Ford is the latest automaker to delay the rollout of key electric vehicles in the face of market demand growing at a slower rate than predicted.
It said recently it will delay key EV projects like the full-size pickup truck code-named the T3, and a long-awaited three-row SUV that may carry the Explorer badge.
While the delay will give Ford more time to develop the vehicles, it will also free up resources to enable Ford to add hybrid technology to its current lineup. That could include the Mustang, Bronco, and full F-Series range. Ford said it expects to offer hybrid powertrains across its entire lineup in North America by the end of the decade, though the automaker may still change that plan. Ford previously pulled the plug on plan to launch a hybrid Mustang by 2020, for example.
In the case of the delayed EVs, the T3 pickup is now due in 2026 instead of the original plan of 2025. It will be built at Ford’s new BlueOval City assembly complex near Stanton, Tennessee, where preparations for the vehicle are already underway. It will use a dedicated EV platform, unlike the F-150 Lightning which uses a platform originally developed for gas-powered trucks, and has previously been described by Ford CEO Jim Farley as the “Millennium Falcon of trucks.”
Ford Gen 2 electric SUV after efficiency improvements
Also facing delays is a three-row SUV that Ford had planned to build at its plant in Oakville, Ontario, starting in 2025. It will now start production there in 2027, Ford said.
Preparations at the Oakville plant for the electric SUV will begin in the second quarter of 2024 as originally planned. The SUV is rumored to be an electric Explorer, in which case there will likely be a Lincoln Aviator counterpart. Like the T3 pickup, the SUV will be based on a dedicated EV platform. Ford has previously promised a range of 350 miles, though the final result may be better as the automaker said a reason for the delay is also to capitalize on emerging battery technology.
Not all EV programs have been delayed. An electric commercial vehicle remains on track for launch by mid-decade. It will be built at Ford’s plant in Avon Lake, Ohio, where preparations for the vehicle are underway.
Ford is also plugging away at development of a low-cost, flexible platform for affordable EVs in smaller segments. The identity and timing for vehicles on this platform haven’t been announced.
About 10 days ago on Thursday, April 4, I was driving from San Luis Obispo back to Los Angeles at the tail end of an auto museum tour of California when I got a phone call. It was my friend Gerry Spahn, the Head of Communications for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA. He asked what was I doing on Sunday and Monday. I responded, “I don’t know, Gerry, what am I doing on Sunday and Monday?”
He then said I was going to go to Toronto to drive Spectre and to watch the total eclipse. I was really not surprised by this answer as Rolls-Royce has a history of having some of the most fun and interesting press events in the world.
How does this tie into Rolls-Royce? Well, they had just recently announced their Ékleipsis Private Edition of the Black Badge Ghost model, and we were going to watch an actual eclipse to celebrate.
I got back from LA late Friday night, did laundry, had dinner with my wife on Saturday, and Sunday morning was on an Air Canada flight to Toronto.
I was met at the airport by a member of the Rolls-Royce agency team and given the keys to a new Rolls-Royce Spectre electric car. I got behind the wheel and headed out for the 30 mile drive to my hotel.
if you do not already know about it Spectre is the first production Rolls-Royce electric car. Spectre is a fantastic car, and is quite simply the finest electric car in the world. This is a car that redefines luxury cars to the point that there is literally nothing to compare Spectre or any other modern Rolls-Royce with.
The idea of an electric powered Rolls-Royce has caused some people to grumble, but if there was ever a car manufacturer that perfectly fit with the way an electric car works it is Spectre. Acceleration is otherworldly with the 6,800 lb car able to go from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. If that is not impressive, I’ll say it again. It is a 6,800 lb car that can go 0-60 in 4.4 seconds.
The most interesting and impressive part of the Spectre is if you did not know it was an EV, you would be easily forgiven by not figuring that out when driving it. The car drives like a car, a fabulously opulent luxury car, but Spectre feels like a car running on gas. It is a seamless experience.
We got to The Pearl Hotel where I checked in and headed immediately to a fun dinner. There were six other motor journalists at the event, and Gerry Spahn had put together an interesting group. Dinner ended up lasting around three hours, and then we headed to bed.
The next day we had a quick group breakfast where we went over the day’s agenda for our drive to the eclipse viewing. After the breakfast my friend Justin and I got into our Purple Spectre and joined the Rolls-Royce convoy to Stratus Vineyard where we were going to view the eclipse.
The 75 km drive to the vineyard was the very definition of comfort. There is simply no better car in the world to take on a trip either long or short. The miles drift away and the Spectre is the perfect cocoon from the world around you. Except for the metal music we were listening to, the car covered the route absolutely silently and smoothly.
We arrived at Stratus Vineyards and parked our small Rolls-Royce parade amid a number of people taking pictures of our arrival on their phones and went into the vineyard. This is one thing to remember about arriving in a modern Rolls-Royce. It is not a car to own if you don’t like attention, as every drive you take becomes an event for those who see you.
We went into the vineyard and after a tour of their facility, had a wonderful lunch that they prepared for us.
After lunch we headed out to get ready for the eclipse viewing. We were then joined by a planetary scientist who discussed what we were about to see and what to look for, not only in the sky but in the nature around us. We learned that an eclipse is particularly confusing to many animals as they think that during an eclipse it is actually night and they go to their homes to sleep.
As she was explaining this the sky started to get dark and we experienced what seemed like the fastest sunset ever. The sky continued to darken as we watched the sun disappear behind the moon, watching it all through the special eclipse sunglasses Rolls-Royce had provided each of us. I had never experienced a total eclipse before and seeing the sky darken to the point that the starts came out was the experience of a lifetime.
Just like the planetary scientist told us, the birds were flying home and the entire feel at the eclipse’s totality was eerie with the world seeming incredibly silent and still. It was different from a sunrise as the far horizon looked like a sunset but in 360 degrees. It is impossible to explain exactly what it was like beyond that except that it is something everyone should try to see once in their lives.
About four minutes later it started to get light again, and we donned our glasses again to look at the sun peeking back out. Even though there was cloud cover it was clearly visible. A few minutes later it was light again and the confused birds flew in the opposite directions they had flown a few minutes before.
The 75 km drive back was interesting in that it took Justin and me 3 1/2 hours to get back to the hotel. This was because the 1,000,000 people who came to the Niagara area for the eclipse were all headed back too. Despite the endless stop and go traffic, the Spectre did not miss a beat and the car so well isolated us from the outside world that even during a tedious drive like this, we were both not only comfortable, with seat massages going the whole time, but also not stressed out. It is hard to get stressed out while behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce. The Spectre is the perfect car for times like this and makes even a 3 1/2 hour drive at an average of 15 mph seem easy.
Click above to watch a short one minute video documenting my trip
That night we had a nice three hour curated winemaker’s dinner followed by drinks in the hotel bar and then headed back to our rooms for the night.
I got to the airport the next day, and while sitting in the Air Canada lounge ran into another journalist friend. We talked about the day before and how amazing it was to not only see the eclipse but also how lucky we were to be able to do this. We also discussed Spectre and came away with the same impression of the car. The Rolls-Royce Spectre is simply the highest quality and most breathtaking two door car ever built.
If for some reason you did get to see the Eclipse or you simply want to be able to relive the experience each time you take a drive, then you might want to consider trying to get one of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Edition cars. The starlight headliner of this edition actually recreates a solar eclipse so you can get to see an eclipse every time you take a drive.
Thank you Rolls-Royce North America for the invite of a lifetime.
As long as I can remember, my American cars have always been 1960s era pony cars. The reason is that to me these cars combine cool styling, performance, and drivability in a package that’s perfect. Of all the 1960s pony cars my all time favorite is the 1968 Pontiac Firebird coupes. Sure collectors prefer the convertible and prices reflect that, but the styling of the Firebird coupe just looks better.
Why the 1968? Again the reason is that I feel that the second year model just nailed the styling. The front end of the 1967 model looks awkward to me, and I prefer the door windows without the vent windows. Every element in the 1968 model just works.
The seller describes this 1968 Firebird as painted in, what I am guessing is, Alpine Blue which, according to the build sheet, has been changed from its original bland Mayfair Maize. The car also has its black Cordova top, which the build sheet documents. The interior is a correct black with Strato bucket seats and a console shifter, all in line with the build sheet. Both the exterior and the interior look to be completely stock, which I like as I think additions to these cars only screw up the already perfect design.
This Firebird is said to have its original 350ci V8 engine with its factory correct 2-speed automatic transmission. It does have a few nice subtle upgrades including Wildwood disc brakes, full length headers with new 3” exhaust, H-Pipe and Flowmaster mufflers, and brand new 15” BF Goodrich radials on PMD wheels.
For documentation it doesn’t get much better than this Firebird, as it still has its two original broadcast (built) sheets, original invoice from when purchased brand new.
All the details of this car look right, including the trunk lining, factory stickers, radio, everything. I personally think the color change is a great thing, as the yellow is a weak color on these cars.
The Firebird for years always seemed to be worth less than its Camaro stablemate, something that has surprised me since when new the Firebird cost more. However, these days the Firebird and Camaro are about equal in value.
This 1968 Firebird looks like the kind of example the you could drive and show for years and enjoy every minute of that time. The asking price of $42,900 seems quite fair for an example this nice.
Here are four cars that are currently for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. Can you identify what they have in common?
And, can you identify what they are? Please post your answers in the comments section below. Correct answers don’t garner any prizes, but hopefully you can settle for glory.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 454-powered 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark II coupe. This Vette is based on a 1973 SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Corvette race car chassis and features a replica body of the 1965 Corvette Mako Shark II concept car. Power comes from a 454 big-block paired with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. Features include side pipes, Borgeson power steering, McLeod Racing hydraulic clutch, Wilwood Hydroboost power disc braking system, and more. Finished in blue and white over a black leather 1980s C3 interior, this custom Corvette is offered with a clear title in the seller’s name.
Under current ownership, it has received a 1,700-hour frame-off restoration completed in 2020 by Corvette Restoration of Elizabeth, Indiana, including the Lunar Blue Metallic and white gradient exterior. Features include LED headlights and slotted taillights, custom hood with functional vents, “Mako Shark” badging, dual mirrors, flared fenders, side pipes, and removable rear window louvers. You can view before and after images from the restoration process in the gallery on the auction page.
The 18-inch front/20-inch rear aluminum American Racing Torq Thrust wheels with polished lips are wrapped in 255/45 and 275/35 Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires, respectively.
The cockpit is fitted with black leather bucket seats from a 1980s C3. Features include center console, Vintage Air climate control, power windows, Borgeson power steering, and AM/FM radio.
Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and five auxiliary gauges mounted in the center stack. The odometer reads 29,000 miles, but the true mileage on the chassis is unknown.
According to the seller, the Turbo-Jet 454 V8 puts out 390 horsepower. Underhood features include electric fans and fuel pump, and newer carburetor. Power is routed to the rear wheels via a Muncie four-speed manual transmission with McLeod Racing hydraulic clutch.
The SCCA Corvette race car chassis uses a tubular front suspension, C4 Corvette rear end with custom links, and QA1 coil-overs. Stopping power comes from a Wilwood Hydroboost power disc braking system.
Everyone loves stories about the American Dream, those folkloric tales that demonstrate how smarts, gumption, and the structure of capitalism allow denizens to achieve heights never imagined. George Shinn is one of those folks. As the visionary behind the Charlotte Hornets, the former sports team owner is also a car guy, and his successes have allowed him to establish a sizable car collection. The George Shinn No Reserve Collection is your chance to carry the torch from this inspiring man by bidding on his cars at the GAA Classic Cars Auction.
Shinn has 22 cars earmarked for auction on April 25-27, 2024. Here’s several of the more interesting ones.
2012 Ferrari FF Wouldn’t you love to own a 650-horse V12 Ferrari that can seat four? If you recall, the Ferrari FF was the successor to the polarizing 612 Scaglietti. “FF” stood for “Ferrari Four” due to its four seats and four-wheel drive. Not only was it Ferrari’s first 4WD model, but it also was the world’s fastest four-seater at the time. From 2011-2016, 2,291 were built, which can make ya wonder why they’re hardly ever seen.
With 22,000 miles, you can see this 2012 Ferrari FF has been driven and enjoyed. Painted in Rosso Fiorano with an absolutely gorgeous Cuoiso Toscano (“Tuscan Leather,” or saddle) interior, this shooting brake-esque coupe features matching Diamond Semianilina headliner, Scuderia Ferrari shields, and suspension lifter. What’s that? I guess a true Tifosi can fill me in.
1994 Panoz Roadster Do you remember the Panoz? You may have occasionally seen them at automotive events, but there’s an interesting backstory: Don Panoz was instrumental in the development of time-release transdermal patches, which is how he earned his fortune. Due to his son’s interest in motorsports, Don helped create Panoz Auto Development, which built cars for the track and street. Starting in 2000, the most famous of the Panoz street cars, the Esperante, was introduced. It was powered by Ford’s 4.6-liter Modular V8 through 2007, then GM’s LS engine for the 2014-15 Spyder GT.
But the 1992 Roadster was the one that started it all. This aluminum roadster was akin to a modern Lotus Seven and powered by Ford’s Modular V8 and five-speed manual. Weighing under 2,600 pounds, Panoz built 44 Roadsters through 1995 before it was succeeded by the AIV Roadster through 1999. This green and tan Roadster is #2 of 6 built for 1994.
1985 Jeep CJ-7 Laredo This is a real jeep. None of those creature comforts like air conditioning. No fuel injection. No air bags. Just pure visceral off-road abilities. The CJ-7 was built from 1976-86 and, yes, perhaps the Laredo package included leather buckets, tilt steering column, and showy chrome, but it still was a Jeep. Top power came from AMC’s legendary 4.2-liter inline-six, a torquey engine that was able to help the Jeep power through just about any obstacle.
This restored, yellow 1985 CJ-7 Laredo features a fully rebuilt six backed by a five-speed manual and two-speed transfer case. It sports several mild mods including Rancho suspension and shocks, HEI distributor, and aluminum valve cover, plus Grant wooden steering wheel and stainless-steel hinge kit. Let the suburbanites pretend they’re driving this, but you know better.
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca This is the best of the S197 Mustangs. Add the Laguna Seca package to the mix and you arguably have the ultimate Mustang of its generation. Only available in black/red or silver/red, the Laguna Seca did the 444-horsepower Boss 302 one better by adding Recaro seats, Torsen limited-slip differential, different suspension tuning, larger rear stabilizer, front brakes with Ford Racing ducts, staggered, lightweight alloy wheels, and an x-brace substituted for the rear seat. Only 750 Laguna Secas were built.
This 2012 Laguna Seca is a charity vehicle donated by Megan and George Shinn. All proceeds benefit the Mary Sunshine House with the mission to enrich the lives of adults with neuro-developmental and autistic spectrum disorders by helping them become self-reliant in life, from work to socialization to physical and emotional growth.
To me, the word “monarch” connotes a feeling of class, distinction, and honor. It is a title reserved for the dignitaries and for the elite of society. Do you want to feel like a royal political leader? A Monarch might be the right classic car for you. This burgundy first-year Monarch went through restoration about 10 years ago and is now being offered for sale by a dealership in North Andover, Massachusetts. The auction will end on Tuesday.
Different regions of the world frequently get their own unique product lines (or at least, different product names) when it comes to car companies. My 1996 Acura SLX, for example, was rebadged so many different ways that it was hard to keep track. (It went under nameplates including the Isuzu Trooper, Holden Jackaroo, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Honda Horizon, and Subaru Bighorn. Talk about having an identity crisis!)
Perhaps Ford had a similar approach in mind when it launched the Monarch brand in March 1946 as a Canada-specific nameplate. While sharing body lines with mainstream Ford and Mercury models, the Monarchs had unique grilles, taillights, and trim. In the FoMoCo vehicle hierarchy, a Monarch was slotted just slightly above a Ford in the product lineup. Its lifespan ran from 1946 through 1957, took a year break, and then again from 1959 to 1961.
Today’s featured Monarch originally left the factory finished in Black (paint code M1724), but it was restored much later in life in the current burgundy shade. In a typical 1950s fashion statement, it is accessorized by lots of brightwork for the bumpers, grille, headlight rings, side moldings, and even Mercury-branded hubcaps.
The selling dealer asserts that the car’s 239cid flathead V8 is original, and the engine went through a rebuild in 2020. The three-speed manual transmission is also said to be original. Recent service included work to the carburetor, ignition, and fuel system. The fluids were changed in 2023, so this Monarch is ready to roll to the nearest red-carpet event in style and confidence.
One thing is for sure, since this was a Canada-only offering, you are bound to have one of the more unique cars at your local cruise-in with this machine.
One of the many eye-catching vehicles at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale earlier this year was a custom 1971 GMC Sierra Grande 4×4 pickup. From its “Black Cherry” and white two-tone paint job, to the KMC beadlock wheels, to the fully custom houndstooth interior, it was a stunning creation inside, outside, and even underneath. This truck gave auction attendees a perfect introduction to General Motors’ famous “Action Line” series of pickups which were produced from model years 1967 through 1972. It sold at $128,700, which may generate a little bit of sticker shock for some of you…
That is, until you look at the photos along with our recent ClassicCars TV video to admire the quality of the workmanship. If you haven’t already done so, click on over to join the more than 12,000 subscribers to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel. The channel features multiple episodes per week with spotlights on noteworthy classic vehicles in the marketplace, new car reviews, diecast collector hobby insights, and product showcases. If you are into automotive, you are bound to find something that interests you there.
Back to this custom Sierra Grande shortbed pickup: The two-minute feature on this truck only touches the tip of the iceberg regarding how involved the custom build was. Things started off with a nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration. The bed was lined with oak planks and stainless-steel hardware. A four-inch Rough Country suspension lift was added along with KMC beadlock tires and BFGoodrich tires.
For the drivetrain, the motor selected was a 406cid V8 mated to a column-shifted three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The chassis received some nice modern upgrades like Wilwood power disc brakes, power steering, and a dual Flowmaster exhaust system. Finally, the interior was updated with bucket seats and custom houndstooth upholstery. My favorite aspect of this build is how it preserved the original look while adopting modern technology. Even the Sierra Grande woodgrain trim for the dash remained intact. The owner’s manual and Protect-O-Plate were included with the sale.
If you weren’t lucky enough to be able to place a bid on this beautiful truck, keep your eyes and ears open for similar pickups coming through the ClassicCars classifieds, the AutoHunter auctions, or the Barrett-Jackson auctions in the future. You are bound to find one that sweeps you off your feet.
If you wanted to buy a 2003 Ferrari 360 Modena new off the showroom floor, it would have set you back $154,090 – or the equivalent of $259,881 in 2024 dollars. The good news is you can still “look” like you are driving a quarter-million dollars today, yet it’ll only cost you $85,000. Check this sweet ride out:
“The car is owned by a meticulous Ferrari collector who services all his Ferraris at Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo in Wilsonville, Oregon,” the listing begins. “This 35k-mile car just completed its full belt service. Comes with records and ownership history. This car is in exceptional condition.”
The two-seat, mid-engined Ferrari 360 model first went into production for the year 2000 with final assembly taking place in Maranello, Italy. The car was a replacement for the outgoing F355, and it boasted a lighter, yet stiffer, chassis. The “Modena” was the first model of the 360, and its name was drawn from the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari. There was no mistaking the style and sexiness of the body design – its all-aluminum panels were contoured for optimal air flow.
Most importantly, the car was engineered for speed. Power came from a mid-mounted 3.6-liter V8 mated to a six-speed “F1-style” automated manual transmission with paddle shifters. This setup was good for 400 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to a balanced chassis and slick aerodynamics, the car could reportedly reach a top speed of over 180 miles per hour. Fittingly, the engine was showcased with a glass window, so everyone could admire the heart of the machine – at least while it was sitting still. The listing says that this car’s maintenance is up to date, and the fluids were refreshed this year.
There is something truly captivating about the Italian supercars of two decades ago. This was an era when the driving experience could still feel “raw” and analog, but the technology, safety, and design were as advanced as any other vehicle on the road at that time.
“This is a wonderful example of a Ferrari 360 Modena,” the listing concludes. “Perfect car for cruising or taking to car shows. A no-excuses car that is both mechanically and cosmetically excellent and a joy to drive.”
The asking price is $85,000. Here’s one way to look at it: that’s a 45% discount off what it cost new!
There’s a niche ofPontiac fans who dig a particular model because it has a set of strengths that few cars can match, but the rest of the enthusiast world tends to ignore it because they’re busy scoping out Goats and Firebirds. It’s a car that was a resounding sales success, outselling its predecessor several times over, yet the general collector market has chosen to ignore this vehicle’s status and keep its stature somewhat low. The car? The 1969 Grand Prix.
Built on a stretched A-body platform, the 1969 Grand Prix was the car Pontiac needed after the model started to get porky and un-sporty. In one fell swoop, the Grand Prix became an American GT complete with cockpit that wrapped around the driver. No, there was no mistaking this for one of those furrin’ jobs – this was pure American verve with muscle car DNA baked in.
Two new trim levels were created for the new image: Model J and SJ, two names that harkened back to Duesenberg. Was DeLorean thinking straight with that? (Argue among yourselves with that one.) The J was the standard Grand Prix, powered by a 350-horsepower 400 and three-speed on the floor. Optional was a 370-horse 428 or the 390-horse 428 HO, plus a step-down 400 two-barrel for those who are a little special. The SJ came as a package and included the 428/370, performance axle ratio, special instrumentation, automatic leveling suspension, and whitewalls.
Muscle Car Campy gives us a road test in a nicely restored Grand Prix SJ that was originally ordered with the standard 428 backed by a 4-speed, which makes it one of 308 built. Additionally, the original owner had the dealer add a hood tach. Why the four-speed? It is said he was a polio survivor and felt exercising his leg would be a good idea. When he was done spec’ing the GP, he was out a cool six grand, which was a lot of money for a Pontiac, if not a car that base priced at $3,700.
The Grand Prix hit the streets for 1962 as Pontiac’s attainable personal luxury coupe, putting Detroit on notice sporty style wasn’t just for the well-heeled. The 1969 came around and did the same thing all over again. It’s a car whose sum is much greater than its value in the collector car world.
