Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this military-grade 1968 Jeep M-715 4×4 pickup. This 1¼ -ton utility is powered by an OHC Tornado 230.5cid inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case. Manufactured by Kaiser Jeep Corporation of Toledo, Ohio, this 14,260-mile Jeep includes color-keyed wheels and accessories, modern audio system, power windows, and hydraulic drum brakes. Finished in dark blue metallic over a saddle vinyl interior, this Jeep M-715 includes a clear title in the seller’s name.
Kaiser Jeep’s M-715 was produced in 1967-69 as a replacement for the Dodge M37 and is considered the first in what’s called COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf, later to become CUCV or Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle) since it was based on the consumer-grade Jeep Gladiator pickup. While the M-715 was the cargo/troop carrier, there also was the M-724 cab and chassis, M-725 ambulance, and M-726 telephone/maintenance vehicles.
The dark blue metallic exterior was applied during restoration within the last five years and is accented with black throughout. Features include a brush guard, tow recovery hooks, fender flares, fold-down windshield, snorkel, body-colored jerry can, bed-mounted toolbox, and wooden bedside planks.
Body-color 16-inch steel wheels are wrapped in oversize military-style tires.
The refurbished two-seat cab is fitted with saddle bucket seats with matching door panels, dash pad, padded rollbar, and center console, the latter which houses two batteries. Features include power windows, Premier AM/FM/CD stereo, Grant steering wheel, and black flooring. The dash face displays informational placards about vehicle equipment and operation.
Instrumentation includes a central 60-mph speedometer surrounded by gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage. The mechanical odometer reads 14,260 miles, which the seller believes to be original.
The 133-horsepower Tornado OHC 230.5 inline-six has been rebuilt within the past thousand miles. It uses a 24-volt electrical system, although this unit has had its electrical system converted to 12 volts for the radio and the turn signals. Torque is sent via a Borg-Warner T-98 four-speed manual transmission paired with a dual-range transfer case with locking hubs.
Chassis underpinnings were shared with the Jeep Gladiator. Stops are handled by four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
Color-coordination is the name of the game with exotic sports cars and hot rods. In today’s case, the orange hue of this Corvette’s body carries through to not only its vinyl interior but also to the engine bay. Talk about satisfying.
“Finished in Monaco Orange with a matching vinyl interior, it really stands out from the normal,” the listing states. “Enjoy the breeze in the cabin when you take the rear window out that is removable.” Adding to that idea: Even the color-matched roof panels are removable on this car (such was an option on the earlier-model C3 Corvettes), so the open-air experience of this coupe probably feels a lot like driving a convertible.
The third-generation Corvette was based on the iconic Mako Shark II concept car and conveyed swooping body lines with attributes like vented fenders, hideaway quad headlights, flush door handles, and a dual exhaust system. The look is completed by a set of 15-inch Rally wheels with BFGoodrich raised-white-letter tires. The basic C3 chassis was largely a carry-over from the C2 and retained a fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. One the updates to the C3 during its 15-year span was the removal of the chrome front and rear bumpers after 1972. I tend to gravitate toward the early-year cars like this one with plenty of brightwork.
This well-optioned Vette is well equipped with power brakes, power steering, power windows, and air conditioning, although the seller states that the air doesn’t currently blow cold. The underbody even looks remarkably preserved for being 54 years old. Under the front-hinged hood resides a small-block 350cid Turbo-Fire V8 mated to a console-shifted Turbo 400 automatic transmission and a Positraction rear end. That combination should make for plenty of power on tap for most enthusiasts, and performance upgrades are readily available for those who crave more.
Gateway Classic Cars always delivers when it comes to thorough documentation on cars for sale, and included in the listing for this car is a video with an exterior walkaround, a demonstration of the engine idling, an interior tour, and a drive by. Spoiler alert, having watched the video: The car sounds every bit as great as it looks.
“Cruise in style and have fun at the local car shows in this beautiful Vette!” the listing concludes. The asking price is $39,000 or best offer. Start shopping for your orange attire so the theme can continue to the driver’s wardrobe.
Think you know your cars? Then try the below automotive puzzle highlighting taillights of vehicles that are currently listed on AutoHunter. While none of these appeared on the radar of our staff per a recent AutoHunter Cinema podcast, they all are of cars that interest us.
So put on your thinking hat and type your answers in the comment section below, then click on each image to learn whether you guessed correctly. Have fun!
Have an idea for another automotive puzzle? Don’t be shy — tell us below!
Eighteen years ago in 2005, my friend Lee had the idea of organizing a centrally-located meet-up for Acura Legend owners and enthusiasts. At the time, the Legend model (original flagship of the Acura division lineup) had already been out of production for about a decade – the last Legend rolled off the showroom floor in late 1995 to be replaced by the more sedate 3.5RL. Lee’s inaugural event, dubbed the National Acura Legend Meet (NALM) went off without a hitch, attracting about 25 Legends and their owners to Dallas, Texas, for a multi-day program.
With exception of 2020, the event has now taken place every year since, spanning destinations from Morristown, New Jersey, to Daytona Beach, Florida, to Los Angeles, California, and many places in between. I’ve written about NALM for The Journal in the past. Last year, we went to Wichita, and in 2021, I was able to host the event in my hometown of Phoenix. This year’s festivities took us to the state capitol of Kentucky: Lexington. I made a 4,171-mile round-trip trek in my high-mileage 1994 LS coupe which I’ve now owned for over 20 years. The car has seen almost 40 states, so the opportunity for another cross-country adventure was welcomed.
My route started in Arizona and took me through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Thankfully, the trusty Legend took me safely to and from the event, and I even hit up the famous “Tail of the Dragon” twisty road (otherwise known as Highway 129) which straddles the Tennessee – North Carolina state lines. The Tail is a legendary road in itself, reputed to have 318 curves in an 11-mile stretch.
Included in this year’s NALM schedule of events was a tour of Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility in the United States, otherwise known as TMMK or Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky, located in Georgetown. This facility cranks out thousands of cars per day and was welcoming to the 30 of us who attended a private tour. Other event highlights included a scenic drive through Paris (Kentucky, that is), a visit to Bourbon House Distillery, a tour of the Kentucky state capitol, a reception at the Courtesy Acura dealership (along with a promotional TV spot!), and of course, plenty of delicious local cuisine like a cheesesteak sandwich from Red State BBQ.
Event Director Eric Edson, local Lexington resident, had his work cut out for him accommodating attendees from 14 different states, many of whom drove great distances to attend. Two, in fact, came from California, several from Florida, and a couple ventured from Vermont. Legend people are clearly not afraid to rack up the miles. “Best of Show” during the awards ceremony deservedly went to Chad Hawkins of Florida who brought out his pristine Vineyard Gray Metallic 1992 Legend LS sedan with only 33,000 miles on the odometer.
The most rewarding part of any classic car ownership experience is being part of the community. As evidence to that, some folks who attend NALM don’t even own a Legend, and some choose to fly in just for the experience if their schedule doesn’t allow them to drive cross-country like I did.
The Legend will truly live on among this dedicated group of enthusiasts, and there are already rumors about where the 2024 meet will land. Look for us in your neck of the woods next summer!
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this restored 1968 Plymouth Barracuda convertible. Powered by a fuel-injected 408cid stroker paired to a TorqueFlite 727 automatic with overdrive, this Barracuda also features bucket seats with center console, power front disc brakes, updated AM/FM/CD stereo, and more. Finished in white with matching vinyl interior, this 1968 Barracuda comes with a clear title in the seller’s name.
During a 2002 restoration, the exterior was refinished in white with dark green convertible top and white vinyl convertible top boot. Features include Pit Stop gas cap, hood-mounted turn signal indicators, fender-mounted antenna, and dual side mirrors.
A set of 14-inch Rallye wheels is wrapped in Cooper Cobra Radial G/T raised-white-letter tires.
The interior is upholstered in white vinyl. Features include power steering, console-mounted automatic shifter, under-dash AM/FM/CD stereo, and control panel for the Holley fuel injection system.
The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm Sunpro tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and battery. The odometer reads 142,900 miles, with 11,335 added during the seller’s eight years of ownership.
Originally built with a 318, this Barracuda is powered by a BluePrint Engines 408 stroker small-block with Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system, both of which were installed in 2020. The engine’s reported output is 404 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A TorqueFlite 727 three-speed automatic with Gear Vendors overdrive makes this Barracuda a nice cruiser. Engine bay features include black-finned aluminum Edelbrock valve covers, aluminum intake manifold, chrome Edelbrock air cleaner, and new aluminum radiator with electric fan.
This Barracuda is equipped with a Hotchkis Sport Suspension system and Sure-Grip rear differential featuring 3.55 gears. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.
The charm of the Volkswagen Beetle was found in its simplicity. From the beginning, it was designed as a no-frills economy car that still somehow managed to deliver a fun driving experience.
“I have owned the car for almost 23 years,” the listing states. “Well maintained, always garaged. Recent tune-up and brake work done. Great shape inside and out.”
This ragtop shows just 64,965 miles on the five-digit odometer, and the seller asserts that it’s a true reading. For being 45 years old, this Beetle sure doesn’t look it: the paint is crisp, the body is straight, and the brightwork looks clean. However, the seller does point out that there are two noteworthy blemishes: one is located on the convertible top, and another is a small tear in the driver seat upholstery.
The Beetle was first introduced as a compact economy car in the late 1930s and continued in production all the way until the early 2000s in certain parts of the world with only minor updates. Most importantly, it received performance improvements, which is a good thing because the original Beetle (which was rated at 25 horsepower) was only designed to reach a top speed of about 60 miles per hour.
Power for this 1978 model comes from a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four mated to a four-speed manual transaxle, and the interior excels at simplicity. Aside from map pockets, carpeting, and an AM/FM cassette radio, there isn’t much else offered by way of amenities.
The Beetle is one of the most recognizable cars in all automotive history. One of the most beloved Beetles was Herbie (the Love Bug) which starred in a series of Disney films centered around a 1963 Beetle with a mind all “his” own. As a kid, I remember watching Herbie Goes Bananas. Do you have any Herbie memories, or have you owned a Beetle yourself? Let us know your story!
“Super fun way to enjoy summer!” this listing concludes. The asking price is $14,900 or best offer.
The brand new 2023 Toyota Prius features fantastic new styling, a HUGE horsepower increase, and an energetic personality. These upgrades in look and feel are part of changing the Prius’ image in recent years of declining sales. When the Prius was first available it was purchased by early adopters and celebrities as a car of the future and their way to save the trees. Since then, the marketplace has become more competitive with hybrid options and mass-production electric vehicles from almost every maker. We recently had the opportunity to test this fifth-generation 2023 Prius. The base model starts at $27,450, however our car is a Prius Limited with the Premium Package which retails for $36,399. At that price, you get a vehicle focused on fuel economy with more options than you would find in Toyota’s cheaper Corolla LE hybrid for not much more money.
Exterior
The new styling for the Toyota Prius looks gorgeous. Per Toyota, the design was inspired by performance coupes, and this can be seen with the low-slung hood, traditional flat Prius windshield which adds to the sportiness, and the wide rear fender flares which to me look like they were taken from the Lexus LC500. It’s also where we will find the first of fifteen Easter eggs which Toyota has hidden throughout the Prius. Another interesting aspect of the exterior is the low-key nature of the Toyota badges. The Prius badges seem to have more presence, to appear almost as its own brand. In the front, it still feels like a Prius with our bi-LED headlights and cool swoosh-like LED daytime running lights. The car we have is finished in Cutting Edge, which is a fantastic light metallic silver that is accented by the larger 19-inch Alloy wheels included with the Limited trim. On the windshield, just below the center sensors and rearview mirror mount, you can find a small Prius outline, the letters “Prius” can be found in the rear wheel arch spelled vertically if you look closely, and lastly, “Prius” is spelled out again in the rear window blending in with the defrost lines. On the back, we have our final badging, including LTD to let people know this is the Limited trim, along with the Limited-specific powered open and close liftback hatch which features another hybrid reborn Easter egg inside.
Interior
The interior is small but makes good use of the space to fit four adults, if they aren’t professional basketball players, and features a lot of nice Toyota and Prius traits like an abundance of physical buttons. The interior materials are cheap, composed of a mix of plastics and Softex, which is Toyota’s spill-resistant faux leather material that can be found on the steering wheel and perforated seats. The materials chosen for the interior are often picked for price and weight which leads to better fuel economy, so you won’t find much sound deadening inside either, this becomes apparent on the highway. The interior does look modern, thanks to the abundance of screens, LED interior running light through the dash, and some more textures. The 7-inch multi-information display serves as your dash which feels closer to an EV than a gas car due to the minimal information provided, digital speed read-out, gas tank, and how hard you press on the gas. However, you can add some additional information along with map readouts per your preference. The mounting of the 7-inch dash screen can make adjusting the wheel a little strange as you try to avoid blocking it with the steering wheel. You end up reading the display over the wheels as opposed to through it, like most cars. The center 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is a big improvement over the smaller 8-inch. It is simple in function, but responsive, as a lot of controls are managed by buttons, but it does feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The seats are comfortable; they feel better than some previous generation cars and offer lumbar support and power adjustment with memory settings, including moving the seat out of the way for easy entry and exit, a feature usually reserved for Lexus, and more space can be found by manually pulling back the sunshade. The back seats have less headroom than the front, but at 6-ft tall even I can sit in the back without my head touching the roof, and you could open the manual glass roof curtain to expand the space. The Limited version does have heated rear sits, which could be important based on where you live, but the lack of rear air vents sours any added technology. You do get more USB type-C chargers, and the seats can be folded down when needed. There are more Easter eggs inside the interior phrased as hashtags with the first being #wirelesscharger, which is visible looking in, followed by the #glovebox, #consolebox, but the most fun is the tab in front of the shifter which shows you the #hiddencompartment.
Powertrain
Power comes from a hybrid 2.0 liter inline-four, which changes performance figures based on the drivetrain preference FWD of AWD. The FWD model does 194 horsepower, 139 lb-ft of torque and achieves 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, while the on-demand AWD model does 196 horsepower with the same 139 lb-ft of torque and achieves 0-60 in 7 seconds flat. Whichever option you choose uses an ECVT transmission. While it’s not a racecar, it is a considerable improvement over the previous generation knocking off two seconds in 0-60 and boasting a 70-horsepower increase.
Economy
Fuel economy is the main reason anyone looks into purchasing a Prius. The EPA ratings are 52 mpg city and highway, but Toyota says up to 57 mpg. Either way, it’s impressive. With the 11.3-gallon tank in the Prius, that gives you an estimated range of 587.6 miles which is awesome. Driving the car in the normal drive mode here in Phoenix, the car averaged 40 mpg-43 mpg in mixed driving with the ventilated seats and AC on full blast (to survive the 110-degree days). It’s important to point out that we do not have the lightest foot or the best hybrid driving habits, and having the climate control on full blast puts a strain on the system as well, so if you use the Eco drive mode you may notice the car throttle climate control back. It’s best to say your experience may vary, but the EPA ratings are certainly impressive especially considering the horsepower increases.
Drive
Driving the 2023 Toyota Prius feels just like the previous generations. The power steering is highly boosted, and you could easily turn the wheel with one finger in a parking lot, the brakes are touchy, and hard to come to a smooth stop as is typical with most hybrids and regenerative braking so no dig on the Prius. There is also some CVT rubber banding with the gas pedal that is to be expected. What this all means is the driving is simple and requires little effort, especially when effectively using the driver assists, making this an appliance for getting from A to B. The seats certainly feel more comfortable than previous models, making long drives easier. If you’re familiar with the Prius or other hybrid models, you will feel right at home here.
The Toyota Prius is not a luxury car, it is a fuel-efficient commuter first and foremost. However, Toyota has added more personality in an attempt to shake the Prius image. We have new styling and more power, yet the car is still as efficient as it ever was. There are cheaper hybrids in the Toyota lineup, like the Corolla, but you won’t find as many features. On the other hand, there are more luxurious hybrids that trade fuel economy for luxury. In a hyper-competitive space, the Prius is still one of the best in the game for fuel economy and saving money.
Classic car impresarioDon Williams is being honored by those he impacted in the hobby by the creation of a program that trains underserved and at-risk youth to be restorers and mechanics.
Don passed away this past March, creating a ripple effect that was felt from coast to coast by collectors and restorers and everyone in-between. He was involved in founding Barrett-Jackson, the Blackhawk Museum, and even the hallowed Dawn Patrol procession at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In fact, as he approached his 50th year at Pebble Beach, Don expressed the sentiment, “The cars are significant, but the memories of all the wonderful people we have met and the lasting friendships that have been forged by participating in this great event over the last five decades are priceless.”
Don Williams with Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson
The idea of paying tribute to Don’s love for cars and people came during a conversation between Pebble Beach Concours Chairwoman Sandra Button and her husband, Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson, and his wife, Chief Philanthropy Officer Carolyn Jackson.
“Don was a beloved member of our Barrett-Jackson family and the collector car community as a whole,” says Craig Jackson. “For five decades, Don was a vital part of our auctions. A trusted advisor, we shared a love for restoring cars and it’s an honor to make this donation in his memory as we fuel the growth and prosperity of this hobby that Don loved for generations to come.”
The next step was finding a charity. One of the Pebble Beach Concours charities, Rancho Cielo, garnered their attention. Rancho Cielo was founded in 2000 to provide education, workforce training, counseling, and a variety of services to youth that have not done well in traditional school systems and communities — youth often impacted by drugs or gang affiliations. Rancho Cielo has had success helping disenfranchised youth graduate from high school and find their way into higher educational programs and lifelong vocations like the culinary arts and construction.
And, now, auto repair, restoration, and mechanical/engineering.
Don Williams is honored by Concours Chairman Sandra Button at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours (Image: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance)
“We hope these funds provide a brighter future for many young people as well as many cars,” adds Sandra Button.
The Buttons and the Jackson Family Foundation each have contributed substantial funds to get things going, and they invite others from the community and beyond to join them in coming together to remember Don in a lasting way. Contributions can be made in memory of Don Williams to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, the charitable partner of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, via www.pebblebeachconcours.net/charity-giving/donate-now.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1986 GMC C1500. This truck has been given a custom frame-up restoration that includes power supplied by a fuel-injected Chevrolet 383 stroker V8 harnessed to a four-speed automatic transmission. Features include air conditioning, Dakota Digital gauges, shaved door handles with remote keyless entry, upgraded Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo, and more. Finished in Black with Violet Pearl over a black vinyl and cloth interior, this 1986 GMC pickup comes with a CARFAX report and clear title.
During the restoration, the exterior was finished in BASF Black over Violet Pearl. Features include a silver Chevrolet grille with dual headlights and tinted parking lights, black front air dam, dual chrome side mirrors, white accent stripes, tinted glass, black vinyl tonneau cover, short Fleetside pickup box lined with gray BedRug, shaved tailgate, and rear roll pan.
A set of new 20-inch custom U.S. Mags wheels is wrapped in 11.5-inch-wide Goodyear radial tires.
The bench seat is upholstered in black vinyl with cloth inserts. Features include power steering, four-spoke Grant GT steering wheel, floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter, and factory air conditioning converted to R134a refrigerant. The sound system consists of a modern Kenwood AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth stereo, four new Pioneer speakers, and Polk Audio subwoofer.
The instrument panel consists of a set of Dakota Digital VHX analog gauges that includes a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and readouts for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage.
Power is provided by a new Chevrolet 383 stroker V8 paired with a Holley Sniper fuel injection system and 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission with 3,000-rpm stall converter. Power output is an estimated 500-plus horsepower. Engine features include polished aluminum valve covers and intake, MSD electronic ignition system, and aluminum air cleaner with flame design.
The suspension has been lowered two inches with drop spindles. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums. The rear end has been upgraded with a mini spool.
The auction for this 1986 GMC C1500 ends tomorrow, on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. (PDT)
Italian cars of this era can be confusing to American car lovers because there were so many variations done with the same chassis: a Bertone here, a Pinin Farina there, and maybe a Zagato for the truly avant-garde. That’s why you see sedans, coupes, convertibles, and practically bespoke versions sharing the same name. That’s very true of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, which started off as a 1.3-liter twin-cam inline-four-powered Sprint coupe in 1954, soon to be joined by a Berlina (four-door sedan) and Spider (convertible) a year later.
At the time, unibody construction, aluminum alloy engine block with cast iron sleeves, and hemi heads were novel ideas beyond the twin cams. More powerful versions of the 1956-62 Sprint and Spider were called Veloce (think “velocity”), which added another twin-venturi carburetor and more compression for 89 horsepower, a ten-horse bump. The 1957-62 Giulietta Sprint Speciale, a custom Bertone two-seater, and a race-inspired Sprint Zagato, featured even more compression and 99 horsepower.
This 1959 Alfa Romeo was born a white Giulietta Spider Veloce in Milan on January 3, 1959, and sold through the famous Hoffman Motor Car Co. in Manhattan. In the 1990s, the Alfa was sent to Ashcroft Restorations in Phoenix for an interior refreshing. The exterior was repainted a shade of BMW red by the owner, who owned Day BMW in Concord, California.
The driveline was sent to Conrad Stevenson of Berkeley, where he adapted the Veloce’s exhaust manifold, carburetors, air box and filter, headers, and oil sump to a 1750cc block, then mated the engine to a five-speed manual transmission (the original had four forward speeds). The charging system was also upgraded to an alternator. Underneath, the suspension was upgraded to include a larger sway bar and other tweaks.
Since 2004, this 1959 Giulietta Spider Veloce has been in the possession of the current owner. “The car has been cared for and looked after since thanks to consistent service records on file, and now shows a scant 87,500 on the odometer,” says the dealer, which is a scant 1,500 miles added over 20 years. With classic Italian style and subtle Alfa upgrades, this Giulietta is a dream collectible with some rev-happy drama under the hood. For $95,000, it’s a fine way to enjoy the good life.
