Today’s AutoHunter Cinema feature is a fine example of how final generation D150s are almost a blank canvas for builders. This 1983 Dodge D150 is powered by a Blouch Performance twin-turbocharged 318ci V8 mated to a 904 TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The modified D150 features a ton of customization from the Indigo Blue exterior to the custom navy interior and the performance modifications are more bite than bark. This custom pickup sold for $46,200 at the Barrett-Jackson Houston auction.
If the quintessential station wagon is the Ford Country Squire, then you have a certain expectation of what a station wagon looks like. So when you encounter a wagon like this 1958 Mercury, does something strike you as being somewhat different? It’s a proper hardtop, which is why this 1958 Mercury Commuter is our Pick of the Day. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Branson, Missouri. (Click the link to view the listing)
By the time this Mercury was built, hardtop wagons had become a thing thanks to the 1955-57 Chevrolet Nomad and Pontiac Safari. Truth be told, they were two-door hardtop wagons that were more about style than service. The 1957 Mercury was among the first to offer a “regular” hardtop wagon, which included the Buick Special Riviera Estate Wagon and Century Caballero, and Oldsmobile Rocket 88 and Super 88 Fiestas. Rambler, Dodge, and Chrysler eventually would join the bandwagon. (See what we did there?)
For 1958, Commuter sat at the bottom of the Mercury wagon hierarchy. Trimmed similar to the Monterey, it was available as a two-door, six-passenger vehicle, as well as a four-door version capable handling either six- or nine-passengers. A step up was the Voyager, which was trimmed like a Montclair. It was available in the same three configurations as the Commuter. The Colony Park was trimmed like a Park Lane and was the only wagon to feature wood-grained steel paneling. It was only available as a four-door with seating for six or nine passengers. All were hardtops.
Nineteen fifty-eight was the year Mercury started offering a new family of Marauder V8s that’s commonly known as “MEL” (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln). Standard for the Commuter was a 312-horsepower 383, while the Voyager and Colony Park came standard with 330-horse 383. Optional for all models was the Super Marauder 430 with 400 horsepower — more than Chrysler’s 300-D!
This 1958 Mercury Commuter wagon features four doors and room for nine passengers. Mildly customized, the seller calls this the “California Beach Wagon,” and it shows thanks to four-wheel power disc brakes, American Racing mags, and lowered suspension. With 80,000 miles, the 330-horse wagon also features push-button automatic transmission. “Paint is high-quality with no blemishes or chips. All trim and chrome has been repaired, straightened and either polished or re chromed,” says the seller. “Power steering, power rear window, power antenna … all lights, gauges and accessories in working order … radio works.” Inside, the interior is original and looks great aside of the third row, which has been reupholstered with non-matching material. Best of all, a new under-dash AC system was just installed.
The seller concludes, “Would drive anywhere.” For $87,500 OBO, it better be capable, so tell the tribe to pile in and go to Mount Rushmore with nary a worry. In a sea of SUVs, you certainly would stand out, and the memories would be priceless.
A group of New York lawmakers want to mandate speed limiters for the cars of serial speeders, The New York Daily News recently reported.
Drivers with multiple speed-camera violations would be ordered to install aftermarket speed limiters in their vehicles, under a bill proposed in the New York State legislature Tuesday by two legislators representing New York City’s Brooklyn borough.
New York City skyline (by Flickr user AngMoKio)
Senator Andrew Gounardes, who is sponsoring the bill in the New York Senate, said in an interview with the Daily News that fines don’t serve as a significant consequence for speeding, adding that a “cohort of drivers” continue to rack up multiple speeding violations.
The proposed alternative is a speed limiter that would prevent cars from traveling no more than 5 mph above the posted speed limit. The bill calls for installing these devices in cars that have been flagged with six or more speed-camera violations.
New York City skyline
In New York State, speed-camera violations do not come with driver’s license points, as the automated system can’t prove who is driving. Drivers who are stopped by police can receive points on their licenses for speeding in addition to fines. State law allows for licenses to be suspended if a driver accumulates 11 points in 18 months, but that’s not mandatory. Under the proposed bill, speed limiters would also be installed in the cars of drivers who accumulate 11 points but don’t have their licenses suspended.
This isn’t the only proposal to limit speed in New York. In 2022, legislators proposed fitting every car manufactured or registered in the state with a system called Active Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) that would use GPS and traffic sign recognition to determine the speed limit—and prevent drivers from exceeding it. That bill failed to advance beyond the New York Senate Rules Committee.
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)
Aston Martin has just announced the most powerful car in its storied 110-year history. Christened the DBS 770 Ultimate, only 499 of the V12 GT are planned to be produced before the current DBS is put out to pasture and a new version takes its place. If you’re of the well-heeled variety, don’t get too excited because Aston Martin says the order books are already closed.
“When an iconic model generation reaches the end of production it is important to mark the occasion with something special,” says Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin Chief Technology Officer. “In the case of the DBS 770 Ultimate, we have spared nothing in ensuring the final version of our current series production flagship is the best-ever in every respect. Not only is it the fastest and most powerful DBS in our history, thanks to a comprehensive suite of improvements to the transmission, steering, suspension, and underbody structure; it is also the best to drive.”
The DBS has its roots in the DBS Superleggera that first appeared in 2018. The original featured a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 with 715 horsepower backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission made by ZF. The new DBS 770 Ultimate will improve on that, achieving close to 770 horsepower and 900 lb-ft of torque. Aston Martin claims the power nudge comes from modified air and ignition pathways plus a 7% increase in maximum turbo boost pressure, with increased response and broader torque curves being notable byproducts. The transmission also has been recalibrated “to enhance shift speeds and driver interaction” for a “truly connected driving experience.”
Steering response and feedback have improved thanks to a new solid mounted steering column, improved front-end lateral stiffness (achieved with an enhanced front cross member and thicker rear undertray) and improvements to the calibration of the Adaptive Damping System.
Though the front-end looks similar to previous DBS models, subtle tweaks have increased airflow to the radiators and enhanced thermal management. Assistance comes from the horseshoe engine vent on the hood and new front splitter that integrates two new outboard vents.
A neat feature of the DBS 770 Ultimate is the new 21-inch multi-spoke wheels available in Satin Silver, Satin Black or optional Satin Black with Diamond Turned finish. All are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires — 265/35 R21 up front and 305/30 R21 out back.
Inside, all DBS 770 Ultimates will come standard with Sport Plus seats trimmed in semi-aniline leather and Alcantara with a fluted quilt and perforation pattern. Sills feature plaques showing the Aston Martin Wings logo, DBS 770 Ultimate logo, and sequence number of the 300 coupes or 199 Volantes being built.
“DBS has always sat at the pinnacle of the Aston Martin production model line-up. And now we’re infusing DBS 770 Ultimate with even more… more power, more performance purity and all with more sophistication, more taste and in the most considered manner,” adds Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer. “Something so raw, and yet so beautiful it’s almost intimidating to look at. It’s through this design approach that we came up with the shapes – starting with the amped-up front end – and from there everything else flows in design balance with the performance upgrades.”
The first customer example of the Mercedes-Benz AMG One hypercar has been delivered more than five months after production started and more than five years after the car was first shown at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show.
The first customer example is finished in black and was delivered to a customer in Germany.
Just 275 examples are planned, with some confirmed buyers including Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, and David Coulthard. For anyone hoping to join that list, all build slots are gone, despite a starting price of 2.275 million euros (approximately $2.572 million).
Even though a lot of the build slots went to customers in the U.S., AMG wasn’t able to certify the car and its finicky F1 engine for sale here without a substantial loss in performance, and thus won’t sell it here. There is some hope for U.S. customers to take delivery on home soil in the form of the Show or Display rule, however.
Production of the One is handled at a dedicated facility in Coventry, U.K., close to where Mercedes’ F1 engines are built. The F1 engine builder Mercedes‑Benz AMG High Performance Powertrains is also responsible for the One’s engine.
The engine is a turbo 1.6-liter V-6, specifically the design from Mercedes’ championship-winning race car from the 2015 F1 season. But the rest of the One’s powertrain is actually more sophisticated than in the F1 car. While in the race car there’s only the turbo V-6 and a motor-generator driving the rear wheels, plus a second motor-generator integrated with the turbocharger, the One has two additional motor-generators. These drive each of the front wheels and provide the One with all-wheel drive. Peak output is 1,049 hp, though the car is relatively heavy for a two-seater, weighing in at 3,737 pounds.
Performance is scintillating, as estimates include a 0-62 mph time in 2.9 seconds and a top speed capped at 219 mph, likely due to the aerodynamics. The One also holds the Nürburgring lap record for a production car, with its time of 6:35.183 set last fall on a damp track.
Actor, comedian and gearhead Rowan Atkinson is parting ways with his 1993 Lancia HF Integrale Evo II. The hot hatchback is being offered by Silverstone Auctions with an estimated hammer price of $80,000 – $92,000 (£65,000 – £75,000).
Rowan Atkinson’s 1993 Lancia HF Integrale Evo II
Atkinson rose to prominence with his roles in the TV series “Black Adder” (1983-1989) and “Mr. Bean” (1990-1995). He has had an extensive movie career and was named one of the 50 funniest actors in British history by The Observer. Atkinson is also a devout car collector (his collection once included a McLaren F1) and weekend racing driver with an unfortunate tendency to have the occasional shunt.
Rowan Atkinson’s 1993 Lancia HF Integrale Evo II
This dark blue Lancia offered at Silverstone is one of 4,233 1993 Lancia HF Integrale EVO IIs built for the global market. This 56,000-mile (90,000-km) example features a two-liter, 16-valve turbo inline-four with three-way catalytic converter, lambda probe and new Marelli integrated engine control system. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Rowan Atkinson’s 1993 Lancia HF Integrale Evo II
“Originally supplied to Japan, this car was then selected and imported back to the UK in 2011 with all duties paid,” Silverstone Auction’s listing states. “It had been chosen for its rare colour of Lord Blue which is extremely smart and also its comprehensive Japanese service history. The interior of this particular car is also immaculate with the Tan Alcantara high-back seats still looking like new. Maintained professionally on an annual basis in the UK, the car had covered just over 87,000km (54,000 miles) when, back in May 2021, it was purchased by well known comedian, actor and long time petrol head, Rowan Atkinson CBE.”
For many muscle-car fans, there’s no finer example from Pontiac’s classic line-up than the 1969 GTO. The second-generation Gran Turismo Omologato (1968-1972) is on many folks’ wish lists for its legendary performance, good looks and timeless Pontiac styling.
1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air III convertible
After coming off the win for Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1968, Pontiac’s stylists improved the GTO’s looks subtly for the 1969 model year. Aesthetic revisions included the deletion of the side vent windows, a mesh-look revamp to the front grille, red rear-quarter side-marker lights shaped like Pontiac arrowheads, and new front-parking-light, rear-taillight and rear-chrome-bumper designs. Inside, the gauges changed from blue to black.
1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air III convertible
Despite the ooh la la in the looks department, sales were down from the previous year’s tally of 87,684 GTOs sold.
Though it was a dip, Pontiac produced a total of 72,287 GTOs in 1969. Of those, 7,436 were convertibles. And of those, 249 were equipped with the 366hp Ram Air III V-8 engine and a four-speed manual transmission, but not with the Judge package.
1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air III convertible
So, when the Dream Giveaway Garage asked us if our readers’ hearts would go thumpity-thump over a Ram Air 1969 GTO convertible, well, you already know the answer.
Who wouldn’t want to win a Judge in sheep’s clothing?
As Pontiac’s flagship muscle car, all 1969 GTOs came with 400-cubed V-8s. Two optional, higher-performance mills were available by special order: a 366hp Ram Air III and a 370hp Ram Air IV.
366hp Ram Air III V8
A quick review of the invoice graciously provided by PHS confirms a Ram Air III under the hood. Continuing down the line, the two additional performance options most collectors ooh and aah over are present as well: a four-speed manual stick and a heavy-duty Safe-T-Track differential.
If putting this cool classic GTO convertible in your driveway sounds good to you, then click here and enter now.
1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air III convertible
The factory also installed a push-button radio, retractable headlamp covers, Rally II wheels, hood-mounted tachometer, console, power steering and ride-and-handling package. You’re spot on calling this a nicely optioned Ram Air GTO! Oh, restoration parts were provided by Ames Performance.
Let’s get back to the details of how you can win this GTO.
Make a donation of $25 or more to help out charity and, if you’re lucky, you could find this primo example of America’s original super-car staring back at you from its new permanent home in your garage. Click here and enter now.
Entry banks close at midnight on January 30, 2023. Click here to get double tickets on your donation of $25 or more. The winner will be drawn on February 9, 2023, and the awarding of the keys, the title and the GTO will occur in late February or early March of this year. Plus, there’s $15,000 set aside to pay the federal government the prize tax on behalf of the winner. This is your last chance to win this rare Pontiac GTO. Enter now
This Camaro Z28 is finished in Midnight Blue (code 29) complemented by a white D88 hood and rear deck sport stripes, Z28 emblems, a front chin spoiler, and a three-piece rear spoiler.
1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
It rides on 15-inch gray Camaro Rally wheels with chrome center caps, stainless trim rings, and 245/60/R15 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
“The front bucket seats, rear seat, and door panel inserts are upholstered in black vinyl” the listing states. “Features include power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, a center console with a storage compartment and a Hurst four-speed manual shifter, an AM/FM/Bluetooth Antique Automobile Radio, manual windows, and a four-spoke steering wheel. The seller states that the rear defroster blower does not work.”
Under the hood is an 350ci V8 L82 engine featuring a new Demon carburetor, an aluminum Edelbrock intake, MSD ignition, and a K&N air filter. The engine is paired with a Muncie M20 four-speed manual transmission.
350ci V8 L82 engine
This Camaro has power front disc and rear drum brakes. The seller states that new leaf springs have been installed, and the air conditioning was recently serviced.
Trim tag
The odometer reads 13,375 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown. The sale includes a clear California title in the seller’s name, receipts, and the removed air cleaner, carburetor, and manifold.
The Pick of the Day is a 1955 Imperial Newport two-door coupe — just don’t call it a Chrysler. From 1955 through 1975 (plus a 1981-83 revival), Imperial was a separate brand of the Chrysler Corporation, competing with Cadillac, Lincoln and Packard as America’s finest motorcar. This particular vehicle is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Illinois.
When Virgil Exner introduced Chrysler Corporation’s Forward Look in 1955, it injected much-needed excitement into a company that was lagging in style compared to its cross-town competitors in Detroit. Imperial in particular was a crowning achievement of sorts, preening with added distinction compared to previous years, which often came off as an upscale Chrysler.
For the first time in years, Imperial was on equal footing with Cadillac, even though Cadillac was at its style peak during this era. Thanks to “100-million-dollar look” styling, including a wide egg crate grille (which the Chrysler C-300 “borrowed”) and distinctive, show car-inspired gunsight taillights mounted on the rear fenders, Imperial declared its arrival in high style.
A four-door sedan and the two-door Newport hardtop coupe were the core Imperial models, with a Crown limo for those who wanted to make a splash at the social club. That paled compared to the breadth of Cadillac’s lineup, but its trump card was engineering — long a Chrysler Corporation competency. A 331ci FirePower Hemi V8 with 250 horsepower competed toe-to-toe with Cadillac save the Eldorado. Within a few years, Imperial would exceed Cadillac on just about every objective metric.
This Jade Green over Platinum 1955 Imperial Newport for sale on ClassicCars.com is one of 3,418 built and features a matching leather and cloth interior with power front bench. Aside from the standard power windows, desirable options include 15-inch chrome wire wheels with faux spinners and air conditioning, a pricey option that added more than 10% to the price of the car. Included with the Hemi V8 was PowerFlite automatic transmission with dash-mounted lever. The odometer reads 71,239, though the seller has not indicated whether those are the original miles.
Cars with air conditioning featured this air scoop.
You may have noticed that 2023 has already brought some crazy prices at auction on TV, but that doesn’t mean every car is priced out of reach for the average collector. In the case of this 1955 Imperial Newport, it’s an attainable $27,000. It’s nice to see that sanity still exists in the collector car world.
