Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1968 Pontiac GTO two-door hardtop. Like all GTOs of this vintage, it is powered by a 400cid V8 backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include power steering and brakes, air conditioning, hood-mounted tachometer, and hideaway headlights. Finished in Solar Red with black Cordova vinyl top over a black vinyl interior, this 1968 GTO comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.
With carry-over engines and an all-new body, the GTO was a bit of old, a bit of new. The 400 was introduced the year before, but the standard engine received a bump to 350 horsepower and the optional step-down 400 two-barrel received a nudge to 265 horses. The optional 400 HO and 400 Ram Air continued to be rated at 360 horsepower, with a mid-year Ram Air II being rated at 366 horses. New was the availability of hidden headlights, though most notable was the plastic Endura nose, which pioneered monochromatic styling. For those who found the look too jarring, an Endura delete option (using the Tempest/LeMans’ chrome bumper) was available, though concealed headlights could not be ordered with it.
The exterior is finished in the factory color of Solar Red (code R). Options include hideaway headlights, hood-mounted tachometer, black Cordova vinyl top, and fender-mounted antenna for the radio.
A set of 14-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels is wrapped in Firestone Polyglas redline tires.
The interior is upholstered in black vinyl. Features include notch back front seat with center armrest, column-mounted automatic transmission shifter, power steering, and air conditioning.
The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer, Rally clock, and fuel gauge, plus simulated woodgrain trim. The odometer reads 19,855 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.
Power is provided by the reportedly numbers-matching 400/350 backed by a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. Engine bay features include chrome valve covers, aluminum intake, and a chrome air cleaner.
This GTO was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and solid rear-drive axle with rear sway bar. Braking is provided by four-wheel power drum brakes.
The auction for this 1968 Pontiac GTO two-door hardtop ends on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. (PDT)
The Salon Privé London Show 2023 set the stage for a dazzling display of automotive excellence, attracting car enthusiasts and industry experts from around the globe. This prestigious event has become synonymous with luxury, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Get an inside look at some of the best cars on display in this video from our YouTube Channel.
Let’s delve into the captivating highlights of the Salon Privé London Show 2023, featuring new car releases, thought-provoking car talks, and the unveiling of exquisite automotive gems that left attendees in awe.
Unveiling of Future Icons
At the heart of the show were the jaw-dropping unveilings of future automotive icons. World-renowned manufacturers and boutique automakers alike gathered to showcase their latest creations, each vying for the spotlight. From sleek supercars to luxurious grand tourers, the event became a melting pot of innovation, design, and engineering prowess.
Electric Revolution in Full Swing
The 2023 edition of the Salon Privé London Show saw a remarkable shift towards electric mobility. Prominent automakers unveiled their latest electric models, highlighting the strides being made in the realm of sustainable driving. From zero-emission hypercars boasting record-breaking performance to elegant electric sedans redefining luxury, the electric revolution was on full display, capturing the imagination of attendees.
Celebration of British Marques
As a tribute to the rich automotive heritage of the United Kingdom, this year’s show celebrated British marques in all their glory. Legendary brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce showcased their latest offerings, paying homage to their roots while embracing innovation. These British icons represented the pinnacle of craftsmanship, design, and exclusivity, captivating both enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Interactive Car Talks
Beyond the glimmering displays, the show offered thought-provoking car talks featuring industry leaders, designers, and automotive visionaries. Engaging discussions on topics ranging from sustainable mobility to autonomous driving sparked conversations that reverberated through the automotive world. Attendees gained valuable insights into the future of the industry and the innovations that will shape the cars of tomorrow.
Exceptional Concours d’Elegance
The Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance, a timeless tradition, was a highlight of the event. A showcase of automotive beauty and history, the concours featured an exquisite selection of classic cars, each vying for recognition and acclaim. Meticulously restored vintage masterpieces graced the lawns, drawing admiration and applause from visitors and judges alike.
Exclusive Hypercar Unveilings
For the adrenaline-seeking enthusiasts, the Salon Privé London Show 2023 offered exclusive hypercar unveilings. Spectacular and exclusive, these hypercars represented the epitome of performance, technology, and design. With limited production numbers and astronomical price tags, these automotive gems were coveted by collectors and thrill-seekers alike.
As a highly satisfied attendee, the Salon Privé Show 2023 London was yet again an enchanting spectacle that celebrated the very essence of the automotive industry. From groundbreaking electric models leading the charge towards sustainable driving to classic cars restored to their former glory, the event showcased the evolution of automotive engineering and design. It was a testament to the enduring allure of the automobile and the unwavering passion of those shaping the future of automobiles.
As the event came to a close, visitors left with memories of stunning unveilings, inspiring discussions, and the sense of belonging to a vibrant community of car enthusiasts. Salon Privé London 2023 once again reaffirmed its position as one of the most prestigious and influential automotive events in the world, leaving a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to experience its magic.
That’s all for now. More posts and videos coming soon here and on YouTube, so make sure that you are subscribed to our newsletter and following us on our social media channels to keep up to date with news, reviews, videos, our legendary competitions, and more.
The NSU Lambretta was an iconic Italian scooter of the 1950 but built by the Germans. It started much like the original Italian, exuding the essence of la dolce vita, but underwent constant innovation during its production years between 1950 and 1956. Initially, the Lambretta was not an original creation of NSU; instead, it was […]
Many of the roars from the ‘roaring 1920s’ came from the back of a Bentley 3 Litre. It’s a machine affiliated with flapping skirts, jazz, and daredevil aviation pioneers. Its very name conjures up thoughts of the brash and carefree spirit of the inter-war years. With good reason, too – these cars were exceptionally famous in period and remain so today. They dominated motorsport in their heyday with outright wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1924 and again in 1927, among their crowning achievements.
That second win is perhaps the most famous. After the pair of leading works Bentley 4 1/2 Litre cars were wiped out in a big crash, the following 3 Litre referred to as ‘Old Number 7’ got off with lighter, yet still significant, damage. It took the lead and was nursed to the end of the race. Later, battle-scarred and bent Old 7 was rolled into the Savoy Hotel dining room during its own victory dinner. That’s something Bentley would pay homage to at a similar event in 2003, with its new Speed 8 the guest of honour.
I saw and pictured this singular 3 Litre at the Concours of Elegance in 2020. It may not have been a Le Mans winner, but it’s still a special factory model built to celebrate Bentley‘s success at the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. It’s also an extremely rare survivor, retaining many of its original bodywork (Vanden Plas), frame and mechanical components. It left WO Bentley’s works in Cricklewood, North London in September 1926 as a Red Label ‘Speed’ chassis. Speed models sit on a cut-down frame with a 9ft 9 1/2-inch wheelbase and are powered by a high-compression engine, driving the rear wheels through a close-ratio A-type transmission.
Registered YR 509 in London, its first owner Eric Loder soon took it touring in the South of France, where it was photographed in Cannes for an article in The Autocar. It was originally finished in silver over maroon, and was repainted in green in the mid-1930s. Having survived the war unscathed, it was bought in the 1950s by well-known Bentley enthusiast Phillip Mann, who used the car to take its current owner to school. The car spent some time in the 1960s and 1970s in the US, and was repatriated in the mid-1980s. The most recent of its two restorations was carried out to an exceptionally high and sympathetic standard by vintage car specialist Thornley Kelham.
ENGINE
3.0-litre, inline-four, water-cooled, OHC, 80bhp twin ‘sloper’ SU carbs
CONFIGURATION
Front engine, four-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, separate steel chassis, aluminium bodywork by Vanden Plas on an ash frame, semi-elliptic leaf springs all round with Hartford shock absorbers, rear drum brake
The Hagerty Drivers Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a passion for preserving automotive heritage, proudly presents its latest documentary unveiling the captivating story of the oldest known NASCAR championship car – “The Fabulous Hudson Hornet.” Dive into the riveting narrative as the film takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through the turn of events that […]
Supercars are the ultimate driving luxury and they’re not a new thing in motoring. The first supercar is said to be the Lamborghini Miura, which was released by the Italian manufacturer in 1966 and produced until 1973.
While supercars have come a long way since the early 1970s, there’s plenty still to love about the classics.
What’s old is new again which is reflected in fashion coming back into style and the huge vinyl record resurgence. Supercars aren’t exempt from the retrophiles’ gaze, but which in particular are lauded for their older models?
In this article, we’ll look at popular supercar makes and models which fanatics and collectors consider to be more desirable than their modern counterparts. Is a vintage supercar any more desirable than a modern equivalent like a Range Rover Evoque?
Porsche 911
In 1963, Porsche unveiled their first editions of the 911, then titled the 901, at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show.
It hit showrooms a year later in 1964 and over the next 60 years, the 911 would go on to carve out a legacy that would see revisions and resulting in version of the vehicle being identifiable by their generation.
The sloped design of the car’s body has become one of the most distinctive in all of motoring. This can be seen when you get the chance to look at an original 911 model against one of the more modern editions like the 911 Carrera S. The modern version has a much wider body compared to the more compact vintage 911.
So, what is the appeal of the original if much of what made them special has been passed down to its successors?
One thing that you can compare is price. The base price of a modern 911 Carrera S averages more than £100,000, whereas you can shop around and find a vintage 911 first generation model for much less.
That means you get the timeless look and vintage feel of the supercar at a much more achievable price.
Ford Mustang
Nothing exemplifies what it means to be an American muscle more than the Ford Mustang.
The first generation of the car made its way to showroom floors in the United States in the late 1970s, and helped to define the aesthetic of muscle cars. From the boxy body to the leather interior and crunchy, grinding gearstick, it set the standard for that style of car.
Modern Mustangs feel more polished when you look at the body. They’re attractive, sure, but it almost feels as if they’re missing a certain edginess that the vintage models have. Modern Mustangs like the GT have a sleeker, more streamlined look that has a similar silhouette to the vintage models but is much less wide.
Along with the look, the sound is something that you can’t get quite like the original. For all the modern AirPlay capabilities and built-in GPS, turning the key in a vintage Mustang and hearing the engine roar is an irreplaceable experience for lovers of muscle cars.
Aston Martin DB5
If there’s one word that is associated with British manufacturer Aston Martin, it’s class. Their legacy in the world of supercars is unbridled luxury and quality, and the DB5 is no exception. The Silver Burch supercar was in production between 1963 to 1965 and was available with a convertible roof option.
Aston Martin has released many cars since the mid-60s, so why has the DB5 stood out to collectors more than many of their modern models?
Guy Hamilton’s Goldfingerreleased in 1964, and James Bond himself drove a DB5 ladened with gadgets landed this car a spot in the hall of fame of cool luxury cars.
James Bond is the perfect character to be a brand ambassador for a quality car like the DB5. He’s a character that has withstood the test of time in pop culture, while being reimagined by directors and actors alike.
One thing that has survived however is the DB5, featuring in various cameos in the recent films like in Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021).
There’s an old phrase that states: “the classics never go out of style”. This could absolutely apply to supercars, and the appreciation for the way that the vintage models are built, how they look, and the how they sound.
It has taken me a while to get this post done, as life is busy, I have several videos to upload to out YouTube channel, but now I have got around to the review on the the recent and wonderful London Concours 2023, that was again held at the beautiful and historic Honourable Artillery Company estate in London. I attended on the 6th June which was the VIP, Press & owners day, and what a day.
Did you see our walk around the show? If not here it is below:
Personally I like watching videos more than reading, so if that’s you as well, do make sure that you are subscribed to our YouTube Channel.
I really do love this event. At this year‘s event the concours classes that they had were:
Make green great again | Grand tourisme | Evolution of Aero | Golden-age coupes | Bespoke automotive | Built to race for the road | 60 years of Lamborghini | Wild cards.
I took videos as I walked around each concours class. You can see these videos on our YouTube channel. I am also writing an article on each concours class, as all cars are worth mention for one reason or another. Check out the London Concours articles here for more information.
The London Concours event, like its other show the Concours of Elegance always has an abundance of beautiful classic cars, supercars and hypercars. Amazingly there are always cars on display or several cars on display that I’ve never seen before, which is always a delight and why I love this show. I also love the grounds that the event takes place, the Honourable Artillery Company estate in London is beautiful.
Here are my favourite cars from each concours class. What did you think? If you attended the show, did you prefer another car to my choice?
This is such a hard category for me to choose the winner with two of my favourite cars of all time featured, being the Ferrari F40, and the McLaren P1.
If I had to choose one car and one car only to own, drive, then, it would have to be the Ferrari F40.
I’d never seen one of these cars before. Not surprising, as this was the first time the WSM had been seen in public since the 1970s.
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Built to race for the road
All the cars were not on show on the day that I attended. However, a clear winner for me is a 1992, Porsche 959 Komfort. For me, it is one of my most iconic and desired cars.
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60 years of Lamborghini
So hard to choose a winner here with three of my favourite Lamborghinis of all time on display. We had to 1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2 +2 (above), a 1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV and a 1968 Lamborghini Miura. For me, the car that I would want most, money no object of course, would be the 1968 Lamborghini Miura (below). In this green, it is an absolute beauty.
Car of the show was not one of my choices, but that probably highlights why I’m not a judge, was the 1991 Schuppan 962 CR P1 (below).
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The London Concours was a thoroughly enjoyable show as it has been every year that I have attended. It was also really good to award five of our readers, a pair of tickets each to attend the show, as they won a pair of tickets by entering our competition. Do make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter (click on the link below) and following us on social media (links below) so you don’t miss out on future competitions. Coming up we’re giving you the chance to win a family ticket to the Silverstone Classic, which is a great day out and also we will have five pairs of tickets to give away to the magnificent Concours of Elegance.
See you around.
That’s all for now. More posts and videos coming soon here and on YouTube, so make sure that you are subscribed to our newsletter and following us on our social media channels to keep up to date with news, reviews, videos, our legendary competitions and more.
The NSU Ro 80 is unfortunately known as an automotive failure, even if it was advance and very aerodynamic. This was one special car, the advanced design and the rotary, Wankel engine. Even the name was taken from the novel powerplant, Ro standing for rotary, 80 was the type designation. First unveiled to the public […]
The fantastic little Citroën is celebrating its 55 th anniversary this year. The Méhari first appeared on the 16th of May 1968 at the Deauville golf course, the first reveal of the car. Citroën produced the Méhari from 1968 to 1987 and made 144,953 of them, most of them built at the factory in Forest, […]
Here are favourite photos (above gallery and below) from the recent and wonderful London Concours 2023, that was again held at the beautiful and historic Honourable Artillery Company estate in London.
Just an Icon, and I love this car. A British supercar beast. The fastest road car of all time at one point. Another car I’d love to own at some point.
That’s all for now. More posts and videos coming soon here and on YouTube, so make sure that you are subscribed to our newsletter and following us on our social media channels to keep up to date with news, reviews, videos, our legendary competitions and more.
