Each week our editors take turns picking a handful of their favorite vehicles available on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com. Keeping up the tradition, it’s time for me to share my favorite picks.
They range from a Hugger Orange ’69 Camaro to a ’99 BMW M3, so there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396/350 4-Speed
Starting off with a bang is this first-generation SS 396 Camaro finished in the infamous Hugger Orange, which gets its name from the first ad campaign Chevy released for the Camaro. Chevrolet nicknamed the Camaro “The Hugger” because of its wide, low stance that hugged the road, and the company gave it a bright-orange color to stand out against its competition – the Mustang.
This Camaro was built in Van Nuys, California, and spent most of its life there until the current owner relocated it to Arizona for a full restoration. Under its hood sits a matching-numbers L34 396cid V8 factory rated at 350 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a rebuilt Muncie M20 4-speed manual and a 12-bolt rear end.
The current owner notes that they spent $15,000 in mechanical restoration, including a fully restored underside with all components refinished or replated.
1962 Pontiac Tempest LeMans
The Tempest was Pontiac’s big break into the compact market to compete with the Chevrolet Corvair. In 1961, Motor Trend magazine named the Tempest the ‘Car of the Year’ and the car was described as being exceptionally roomy for a compact. In 1962, Pontiac offered the LeMans trim package that featured front bucket seats for all the coupe and convertible Tempest models.
This Tempest LeMans finished in Cameo Ivory underwent a frame-off rotisserie restoration in 2017, the seller notes, adding that no expense was spared. Power is provided by a 195cid 4-cylinder engine, original to the vehicle, paired with a rear-mounted two-speed automatic transmission.
Peeking inside, you’ll find an all-blue interior with Yorktown blue bucket seats and matching carpet, door panels, steering wheel, and dash.
1999 BMW M3 convertible 5-Speed
The E36 M3 models were available in the US in 1995 and marketed as a smoother daily driver to the original M3. They are arguably still one of the best-handling cars, comparable to the Ferrari F355 and Porsche Carrera S but much easier on the wallet.
Up for auction on AutoHunter is this ’99 convertible finished in Estoril Blue with a dark blue convertible top and the signature BMW chrome kidney grilles. It’s powered by a 3.2-liter inline-6, original to the car, and was factory rated at 240 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.
With no accidents or damage reports on the CARFAX, this sporty convertible looks is ready for its next owner to take it for a spin.
1957 Chevrolet Nomad
Jump into this pink ‘57 time machine and stand out at car shows or just cruising around town. Under the hood, you’ll find a 283cid V8 paired with a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
According to the seller, the car underwent a concourse-level frame-off restoration in 2018 and has only been driven 500 miles since. The V8 was rebuilt but still has many of its original pieces except for an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor that was added to the factory intake manifold.
The wagon is done in a two-tone Dusk Peral and Imperial Ivory paint with a classic silver and black interior.
1970 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3
The Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 was the fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its release, and AutoHunter has one of only 6,500 produced.
Finished in Harvest Beige, the car features US-market lighting, chrome bumpers, an automotive antenna, and a fully functioning electric sunroof perfect for summertime cruising.
Under the hood sits a 6.3-liter M100 V8 engine – the same engine you’ll find in the larger Mercedes 600 Limousine. Small but somewhat mighty, this car is factory rated at 246 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
To view more cars up for auction on AutoHunter, visit their website.
