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.
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)
For Douglas Lombardo it is a trip back in time with his Galaxie. His Ford is an exact replica of his dad’s.
“This is my 1966 Ford Galaxie, and is the exact duplicate that my dad drove in 1966 and that I learned to drive in. It has never been restored just repainted once in the ’90’s, and runs beautifully. It has the original 428 cid in it and the Cruise-O-Matic transmission. The Rear end ratio is a 3.50 posi. It is Nightmist blue with the blue interior, The interior has been reupholstered to look as it did in 1966 when I drove it in my first drivers test at 16. Note that I stated ‘my first drivers test.’ I know that the instructor did not like me driving this car in the test. So I ended up retaking the test in my mom’s 1966 Galaxie 500 convertible a week later and passed.”
If you would like your car featured in Reader Wheels click on the link below and tell us a little bit about your ride.
If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.
Jefferson, Wisc. – Fall is on its way and so is the 46th Annual Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show on September 22- 24. The show will be held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds located at 503 N Jackson Ave, Jefferson, WI 53549 just off Hwy. 18 in Jefferson Wisconsin.
Madison Classics has always strived to provide a great place for auto enthusiasts to buy/sell/display a variety of auto related items and vehicles. The very first Madison Classics Spring show was held in February of 1977 at the Dane County Coliseum in Madison, Wisconsin. The day of the swap meet it snowed over 6”, but nonetheless a swap meet was born! After a few years in Madison, Gary Esse (founder of Madison Classics) decided he wanted to find a better venue and found a very promising fairgrounds just 28 miles away in Jefferson, Wisconsin. In 1980 the Madison Classics event moved to Jefferson County Fairgrounds where the event is now held twice a year and is marked with well over 3,100 outdoor swap spaces along with hundreds of indoor spaces set on approximately 99 acres. The event draws thousands of vendors and spectators from just about every state. There are folks that travel from as far as Europe each year for the swap meets! Whether it is a professional vendor or a hobbyists cleaning out their garage, the vendors at the Jefferson Swap Meets know one thing – this is the auto swap meet to attend in Wisconsin.
Madison Classics
Madison Classics Fall Jefferson event will feature Chevrolets. Classics Plus LTD out of Fond Du Lac will be displaying an array of Chevrolets including the feature vehicle for the Fall Jefferson show. The feature cars will be displayed in the main Activity Center Building and be sure to look for a larger display of vehicles in front of the main building lined up Saturday & Sunday morning behind the Show Car registration tent.
“It’s a tradition!” Gary Esse stated, “The City of Jefferson and surrounding communities have shown great support for our events and we have made many lifelong relationships here. We greatly appreciate that and thank everyone for 46 years and many more to come!”
The Swap Meet and Car Corral are all three days and the Car show is Saturday and Sunday. The spectator gates for the Swap Meet and Car Corral are open Friday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Sunday 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Car Show gate opens at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All makes and models and specialty vehicles are invited to participate in the Car Show. No pets please.
Madison Classics
Madison Classics
For more information, visit Madison Classics online at www.madisonclassics.com, or call (608) 244-8416.
Madison Classics is excited to announce that we will be adding another show in 2024!
The First Annual Gary’s Hot Rod Reunion Car show & Swap Meet, will be held at the Racine Co. Fair Park in Union Grove Wisconsin June 15 2024. Stay tuned for more details on the website and Facebook.
If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Luigi Chinetti Jr., who grew up tagging along with his parents to races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where his father Luigi Sr. had won three times, has been named Grand Marshal of the 2023 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. Luigi Jr. went on to make his own mark on the sport and business as a racing driver and designer.
The fourth annual event, sponsored by Millennium Bank and held in the heart of the City of Chattanooga, is scheduled for October 13-15, 2023.
Chinetti Jr. becomes the fourth Grand Marshal since the Festival was established in 2019, following Brian Redman, Corky Coker and Lyn St. James, respectively. Due to the pandemic, the Festival was not held in 2020.
Luigi Chinetti Jr. and Bob Grossman drove this Ferrari 365 Daytona to a fifth overall in the 1973 24 Hours of Daytona.
image courtesy of the Chinetti Archives
Nine-time sports-car racing champion Redman returns again this year as Grand Ambassador. Coker, a local businessman and car collector, and St. James, the 1992 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, will be recognized as Grand Marshal Emeriti.
“We at the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival are honored to have Luigi Chinetti Jr. as Grand Marshal of our fourth annual Festival,” said Byron DeFoor, founder of the event. “He is a great ambassador to the sport, with a great history with Ferrari as a driver, businessman and designer. His racing achievements and contributions to the sport are recognized around the world.”
Chinetti, Jr. has distinguished himself both as a driver and designer. He has been connected with extraordinary automobiles and the often special people surrounding them most of his life. His father’s pre-World War II involvement in Milan and Paris with Alfa Romeo and Talbot Lago, and his three Le Mans victories – his third win in 1949 was the first for Ferrari – led to the senior Chinetti’s becoming the exclusive North American importer of Ferrari automobiles and the founder of the North American Racing Team.
NART gave Chinetti Jr. the opportunity to fulfill his own ambitions of racing and designing automobiles. He has done both, finishing fifth overall and first in GT at the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ferrari Daytona, as well as winning his class at the 24 Hours of Daytona twice – once in a Ferrari 312P in 1971, with a body he designed himself, and again in 1973 in a Ferrari Daytona. In addition, he has designed a number of unique Ferrari automobiles for private clients, and overseen the restoration of a number of highly significant Ferrari racing cars.
At home he was surrounded by his dad’s Le Mans victory trophies, including the one from 1965 when the NART 250LM won, which inspired Chinetti Jr. to drive at Le Mans, where he competed three times for NART. He then went on to establish a number of world records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1974 with a Ferrari 512M and a 365 Daytona, along with Graham Hill and Paul Newman.
He’s been a tireless ambassador for Ferrari and the NART legacy.
“Being the Grand Marshal is an absolutely wonderful opportunity,” said Chinetti Jr. “I’m told the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival is a spectacular event. From what I hear, the warmth of the people is probably the most interesting aspect. I look forward to meeting everyone and sharing great Ferrari stories with the fans and the Ferrari car owners.”
DeFoor added: “We’re also privileged to have Brian Redman continue to support the Festival. He’s been an integral part of the operation since the beginning, and his input is invaluable. And, what can I say about Corky Coker and Lyn St. James? Corky is our local hero, and Lyn has been a strong supporter of the Festival. We acknowledge her achievements and we welcome both of them back to this year’s Festival with gratitude.”
“It is a pleasure and an honor to return to the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival as Grand Ambassador,” said Redman. “With multiple automobile-related attractions, Byron DeFoor and his team have established the Festival as one of the premier ‘go-to’ events in America.”
“Each year our Chattanooga Motorcar Festival gets bigger and better,” said Coker. “I can’t wait for October 13-15 to experience all that is in store! As a Grand Marshal Emeritus, all I can say is ‘start your engines, here we go!!!'”
Added St. James: “While many communities are creating new concours and automotive-themed events, they’re learning that it’s more difficult than it appears, especially to be able to maintain the momentum to do it annually. The Chattanooga Motorcar Festival team has done an amazing job of creating and sustaining the excitement of a ‘must be there’ event. The variety of activities supporting an important cause while visiting the lovely city of Chattanooga are all reasons to put this event on one’s calendar. See you there!”
Brian Redman will be Grand Ambassador this year.
Indira Flack image
Corky Coker will be on of the Grand Marshal Emeritis.
Cameron Coker image)
Lyn St. James will also be a Grand Marshal Emeriti
LSJ Collection image
The Festival supports neuroscience research through the Fifty Plus Foundation, Inc.
Event tickets allow access to all the Festival events, including the Concours d’Elegance and the awards ceremony on Sunday, the Mecum Auctions on Friday and Saturday at the Convention Center, high-speed track action at the Pace Grand Prix at The Bend, and other events in West Village and nearby locations.
Festival Ticket prices are:
Three-Day Festival Ticket – $120.00
Friday All-Day Festival Ticket – $89.00
Friday Festival Day Ticket – $44.00
Friday Evening Festival Ticket – $65.00
Saturday Festival Ticket – $65.00
Sunday Festival Ticket – $65.00
Children under the age of 12 are allowed entry free of charge, if accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
A full weekend of events includes:
Targa Sixty Six high-speed track action for historic and modern sports and race cars at the Pace Grand Prix at The Bend
Canossa Fall Rally Chattanooga
Mecum Auctions
Concours d’Elegance
Luftgekühlt’s celebration of Brian Redman
Car Club gatherings
Saturday evening fundraiser, “Unlock My Brain” (separate/additional ticket required)
Friday night concert with The B-52s
Torque Show with Justin Bell and Tommy Kendall
Panel discussions and other entertainment on the Main Stage throughout the weekend
J. Willard Marriott Club display of historic Ferraris
Gathering of the Greats – Porsche Edition
Family-friendly activities for all
Registration is open for these 2023 Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, Sponsored by Millennium Bank, events:
About Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, Sponsored by Millennium Bank:
Proceeds from the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, sponsored by Millennium Bank, support neuroscience research through Fifty Plus Foundation, Inc. Approaching 13 years of supporting Alzheimer’s and neuroscience research, Fifty Plus Foundation created the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival to bring both local and global support to back research that is already making a difference in saving lives. Learn more at chattanoogamotorcar.com.
If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.
Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.
The Salon Privé London Show 2023 set the stage for a dazzling display of automotive excellence, attracting car enthusiasts and industry experts from around the globe. This prestigious event has become synonymous with luxury, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Get an inside look at some of the best cars on display in this video from our YouTube Channel.
Let’s delve into the captivating highlights of the Salon Privé London Show 2023, featuring new car releases, thought-provoking car talks, and the unveiling of exquisite automotive gems that left attendees in awe.
Unveiling of Future Icons
At the heart of the show were the jaw-dropping unveilings of future automotive icons. World-renowned manufacturers and boutique automakers alike gathered to showcase their latest creations, each vying for the spotlight. From sleek supercars to luxurious grand tourers, the event became a melting pot of innovation, design, and engineering prowess.
Electric Revolution in Full Swing
The 2023 edition of the Salon Privé London Show saw a remarkable shift towards electric mobility. Prominent automakers unveiled their latest electric models, highlighting the strides being made in the realm of sustainable driving. From zero-emission hypercars boasting record-breaking performance to elegant electric sedans redefining luxury, the electric revolution was on full display, capturing the imagination of attendees.
Celebration of British Marques
As a tribute to the rich automotive heritage of the United Kingdom, this year’s show celebrated British marques in all their glory. Legendary brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce showcased their latest offerings, paying homage to their roots while embracing innovation. These British icons represented the pinnacle of craftsmanship, design, and exclusivity, captivating both enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Interactive Car Talks
Beyond the glimmering displays, the show offered thought-provoking car talks featuring industry leaders, designers, and automotive visionaries. Engaging discussions on topics ranging from sustainable mobility to autonomous driving sparked conversations that reverberated through the automotive world. Attendees gained valuable insights into the future of the industry and the innovations that will shape the cars of tomorrow.
Exceptional Concours d’Elegance
The Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance, a timeless tradition, was a highlight of the event. A showcase of automotive beauty and history, the concours featured an exquisite selection of classic cars, each vying for recognition and acclaim. Meticulously restored vintage masterpieces graced the lawns, drawing admiration and applause from visitors and judges alike.
Exclusive Hypercar Unveilings
For the adrenaline-seeking enthusiasts, the Salon Privé London Show 2023 offered exclusive hypercar unveilings. Spectacular and exclusive, these hypercars represented the epitome of performance, technology, and design. With limited production numbers and astronomical price tags, these automotive gems were coveted by collectors and thrill-seekers alike.
As a highly satisfied attendee, the Salon Privé Show 2023 London was yet again an enchanting spectacle that celebrated the very essence of the automotive industry. From groundbreaking electric models leading the charge towards sustainable driving to classic cars restored to their former glory, the event showcased the evolution of automotive engineering and design. It was a testament to the enduring allure of the automobile and the unwavering passion of those shaping the future of automobiles.
As the event came to a close, visitors left with memories of stunning unveilings, inspiring discussions, and the sense of belonging to a vibrant community of car enthusiasts. Salon Privé London 2023 once again reaffirmed its position as one of the most prestigious and influential automotive events in the world, leaving a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to experience its magic.
That’s all for now. More posts and videos coming soon here and on YouTube, so make sure that you are subscribed to our newsletter and following us on our social media channels to keep up to date with news, reviews, videos, our legendary competitions, and more.
