B. Mitchell Carlson has been an SCM contributor since 1998.
Our resident truck guy, B. Mitchell has been writing about the vintage-truck market for 30 years, including Vintage Truck Magazine, Hagerty and Old Cars Weekly, plus a regular truck column in Red Power magazine.
He’s been the editor of the North Dakota Military Vehicle Collectors Association’s newsletter, for which he was awarded the MVPA’s Communications Award in 2023. He was a contributor to Kelley Blue Book’s collector car price guide, and was a major contributor to the Lincoln & Continental Owners Club authenticity manual for the 1977-79 Continental Mark V.
He’s been featured on the Driven Radio Show with Brett Hatfield, and reviewed the remarkable military vehicle collection of Ken Yuly in this video for Steffes Auctioneers.
The first vehicle he ever drove was his father’s 1968 Ford F-100 pickup.
Articles in Sports Car Market
Here are the latest articles from B. Mitchell Carlson:
1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster – While the enlargement of the Thunderbird into a 4-passenger car proved excellent for sales, buyers continued to pester Ford for the return of a 2-passenger model. In response, for 1962, the third-generation “Bullet Bird” became available as a limited-production Sports Roadster. The “top-of-the-line” Ford featured a sleek fiberglass tonneau that fit over the rear seat,… Read more
1979 Lincoln Mark V Collector’s Series – This 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V is a Collector’s Series example that was delivered new to Uptown Motors Inc. of Milwaukee, WI, and remained in long-term storage in a collection in Wisconsin until 2024. Now indicating 97 miles, the car is finished in Midnight Blue Metallic over Midnight Blue velour and is powered by a… Read more
1959 Edsel Corsair Convertible – Originally shipped from the Louisville, KY, assembly plant directly to Moscow, Soviet Union, this particular Edsel was displayed at the American National Exhibition, which opened on July 25, 1959. The exhibition was part of a cultural exchange meant to foster understanding between the U.S. and the Soviet Union after a similar event was held in… Read more
The Leading Edge – While the all-new Mustang that debuted in 1994 had sold in respectable numbers, Ford heard the rumblings of Mustang purists who felt that the fourth-generation car was too generic. To these fans, who decried it as a “two-door Taurus,” the SN95-platform Mustang had lost its soul. So, for its mid-cycle refresh, Ford designers sharpened the… Read more
2021 Ford GT Carbon Series – Russell Sims, an emerging Ford design-team engineer, was selected for a top-secret project code-named “Phoenix.” Operating out of the “Batcave,” the basement of the Ford design studio, to keep things as quiet as possible, Russell and team began designing the components for the 2016 Ford GT that would take on the notorious 24 Hours of… Read more
1980 Jeep J-10 Honcho – This 1980 Jeep J-10 Honcho Edition stepside pickup is one of 1,264 examples built between 1980 and 1983. It has undergone a professional frame-off restoration, and everything was rebuilt or replaced. This Jeep is powered by an AMC 360-ci big-block V8 engine producing 195 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 3-speed automatic… Read more
1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible – In production for over 55 years across nine different decades, Lincoln has offered an astounding 10 generations of the Continental, but few were as memorable as this 1961 model. The debut year from the most well-known Continental, it offered reserved overall styling but signature “suicide” rear doors and subtle accents to provide plenty of attitude.… Read more
1991 GMC Syclone – One of 2,995 produced for 1991 280-hp, turbocharged and intercooled 4.3-liter fuel-injected V6 engine GMC claimed a 4.6-second 0–60 mph time and 124-mph top speed Odometer displays 2,228 miles Automatic transmission; full-time all-wheel drive Finished in black over a matching black interior with red accents Air conditioning and numerous power amenities AM/FM radio with cassette… Read more
1985 AM General M998 “Humvee” – Chassis number: 004307 SCM Condition for this vehicle: 3- The U.S. Department of Defense finally allowed whole vehicle sales of HMMWVs (High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, better known as Humvee) a few years ago. So one would think that supply and demand has at least attained parity — or the Humvee market is glutted. Yet these… Read moreAffordable — Ford Pickups – Pity the 1961–66 Ford F-series pickup. Despite vintage pickups being one of the hottest segments of the collectible-vehicle market, this era of pickups seems to be generally forgotten today — and that really is a pity, since they combine vintage-pickup charm with modern utility. A cleaner Ford The new fourth-generation trucks, introduced for 1961, had… Read more
1966 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Yenko Stinger – Yenko Stinger YS043 One of 100 produced Previously owned and raced by Jim Schardt of Ohio Campaigned on the SCCA circuit in the 1970s One of the most successful Yenko Stinger race cars Later sold to actor Tim Allen, who kept the car for more than 15 years Engine and transmission recently rebuilt by Yenko… Read more
1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Convertible – Top-of-the-line 427/435 convertible finished in Marina Blue over Bright Blue Highly optioned with desirable cast-aluminum bolt-on wheels, hard top, F41 suspension and off-road exhaust Well-documented chain of ownership dating back to 1967 Bloomington Gold Certified, Survivor, Benchmark and NCRS Top Flight Award Winner Exceptionally well-preserved, unrestored example with original Protect-O-Plate. Among the finest examples known… Read moreArizona’s Cheapest – Gooding & Company Lot 62: 1927 Ford Model T Custom Dry-Lakes Roadster VIN T14884116. Sold at $11,200 This one took a lot of folks by surprise. The auction house guesstimate was $20k to $25k. It was a good-quality build, even if it was in off-the-shelf project-leftovers territory. With a fuel-injected Chevy 305 small block, 700R4, and modern… Read more
Bronco: The Sequel – We still don’t have the new Ford Bronco that FoMoCo promised us at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. But if you want a Bronco that’s more modern than the drafty rattletrap 1966–77 first-gen, maybe it’s time to consider the true successor to the original: the 1984–1990 Bronco II. A chip off the old Ranger Just… Read more
Three Best Buys From Monterey – Usually, getting a good buy at one of the Monterey Car Week auctions is just as likely as having no traffic on California 68 between Monterey and Salinas on Friday morning. Yet it does happen. The following three cars — at three different venues — represent good buys for the money spent. Unlike my usual… Read moreForced-Induction Foxes – When the Fox-body Ford Mustang arrived for 1979, Ford had to deal with a market that favored economy more than performance. The OPEC oil crisis had unfolded just as the Mustang II was introduced for 1974. While that car sold well, it was lambasted for lackluster performance. The lukewarm 302-ci V8 just wasn’t endearing to… Read more
The Euro Pontiac – Pontiac tried to re-establish itself as GM’s performance brand in the 1980s. To help it steer that course, they built the 1984–88 Fiero. Yet there was one model that had all the buzz before and during the era of the Fiero and today is all but forgotten — the 6000 STE. For American automakers, it… Read more
The Hot Dakota – The Dakota was Chrysler’s reaction to the Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10. It was introduced for the 1987 model year and lasted until 2011, produced through three generations. Generally a well-selling worker bee, the Dakota did make a splash with a convertible Sport version in 1989–91. In addition, since Carroll Shelby was working at Chrysler… Read more
1985 Chevrolet K10 Silverado SWB pickup – Fresh 350-ci V8 engine Rebuilt TH350 automatic transmission Body-on frame restoration Entire powertrain is brand new Power steering and brakes Power windows Air conditioning and heat New paint and interior AM/FM radio Read more
1962 Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside pickup – In 1962, only 4,102 Corvair 95 Rampside trucks were built. This truck is registered in the Corvanatics Corvair 95 Registry and is one of only 101 registered. All of the registry paperwork is included. It was completely restored and is in show-quality condition. As the trim tag indicates, this truck was born Crystal Turquoise, but… Read more
1901 Oldsmobile Model R “Curved Dash” Runabout – Offered from the Richard L. Burdick Collection Owned by only two families since new Wonderful preservation throughout, including paint and upholstery Dated as a 1901 by the Veteran Motor Car Club of Great Britain Ideal for the Antique Automobile Club of America Historic Preservation of Original Features class This iconic, instantly recognizable Curved Dash Oldsmobile… Read moreLincoln’s Q-Ship – Lincoln cars traditionally had unique engines, dating all the way back to inception by Henry Leland. But the purchase of the company by Henry Ford, refinement by Edsel Ford, and restructuring in the post-World War II era by Henry Ford II all led to an all-time great engine, sourced from the Blue Oval. The revitalized… Read more
1964 Fargo W100 Power Wagon pickup – The Fargo Power Wagon is the unique name given to the Power Wagons sold in Canada. They are identical in every way to the U.S. models, except for some unique badging. This 1964 example underwent a complete frame-off restoration and is powered by a rebuilt 318-ci wide-block engine with poly heads, mated to a 4-speed… Read more
1912 Ford Model T Touring – 176-ci L-head inline 4-cylinder engine Two-speed planetary transmission Owner states car retains correct engine, carburetor and rear end Driven 100 miles since driveline overhaul Read more
One Hauler of a Jeep – With talk today of a soon-to-be-released pickup version of the Jeep JL-series Wrangler, it seems quite distant to think that Jeep had the first domestically built “compact” pickup. Initially, it was the CJ-8 Scrambler from 1981 to ’85, but the idea also continued from 1986 until 1992 with the Comanche. AMC billed that one as… Read more
1945 Dodge WC-58 Command Car – While the Army’s light-vehicle needs in World War II were met by Willys and Ford Jeeps, heavier trucks were largely the purview of Dodge. Over the course of the war, some 700,000 vehicles in the VC and WC series, from ½-ton to 1½-tons, were delivered to U.S. forces. Most numerous are the WCs, a nomenclature… Read more
Middle-Child Corvette – When it comes to 1963–67 Corvettes, the 1964 model is just like a record screeching when the tone arm is pulled across it. It’s the mid-year that gets no respect. It’s easy to say off the cuff that they are not a 1963 Split-Window coupe. But that doesn’t explain why 1964 convertibles sell for less… Read more
1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer – Beautifully restored convertible with brand-new orange paint on laser-straight body panels. Removable hard top. It’s powered by a 350-ci V8 engine and a 3-speed automatic transmission. It’s equipped with power brakes and power steering, dual exhaust system. New chrome bumpers, exceptional glass, trim and brightwork. Rides on six-lug Chevrolet steel Rally wheels, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A… Read more
Big-Block Land Yachts – The big-block 440-ci RB (for Raised Block) V8 was Chrysler Corporation’s last bastion for hefty but inexpensive horsepower. Sure, the Hemi was the bad boy on the dragstrip, but anyone who espouses the credo of “Mopar or no car” will tell you that the 440 was the one to beat on the street. One could… Read more
1978 International Scout II Traveltop – Bought new in Hickory, NC The original build sheet is still in glovebox Fold-down windshield Removable full-length hard top with all the original plastic inside covers Rallye stripe package 4×4 New 31×10.50×15 BFGoodrich T/A tires Factory AM radio One repaint Garage-kept Read more
The First Civilian Jeeps Are Still a Rugged Deal – It didn’t take long for the Army’s quarter-ton, four-wheel-drive reconnaissance car to catch the fancy of the American soldier during World War II — and of the American public in general. The Jeep as made by Ford (GPW) and Willys (MB) was often an object of desire for when the war would be over. Willys… Read more
1943 International Harvester M5 Half-Track – Used during the Allied liberation of Europe, most likely with the Polish forces Subsequently seconded to the French Army, which stationed it in French Guyana, South America, for decades Brought back to France during the 1980s and sold to Belgian collector and Supreme Court Judge Mr. Louis Amerijckx, who stored it in the grounds of… Read moreThe Upmarket Maverick – In 1959, Ford bought the rights to use the name “Comet” from ambulance and hearse builder Cotner-Bevington’s Comet Coach Company, with high hopes for a new compact car that was to be sold by Edsel dealers. But with the Edsel line euthanized barely into early 1960 production, the new upmarket complement to the Falcon that… Read more
1952 FWD F-Series Fire Truck – by B. Mitchell Carlson and Stuart Lenzke This FWD Pumper, Engine 2632, was in service as a front-line pumper until 2004, when it was replaced by a new pumper engine at the Baker Rural Fire Protection District in Baker City, OR. Department personnel bought the retired engine from the department. The firefighters believe the old… Read more
1929 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup – Enduring older restoration of Ford’s iconic Model A Roadster pickup Well-preserved, attractive and ready to be enjoyed or put to work Accessories include a side-mounted spare and Atlas auxiliary water bag 200.5-ci L-Head 40-hp inline 4-cylinder engine 3-speed manual transmission Solid front axle with transverse leaf spring; live rear axle with cantilevered, semi-elliptical leaf spring.… Read more
Sifting the Auctions for Hidden Gems – The old saying of “Can’t see the forest for the trees” also applies to good deals at the Monterey Car Week auctions. Despite auction houses working to get high-end cars for record-setting sales prices, there are inevitably a few consignments that don’t fare as well as hoped. Throw in car consignments that are staged to… Read moreBenz Bones, Mopar Soul – The Chrysler-Maserati TC of 1989–91 may have been Lee Iacocca’s pet project, but it did show Chrysler a thing or two about trans-oceanic undertakings. But when the Crossfire was introduced at the 2001 North American Auto Show in Detroit, Chrysler wasn’t exactly calling the shots, thanks to the DaimlerChrysler merger. While the TC was more… Read more
1959 Studebaker 4E11D-122 4×4 pickup – 245-ci 6-cylinder Commander engine 4-speed manual transmission Frame-off, nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration Studebaker official demonstrator for the 1959 show circuit Copy of the original build sheet Factory NAPCO four-wheel-drive conversion Rare 19.5-inch wheels with severe-duty chromed hubcaps Rare factory under-dash AM radio Original Firestone All-Traction tires Optional locking gas cap and chromed rear bumper Read more
DeLorean’s Italian Vega – When the Vega program was introduced in 1970, GM’s CEO Ed Cole also went forward with a program to build the Wankel rotary engine under license from NSU. The original intent was to offer it in a sporty new fastback hatchback design called the Monza 2+2 for 1973, and then later offer it in the… Read more
1972 International 1210 Travelette 4×4 pickup – This is a rare International Travelette 1210 4×4, ¾-ton, crew-cab short bed. A survivor California International, it features factory automatic, power steering, power brakes and air conditioning. It has matching numbers. Features include original IH-stamp bed bolts and military tires show-mounted on steel wheels with factory hubcaps. The original Line Setting Ticket (build sheet) is… Read more
If the Shoebox Six Fits – If you can call Henry Ford one thing, it’s persistent. His disdain of 6-cylinder engines dates to the teens of the last century, mostly out of spite of his competition. When Ford’s son Edsel pleaded with him to expand from the Model T and Model A 4-cylinder platform, Henry wouldn’t hear about a six. Even… Read more
1985 Ford F-150 XL 4×4 SWB pickup – 302-ci EFI V8 engine SelectShift 3-speed automatic transmission Only 12,445 miles Short box 4×4 with lockout hubs Power steering Power brakes Air conditioning Dual exhaust Twin-traction-beam independent suspension Factory 15-inch sport wheels Upgraded Ford AM/FM/cassette stereo Original delivery paperwork Purchased new from Harry Holder Motor Co., Owensboro, KY Read more
1953 International R-110 Travelall 2-door wagon – 100-hp, 220.5-ci OHV inline 6-cylinder engine 3-speed manual transmission Solid front axle, Hotchkiss-type full floating rear axle Four-wheel drum brakes Offered from the Mohrschladt Family Collection Original, unrestored, and quite amazing Excellent factory paint and interior Known history with only three owners from new Just over 35,500 actual miles Read more
Durable, Good-Looking and Cheap – If you have a hankering for an older Multi-Purpose Vehicle (old enough to predate the whole soccer-mom SUV thing), but feel that you missed the boat on first-generation Ford Broncos or 1969–72 Chevy Blazers, I have good news for you. There’s one out there made in large enough quantities that availability is good, parts support… Read moreA Panther Stalks the Market – Chevrolet’s 1994–96 Chevrolet Impala SS created a performance following. This high-performance car built on a full-size 4-door platform generated an immediate cult following among those who wanted a potent LT-1 but needed the practicality of a sedan over a Camaro SS or Corvette. Today, the car’s status as a true collectible of the 1990s is… Read more
1942 GMC Series CC-150 3/4-ton pickup – Manufactured during the abbreviated 1942 model year, this GMC ¾-ton pickup is quite a rare sight. Upon purchasing the vehicle in 2010, the owner commissioned a full restoration of the already clean and solid truck. The body was brought down to the bare metal and finished to a very high standard. Under the freshly manicured… Read more
1944 Chrysler M4A4 Sherman Tank – The M4 is undoubtedly the most famous World War II Allied tank. It was the most-produced American tank during World War II, with close to 50,000 units (all versions included). The British gave the tank its nickname, “Sherman,” when they got delivery of their first units through the Lend-Lease agreement. “Sherman” referenced the American Civil… Read more
1956 Continental Mark II – One of the finest Continentals in existence; restored to original specifications Hand-built at the Wixom Continental Division Assembly Plant Award-winning Mike Fennel restoration Offered with order sheet, manuals, restoration records and photos An outstanding example of mid-century American opulence Read more
Making It Personal – Custom vans defined the 1970s. You can chalk that movement up to a number of factors: withdrawal from the hippie movement or the disappearance of muscle cars, a market glut of used first- and second-generation American work vans, and a burgeoning interest in light-duty trucks despite the OPEC oil crisis. It all combined to create… Read more
In Memoriam: Chet Krause – Chet Krause; December 16, 1923 – June 25, 2016 Chester Lee “Chet” Krause, founder of Kruse Publications and the Iola Old Car Show, passed away on June 25. He was 92. To state that Chet left an indelible mark in the collector car hobby would be an understatement. Born in rural Wisconsin near the village… Read moreEconomy-Class Super Sport – By 1970, closing time was fast approaching the muscle car era, and it was just as apparent at the time as it is now in retrospect. The Clean Air Act of 1970 and safety concerns — along with subsequently high insurance rates — gave enough hints to anyone paying attention, and the auto industry certainly… Read more
1991 AM General M998 Humvee – From the Ground Force Collection, this 1991 authentic military M998 Humvee/M998 Humvee cargo/troop carrier is built for almost every terrain imaginable and gets to its final destination. It has automatic transmission, a strong 6.2-liter diesel engine, a removable cargo cover, and was upgraded throughout its military life. Due to U.S. military rules, this vehicle cannot… Read moreOff-road Plymouth – Although the Jeep CJ, International Scout and Ford Bronco got the ball rolling on small personal off-roaders, it was the Chevrolet Blazer that really jump-started the interest in full-size SUVs. Based on a shortened pickup truck platform, the Blazer was more of a play toy than a work truck. While it was able to go… Read more
1955 Chevrolet 3100 NAPCO 4×4 pickup – This is a second-series truck with the new-for-1955 styling — and a very rare NAPCO 4×4 conversion. 1955 was the first year General Motors offered the new half-ton pickup with 4×4. NAPCO 2-speed 4×4 conversions were composed of 85% GM parts. The NAPCO slogan proudly stated: “Now you can have a standard Chevrolet four-wheel-drive pickup… Read more
1972 Jeep Commando – 1972 Jeep Commando with 69k miles Strong running original 304 V8 Automatic transmission Four-wheel drive Dual exhaust No rust or accident history New tires Original upholstery still looks great No leaks or other issues Runs and drives as good as it looks Very rare/low-mileage Jeep Commando ready to drive anywhere Read more
1960 International B-110 Travelall – 240-ci 6-cylinder engine Manual 4-speed transmission Nut-and-bolt restoration Factory custom trim package Three-row seating Factory overhead radio Wide white tires Read more1972 Ford F-100 Sport Custom pickup – 302-ci V8 engine with dual exhaust Manual 3-speed transmission Two-owner vehicle Just over 15,000 actual miles F-103 model-code Sport Custom Solid with little to no wear throughout Chromed bed rails Spotlight and foglights Heater Radio Factory wheel covers and whitewalls Read more
1972 BMW 3.0 CSL – The early 1970s were landmark years for BMW, for not only did the German manufacturer power Jean-Pierre Jarier to the European Formula 2 Championship, it also captured the European Touring Car Championship using one of the most iconic racing saloons of modern times: the 3.0 CSL, known popularly as the Batmobile. BMW had returned to… Read more
A Mercedes for the Farm, Woods or Battlefield – In the United States, Mercedes-Benz Unimogs are rare enough to qualify as mild curiosities, but these tough, fear-no-road trucks are also inching up on the cool meter, especially with military-vehicle buffs. You’ll see them scattered around the countryside — often in the mountain areas of the western United States — but few know their long,… Read more1976 Ford Bronco Sport – • Later-production, iconic first-series example • Recently restored with great color combination • New interior and sportier floor-shift conversion • 302 V8 engine and 3-speed manual transmission • Upgraded with lift and CD player Read more
1971 Volkswagen Double Cab Pickup – • Rare VW Type 2 265 Double Cab Pickup • 1,600-cc motor • 4-speed transmission • Power front disc brakes • Very few miles since restoration • New interior • Two-owner California black-plate car • Maintenance records • Extra keys Read more1963 Ford F-100 Custom Cab Unibody Pickup – Ford’s unibody pickup trucks were relatively low-production vehicles, and they were produced only from 1961 to 1963. High-quality survivors are extraordinarily rare, and to find one such as the vehicle offered here, which has known history from new and an excellent restoration, is unusual indeed. According to an affidavit on file, the F-100 was bought… Read more
1962 Studebaker 7E45E 2-Ton Road Tractor – This nicely frame-off restored dually Studebaker tractor is another fine offering from the estate of William “Bill” Kirby. He amassed a well-respected collection of heavy-duty equipment and was a regular at events displaying his outstanding vehicles. This Studebaker Road Tractor is finished in red with black undercarriage, wheels and running gear, and has a tan… Read more
1943/44 White M16 MGMC Half-Track – This M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (MGMC) has been nicely restored. The tracks, road wheels and suspension are in excellent condition. It currently does not have front brakes and does not operate off of its own fuel tanks. Four replica .50-cal machine guns are present along with spare magazines, spare barrels and other equipment. The… Read more
1962 International Scout 80 – This 1962 Scout 80 has been restored by Vorstellen LLC and tastefully modified with suspension, brake and interior upgrades. The upgrades include brand-new leaf springs, bushings, shackles, Bilstein 5100-series shocks and grade-8 bolts throughout. Brand-new uprated steering components include heavier-duty tie rods, rod ends, drag link and drop pitman arm. Front disc-brake conversion utilizes GM… Read more
1977 GMC C-15 Suburban Sierra Grande – • Believed to be just over 43,000 actual miles • Trailer special package • One Washington state owner since new • Air conditioning • Automatic transmission • Two-wheel drive • 75th anniversary for GMC in 1977 • Tilt steering column • Power steering • Roll-down rear window at tailgate • Factory luggage rack • Original… Read more
All Over the Map With the FJ40 – Back when I first profiled the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser as an Affordable Classic (February 2012, p. 34), they were the up-and-coming thing. I won’t be so forward as to say that my scribbles helped push the market up, but the ink was barely dry before they soared in value. Superb examples were selling at… Read more1958 Chevrolet Apache 31 Cameo – The vehicle was purchased new by Ray Lambrecht for Lambrecht Chevrolet Company. It has 1.3 miles and has NEVER been sold to the public. It is on original invoice. The truck is turquoise in color with a black roof. The body is in excellent condition. The roof has damage from a building roof collapse due… Read more
1945 GMC DUKW 2.5-Ton Amphibian – Initially, the DUKW was rejected by the U.S. Army, but the unexpected rescue of a ship that had run aground convinced them of its efficiency and seaworthiness, subsequently confirmed by a channel crossing. Developed by Sparkman & Stephens in collaboration with General Motors Corporation, each letter of its name has a meaning: “D” for a… Read more1945 Ford GPW vs 1944 Willys MB – Originality vs. eyeball appeal… a never-ending battle 1945 Ford GPW VIN: GPW247613 Real military Jeep Frame-off restoration by noted military Jeep restorer Classic, timeless style and looks Very capable both off-road and on You’d be hard-pressed to find a better example than this 1945 Ford military Jeep. Yes, this is a military version and not… Read more
1980 BMW M1 – In the late 1970s, BMW was still in its growing pains in the United States. The favored quirky rally car of the 1960s was becoming the favored fast luxury transport of young professionals. Between the two eras of Bayerische Motoren Werke, there was the M1, which remains the most exotic street car that the company… Read more
The Beetle is Crawling Back – The humble Volkswagen Beetle — which is actually not its official name, but few people know what a Type 1 is — created the massive compact-car market in the United States. It took the brilliant mind of Ferdinand Porsche — and high-quality labor from a rebuilding post-war West Germany — to make a compact… Read more1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454 LS6 – • Totally restored to original factory specifications • Restored by Jen-Jacs Restoration in Savannah, GA • Original rebuilt LS6 454/450-hp engine • M22 close-ratio 4-speed transmission • 4.10 Positraction rear axle • Rare factory-correct Tuxedo Black exterior • Black bench seat interior • Original partial build sheet found during restoration Read more
1959 Chevrolet 3100 Apache NAPCO pickup – Well-equipped 4-wheel-drive trucks from major manufacturers have been among the best selling vehicles in the U.S. for decades, but this hasn’t always been the case. There was a time when if GM wanted to sell a go-anywhere utility, they had to turn to an outside supplier to make it a reality. In 1942, NAPCO, the… Read more
1952 Ford F-1 Pickup – This Ford pickup has had a frame-off restoration that is reported to be “factory original” with a new interior and “perfect” headliner and chrome throughout. The vehicle has new hubcaps. The engine has a glass bowl Holley carburetor. (Introductory description courtesy of Auctions America by RM.) Read more
1942 Dodge WC56 Military Command Car – • Genuine military Command Car as used by General Patton World War II • Complete frame-off rebuild • Engine, transmission, and drive gears have been rebuilt Read more
1953 Studebaker 2R5 Pickup – Chassis Number: R612356 An almost perfect rotisserie restoration — absolutely everything has been replaced on this truck and was done by a Studebaker expert to assure that it was complete and historically correct (only exception is the added seat belts). Receipts and documentation exist for every step taken, including the fl at six motor, 3-speed… Read more
1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible – While this Red Mist price defies value guides, as long as you buy for love — not money — you won’t go wrong Chassis number: P6FH202140 – Restored to original color combination – Colonial White with red and white interior – Both hard top and black soft top – 312-ci engine – Automatic transmission -… Read more1964 Chevrolet K20 Pickup – Today we have endless choices among pickup trucks, and the luxurious options give away nothing to their car counterparts. This is a recent development. The Silverados and Lariats of the 1980s ushered in luxury features to the emerging everyday truck driving community. In the 1960s, a pickup was still a utility vehicle. Trucks were sparse… Read more
1923 Ford Model T White’s Garage Snowmobile – Model Ts were a natural for these conversions because of their sheer simplicity — and massive numbers on the road Virgil D. White was a clever inventor who sold and serviced Model T Fords, becoming an authorized Ford dealer in West Ossipee, NH. By 1913, he had patented a snowmobile conversion kit for Model T… Read more
1939 GM Futurliner – The consignor of Futurliner Number 3 that is available at our auction in Auburn purchased the vehicle out of an Indiana warehouse in 1999. It is believed to be one of the Futurliners that passed through Joe Bortz’s hands. It is clearly the most accurate and original unrestored Futurliner in existence, having been used by… Read more
A Truck Stuck in the 1946 Wayback Machine – By 1940, military planners all but knew that the United States was eventually going to end up embroiled in World War II. Specifications were drawn up for military-specific truck configurations, and Dodge was at the forefront. Contracts were let initially for a series of half-ton trucks based on the new-for-1940 Dodge civilian trucks with several… Read more2000 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Racing League Pace Car – This example was used as the pace car for the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Endurance Race in 2001, according to the owner. The car features an aluminum 5.7-liter LS1 V8 that puts out 350 horsepower. Finished in the distinctive Indy Racing League checkered-flag livery with yellow and white, this 2000 IRL Pace Car is… Read more
2007 Z06 Coupe, 2009 ZR1 Lingenfelter Coupe, 2010 Grand Sport Callaway Convertible – Editor’s note: This month, we’ve asked B. Mitchell Carlson to take a look at three C6 Corvettes that recently sold—and pick what he believes was the best deal. Here are the cars: 2007 Z06 coupe, Lot S53, sold for $42,400, including buyer’s premium, at Mecum St. Charles Chassis number: 1G1YY26E775107370 All original No repairs Original… Read more
1960 Volkswagen Double-Cab Pickup – No such critter like this was available new from Volkswagen—no matter how many option boxes were checked off Introduced in 1950, the Volkswagen Type 2 effectively doubled the product line of the thriving German car company. Utilizing the same rear-engine air-cooled format as the overwhelmingly successful Beetle, the various Type 2 models featured new dimensions… Read more2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe – The all-original 50th Anniversary Corvette coupe offered here incorporates the 1SC Equipment group, combining the Anniversary package with special Indianapolis 500 Pace Car graphics over Xirallic Crystal Red paint, special fender emblems and Champagne-colored aluminum wheels—identical to that used on the official pace car. This 4-speed automatic-equipped coupe has been driven just 725 miles and… Read more
1963 Porsche Diesel Standard Model 217 Tractor – Granted, rallies and track days are pretty much out of the question, but you can still have a field day with a Porsche-Diesel—literally Dr. Ferdinand Porsche’s wide-ranging interests in all things mechanical—and practical—led him to include designs for farm tractors in his project portfolio beginning in the 1930s. As with all things from Dr. Porsche’s… Read more1984 Corvette Coupe – This is a low-mileage (44,000) 1984 Corvette coupe with a removable hard top. The car is in excellent condition and has never been in an accident. The car has a leather interior, power windows and seats. Automatic transmission, electronic display and Bose speakers. The car has always been garaged and is well cared for. The… Read more
2003 Pratt & Miller C5-R Le Mans Racers – After decades of arm’s-length involvement in Corvette racing, in 1998 the Chevrolet Motor Division finally created its own team to showcase the new fifth-generation Corvette platform. Built by Pratt & Miller Engineering in Michigan, the C5-R was from the start a purpose-built racecar utilizing the most advanced technologies and materials available. Its mission: Beat Ferrari,… Read more
2003 Avelate Fifty Three Convertible – This rare 2003 Avelate Corvette convertible pays homage to the 1953 Corvette. It is the first of only two built by the Avelate Automotive Co. in 2003 to pay tribute to 50 years of Corvette styling. Avelate masterfully crafted some subtle but distinctive ’53 cues into a new 2003 Anniversary Corvette chassis and drivetrain. The… Read more
1964 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Deluxe – VW won the hearts of collectors. The best first-generation Ford Econoline would be hard pressed to bring $10k, even with $5k in pennies in the backThe Type 2, as its name suggests, was the second variant of the VW Beetle (Type 1), using the same running gear, and was introduced in 1950. Multiple types, as… Read more
2003 Z06 Hard Top – When Chevrolet revisited its past to introduce a new Z06 two-door hard top in 2001, it also added $7,000 to the base car’s $40,475 sticker price. The new Z06 offered a new, more powerful engine, the 386-hp LS6. The LS6 had a new block, new intake and exhaust manifolds, new cylinder heads, unique camshaft profile,… Read more
1959 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 2-Door Sedan – The pool of original cars continues to shrink, thanks to fires, floods, rust, and kids with a hankering to build a sand rail {vsig}2009-2_2282{/vsig} The Volkswagen Beetle sedan inspired unusual loyalty and enthusiasm based on its practicality, reliability, adaptability, and affordability. Originally conceived by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche in the earliest days of his consulting… Read more
1998 Indianapolis Pace Car Convertibles – The 1997 model year remains the single most radically changed Corvette in history. Even with the transition from the C1 to the C2 in 1963 and the C3 to the C4 in 1984, the same engines were carried over from previous years. But with the introduction of the C5, everything was new—frame, body, engine, and… Read more
1964 Ford Galaxie 500 Hard Top – My 9-year-old son was very agitated as I loaded the car. He said “Dad, you can replace any one of the others-this is unique”{vsig}2008-8_2205{/vsig}Built by tobacco heir Zachary Reynolds, the “Tobacco King” 1964 Ford Galaxie was as wild an example of a Rocket Drag Axle-equipped car as one could ask for. Playboy, pilot, ham radio… Read more
1963 Dual-Ghia L6.4 Coupe – If the Chrysler-powered Facel-Vega is a French Imperial, consider the L6.4 a Mopar Maserati{vsig}2008-7_2193{/vsig}The brainchild of Eugene Casaroll, the Italian-American hybrid known as the Dual-Ghia was largely based on the Ghia-designed Chrysler Firearrow, a concept car for which he acquired the production rights. Luxurious and extravagant, it had the longest production line in the world-from… Read more
2000/1962 Corvette C5/C1 – Classic Reflection Coachworks’s 1962/C5 Conversion transforms a C5 Corvette into a spectacular modern version of a Corvette legend. Titled as a 1962 Chevrolet Special, the car uses a 2000 Corvette chassis with a carbon fiber body. The car combines advanced computer technology and a composite material of carbon fiber and E-glass layers—the same as Aston… Read more
The Million-Dollar ZR1 Bargain – Chevrolet presented the very “First Retailable Unit Built” Corvette ZR1 for auction at Barrett-Jackson on Saturday, January 19, 2008, with all proceeds from the auction to benefit the United Way. The VIN was publicly declared to be number “001” in a unique series within the U.S. DOT standard 17-digit VIN format. The car presented on… Read more
1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible – I suspect the judges who previously gave this car an AACA Senior badge would not have done so on sale day{vsig}2008-2_2128{/vsig}Pontiac first offered the GTO option on the Tempest in 1964, and despite UAW strikes, which kept production down, it was a big hit. The muscle car market was evolving, and in 1965, the GTO… Read more
When Salvaged C5s Go Slumming – Call me an auction junkie, but on one of the few Saturdays that I wasn’t covering a collector car sale, I went to Princeton, Minnesota, for a truck and heavy equipment auction. Along with trucks, tractors, front-end loaders, construction equipment, and other hardcore guy stuff, Wayne Pike Auction Company also sells consigned cars and light… Read more
1965 Shelby GT350 “Supercharged” – Unveiled by Carroll Shelby on January 27, 1965, the GT350 fastback had a fiberglass hood and functional scoop, and a clean-looking grille with a tri-color horse on the driver’s side. All 1965 Shelbys were Wimbledon White with a blue GT350 side stripe below the door. Dealer option Le Mans stripes were available, running down the… Read more
1975-76 Chevrolet Cosworth-Vega – It’s not hard to find a well-maintained, low-mileage car, as they were something of an “instant collectible” in their day, with a small but ardent followingWhen Chevrolet’s new compact, the Vega, came to the market for 1971, it was intended to compete with imports landing on both U.S. coasts. Shortly before the car’s introduction, then… Read more
M3A1 Stuart Light Tank – British troops called the gasoline-powered American tanks ‘Ronsons.’ Like the cigarette lighter slogan of the day, they ‘lit the first time when struck’The catalog description for the M3 Stuart light tank was sparse but pithy. Manufacturer: American Car & Foundry Co., U.S.A. Crew: Four. Engine: Continental W-670-9A; 7-cyl. engine. Length: 450cm. Width: 246cm. Height: 230cm.… Read more
1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Retractable – Even if the Commies had beaten us in space exploration, we had both the hideaway hard top and the EdselThe Ford Fairlane Skyliner can claim to be America’s first production convertible to feature a retractable hard top. Introduced as Ford’s top-of-the-range model in 1955, the Fairlane was rival to Chevrolet’s successful Bel Air and came… Read more
1990 BMW Z1 – The Z1’s clean lines are less contrived than the Bubba-built Z3’s cow-catcher face-and we won’t even mention the Z4{vsig}2005-4_1834{/vsig}BMW’s sensational Z1 sports car was essentially a concept car that went into production. The Z1 was special indeed, a front-mid-engined sports car with rear-wheel drive and excellent handling. Its straight-six, 2.5-liter, 170-hp engine gave it a… Read more
1970 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible – Not only will your collegiate daughter love it for its looks, but it certainly isn’t powerful enough for her to get into too much trouble{vsig}2004-11_1466{/vsig}Volkswagen’s popular Beetle spawned a number of other automobiles, creations like the Thing, Microbus, and most interesting of all, the Karmann Ghia. One of the most sought-after air-cooled convertibles ever built,… Read more
1965-66 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa – The most controversial car of the 20th century Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat: Ralph Nader didn’t kill the Corvair. Blame can be more squarely placed on the Camaro, the pony car that rendered Chevrolet’s weird, rear-engine small car irrelevant to its product planners. Indeed, when the Camaro was introduced… Read more
1968-1975 BMW 2800/3.0 CS – Even when compared to cars of today, 3.0 CS coupes are capable enough in both performance and handling, and drive like a BMW should, with good steering feel and solid roadhandlingIn 1968, $8,178 would buy you a finely engineered German luxury coupe, the new six-cylinder BMW 2800 CS. Or, you could save yourself $300 and… Read more
1971-1975 Volkswagen Super Beetle – Any Beetle of yore is more closely related to a lawn tractor than it is to the modern auto with which it shares a name and silhouette It hardly seems believable that by 1971 the Volkswagen Beetle-the success story of the 1960s-was losing favor with the public. In earlier years the Beetle’s quaint simplicity… Read more
1982-93 Ford Mustang 5.0 – You can build a supercharged 500-hp ‘Stang in your backyard for about the price of a Ferrari brake jobFor long-suffering Mustang fans, the all-new 1979 Mustang was a near-miraculous event after four years of the embarrassing Pinto-based Mustang II.It got even better in 1982, when Dearborn proudly proclaimed that “the Boss is back” with the… Read more
1970 Plymouth Superbird Hemi Coupe – This is a very rare, very original 426-cid/425-hp Hemi Superbird, one of only 74 Torqueflite Hemi Superbirds built. A Chrysler/Plymouth dealer used this car to increase showroom traffic, and to participate in parades and local Mopar events. This vehicle has just over 9,600 miles on it, and the spare has never been on the ground.… Read more
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback – {vsig}2003-2_1276{/vsig} Described by the seller on eBay Motors: This is a well documented, southwest all its life, no rust ever, older restoration (14 years) Boss with the potential to be made into a show car. This Boss is solid as a “new dime” and was sold new in Scottsdale, Arizona. It then migrated to southern… Read more
1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Rally Sport – Introduced to compete against Ford’s popular and youth-oriented Mustang in 1967, the Camaro’s brawny good looks and high-performance options resulted in an immediate sales success. Building on this, Chevrolet debuted a completely redesigned second breed of Camaro on February 26, 1970, that was aimed to be “the Corvette for everyday use.” Supported by a new… Read more
1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO Convertible – Pontiac’s Tempest went through a major transition in 1964. No longer a shirttail relative of the Chevrolet Corvair, it was fattened up and marketed as a family car. The “sporty” LeMans model featured standard bucket seats and unique trim moldings, but had the same engine combinations as all other Tempests.To enhance their image, the product… Read more
1973-74 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing – After the success of the Volkswagen Beetle in the 1960s, VW resurrected the idea of an on- and off-road car, and called it the Type 181 “Thing.” Inspired by the WWII Type 82 Kübelwagen, the Thing was updated with the Beetle baseline engine and running gear, but with the beefier Transporter/Microbus suspension. Also along the… Read more