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Pick of the Day: 1968 Pontiac Firebird

Andy Reid
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2
Pick of the Day: 1968 Pontiac Firebird

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 Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 1968 Pontiac Firebird 350 located at a dealer in Stratford, Wisconsin.

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.

Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.

What Do These Cars Have In Common?

Diego Rosenberg
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What Do These Cars Have In Common?

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.

Click on each image to reveal each car

The ClassicCars.com Journal posts an automotive puzzle every Tuesday. Check out past games for more automotive fun!

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1973 Corvette Mako Shark II

Diego Rosenberg
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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1973 Corvette Mako Shark II

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.

The auction for this 454-powered 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark II coupe hardtop ends Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

George Shinn Collection to Be Auctioned by GAA

Diego Rosenberg
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George Shinn Collection to Be Auctioned by GAA

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.

You can view the entire George Shinn No Reserve Collection docket by visiting the GAA Classic Car Auction website.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1946 Monarch Tudor Sedan

Tyson Hugie
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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1946 Monarch Tudor Sedan

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1946 Monarch Tudor Sedan.

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.

The auction for this 1946 Monarch Tudor Sedan ends Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Interesting Finds: 1971 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Pickup

Tyson Hugie
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2
Interesting Finds: 1971 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Pickup

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.

Pick of the Day: 2003 Ferrari 360 Modena

Tyson Hugie
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0
Pick of the Day: 2003 Ferrari 360 Modena

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 Pick of the Day is a 2003 Ferrari 360 Modena listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Portland, Oregon. (Click the link to view the listing)

“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!

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, motor on over to Pick of the Day.

1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Rocks Four-speed Tranny

Diego Rosenberg
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1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Rocks Four-speed Tranny

There’s a niche of Pontiac 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.

If you like what you see, be sure to check out more Muscle Car Campy videos.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Andy Reid
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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce.

Let me start off by stating that I have owned five different Alfa Spiders over the years, so I have a bit of experience with these cars. An Alfa Romeo Spider is one of the best values for a true classic Italian sports car, offering stunning styling by Pininfarina, a legendary Italian drivetrain, and fun to drive. They do require regular service and more care than a Honda, but if you take care of an Alfa it is likely to take care of you.

The issue than many classic Alfas have today is that they have suffered decades of deferred or, sometimes worse, sub standard service. This means that a lot of the Alfa Romeo Spiders on the market are in need of a lot of work due to people treating them like a Honda, which they are not.

Happily, this Alfa Spider featured in this AutoHunter Spotlight looks and sounds like a car that has been well cared for and is in ready-to-drive condition.

The seller describes this 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce as having covered a total of 72,350 miles since new and is powered by a Bosch fuel-injected 2.0-liter I4 mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It went through an exterior, interior, and mechanical restoration in 2018 and comes equipped with a rear spoiler, Cromodora wheels, power windows, and four-wheel power disc brakes. Finished in Alfa Red with a black cloth retractable top over a tan leather interior, this Series 3 Spider is now offered with owner’s booklets, more than $14,000 in service records, a CARFAX report, and a clear title.

The exterior of this Alfa Spider was repainted in its correct color of Alfa Red (code 530) and has a new black soft top, both of which were done in 2018 during the restoration process. Features include a front air dam, black and chrome bumpers, black and body-color mirror housings, a rear spoiler, and a single exhaust outlet. Service records also state that the rear side markers, rear spoiler, and rear lights were replaced in 2018.

Along with the exterior work described above the interior of this Alfa was attended to during the 2018 restoration. The drivers seats were recovered in correct tan leather along with new carpeting. Interior features include power windows, R-134a-compatible air conditioning, an AM/FM/cassette radio, and black and red floor mats. The seller adds that the turn signal switch was replaced in March 2024 and the driver-side power window is slow to operate.

Under the hood is the car’s original all aluminum 2.0-liter DOHC I4 is with its stock Bosch electronic fuel injection system. When new it was factory rated at 115 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque. The combination of the Alfa Romeo 2-liter twin cam engine with Bosch fuel injection makes this Alfa engine setup one of the most reliable versions of these cars. Service work in March 2024 included an oil change and an R-134a air conditioning refrigerant conversion. In 2023 the engine received an injector cleaning and the replacement of the fuel pump. In 2018 records show that the clutch, alternator, water pump, hoses, and belts were all replaced. It is important to note that every single bit of the work is documented and backed up by receipts. This sounds like it was a car that was serviced as it was supposed to be, which should make it a reliable example of these fun cars.

This is a car you buy when you want to know just how good a car the Alfa Spider is. I see nothing that makes me think that this is not an example that will deliver thousands of miles of amazing driving experiences. Yes, you will need to keep up with things as it is still a 36-year-old Italian car and these cars need regular care. If you do this an Alfa Romeo Spider like this will be the very definition of Italian sports car fun.

Sure you can buy a Miata, but no Miata will ever have the soul of an Alfa Spider.

The auction for this 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce ends Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1968 Mercury Monterey

Diego Rosenberg
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Pick of the Day: 1968 Mercury Monterey

How do you define rarity? To me, it’s about how many were built but, in certain cases, it could be about the number that survive. How would anyone know how many survive? You can’t, but some cars are seen more than others. Our Pick of the Day is a car that is not rare by the number that was built, but as it’s never been truly collectible, it’s a rarity to find today. In addition, this 1968 Mercury Monterey four-door sedan that’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lavergne, Tennessee in a color that simply makes the car. (Click the link to view the listing)

Starting in 1965, Mercury’s redesigned full-size series was marketed as “now in the Lincoln Continental tradition” after several years of not being sure of its position in the market. Breezeway rooflines distinguished full-size Mercurys from its Ford and Lincoln cousins. Additionally, Mercury had a unique engine with the 410, which was available from 1966-67.

The full-size Mercury was redesigned for 1967, now featuring an available fastback coupe just like what Ford had. Trim levels were Monterey, Montclair, Park Lane, Brougham, and the new Marquis, a luxurious personal luxury coupe that featured the fastback roofline but the rear quarter windows were semi-covered, much like the Ford LTD’s. The Breezeway also returned, although only for the four-door sedan, which now featured a conventional roofline.

Rare ad from the trade publication Automotive News.

Much of this carried over into 1968, though Mercury graced its full-size series with a heavy facelift to coincide with the new side-marker regulation. More than ever, Mercurys looked like Lincolns from the front. And, come mid-year, Mercury would introduce both the availability of the Marquis’ formal roofline for the Montclair two-door hardtop, and Colony Park Paneling option would become available on the Park Lane two-door hardtop and convertible plus the Brougham two-door hardtop; even later in the model year, it became available for the Monterey two-door hardtop.

This 45,941-mile 1968 Mercury Monterey four-door sedan is one of 30,727 built, so it’s not rare, but when was the last time you have seen one? Additionally, it’s painted in an absolutely gorgeous hue called Tahitian Rose, which is complemented by a black vinyl top. “The finish appears largely original, including age and touch-ups that happen in 55 years,” says the seller. “It has seen decades of care where it makes us tend to believe (but not proven/deciphered) that details like the interior, engine, and mileage could also be original.”

Power comes from the standard 390 two-barrel, which isn’t much to get excited about but that also means it’s easier to live with. And, inside, it’s your basic black vinyl and cloth interior but, remember, this is a Mercury, so it isn’t going to feel cheap. “This is an ideal cruiser with an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, front discs, and a smooth suspension that will keep you floating down the road,” adds the seller. A practical classic, you say? And, for $15,995, an affordable one too.

Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.

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