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Showroom Showcase: 2008 Shelby GT/SC Barrett-Jackson Edition Convertible

Three automotive icons – Ford Motor Company, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, and Shelby American – collaborated in 2007 to create the limited-edition 2008 Shelby GT Barrett-Jackson Edition coupe and convertible for their customers. Perhaps the best example of this vehicle, this supercharged, 1,442-mile 2008 Shelby GT/SC Barrett-Jackson Edition convertible is available for you to crown your automotive collection.

Of course, the original Shelby GT350 was a rare road-racer that has become a very desirable collectible (and has been for decades). Even when Ford tore Carroll a new one and brought Shelby production to Michigan, the mystique was not lost because Shelbys featured unique styling and an available 428 that elevated it above the Mustang.

Carroll Shelby was not one to sit still once Ford decided to stop selling Shelby Mustangs. After enduring the early years of the Malaise Era, he returned to Detroit in the 1980s to partner with Lee Iacocca at Dodge. Carroll found his way back to Ford for 2006 and produced the GT-H for Hertz rental agencies. So popular was the GT-H that enthusiasts clamored for a version of their own, resulting in the 2007-08 Shelby GT.

The 2007-08 Shelby GT was powered by a 4.6-liter Modular V8 offering 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque through a high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover. Additionally, the Shelby GT had the added benefit of an optional TREMEC five-speed manual in addition to the five-speed automatic, as GT-H was restricted to the automatic.

Other features that distinguished the Shelby GT included 18-inch wheels, Cobra-inspired hood scoop with air induction, Ford Racing Handling Pack (which included special-tuned dampers, springs that lowered the car 1.5 inches, unique sway bars, and 3.55 gears), front strut-tower brace, Shelby exterior badging and door sill plates, Shelby GT serial number plaque, and more.

Among those Shelby GTs was a special coupe and convertible that paid homage to America’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions and only sold by Arizona Region Ford dealers. These 2008 Shelby GT Barrett-Jackson Edition pony cars were Black with Barrett-Jackson Red LeMans hood and side stripes, black interior, Barrett-Jackson door sill plates, and special gas cap insert. All 100 built included a $250 donation to the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.

Presented here is car number 71 of the 100 Shelby GT Barrett-Jackson Editions built for 2008. Of those , only 39 were convertibles, with this one featuring the optional five-speed manual with the Hurst short-throw shifter. It also has the distinction of being one of the few Barrett-Jackson Edition convertibles to be upgraded to GT/SC status, meaning the original owner returned the vehicle to Shelby American in Las Vegas to receive a supercharger conversion, upping the horsepower to an estimated 550 horsepower. Included with the sale of this 1,442-mile Shelby GT/SC is an autographed photo of Carroll Shelby and Amy Boylan of Shelby American with Craig Jackson and Steve Davis of Barrett-Jackson.

Do you remember the days when muscle cars were cheap yet that certain Shelby Mustang was just out of reach, and you’ve been kicking yourself ever since for not buying that car since prices went through the roof long ago? This is your chance to avoid that fate with this 2008 Shelby GT/SC Barrett-Jackson Edition convertible. Like 1960s Shelby classics, this convertible comes with CSM serialization that guarantees that it is part of an esteemed club. For $82,500, you can avoid making the same mistake again.

For more information, visit showroom.barrett-jackson.com to set up an appointment today!

Pick of the Day: 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

The official first day of summer is June 20, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to take off your T-tops, hit the road, and enjoy the wind in your hair. How about a ride in a classic Camaro?

The Pick of the Day is a 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Chantilly, Virginia. (Click the link to view the listing)

“The car runs and drives beautifully,” the seller says. “It is a great example of a true IROC-Z with a little added grunt.”

During the 1980s, the Camaro was marketed under Chevrolet’s “Heartbeat of America: Today’s Chevrolet” slogan. One of my favorite advertisements for the 1987 Camaro has a picture of a black IROC with a police light on the roof. It says, “Your Worst Nightmare.” We just recently talked about “unique,” or perhaps unexpected, police cars. Imagine getting lit up by a stealthy black unmarked IROC.

The wedge-shaped profile of the third-generation Camaro was all the rage for its time, and Chevrolet worked tirelessly to market the Camaro as a potent performer. This story I wrote in 2020 talks more in depth about how the IROC (or International Race of Champions) version Camaro was born.

Today’s featured car received a recent repaint in Bright Blue Metallic and features IROC-Z decals on the lower side panels as well as replacement hood louvers. The cockpit has also been upgraded with new upholstery, sound deadening, a headliner, a dash cap, cup holders, and a Bluetooth audio system.

Perhaps most importantly, the car received some special treatment under the hood. It originally came optioned with a 305cid V8, but under prior ownership (about 3,500 miles ago), a rebuilt 350cid “Tuned Port Injected” V8 was installed. A Lunati camshaft was also added, and the rear end was rebuilt to handle the additional power. Included with the listing is a video of a start-up and an exterior walk-around. The car looks great and sounds healthy from what we can tell.

As this period-correct television commercial said, “When you want to feel the thunder, put yourself in today’s Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z and listen to your heart beat.”

Does today’s featured F-body get your heart pumping? Put the pedal to the metal. Just remember to watch out for speed traps along those wide-open stretches of pavement.

The asking price is $22,499 or best offer.

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

Velocity Announces 1967-68 Mustang Convertibles

In the world of bespoke restomod vehicles, Velocity Modern Classics features a large portfolio, offering a restoration lineup that includes the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, International Scout II, and Ford Bronco, F-100, F-250, and Mustang. Up until now, the available Mustang models have been 1967-68 2+2 fastbacks, but a convertible is joining Velocity’s Signature Series Mustang roster.

The new Mustang convertible will “seamlessly blend the iconic style of the classic with modern components found in late-model Mustangs.” That means you get the authentic style of the original with the power of its late-model successor: power comes from a Gen III Coyote 5.0 offering 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Shifting duties comes from your choice of either a 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission or T-56 six-speed manual. Several Velocity tweaks include an in-house-designed serpentine system, custom heads, and stainless-steel exhausts with Borla mufflers.

The engine sits within a Roadster Shop Mustang SPEC chassis that features rack-and-pinion power steering, sway bar, and SPEC independent suspension up front; out back, you’ll find a four-link suspension, plus adjustable Fox coil-overs front and rear. A Ford 9-inch rear with 3.73 gears puts the power to the pavement in conjunction with grippy 255/45 ZR17 Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 tires paired with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Braking is managed by Baer four-piston calipers with 11-inch rotors and a Bosch Electric iBooster.

Of course, as a bespoke classic, you can have any color you want as long as it’s a custom BASF Glasurit formula. Purists may cringe but you can opt for two “band-aid” racing stripes. Inside, you’ll find a meld of Ford’s and Velocity’s designs, a combination of vintage and modern. Procar front buckets can be ordered in leather, and/or heated and ventilated. A Vintage Air system, an industry standard, keeps things cool or warm when lowering the top is out of the question. A RetroSound head unit plays your Poco and Pretenders tunes through four Focal speakers.

“The Cars of 30A event was the perfect place to unveil this new addition to our lineup,” says Velocity CEO Stuart Wilson. “A convertible option for our Signature Series Mustang has been highly requested ever since we launched the Mustang last year. With summer right around the corner, we can’t wait to get these in the hands of our customers to enjoy the open road.”

If you want Velocity’s Signature Series Mustang convertible, you will have to pay a $30,000 premium over the 2+2 fastback – that’s at least $329,900. Few enthusiasts can afford that, but we all should be thankful for the opportunity to see what technology can offer the enthusiast.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 2000 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra Type R

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this low-mileage 2000 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra Type R.

The 2000 Cobra Type R was an amazing car. Somehow John Coletti, the engineering manager at Ford Special Vehicle operations, was able to get the approval to build a completely no compromises Mustang. The car had no sound deadening material, no A/C, no radio. The car had nothing that would make it slower and only included parts that would make it faster. It is a bare bones throwback kind of car, and we love Ford for building it.

The car was only offered in one color combination: Performance Red with a Dark Charcoal interior. That interior includes Recaro buckets and no rear seats. Additional features were a rear wing and a front splitter which was delivered with the car new unattached, as Ford recommended only mounting it for road race competition.

The 2000 Mustang Cobra Type R was the fastest Mustang had built at the time, having a 175-mph top speed and able to cover the quarter-mile time of 13.2 seconds at 110 mph. In addition the revised suspension allowed the car to generate 1.02 G’s on the skid pad, and the Brembo brakes had a stopping distance from 70 mph to 0 in 160 feet. These are serious cars.

Ford only built 300 of the 2000 Mustang Cobra Type R, and the cars have been collector cars since new.

Our AutoHunter Spotlight is a great example of a 2000 Cobra Type R with a total of only 18k from new, and, though slightly modified, it includes all the parts it came with new.

The seller describes the car as #248 of the 300 cars produced. It is powered by a Modular 5.4-liter V8 mated to a TREMEC T-56 six-speed manual transmission and a Visteon limited-slip differential. Finished in its original Performance Red over a charcoal gray cloth interior, this fourth-generation Mustang is now offered by the selling dealer with original sales documentation, service records, build documentation, a clean CARFAX report, and a clear title.

The exterior of this Cobra Type R looks from the pictures to be as good as it was when new. The only modifications are reversible and include a front tow hoop, a windshield decal, and the Ford logo on rear bumper.

The interior is the same as it looks as it did when new with no wear seen in the photos. Modifications to the interior include a Hurst shifter, a drop-in-fit AutoMeter Pro-Comp Ultra Lite gauge cluster, and a carpeted steel wall separation between cabin and trunk which must make it a little quieter.

Under the hood is the factory SVT Modular 5.4-liter V8 which was factory-rated at 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, and it is currently rated at 458 horsepower with 455 ft/lbs of torque according to the dyno sheets. It features an air-to-oil cooler system, a Canton Racing Products oil pan, a custom air inlet tube with K&N air filter, and a Bassani exhaust system.

There is more to talk about with this car, so be sure to check out and read all the data in the listing here. Again, everything changed can easily be put back to stock and all the original parts that have been swapped are included with the sale.

These cars are very rare and ones with this few miles, but not so few that you can’t drive it, are hard to find. If you want a nice usable example of the crazy fast 2000 Ford Mustang Type R this is your chance. Car and Driver magazine in their review of the 2000 Cobra Type R stated that, “Ford SVT aims high with a balls-out effort, and hits a bull’s-eye.”

The auction for this 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Type R ends Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Coupe

When it comes to the way a particular model could be spec’d, few vehicles had an arms-length of available options like pony cars. Thanks to the Mustang and its ability to be all things to all people, all subsequent competitive models followed suit. Our Pick of the Day has mix of options that is quite unusual and unique: this 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Allen, Texas. (Click the link to view the listing)

 When the 1971 Barracuda was introduced, it was met with disapproval by the automotive press. “What was once a smooth and appealing style has been handicapped by the gingerbread mouth on the ’71 car, and by the insistence of some product planners to wipe out smooth panels by adorning them with yards of adhesive in the form of numbers, stripes or esoteric designs,” said Hot Rod in its October 1970 issue. “The 1949-fashion front fender louvers don’t do a thing for the ‘Cuda.”

Maybe the facelift was an acquired taste, but it seems to be preferable to enthusiasts today. The strobe-like grille could have been too much for some, but contemporary collector love what was considered gingerbread, including the gills, painted grilles (with some colors), and Billboard decals. Otherwise, equipment was very similar to 1970: available hardtop and convertible body styles, Slant Six and 318 V8 engines standard, three available big-blocks and a killer small-block, bright colors, and enough options to create a grocery-getter or screamer.

A curious option package of note that began mid-year 1970 and carried over into 1971 was the Coupe. Though a body style doesn’t normally register as an option package to most enthusiasts, the Barracuda Coupe was such a thing. Along with the Dodge Challenger Deputy coupe, the Barracuda Coupe was a recessionary response to give consumers an opportunity to get into a sporty Plymouth. When you ordered option package A93, the Barracuda received fixed rear-quarter windows (with a black plug filling in the hole of the window crank), black steering wheel with horn button, and single horn. A day/night rear-view mirror and cigarette lighter were optional. Think of it as a decontented Barracuda and you would be correct. And, if you wanted the Slant Six, the A93 package triggered the availability of the 198cid six (normally, the 225 was the base six). All engines up to the 383 four-barrel were available, as were most options.

Despite the air cleaner, the engine is a 318.

While it is not known how many A93 Barracudas were built in 1971, it is known that 592 V8 Coupes were built to U.S. specifications, which makes this 318-powered Bahama Yellow 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Coupe quite scarce. With rarity and a High Impact color on its side, you’d think that would be enough, but stop reading for a moment and take a glance at this pony car and take in some of the options you may see. Luggage rack? An uncommon option not something you’d expect in a cheapo version of a vehicle. And what about the sport hood with hood pins? Wow! Even on a regular Barracuda hardtop, that’s an unusual combination of options.

Other features include automatic with center console, power steering and brakes, air conditioning (yes, another unusual option on a cheapo Coupe), tinted windshield, driver-side rear-view mirror, and AM radio. In more recent years, an aluminum intake, headers, and dual exhaust system have been added, as have the Rallye wheels. Additionally, a Vintage Air system has replaced the original unit, ditto the radio, and it appears the rear panel has been painted black like a ‘Cuda.

Yes, 1971 ‘Cudas are priced out of reach from the average enthusiast, and today it seems regular Barracudas are riding on their coattails. At $59,900, this isn’t for the average enthusiast, but it’s for someone who can appreciate an unusual option mix that likely won’t be found elsewhere.

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

Interesting Finds: 1976 Ford Bronco Custom

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ClassicCars TV catches up with Brandon Cotter and his custom 1976 Ford Bronco custom. This behemoth is powered by a 351 Windsor small-block paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The Raptor-painted exterior features a fiberglass body, cowl hood, and steel bumpers.

Upgrades include a Currie nine-inch housing, custom four-point shock setup up front, Skyjacker shocks and upgraded springs for an impressive seven-inch lift, 42.5-inch Super Swamper tires, and long-tube headers with Flowmasters and electric cut-outs. At the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Palm Beach Auction, this Bronco sold for $35,200.

Make sure to subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more interesting finds, car reviews, and interviews!

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo.

Datsun/Nissan completely altered the sports car market in 1970 with the launch of the 240Z. Overnight, there was a new standard of excellence in the affordable sports car world. In period magazine comparison tests, the Z rated so much higher than its competitors – cars such as the Fiat 124 Coupe, Alfa Romeo GTV, MGB GT, Porsche 914, and Triumph GT6 – that testers felt it was almost unfair to compare these cars with the 240Z. The Datsun 240Z was just that good. Having owned a 240Z, as well as many of the other cars it was tested against, I agree with them as the 240Z punched way above its pay grade.

Datsun followed up the 240Z with the 260Z and 280Z, adding features such as four-wheel disc brakes, a five-speed transmission and, for the 280Z, fuel injection. These features put the Z in competition with the Porsche 924, Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT and, again, the car virtually destroyed them by offering more for less. In addition, the Z offered levels of reliability that competitors simply could not begin to approach.

In 1979, Datsun changed the game again with the launch of the S130-series Z, the 280ZX. While the new car had very similar styling to the original Z, it was an entirely new model. Instead of being a focused sports car, it became more of a luxury GT due to requests from American buyers for more luxury options. While the 280ZX did this well, in many ways the Z lost its edge in performance, and the softer more comfortable ZX was seen as more of a boulevard cruiser than a sports car.

Then, Datsun changed it up again in 1981 when it added a turbocharger to the 280ZX. Once again, the performance was back and this time the Z car was compared to such cars as the Porsche 924 Turbo, Alfa Romeo GTV 6, and Chevrolet Corvette, where it yet again trounced the competition – and at a considerably lower price point.

Our AutoHunter Spotlight is one of these legendary Datsuns, a one-owner 1981 280ZX Turbo with 84,000 miles from new. It is finished in the factory original Diamond Mist Metallic (code 663) over a Medium Blue velour (code K) interior. This 280ZX is offered with service records, promotional literature, owner’s and service manuals, original purchase documentation, spare keys, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

This car features chrome trim, removable T-tops, factory 15-inch cast aluminum wheels, power windows, and air conditioning.

The interior of this 280ZX Turbo is completely original and in good original condition with minor wear, tinted windows, factory AM/FM/cassette stereo, digital quartz clock, carpeted floor mats, and cargo area parcel retention straps that are still intact.

The 280ZX has full instrumentation including an odometer shows 84,510 miles, which is in line with the most recent CARFAX report. It features a federally mandated 85-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, voltage, and turbo boost pressure.

Under the hood is the car’s original L28ET turbocharged 2.8-liter I6 engine that, when new, was rated at 180 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. It is equipped with an automatic transmission, like every single 1981 280ZX turbo, yet the 280ZX turbo could cover 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. If that does not seem fast in 2024, consider that the Porsche 924 Turbo took 7.7 seconds, the 1981 Corvette took 7.8 seconds, and even the much costlier and more exotic 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi took 7.8 seconds – all with manual gearboxes.

It is getting harder and harder to find a good example of a 280ZX, let alone a turbo model, and if you have always considered adding one of these cars to your collection, this car looks like it could be a worthy candidate for your consideration. Don’t worry about the cost to ship it home either as this is a car I would fly to pick up and drive home, especially with summer around the corner.

The auction for this 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo ends Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Top Ways to Ship Your Classic Car for the Summer

As the summer season approaches, classic car enthusiasts eagerly anticipate hitting the road and showcasing their prized possessions at car shows, rallies, and scenic drives. However, transporting a classic car requires careful planning and consideration to ensure its safety and integrity throughout the journey. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the top ways to ship your classic car in the summer, allowing you to enjoy worry-free adventures and make the most of the warmer months ahead.

Enclosed Auto Transport

For classic car owners who prioritize utmost protection and security, enclosed auto transport is the preferred choice. Enclosed trailers provide a shielded environment that blocks vehicles from external elements such as debris, weather conditions, and road hazards. This method is ideal for vintage, luxury, and high-value cars, ensuring they arrive at their destination in pristine condition.

Open Auto Transport

Open auto transport is a cost-effective option for classic car shipping during the summer months. While it offers less protection compared to enclosed trailers, open transport is still a reliable and popular choice for many classic car owners. Vehicles are securely loaded onto an open trailer and transported alongside other cars. Despite exposure to the elements, open transport is generally safe and suitable for well-maintained classic cars.

Express Shipping

For classic car owners with tight schedules or urgent transportation needs, expedited shipping offers a swift and efficient solution. Expedited services prioritize the timely delivery of vehicles. While it may involve additional costs, expedited shipping provides peace of mind and convenience for those with time-sensitive transportation requirements.

Door-to-Door Delivery

Opting for door-to-door delivery eliminates the hassle of coordinating pickup and drop-off locations, providing a seamless shipping experience for classic car owners. With this service, the transport company picks up the vehicle directly from your location and delivers it to the specified destination. Door-to-door delivery is a convenient option for those seeking a hassle-free shipping process.

DIY Transport

For classic car enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on experiences, DIY transport offers a personalized approach when it comes to auto transport for classic cars. Renting a trailer or using a tow dolly allows owners to transport their classic cars themselves, providing greater control and flexibility over the process. However, it’s essential to ensure proper towing equipment and adhere to safety regulations when transporting vehicles independently.

Exclusive Discount for The Journal Readers

An important factor to look for when deciding who should ship your classic car is whether the provider offers discounts on the cost of shipping. The good news is that SGT Auto Transport is currently offering up to 10% discount for the ClassicCars.com Journal readers. 

Call to enjoy car shipping in the summer prices at (864) 508-7505

As you prepare to embark on summer adventures with your classic car, choosing the right shipping method is crucial to ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. 

Whether you opt for enclosed transport, open transport, express shipping, door-to-door delivery, or DIY transport, prioritizing the safety and protection of your vehicle is paramount. 

By exploring these top shipping options, you can confidently transport your classic car and enjoy unforgettable summer journeys on the open road.

Can You Identify These Headlights?

Below you will find detailed images of four vehicles currently listed on AutoHunter. Can you figure out the year, make, and model of each? Write your answer in the Comments section below.

Admittedly, this week’s puzzle is quite difficult, so don’t be too hard on yourself. If you need a hint, just point your cursor onto an image and click your mouse and you’ll be directed to the auction.

Click on each image to reveal each car

On Tuesdays, The ClassicCars.com Journal serves up an automotive puzzle. If you enjoyed this, you can sample previous puzzles for your entertainment.

Pick of the Day: 1989 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible

The LeBaron name dates back about 100 years in the world of automotive history. First known for being a coachbuilder that provided bodies for luxury cars, the classification was later used on a number of different vehicles manufactured by Chrysler Corporation. One of them was a coupe and convertible marketed from 1987 to 1995. Today’s featured car comes from within that era.

The Pick of the Day is a 1989 Chrysler LeBaron convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Milwaukie, Oregon. (Click the link to view the listing)

The seller tells the story best about this unique drop-top:

I met the little red convertible when my friend and customer Bob brought it into my repair shop for some service work. It was love at first sight. “I want to buy it,” I said to Bob. ​​​“Sorry, it is my wife’s baby, and there is no way that she will sell it to you.”  Several years later, Bob showed up at my repair shop and said, “Today is the day.” I looked confused. He repeated. “You mean I get to buy the LeBaron today?” He said that they decided the night before that she wasn’t going to drive anymore. They wanted the car to go to a good home. That was about 15 years ago. It has been a “summer date car” ever since. 

The third-generation LeBaron rode on what Chrysler referred to as the J-platform. It was an evolution of the widely-used K-platform that had been leveraged for everything from compact cars, to sports cars, to minivans throughout the 1980s under CEO Lee Iacocca. The 1987 to 1995 LeBaron was positioned as a personal luxury car, and it conveyed a significantly more aerodynamic shape when compared to the boxy Chrysler cars that preceded it. Hideaway headlights, a waterfall grille, full-width taillights, and a raked windshield were a few of the key stylistic attributes that set it apart.

With a love letter like we just read for today’s featured car, it is clear that it has been cared for. The seller describes the car as “nearly perfect,” and acknowledges that it has been garage-kept throughout life. Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four which was rated when new at 174 horsepower, and a console-shifted three-speed automatic transaxle spins the front wheels.

The seller states that the only reason the LeBaron is going up for sale is because its garage space has been taken over by a 707-horsepower Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Hey, at least they stayed in the Chrysler (now Stellantis) family of automobiles! “We want this car to go to a good home,” the listing states.

The asking price is $8,900 or best offer. If you’ve been looking for a summer weekend cruiser, look no further. Just promise to take as good of care of it as the prior owners have.

To view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com, check out the listing here.