November 2022

The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (“MCACN” to those in-the-know) just wrapped up its annual event in Chicago, and the folks who put it on killed it once again … what? You don’t know about this event and the inherent goodness of efforts involved? Read on!

MCACN was one of those events that you could have caught in magazines the same way I did. I told myself, “This looks cool — I’m gonna go next year.” And then, once you go through the doors and see that neon sign and the cars on the floor, you soil yourself. It’s simply flabbergasting the number of cars that wow you, and then you think, “How are they going to top it next year?” And then when you visit the next year, you are overcome with the same feeling of wonderment and glee because the folks that work behind the scenes have put on another show that rates an 11 on a scale of 1-10 (a la “Spinal Tap”). It’s simply unbelievable, time and time again, a spectacular one-two punch along with Thanksgiving.

If you caught the ClassicCars.com Journal preview of MCACN, you can see what was planned. In the ensuing days, we will publish a serial of the different displays but, for now, consider this an introduction that shows the variety of cars that were in attendance, such as this 1967 Pontiac GTO that was one of the giveaway vehicles in a Thom McAn contest.

This 1960 Corvette is known as the Cunningham Corvette. Briggs Cunningham wanted to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in an American car with American drivers, so be brought a team of three Corvettes to do just that. All three featured the same options, all curated by Zora Arkus-Duntov, Chevrolet engineer and Corvette godfather. The #3 car was driven by John Fitch and Bob Grossman, and it crossed the finish line first in its class and eighth overall. This marked the first time a Corvette achieved that distinction.

Believe it or not, when you ordered the Stage 1 engine for the 1970 Buick GS 455, the standard transmission was a three-speed manual. Sixteen hardtops and two convertibles were built in this configuration, and two of them were at MCACN.

You think that’s nifty? Then check out this 1966 Pontiac GTO, which was originally built in its standard configuration — that means it’s a three-on-the-tree. Betcha never seen one of those!

Here are two 1970 Mustang SportsRoofs, Fordspeak for “fastback.” Notice neither are Mach Is. Both were built with the R-code 428 Cobra Jet with ram air, so here you have two of 496 built. Both also have the Drag Pack, so 170 of the 496 were like these.

Garner Customs & Restorations had a display showing their wares, including this 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W30 convertible that was originally painted in Chrysler’s Plum Crazy. Special-order colors are rare, but when it’s another brand’s, it’s a new twist. Dig the 1970 Rallye 350 too.

In a similar vein is this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner — it was produced in a special-order color. Often known as Corporate Blue, it’s fondly referred to as “Petty Blue.” A handful of these have been found over the years, but they all have been special-order vehicles.

Remember that Superbird that was tossed around by Hurricane Ian in Florida? Well, it was at MCACN. Seems a collector bought it and its Daytona sister, then the new owner called Magnum Auto Restoration to see if they could bring the bird up to spec. As luck would have it, an associate had just dropped off a vehicle and had an empty trailer, so the Superbird was taken to its new home in one fell swoop.

Here are two 1971 Hemi Dodges: Challenger R/T and Charger R/T. That year, the Challenger received a mild facelift with new striping, while the Charger was all-new. Mopar expert Scott Smith told me this Charger is one of the best originals he has ever seen. Note the rubber bumpers, a rare option that was only available in a limited number of colors.

“Supercars” is the name often referred to dealer-prepped vehicles. The 1969 Camaro on the left is a Dick Harrell Camaro, which doesn’t have as high visibility as, say, a Yenko, but Dick Harrell was helping Yenko and others so he could be seen as the Big Kahuna of Supercars. Next to it is a 1969 Yenko Nova, one of 37 built.

This 1969 Chevrolet Malibu doesn’t look special compared to a lot of other cars at MCACN, but it features a 300-horsepower 350 backed by a four-speed manual, making it a nice performance car incognito. Note the silver trim, which was a part of the Malibu series.

Mike Mancini’s American Muscle Car Restoration always has a lift in their display to tout its talents, especially when being judged (an option for MCACN participants). Here he and his team had a 1968 Plymouth GTX 440 four-speed convertible, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona and 1970 Challenger R/T 440 Six Pack, but don’t think they just do Mopars — several years ago, they featured an award-winning Olds 4-4-2 W30.

The holy grail among muscle cars are Hemi E-body convertibles. This 1970 Hemi’Cuda convertible hasn’t been seen in years, but a new owner dusted it up and brought it to MCACN. Note that it’s a triple black car with great options like Elastomeric front bumper.

Speaking of black Hemi’Cudas, there was one in Ryan Brutt’s Barn Finds & Hidden Gems display. You can count on complete coverage of all these rough diamonds in a future story.

Even Auto World was on hand to help enthusiasts feed another part of their hobby.

These are but a selection of cars at MCACN. Stay tuned for features on each of the displays but, for now, check out a few more vehicles in the below gallery.

The Porsche 912 is being revived and upgraded by a new automotive company from Budapest. That was an odd sentence to write, but KAMM Manufaktur is taking original Porsche 912s and giving them the restomod treatment, and the results are legit. KAMM’s 912c maintains the lines and grace of the 912 but modernizes most aspects of the car. Founded by Miklós Kázmér, KAMM focuses solely on the 912, with the first details of the 912c released on September 8th of this year.

“I have worked on my vision of the perfect 912 for many years, creating a world-class team of engineers and experts to help make my dream a reality,” says Kázmér.

Porsche developed the 912 as an entry-level version to the 911 and produced it from 1965 to 1969. The 912 was lighter than its 911 sibling, 2,127 lbs. vs. 2,376 lbs., and with KAMM’s 912c, that weight is reduced to 1,653 lbs. with a steady diet of new components including carbon fiber.

“Steel is replaced with carbon, seamlessly blended without trace, ensuring flawless fit and finish,” per the company’s website. “KAMM engineers enhance the chassis, brakes suspension, wheels and tyres and replace all original elements with brand new, factory parts including lights, fixings and rubbers.”

The 912 was originally powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four engine that produced 90 hp at 5,800 rpm. For the 912c, KAMM partnered with JPS to develop a 2.0-liter flat-four JPS air-cooled 616 engine that produces a factory-rated 170 hp.

Now the bad news: the 912c is priced at $384,000, though you can provide a 912 donor if you’re so inclined. Full production starts in 2023, and the first 912c sold is now in production for 2023 delivery in the United States.

Specifications:

Body:

• Carbon fibre
• Fully restored and reinforced
• Lexan windows
• Total weight: 750 kg

Suspension:

• KAMM Front custom coilovers
• Rear adjustable arms
• Adjustable front and rear sway bars
• Adjustable front and rear dampers

Interior:

• KAMM carbon fiber seats
• Electric Air-Conditioning
• Lightweight carpeting
• Carbon fibre interior trim
• Tilton pedalbox

Engine:

• 912 2.0 litre, JPS Aircooled 616 engine
• 170 HP
• Fast road tune
• High-compression 10.5
• Rev limit 7200RPM
• KAMM carbon Carrera cooling
• Weber 44IDF carburetor
• 123ignition
• KAMM stainless steel exhaust system

Gearbox:

• 901/2 5-speed (dogleg)
• ZF LSD Differential  
• Porsche aluminium, hydraulic, racing clutch
• KAMM gearshift lever, linkage

Brakes:

• Front – Porsche 964
• Rear – Brembo aluminum
• Ventilated front and rear discs
• Hydraulic handbrake

Wheels:

• Centre-lock 3-piece wheels
• Yokohama AD08RS tyres

Rumors of a new “Bullitt” movie in the works are picking up steam with a report claiming Bradley Cooper has been picked for the titular role of Frank Bullitt.

Citing anonymous sources, Deadline reported last week that Cooper has signed a deal to play the role made famous by Steve McQueen in the original 1968 movie. Cooper was picked by Steven Spielberg, mooted as the movie’s producer.

Cooper is famous for the “Hangover” series of comedies, as well as 2018’s “A Star Is Born,” a movie that he produced, wrote, directed, and also starred in alongside Lady Gaga. He will reportedly also serve as a producer of the new “Bullitt” movie. Deadline said Cooper and Spielberg talked about the project for years.

The movie isn’t expected to be a remake but a new story based on the character of Frank Bullitt, a tough San Francisco cop who in the original chased a mob kingpin that killed a key witness. Josh Singer, who previously worked with Spielberg on 2017’s “The Post,” was previously reported to be penning the script.

There’s no word on whether the movie will have a new dramatic car chase like the original through the streets of San Francisco between a bad guy in a Dodge Charger R/T and McQueen in a Ford Mustang GT painted the now famous Highland Green. That original car was sold in 2020 for $3.4 million at auction.

Spielberg definitely knows how to film a tense chase. His first major movie, 1971’s “Duel,” was basically one giant chase, and hopefully he can recreate some of the tension of that movie for a chase in the new “Bullitt” movie.

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

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1966 Ford Thunderbird.

“This Thunderbird was reportedly owned long-term by the prior owner and is coated in metallic silver with a white landau roof,” the listing states. “The body is accented with chrome brightwork and features quad headlights, rear fender skirts, sequential rear turn signals, and dual exhaust outlets.”

It rides on a set of wire wheels with knock-off-style center caps and whitewall tires.

This 1966 Ford Thunderbird has gray front bucket seats and rear dual seats. It features power windows, a power driver’s seat, and a newer radio with a trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 54K miles, which the selling dealer believes to be this Thunderbird’s actual mileage, but the true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

Under the hood is a 390ci V8 engine paired with a column-shifted three-speed automatic transmission. This Thunderbird is rear-wheel drive.

The sale includes a clear Arkansas title, and shop manuals.

This 1966 Ford Thunderbird’s auction ends on Monday, November 28, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

A detail-oriented restoration can sometimes take years to complete, and most seasoned classic car experts would probably agree: Taking your time is much better than cutting corners.

The Pick of the Day is a 1949 Dodge Wayfarer listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Grantsville, Utah.

“This beautiful 1949 Dodge Wayfarer just underwent a complete, sympathetic, body-off restoration,” the listing begins. “It is completely stock and almost 100% original.”

The seller has provided a Google Drive link with many photos that were taken before and during the restoration process. From the gallery, we can glean that the car was garage-kept long-term with Wyoming license plates that expired in 1980. Its original green paint was redone in a similar color with a metallic flake, and the car received a period-correct set of wide whitewall tires to complement the look. The seller states that the frame and suspension were treated for rust prevention while the car was under construction. The cloth upholstery on the bench seats is reportedly original.

The Wayfarer, also known as the D-29 Series, debuted in 1949 as part of the Dodge model lineup in three different two-door variants: sedan, business coupe, and roadster. The latter was offered with available removable side windows. The Wayfarer was relatively simple in its engineering, retaining features like vacuum-powered windshield wipers and a single exterior lock on the passenger door.

Power under the hood comes from a rebuilt one-barrel L-head 230cid inline-six that received mechanical work including a new radiator, battery, wiring, hoses, and seals as part of the refurbishment. The transmission is a column-shifted, three-speed manual “fluid drive” unit.

In an interesting production decision, Dodge kept 1952 Wayfarers identical to 1951 models and did not even split out the sales numbers between years. The name was discontinued after 1952, and the Dodge Meadowbrook took the reins as the full-size entry-level offering from the brand.

Regarding this first-year Wayfarer, the seller concludes: “It runs and drives well, and cruising in it is like taking a trip back in time. It has been a four-year labor of love to restore this wonderful car. I hope that it ends up with someone who can truly enjoy it!”

The seller is asking $18,000 or best offer for this lovingly restored Wayfarer.

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

Peugeot never imported the 1980s 205 GTI to the U.S., but the hot hatch rivals (if not exceeds) the love that we have given to the Volkswagen Rabbit GTi. Several have been imported here as antiques, so there certainly is 205 love in America, but it’s a subtle immigrant amongst the popular JDM cult and pricey exotics. Will the Tolman Edition 205 GTI change that?

Much like Singer, the company reimagines old Porsche 911s into bespoke restomods with contemporary performance, Tolman Engineering has reimagined the classic Peugeot 205 GTI with performance, reliability and convenience for modern enjoyment — even as a daily driver.

Unless you’re in the British Isles, perhaps you haven’t heard of Tolman Engineering. Christopher Tolman founded the company in 2007 after 12 years of working in motorsport, including assembling British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and World Rally Championship (WRC) engines. Over the years, the company has expanded beyond Tolman Engineering to include Tolman Motorsport and Tolman Historic. Drawing on the company’s experience in these facets, including parts it has engineered and manufactured, Tolman Edition has created a 205 GTI that will handle the demands of today’s enthusiast while satisfying the purist, as the build involves “non-invasive enhancements” that allow the 205 GTI to be returned to stock.

“The overriding impression from those experiencing our development car was the emotions it invoked. Drivers stepped out of the car grinning, having rekindled that feeling that’s so hard to find when driving today’s sports cars on the road,” says Chris Tolman. “Back in the 80s and 90s, for me and I’m sure many others, 205 GTIs were a first taste in performance cars; something rewarding, responsive and engaging.”

Last year, Tolman Engineering built its first 205 GTI 1600cc development car to gauge the possibility and public interest. Its success has led to the development of the Tolman Edition that we have presented here. It is a starting point where customers can “add optional performance or convenience elements based upon how they want to enjoy the car.” Tolman starts with a bare shell, applies the latest in anti-corrosion, stone chip and ceramic coating protections, and then goes through 700 man-hours to incorporate the performance and convenience features that make this 205 GTI a more adroit iteration of the 1980s classic. Customers can choose 1600 or 1900cc variants, with both receiving ported cylinder heads, the latter featuring 16V heads and a special billet cam cover to achieve over 200 horsepower. Other upgrades include shift rods and bushes, Motec ECU with fly-by-wire throttle, Tolman-developed stainless-steel exhaust (while maintaining the factory look), optional Quaife ATB differential, 15-inch Michelin Youngtimer PE2 tires and LED lighting.

For the chassis, Tolman-tuned Bilstein dampers work in tandem with adjustable bottom arms and Tolman-developed anti-roll bar. Optional AP Racing calipers and ATEC CNC-formed stainless lines “provide fade-free performance and a consistent pedal feel.” Power steering is standard.

Inside, an optional Motec LCD anti-reflective dashboard display replicates the original analog gauge cluster while providing additional data like contemporary vehicles. Additional upgrades include retrimmed seats, new carpets, Alcantara steering wheel, power windows, Blaupunkt stereo with subwoofer, Bluetooth and digital audio broadcasting.

Adds Tolman, “We wanted to recreate that feeling of being at one with the road, a car you can just jump in and simply enjoy driving hard. Current hot hatches surpass these cars in so many areas but despite having loads of power and incredible dynamics, they fail to rekindle that emotional involvement that made us feel special with the 205.”

Prices start at £55,000 (approximately $65,000), which also includes local delivery, 12 months parts and labor, and 12 months service and inspection at Tolman Engineering. No word if Yanks will be able to experience the charms of Tolman Engineering but, if you enjoy roller skates, an inquiry is in order. Plus, if your tastes run in other directions, Tolman Engineering plans more Tolman Edition cars from the 1980-90s, the first which will be revealed by the end of 2022.