All articles tagged with #classic cars
Jalopnik argues that the pony car category is not exclusively American, identifying six international vehicles that meet the criteria of a stylish two-door with a V8 engine. The article highlights the Holden Monaro, Toyota Soarer, Mercedes 500SLC, Iso Grifo, Jensen Interceptor, and MG XPower SV as global contenders that evolved independently of Ford’s 1964 Mustang.
Jalopnik explores six non-Ford pony cars from the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting how the Mustang’s success triggered a competitive arms race among American automakers. The article details the engineering, performance, and market strategies of the Mercury Cougar, Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and AMC Javelin, noting how each brand attempted to outdo Ford’s original low-cost performance formula.
A low-mileage 2001 Porsche 911 GT2 Clubsport is currently auctioning on Bring A Trailer with bids exceeding $400,000. This rare example, one of only 70 produced, features a specialized safety package and has appreciated significantly from its 2021 sale price.
A heavily modified 1970 Porsche 914/6, previously owned by automotive designer Luc Donckerwolke, is up for sale in Germany. The car features a 2.4-liter flat-six engine, RUF modifications, and a history of M471 GT conversion.
As younger generations enter car collecting, affordable 1980s-1990s models (like AMC Eagle, Ford Escort, and other Mazdas/Nissans) are becoming the new era’s classics, valued for practicality and distinctive style over the heralded 1950s-60s icons.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1392, known as Jay Leno's Law, creating a smog-exemption for select collector cars built 1976–1985 that are insured as collector vehicles or driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year, with the measure taking effect Jan. 1, 2028; Newsom also signed AB 2541 to create a special lowrider heritage license plate as part of recognizing California's car culture.
California Gov. Newsom signed SB 1392, known as Leno's Law, to broaden smog-exemption rules for bona fide classic cars: starting Jan. 1, 2028, model years 1976–1980 will be exempt, with the exemption advancing by one model year each year until 1985 is included by 2033; pre-1976 vehicles remain exempt. Eligibility requires classic/collector status and limited annual usage (or qualifying collector-car insurance), a policy Jay Leno championed in pushing the measure forward.
A Jalopnik round-up of reader-submitted memories about cars people wish they'd bought when they were cheap, featuring classics like the Porsche 944, DeTomaso Pantera, air‑cooled 911, MR2 Turbo, Honda S2000, Dodge Challenger, Porsche 928 GTS, Mazda RX-7, Hemi Cuda, and Acura NSX, and opening with a reflection on soaring new-car prices and the lasting regret of missed opportunities.
A heavily rebuilt 1976 Porsche 914 is up for sale in Fort Lauderdale with a GT-wide body kit and a Subaru EJ25 2.5L flat-four swap, delivering about 155 hp and 140 lb-ft—well over the stock engine. It features gray repaint, a removable Targa roof, 16-inch Fuchs-style wheels, a custom interior, braided cooling lines, and a MagnaFlow exhaust. The known fault is weak 4th-gear synchros in the 5-speed transmission (seal/housing already replaced), so buyers should budget for a fix. Florida title included; listing on Bring a Trailer.
Jalopnik highlights seven ultra-luxury ’70s models that were prohibitively expensive when new but are surprisingly affordable used today, with current values roughly: Chrysler New Yorker Brougham about $9,230; Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 around $30,200–$33,900; Bentley T2 about $13,500; Maserati Merak SS about $46,000; Aston Martin Lagonda S2 around $50,000; Stutz Blackhawk about $28,200; Rolls-Royce Camargue about $33,500. The drop in value is driven by maintenance costs, reliability quirks, and polarizing styling, turning iconic ’70s luxury into usable bargains for collectors and enthusiasts.
A Northern California man is reunited with his black 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle after it was stolen from San Mateo County in 1993; California Highway Patrol, with help from the San Mateo Police Department, used a VIN probe to locate the car in Auburn and confirm ownership.
Monterey Car Week could set a new all-time high for classic-car auctions, approaching $500 million according to Hagerty, driven by a surge in modern supercar demand from Millennials and Gen Z. While Boomer-era models lag, Ferraris and other modern icons command top bids, with standout sales like a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR estimated at $35 million and a 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 selling for $26 million, underscoring both record appetite and rising market volatility.
A curated look at 10 ’80s car models that have transformed from affordable daily drivers into hot collectibles, with auction values ranging from about $13k to well over $2 million. Highlights include the rare 1987 Buick GNX and the Porsche 959, whose values showcase how rarity, performance, and pop culture pedestal the era’s cars into multi‑thousand to multi‑million dollar status, while models like the DeLorean DMC‑12 and Ferrari Testarossa remain highly sought after in the collector market.
A 1980 Triumph TR8 convertible, stored untouched since 1990, has resurfaced in Poseidon Green over tan plaid with just under 38,000 miles. Powered by the Rover V8 with a five-speed manual, it’s one of about 2,750 TR8s built and the last Triumph sports car. It isn’t running because the exhaust and front engine accessories were disconnected, but all parts are present, and the car is structurally solid with light surface rust. The one-owner example is for sale in Flemington, New Jersey on eBay for $8,500, and includes original paperwork and service records.
A nostalgic look at six iconic 1970s machines—the Plymouth Superbird, Chevy K5 Blazer, International Harvester Scout II, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, Chevy El Camino SS, and Cadillac Eldorado—arguing that their bold designs, big engines, and cultural impact define the era and deserve a place back on today’s showroom floors, with notes on specs and current collector value.