Classic Car Journal

The Porsche crest is as much a part of the automaker’s identity as rear-engine sports cars and three-digit internal model codes.Yet it almost didn’t happen.

Porsche recently released an official explanation of how the crest came to be, and it all comes down to a 1951 business dinner. The automaker was already selling cars at that time, having launched the 356 in 1948, but with only Porsche lettering to identify them.

In March 1951, the company launched a design competition among German art academies, offering 1,000 deutsche marks to the winner. None of the designs won over company judges, however.

The idea of a logo surfaced again later in 1951 when Ferry Porsche, son of company founder Ferdinand, met U.S. importer Max Hoffman for a business dinner in New York City, where Hoffman had a large showroom.

Hoffman had recently accepted the first Porsche franchise in America and was an influential presence, also brining the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL to the U.S.

Hoffman pushed for a distinctive logo, and this time the idea stuck. On December 27, 1951, Ferry Porsche jotted down notes for a “steering wheel hub featuring Porsche and the Stuttgart coat of arms or something similar.” After returning to Germany, he commissioned designer Franz Xaver Reimspieß to design what became the Porsche crest.

He came up with a rearing horse in gold shield modeled on the Stuttgart coat of arms, representing Porsche’s hometown, with a background based on the coat of arms of Württemberg-Hohenzollern, the West German state which Stuttgart was a part of at the time. It was merged into the newly created state of Baden-Württemberg in 1952, just as the Porsche crest debuted.

Porsche initially used the crest solely on the steering wheel of the 356, adding it to the hood in 1954 and the hub caps in 1959. It’s appeared on every Porsche production model since, and while it has undergone five updates over the years, it’s still instantly recognizable.

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

Research by Citroën UK indicates 45% of drivers admit that being in a bad mood led them to be more agitated and less tolerant with fellow drivers. Citroen surveyed 2,000 UK drivers for the project and 25% said they are more likely to be distracted and ignore hazards while feeling gloomy and unhappy. But what are some of the contributing factors to the angry driving?

The research delved into the overall mood of drivers and discovered that 49% of Brits admit to having suffered from “January Blues” in the past, with 34% indicating that January was the month with the greatest negative on their well-being. The come-down after celebrating the holidays, on top of a constant cloud of bleak weather with less daylight, could put most of us in a bad head space and into agitated drivers. Citroën’s research determined that 34% surveyed found January to be the month with the most negative impact on their well-being. Winter temperatures and dark days (73%), heading back to work after Christmas (38%) and financial worries (35%) were listed as the main contributing factors to causing January Blues.

The results of the survey are not surprising by any stretch of the imagination. Who hasn’t been in a post-holiday season funk and then carried that feeling over to their driving? The holidays are tough on everyone and, unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to release this stress whilst behind the wheel and drive angry.

Unfortunately, for those on UK roadways during the holiday seasons, 32% of participants in the survey go for a drive to clear their head. This seems counter-intuitive in many ways, but I understand. Not to wax poetic about notions of the open road and freedom to clear the mind, but it has worked for me in the past and I think a lot of people share this sentiment. Unfortunately I have also hit the road in a foul mood and have been a complete jerk to my fellow drivers.

January is not easy for everyone. The post-holiday tab can be severe, and the weather isn’t emblematic of carefree fun in the sun, so let’s all do our best to stay courteous on the road and avoid driving angry.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1957 Cadillac Series 62 convertible. It is powered by a 365ci V8 backed by Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Features include an assortment of power options and assists, WonderBar AM radio and Autronic-Eye. Finished in Mountain Laurel over a white and black leather interior, this Cadillac comes from the selling dealer with the original air cleaner and clear title, only awaiting your bid for many days of enjoyment.

The exterior is finished in its original Mountain Laurel hue. Features a manual remote driver-side mirror, power black convertible top and dual exhausts exiting from rear bumper exhaust ports. The selling dealer states that the paint and chrome show well, with few blemishes.

A set of steel wheels with full Cadillac wheel covers is wrapped in whitewall bias-ply tires.

The interior is upholstered in white and black leather. Features include front power bench seat, power windows, Autronic-Eye automatic headlight beam control, signal-seeking WonderBar AM radio and black vinyl convertible top boot. A full walk-around video can be seen in the video on the auction page.

A 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature are located ahead of the driver. The odometer reads 45,650 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by a 310-horsepower 365ci engine backed by a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Underhood features include an Edelbrock carburetor and aftermarket chrome air cleaner. The selling dealer states that the original air cleaner will be included with the sale.

This Cadillac was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear drive axle. Braking is provided by power drum brakes.

Minnesota residents are responsible for tax, license and title procurement fees; out-of-state buyers will have to pay a $125 title procurement fee.

This 1957 Cadillac Series 62 convertible’s auction ends on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 4:20 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Do you remember the Rolls-Royce (and Bentley) of old versus the Rolls-by-way-of-BMW of today? It used to be you could see a Silver Shadow/Corniche or Silver Spirit all around Los Angeles or even parked by some of the more prestigious hotels around Manhattan, so it seemed that, despite its hand-built status, Rolls-Royce was a popular, consistent seller among the wealthy.

Compare it to the modern Rolls-Royce, which began with the 2003 Phantom and now features a lineup of several different models including an SUV. Even in the environs of Beverly Hills, the Rolls-Royce of today command a different level of respect and appear somewhat rare … or so you would think, as the company has reported a record 6,021 in sales — the marque’s best showing ever.

“2022 has been a momentous year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Not only did we reveal Rolls‑Royce Spectre, our marque’s first ever fully-electric series model to the world, it was also the first year we ever delivered more than 6,000 cars in a single 12-month period, with strong demand across our entire product portfolio,” says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “But as a true House of Luxury, sales are not our sole measure of success: we are not and never will be a volume manufacturer. Bespoke IS Rolls-Royce, and commissions were also at record levels last year, with our clients’ requests becoming ever more imaginative and technically demanding – a challenge we enthusiastically embrace.”

Production is up 8% from 2021, and a far cry from the 1,212 produced in calendar year 2008. Even five years ago, the total was a prodigious 4,107.

According to Rolls-Royce, the Middle East leads as the region with the most Bespoke commissions. In fact, Rolls-Royce opened a Dubai-based invitation-only Private Office in 2022 — the first outside Goodwood, West Sussex. Nonetheless, the Americas continues to remain the single largest region for Rolls-Royce, with China ranking second.

Rolls-Royce is currently poised to celebrate 20 years of production at Goodwood. Back then, one Phantom was built a day, the impetus for a transformation centered on a long-term strategy “based on sustainable growth, careful management and planning, and the successful reinvention of the brand.”

Hennessey went to the mattresses with its Venom F5 roadster (aka the “world’s fastest convertible”) and now has dug even deeper for its new track-only Venom F5 Revolution coupe. The recently unveiled Venom F5 Revolution is based on Hennessey’s road-going Venom F5 coupe, but the track-only sibling has reworked aerodynamics, suspension, engine cooling and digital telemetry. To enhance on-track performance, Hennessey’s engineers focused on weight reduction to keep the Venom F5 Revolution below 3,000 pounds. Like previous incarnations of the Venom F5, the Revolution is powered by an 1,817 horsepower twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter “Fury” V8 engine. The engine is paired with an automated single-clutch gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels.

The prominent full-width rear-mounted carbon fiber wing is adjustable and features end plates designed to stop high-pressure air on top of the wing from spilling underneath, which increases downforce without extending the width of the wing. At 186 mph, the rear wing provides more than 800 pounds of downforce, and over 1,400 pounds of downforce is available at 249 mph.

“From the outset, we designed the Venom F5 hypercar to be ultra-light and monstrously powerful, with dynamics to match,” says John ‘Heinrocket’ Heinricy, chief engineer. “So, taking these ingredients and adding track-focused aerodynamics, suspension, and gearing, enabled us to create a machine that is the ultimate visceral and emotional driving experience.”

The Venom F5 Revolution has a double-wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers. It rides on forged alloy wheels with a larger contact patch for improved cornering grip, and braking is provided by carbon-ceramic brakes with muti-piston calipers. To keep track of lap times, a digital on-board track telemetry system capable of measuring lap times, splits and cornering G-forces is available.

Do you want your very own Venom F5 Revolution? The first step is to apply and, if you are selected to buy one of the 24 examples, it’ll set you back $2.7 million.

“The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe combines our outstanding 1,817 bhp V8 ‘Fury’ combustion engine with our lightest and most capable chassis,” says John Hennessey, company founder and CEO. “The hypercar, which is astoundingly fast, is at home on a racing circuit where utmost handling is paramount – it offers the nimbleness of a fighter jet, yet with a powerplant like a Saturn V rocket!”

Google’s Android Auto interface has become the go-to choice for many drivers. Like the rival Apple CarPlay interface, Android Auto projects familiar smartphone apps onto a car’s infotainment system for a more straightforward experience. Now it’s getting an update.

Unveiled at CES, the update brings a fresh design and a handful of new features to Android Auto, which launched in 2014 and received its last major facelift in 2019.

Rolling out to users now, the new design moves Google Maps closer to the driver so it’s easier to see at a glance. Other changes include a new media card aimed at better displaying album art, and a quick-launcher feature for frequently used apps.

In addition to a revised look, Android Auto gains some new features. Google Assistant now provides suggestions like missed call reminders, as well as arrival time sharing and the ability to pull up music and podcasts. A progress bar has been added as well, so users can skip ahead to another song or episode.

On-screen shortcuts for replying to messages and calling favorite contacts have also been added. Google Pixel and Samsung smartphone users can now make calls using WhatsApp through Android Auto.

Beyond the Android Auto updates, Google is also expanding availability of digital key functionality, which lets drivers use a smartphone in place of a key fob. Car owners can now share a digital key with Pixel and iPhone users to let other people borrow their cars, with Samsung and Xiaomi compatibility coming soon. While multiple automakers offer variations of this feature, Google’s version only works with BMW, although the company said it plans to add more car brands.

More automakers are also adopting Google Built-In features for their infotainment systems, letting drivers use Google apps without having to connect a smartphone. The 2023 Honda Accord is the latest model to add Google Built-In, joining certain models from Volvo and Polestar.

New features planned for Google Built-In include HD maps, which will launch on the 2024 Volvo EX90 and 2024 Polestar 3 electric SUVs. Drivers will also soon be able to watch YouTube videos on their car screens when parked. Google also plans to expand the roster of car brands with Google Built-In, with plans to add Ford and Lincoln later in 2023.

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

If you’re not into Formula 1, you may not be aware that teams can’t just join the circuit on a whim. In fact, the last time a team has joined was in 2014 — the only American team on the circuit. However, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA, Formula 1’s governing body) recently announced it was opening enrollment for teams to join the circuit.

And guess who’s intending to compete in Formula 1? Mario Andretti and Cadillac.

Indeed, Andretti Global has announced a partnership with General Motors to form a Formula 1 team and compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship. The new team will be called Andretti Cadillac and plans to submit an Expression of Interest to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.

“We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what’s next. I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula One and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans. I’m proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal … We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid,” says Andretti.

According to Car and Driver, Andretti “previously sought to enter the championship on its own but struggled to gain traction.” The new partnership also should attract more Americans to the series.

Adds Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, “General Motors is honored to team with Andretti Global on this historic moment in racing. We have a long, rich history in motorsports and engineering innovation, and we are thrilled with the prospect of pairing with Andretti Global to form an American F1 team that will help spur even more global interest in the series and the sport.”

The team will be based in the U.S. and have a support facility in the U.K.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is a 1968 Ford Mustang GT fastback. This pony car is powered by a 302 four-barrel backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include a front bench seat, Sport Deck folding rear seat and gauges. Finished in Candyapple Red over a red vinyl interior, this Mustang GT comes from the selling dealer with factory invoice and a clear title.

The Candyapple Red (code T) fastback features GT fog lamps, turn indicators on the hood, wheel and rocker moldings, driver-side mirror, special rear valance with quad exhaust pipes, and correct GT gas cap. A full walk-around video can be seen on the auction page.

A set of Styled Steel Wheels with GT insignia and bright trim rings is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.

What makes this Mustang truly unusual is the bench seat, especially when paired with a stick shift. The red bench features a fold-down armrest, plus the rear seat folds down for extra utility. Other features include manual steering, Philco AM radio and a three-spoke steering wheel with a wood rim.

A 120-mph speedometer, 8K-rpm tachometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature are mounted ahead of the driver. The odometer reads 23,826 miles, but the true mileage is unknown.

Power is provided by a 230-horsepower 302 small-block and is backed and backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Underhood features include “Ford Blue” steel valve covers, closed-element air cleaner, chrome export brace and quick-release battery cable.

This Mustang was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and solid rear axle. Braking is provided by manual drums.

Minnesota residents will be responsible for tax, license and title procurement fees in addition to the price of the car; out-of-state buyers will have to pay a $125 title procurement fee. The selling dealer will include a Deluxe Marti Report as part of the sale.

This 1968 Ford Mustang GT fastback’s auction ends on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (MST)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

A part of me will always envy John Shaft beyond being a bad mother and a cat that won’t cop out when danger is all about. This envy is based on the movie magic of having a theme song playing in the background when making an appearance. As I am a fairly boring dude with a lot of dull qualities, I don’t foresee an original tune meant to make me look cool. My dream of being cool like Shaft is a passion project that is fruitless, but I knew that from the beginning.

This notion of having a cool theme song extends to cars and, even though the final incarnation of the Pontiac GTO doesn’t have “three deuces and four-speed,” I often get “G.T.O.” by Ronny and the Daytonas stuck in my head when I see one. Regardless of the generation, the Pontiac GTO is worthy of a theme song because that car will always be cool, unlike this scribe.

The Pick of the Day is a 2006 Pontiac GTO listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to view the listing)

A stock 2006 GTO’s LS2 6.0-liter V8 engine produced a factory-rated 400 horsepower when new, but this one has higher performance aspirations. The stock LS2 engine was upgraded with a MagnaCharger supercharger, Mahle flat top pistons, King XP bearings, and a BTR PDS Stage 2 camshaft kit. To handle the extra horsepower, this GTO’s TREMEC six-speed manual transmission was beefed up with a Monster twin-disc clutch and flywheel and a Tick performance throwout bearing. A 3.64 limited-slip differential gets the power to the rear wheels.

“A burst of Brazen Orange can be seen when this car blows by you,” the listing states. “The paint is very nice but does show with chips and scrapes on the rocker panels and front bumper of this title verified 44,027 clocked original mile car. This car is equipped with the Sport Appearance Package, meaning it has a more aggressive front fascia, recessed grille inserts, rocker extensions, a taller rear spoiler, and a rear fascia extension.”

The listing price is $32,500. To me, this is a competitive price for a low-mileage GTO with numerous performance upgrades and finished in a rare color as only 340 2006 GTOs were finished in Brazen Orange.

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

I was 17 years old when I heard about a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible for sale. It was sitting in a shed in Bagley, Wisconsin, with the top down and absolutely dirty. The farmers who had it wanted $600 for it. Back in 1975 that was a lot of money for a used car but I had always wanted this year Galaxie. When I was growing up we had one as a family car, and I never forgot about it. I made the decision to go to the local bank to borrow the $600 needed to purchase the car.

The following day two friends and I actually skipped school to go see the car with $600 cash in hand. When we arrived, I offered the farmer $600, but he said he had some other people coming to look at the Galaxie. Worried we were too late, I was relieved when he then said, “First come gets it, so it’s yours.”

I was now the owner of this top down, full of dirt convertible. According to the farmer, the top was down because his dog fell through it while chasing a cat, and sitting for years like this made the interior a mess. But we hooked it up to jumpers, put gas down the carburetor, and it fired up enough for me to drive home.

The next step was to clean it up. As it turns out, my uncle, who owned a body shop and a used car lot, went to buy the Galaxie without realize it was already sold: to me! When he found out I purchased it, he came over and offered me $2,500, which I turned it down. I still have the Galaxie today. 2023 will be 48 years it’s been with me. It’s never been restore, has the original interior, and only one paint job. I did have to replace the top in 1975.

-Bryon M., Wisconsin

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