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Pick of the Day: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Tyson Hugie
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Pick of the Day: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

If you are ready to feast your eyes on a piece of automotive eye candy, look no further than this:

The Pick of the Day is a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Guthrie Center, Iowa. (Click the link to view the listing)

“This is a one-of-a-kind collector’s item,” the listing says.

Production of the third-generation Corvette kicked off in August 1967 at General Motors’ St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant. While many of the powertrain configurations were carried over from prior Corvettes, the exterior and interior demonstrated a clean break from the previous design.

Chevrolet was particularly proud of this new design, and for good reason. One of the ads for the car said, “Something about this one will get you all unglued. Maybe the slippery shape. Or maybe all that energy under the hood. Or the road-ready combination of independent suspension and disc brakes at all four corners. Whatever it is, the ’68 Vette has got to be one of the most desirable cars ever built.”

The seller (who has owned the car for 21 years) says that today’s featured car has been “meticulously kept” and has been stored during winter months. The condition of the car appears to speak for itself in the gallery of about 30 photos, and the Candy Apple Red paint job is deliciously deep.

There is definitely something captivating about the lines of the C3, and I’m a fan of early models like this one with chrome bumpers as opposed to later ones with body-colored urethane bumpers. The sculpted fenders, flush-mounted door handles, and aerodynamic trunk design convey a sense of speed even when the car is parked. It is no wonder why Chevrolet decided to keep this generation in production for nearly a decade and a half until the 1980s.

Up front, power comes from a 375-horsepower 327cid small-block V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission. A few upgrades have been installed along the way, including an Edelbrock aluminum intake, a 770cfm Holley carburetor, an HEI ignition system, and a chrome-plated alternator. The seller says that the original removed parts will come with the car.

A handful of the photos included in the listing show the car being shown at events, and one of the photos shows a trophy, so it goes without saying that this Vette has been enthusiast-owned. Perhaps you need to be the enthusiast who continues giving it that same level of love and care.

“If you appreciate the sound of an original American muscle car, you’re going to love this head-turning beauty!” the listing concludes.

The asking price is $50,000.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, stop by Pick of the Day.

Jeep Executives Aware Brand’s Lineup is too Confusing

Motor Authority
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Jeep Executives Aware Brand’s Lineup is too Confusing

Jeep is likely to prune the number of trim levels it offers on its vehicles in the years ahead in an effort to reduce complexity.

The information was revealed by Bill Peffer, Jeep’s senior vice president, in an interview with The Drive published on Wednesday.

“Complexity reduction is something that happens constantly, and we probably could stand to do a little bit more of it,” he said.

In the case of a model like the iconic Jeep Wrangler, buyers can choose from Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392 grades, and to add more complexity there are multiple powertrain options that can only be configured with certain grades.

Bill Peffer

In his interview with The Drive, Peffer gave the example of the new 2024 Wagoneer S as a new way to do things. The electric midsize SUV will be launched in a single Launch Edition grade. More grades will surely be added, though there will likely be less than what we’ve typically seen from Jeep. One of them will likely be a rugged Trailhawk grade based on a concept shown during last week’s debut of the Wagoneer S.

Reducing the number of grades on offer could improve efficiency and quality in production, in addition to easing confusion in the showroom, something Peffer also pointed out in his interview.

Reduced complexity will also become more important as Jeep continues to expand its lineup. In addition to the Wagoneer S, the brand has added a subcompact model called the Avenger in markets outside the U.S. The rugged electric Recon SUV is also coming to North America later this year as an alternative to the Wrangler.

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

Peak Lansing Power in This 1970 Olds

Diego Rosenberg
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2
Peak Lansing Power in This 1970 Olds

General Motors had a funny rule limiting cubic-inches on particular platforms. That meant cars like the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 were limited to 400cid. The 455-powered Hurst/Olds was an awesome way around the edict, but it was pricey. Things fell into place when GM removed the edict and the 1970 4-4-2 came equipped with the 455 standard.

Rated at 365 horsepower, the standard 4-4-2 was a strong-performing vehicle. But those who wished to go faster could order the W30 package, which included a bigger cam and other hi-po bits, W25 fiberglass hood, red plastic fender wells, and wide side stripes. When a four-speed was opted, the cam was so radical that there was not enough vacuum for power brakes.

The 1970 4-4-2 W30 arguably is the high point of high-performance Oldsmobiles of the era. This one featured in the below Muscle Car Campy video is typical of the era due to its Burnished Gold hue, though no four-speed W30 is typical otherwise. Note the Custom Sport steering wheel – arguably the best of the era of any American manufacturer – as well as the Rocket Rally Pac that features the difficult-to-read “tick-tock-tach” with integrated clock. Everything else on this Olds exudes class in addition to sportiness and power.

If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out other Muscle Car Campy segments.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro

Andy Reid
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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe that is that is powered by a 383 stroker engine. 

The 1967 model marked the first year of the Camaro. It was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang, and, even though I am a big Ford fan, I have always somehow preferred the Camaro to the Mustang. I am not sure if it is the more subtle (and almost elegant) styling or because they are more rare than the Mustang, but the first generation Camaro has always been the winner of the two pony cars for me.

The 1967 Camaro has a number of first-year-only features including hood vent windows, a lack of side mounted marker lights, and a different type of shock mount. I feel that because the 1967 model is the first in a long line of Camaro cars that they will always have a following. Many people advise that when buying an iconic classic car you should buy the first or the last, and this car is one of the first. As a result it would likely be the one to buy if you are thinking of long term investment in a classic pony car.

The seller describes this 1967 Camaro as one that was previously sold on AutoHunter in 2021, and since then has reportedly received $30,000 in work under its new owner. This includes the addition of a Vintage Air climate control system, power steering, QA1 suspension components, and numerous performance upgrades. It is powered by a 383ci stroker V8 backed by a Muncie M21 four-speed manual transmission. The car is painted in Sunset Orange over a black vinyl interior and comes with service receipts and a clear title in the seller’s name.

Highlights of this car include a cowl-induction hood, rear spoiler, power steering, LED headlights, the aforementioned Vintage Air climate control system and QA1 suspension components, all of which work to make this classic Camaro one that would easily work as a great daily driver and an amazing example for vintage tours and rallies.

The interior of this Camaro is just the way I like it with stock bucket seats with correct black vinyl upholstery and a center console-mounted manual transmission shifter. There are some nice and subtle upgrades including a Bluetooth audio system with Pioneer and Rockford Fosgate speakers. It looks like the perfect mix of stock and tastefully upgraded components. Basically a stock 1967 Camaro interior that has features of a modern car.

Under the hood is where everything comes together perfectly with a solid lifter Chevy 383 stroker motor built up from this car’s original block with a lot of high quality performance parts added. These include Edelbrock Performer heads, an Edelbrock RPM aluminum intake manifold, aluminum accessories brackets, an HEI distributor, a Holley Brawler 4-barrel carburetor, headers with heat wrap, fuel pump relocated and coated with heat wrap, a Powermaster chrome alternator, a Rebuilt starter, new valve covers, new head gaskets, a Griffin radiator, and chrome pulleys.

Then we come to the chassis mods all of which are also top notch. These modifications include QA1 tubular control arms, QA1 sway bar, tie rods, bearings, and ball joints, 2” dropped front spindles, both front and rear coilover shocks, cut and rewelded rear axle mounting points, and a rear sway bar. This is a Camaro that not only goes fast in a straight line but one that can also handle the curves of a vintage road tour with ease.

This 1967 Camaro is the perfect classic pony car for today’s world, offering the classic looks of a first year first generation Camaro combined with some of the best modern components to make it drive as good as it looks. If you are the type of collector who wants to actually use your car, this Camaro is just the ticket.

The auction for this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe restomod ends Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Pick of the Day: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Diego Rosenberg
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4
Pick of the Day: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Imagine you’re Pontiac 20 years ago, give or take. It’s been a rough couple of years, with the Aztek being the butt of jokes and the discontinuation of the Firebird. There was a new GTO, its G8 brother, and the spectacularly styled Solstice roadster. Then, a global recession hit, just as Pontiac was getting its mojo back. When General Motors introduced our Pick of the Day, a 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe, GM then decided to kill the brand. This vehicle is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Milford City, Connecticut. (Click the link to view the listing)

Pontiac folks love to groan. They’ll groan about Pontiac losing its V8s and being forced to use “corporate Chevy small-blocks. They’ll groan about the Aussie-built GTO falling short in the styling department. And they’ll groan about Pontiac being killed while Buick being given a lifeline. Pontiac was on a roll, and then this.

The Pontiac Solstice roadster, a production version of the 2002 show car, was introduced for the 2006 model year. A 177-horsepower Ecotec 2.4-liter inline-four drove the rear wheels via a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. For the 2007 model year, the Solstice GXP was introduced, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter offering 260 horsepower. This turbo four-cylinder Ecotec was GM’s first direct-injection gas engine in the U.S. and its highest specific-output engine ever. The Solstice was a looker, and now it was a performer to the tune of 14.2 ETs.

For 2009, Pontiac introduced a Solstice coupe. Available in base and GXP configurations, the coupe featured a removable roof and an available cloth top. As neat as the roadster way, the coupe had a racy look with curves in the right places, especially when seen from the rear. And, then, in April 2009, it was announced that Pontiac would be discontinued. By the end of the model year, 1,254 Solstice coupes were built, plus another 12 pre-production 2010s for a total of 1,266 coupes.

This 52,600-mile 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe is a base model featuring the 2.4-liter four backed by an automatic transmission. It carries number 968 of the 1,266 built, and is one of 221 built in Wicked, a metallic ruby red. Features include power steering, power four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and AM-FM radio. “It is a 2-owner car with a clean CARFAX. The car is in excellent condition.”

The Solstice coupe pretty much immediately became an instant collectible the moment it was built. Seen mainly at shows, here’s one that has been enjoyed and is ready to be enjoyed some more by another enthusiast. They’ve never been cheap, new or used, as can be attested by the $28,000 price, but you’ll have one of the neatest American cars of the past 20 years.

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

Pick of the Day: 2000 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas

Derek Shiekhi
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0
Pick of the Day: 2000 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas

As special as they may be, flagship luxury sedans share a lot of similarities. They typically have leather seats, wood veneer trim, and all-encompassing comfort and convenience features – and eye-poppingly high MSRPs as the price of admission to such exclusive quarters. If you’ve ever passed a W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a third-generation Lexus LS in traffic, you’ll know range-topping sedans also have presence. Those two models have it primarily because of their size and proportions.

The X308 Jaguar XJ, which ran from the 1998 model year until 2003, is a rare site amongst its contemporaries because it stands out for being sleeker, visually lower and leaner, and feline. Our Pick of the Day, this 2000 Jaguar XJ8 currently available on ClassicCars.com, is even more distinctive because it comes in the long-wheelbase Vanden Plas configuration.

If those two words don’t exactly bring images of the Union Jack and London to mind, there’s a good reason for that. According to the Vanden Plas Owners’ Club, the original Vanden Plas company started in 1870 as an axle manufacturer in Brussels, Belgium. Over the next several decades, it changed industries and worked with a variety of aircraft and automotive companies.

To make a long story short, when it comes to North American Jaguars, Vanden Plas is synonymous with a higher level of visual distinction and interior luxury. Aside from the extended wheelbase, the most recognizable signs of an XJ8 VDP are the fluted grille and trunk lid plinth. That extra space between the front and rear axles benefits rear passengers as do heated seats and the wood picnic tables integrated into the backs of the heated front seats.

Whoever spec’d this car chose well. Those special exterior touches and the regal 16-inch wheels highlight the subtle beauty of the Sapphire Metallic paint. Unfortunately, the original owner’s time behind the wood- and leather-trimmed wheel, surrounded by Ivory Connolly leather and glossy Burl Walnut accents, was short-lived. The selling dealer reports the second owner purchased this XJ from the first owner’s estate after it had been in storage for 14 years. Given that gap, it makes sense that this cat has only slinked its way through 72,652 miles of city and highway traffic. To prepare it for more frequent driving, the dealer recently tuned up the 290-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 and had new Continental tires installed in May. Thanks in part to those updates, this XJ reportedly runs “beautifully and smooth.” In fact, the Qualcomm car phone to the right of the J-gate shifter for the five-speed automatic transmission still works, too.

It took nearly a decade and a half, but someone eventually pulled this XJ out from the shrouds of obscurity. After existing in absence for so many years, it can once again show in the light of day what it’s always had: presence. You can drive it through the twists and turns of its second life for $11,900.

Click here to view the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.

Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance to Host Amazing Cars

ClassicCars.com
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Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance to Host Amazing Cars

The 29th annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance, powered by O’Gara Coach, will bring a full day of free family fun to Beverly Hills on Sunday, June 16. This year’s Father’s Day car show will feature 100 rare and iconic vehicles, great food and plenty of entertainment.

The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance, which will take place between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., is one of the area’s most beloved annual events. Here’s a glimpse at what you can expect to see on California’s most iconic street:

This year’s event will host a special celebration of hypercars, supercars, race cars, classics and custom-built showstoppers. Provided by exclusive private collections, passionate car enthusiasts and even some of the world’s most recognized manufacturers, this has become one of the country’s preeminent luxury car shows.

Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance Chairman Bruce Meyer, Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman, Rodeo Drive Committee President Kay Monica Rose and renowned car buff Jay Leno will present trophies to 12 award-winning entrants—from “Most Elegant” to “Best in Show”—on the main stage starting at noon.

In addition to the incredible cars, sponsors will add to the fun with interactive exhibits and event highlights. O’Gara Beverly Hills, which returns as the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance Grand Sponsor, will feature a curated selection of automotive excellence with 13 models on display, including a first look at the new Aston Martin Vantage and McLaren Artura Spider.

New for 2024, the upcoming Netflix Film “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” launching July 3, will host an interactive display that offers the chance to “cop the look,” become Axel Foley, and take home a custom photo with the iconic blue 1970 Chevy Nova in a singing Father’s Day card that will keep you humming that classic Axel F theme song.

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix display will feature two 2024 F1 show cars alongside race-themed props for fan photo opportunities. All Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance attendees will have the opportunity to take advantage of a special on-site ticket promotion for the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, taking place Nov. 21-23, 2024.

Auto Vault Storage, Lucid Motors, Ferrari of Beverly Hills, RM Sotheby’s and Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills will also host displays, while longtime event sponsors GEARYS and Two Rodeo offer nearby shopping opportunities.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Tyson Hugie
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13
AutoHunter Spotlight: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 20-Years-Owned 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop.

Few cars from throughout automotive history have become as big of pop-culture icons as the 1957 Chevrolet. The car’s unmistakable grille, generous chrome trim, and towering tailfins gave it a look unlike anything the world had seen before. Last October, I visited a restaurant where a 1957 Bel Air convertible was converted into a dining booth. Bel Airs are iconic.

After 20 years with the current owner, today’s featured two-door hardtop is seeking a new home. It is being listed by a dealer in Hanover, Massachusetts, and the auction will end Monday, June 10.

An advertisement from the Saturday Evening Post called the 1957 Chevrolet “Sweet, Smooth, and Sassy.” An accompanying television commercial conveyed the same message: “With a daring departure in design that shows the ’57 version of America’s most popular car is fleet and fresh.” The grille was touted for having flair and fashion. Indeed, the car was eye-catching from any angle – and perhaps that is why even now, almost 70 years later, people are still obsessing over it. 

Of all its features, my favorite part about the featured Bel Air is its Sierra Gold Metallic paint (code 21261), which is complemented by an Adobe Beige rooftop. The color comes across as more of a bronze than a gold to me, but it’s brilliant. The refurbished interior has been trimmed in neutral tones, and it shows well.

The only real cosmetic update to the exterior has been to the wheel and tire setup. Footwork comes from a set of 15-inch Rally wheels, although the factory steel wheels with hubcaps will be included with the sale. The brakes have been upgraded to discs up front, and a sway bar has been added. This car is ready to drive with poise and confidence to your nearest car show.

Under the hood, power comes from a 265cid V8 (which was rebuilt in 1991) paired with a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission. The listing says that the car has been diligently maintained, and seller has provided a video showing a start-up, a walk-around, and a brief interior overview.

Make no mistake – the beloved Bel Air will continue to live on as a collectible car for decades to come. This is a classic worthy of your investment!

The auction for this 20-Years-Owned 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop ends Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Hot Wheels RLC Exclusive Transformers Optimus Prime Unboxing

ClassicCars.com
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Hot Wheels RLC Exclusive Transformers Optimus Prime Unboxing

For the first time, Hot Wheels and Transformers have teamed up to create the coolest Red Line Club model to hit the Mattel Creations website in a long time.

And, the best part is that we will be giving ours away to one lucky winner. CLICK HERE for your chance to win this amazing diecast model.

Make sure to subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for all episodes of Collectible Corner, as well as see interesting finds and car reviews!

Pick of the Day: 1972 Dodge Demon 340

Diego Rosenberg
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7
Pick of the Day: 1972 Dodge Demon 340

One of our Picks of the Day for last week was a 1970 Duster 340, a new model that managed to succeed the A-body Barracuda as Plymouth’s sportiest compact. However, Dodge did not have an equivalent model until 1971, and it lasted only two years. Our Pick of the Day is that car: a 1972 Dodge Demon 340. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Click the link to view the listing)

One of the reasons why Dodge had no semi-fastback counterpart like the Duster in 1970 can be explained by the fact that Plymouth had no Valiant hardtop, and the Duster filled that gap. Dodge, on the other hand, had the Dart Swinger, a budget-priced hardtop, and the more deluxe Dart Custom hardtop. While not swoopy like the Duster, they still played the role of compact hardtop. Plus, Dodge had a performance compact in the Dart Swinger 340.

After a year of exclusivity, the Plymouth Duster gained a cousin in the Dodge Demon. Featuring the Dart’s front end and slightly different taillights from the Duster, the Demon also featured a cartoony devil that cleverly used its pitchfork for the “M” in its name. Equipment was similar to the Duster’s in just about every way, with the seats being a strong differentiator. For the performance-oriented Demon 340, it came standard with the 275-horsepower (235 net) small-block, three-speed manual, Rallye suspension, heavy-duty brakes, Rallye instrument cluster, longitudinal tape stripe and rear-deck panel stripe, front-end molding, chrome-plated exhaust tips, and E70 x 14-inch tires. A flat hood was standard, but a special dual-patch blackout hood with non-functional Ramcharger scoops was available.

For 1972, there were subtle tweaks to the styling, mainly new grille and parking lamps. All engines were required to run on low-lead or unleaded fuel, so compression for the 340 was lowered to 8.5:1, with horsepower rated at 240 net (note the curious increase despite the lowered compression). A new Thermo-Quad four-barrel was new, as was a standard electronic ignition. A new, optional, non-functional hood scoop design with special strobe-like hood black-out was available.

So, what happened with the Demon for 1973? Folklore says fundamentalists made a fuss of its name, so it was changed to the unimaginative Dart Sport. Of course, the Demon name returned to the Dodge Challenger for 2018, with nary a complaint as far as I can tell.

This numbers-matching 1972 Dodge Demon 340 is painted in “EL5” Butterscotch, a High Impact 1971 color, but was originally “EV2” Hemi Orange. An upgraded black bench seat can be found in the cabin, which also features the Tuff steering wheel, Music Master AM radio, driver’s side remote mirror, and day/night mirror. Outside, this Demon 340 features dual sport mirrors, 1971 performance hood with tie-down pins, Cragar S/S mags, Go Wing, and chrome exhaust tips. Mechanically, you’ll find a 727 TorqueFlite automatic, 3.55 Sure-Grip, power steering and brakes (with front discs), and HD radiator.

Built in September 1971 and sold new in Vancouver, this Demon 340 has only 97,481 on the clock and features “mostly original sheet metal with all body numbers intact through to the rad support stamp.” As a bonus, the seller has prepared customs paperwork if you want to register the Demon anywhere in North America – that counts for you too, Snowbirds! For $45,000, you can own an honest Mopar muscle car that checks all the boxes.

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

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