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AutoHunter Spotlight: 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning.

Lightning strikes travel at 270,000 miles per hour. The speed of light itself is even faster, at 186,000 miles per second (or 671 million miles per hour). Figures like that are difficult to even comprehend. Perhaps that’s why Ford’s SVT (Special Vehicle Team) Division named its performance-tuned version of the ninth-generation F-150 pickup accordingly. The truck launched in 1992 and was designed from the get-go to emphasize all-out speed over utility.

A second-generation Lightning, debuting in 1999, raised the bar even higher by incorporating an Eaton supercharger, a lowered suspension, and 18-inch wheels with grippy Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. Still, some enthusiasts craved more: Today’s featured truck is a rolling testament to what happens when you take an already-capable platform and escalate it to new levels. The auction ends tomorrow, so interested buyers need to act quickly.

The Triton 5.4-liter V8 in this truck has been rebuilt, and it comes with a long list of bolt-ons. Among the upgrades are a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger, ARP main and head studs, Manley rods, CP-Carillo pistons, upgraded pulleys, a Garrett intercooler, Metco Motorsports fuel rails, and much more. The listing doesn’t specify the truck’s current dyno-tested power output, but it is safe to say the number is significantly higher than the stock figure (which was 380).

The fact that a relatively nondescript regular-cab truck in Silver Metallic has been built with this kind of drivetrain makes it a great example of a “sleeper.” Aside from the smoked headlights, gloss black wheels, and aftermarket taillights, you would be hard-pressed to know what kind of punch this pickup is packing under its hood.

One of the things I like most about limited-production vehicles is that they often come with authentication documents. In this case, the truck is accompanied by a certificate from the Special Vehicle Team that says the truck was assembled in Ontario on January 28, 2002, and it was unit number 1,567 out of 4,726 vehicles produced. Of those nearly-5,000 trucks, I have to imagine this is one of the more heavily-modified examples that are still on the road. And even though the odometer shows over 180,000 miles, it has been mechanically refreshed in every possible way.

Can you handle this “greased” Lightning? Bid to own it!

The auction for this 2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning ends Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

What Distinction Do These Cars Share?

Below you’ll find four cars that are listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. Though most of them are Mustangs, don’t let that fool you – the distinction they share has nothing to do with the shared lineage (if the GM product doesn’t give you the hint).

Post your answers in the Comments section. If you truly know your stuff, post the year/make/model pictured as well. Glory will follow.

Click on each image to reveal each car

The ClassicCars.com Journal serves up an automotive puzzle every Tuesday. Previous puzzles are also available for your entertainment.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 2020 BMW M4

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2020 BMW M4 Cabriolet.

I first drove the F82/F83 version of the M4 during the 2018 Amelia Island Concours when I was loaned one from BMW as a review car for the week. The car was simply incredible and more in the line of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage than a mid range BMW. It was extremely fast, handled incredibly well, and was both comfortable and luxurious. It was a true GT car that overdelivered in every category. This AutoHunter Spotlight is just like that press car and I am sure is just as good as the one I was loaned. If you are looking for a proper GT car that has the added advantage of a top that goes down, this car represents a great option.

The seller describes this 2020 M4 as a 655-horsepower, one-owner 2020 BMW M4 Cabriolet has been driven a total of only 8,187 total miles from new. It is equipped with more than $70,000 in cosmetic and performance upgrades. The car was sold new by Bob Smith BMW in Calabasas, California, to the current owner and is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an Active M Differential. It is finished in Jet Black paint and equipped with a fully functional matching power-retractable hardtop over a black leather interior. The seller adds that this F83 M4 is now offered with service records, documentation, a clean CARFAX report, and a clear title in the seller’s name.

This 2020 M4 is equipped with Stek USA DYNOshield paint protection film, Carbon fiber exterior and interior accents, Vossen wheels with Michelin tires, a G-Power GP-660 performance tune, a CNC charge air cooler, coilover suspension, and a G-Power GP-Deeptone exhaust system.

I am guessing the owner really wanted something even more special than what they originally bought new from the BMW dealer as they had the paint color changed from black metallic to Jet Black in 2021, adding smoked headlights and taillights, a carbon fiber grille, a carbon fiber-style clear bar on chin spoiler, mirror caps, rocker panels, and antenna, carbon fiber side markers, a 3M Crystalline Series CR 40 window tint, a carbon fiber spoiler, a 3D Design carbon fiber diffuser, and quad black G-Power GP-Deeptone exhaust outlets. They all make this car a true one of a kind M4.

But wait there is more. This M4 also has the BMW M Performance carbon fiber and orange steering wheel trim, carbon fiber shift knob, carbon fiber console trim, a GP-700 turbocharger upgrade, HJS downpipes, GP-Deeptone exhaust system, GP-660 injectors, and a Center crankshaft bolt lock which gives the car a dyno-rated at 655.3 horsepower and 574.8 lb-ft of torque.

If you are looking for what has to be one of the ultimate high performance BMW M4 convertibles in the world, this car is likely it. The one I drove in 2018 was stock and I can only imagine how much faster this one is, so this is your time to own one.

The auction for this 2020 BMW M4 Cabriolet ends Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

What Did I Just See?

My lunch breaks usually involve a walk around the block just to get a dose of Vitamin D, if not to exercise my formerly broken ankle. Those 20 minutes are generally benign as I see few people and observe little other than many locals running stop signs. However, yesterday was different as I caught sight of this unique vehicle.

The styling seemed familiar, appearing like a cross between a Zagato-bodied Fiat-Abarth 750 and a Kamm-tailed Shelby Daytona Coupe, but the car did not. The grille pegged it as an Alfa Romeo, a brand of which I was once dismissive though over the years I’ve come to appreciate for its strong engineering department and coach-built variants from the most famous Italian design houses. However, the car I saw didn’t ring a bell.

Posting this image on Facebook brought me the answer I was seeking: a Giulia TZ (Tubolare Zagato). The Giulia is familiar to American enthusiasts, both in sedan and coupe/Spider forms (especially the sleek Sprint Speciale). Per my sleuthing, there were two versions (often referred to as TZ1 and TZ2), with this one being the former that first appeared in 1963. Power came from a 112-horsepower, twin-cam 1,570cc inline-four up front (which I wasn’t expecting) paired with a five-speed manual. A tubular spaceframe chassis, disc brakes, and independent suspension were surrounded by coachwork courtesy of Zagato. Thanks to weighing around 1,500 pounds, performance was brisk despite the diminutive engine.

rutamotor.com

Only 100 TZ1s were built, both in street and race trim. Another 12 TZ2s were built, all in race trim. If a rare sighting could be had during an afternoon jaunt, this Alfa Romeo TZ is as good as any.

Pick of the Day: 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible

It seems to be C-body month at the ClassicCars.com Journal. We’ve seen a lot of love with Dodge’s final full-size convertible and a Fury II sedan that’s not often seen anymore, so why not pony up for Chrysler’s version of the platform? To boot, not only is the Pick of the Day Chrysler’s final full-size convertible, but it’s the final Chrysler convertible period until the advent of the 1982 LeBaron: the 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lithia Springs, Georgia. (Click the link to view the listing)

The 300 series was created in 1962 to replace the Windsor, Chrysler’s mid-level series. Part of a grand tradition in Detroit of cannibalizing a strong model name by association, the new 300 series borrowed the equity of the performance-oriented 300 letter-series. Sometimes called the 300 Sport series, the 300 shared the same grille, badging, and side trim with its high-performance cousin. “Puts race-bred performance well within your reach!” claimed Chrysler, though looking like a 300-H and offering 305 horsepower standard doesn’t seem enough to make that true. That being said, the 380-horsepower 413 was available, just like the letter-series, but they were still two distinct models. Three body styles were available: two-door hardtop and convertible, and four-door hardtop. Interestingly, after starting out as a fancy personal luxury coupe in 1962, the Buick Wildcat was mainstreamed as a sporty mid-line series for 1963, very much in a vein like the 300 Sport.

Starting in 1968, the 300 series acquired hidden headlights, something that would be a trademark through 1971 when it was discontinued. Nineteen sixty-nine would bring a redesign, ushering the “Fuselage” design philosophy, with the 300 continuing to offer hidden headlights and now displaying full-width taillights that were distinct from those of the Newport and New Yorker.

A 350-horsepower 440 four-barrel was standard, with a 375-horse 440 TNT with dual exhausts as an option. All-vinyl bucket seats were standard and featured a “buddy seat” with armrest, which could be substituted with a console. Other seating choices for hardtop models included beige cloth-and-vinyl buckets for hardtop models, or contoured bench seat with arm rest in vinyl or cloth-and-vinyl.

Along with the lesser 1970 Newport Convertible, this 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible is the last of the Chrysler ragtops, one of 1,077 built. Painted “ER6” Crimson with a white convertible top and matching vinyl bucket seats with buddy seat, this Chrysler looks as big as a whale and rides on 15-inch Styled Steel Road Wheels. Braking is handled by power discs up front. Under the hood lies the standard 440 paired to a TorqueFlite automatic with modern shift kit.

The seller claims the “ample body rides proudly on an A-arm front/leaf spring/air shock rear suspension” Other features include power windows, air conditioning, AM radio, hood-mounted turn signal indicators, power trunk lid, and black longitudinal protective molding. It appears a dual exhaust system was added along the way, which is something that is always welcome. Considering this vehicle is a veteran of the Hot Rod Power Tour, this is one 300 rag that was built to cruise AND bruise. For $43,995, it appears you can have your cake and eat it too.

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

75+ Years of Hot Rod Magazine Online

Remember several weeks ago when we presented the entire Motor Trend digital archives? That’s like having Christmas in spring! So, why not continue the generosity and present to you the entire Hot Rod catalog?

‘Tis true – you can have the Hot Rod digital library at your fingertips, from the first issue from January 1948 to today’s nutso street-legal Drag Week vehicles achieving 8-second ETs. That’s more than 75 years of the American evolution of automobiles on record! What’s your favorite cover? Who’s your favorite editor? Do you enjoy 1980s hot pink? It’s all here in the splendor only possible by the grace of the Internet!

Bookmark it and get started with your reminiscing about dry lakes, Flatheads, drag racing, stock car racing, factory dual-quads, and more!

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1994 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1994 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.

The Firebird Trans Am has been a GM icon since its introduction. Over the years the Trans Am has been raced, starred in movies, been a main character in a TV show, and has always had a huge following. Sadly the Firebird Trans Am was cancelled in 2002. With the 2010 closing of the Pontiac division of GM, we are not likely to see a Pontiac-built Trans Am ever again.

The Trans Am featured here is from the final 4th generation. While the rear axle and floorpan aft of the front seats was basically the same as the 3rd generation model, GM stated that ninety percent of the new Firebird’s parts were new. Like the Camaro, upgrades to the Firebird Trans Am include standard dual airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, 16-inch wheels, rack-and-pinion power steering, new front suspension, and many composite body panels.

The seller states that this 1994 Pontiac Trans Am is was California-owned long-term and is powered by an LT1 5.7-liter V8 backed by the desirable BorgWarner six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Finished in Dark Aqua Metallic over a Graphite cloth interior, this fourth-generation Firebird is now offered by the selling dealer with removed original parts, a clean CARFAX report, and a clear title.

Features on this car include air conditioning, a Pioneer touchscreen sound system, upgraded PaceSetter headers, an upgraded clutch, and a Borla exhaust system. The addition of the headers and Borla exhaust should make the LT1 under the hood of this Trans Am more powerful than any stock C4 Corvette LT1. The Borla exhaust will also make it sound amazing.

This car is painted in its factory Dark Aqua Metallic paint with integrated fog lights, cool pop-up headlights, factory hood scoops, and integrated rear spoiler. The overall condition of the paint looks to be excellent which is easily explained by the cars low 66k mileage from new. The seller adds that the front bumper cover has been repainted and that the headlight control module has been recently replaced.

The interior of this Trans Am features its factory Graphite cloth upholstery and the car has power windows, power steering, and cruise control. Like the exterior, the interior looks great and is stock except for an aftermarket dash cover, a modern Pioneer touchscreen audio system, and aftermarket shift knob. The car includes its original Delco stock radio and shift knob.

Once thought of as just used cars, the values of these final generation Trans Am cars have started to move up in the collector car market, with the first and second generation cars often selling for more than $100,000. What that means is that these final versions of the Trans Am are still a good value, but I would personally buy one like this example now before the prices get higher.

The auction for this 1994 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am ends Friday, May 17, 2024 at 11:35 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Interesting Finds: 1955 Hudson Metropolitan

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ClassicCars TV presents a 1955 Hudson Metropolitan, produced in limited numbers from 1954 to 1956. Hindered by the absence of a V8 engine, coupled with the commercial failure of the Hudson Jet and intense pricing competition between Ford and GM, Hudson faced challenges that ultimately led to its demise by late 1956.

George Mason, the architect behind the proposed merger with AMC, passed away, resulting in the collapse of the deal. Despite its troubled history, the Hudson Metropolitan stands out with its 1500cc 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed manual transmission, and original Turquoise exterior with a white hardtop. The interior features a black-and-white two-tone design, maintaining original floors and body panels, while the entire driveline has been meticulously rebuilt to factory specifications. It sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Auction for $16,500.

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

Pick of the Day: 1966 Pontiac GTO

The Pontiac GTO is one of the most important cars in post war U.S. auto history. This is because many think of it as the first true muscle car ever. The GTO was conceived to be a muscle car at the start after GM execs saw how kids were modifying their mid size street cars, making them faster and more flashy. GM decided to start doing this in house despite the GM ban on racing and the result was the launch of the GTO as its own model in 1964.

An interesting fact about the GTO is that GM got its name from the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. GTO is an Italian acronym for “Gran Turismo Omologato” (grand tourer homologate in English), which signified in the case of the Ferrari 250 GTO that the car in question was certified by the FIA for racing in the grand tourer class as a production car with at least a hundred units made. Unlike Ferrari who did not make 100 250 GTO cars, a very cool Pontiac employee had the car homologated by the FIA in 1964, so that it was possible for the GTO to compete in European sports car racing.

The GTO we have here as our Pick of the Day is a first generation 1966 GTO convertible located in Vero Beach, Florida. This car is for sale on ClassicCars.com by Motor City Classic Cars. They state that this GTO is one that has recently received a no-expense-spared restoration. All around this car you can see that a significant amount of time and money went into bringing it to its fantastic condition.

The trim tag correct Montero Red exterior paint looks to be excellent as does all the chrome and other trim on the cars exterior. The white power convertible top goes up and down at the push of a lever and is said to fit perfectly.

This GTO is powered by a 389ci/335 hp V8 with Tri-Power carburetors tied to a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller adds that this GTO represents the perfect build and is a great vehicle to drive.

Options on this GTO include a correct matching red interior with bucket seats and center console, a custom sports steering wheel, rally gauge cluster with tachometer, and push button AM/FM radio. It is equipped with power steering, a SafT-Track rear, ride and handling springs, shocks, stabilizer and Hurst Rally II wheels that are riding on newer Redline radial tires. They close stating that this GTO checks all the boxes and that Pontiac Historical Society documents are included with the vehicle.

I have said this before and I’ll say it again. It is always cheaper to buy a restored car than to have one restored. If I were in the market for an exceptionally restored GTO convertible, I would seriously consider this one with an asking price of $98,000. I guarantee that the restoration of this car, if it is as good as it looks, cost more than the asking price.

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

High School 1968 Chevelle SS 396

Do you miss your car from high school? Matt Koops doesn’t because he still owns it. He bought this Chevrolet in 1986 and continues to enjoy it in the same condition that it was back in the day. It even sports most of the Day 2 mods he installed as a wee lad. Few are so lucky!

This Ash Gold 1968 Chevelle SS 396 sports the base 325-horsepower L35 big-block and the optional TH400 automatic with console, but the original owner liberally specified other options including air conditioning, Positraction rear with 3.31 gears, stripes, AM/FM Stereo with 8-track, power steering and front disc brakes, and bumper guards. Under the hood you’ll find a 780 Holley, Holley Street Dominator intake, Crane Fireball camshaft, and Blackjack headers – painted white, no less!

Interestingly, Matt is a renowned restorer of Dodge Chargers and related Mopars. In fact, if you’ve ever seen the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona that was beltline-deep in Florida hurricane water several years ago, his shop (Muscle Or Performance Auto Restoration) is handling the rebuild.

Join Muscle Car Campy as he tells us the tale of this 1980s-era Day 2 1968 Chevelle SS 396 and takes us for a drive. And, if you enjoy this, you can find more Muscle Car Campy videos from Tampa & vicinity here.