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The Mercury brand has had its ups and downs from its inception in 1939 to its bitter demise in 2011, but its greatest mark on the automotive world arguably would be the 1949-51 models. As Mercury’s first postwar series, Mercury bodies were shared with Lincoln, but it didn’t suffer from the bloated appearance of most of the upside-down bathtub cars (perhaps Hudson was the other). Plus, the Merc from this era became the quintessential lead sled in the burgeoning hot rod scene.

For all those reasons, this 1951 Mercury Monterey for sale on ClassicCars.com by a Montana broker is the Pick of the Day. (Click the link to view the listing)

1951 Mercury Monterey Custom

If you need another reason, then consider this: this custom Mercury has Gene Winfield’s fingerprints all over it. Says the seller, a cousin of the owner, “This Merc was my cousin Teddy’s pride and joy. His good friend Gene Winfield built it for him. [It even] has its own website: GotItMerc.com”. It’s appeared in magazines like Kustoms Illustrated (twice!), Car Kulture DeLuxe, and Custom Rodder.

1951 Mercury Monterey Custom

Of course, this Mercury has all the usual modifications that make a lead sled Merc what it is, such as chopped roof, channeled and flared body, frenched headlights, custom grille and narrowed bumpers. Power comes from a Joe Reath-built 403 Oldsmobile small-block that is bored, balanced and cammed, with a TH400 automatic putting it all in motion. Frame and suspension are from a 1978 Oldsmobile sans air-bag conversion. Inside, you’ll find conveniences like gray leather interior with blue inlays, AM/FM Secret Sound radio, air conditioning, and power steering and brakes. The icing on the cake is a Winfield fade paint job.

Seller adds, “The car is showing some age on the paint. It had supposedly been sold to a collector but that never really happened, and it took two years to get the car back, and it had not been pampered like it should have.” Car is currently properly stored in Carson City, Nevada with the former owner’s son, the nephew of the seller.

“It was appraised at $180,000 after completion and now is being sold at a fraction of that figure.” That price is $80,000. The Merc has a clear California title and is being represented by the estate of the owner.

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

All treats (well, maybe a few tricks) this weekend with car shows. While we can’t mention every single show happening this weekend, we’ve picked a few to highlight, and are sharing some sites to find shows closer to you, including all those Halloween events. If you are involved in a local show coming up, please feel free to leave a comment about it!

Image courtesy of Gateway Classic Cars

Gateway Classic Cars: Caffeine and Chrome- Truck or Treat
October 29, Nationwide, 21 locations

Gateway Classic Cars offers Caffeine and Chrome on the last Saturday of every month, but the October one is themed for Halloween! You can attend any of the 21 locations this Saturday to participate. View the list of locations here.

The House that Newman/Haas Racing Built- Sotheby’s Auction
October 29, Lincolnshire, IL

This one is for the racing fans. For the first time, the artifacts of Haas’ success are being offered to the public. Featuring over 40 cars and Haas memorabilia, you can own a piece of history. Or, at least, catch a glimpse of it before others buy it.

SEMA 2022
November 1-4, Las Vegas, NV

Image courtesy of SEMA

The 2022 SEMA show begins on Tuesday, so we count that close enough to this weekend for you to prepare. If you haven’t already registered to attend, learn more here. What’s great about SEMA is that it’s the best combination of a car show and a trade show. There will be over 70 education sessions you can attend for free.

Fall 2022 Car Show & Concours d’Lemons
October 29, Texarkana, AR

I’m booking my flight to Texarkana immediately, because this is the first Halloween Concours d’Lemons I’ve come across. Hosted by the Four States Auto Museum, come out to this show and decorate your car for Halloween.

Nothing highlighted from your region? Be sure to check out these resources for all variety of car events, especially those trunk-or-treats:

Hemmings event calendar

CarCruiseFinder.com

Since August, Dodge has announced special “Last Call” models for 2023 before the brand goes EV on us. Now, the Auburn Hills-by-way-of-Highland-Park automotive company has just announced that Dodge has opened up ordering for 2023 Dodge Challenger and Charger Last Call models.

If you visit DodgeGarage.com, you can use the new Dodge Horsepower Locator online tool to find dealers authorized to order your favorite Last Call Dodge. You can search by ZIP code, model, special-edition and trim level. The Dodge Horsepower Locator also tracks dealership allocations (not inventory), which gives you the ability to see all 2023 Dodge Challenger and Charger models still available for ordering from a respective dealership.

“Dodge has been building special-edition muscle cars for the last decade, and we have yet to find an allocation methodology that satisfies everyone. Our new ‘Last Call’ Horsepower Locator isn’t going to satisfy everyone either, but it’s our attempt to take the mystery out of it,” says Dodge brand chief executive officer, Tim Kuniskis. “We’re making the process as transparent as possible, giving enthusiasts the power to search for each 2023 model and trim level allocated to each dealer. Our enthusiasts will have every opportunity to locate the Dodge ‘Last Call’ model they desire.”

So how is that allocation derived? The top 500 dealerships in Challenger and Charger sales qualify, with the top 200 dealers receiving 12 of the special-edition models, the top 201-300 receiving 10 and the top 301-500 receiving six.

In case you have forgotten which 2023 Last Call Dodges have been announced thus far, here’s a list:

The new Dodge Horsepower Locator, available at DodgeGarage.com, allows enthusiasts to easily search all Dodge dealerships by zip code, model, special-edition model and trim level for 2023 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicle order availability.

The seventh and final Last Call model, which was slated to be announced at the SEMA show next week, will instead be announced at a later date. Supply chain issues? Don’t want to disrupt the upcoming election? We can only speculate.

When you order from a dealer with the specified allocation, your Last Call order will be confirmed within 30 days via email, followed by updates to keep you abreast of your car’s production status.

Additionally, Dodge will be expanding the reach of its SRT Jailbreak models, with all 2023 Challenger and Charger SRT models (save Last Call special-editions and Super Stock) being designated Jailbreak models. This includes SRT Hellcats, meaning interested parties can built their own quasi-bespoke SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye Challengers and Chargers. Previously, only Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebodies were the sole Jailbreak models.

The new Dodge Horsepower Locator, available at DodgeGarage.com, allows enthusiasts to easily search all Dodge dealerships by zip code, model, special-edition model and trim level for 2023 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicle order availability.

And, in even more news, Dodge will be bringing back three “heritage” colors that include B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple and Sublime green, plus the more modern Destroyer Grey.

All this got ya excited? Then let’s hope you can afford your favorite because this is gonna get pricey! Keep in mind that the below prices are simply MSRPs and do not include $1,595 in destination and fees.

This 1932 Ford custom roadster was professionally built from the ground-up to show-quality standards. Previously owned by Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage, the all-steel Ford is finished in Plum Crazy Purple metallic, laser-straight and fully sanded and buffed to a mirror finish, with pinstripes laid out by Daniel Gay. The fully boxed chassis is as nicely detailed as the body, featuring a chrome dropped front axle with Vega steering box and chromed hairpins. The rear is a Currie nine-inch differential with chrome ladder bars. Hydraulic brakes with period-correct Buick finned front drums and custom Wilson backing plates handle stopping chores.

Power comes from an HC-code 327ci small-block topped with six Stromberg carburetors on an Offenhauser intake, plus custom Rams Horn exhausts with functional cutouts, all backed by a Muncie four-speed transmission. The two-tone black and white tuck and roll interior, inspired by the Tom McMullen roadster, features a “glide” adjustable front seat. Another interior highlight is the Mooneyes engine-turned Auburn-style dash panel. All this rolls on chrome Smoothie Mercury rims with Firestone wide whitewall tires.

Check out Jeff’s latest 4K video and many others at AutoHunter’s YouTube channel.

Hennessey confirmed production of its new Venom 1200 Mustang GT500. The Venom 1200 Mustang GT 500 is based on the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, but Hennessey increased the horsepower to 1,204.

Hennessey Venom 1200 Mustang GT500 (Image courtesy of Hennessey Performance)

“The stock Shelby GT500 is an extraordinary muscle car, but we take it to the nth degree with our Venom 1200,” said John Hennessey, company founder, and CEO. “Our engineers were able to coax more than 400 additional horsepower out of the engine, which takes performance to supercar levels. Only a handful of vehicles in the world offer this level of power… especially at this price point.”  

The latest Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 features a hand-built supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with a factory-rated 760 bhp and 625 lb-ft of torque. Stout numbers by any measurement of performance, but the Hennessey Performance squad turned the volume up to 11 with numerous upgrades including:

  • Higher capacity 3.8-liter supercharger,
  • High-flow induction system
  • New fuel rails and injectors, and an air/oil separation system
  • Fittings, lines, belts, and tensioners are upgraded,
  • The vehicle is calibrated on Hennessey’s in-house dynamometer
  • The dual-clutch transmission is recalibrated for its high-output role.

The final tally for the Venom 1200 is 1,204 bhp and 902 lb-ft of torque, a 58% increase in horsepower over the stock Shelby GT500.

Hennessey Venom 1200 Mustang GT500 (Image courtesy of Hennessey Performance)

Of course, higher performance from a stout sports car is not free. Hennessey is going to produce 66 Venom 1200s and for those inclined to buy one you can add $59,950 to the price of a base Ford Shelby GT500, but you get a comprehensive 1-year / 12,000-mile warranty.

Hennessey Venom 1200 Mustang GT500 (Image courtesy of Hennessey Performance)

Unique exterior badging and a special serial-numbered plaque help differentiate the Venom 1200 from the GT500. Consumers have the choice of adding the optional 1966 24 Hours of Daytona Ford Mark II GT40 red, white, and black livery for $4,950.

Specifications: Hennessey Venom 1200 Mustang GT500

Supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with a factory-rated 1,204 horsepower (Image courtesy of Hennessey Performance)

Audi will team up with Sauber for an entry in the Formula 1 World Championship in 2026 and beyond, the automaker announced on Wednesday.

Sauber currently competes in F1 as Alfa Romeo, but Alfa Romeo in August announced the arrangement would end after the 2023 season. Alfa Romeo hasn’t said whether it is quitting F1 altogether, though.

Alfa Romeo made the announcement shortly after Audi announced its intention to compete in F1, leaving little doubt as to Audi’s plans.

Audi’s deal with Sauber will be much more substantial than the title sponsorship and technical partnership arrangement of Alfa Romeo. Sauber will become the official Audi factory team, and run a power unit supplied by Audi. Audi will also buy a stake in Sauber.

Adam Baker

The power unit is being developed to meet new sustainability-focused regulations to be introduced in 2026, with the development work taking place at an Audi Sport facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany. Overseeing the development is Adam Baker, who has served as an FIA safety director in recent years and previously worked with Cosworth when it produced F1 power units, as well as with Sauber when it competed in F1 with BMW in the 2000s.

Sauber will be responsible for the development and production of Audi’s F1 car, at its base in Hinwil, Switzerland. Sauber will also be responsible for planning and executing the race operations. The team has competed in F1 for decades, though it has managed just one win in 462 starts.

Fellow Volkswagen Group brand Porsche is also keen to enter F1 with its own power unit and possibly a factory team. Porsche was in negotiations with Red Bull Racing, though the talks ended in September without a deal being brokered. The FIA last week confirmed that Porsche is still in talks with other F1 teams.

F1’s power units under the new regulations will stick to the current turbo 1.6-liter V-6 hybrid format, though they will have to run on 100% sustainable fuel and feature increased power from the electric side. Audi plans to start to testing its power unit on a racetrack in 2025.

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

Would you like to see your vehicle pictured in the 2024 Old Cars Reader Rides collector calendar? Submit your car pics to us and you might be one of the lucky few to get your ride on our calendar. Plus get 10 FREE calendars to share with your buddies if your ride is chosen for the calendar!

Our typical submission pile will be reduced to 13 finalists. Various criteria are used in eliminating images not used. Often these involve avoiding duplication of marque, model, color or era and have nothing to do with the quality or composition of the images presented. The following are “do’s and don’ts” to help you prepare a winning submission:

  1. We can only use high-quality, color digital submissions of collector vehicles from every era of manufacture through 1990. Please note that snapshots, photocopies, drawings, paintings, or any media other than high resolution digital images cannot be considered due to quality issues. Also, do not submit a camera shot made from a physical photograph; the resulting image will be too distorted when enlarged to calendar page size.
  2. In making the selections, emphasis will be placed on vehicles of American manufacture, but outstanding examples of widely collected imported marques will also be considered.
  3. Each submission should depict a single, completely stock, unmodified from factory original vehicle (no shots with multiple vehicles) with no visible objects mounted on the dashboard or suspended from the rearview mirror, and should contain no people, pets, trophies or window stickers.
  4. Each vehicle should be photographed against a pleasant and appropriate, non-distracting background.

Tips of what NOT to do with taking photos.

Cover of the Old Cars Reader Rides 2023 calendar

We ask that you indicate whether or not you are willing to allow us to make our own copies to keep on file for other than calendar use. Such uses might include book and periodical covers, color plates, catalogs, show posters, newsletters and promotional materials, among others.

Owners of the vehicles depicted in the calendar will be identified, and each will receive a free copy of the 2024 calendar. Each submission should be accompanied by the name(s), address, and phone number of the owner(s), as well as the year, marque, model and body type of the vehicle depicted. To be considered, all submissions must be received in our office by May 22, 2023.

Digital Submission Requirements

The images should be 300 dpi (about 3 MB or larger) and saved as a jpg, tiff or raw image. The image should be as large as possible — at least the width of the calendar (approx. 12″). The image can be 72 dpi (which is a primary default), but at that resolution it has to be very big. Once converted to 300 dpi, a 72-dpi image will be one-quarter the size submitted. Example: If the image at 72 dpi is 12 inches wide, and is converted up to 300 dpi, the photo will be 3 inches wide and too small to use.

Digital submissions can be made via e-mail (oldcars@aimmedia.com) or sent on Flash drive. All digital submissions must have the year/make/model and owner’s name in its subject line to be considered for publication.

Send physical submissions to:
Old Cars
2023 Reader Rides Calendar
5225 Joerns Drive
Suite 2
Stevens Point, WI 54481

or email Digital submissions to:
oldcars@aimmedia.com
Remember to include your name, contact information and a brief description of your car.

Have you ever wondered what your classic ride is worth? Old Cars has you covered with the Old Cars Report Price Guide. We are your source for unbiased and real-world pricing. Subscribe today and find out what your car is really worth! CLICK HERE to subscribe.

Barrett-Jackson is embracing the next generation of car lovers as it will welcome the Future Car Show to its 2023 Scottsdale Auction on January 22, 2023.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. ‒ October 26, 2022Barrett-Jackson announced that the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) will be a part of the auction company’s flagship Scottsdale Auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale for the first time on January 22, 2023. This one-day event, held on the Polo Field at WestWorld, will be a part of all the exciting action that Barrett-Jackson will bring to collector car enthusiasts this January during its entire nine-day event, January 21-29. FCCS is a family-friendly, concours-style event featuring vehicles that best represent the future of the collector car hobby, with the goal of celebrating the cars we love today and the future collectibles of tomorrow.

“Barrett-Jackson has long been a pioneer in the industry, championing its growth by creating family-friendly events for multiple generations to come together and enjoy this hobby with one another,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We are excited to bring the Future Collector Car Show to our iconic Scottsdale Auction and continue to engage the next generation of enthusiasts for years to come.”

At FCCS, spectators will enjoy a variety of vehicles ranging from highly modified custom builds to original and perfectly preserved rides, effectively creating an experience where generations of vehicle owners can find common ground in their love of future collectibles.

Continuing the blend of automotive culture and the world of fashion, FCCS at Barrett-Jackson will also feature an immersive and competitive fashion show produced by Luxe & City, awarding the winning stylist a cash prize. FCCS will also include additional elements, such as exhibitor displays and VIP offerings.

Prior to FCCS on January 22, concours-level judges will hand-pick the top cars for each category from the applications submitted. The target year range for featured vehicles is 1980 to present-day, with exceptions for vehicles that have seen recent increases in collectibility. The FCCS team will be looking for quality vehicles, highly modified enthusiast builds, rare or low-production number cars and unique or uncommon vehicles. Every vehicle entered in the show qualifies for the coveted Best of Show trophy, with other award categories that include a People’s Choice award selected by spectators on-site.

The entire selection of awards include:

  • Best of Show
  • Best Preserved
  • Best Restored
  • Best Period-Correct Modifications
  • Best Purpose-Build Performance
  • Visionary Award
  • Elegance of Heritage
  • Best Electro-Mod
  • Rookie of the Year
  • People’s Choice

Best of Show winners in past years include a 1993 Mazda RX-7, a 2004 modified Subaru WRX STi and a 1998 Toyota Supra.

“At Barrett-Jackson, we continue to elevate the auction experience throughout all of our annual events,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “I’m particularly excited about bringing FCCS on board as part of our Scottsdale Auction because it further exemplifies our commitment and dedication to the collector car hobby, while ensuring its growth and popularity amongst the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.”

Hundreds of future collector cars will be a part of FCCS. Participation to display a vehicle at the event is by application only, and the deadline to apply is December 12, 2022. Admission to FCCS will provide access to the entire Barrett-Jackson event on Sunday, January 22, including access to auction cars on display, the vast Exhibitor Marketplace, sponsor displays, and Hot Laps and Thrill Rides on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track. Visit FCCS.Barrett-Jackson.com for additional information on how to enter your vehicle, award categories, tickets and more.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson is a leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of private collections. Welcoming over 500,000 attendees per year, Barrett-Jackson produces live collector car auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Houston, Texas, where thousands of the most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience. With broadcast partner A+E Networks, Barrett-Jackson features live television coverage of its events on FYI and The HISTORY Channel, as well as all the cars, all the time via its produced livestream on Barrett-Jackson.com. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com, or call 480-421-6694.

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In 2023 the Annual Chip’s Choice Showcase welcomes Corvettes that have raced the famed French Circuit.

Chips 1960 Corvette Le-Mans Cunningham Number 3

Carlisle Events

CARLISLE, PA – The famed 24 Hours of Le Mans race takes center stage in France each year in June. The race dates back to 1923 and while it hasn’t offered 100 races for various reasons, it will still celebrate 100 years of its first race in 2023. As a nod to its rich and storied history, Corvettes at Carlisle presented by eBay Motors will celebrate 100 years too, not with wheels in motion, but with cars on display.

The 2023 showcase of all things Corvette takes place August 24-26 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. As part of the annual Chip’s Choice display (located in Building T), Corvettes at Carlisle will honor 100 years of Le Mans with a display that includes upwards of a dozen cars that competed on the famed 13.626 km (8.467 mile) long track. While many of the display cars are still unknown, one is a car very familiar to Corvettes at Carlisle fans; the famed #3 Cunningham Corvette.  This car, which took first in its class in 1960, is now owned by Irwin Kroiz and returns to Carlisle for the first time since 2021.

Chip’s Choice is an annual feature at Corvettes at Carlisle that carries a specific theme each year. The display is presented in memory of and in tribute to Chip Miller, co-founder of Carlisle Events and National Corvette Museum Hall of Famer. Chip began the tradition of ‘Chip’s Choice” in 1990 and every year since, the display aims to embody the best-of-the-best within the Corvette hobby. Since his passing in 2005, Chip’s son Lance continues the themed tradition the display and plays a key role in the selection of its display cars.

Corvettes at Carlisle is the last specialty car show offered by Carlisle Events in 2023.  The gathering of America’s Sports Car brings enthusiasts together from around the world showcasing every generation of Corvette ever produced. In 2022, a new Fun Field record was established and between the show cars and those who simply parked on grounds, the event welcomes over 5,000 Corvettes. Fun Field registration is now open, with a 10% discount in place through July 10. In addition, vendor opportunities are available for those looking to sell Corvette merchandise, parts, etc. Finally, for those looking to attend as a spectator or parts buyer, admission tickets are available at a discount online, plus kids 12 and under are admitted FREE. 

Learn more about Corvettes at Carlisle online at CarlisleEvents.com or call 717-243-7855 today.

Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of over a dozen annual collector car/truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA), and the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (Lakeland, FL). The season schedule includes four automotive flea markets of varying size, four auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, and imports. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

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At a recent auction held by Donley Auction services the 1904 Chicago license plate bearing the number 1 sold for $34,000.

1904 Chicago license plate bearing the number 1 sold for $34,000 at the Donley Auction Services sale held on Aug. 28, 2022.

Donley Auction Services

A 1904 Chicago license plate bearing the number 1 sold for $34,000 on Aug. 28, pummeling its pre-sale estimate of $2,000-$4,000. The rare license plate was offered in a sale organized by Donley Auction Services.

The 1904 license plate predated Illinois state license plates and hailed from the first year that the City of Chicago issued a metal license plate. In 1901, Chicago began issuing badges to motorists, and in 1903, it began issuing numbers that motor vehicle owners were to mount to leather or wood themselves, then place on their horseless carriage. In 1904, Chicago began stamping license plates, a short-lived practice that ended in 1907 when the state of Illinois began issuing license plates.

The 1904 plate No. 1 was originally issued to Arthur J. Eddy, a lawyer and early motor car enthusiast in Chicago. He had previously received Chicago license No. 1 in 1900, the city’s very first license, according to the auction company, and helped found the Chicago Auto Show in 1901. In 1902, Eddy became a founding member of the Chicago Motor Club, which would become the AAA Motor Club.

The 1904 No. 1 aluminum license plate measures 6-7/8 inches by 11-7/8 inches and had previously been in the famous Lee Hartung Collection, which RM Auctions dispersed in 2011.

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