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Pick of the Day: 1996 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

Andy Reid
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Pick of the Day: 1996 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

After spending a few days last week driving the new Rolls-Royce Spectre and the Black badge Ghost, I decided to make my Pick of the Day a more affordable Rolls-Royce car. Now I have owned a few Rolls-Royces over the years and have driven at least 30 of them. When compared to other cars built during the 1980s-1990s, Rolls-Royce cars were (in most cases) the best cars in the world at the time. Yes these cars are somewhat complex, and they do need regular servicing, but a nice example of one of these cars makes for one of the most elegant and well constructed cars of the era. In addition they are still a bit of a bargain, especially when you factor what these cars cost new.

The Pick of the Day is one of the last models built in the old Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe, England, a 1996 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn located in St. Ann, Missouri.

This Silver Dawn is described as being finished in the classic and highly desirable Mason Black paint with a red coachline over Black Connolly leather interior that is surrounded by magnificent burled Walnut woodwork. They state that this exquisite motorcar has been meticulously maintained and driven a mere 44,000 miles from new.

The Silver Dawn is an interesting model for Rolls-Royce. These cars are basically a revision of the Silver Spur but one designed as more of a car to drive rather than to be driven in. These cars had a number of modifications to distinguish them from the Silver Spur including an Electronic Traction Assistance System, rear seat heaters, a radiator height reduced by two inches, a Spirit of Ecstasy reduced by 20%, and a lower front fascia, all which were basically burrowed from their sister company at the time, Bentley. It is interesting to note that the Silver Dawn was first introduced as a model to the U.S. before becoming available to the rest of the world. The Silver Dawn is a very rare Rolls-Royce model with a total of only around 40 cars delivered to the U.S., and a total production of only 237 cars built.

The interior of this car is everything you would expect from a Rolls-Royce, and the leather seats and wood are all in absolutely exceptional condition. This is a car that is a nice place to spend a lot of time both behind the wheel and in the back seat.

The engine compartment is in equally excellent condition and looks to be completely spotless with no leaks or dirt anywhere. This looks to be a car that was very well cared for over the years.

The photos of this car show a 1990s era Rolls-Royce in exceptional condition with no issues whatsoever. I would want to see the service history of this car and see if it is up to date and if the car passes a pre-purchase inspection, this is a car that I would own.

This Silver Dawn includes all its original books, toolkit, a clean Carfax, and a fitted car cover. With an asking price of $46,900, it represents a great value in the market for a world class automobile and is about 1/3 the price for a high-mile modern Rolls-Royce.

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

1964 Pontiac Banshee Prototype XP-833 Surfaces for Sale, Again

Motor Authority
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1964 Pontiac Banshee Prototype XP-833 Surfaces for Sale, Again

The one-off 1964 Pontiac Banshee coupe concept is once again for sale, this time in a listing at Hemmings. The asking price is a cool $1.2 million.

The Banshee was an early attempt by General Motors to counter the Ford Mustang. Known internally as the XP-833, it was the brainchild of John Z. DeLorean, who was head of Pontiac at the time. More sports car than pony car, it featured sleek fiberglass bodywork that resembles the later C3 Chevrolet Corvette and Opel GT.

Instead of a bespoke sports-car platform, though, the Banshee borrowed mechanical hardware from the first-generation Pontiac Tempest. It used that car’s unusual rear transaxle driven by a flexible metal driveshaft often called a “rope drive” to send power from an inline-6 engine to the rear wheels.

GM nixed the Banshee after two prototypes—this silver coupe and a white convertible—were built, allegedly because executives were concerned that the Pontiac would steal sales from the Corvette. Pontiac instead got the Firebird as its Mustang fighter, sharing the GM F-Body platform with the Chevy Camaro.

Pontiac Banshee coupe

The two Banshee prototypes were hidden away until they could be purchased by GM employees. The coupe stayed with its purchaser until 2006, when it was bought by dealer Len Napoli of Milford, Connecticut, for $210,600 at a Barrett-Jackson auction. Napoli is a noted Pontiac collector whose family ran a Pontiac dealership from 1958 until GM pulled the plug on the division.

Napoli has tried to sell the Banshee coupe multiple times. It first popped up for sale in 2010, and was last listed for sale through Napoli’s Kia dealership in 2020 with a $750,000 asking price. Napoli appears to be the seller once again, as the car is still listed as being sold by a dealer in Milford, Connecticut, with the same 1,498 miles as the last time it surfaced for sale. Will it finally find a buyer this time?

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Pontiac Banshee coupe (image via Hemmings)

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

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1975 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3

Diego Rosenberg
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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1975 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3 Coupe. This Chevelle-based two-door is powered by a 350 small-block backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include swivel front bucket seats, power sunroof, AM/FM/Bluetooth digital stereo, four-spoke steering wheel, and power steering and front disc brakes. Finished in blue with black vinyl interior, this Laguna comes with a clear title.

The reportedly rust-free body has been refinished in the correct code 26 Bright Blue. Features include color-keyed sport mirrors, Power Sky Roof sunroof, louvered rear-quarter windows, side impact strips, and black Laguna accent stripes. A walk-around and test drive video can be seen below.

A set of 15-inch chrome Cragar S/S wheels is wrapped in 245/60 (front) and 275/60 (rear) Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.

The cabin is furnished with the reportedly original Black vinyl interior including the swivel front bucket seats. Features include four-spoke steering wheel, power steering, console-mounted transmission shifter, Dual AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo, and new carpeting.

The instrument panel consists of a 100-mph speedometer and fuel level gauge plus aftermarket gauges for the voltage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The odometer reads 41,616 miles, though the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Power is provided by a 350 four-barrel backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Engine bay features include black cast aluminum valve covers, aluminum intake manifold, chrome Edelbrock air cleaner housing, and exhaust headers. This vehicle was originally equipped with air conditioning but currently several components are not present.

This Chevrolet was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension, solid rear-drive axle, and rear stabilizer bar. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums.

The auction for this 2,382-mile 1975 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3 Coupe ends Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Day Two: Fantastic Friday

ClassicCars.com
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Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Day Two: Fantastic Friday

The auction arena was buzzing with excitement throughout the day on Friday at the 2024 Palm Beach Auction, with the arena erupting into cheers on a number of occasions as several highly anticipated vehicles had their turn on the block.

Lot 431 1981 Chevrolet Corvette Greenwood Daytona Turbo

In a diverse offering that ranged from classic SUVs and modern muscle to pickup trucks and ’50s favorites with fabulous fins, more than 200 vehicles made their way across the Barrett-Jackson block on Day 2 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. A 1981 Chevrolet Corvette Greenwood Daytona Turbo (Lot #431) took top honors for the day – and set a new world auction record – with its $247,500 sale. It was followed by a 1968 Ford Mustang Eleanor replica (Lot #416) that crossed the block for $162,800.

Lot 376 1958 Buick Special Convertible

Collections were in the spotlight on Friday, with vehicles from John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams among bidders’ favorites. Notable sales from that collection included a 1958 Buick Special Convertible (Lot #376) with its $126,500 sale (a new world auction record) and a 1959 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible (Lot #400) that sold for $110,000.

Lot 400 1959 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible

General Motors brought several special vehicles to sell in Florida. From the Chevrolet Collection, a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Championship Edition convertible (Lot #396.2) crossed the block for $115,500, while a 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V (Lot #396) found a new home when it sold for $159,500, along with a 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Series Blackwing (Lot #396.1) that sold for $110,000, both from GM’s Cadillac Collection.

Other highlights from the day included the sale of a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/365 (Lot #445.1) for $126,500, a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 Hennessey Custom Edition “Exorcist” (Lot #411) for $116,600, a 1947 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Good Humor Ice Cream Truck (Lot #426) for $115,500, followed by a 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible (Lot #427) for $113,300. A 2023 Jeep Gladiator Custom Pickup (Lot #373) and a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Custom Convertible (Lot #391) each brought in $110,000.

A 1950s Chris-Craft Woody Speedboat kiddie ride (Lot #7283) came out on top during the morning’s Automobilia Auction with its $27,600 sale. A circa 1948 Texaco Oil Bennett Model #756 gas pump (Lot #7282), a 1946 Mobil Oil M/S 80 gas pump (Lot #7268.3) and a 1960 Gulf Oil Tokheim Model #300 gas pump in Heritage Edition GT colors (Lot #7285), along with a 1940s-50s Cadillac Authorized Service porcelain sign with neon (Lot #7298), also caught the attention of bidders.

Top Automotive Sales of Day Two

LotVehicleSale Price
4311981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE GREENWOOD DAYTONA TURBO$247,500
4161968 FORD MUSTANG ELEANOR REPLICA$162,800
3962023 CADILLAC ESCALADE-V$159,500
3761958 BUICK SPECIAL CONVERTIBLE$126,500
445.11965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 327/365$126,500
4112023 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 HENNESSEY CUSTOM EDITION “EXORCIST”$116,600
396.22022 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION CONVERTIBLE$115,500
4261947 CHEVROLET 3100 CUSTOM GOOD HUMOR ICE CREAM TRUCK$115,500
4271967 PONTIAC GTO CONVERTIBLE$113,300
3732023 JEEP GLADIATOR CUSTOM PICKUP$110,000
3911970 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE$110,000
396.12023 CADILLAC CT5-V SERIES BLACKWING$110,000
4001959 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CROWN CONVERTIBLE$110,000
4222022 FORD F-150 SHELBY SUPER SNAKE PICKUP$110,000
4301970 OLDSMOBILE 442 CONVERTIBLE$110,000
4401990 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4 CABRIOLET GEMBELLA$110,000

Review: 2024 Toyota Tundra Limited Hybrid CrewMax 4×4

Jordan Muscarella
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Review: 2024 Toyota Tundra Limited Hybrid CrewMax 4×4

The Toyota Tundra was Japan’s first entry in America’s full-size truck market. Though initially there were teething issues, Toyota was a quick learner and created a fine competitor in no time. For 2024, the Tundra Limited CrewMax Hybrid 4×4 continues to show that Toyota is a player worthy of consideration. Let’s explore the powertrain, interior, and exterior design, brought to life by the Tundra’s rugged Smoked Mesquite paint and black 20-inch alloy wheels. Base price starts at $60,625, or $66,978 for a fully loaded one like ours.

This 2024 Toyota Tundra bids farewell to the V8 engine, embracing a new era of performance with its 3.4L i-Force MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid powertrain. Generating an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 foot-pounds of torque, this hybrid engine delivers exhilarating performance while also offering respectable fuel efficiency. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Tundra delivers seamless power delivery and a smooth driving experience across various terrains.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra offers an array of trim options, ensuring that there’s something for every driver’s preference and requirement, from the rugged TRD Pro to the luxurious Limited trim. The exterior design offers a perfect blend of ruggedness and sophistication. From the striking Smoked Mesquite paint option to the bold character lines that accentuate its muscular profile, every detail exudes confidence and style. The inclusion of 20-inch black Alloy Wheels and blacked-out accents further enhances its aggressive look.

Stepping inside the Tundra, you are greeted by a fully equipped and spacious interior consisting of several notable features. The centerpiece is a massive 14-inch infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. Additionally, the 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster provides essential vehicle information at a glance, while the 12-speaker JBL sound system delivers immersive audio performance.

From Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Tundra offers peace of mind on every journey. Additional safety features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are also great to have, especially if you’re towing.

Despite its size, maneuvering this truck among traffic is surprisingly effortless, thanks in part to the intuitive 360-degree camera system. The suspension provides a smooth ride on various road surfaces. Moreover, the hybrid powertrain delivers impressive acceleration and responsiveness, what you’d expect in a truck.

Watch our full video review on the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel

The 2024 Toyota Tundra Limited Hybrid CrewMax 4×4 represents a bold step forward in the evolution what we know as a truck. With its powerful i-Force MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid engine, luxurious interior features, and advanced safety technologies, the Tundra offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and convenience. While the hybrid variant may come at a premium, the standard model remains a solid choice for those seeking robust towing capabilities and everyday drivability.

Diego’s AutoHunter Picks

Diego Rosenberg
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Diego’s AutoHunter Picks

As the announcer for the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race, I’m familiar with Studebaker products since the Studebaker Drivers Club started to hit the event en masse over 20 years ago. As such, it’s nice to have an example of this South Bend brand for this week’s AutoHunter Picks.

And the others? A Ford, Chevy truck, and a Harley. Can it get any more American than that? Which one would you pick?

1973 Chevrolet K20 Custom Fleetside
If you look through this truck’s auction images, you can see how this vehicle was ordered by a servicemember through the General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation. Another document shows a Military Sales order form, and a third shows a different type of Military Sales Order form. The fourth form shows a Statement of Origin. This is all good stuff for a sales channel most of us know little about.

Sometimes these orders were for domestic pick-up, other times they were for export to a base. This 1973 Chevrolet K20 Custom Fleetside appears to be an honest truck with only one owner. Currently it has a Goodwrench 350 crate engine that replaced the original 350 four-barrel, so horsepower is likely better than stock. The four-speed is icing on the cake for this clean 4X4.

2010 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
I have been riding motorcycles for a year, and I was intent on riding a bike that was anything other than a Harley-Davidson. The way I see it, I cannot afford a Ferrari, so why not aspire to own the Ferrari of bikes? So, maybe a Ducati is in my future, but I’m quite content with Kawasaki while I do my best to learn how much riding is different from driving.

In another six months, I’ll have put more miles on my bike than the 4,308 that’s on this 2010 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. I’m surprised to learn that V-Twins are twin-cam V4s, as I have had the impression Harleys were antiquated. With dual saddle bags, dual front disc brakes, GPS, and a performance chip (really, they have those for motorcycles?), my interest is piqued by this bike from Wisconsin.

1940 Ford Deluxe Business Coupe
What is it with 1940 Fords anyway? They look so good, from the face they show to the world, to the double chevron taillights out back. I tend to gravitate more to the 1939s as I love those teardrop headlights, but sealed beams (per 1940 mandate) are safer for today’s driving conditions. And a Business Coupe? Nice proportions plus nifty jump seats give it novelty beyond most cars.

This 1940 Ford Deluxe Business Coupe features a 221 “Flathead” V8 with a three-speed manual on the column, so no surprise here. The generator has been updated to an alternator, which is attractive to those who want to drive it on the street instead of staring at it in the garage. Edelbrock finned aluminum heads give the Blue Oval underhood style. Magnifico!

1960 Studebaker Lark VIII Wagon
For the longest time, I did not understand the Studebaker Lark VI and VIII. What’s with this Roman numeral stuff? And then it clicked – this was the number of cylinders! Complicated or clever and different? After all, none of the Detroit compacts that debuted for 1960 offered a V8, so the Stude (along with Rambler) was a standout.

This 1960 Studebaker Lark VIII two-door wagon is a fine example how the Indiana brand was surviving in a Big Three world. This one originally came with a 259 V8 but now is powered by a bored-over 350 small-block backed by a 700R4 four-speed automatic. The cabin has been furnished with updated seats and fabric so your sore body won’t have to worry about cruising in discomfort.

Vehicles Will Soon Be Able to Detect Loose Lug Nuts

Motor Authority
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Vehicles Will Soon Be Able to Detect Loose Lug Nuts

The maker of Falken tires has developed technology to detect loose lug nuts, and the company plans to debut it on a production vehicle later this year.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries has announced the new feature Sensing Core, which the company says can detect lug nuts that are loose by as little as one millimeter, without the use of dedicated sensors. Instead, Sensing Core relies on data from a vehicle’s controlled area network (CAN), analyzing wheel speed and other factors.

This feature will debut as standard equipment on a car from an unnamed automaker this year, Sumitomo said, adding that the company is in discussions with additional automakers. The market where the loose-nut detection feature will debut was not discussed, so it’s unclear if it will be available in the U.S.

Accidents caused by loose lug nuts have become an increasing concern in Sumitomo’s home market of Japan, the company said, particularly ahead of the colder months when drivers switch over to winter tires. While commercial vehicles often have clips to provide visual confirmation that nuts are properly tightened, this isn’t a foolproof method, Sumitomo claims. And passenger cars generally don’t have them at all.

Sumitomo claims the Sensing Core tech is independent of the tire make, model, and size, allowing it to be used with a variety of vehicle and tire combinations. The same basic technology can also be used for other applications. Sumitomo has also used the same basic technology for an indirect tire pressure monitoring system the company claims is employed by 15 vehicle manufacturers in the European, Japanese, Chinese, and Indian markets.

Another possible application is tire-wear monitoring. This would involve sending vehicle data to a cloud to predict tire wear based on the amount of usage. At the 2024 CES, Sumitomo announced an investment in vehicle-analytics software company Viaduct, with the aim of integrating the latter’s software with Sensing Core for this purpose.

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

Pick of the Day: 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria

Tyson Hugie
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Pick of the Day: 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria

What is your take on “new car smell?” The Car-Freshner Corporation is the company behind the famous “Little Trees” that we have come to know and love for decades. The company is headquartered in Watertown, New York, and was founded in 1952. It’s pretty perfect that today’s featured car has a Little Tree dangling from its turn signal stalk, since the car was manufactured just a year later. 

The Pick of the Day is a 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria two-door listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Branford, Connecticut. (Click the link to view the listing)

“This Victoria has been modified to include a more modern 302 V8 engine mated to a rebuilt C4 automatic transmission, while retaining its stock rear end,” the seller says. I’m a fan of the two-tone green paint scheme which is comprised of a Seafoam Green body and a Timberline Green roof. I also think it’s clever that the build incorporates a two-inch-dropped front end but still retains period-correct wide-whitewall tires, steel wheels, and hubcaps. “Inside, you will discover new carpeting, a custom tilt steering wheel, and an AM/FM stereo,” the seller says.

The Crestline has a relatively short lifespan in the Ford family, lasting for only three model years between 1952 and 1954. It effectively slotted at the top of the model range and could be optioned in either the Victoria, Sunliner, or Country Squire versions. The Crestline’s successor in 1955 was the Fairlane.

The trim tag for today’s car gives us a few clues about the specifications:

  • Body 60B: Victoria
  • Color GE: Seafoam Green & Timberline Green
  • Trim K: Green Interior
  • Production Code 5C – 63: Manufactured the 5th week of March in Long Beach, California
    • This means the car must have been built on Monday the 30th or Tuesday the 31st

It is fascinating to be able to get to this level of detail just based on the stampings from the factory. This car celebrated its 71st birthday last month, and I must say it’s still looking as good as ever. According to The Classic Ford enthusiast website, there were a total of 128,302 Ford Crestline Victoria hardtop coupes produced for the 1953 model year. The car retailed at $1,941 when new.

“This is a fine representation of the Crestline Victoria which remains a sought-after collector’s car, appreciated for its vintage charm and historical significance.” Included in the listing is a video which shows how effortlessly the car fires up.

The asking price is $26,500, which includes that appropriate air freshener. Why can’t someone invent “scratch and sniff” computer monitors so I can get a whiff of it from over here?

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, you will find it in the archives at Pick of the Day.

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Day One Highlights

ClassicCars.com
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Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Day One Highlights

As thousands of car enthusiasts streamed through the gates of The World’s Greatest Collection Car Auctions on Thursday, they were met with sunshine, blue skies and over 600 collector cars on display at the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction.

The auction site at the South Florida Fairgrounds offered something for everyone on the first day of the event. Guests were able to see all the collector cars before they had their turn on the famous auction block, check out interactive displays and demonstrations from more than 100 exhibitors and sponsors, and grab a bite to eat from a wide variety of offerings.

The day’s activities included the demonstration of a 1976 Leopard 1 A5 Battle Tank (Lot #696), which will cross the block with No Reserve on Saturday, April 20, highlighted by the unmistakable rumble of its 37.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine and the turning of the turret. Additional demonstrations are scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. near the South Showcase.

Another must-experience highlight of the day was an exhilarating ride around the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track with a professional driver at the Dodge Thrill Rides and Ford Hot Laps. In addition, the Volvo Driving Experience gave guests the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a new Volvo for a cruise along the streets of Palm Beach.

Of course, the real not-to-be-missed element of the event was watching all the exciting bidding action in the arena itself.

Lot 6299.2 Kenny Rogers Roasters light-up sign

The morning’s activity began with nearly 200 examples of collectible cool up on the block during the Automobilia Auction, where Lot #6299.2, a large Kenny Rogers Roasters light-up sign and Lot #6298.4, a Chevrolet OK Used Cars neon sign, proved to be the stars of Thursday’s show. Three gas pumps also took the spotlight: a 1940s-50s Gulf Bennett Model #646 (Lot #6291) and a late-1940s/early-50s Gulf Oil Premium Gasoline Tokheim 39 (Lot #6292). A late-1940s/early-1950s Texaco Bennett Model 756 (Lot #6289.1) rounded out the day’s top five automobilia sales.

Before the collector cars started to cross the block for the day, Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson was joined on the block by President Steve Davis, along with Shelby American President Gary Patterson, Vice President of Operations Vince LaViolette, and Sales and Marketing Manager Kash Singh, as well as Tracy Smith, Executive Vice President of Carroll Shelby International, to debut Shelby’s latest creation: the 2024 Shelby Super Snake. The special car, along with a convertible version, will be on display throughout the Palm Beach event in the Shelby American display.

Lot 107.1 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition

Over 175 of the more than 600 No Reserve collector cars on this year’s docket took their turn on the block Thursday, with 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible (Lot #106.1), a 1970 Ford Torino custom coupe (Lot #100.1), 2007 Aston Martin DB9 Volante (Lot #103) and a 1968 Ford Mustang GT convertible (Lot #108) all taking top honors for the day.

The first two cars from John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams Collection had their turn in the spotlight today. The first, a 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire convertible (Lot #82), was among the top sales of the day, and it was followed by Lot #82.1, a 1974 Volkswagen Thing convertible. The remaining vehicles in the collection will cross the block on Friday and Saturday with No Reserve.

Lot 82 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire convertible

The Palm Beach Auction runs through Saturday, with tickets and bidder registration available on Barrett-Jackson.com. Join everyone this weekend and soak in all the excitement the auction has to offer.

Top 10 Automotive Sales of Day One

Lot VehicleSale Price
106.11956 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE$66,000
821962 OLDSMOBILE STARFIRE CONVERTIBLE$60,500
100.11970 FORD TORINO CUSTOM COUPE$55,000
1032007 ASTON MARTIN DB9 VOLANTE$50,600
1081968 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE$49,500
951965 FACTORY FIVE MK2 ROADSTER$47,300
1071957 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE$44,000
107.11988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION$44,000
109.11969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 350/350 CONVERTIBLE$44,000
1131933 CADILLAC 355C COUPE$44,000

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1973 Chevrolet K20

Tyson Hugie
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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1973 Chevrolet K20

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1973 Chevrolet K20 Custom 4×4 4-Speed pickup.

There is something to be said for commitment to a vehicle. If I ever got the chance, I would love to shake the hand of the original owner of this truck, who kept it for a monumental 51 years and 228,960 miles. It must be difficult to finally part ways after so many memories over the decades. The truck is being sold by a private seller in Butte, Montana, and the auction will end on Monday.

The year 1973 marked the first model year of what Chevrolet called the Rounded Line generation, characterized by a curved windshield and a hood line that was faired into the front fenders. The body style went on to have lengthy 18-year run until finally being phased out in 1991, but there were incremental mid-cycle revisions along the way.

The paper trail for today’s featured truck is particularly interesting: The truck was originally invoiced to Luby Chevrolet in Boston, Massachusetts according to Military Sales Order documentation from General Motors Overseas Distribution Company. The original selling price was $4,083.92 on December 8, 1972. The truck was exported to the first owner (who was listed as 30 years old at the time) at a location entitled Yutivo XYS 446/73 NS HS.

A separate form contained the order details: Extra equipment was optioned including an auxiliary fuel tank, free-wheel hubs, Positraction, a rear step bumper, oil and amperage gauges, stainless-steel mirrors, and a spare tire. A handwritten spiral-bound logbook contains maintenance history on the truck dating back to the 1980s.

Under the hood, power originates with a replacement Goodwrench 350cid small-block crate V8 which is backed by a rebuilt four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. A few upgrades have been added, including a Holley four-barrel carburetor, an electronic ignition, a heavy-duty radiator, and a newer clutch. The truck is also equipped with newer Warn hubs, power steering, and power front disc brakes.

Given the fact that the motor has been replaced and all of this other maintenance is up to date, this pickup is surely ready for its next 50+ years and 228,000 miles. I am looking forward to seeing what it sells for when the auction ends on Monday. Maintenance records, a service manual, a cover, and purchase documentation will come with the truck. Hope the next owner keeps it as long as the original owner did!

The auction for this 1973 Chevrolet K20 Custom 4×4 4-Speed pickup ends Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

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