Cars We Remember

PORSCHE 924 - A Bust Or Fabulous Collector Car?
To better explain, the initial Porsche 924 was the first front engine Porsche ever built in co-op with Audi/Volkswagen.
Ramblers, Metropolitans & A British Connection
The history of the Metropolitan goes back to 1953, its official intro-duction date under the guidance of George Mason and George Romney, the two company principals.
Big & Medium-Size 1960s Muscle Cars
In my opinion, the first full-size muscle car produced was the 1962 406 Galaxie, which started making big numbers at drag strips coast to coast. The 406 relied on a three-two-barrel carb setup and delivered 405 horses.
Cars of the 1950s &  1960s To The Cars Of Today
Back in the 1950s and 1960s when the new car introductions took place starting in late October, I always felt they were exterior “beauty’s only skin deep” upgrades more so than notable technical and suspension improvements.
1966 Dodge Charger: “King of the Road”
1966 Dodge Charger, one of Chrysler Corporations first really radical designs that generated much attention upon introduction in late 1965.
Remembering Andy Granantelli - A Look Back At His STP Sponsorship & Indy 500 Win
Looking back on Granatelli’s career, he was the moving force behind Studebaker Racing in the late 1950s to mid-1960s, and was also involved with the McCulloch Supercharger Company that supplied super-chargers
Professional Motorsports In 2021
The biggest negative affecting major league sports, regardless of sanctioning body or sport enterprise, has been little or no fans in the stands.
Plymouth: Gone But Not Forgotten
As a past owner of both Plymouth and Dodge cars and Dodge trucks, I feel your pain. When you revisit Plymouth’s history, it was indeed a major player in the lower price family car offerings, much like Chevrolet and Ford.
Reader Recalls Father’s Hillman Husky
Hillman was part of the large Rootes car manufacturing company, a well known British manufacturer operating near Coventry, England. Dating back to building its first cars in 1907.
Do Fiberglass C3 Corvettes Have Rust Problems?
Even though a collector car might look 100-percent beautiful on the outside, and not just Corvettes mind you, underneath is where you’ll find major problems due to rust.
Fernando Soto’s 1961 Chevy Impala SS 409
My dad was an advertising salesman for our local newspaper, The Vineland Times Journal, and lucky for me my dad bought his first ever brand new car from Yank, a 1961 Bel Air two-door with the inline-6.
The Innovative 1963-1964 Chrysler Turbine Car
Decades ago, I’m thinking the summer of 1964, my friend and I both had dads that worked for Chrysler Corp in Detroit. One night her dad brought home a prototype car and gave my dad and me a ride.
Peugeot History & Detective Columbo's 1959 Peugeot 403
In my opinion, that Peugeot 403 convertible was to France what the Karman Ghia was to Germany. European car enthusiasts had a few sporty cars to choose from that were actually in a price range that “normal” consumers could afford.
Which 1968 Chevy SS 396 Was Rarest, Most Collectable?
According to my files, in 1968 a total of 428,585 Chevelles were built. Of them, 266,300 were Chevelle Malibus in numerous trims. As for the SS 396 models that are not counted in the Malibu number.
Jeep Funny Cars & The First Ever Consumer Jeep
As for how Jeep ended up at Chrysler-Fiat, in 1953, Henry Kaiser, the noted shipbuilder, car manufacturer and founder of the first ever managed health care plan called Kaiser Permanente (still in existence) bought Jeep from Willys-Overland.
Tasca Ford, 427 Thunderbolts And Current Bob Tasca III Funny Car Racing
Only one experimental (concept model) Ford Thunderbolt was ever built. It was back in 1963 as you note and the brainchild of the fine folks at Tasca Ford.
Racer, Businessman Hattori Reflects On 1957 Toyopet Crown, The Indy 500 And NASCAR Racing
While touring the garage area during the NASCAR K&N Pro East road race at Watkins Glen International recently, a Toyota Camry race car with sponsor “Gunma Toyopet” lettered on the side caught my attention.
Chevrolet Corvair: Lovable Collectors At A Reasonable Price
Corvairs to this day are reasonably priced and an excellent entry vehicle into the spectacular world of car collecting and for attending your area car shows
Greg Zyla's List Of Top 10 Muscle Cars From The 1970's
Here’s our list of the Top 10 Muscle Cars from the 1970 decade at the request of several readers.
Big Block 396 Chevy Engines And The Mystery Engine Confusion Finally Solved
This Chevelle SS396/375 was a near duplicate of the 1965 Corvette 396 that produced 425 horsepower.
Where Are All The Station Wagons? Greg Answers Enthusiast Questions On Old Wagons
Station wagons are becoming the favorites of many collectors these days, both amateur and professional.
Opinion: Why NASCAR Needs To Change Its Champion Points System; The Sooner The Better
Let’s say that the “Final Four” Chase drivers included Chase Elliott, who even though he did not win a race the entire year, somehow got into the final four on points, which is possible under current rules
Extremely Nice 1987 GMC Caballero: Value And History From Greg Zyla
The GMC Caballero is a sibling of the Chevy ElCamino, which was introduced to much fanfare in 1959 and 1960.
1972 Mercury Cougar With Original Green Paint
My 1972 Mercury Cougar was re-painted its original green color some 25 years ago. Should I repaint my Mercury Cougar the original color or a different color?
1955 Chevy 265-V8
Q: Greg, back in the 1960s I purchased a 1955 Bel Air Sport Coupe, and a guy who was driving it blew it up during a drag race. It had the new 265-inch V8 and ran really well.
2017 Mazda Miata MX-5
This week, we drive the 2017 Mazda Miata MX-5, a rear-drive sports roadster that starts at just $24,915 for a soft top two-seat roadster.
What's New With The Lamborghini Racing Series?
What’s the latest when it comes to Lamborghini and can you give us any updates on the racing series?
Is There A Place For A New, Four Cylinder Camaro?
I recently spent a week behind the wheel of the 50th Anniversary, sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro, delivered in RS trim with a turbocharged four-cylinder for power.
How Do The New Cadillacs Compare To The Old Ones?
Q: Hello Greg and I’d like to know your opinion of the new Cadillacs? I have owned several in my lifetime, starting with a 1952 Cadillac I bought used in 1958.
SCCA Autocross Champ Recalls Ford High-Performance Engines, Carburetors And More
Specifically, Bud has won many SCCA events and also been named “Best Autocrosser of the Year” six times over his four decades competing in the Ozark division. Congrats to you, Bud.
1952 Crosley Station Wagon
Q: Hi Greg, I enjoyed your article on the Crosley cars so I want to share with your readers how a green 1952 Crosley Station wagon (see photo) was undoubtedly an unusual introduction to what would be a lifetime of VW Beetle ownership.
How Can I Find Out When My LS7 Big Block Was Manufactured?
I bought a 69 Camaro from a guy in Texas with an old Chevy crate engine in it called an LS7 Big Block. He installed the LS7 in the car in the late 1980's and the number stamped on the block is TL02XCH09488093.
How Did The Corvette Racing Team Start?
This week, we do things a little different as we present a one-on-one interview with Doug Fehan, the Corvette Racing Program Manager responsible for the overall running of the Corvette professional GT road racing team.
Will The Value Of A 1988 Pontiac Fiero Increase In The Years To Come?
Q: Hello Greg and I want you to know I look forward to your column every issue. I would like your opinion on the Pontiac Fiero, mainly the 1988 model.
1968 Shelby GT500 Mustang Convertible
Now for $650.00, I wasn’t expecting much. But as I drove up I saw a Highland Green with white convertible top 1968 Shelby GT 500 that needed a left front fender, bumper, grill nose surround and a good paint job.
What Happened To The Company That Built The Checker Cars?
As for your question about the taxi cabs, the Checker Motor Company was a very busy manufacturer at one time with a long history of building everything from complete taxis to frames and body stampings for the major auto companies.
Who Really Won The First Daytona 500 In 1959?
You’ve written about it before, but I’m still wondering about this race and why it took so long for Bill France to reverse his decision and give Petty the win over Beauchamp.
What's The Current Value Of A 1974 Chevy Malibu Laguna Type S-3?
Q: Hi Greg and first I want to tell you I enjoy your articles on the older cars and your auto experiences. I still have my 1974 Chevy Malibu Laguna Type S-3 that I bought brand new from the Ferrario Chevrolet dealership in Wysox, PA, back in 1974.
What Is The History Of The Bonneville Salt Flats?
As for history, performance fanatics acknowledge that Bonneville, neat Salt Lake City in Utah and Muroc and El Mirage dry beds out your way were directly responsible for the birth of the high performance industry.
What Motor, Transmission, And Suspension Did The 1995 Chevy Impala SS Come With?
I would like to know about the 1995 Chevy Impala SS, and what motors, transmissions and suspensions they came with.
Why Don't Designers Incorporate Distinguishing Features Of Past Popular Models Into The New Design?
Q: Dear Greg, I have long been upset at the people who design the new model cars. All the autos look very much alike, and as a former Lincoln Continental owner, I note the new Lincoln.
Was Leland The Inventor Of The Cadillac Car?
Q: Greg, I read with interest your article on Henry Leland, who was trained as a toolmaker at the Springfield Armory around the beginning of the Civil War.
When And Where Was The LaSalle Manufactured And By Whom?
I'd like to know about the LaSalle automobile. My dad had a 1936 (I believe it was) 4-door sedan, purchased in 1943 and traded in for new 1950 Pontiac.
The Tatraplan T-600
I want to know about a vehicle called the Tatraplan T-600. My friend once had one and it would be interesting to see what info you have on the Tatraplan company? My friend told me they also built a V8, too. Is this correct?
The Rod Spalding Car Collection
It's Rod Spalding here. I want to tell you about my three collectible cars. I have a 1948 Willys Jeep CJ-2A with only 19,396 actual miles, a 1961 Corvair 300 two-door with automatic transmission and a 1969 Chevy C-10 short box with a 350-V8.
Should I restore my 1963 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon or Should I Part It Out?
I have a 1963 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon that has been in a shed for 35 years. It needs a total restoration, but the car is all there. It has a 352 V8 with two barrel carb, automatic, p/s, p/b, and all the glass is there.
The Legendary 1969 Dodge Charger 500 And 1969 Dodge Daytona
Can you please tell me about the legendary 1969 Dodge Charger 500 and how it grew into the Dodge Daytona with the big wing on back and aero front end?
Tips For Buying New Cars vs. Buying Used Cars
What is your opinion of buying new cars versus buying used cars? Also, what exactly is a program or off-lease car and do you recommend these as a good used car?
The Mystery 427 Chevy Engine Used at the 1963 Daytona 500
The engine in your photo is actually the 427 mystery engine my dad, Louie Clements, built for Rex White to run the 1963 Daytona 500. That engine pulled 540 horsepower on the dyno a couple nights before the race.
NASCAR's T-Bird 430 V8 and Olds 88
Thunderbird raced the 430 V8 engine in 1959, and it was available in both a street version and the (Holman-Moody) NASCAR racing version strictly for racing. The 1958 Thunderbirds had four coil springs, which was a poor setup for the NASCAR race cars.
Al Capone's 1931 Dodge
I bought a 1931 Dodge in Burlington, IA, in 1997 and I thought the owner was kidding when she told me it was once owned by Al Capone who bought the car for his bookkeeper in 1931 before he went to prison.
The 1962 Biscayne Was One of the Baddest Muscle Cars of the 1960s
The 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne 409 is also a very rare collector car today, making your ride a valuable piece of automobile history. The 1962 Biscayne 409 is one of the top muscle cars ever.
What Are the Cheapest Major League Auto Racing Sponsorship Programs and the Most Expensive?
When Did the Chevy Powerglide Two-Speed Automatic First Come Out?
The first-ever Chevy Powerglide transmission arrived in 1950 as a $159 option on the Chevrolet. It was a very popular transmission right on through the 1960s, and today many drag racing cars utilize Powerglide race units.
What Changes Have to be Made to Put Overhead Valves on a Fathead Engine?
What Changes Have to be Made to Put Overhead Valves on a Fathead Engine? Flathead Fords have really caught on again with hotrodders as the nostalgia car market continues to boom.
10 Best Race Cars of All-Time
What are the 10 best race cars of all-time? Find out Greg Zyla's top 10 picks of the most famous race cars in history including Richard Petty's No. 43 1966-1967 Hemi Plymouth.
How Rare is a 1959 Henney Kilowatt?
Did you ever hear of a 1959 Henney Kilowatt? I have one and I would like to know how rare of a vehicle the 1959 Henny Kilowatt is.
426 Hemi Engine Historical Facts
I read your article on the 426 Hemi engine and would like to add more historical facts. The 426 hemi engine roared to life in Chrysler’s dyno rooms in December of 1963 and was coded the A-864 engine.
Restoring a 1972 Cougar Convertible
I need some restoration work done on my 1972 Cougar Convertible and need advice on which paint and upholstery I should go with as well as a reliable custom hot rod shop.
Those Famous 1956 Rambler Cross Country Wagons
The first reason 1956 Ramblers are noteworthy is because the new company CEO, George Romney, didn’t try to copy the other manufacturers with “similar cars.” The late Romney, who is the father of Mitt Romney, took over American Motors Company (AMC).
1960 Dodge Polara History
Back in 1960, the new design, top-of-class Dodge Polara came with some pretty neat rear wings and a well balanced style that made it stand out in the crowd.
1968 Ford XL GT Convertible History
Of the 11,832 Galaxie convertibles produced in 1968, only 316 were XL GT's with the 428 Thunderbird (Cobra Jet style) engine that produced an advertised 345 horsepower.
Funny Car Champ Dale Pulde is a Valley Fever Survivor
An illness called Valley Fever continues to grow in numbers, and has stricken all-time great nitro funny car driver Dale Pulde.
Dick Harrell - Nationally Respected Nitro Funny Car Racer
Dick Harrell built the first 427 conversions for Nickey (Chicago), and he also did most of the first 25, including the very first for Don Yenko (Pennsylvania).
The First COPO 427 Camaro
The Dana Camaro was indeed the first COPO 427 Camaro, while Yenko, Baldwin Motion and Nickey were east coast representations that soon followed.
Beautiful Family-Owned 1967 GTX
I have a friend who has a beautiful 1967 GTX and was wondering since we all live so close if you would like to see the car. It has been in his family since brand new!
The History of Presidential Limos
The first Presidential limo was a 1939 Lincoln V12 convertible used by Franklin Roosevelt, although following the assignation of John F. Kennedy in 1963, convertibles were no longer used.
What is the Difference Between the 1969 Chrysler 440 Engines and the 1969 Dodge 440 Engines?
The 375 horse engines were duplicates of the 440HP (High Performance) engines that came standard in the GTX and R/T series.
NASCAR Memories and the Kurt Busch Incident
I can't ever remember drivers acting like the recent Kurt Busch incident. I know things are different today, but a driver with Kurt Busch's talent behind the wheel should know better than to treat Dr. Jerry Punch the way he did.
What is the Difference Between the 348 and 409 Engines?
I have always been able to tell them apart because the 348 oil dipstick is on the driver's side of the block and the 409 and Z11-427 "W" engines have the dipstick on the passenger side.
Muscle Car Madness
I love the muscle car era and want to know what started the muscle car popularity? In other words, what is the definition of muscle car?
What is a Fair Price for a 1960 Chevy Impala 2-door Hardtop with a 348 Tri-Power V8?
What do you feel is a fair price for a 1960 Chevy Impala 2-door hardtop with a 348 Tri-Power V8? I am thinking of buying one and want your opinion on what a real nice one will cost.
Tips for Buying a Collector Car Online and Sight Unseen
I want to buy a collector car in a bad way and I see many cars online that seem desirable and at fair prices. What's your advice on buying online and also having the car shipped?
Pontiac Trans Am Engines
The top speed of an LT1 350-inch V8 Pontiac Trans-Am or Formula and a Chevy Z28 from the years 1993-1997 are basically the same as long as they came with the Z-rated performance tires.
Finding Parts for a 1972 Ford LTD and a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
I am having trouble finding parts for my 1972 Ford LTD and a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Where can I find auto parts for these vehicles?
Classic Car and Truck Restoration Tips
We’ll use this week’s column to answer many similar questions I receive about collector car and truck restorations, and whether a vehicle is worthy to proceed with major repairs and/or a restoration.
The Difference Between GTO Tributes and Clones
Let’s start with tribute, clone and fake. All three of these terms have been used by car collectors, but clone is now not as popular in the collector dictionary and many times replaced by tribute.