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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1980 Chevrolet Corvette

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April 24, 2024

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1980 Chevrolet Corvette

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1980 Chevrolet Corvette coupe. The car is being offered by a dealership in Somersworth, New Hampshire, and the auction will end on Thursday.

It’s mind-boggling to think that 1980 was nearly 45 years ago. I’m one of those people who still have a habit of back-dating everything from the year 2000 and thinking, “Oh, that was only 20 years ago.” Are you guilty of the same? In order to set the stage for viewing this Corvette, let’s put our minds in the right era: The year 1980 marked the birth of the Rubik’s Cube, CNN, and Pac Man. The top movies of the year were The Shining and The Empire Strikes Back.

Model year 1980 fell toward the end of the lifespan for the third-generation Corvette; the C3 had been around since 1968 and was overdue for a makeover, but Chevrolet hadn’t left it entirely alone all that time. In fact, 1980 was a particularly important year because the car’s front and rear ends were restyled with aerodynamic spoilers. This was also the first year that air conditioning, power windows, sport exterior mirrors, and a tilt/telescoping steering column became standard equipment. It seems Chevrolet wanted to phase the generation out on a strong note by raising the bar equipment-wise. There were 40,614 Corvettes produced for the model year, followed by a decline in both 1981 and 1982, which would mark the end of the C3.

The first thing you’ll notice about today’s featured Corvette is its unique paint scheme. The selling dealer calls the exterior color a “purple merlot,” and the metallic effect looks particularly eye-catching in direct sunlight. The third-generation Corvette didn’t offer a convertible option; the closest you could get was a removable roof panel, which this car has. The slotted mag wheels and BFGoodrich raised-white-letter tires are the perfect pairing.

Power comes from an L48 350cid V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Recent service to the car included replacement of the aluminum radiator, master cylinder, alternator, and rear wheel bearings. The listing includes a video showing a drive-by, and the exhaust note sounds mean!

Perhaps it’s time you start assembling a playlist with Blondie, Pink Floyd, Olivia Newton-John, and Michael Jackson. This Corvette is begging for a weekend cruise, and the form-fitting driver seat has your name all over it.

The auction for this 1980 Chevrolet Corvette coupe ends Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 1965 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S

Diego Rosenberg

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April 24, 2024

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Pick of the Day: 1965 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S

It’s been a Mustang-crazy week at the ClassicCars.com Journal since April 17^th was the 60^th anniversary of the pony car’s introduction. However, we’ve been remiss in celebrating the birthday of a similar vehicle that debuted 16 days before. How about some applause for our Pick of the Day, the 1965 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S. It’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Kentwood, Michigan. (Click the link to view the listing)

While the first Mustangs were early 1965 models, the first Barracudas were VIN’d as 1964s. They were even badged as Valiants, though that would be shed for 1965. Pleated seats were upscale and stylish, and tasteful bits decorated the interior. There was seating for five, with the rear seats folding down for cargo. Luckily, the backlite was tinted, as three burnt necks were not a good selling point.

The 225 “Slant Six” and new 273 Commando V8 were the only engines available, the latter a two-barrel offering 180 horsepower. Interestingly, a Hurst-shifted four-speed was available with either engine.

Just like the GT package was introduced for the Mustang for 1965, the Barracuda added to its potential with the Formula S package. Included with the package were 14-inch rims with special wide-tread tires, simulated bolt-on wheel covers, tachometer, Rally Pack suspension (heavy-duty springs and sway bar), heavy-duty shocks, and a new four-barrel version of the 273 with 235 horsepower. The engine was also available as stand-alone or with another package called the Performance Group, which also included the suspension package and power brakes. Though often thought of as a Formula S item, the racing stripe (available in black, white, ruby, medium blue, or gold) was optional for all Barracudas.

This Gold metallic 1965 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S features the optional four-speed manual “giving drivers precise control over its performance” per the seller. “A striking black racing stripe runs the entire length of the vehicle, adding a sporty touch that emphasizes its performance pedigree.” Inside, you’ll find a black interior with front buckets, “which remains in excellent condition, providing a comfortable and stylish driving environment that complements the exterior’s allure,” adds the seller.

The first-generation Barracuda has been overshadowed by the Mustang because the Plymouth’s styling barely differed from the Valiant and it was only available in one body style, not to mention the Mustang had solid market research behind its existence. Nonetheless, the Barracuda was a solid competitor with classic Mopar styling that should make someone happy for $29,900.

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

Identify These Mercury Cougars

Diego Rosenberg

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April 23, 2024

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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 Cybertruck Recalled Due to Unintended Acceleration

News and Events

Motor Authority

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April 23, 2024

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Tesla Cybertruck Recalled Due to Unintended Acceleration

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.

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.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Pick of the Day: 1987 Audi 5000 S

Andy Reid

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April 23, 2024

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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 Pick of the Day is one of these collector car unicorns, a 1987 Audi 5000 S with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

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.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, you can find the library of archives at Pick of the Day.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible

Diego Rosenberg

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April 23, 2024

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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible

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).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Man Watches Classic Car Sink in Lake

Car Culture

Diego Rosenberg

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April 22, 2024

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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.

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.

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.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1940 Ford Opera Coupe

Uncategorized

Andy Reid

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April 22, 2024

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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1940 Ford Opera Coupe

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1940 Ford Opera Coupe.

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).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Interesting Finds: 2013 Scion FR-S

Media

Tyson Hugie

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April 22, 2024

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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 16^th 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.

Pick of the Day: 1985 Ferrari 308 GTS

Tyson Hugie

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April 22, 2024

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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.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1985 Ferrari 308 GTS listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Voorhees, New Jersey. (Click the link to view the listing)

“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.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, you can find the library of archives at Pick of the Day.