Classic Car Journal

Remember when you could go to Los Angeles and Rolls-Royces were everywhere? Though pricey, they were conventional … and then the automotive world became unconventional and tech-y. Rolls-Royce needed to change its approach so, fresh with a new owner (BMW) and an influx of cash, the company from Goodwood reimagined itself as an imposing presence on the boulevard stuffed with horsepower, tech and swagger. Today, the modern Rolls-Royce is truly a rare thing, available for the select few who demand the kind of distinction that a $200,000 Mercedes simply won’t provide.

Rolls-Royce now has stepped up to the plate to take its position up a notch with the Spectre, its first fully electric motor car. What will the status slaves say about this? Before we get into the social commentary, let’s examine the new Rolls.

The company feels the Spectre “demonstrates how perfectly Rolls-Royce is suited for electrification.” This is indisputable considering how many high-end brands have been playing around with electrification technology, like when Ferrari introduced the SF90 Stradale. “A Ferrari Prius? Satan has won!” you may have screamed several years ago, yet the world continues to plug along, and Ferrari continues to raise the bar.

“Spectre’s all-electric powertrain will assure the marque’s sustained success and relevance while dramatically increasing the definition of each characteristic that makes a Rolls-Royce a Rolls-Royce.” If you speak American, it seems to be saying that no matter how personal transportation evolves, you can expect Rolls-Royce to seize upon new aspects of automotive evolution and make them distinctly Rolls.

Charles Stewart Rolls, the co-founder of Rolls-Royce, recognized this way back in 1900. In fact, he recognized this with EVs: “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.” The Brits prob would use the word “prescient” but, to a marketing guy, he or she would say it is on-brand. The powers-that-be at Rolls-Royce today call that “a prophecy fulfilled.”

And since it’s a Rolls-Royce, the number of hoops the Spectre had to jump through during development would be worthy of a generation of slaves: a journey of more than 1,500,000 miles simulating 400 years of use. All this R&D pays off not only for the Spectre, but also for the brand itself because Rolls-Royce is dedicated to a complete EV portfolio by 2030.

But enough of Rolls-Royce talking about itself — what’s the deal with the Spectre? The company likes to think it has created an Ultra-Luxury Electric Super Coupé. It’s a reference to the “indulgent” proportions “specified in response to a commitment that there is no greater luxury than that of space.” Alright, a false start — what’s the deal with the Spectre? It looks like the Rolls-Royce of today, yet it so happens that it’s an EV. The company claims it’s the most aerodynamic Rolls, with a coefficient of drag of 0.25.

In profile, the Spectre resembles a yacht, and why not? It likely will cost as much as one, though its design was inspired by fastback Phantom Coupé. Those who go to the bar for Trivia Night will love the fact that the Spectre is the first production two-door coupé that rides on 23-inch wheels in almost one hundred years (no, Master P was not the first to do this).

The famous grille is illuminated with 22 LEDs lighting the rear side of each vane. Inside, it’s what you’d expect a Rolls-Royce to be. No cow here will have to deal with the indignity of having its hide used in a Vauxhall. An interesting option is the Starlight Doors, which incorporates almost 4,800 softly illuminated lights that simulate shining stars at night. This was a feature in the headliner of the Phantom Coupé, and now the sky has been flipped on its side. There also is an over-the-top nameplate on the dashboard with similar illumination, though this one inspires door envy as it features over 5,000 stars.

An all-aluminum spaceframe, which includes extruded aluminum sections and the integration of the battery in the structure, enables the Spectre to be 30% stiffer than any Rolls-Royce up to this point. Rolls may brag about the resultant low seating position or 1,500 pounds of sound deadening to distinguish it from the groundlings.

Yes, you read that right. Perhaps the 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds is impressive for such a large and heavy vehicle, but wasn’t Colin Chapman British too? To achieve that speed, Rolls-Royce would have said in the past that the power output was “adequate” but preliminary data shows there will be 900Nm of torque from its 430kW powertrain, and that it will be able to travel 320 miles on a single charge, which is typical for EVs of all price classes. Egalitarian? Bite your tongue!

So, what does that leave us? A four-wheeled, 6,500-pound virtue signal that gives the finger to the oil companies (though with extended pinkie) yet is a symbol of conspicuous consumption. Get with the program, Daddy-O and hail the new King!

This past Saturday, October 15, 2022, marked the beginning of the events that make up the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. The day began with something that, if you have not yet had your coffee in the morning, I then advise to turn back immediately and drink that first cup or three to better prepare you for what comes next. That event is the first time Hagerty’s Concours d’Lemons has darkened the streets of Chattanooga.

Being a first-time event — and a Lemons event at that — I had low expectations of what I would see, if not judge, as my friend Alan Galbraith (originator of the idea of a concours for the unloved) had volunteered me to play that role.

All kidding aside, the show field featured more than 30 cars, all of them either unexceptional, truly bad or ones with interesting custom modifications. The common denominator among them all was the enthusiastic and fun owners.

From a group of cars with custom mods, we had a pair of truly extraordinary “art cars.” For those not in-the-know, an art car is a vehicle that has been transformed into a true sculpture-on-wheels. There is an entire scene around art cars, and they vary from being truly awful to the extraordinary. The winning art car at the Chattanooga Lemons event was a 1997 Honda Civic owned by Kathryn Warren that was a tribute to the Rolling Stones. It was amazing that the car could move under its own power because, with the addition of the sculpture, it had to weigh close to 7,000 lbs. Even more amazing was the fact that the entire sculpture was created by a group of high school students. While a crazy-looking car, it was an fantastic sculpture on wheels.

Another crowd favorite was the winner of the Needlessly Complex Italian award, a 1987 Pontiac Mera (a Fiero with a Ferrari 308-inspired body) owned by Natalie Rauls. I have seen a number of these cars over the years, with this specific vehicle, finished in Fly Yellow, being the nicest example I have laid eyes on.

It may appear that there is a car that, while in poor condition, does not seem to belong: a Plymouth Road Runner Superbird. This car, though in rough shape, utilized a real, honest-to-goodness vintage NASCAR chassis around which the owner built the body. The owner had no idea as to what it originally was or who raced it, but he did mention that he paid $1500 for it about a year ago. Notice the person in one of the pictures of this vehicle — it is none other than Ray Evernham.

A different vehicle altogether was the winner of the Slightly Better Than a Go Kart class, a 1985 Honda CRX “Tie Fighter” owned by Rick Stern. Of course, in the spirit of the Concours d’Lemons, Rick and a friend showed their cosplay hand with cheap Darth Vader and Yoda costumes and staged a light saber battle in front of the Tie Fighter.

My two favorite cars of the event, aside of the Superbird, were the 1972 Dodge Colt owned by Nate Smith and the 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Safari wagon owned by Larry Leitz. The Colt was the wildest thing I have seen of 1970s Japanese vehicles. The owner had installed every factory performance option that was available when new, including a cam, twin Solex 40 side-draft carburetors, headers and much more. Horsepower increased from the stock 83 up to an amazing 116 horses. Not only did none of us judges knew that there were options like this but, also, we were stunned that this car had the whole catalog thrown at it. The Colt won the Worst of Class award in the Rust Belt American Junk Mopar Class.

The other car, a 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Sport Safari wagon, won the coveted Worst of Show award. This was a truly exceptional car and had been very well restored by owner Larry Leitz, though slightly modified using rare Vega wagon parts for the rear side windows, something Pontiac never used on the Sunbird.

If you are a car enthusiast and have never attended a Concours d’Lemons event, then you owe it to yourself to go to the next one that is near you. Better yet, go buy a Chrysler K car or something much worse and enter the show. I am not aware of another way to have more fun in the collector car hobby.

Show Winners
Worst of Show: Larry Leitz, 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Sport Safari Wagon
Rust Belt American Junk – GM: James Loven, 1983 Chevrolet Chevette
Rust Belt American Junk – Mopar: Nathan Smith, 1972 Dodge Colt
Rust Belt American Junk – Ford: Daniel Wright, 1969 Ford Fairlane 500
Rust Belt American Junk – Other: Johnathan Clark, 1964 AMC Rambler
Needlessly Complex Italian: Natalie Rauls, 1987 Pontiac Mera
DerSelfSatisfiedKrautenWagen: Rick Stern, 1958 Borgward
Kommunist Kars: Jeff Lane, 1947 Tatra
Royal Order of MOT Failure (British): Kelly Ott, 1951 Morris Minor
Swedish Meatballs: Derrick Nash, 1988 Volvo 240
Soul Sucking Japanese Appliance: George Aslinger, 1971 Datsun 510
Slightly Better Than a Go Kart: Rick Stern, 1985 Honda CRX Tie Fighter
Sight for Sour Eyes: Kathryn Warren, 1997 Honda Civic Rolling Stones Art Car
Driving on a Prayer: James Brodowski, 1995 Saturn SW2
Best Backseat: Kurt Lammon, 1967 Chrysler Newport

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A huge ingredient of the joy in being a collector car owner is connecting with members of the community who drive the same model. Since the late 1990s, the Acura NSX Club of America (NSXCA) has come together each year for an annual meet called “NSXPO.” This year, Arizona played host to the convention and in so doing attracted upwards of $8-10 million in cars to the region.

The flagship mid-engined NSX supercar first debuted in Japan under the Honda nameplate in 1990 and was introduced to the Acura lineup in North America the following year. Its first generation, ranging from model year 1991 through 2005, sold about 9,000 units over the 15-year span. The NSX managed to deliver a reliable ownership experience combined with both exotic styling and excellent balance. Even though its horsepower output in stock form was rated at fewer than 300 ponies, its all-aluminum chassis made it a lightweight and nimble machine suited for canyon carving.

After a hiatus, the second generation NSX came to market in 2017 with very different type of recipe for performance driving: this time, it came as a twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 connected to three electric motors. As the brand’s halo car, it sold relatively few units but offered undisputed sportscar expertise, including setting a production car lap record at the Long Beach Grand Prix. Acura elected to discontinue the car after 2022, but in so doing, ramped up its horsepower to an even 600 with a Type S variant for the final year. Production for that model was limited to just 350 units for North America.

NSXPO 2022 festivities kicked off with a two-day track event at the newly-constructed Podium Club facility about an hour from Phoenix where drivers put cars through their paces. A larger crowd began to assemble in Scottsdale two days later for the social component of the event. Playing host to the roughly 250 participants and 120 vehicles in attendance was the Talking Stick Resort & Casino in Scottsdale. A number of sponsors contributed to the success of the program, including Acura itself as one of the top-tier contributors.

The schedule was action-packed with a variety of attractions for the group. The 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden at Papago Park provided a vivid dusk setting for an opening reception after attendees picked up their credentials and goodie bags. A mariachi band showed up with entertainment to spice things up.

On Friday, a 200-mile drive loop introduced NSXCA members to some of the scenery and attractions of the Mogollon Rim near Payson. The Chaparral Pines Golf Club welcomed the group for a flow-through lunch, and an excursion to Tonto Natural Bridge offered a glimpse at the world’s largest travertine arch. That night, after a group photo, dinner was hosted by Right Honda and Right Toyota at an exclusive vehicle storage and maintenance facility just a few minutes from the host hotel. A charity program held for Baller Dream Foundation, an organization benefitting young individuals who are battling cancer, raised over $6,000 thanks to generosity of club members.

Saturday’s key events began with a vendor showcase ScienceofSpeed, a specialty facility that for 20 years has pioneered performance parts and services for the Acura NSX and Honda S2000 models. Judging was held there for awards to be distributed later that evening. Adding to the adventure was an isolated and unexpected thunderstorm that created drama for the many folks who rarely take their NSXs out in inclement weather. Luckily, the weather passed without incident and there were plenty of microfiber towels to go around afterward.

Finally, NSXPO 2022 capped off back at the Talking Stick Resort with a cocktail hour and closing banquet dinner. On display inside the ballroom were a rare 1-of-50 1999 NSX Alex Zanardi Edition and a 2022 NSX Type S. The program consisted of sponsor recognition, a tribute to club members who passed away, an auction, and awards. NSXCA member Ken Sax from Chicago was recognized for his perfect attendance record at every NSXPO since 1997. The long-distance award went to Ole Sorenson who drove his Nord Gray Metallic NSX over 2,800 miles from Sarasota, Florida to Scottsdale. Nine other awards were handed over in a variety of categories to proud owners.

What’s next for the NSX family? The show will go on! An announcement was made about the chosen location for next year’s event: NSXPO 2023 will head east to Atlanta, Georgia with a targeted event timeframe of October.

As the NSX model ends production with the Type S model this year, Acura considers this the car’s “victory lap.” It remains to be seen if or when Acura will bring the model back for a third generation in the future. Perhaps by that time, it will rely upon a fully electrified powertrain.

Without a doubt, the NSX Club of America and its devout members will be there to welcome it.

To see more about the NSXCA, visit the club’s website.

I’ve seen a lot of classic cars advertised as a “Time Capsule”, but very few can take you back in time with a simple glance. This isn’t a knock on a preserved classic with all original trimmings and the like, but more of the idea that certain vehicles absolutely reflect a specific time and culture. Vintage VW Bugs are a solid example because you can’t absolutely associate one with a certain era as they belong to numerous times. That’s also a biproduct of their high production numbers over numerous decades, but you get the point.

If I see a 1966 Mustang, I’ll associate it with its development as the first Pony Car and how it altered the American automotive industry, but it can also conjure up notions of a Shelby GT500 and motorsports. Same car but with different connotations. That said, a custom van belongs to only one era and is an absolute time capsule.

The Pick of the Day is a custom 1974 Ford Econoline van listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)

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“No single vehicle better represents the good times and easy-living lifestyle of the 1970s better than does a custom van,” the listing states. “The personalized van covered all the bases. It was part muscle car, part apartment on wheels, and, of course, part art canvas, serving as a very groovy way to express oneself.” 

It’s a true time capsule with 873 miles. The airbrushed mountain range and graphics, plus the porthole bubble windows on each side typify a certain time and place: mid-1970s in America. The Cragar wheels and side pipes also adds to the exceptional flavor.

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“A swing of any door takes us back to 1974 shag-alicious heaven that covers nearly every square inch of the interior,” the listing states. “Light gray extra-long shag material is peppered throughout with some black and is as clean as the day it was installed. A rear platform bed is now installed and is covered with…shag!” 

Under the hood is a 302ci V8 engine with a single two-barrel carburetor. The engine is paired with a 3-speed manual that sends power to a Ford 9-inch rear axle.

The dealer is asking $69,500 for this 1974 Ford Econoline van. It’s a true time capsule with low mileage and a distinct vibe.

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

After Cadillac’s long flirtation with alphabet soup, it seems like General Motors’ American luxury brand is starting to straighten up and fly right with proper names. First came the Lyriq (currently available for pre-order, though drive around Detroit and you’ll find ‘em), and now we have the Celestiq.

Don’t think of the Celestiq (pronounced “seh-leh-stick”) as a replacement for the CT6 — think of it as the heir apparent for the late, lamented Eldorado Brougham that was built from 1957-60. The new sedan will be a hand-built $300,000 electric saloon that’s the most advanced, most luxurious and most important vehicle Cadillac has ever produced.

“Celestiq is the purest expression of Cadillac, acknowledging our incredible history and driving us to a bolder and brighter future,” says Rory Harvey, who’s Cadillac’s Global Vice President. “It is a completely bespoke work of automotive art, built around the most advanced and innovative technology that we have ever engineered into an automobile.”

Perhaps for the first time since the dawn of World War II, Cadillac will build a truly bespoke vehicle. Each Celestiq will be personally commissioned, so chances of seeing one at your local Cadillac dealer will be almost nil. Individual clients will collaborate with a designated concierge from selected dealers and Cadillac designers to realize every vision for the vehicle with personalization up the wazoo, “a one-of-one combination of artistry, authenticity, craftsmanship and unparalleled refinement.”

“Celestiq is like no Cadillac before it and the client experience is equally exceptional,” adds Harvey. “Each vehicle is a unique expression of its owner, leveraging leading-edge technologies that make the driving experience personal and rewarding.”

The new Cadillac (“Caddy” seems so gauche right now) is based on EV architecture called the Ultium Platform. It combines a 111-kWh battery pack and a two-motor, all-wheel drive system for an estimated 600 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. That’s good and all, but for how far? Cadillac estimates driving range will be 300 miles on a full charge. Acceleration will be a segment-leading 3.8 seconds to 60.

For you techies out there, the Celestiq’s battery cells are mounted horizontally, allowing Cadillac to design a long, low and lean boulevardier. This also lowers the center of gravity for enhanced interior space and better handling and ride comfort. Contributing to the handing and ride are Adaptive Air Suspension, Active Rear Steering, Magnetic Ride Control, Active Roll Control, Active Rear Spoiler and Electric Power Steering. In other words, your inner shade-tree mechanic will have to retire.

Charging is the bane of every EV’s existence. Cadillac’s take on this is that its 200 kW DC fast charging system will be able to add approximately 78 miles of battery power for only 10 minutes of charging. Celestiq owners will also have access to more than 110,000 charging points in the U.S. and Canada. Plus, the myCadillac Mobile app will assist in finding charging stations, real-time charger availability and more.

If you’re a techie but prefer gasoline to electricity, perhaps the following feature will interest you more than the above? There also are over 300 fabricated pieces throughout the structure, chassis, interior, and electrical components. Cadillac calls this “Flex Fabrication,” which is akin to metallic origami. No word on whether Cadillac will include an origami bird in the glovebox when boredom sets in.

The Celestiq, as well as the Lyriq, implement a new design philosophy that takes Cadillac into the future (though admittedly the vertical headlights are missed). “Everyone poured their passions into Celestiq,” says Erin Crossley, the model’s design director. “The result is an automobile that redefines luxury through the experiences it offers its driver and passengers.” The fastback profile, though contemporary today, does have a legacy with the Sedanet from the 1940s. Cadillac likes to call the design “avant-garde,” and while we try to stay away from press release blathering, let’s observe what would make Cadillac characterize the Celestiq that way:

• Fixed Smart Glass Roof with Suspended Particle Device Technology.
• Carbon fiber to facilitate the creation of distinctive forms not possible with traditional metal forms.
• 3D printing One-hundred fifteen 3D printed parts are used in the Celestiq, with the steering wheel center being the largest printed metal part, and the seat belt adjustable guide loop is GM’s first safety-related 3D printed part.
• Exterior lighting including 1,600 LEDs including Digital Micromirror Device headlamps with 1.3 million pixels, plus cascading illumination when the Celestiq senses a nearby key fob.
• Power open/close doors — notice there are no door handles.
• Twenty-three-inch wheels in “countless” colors, all paired with Michelins adorned with the Cadillac Precision pattern on the sidewall.

Inside, Celestiq clients will be treated to immersive interior lighting and embellishments that “embody Cadillac’s vision for exclusivity and customization.” According to Tristan Murphy, the Celestiq’s interior design manager, “With Celestiq, we’ve been able to push classic American luxury into a new modern space. Executed with exceptional craftmanship, there is a staggering variety of colors, trims and genuine materials that ensure no two vehicles will ever be alike.” There are over 450 LEDs in the interior, with customization or self-curated lighting combinations available if the 18 lighting choreographies are not enough.

If you thought an infotainment center the size of an iPad was ridiculous, what will you think of the Celestiq? A 55-inch-diagonal HD screen is one of five high-def displays. Even rear passengers will have their own 12.6-inch-diagonal display on the front seatbacks.

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All this is overwhelming, yet it’s possible we haven’t even scratched the surface of all the new-fangled features for Cadillac’s new flagship. If you have the kind of coin to afford such a chariot and you fancy yourself as an early-adopter, then your car has arrived.

Oklahoma-based Finale Speed’s carbon-fiber 1970 Dodge Charger bodies will cost $199,000 according to the company’s website.

Dodge in August announced the carbon-fiber bodies as part of a new round of items for its Direct Connection parts program, along with carbon-fiber parts for the current Dodge Challenger and a Challenger rolling chassis for drag racing.

The bodies were designed to original specifications, but ride on a custom chassis with some extra structural bracing, according to Finale Speed. The material itself is prepreg carbon fiber cured in an autoclave that gets a flat finish by default. Options include a $20,000 clear coat and $12,500 Forgeline three-piece wheels and tires.

Direct Connection’s website says bodies will be delivered as part of a rolling chassis with a Hellcat 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 crate engine installed. It will be up to customers to choose the transmission. Neither company has said how much weight the carbon-fiber body saves over the original steel body, but it must be significant.

When the carbon Charger body was announced in August, Direct Connection said it would also work with Finale Speed on Plymouth Barracuda and Road Runner bodies, although it hasn’t said when those will be available.

Finale Speed isn’t the first company to remake a classic muscle car in carbon fiber. Wisconsin-based SpeedKore Performance Group has produced carbon-fiber bodies for multiple vehicles, and used them on Charger builds for Stellantis design boss Ralph Gilles and comedian Kevin Hart, as well as a mid-engine 1968 Dodge Charger that appeared in the most recent “Fast and Furious” movie, “F9.”

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

Not to sound like a crotchety old dude that complains about how the next generation has it so much easier than previous era, but I remember a time when seeing a Nissan Skyline was a big deal. These rare sightings were memorable and the first time I saw one in the wild was 1999.

I can forget the important details of my life, usually birthdays for those I love, but seeing a car that could only imported was a big deal to me. So was Oasis’ follow up album to (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. I guess my priorities have changed in the ensuing decades, but Be Here Now is an under appreciated album and I will die on that hill.

These days seeing a Skyline in the wild is not common but you come across them every now and then. They stick out from the crowd and for those in the know it’s always a treat to see one on the road. The world has changed. I’m no longer with it, hence the Oasis reference, and a right-hand drive Nissan Skyline imported from Japan can be had for a reasonable price.

The Pick of the Day is a 1994 Nissan Skyline listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Click the link to view the listing)

This vehicle has been properly imported and now comes with an Indiana Title,” the listing states. “This right hand drive Nissan is instantly recognizable to auto enthusiasts and has become even more popular since passing the 25 year threshold which allowed these performance vehicles to be imported.” 

It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.6-liter inline-six engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The listing states that the Nissan has 152,743 kilometers on the odometer (94,910 miles).

The dark blue exterior is in good condition, but the listing advises that the matching front bumper is in good condition, but it needs the proper clips to re-attach it. The selling owner has been unable to source them.

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It has a grey interior with front bucket seats and based on the listing’s photos is in good condition with normal wear and tear for a 28-year-old car.

I dig the past. Nostalgia is cool but I like modern conveniences like Spotify, as it is super convenient to use and I save cash on CD’s, especially for one-hit wonders. The future isn’t too bad for a middle-aged dude when he knows that he can finally get a Skyline easily at a good price.

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The dealer is asking $28,900 for this 1994 Nissan Skyline, and the dealer advises, “Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, processing and/or $199 documentation fees.”

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

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1992 Porsche 968 that has been with its original owner for 30 years. A stock 3.0-liter inline-four is connected to a six-speed manual transmission. During ownership, this Porsche has been upgraded with lowering springs, 17-inch wheels, Billy Boat Muffler and Kenwood stereo. New parts include the air conditioning system and Michelin tires. Finished in Guards Red over a tan leather interior, this garage-kept Porsche is available now and comes with receipts, a clean CARFAX report and clear California title in the seller’s name.

According to the seller, this Porsche features its original coat of Guards Red paint plus original-spec fog lights and black rear wing. The windshield was replaced with a new unit by Circle Porsche of Long Beach, California. A scratch on the passenger-side rocker panel is visible in the photo gallery.

The stock wheels have been upgraded with 17-inch units with Porsche crest center caps, all wrapped in new Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires.

Cabin furnishings include tan leather seating for four including matching door panels and carpeting. The cockpit is equipped with power windows, power front seats, sport pedals, air conditioning, a tinted windows upgrade and a Kenwood eXcelon AM/FM/CD head unit. The covered storage area under the rear hatch contains an Alpine V12 amplifier and a Bazooka EL Series subwoofer. The air conditioning system and various relays were replaced by Autowerkes of Huntington Beach, California, within the past six months.

The refurbished instrument panel includes a 180-mph speedometer, 7K+-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the coolant temperature, fuel level, oil pressure and voltage. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 113K miles, which is consistent with the mileage shown on the CARFAX report.

Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-four that was factory-rated at 236 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers output to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

This 968 has been lowered with replacement springs. According to the seller, this 968 breathes through a Billy Boat muffler, with the vehicle having passed the California-mandated smog test in March 2021. The video in the photo gallery shows the car idling and an exterior light check; additional photos of the underbody are available in the photo gallery.

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The CARFAX report starts in February 1992 and shows an accident-free history in California. A pair of keys, receipts and owner’s manual will be included with the car.

This 1992 Porsche 968’s auction ends on October 24, 2022, at 11:20 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery plus video.

Our content manager, David P. Castro, interviewed Back To The Future star, Claudia Wells, and Jay Thomas of BackToTheFutureTrucks.com about their charity sale of a “Back to the Future” tribute 1985 Toyota SR5 pickup at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction.

Wells is best known for playing Jennifer in Back To The Future and Thomas’ Future Factory builds Toyota SR5 Back To The Future tribute trucks. All proceeds from the sale of its tribute trucks benefit the Michael J. Fox’s Team Fox charity for Parkinson’s research.

Check out David Castro’s interview with Claudia Wells and more great content at the ClassicCars.com YouTube channel. 

 2011 Chevrolet Impala isn’t likely to attract attention from collectors, unless it’s a NASCAR Cup Series race car driven by four-time champion Jeff Gordon, that is.

Miami-based Speedart Motorsports is selling Hendrick Motorsports’ Chassis 678, which Gordon drove in the 2011 Cup Series (then known as the Sprint Cup) season. It was recently refurbished to race-ready condition, Speedart claims, and can be yours for an asking price of $165,000.

The 2011 cars were built to NASCAR’s fifth-generation Cup Series design, which debuted for the 2008 season and was known as the “Car of Tomorrow.” This design was replaced after the 2012 season by the sixth-generation Cup Series chassis, which in turn was replaced by the “Next Gen” car for the 2022 season.

While badged as an Impala, and borrowing some styling elements from the now-defunct sedan’s then-current look, the Cup Series car has a bespoke tube-frame chassis and rear-wheel drive instead of the Impala’s front-wheel-drive layout. A carbureted 5.8-liter pushrod V-8 generates an estimated 850 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque, and is coupled to a 4-speed manual transmission.

The listing quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, which is slower than some current supercars, but also a 200-mph top speed. And this car was designed to run at that speed continuously on a NASCAR oval.

Gordon drove Chassis 678 in three races, starting with the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he qualified eighth and finished second. The Impala was also raced in the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, where Gordon qualified ninth and finished sixth. The car’s final race, the Geico 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, was also its worst finish. Gordon qualified 23rd and finished 24th.

The car was subsequently sold by Hendrick Motorsports into private ownership. It was recently rebuilt by current NASCAR Cup Series team Rick Ware Racing, according to the seller, adding that it’s currently set up for track-day events at road courses.

Gordon retired from full-time racing after the 2015 season. He is currently a vice-president at Hendrick Motorsports, but still does occasional races. He won the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona driving a Cadillac DPi-V.R prototype, and returned to Indianapolis last month for a Porsche Carrera Cup race.

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