featured listing in the ClassicCars.com classifieds. And we wholeheartedly agree! In an era when autonomy – and anonymity – seem to be revered characteristics, there is something to be said for being behind the wheel of a wedge-shaped green sports car from the 1990s with the pop-up headlights illuminated and the wind in your hair.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1992 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by Precious Metals Classic Car Sales in Elkhart, Indiana. (Click the link to view the listing)

“With a limited production of just 663 cars, it’s a droptop that we are very proud to offer!” the dealer says. “It’s got just over 30,000 actual miles meaning you can rest assured that you’re getting a car that has had all service documented and retained, a super click body with one of the best colors to complement the top and interior, and an interior that looks almost showroom new!”

This Firebird comes from the final year of the third generation, which had been around since 1982. Relatively fewer units were sold for 1992 when compared to prior years, as some buyers were holding out for the fourth generation on the horizon. The flipside was that since the existing platform had been in production for a decade, engineers had worked out most of the known “kinks” – including adding some sound-deadening material for the final year to further mitigate any noise, vibration, or harshness in the driving experience. It could be said that this was the “last, the best of all the game” for third-gens.

The Dark Green Metallic (paint code 45) body pairs nicely with the gold-accented 16-inch “crosslace” alloy wheels. This Firebird Trans Am came well-equipped for its time, with options including fog lamps and a spoiler. While the car remains largely stock both inside and out, the audio system has been upgraded with a Kenwood CD stereo and a subwoofer for optimized sound.

Power up front comes from a tuned-port fuel-injected “LB9” 5.0-liter V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. Ratings for the powertrain in this configuration were 205 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque from the factory. There’s plenty of chassis technology to make sure the ride is compliant and controlled, including the WS6 Special Performance Package, a rally-tuned suspension, and power front disc brakes. Best of all, the odometer shows just 31,213 miles.

“When the top goes down, that’s when the real fun begins,” the dealer says. Get your sunglasses and your audio playlist ready, because this car is ready for summertime cruising shenanigans.

The asking price is $24,500, which includes manufacturer’s literature, the uninstalled original stereo, replaced spare parts, and service records. The dealer is able to assist with financing and shipping.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, cruise on over to Pick of the Day.


“M” Mania: BMW M Coupe and M Roadster Online Resource

Knowledge is priceless. How much research do you do before buying a vehicle?

It is one thing to read a car review online or to watch a YouTube overview. But getting feedback from actual owners – people who have lived with a vehicle day-in and day-out – can be even more valuable.

With that in mind, Jon Martin’s series of websites called “Car Enthusiast Guides” (CEG) give a real-world glimpse and firsthand knowledge into BMW vehicles as well as marketplace surrounding them. Jon says his web resources are “envisioned as a way for car enthusiasts to help other enthusiasts find their perfect car.” Currently, Jon maintains guides for the following BMW vehicles:

Jon also has guides proposed or in development for other models, including some non-BMW models such as the first-generation Acura NSX.

Car Enthusiast Guides History

The car that started it all for Jon was the first-generation M Coupe. A passion project started out almost 25 years ago when Jon was in high school and his guidance counselor bought a then-new Z3 coupe. Not long afterward, he laid eyes on a Steel Gray over Imola Red M Coupe at the Denver Auto Show, and he made up his mind on buying that exact specification someday. With the goal in mind, Jon started tracking listings of vehicles for sale via a spreadsheet, and eventually, the spreadsheet morphed into the early versions of the websites he manages today. Jon ended up finding his ideal M Coupe in 2010, but he continued to maintain the site and has continued to expand on it.

Jon explains, “After 5+ years of searching for the perfect M Coupe, I had not found it, but I had learned a lot about them and about the market. While waiting for my perfect coupe to show, I thought I would share some of my insight with other potential M Coupe buyers. In May 2010, I started MCoupeBuyersGuide.com.” The rest, as they say, is history.

M Coupe and M Roadster Highlights

What made the M Coupe and M Roadster such special cars, anyway? The first generation was produced from 1998 through 2002 as a high-performance variant of the two-seat Z3 sports car. The differences were both cosmetic and mechanical in nature: First and foremost, the initial iterations of the car were powered by BMW’s “S52” 3.2-liter inline-six mated to a ZF five-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain was rated at over 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque in North American markets. In 2001, the S52 was replaced the S54 which offered a substantial bump to 315 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque.

BMW Motorsports’ website published the following:

“Besides the wider track and four-pipe exhaust, the top model had exclusive, characteristic accents like oval overtaking mirrors, chrome gills that recall the legendary BMW 507 Roadster, and special air intakes in the front spoiler. The powerful, unmistakable appearance of the M Coupé was underlined by its proportions: long wheelbase, long bonnet, wide track and short rear end. Introduced by a striking line at the rear and arching towards the back, the roof left a strong impression. The M automobile makes it absolutely clear to the observer: This is a sports car for individualists.”

The M Coupe and M Roadster were designed with agility in mind, offering a near-exact 50/50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity. A second generation ran from 2006 through 2008. There is a strong collector community for both generations of these cars, as Jon will surely attest.

Information a Click Away

Within the guide for the M Coupe and the M Roadster are a number of helpful resources:

  • Classified listings
  • Shipping and logistics
  • Appraisals
  • Pricing advice
  • Escrow services
  • Upgrades and modifications
  • Market tracking
  • Project updates
  • Articles

Jon’s websites are an inspiration and an asset to any hardcore BMW enthusiast. To a small extent, I am doing the same as Jon is by tracking Acura Legends. I would love to model after his websites and eventually develop a comprehensive library of resources for people who are passionate about data.

Have you owned a BMW M Coupe or M Roadster in your vehicle history? What classic car makes or models would you love to see an online resource such as this for? Let us know in the comment section!


What Cars Featured These Hoods?

Below are four hoods found on cars from AutoHunter and ClassicCars.com. They all are designs that invoke images of World of Wheels customs more than air induction systems. Can you tell us what the cars are?

Please submit your answers in the Comments section below. Model year, brand, and model are what we’re looking for for each. If you give up, you can click on each respective image to find the answer.

Click on each image to reveal each car

The ClassicCars.com Journal features an automotive puzzle every Tuesday. If you wish to contribute an idea, we’d love to hear from you!


Pick of the Day: 1964 Mercury Comet Lightweight

One of the greatest things about my writing about classic cars job is that the more time I spend in the collector car hobby, the more I learn. Just when I think I have learned everything there is to know about old cars, I learn something new.

Take for instance the cars from Ford’s Total Performance Program of the 1960s. I knew about the Shelby cars, the Cyclone Spoiler, the Thunderbolt, and the Torino Talladega. I have driven most, if not all of these cars, and thought that outside of pure race cars (such as the GT40 and Indy cars) that was it. Then I came upon the Mercury Comet Lightweight A/FX cars.

You see, in the 1960s Ford, GM, and MOPAR were in an all out war to see which manufacturer reigned supreme in the racing arena. This was because they learned that the idea of “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” was a real thing. People would see cars win at the track, and then buyers would go to dealerships seeking cars like the ones they saw winning the weekend before. At the beginning of this war for speed Lincoln-Mercury had not participated but seeing the sales results of the program in 1964 they decided to go all in.

Not only did then enter the fray, they went big. They decided to start in drag racing, and not in the stock or super stock classes. They wanted to start at the top in the NHRA’s new A/Factory Experimental class. Doing this allowed Mercury to avoid direct competition with the Ford Super Stock Thunderbolts and be able to take advantage of the reduced production requirements in A/FX, meaning they did not have to meet street production requirements and could instead create a purpose built drag car. Seeing what Ford had done with the Thunderbolts, Lincoln-Mercury contracted with Dearborn Steel Tubing to modify a fleet of 22 new 427 Hi-Riser Comets for the new A/FX class. The formula was perfect from the start. Mercury would use Ford’s 427/425 hp High-Riser engine in conjunction with a Hurst-shifted 4-speed manual transmission and the same 9-inch rear seen in the Thunderbolts. In addition they used fiberglass instead of steel for the front bumper, hood, fenders and doors. They also used lightweight glass to reduce weight and allow the 427 to better show what it could do. The interior was stripped of radio and heater, and it was fitted with lightweight Bostrum bucket seats and a dash-mounted tach. The cars were completed with the Dearborn Steel Tubing suspension tweaks and finished with Wimbledon White paint over red interiors.

The formula worked and put Mercury at the top of the NHRA A/FX class.

The Pick of the Day is one of these 22 cars, a 1964 Mercury Comet A/FX Lightweight located in Greenwood, Indiana.

According to the seller this 1964 Mercury Comet A/FX lightweight has been restored to its original McCoy Mercury livery as it was raced in the A/FX class when new!

This Mercury’s exterior looks to be perfect and looking over the photos in the galley you can see that all the parts are the way they are supposed to be, including the fiberglass hood, fenders, and bumpers. The restoration work appears to be perfect and the fact that it is painted in its original race livery only adds to the appeal.

The interior is the same with everything accurate and correct. There are few amenities other than manual windows but this is not a car for amenities. This Comet is a car that was built to do one thing and that was win at the track, which it did frequently.

There is great documented history for this car as well. This 1964 Mercury Comet Lightweight was first owned and raced by Rising Sun, Maryland, racer Ron Riley and sponsored by McCoy Mercury. Riley later sold the car to Al Hinkle who installed an injected Chevrolet 327 and a straight front axle, campaigning the car as the “Hairy Canary.” Ralph Hindley of Monticello, New York, then acquired the car and later sold it to Randy DeLisio, who restored it to its original configuration before selling it to collector Don Fezell.

If you are looking for a genuine classic 1960s Ford Motor Company factory built racecar, you may want to seriously consider this Comet Lightweight. Yes the $255,000 asking price puts it at a high tier of the market, but then again this car was always at the top of its game on the track so that price makes sense to me. Think of it as the ultimate Ford powered muscle car.

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


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