Below we have a quartet of Mercury Cougars that are currently listed on AutoHunter and ClassicCars.com. They each are from different generations of the model. Can you identify the respective year of each?
Write your answer in the Comments section below. If you find this difficult, you can always click on an image to find the answer.
Click on each image to reveal each car
The ClassicCars.com Journal runs an automotive puzzle every Tuesday. If you have enjoyed this, you can also try your luck with puzzles of the past.
Tesla is recalling its Cybertruck to fix accelerator pedals that could stick and cause vehicles to accelerate unintentionally.
In the affected vehicles, a pad attached to the pedal may dislodge and become trapped by interior trim, preventing it from being released once pressed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). And it’s all because of soap.
Soap was used in an “unapproved” manner as a lubricant to aid in attaching the pad to the accelerator pedal during assembly. Residual soap makes it easier for the pad to slide off the pedal and lodge in interior trim.
2025 Tesla Cybertruck- Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
The recall includes 3,878 vehicles, all of which are thought to have the defect. Affected vehicles were manufactured between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024, likely representing most if not all Cybertrucks delivered to customers so far.
Tesla will “replace or rework” the accelerator-pedal assembly free of charge to prevent this issue. In the meantime, the NHTSA notes that in cases of unintended acceleration, continuous application of the brake pedal “will bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as if the accelerator pedal was not pressed.”
As of April 15, Tesla is not aware of any collisions, injuries, or deaths resulting from this issue, according to the NHTSA. The automaker first became aware of this issue via a customer complaint on March 31.
2025 Tesla Cybertruck- Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
Cybertruck production began at Tesla’s plant near Austin, Texas, in July 2023. The first handful of trucks were delivered to customers at an event at the beginning of December, meaning the truck arrived two years later than planned. In its launch guise, the Cybertruck also costs more and has less range than promised.
Despite its relatively brief time on sale, this is the second Cybertruck recall. The first recall, issued in January, was for the font size on warning lights being too small.
The car I learned to drive in was my mom’s 1979 Audi 5000. It was the first European car we had in my family, and I loved the way the car drove, handled, and felt. I also loved that car because it was one of Robin Masters cars on Magnum P.I., bearing the license plate “Robin 2” in the show.
A few year later there was a big lawsuit around the 5000 and unintended acceleration was a potential issue. This turned out to be nothing, but the press ran multiple stories on this and the 5000 was seen as a car to avoid. A well known TV news program even did a story on this, and they actually set it up to fail by modifying the car. As a result finding an Audi 5000 is quite difficult, and finding a nice example of one is even harder.
The car here is one of the cars after the 1982 facelift, which made a car that was already good even better. Interior ergonomics were better and the car had a more aerodynamic body. These were quite popular when new and Audi would sell more than 200,000 of these facelifted 5000s.
The seller describes this Audi 5000 S as having covered a total of only 58,700 miles from new. They describe the car as being in excellent condition and one that both runs and drives amazing. The car is said to have zero rust and still wears its original blue paint. They add that there are also no serious scratches or damage and that the car has never been in an accident.
The interior looks to be must the same, completely original and in terrific condition. The light tan factory velour seats look to be in exceptional condition, and I see no evidence of dash cracks or any other issues. All in all it looks like a well cared for example. Even the shift boot is in amazing condition.
The seller goes on to state that the suspension system is in excellent condition as well. Recent service items include a new clutch kit, new master cylinder, new engine & transmission mounts, new power steering rack, new PS fluid, brake fluid, new timing belt kit with water pump, new brake rotors and pads, and a new AC compressor.
This truly looks like an exceptionally well cared for time capsule of a car you are not likely to see another one of ever. For me, I would try get “Robin 2” personalized licenses plates for it and show it at the next RADwood event.
The asking price for this car is only $12,995 which if you do the math likely covers the cost of all the recent service items. If you are looking for an Audi 5000 S that might be the best one in the world, this one would likely be in contention.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible. It is one of 388 U.S.-spec convertibles built with the Commando 383, and it’s backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include power steering and brakes, power windows, and Sony AM/FM/CD stereo. Finished in blue with black convertible top over a blue cloth and vinyl interior, this Plymouth comes with a matching convertible top boot and clear title.
The reportedly rust-free body has been refinished in medium blue. The black convertible top is power-operated and features a plastic rear window. Other features include fender-mounted turn signal indicators, fender-mounted power antenna, and dual side-view mirrors with manual driver-side remote.
A set of modern, five-spoke polished aluminum wheels is wrapped in radial tires.
The cabin is furnished in blue cloth and vinyl, with the cloth being a modern update. Up front, you’ll find two buckets with a center “buddy seat” and arm rest. Features include power windows, column-mounted automatic shifter, and custom center console-mounted Sony AM/FM/CD stereo.
Instrumentation consists of a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the coolant temperature, fuel level, and alternator. According to the selling dealer, the odometer reads 96,693 miles, though the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.
Power is provided by a rebuilt, non-original Commando 383 four-barrel backed by Chrysler’s venerable TorqueFlite automatic. The selling dealer states that the engine has logged 1,000 miles since being rebuilt. Engine bay features include chrome valve covers and air cleaner housing.
This Plymouth is equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is power-assisted. A dual exhaust system exits at the rear.
The auction for this 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible ends Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).
Ever have something bad happen to you and everyone sees it? Like when you wipe out on a slippery surface? How you emerge, whether with embarrassment or aplomb, is up to you. But, if we were the owner of this Packard, we can’t imagine how we’d act, but hunches can be powerful predictors.
Canyon Lake Fire Department
Out in Canyon Lake, California, a small community in Riverside County, a gentleman parked his maroon 1939 Packard on a boat launch ramp and then prepared for photographs of the classic.
However, the man’s pride and joy started to roll down the ramp and into the lake. Twenty feet away, the car was completely submerged. Soon, security workers contacted the property owners association, who then called the fire department because, at the time, it was unknown whether anyone was inside the vehicle. Several hours later, the Packard was towed from the lake. Riverside County environmental health workers were also called to manage the clean-up as fluids may have leaked and contaminated the lake.
Canyon Lake Fire Department
It is said that the owner was “very emotional” – it doesn’t take Sherlock Hemlock (hey, Boomer, that’s a Sesame Street reference) to figure that out.
I am not usually a fan of pre-war American cars, but from the time I saw my first Business Coupe at an auction in California I have always had a soft spot for these interesting cars. This specific car is actually officially the more rare Opera Coupe, but it maintains the same stunning exterior styling reminiscent of the legendary Lincoln Zephyr. I have driven a few of them since seeing that first car, and the smaller size makes them one of the few pre-war American cars that seemed to be designed from a drivers perspective, especially on the modern roads of today. This is also the first time I can remember one of these cars being listed on AutoHunter.
I think these cars have that late 1930s-40s Sam Spade kind of style. I can see myself driving at night in the fog of San Francisco looking to solve crimes. From behind the wheel they are a sort of time machine back to the 30s and 40s with the art deco dash. These Fords are also pretty simple to service and maintain and have great parts availability, which all adds up to a fun and easy to own pre-war classic car.
The seller describes this 1940 Ford Opera Coupe as being powered by a 221cid flathead V8 backed by a three-speed manual transmission. Features include new 16-inch wheels, new whitewall tires, folding rear jump seats, a clock, and an alternator conversion. It is finished in plum purple paint over a beige tweed interior, and comes from the selling dealer with additional parts, an owner’s manual, a 1940 Ford guidebook, and a clear title.
The seller adds that this is a car that has been restored. During the restoration, the exterior of this Business Coupe (model code 01A-67B) was refinished in plum purple. Features include chrome bumpers, Deluxe headlight rings and grille, a manual cowl vent, dual rearview mirrors, a roof-mounted antenna, and a chrome fuel cap. The exterior looks quite presentable and would be a nice car to take to a local show.
The interior features a beige tweed front bench seat and Business Coupe folding rear jump seats surrounded by tan tweed door panels and trim. Features include manual windows and steering and a steering column-mounted manual transmission shifter. The seats, door cards and headliner look to all be in exceptional condition and, to my eye, in period correct materials.
Under the hood lies a correct 221cid flathead V8 that is backed by a three-speed manual transmission. Engine bay features include Edelbrock finned aluminum heads, chrome acorn-style head bolts, a chrome remote oil filter housing, a six-volt alternator conversion, and a chrome air cleaner housing. The selling dealer states that the fluids were serviced in 2023.
All in all this really looks like a nice example of a rare 1940 Ford Opera coupe. Sure you can see a few oil leaks under the car, but I find that this is pretty common for flathead V8 cars. I would personally not worry about these and simply have them attend to and factor that into my high bid.
The auction for this 1940 Ford Opera Coupe end on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).
Hunter Taylor, a student from Tempe, Arizona, was a car enthusiast before he even had a driver license. He explains: “This 2013 Scion FR-S is my first car. I started working at 14 to be able to buy it for my 16th birthday. Ever since, the car has been hand-crafted and designed by me.” Hunter’s car was a few years old when he acquired it, but it was a well-preserved blank canvas for his future build. His custom creation was on display during this year’s Future Collector Car Show at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.
Above you’ll find a four-minute video from the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel that highlights Hunter’s car.
FR-S Model Backstory
The FR-S sports coupe is a machine that was born via a unique collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. It first debuted as the Toyota 86 at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011, and deliveries began in April of the following year. In the United States, the car was initially sold as both the Subaru BRZ and as the Scion FR-S.
Even without any modifications, the FR-S was known right out of the gate for its incredible balance. This was made possible via its low center of gravity and a rear-wheel drive arrangement. The stock “boxer” 2.0-liter flat-four was code-named the 4U-GSE in Toyota models and the FA20 in Subaru models. It was naturally aspirated and carried ratings of 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque in stock configuration. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Scion, which had started as a division of Toyota in 2003, was later phased out in 2016. Today, the spiritual successor to the FR-S is sold as the Toyota GR86 and is powered by a larger 2.4-liter motor.
Hunter’s Custom Creation
The perfect balance of form and function are evident in the combination of upgrades that Hunter chose to build to his FR-S over the last seven or so years. “The car is a jack-of-all-trades,” Hunter says. “It does everything from daily driving, road trips, drifting, time attack, and most importantly, grocery-getting.”
Right off the bat, the car is an attention-grabber thanks to some of the cosmetic upgrades. These include a Vertex body kit, sequential headlights, RAYS Gram Lights 18-inch wheels, a black 3M roof wrap, a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) paint-matched rear spoiler, a Valenti brake light, and 35% window tint. The aggressive stance is made possible from a set of BC Racing coilovers, and handling is augmented through Megan tie rods, a Kansei Service strut brace, a Cusco trailing arm, and much more.
One of the things that Hunter prides himself in is that the car is upgraded with aftermarket heated leather seats – definitely not something anyone would expect to find in a compact “tuner” type vehicle. The cockpit is also equipped with LED lighting, a Sony AX5000 head unit, a TRD shift knob, and Dynamat sound deadening throughout. Needless to say, the attention to detail is found everywhere.
Takeaways
It rewarding to see the automotive hobby being supported and embraced by a younger generation. At only 22 years old, Hunter is walking (and driving!) proof that the future of the car hobby is still strong. We are excited to see what kind of tricks Hunter has up his sleeve for future updates on this very sweet Scion. Stay tuned to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more highlights from automotive events.
For eight seasons between 1980 and 1988, Tom Selleck starred in an American crime drama television series called Magnum, P.I. The show ranked in the top 20 programs for its first several years. Sharing equal screen time with the lead actor was a car that Selleck’s character frequently drove: a Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole. Today, we get to feast our eyes on a car much like the one that so many people loved to watch on TV during the Magnum days.
“Excellent, mint-condition, 37k original miles,” the listing says. “Exhilarating drive, garage-kept.”
With styling drawn by Pininfarina, the 308 GTB (Berlinetta coupe body style) and the 308 GTS (removable Targa top body style) were first shown to the public at the Paris Motor Show in 1975. Subsequent years brought advancements in design and engineering, with a big advancement happening in 1982 when the car received four valves per cylinder. Aptly dubbed the “Quattrovalvole,” (which literally translated to “four-valved”) this car could be identified by a few unique cues such as revised vent panels and marker lamps. No color besides today’s featured “Rosso Corsa” red would look quite right on this car.
The listing says, “Second and current owner since 1988 with original owner’s manual, tool, kit, etc.”
The quad-cam, mid-mounted 2.9-liter Tipo F105 AB V8 is a definite marvel of engineering. It was mid-mounted in a transverse arrangement and used a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system. The redline was a sky-high 7,700 rpm. Although its factory ratings (230 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque) were nothing to write home about, this car wasn’t about a spec sheet: It was about driving dynamics. This car was built with a suspension that could handle the corners as well as its engine could accelerate through them. The setup was fully independent in nature and featured double wishbones at each corner.
Power for the 308 is channeled to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle and a limited-slip differential. Even though today’s featured car has low miles, the seller notes that all services including a timing belt replacement have been recently completed at a dealership.
“A must-see. Pictures do not do it justice,” the listing concludes. This car would make anyone feel like an instant television star. The fame and stardom will set you back an asking price of $109,500.
Did you know Phoenix is an AMC town? One of the most famous American Motors dealerships in America was Randall Rambler, the place that dropped 401s into Gremlins and created a legend. Many other AMC legends converged at the Martin Auto Museum in northwest Phoenix to display their automotive patriotism.
This is the Playboy Playmate 1968 AMX.
Of course, Javelins and AMXs made a strong showing, but we also had Rambler Americans and several Jeep products. No Rebels and Ambassadors? Last year we caught a few, but we didn’t see any this year. Ditto Nash and Hudson products. Nonetheless, enjoy the pics of the cars from Kenosha.
When it was new, Bentley marketed the Flying Spur with the tagline “Poise. Performance. Passion.” The car was referred to as a “seductively beautiful four-door,” and it would set you back $164,990 in 2006. This 63,000-mile example in Barnato Green still yields all the same elegance 18 years later. The car is being offered by a private seller, and the auction will end on Tuesday.
The equipment list of this car is impressive: It boasts a 552-horsepower twin-turbocharged W12 motor, all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, a 12-speaker audio system, quad-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system, and an adjustable air suspension. The original retail price mentioned above inflates to a staggering $255,613 today. Can you imagine driving a quarter-million-dollar vehicle? This auction could be your chance to acquire it at a deep discount.
The Continental Flying Spur rode on the Volkswagen Group D1 platform and was first shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005. The spec sheet was impressive on many levels; of course, the amenities were generous, but the car could also move with authority. Power came from a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a Torsen permanent all-wheel drive system. Despite its size, the car was said to achieve 60 miles per hour in fewer than five seconds.
The odometer reads 63,065 miles, and everything on the CARFAX report checks out. In fact, the CARFAX chronology is one of the biggest selling points of this car. It contains 26 service records, the majority of which were from Braman Motorcars of Palm Beach. Braman prides itself in being a premier exotic-focused dealership for the area, it is nice to know that this Flying Spur has been serviced by people who are experts in the model. For added peace of mind, recent work has included service to the struts, alignment, brakes, and cabin air filter all within the last few years.
Are you ready to take your commute to the next level in European executive style? This Silver Spur will look right at home in your driveway. It makes a statement of poise, performance, and passion – just as Bentley intended it to.
