Collector Car Corner

Is the 1947 Kaiser Special Or 1949 Series Chrysler The First Post-WWII Car?
Many argue the 1947 Kaiser Special was the first post-war car as the the upcycled styling of the 1949 Series Chrysler was not original enough to be considered the "true" first post-WWII vehicle.
Dean Jeffries, George Barris & The 1966 Pontiac GTO Monkeemobiles
The two real 1966 Pontiac Monkeemobiles were made by Dean Jeffries. So why does everyone think they were built by George Barris?
Dukes Of Hazzards' 1969 Dodge Charger, Route 66's Corvettes & The Monkeemobile 1966 Pontiac GTO
1950s-1980s TV shows boasted memorable cars like the Chevy Corvettes on Route 66, the Munsters's Drag-U-La & Munstermobile Koach, and Rat Patrol's modified Jeeps to name a few.
Smokey Yunick & 1963 Chevy 427 Mystery Motor Madness
What motor did Smokey Yunick use in the 1963 Daytona 500? Chevy High Performance Team Engineer Bill Howell & the son of Louie Clements solve the mystery.
American Motor Company (AMC): The Beginning, The Demise & A Connection To Jeep
American Motors Corporation (AMC) was born when Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson Motor Company merged to compete with Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, but their too-late involvement in racing led to an early end.
The Failed Packard 12 Luxury Sedan & More Packard Motor Car Company History
The Packard Twelve prototype was designed to tempt investors into backing its release. Sadly, inadequate funding ultimately killed the luxury sedan.
Owner Of 1957 Fairlane 500 Wants To Know If 1957 Ford F-250 Is Worth Adding To Collection
A 1957 Fairlane 500 owner asks if a 1957 Ford F-250 pickup project is a good investment, and author Greg Zyla details NADA estimates and what engine choice gets the best value.
Owner Of 1957 Fairlane 500 Wants To Know If 1957 Ford F-250 Is Worth Adding To Collection
A 1957 Fairlane 500 owner asks if a 1957 Ford F-250 pickup project is a good investment, and author Greg Zyla details NADA estimates and what engine choice gets the best value.
A Reader Chronicles His Rare Series I 1949 Chrysler New Yorker Sport With Spitfire Engine
The Series I 1949 Chrysler New Yorker Sport was known for quality with solid construction and stylish details. Even better is the Spitfire inline-8 powering this American classic.
Taxi TV Show & Checker Taxi Company
Checker Taxi Company—known for supplying the cars in the TV show Taxi—built the “New York City” style taxi cabs from 1922 to 1959 exclusively, and beginning in late 1958, entered the consumer car business.
TV Star Cars: Kookie T-Bucket, Roy Rogers's Willy's Jeep, Checker Taxis & More!
Great classic cars populated 1950s-80s TV screens like Knight Rider's 1982 Trans Am, Charlie's Angels' 1976 Mustang Cobra II & the Ferraris of Miami Vice & Magnum P.I. to name a few.
The Future Of Motor Sports & The Collector Car Hobby
Groups like SEMA and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) help lobby for motor sport racing and the collector car hobby as "green movement" legislation and electric cars raise concerns.
What Is The Difference Between Clone Cars, Tributes & Fakes?
Car enthusiasts need to know the nuances that differentiate fake, tribute, and clone cars from correct and numbers matching vehicles.
1950s & 1960s Nostalgia: Toy Trucks, Gas Stations, Chevy Cars & Happy Motoring!
It's time to reminisce about Sears & Roebuck, the Good Humor ice cream truck, gas pump attendants, and many other great things about Baby Boomer era automotive culture.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, "The Hot Ones" & Other Chevy Engine Options
Greg Zyla covers 1950s Chevy options like "Super Turbo Fire" & "The Hot Ones" and the difference between 3/4-cams and .098 cams.
Why Didn't AMC/Rambler Go High Performance Like GM, Ford & Chrysler?
AMC/Rambler lost out with consumers by de-emphasizing performance. Eventually, they pivoted to promote their 1967 Rebel SST nitro funny car and even had a race win with a Hemi-powered 1965 AMC Marlin.
Paul Newman's Legacy Beyond Hollywood: Charity & Racing
Paul Newman's humanitarian and racing achievements are revisited as his Hole In The Wall Gang Camp recovers from disaster.
Were Ford Shelby Cobras Built Using AC Ace Or AC Bristol Bodies?
Carroll Shelby teamed up with Bristol Cars to create the legendary Ford Shelby Cobras, but the correct name and build details elude many enthusiasts.
1974-1976 Bricklin Gull-Wing SV-1 & Visionary Vehicles' Bricklin 3EV
Only 3,000 of Malcolm Bricklin's distinctive 1974-1976 Bricklin gull-wing SV-1's were made, but today his company Visionary Vehicles is betting on the Bricklin 3EV.
Where Are The Corvette Grand Sports That Outpaced Carroll Shelby's AC Ford Cobras?
In 1962-1963, Zora Arkus-Duntov designed five Corvette Grand Sports to smoke Carrol Shelby's Ford AC Cobras on the track. While all five are under private ownership, some can still be viewed by the public.
Failed 1954 Packard-Studebaker Merger; Creation of Golden Hawk & Silver Hawk
Despite producing the distinctive Golden Hawk and Silver Hawk models, the 1954 Packard and Studebaker merger failed thanks to unpopular changes under the hoods of later Packards.
1970s AMC Cars: Ambassador Custom Brougham, Javelin, AMX & Gremlin
Greg Zyla breaks down the value of a 1974 AMC Ambassador and details notable AMC models like the Pacer, Javelin, AMX, Matador, Spirit, and Concord plus the AMC cars that snagged wins at Trans-Am and NASCAR.
Oldsmobile And Racing: 1949 Olds Rocket 88, Daytona 500 Wins, NASCAR & Super Stock Drag Racing.
Oldsmobile is credited with making the first ever American muscle car was the 1949 Olds Rocket 88 coupe, and the company had many wins over the years thanks to features like the Hydra-Matic, Ram Air, and more.
Celebs Sell Cars: Robert Downey Jr, Clint Eastwood, Snoop Dogg, Matthew McConaughey, Eminem & More
Countless celebrities have endorsed cars over the years such as Eminem for Chrysler, Matthew McConaughey for Lincoln & Many More.
How "Foreign" Are Foreign Cars?
Foreign Car Companies Are More Domestic Than You Think: Honda, Volkswagen, Lexus & More Are Partially Made In The USA.
Getting Started In Automotive Journalism: Car Magazines, Newspapers, Websites & Social Media
Automotive Journalism: Car Magazines, Newspapers, Websites & Social Media
Automotive Journalism: Car Magazines, Newspapers, Websites & Social Media
Circle Track, Ford, Oldsmobile Rocket 88, 1955 Chevys, 1948 Buick Special, 1936 Chevy, 1994 GMC Jimmy 4x4, sprint car, racing, automotive journalism, car magazine, car website.
Movie Cars: Two Lane Blacktop & American Graffiti's 1955 Chevy; Christine's 1958 Plymouth Fury
Movie Cars: Two Lane Blacktop's 1955 Chevy, American Graffiti's 1932 Ford Deuce, Christine's 1958 Plymouth Fury & More! - Auto Round-Up Publications
Chrysler's Post-War Woes, 1949 Chryslers & A Reader's 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe
Chrysler's Post-War Woes, 1949 Chryslers & A Reader's 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe.
TV Cars: Looking Back On The Untouchables
Superman's 1953 Nash-Healey & The Untouchables' 1929 Graham-Paige, 1931 Chrysler Six & 1931 Buick Series 50.
Is The 1997 Toyota Paseo Worth Restoring?
The question comes down to, do I try to sell a 1997 Toyota Paseo to someone who is interested in restoring it or junk the car?
Classic Car Values And The Drive-In Movie Revival
The collector car market is steady and growing while the Drive-In Movie industry is showing a major resurgence.
Top 5 Non Muscle Car Muscle Cars From The 1960s
The top 5 muscle cars of the 1960s were the 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 409, 1963 Chevrolet Z11 427, 1965 Chevelle 300 L79, 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne L72, and the 1966 Chevy II 327 L79.
1980s Pontiac Station Wagons
In 1982, full-size Pontiacs were gone from the showrooms and replaced with front-drive compact and mid-size rear drive “G” platform wagons. Further, Olds, Buick and Chevy still offered its full size, V8, “B” platform rear drive counterparts.
1957 Dodge Hemi Police Cars
The Missouri Highway Patrol was using Dodge D-500 and D-501 patrol cars on the highways. The D-500 was a regular Hemi while the D-501 was the big Hemi with two four barrels.
Chevrolet Corvair: On The Street And At The Race Track
In my opinion there were two “extra special” and very fast Corvair funny car teams from 1966 to 1969. The “Seaton’s Shaker” nitro funny car Corvairs owned by GM-connected Pete Seaton was one of the most popular and successful teams.
Recalling The Wonderful Station Wagons Of Years Gone By
The General Motors (GM) wagons from 1991 to 1996 were also a last hurrah as they were the final and fourth generation of the large, rear wheel drive offerings.
Corvette Lover Remembers 1963 Split Window & Has Mid-Engine 2020 Arriving Soon
After many years of development, Chevrolet is now building its first ever mid-engine Corvette and I expect to take delivery of my 2020 next month.
When The Lincoln Continental Mark VII Came With A BMW Diesel Engine
Leland brought Cadillac to market back in 1902 and then sold the marquee to William Durant’s growing General Motors Company in 1909.
The Very First “Tri-Power” Set-Up Dates Back To 1957
The very first factory 3x2 Tri-Power setup became available on the 1957 Oldsmobile. It was called the W-code J2 option and topped off its powerful 371-cubic inch Rocket V8 with three Rochester two barrel carbs.
Top 10 Auto Racing Movies, 2020
At the request of readers, we update our popular Top 10 Auto Racing movies of all-time as several new movies have made the cut.
Noted Mechanical Engineer Shares Muscle Cars, Horsepower Ratings, Family Car Memories
My dad purchased three new special order Fords in the 1950s. He always bought the smallest and lightest models and specified every "heavy duty" option.
Lamborghini History: From Tractor To Ultra Sports Car
The first ever Lamborghini sports car didn’t come about like one might think. Matter of fact, Lamborghini at the time was a respected tractor manufacturer and to this day there are still outstanding Lamborghini brand tractors available.
Gurney Cougar Updates & Mid-‘50s Mercury Memories
XR7-G is the Mercury analog to the Shelby Mustang and there were 619 XR7-Gs built and they are extremely collectible.
The Day The 4-Speeds Have Way To The Automatics, Compliments Of The Ramchargers
Back in the late 1950s and early 1960s, automatic transmissions were not the top choice of those who demanded the best in quarter-mile performance.
Nelson Creasy’s 1937 Hudson Terraplane Utility Coupe
Nelson and his brother Larry were both at the recent Bloomsburg Nationals Car Show, in Bloomsburg, Pa., and I knew they would be there with their Hudsons.
Rare Mercury Cougar XR7-G And The Legend Of Dan Gurney
Aligned with Ford for many years during his racing career, Dan Gurney’s direct ties to Mercury’s Cougar came about when Gurney was appointed to manage Mercury’s Cougar SCCA Trans Am race team in 1967.
Special Edition Corvettes And The New 2020 Mid-Engine C8
This special edition history includes the likes of the 1967 L88, 1969 all-aluminum L88 ZL1, and the awesome 2015 Z06.
The Best Of The V8s From Ford, GM And Chrysler
Of all the great engines Ford has developed over the years, the original Ford Flathead V8 that appeared in mass production in 1932 is in my opinion the granddaddy of the Blue Oval Ford V8 developments.
Televised Car Auctions Grow The Hobby, Attract New Enthusiasts And Create New Trends
I’m going to say that both Mecum and Barrett-Jackson are doing fine and serve the great, growing collector car hobby/business.
1970 Pontiac GTO Ram Air IV Owner Seeks Info On Ownership
I own a 1970 Ram Air IV GTO that came from Boyertown Pontiac in Pennsylvania in May of 1970.
Looking Back At Riverside Raceway, NASCAR Events And Some Sad Times
Opening in 1957, Riverside Raceway featured up to seven distinct track configurations and was known for some great sports car and NASCAR racing.
The Final, For Sure, 2019 Volkswagen Beetle (Well, Maybe)
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced last week that it will end production of the iconic Beetle in 2019.
History Of AMC Muscle Cars And Racing: Three Strikes You’re Out And Too Little Too Late
Hudson and Nash-Kelvinator merged in 1954 to form American Motors. Back then, AMC featured cars that were small and affordable.
Gas Station Games: Bill Goldmann's Station Games Website And The History Of The Sunoco Bucks
I collect gas station game pieces and this is of great interest to me. Gas station games are my passion and I collect game pieces from all the games, especially the ‘instant winner’ game pieces that were not redeemed during the games.
Chrysler Automobile History: New Yorker, Imperial and the War Years
The New Yorker was Chrysler’s full-size, 126-inch wheelbase luxury model, joined by siblings albeit less luxurious Saratoga (also 126-inches) and entry level Windsor, which rode on a smaller 122 inch wheelbase.
President Of Kaiser Club Sets The Record Straight On Darrin Misinformation
At one time 402 were accounted for in whatever condition they were with several never located. However, the number 435 has been documented and many owners did not want their name and address published but did provide data.
More On The Amphicar And A Reader's Homemade "AquaBuggy"
Unfortunately, I discovered that I was a little late finding an affordable restorable project and really couldn’t justify or fund a road/sea worthy Amphicar either.
History Of The Amphicar And The Ever Alluring Flying Car
Most of us baby boomers remember the Amphicar, which for seven years was the only consumer available, land and sea vehicle ever mass produced and imported for sale in the United States.
1955 Chevy 265-V8: Persistent Oil Problems
When I drive my car 90-miles after an oil change of five quarts, I have a fine mist of oil coming out of the road draft (breathing) tube and then going under the car and ending up at the rear bumper
The Covid-19 virus and its affect on car dealerships
Every auto dealership utilizes a bank or the manufacturer’s lending arm to underwrite its inventory, known as the “floor plan” in auto jargon.
Reader Recalls Days Of Muscle Cars, Corvettes & Lifetime Experiences
After my discharge from the US Navy in 1962, I migrated to Saginaw, MI, to visit some old Navy pals. It was then I bought my first Corvette, a 1962 roadster finished in white with a red interior.
Past Memories Of The International Trucks & Checker Taxi Cabs
The 4-door International pickup your grandfather had most likely was the heavy duty pickup called the Travelette
1904 Buffum: A First Generation 4-Cylinder Automobile Built In America
For a man who made so few cars, Buffum achieved groundbreaking results: he produced the first American four-cylinder car, production or otherwise, the first cataloged production American race car and the world's first production V8 automobile.
Reader Disputes Greg Zyla's Opinion On 1958 Car Designs And 1950's Pontiac Interiors
You said the 1958 cars were overrun with chrome and boy were you wrong! The chrome on these cars is beautiful.
Greg Zyla's 7 Tips For Finding And Buying Your First Collector Car
Today there are many unscrupulous sellers in this business because there are so many people that want to get involved in the hobby.
1971 Pontiac GT-37: Is It Worthy Of Restoration? And How This Car "Fooled " The Insurance Companies
In 1971, a Pontiac T-37 could be ordered with a 455 H.O. V8 engine, 4-speed M22 Muncie “rock crusher” and 4:33 rear gears
Vintage Race Car Market And C3 Corvettes
There is a very active market for these cars, especially the drag racing cars from the 1960s and 1970s.
1955 Chevy 210 Station Wagon: memories From a Fan
I always wanted a 1950's Ford, but the parts are too scarce. My family always had Ford station wagons, and I wanted one as an adult.
Kaiser Darrin Sports Cars: Rare, Valuable And Ahead Of It's Times
The Kaiser Darrin was the brainchild of the late Howard “Dutch” Darrin, Kaiser's chief designer and personal friend of company founder Henry J. Kaiser.
Czechoslovakia cars? Greg Gives Us The Low Down On These Unique Rides
Tatra cars firs appeared back in 1919 but due to the political atmosphere of socialist countries, very little worldwide marketing took place and the Tatra automobiles were utilized by socialist countries behind the Iron Curtain.
Collector cars as an investment? You may want to think twice
The words “investing in collector cars” will surely include any and all risk and reward scenarios, much like investing in the stock market.
1971 Plymouth Hemi GTX Shocks Enthusiasts Sells For $235,000 At Mecum Auto Auction
One recent car that deserves special note is a 1971 Plymouth GTX, complete with the” Elephant” 426 Hemi engine that sold for $253K at the recent Mecum Auction in Dallas, Texas.
A Look Back: Crosley Sub-Compact And World War Two Era Vehicles
The Crosley cars actually preceded the VW Beetle (1949) and the early Nash Rambler (1951) that I gave credit to as first compacts, foreign and domestic, respectively.
Compact Cars: Which Were First Foreign Or Domestic?
There are surely those who would agree that the Nash Rambler was the first American manufacturer to promote its new compact car models.
Earle MacPherson: The Strut Suspension And His Chevy Cadet Prototype
Born in Highland Park, Illinois, in 1891, MacPherson graduated from the University of Illinois and served in WWI and earned the rank of Captain.
1929 Studebaker House Car: The Fist Motor Home?
The House Car you speak of started life as one of the 2,225 stretched heavy duty commercial vehicle chassis that Studebaker began assembling in 1925
Big, Big Cadillacs: IMSA Cadillac Prototypes And The Biggest Cadillacs Ever
Cadillac’s motorsports involvement, as their top flight Daytona Prototypes compete regularly on the IMSA WeatherTech Championship road racing series.
Greg Clears The Air On The 1965 Chevelle SS396 Z16 And The 396 Engine
The new ’64 Chevelles were available in base 300, 300 Deluxe, Malibu and Malibu Super Sport trim.
Supercharging VS Turbocharging VS Nitrous Oxide: Greg Gives Us His Thoughts
I’ve always leaned towards superchargers as the best way to add instant horsepower to any engine.
A Story About Greg's Buddy Ted Dauito And An Update On The 1967 Chevelle SS
I received two letters from readers concerning a column I wrote on the history of the Chevelle SS. I noted that in 1967, the Chevelle SS did not offer the 396/375-horse engine option.
Zora Arkus-Duntov: The Man Who Imortalized The Corvette
Known as the Godfather, Father or Immortalizer of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov was born in Belgium in 1909 to Russian-Jewish parents and then moved with them first to Berlin, Germany, and then Leningrad, Russia.
The Rebel Machine By AMC And A Rare 1971 Matador Go Machine
By the time AMC released its pony and muscle car lineup during the latter part of the 1960s the company was way behind the performance youth movement that began in earnest with the 1964 GTO.
1967 Pontiacs: Greg Gives Us The History Behind This Iconic Car
The 1967 Lemans was an important car for the overall financial success of Pontiac, especially the models from 1964 through 1967.
1927 Ford Model T owner recalls glory days of ownership
The final Model T rolled off the assembly line on May 26, 1927. Like you said, Henry Ford shut down the plant to retool and it was Dec. 2, 1927, when the Model A was offered for sale after a $2-million advertising blitz.
History Of The "Topper" Car: The Truth Behind One Of Americas Most Iconic Hollywood Cars
The Topper car was at the time the most famous movie car ever to hit the screen. It was initially designed on a 1936 Buick Series 60 chassis and then later underwent a Chrysler chassis and drivetrain update along with exterior styling changes.
History Of American Car Companies And Where The Industry Is Headed
From the years 1900 to 1919, some 2,000 American companies were involved in some way with the construction of motor vehicles.
Rare Fords: Greg Gives Us Some History on The 1961 Starliner And 1968 Ford XL GT Cobra Jet Ragtop
The Ford Starliner was the fastback version of the full-size Galaxie line and was only available for two years in ‘60 and ‘61.
Plymouth Roundrunner: The Evolution Of The Warner Bros. Themed Car
The initial ’68 Roadrunners featured the famous “beep-beep” horn, rubber floor mats, a bench seat, non-roll down rear windows that flip opened sideways and a buyer’s choice of either a 727 Torqueflite automatic or a 4-speed manual
1967 GTX muscle car memories; Roadrunners, Super Bees and lots more
As we both found out, it didn’t take much to make these cars run in the high 12-second range. I, too, added a set of headers, and then a Holley 4-Barrel instead of the Carter AFB setup on an Edelbrock intake.
1975 L-48 Corvette: Greg's Opinions On This Classic And A Look At Current And Future Value
Unfortunately, the 1975 L-48 Corvette is the lowest horsepower C-3 generation ever built, producing just 165-horsepower from its overly muffled and smog controlled engine.
A letter from ‘Railroad’ Ray Laverty of Mount Joy, Pa.: A Look At The Good Ole Days
For starters, let’s get to when you returned from the Army with your Austin Healy Bugeye Sprite. I dug up some great photos of SCCA club racing action from 1961 at my then hometown Vineland Speedway road course in south Jersey.
Nostalgia Marketing: Mercury Endurance, Mobilgas Economy, Chitwood Thrill Show
The Mercury Comet 100,000-mile endurance effort you correctly remember was indeed a big deal that year and I found a nice print ad that appeared in 1962-1963 in both newspapers and magazines
Greg and Reader Reminisce Over The 1965 Plymouth Barracuda
When Chrysler decided to drop the 383 big-block V8 into the second generation 1967 Barracuda, it kicked off a frenzy of MOPAR performance that ended up with the ultra rare 426 Hemi 1968 Barracudas.
1962 Muscle: Memories Of A Pivotal Year In Muscle Car History
Although 1962 is the pivotal factory performance year, many of these cars were developed in 1961 and some, like the 409 Chevy, were available late year at the dealership.
Chevelle SS history: The Z16 and 1968 specifics
The new Chevelles were available in base 300, more amenities Malibu and the performance Malibu Super Sport (SS), the latter which would take on a persona of its own during the muscle car era.
Corvettes, Corvettes and more Corvettes: Greg's Top Corvette Pick From The Classic Years
Well John, that’s one way to get me going. So, if I had to pick just one Corvette from the classics, it would have to be a 1967 L88 Corvette, of which only 20 were ever built that year.
Triumph sports cars: The History On And Off The Race Track
To the disappointment of many Triumph enthusiasts, however, the last U.S. models were hampered by government intervention that resulted in lower compression engines because of the mandated use of lower octane unleaded gasoline.
Shipping A Collector Car? Greg's Tips And Recommendations On Getting Your Dream Car Home
First, your auto transport process should start before you buy the car, Matev begins. “Get a quote for shipping so you can factor it into how much you are willing to pay for the car and especially so that you aren’t blindsided after the purchase.
Mercury Comet: Some Racing, Some History, And A Very Rare 1974
Overall, Comets were produced from 1960 to 1969 and again in 1971 to 1977. Through its run, Comets were always first cousins to the sibling Falcon, and then grew up alongside the mid-size Ford Fairlane and finally back to the smaller Ford Maverick.
Edsel Flop Leads To The Mercury Comet? The Real Story Behind The Ford Failure
As for the Edsel, it was nothing more than gadgets, gimmicks, slick advertising, and new sheet metal on a Ford-Mercury chassis.
Pontiac’s forgotten T37 muscle car from 1970-1971
The vehicle I saw at the car show is not a 100% original GT37. Although powered by a correct 400 Ram Air engine, it is a convertible.
1966 Full Size Pontiacs: What's the difference? Bonneville, Catalina and Grand Prix
The bodies were heavier than the prior generation and the Catalina was still the entry-level Pontiac that year and for years to come. The engines available were the 389 and 421 V8s.
Mr. Rambler Questions Original Carb Setup of 1957 Dodge D-500 and Asks Greg About Borgward Isabella
There were two versions of the 325 Hemi available that year, a D-500 standard 285 horse single 4-barrel version or, if you wanted more horsepower, a Super D-500-1 option, which added two for-barrels and a more radical camshaft.
Gas Station Memories And Advertising Gimmicks
Unlike today’s gas station stores that are mostly eateries, the old-time gas station was a real service center offering specialized auto repair, tires, oil, batteries and more.
1981-83 Chrysler Imperials And The 1949 Dodge Coronet: Greg's Opinions And Their Current Values
Today, an Imperial from 1981-83 in good condition is valued at $5,100 by Hagerty Insurance Value Tool. Currently, your 1949 Coronet is listed at $9,400 by Hagerty Insurance, which is a decent price for the entry model that year.
Lincoln Memories Past, Present, and Future
Lincoln and Cadillac were designed by the same person, namely Henry Leland. Leland brought Cadillac to market back in 1902 and then sold the marquee to William Durant’s growing General Motors Company in 1909.
When Did The 426 Hemi Come Out?
The 426 Hemi arrived on dealer showrooms in 1966, available in several models in the Dodge and Plymouth full-size lines.
The Packard: Studebaker Merger Doomed From The Start
In the 1950's Packard started to lose market share in the luxury car sales race. This reality led to what has to be one of the worst mergers in car history when Packard joined forces with Studebaker in 1954.
Re-Visit: A Look Into The Rambler Rebel Engine Defect And Oil Consumption Issue
The extreme oil use was caused by a perforation of the diaphragm in the vacuum booster pump that ran the windshield wipers.
Was GM's Anniversary Gold Paint Used on Any Vehicles Other Than The 1963 Chevrolet Impala?
The 50-millionth GM vehicle produced, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe, came down the line both painted and plated in gold (and inspired a limited run of code 689 gold-painted four-door sedans)...
Which Cadillac Was The Largest In History?
As for Cadillac engines, the largest Cadillac engine ever was a 500-cubic inch V8 that debuted in 1970 in the Eldorado. The other Cadillacs utilized 472-inch V8s available in the DeVille models and Fleetwoods from 1968 through 1974.
Top 10 Muscle Cars From The 1960s
Top 10 Muscle Cars from the 1960s are 1962 Chevy Bel Air, 1964 Pontiac GTO, 1964 Shelby Cobra, 1965 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Hemi, 1967 Plymouth GTX, 1968 Mustang Cobra Jet, 1969 Hurst Olds 442, 1969 Dodge Super Bee, 1969 Corvette, 1970 Chevelle SS.
How Rare Is The 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Is the 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix a rare car? I see a lot of the full-size Bonnevilles, Star Chief Executives, and Catalinas including the Catalina 2+2, and many smaller Lemans and GTOs.
1964 Canadian Built Meteor Custom Convertible
It’s a Canadian-built 1964 Meteor Custom Convertible with a Mercury body and Ford Galaxie interior. The engine is the 352-inch V8 that originally came with a 2-barrel carburetor but has been replaced with a 4-barrel.
Department Stores And Gas Stations Of The Past
It's really a shame that these stores are closing. You said you worked in the paint department at Sears in Vineland. I too worked at both S.S. Kreske's (a forerunner of Kmart) and at the Kmart in Burlington, NJ.
How Can I Tell If I Have An Official 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster?
My father is quite sure it's original, but a lot of them apparently were put together from regular Thunderbird convertibles.
How Does The Corvair Compare To The Edsel?
Q: Greg, I really liked the Corvair articles you’ve written through the years, and am wondering how you feel about the Edsel?
History Of The Two Passenger Crosley
Your column on the first small and compact American cars brings back my memories of the two-passenger Crosley, which was very small and came with a two-cylinder engine.
How Durable Is A 195.6 Inch Rambler American Six Cylinder Flathead?
Q: Hi Greg, I really enjoyed your article about the little 195.6-inch Rambler American six-cylinder flathead that I also have in my car, a 1959 Rambler American.
How Much Is A 1970 King Midget Car Worth?
Q: Greg, my sister and I have a 1970 King Midget car and we would like to know if you could tell us about it and how much it might be worth?
Top 10 Pony Cars Through 1970
Q: Greg, I enjoyed your column on the larger muscle cars from last week. How about your list of the best all around Pony Cars up to 1970 and I hope the Boss 302 is on there.
Do You Remember The 1960s Amphicar?
Back in the 1960's, there was a car that I thought was real cool called the Amphicar. Do you remember them? It didn't last very long and was gone by the time I could afford a car.
1947 T-600 Tatraplan
Q: Greg, I’m working on a T-600 Tatraplan automobile, and I know many people have ever never seen or heard of one of these.
What Is The History And Value Of The 1973 Triumph GT6 MK3?
Q: Greg, I enjoy your columns in Auto Roundup Magazine very much, and I would appreciate if you could help me find information on my 1973 Triumph GT6 MK3.
Should Cadillac Receive Credit For Today's Variable Firing Cylinder Engines?
Q: Greg, I am a big fan of the Cadillac and want to know about their engines and overall sizes.
How Can I Sell My 1956 Plymouth Savoy?
Q: Greg, I have a '56 Plymouth Savoy 4-door with a flathead 6-cylinder and just 84,081 miles.
How Much Is A 1959 Ford Galaxie Skyliner Convertible With A Retractable Hardtop Worth?
Q: Greg, I have a '59 Ford Galaxie Skyliner 2-door retractable hardtop convertible.
How Rare Is A 1968 Chevelle Malibu 4-door Station Wagon?
Q: Hi Greg. I just picked up a 1968 Chevelle Malibu 4-door Station Wagon that I found between Ohio and Indiana.
What Tires Should I use On My 1966 Plymouth Fury That Will Allow Me To Use The Original Hubcaps?
I have a '66 Plymouth Fury III convertible with 17,000 miles on it. When I bought it in 1994, the previous owner had put P255/75R-14 steel belted tires on it.
Where Can I Find A 3 Speed Transmission For A 1972 GTO?
Q: Greg, could you please tell me if the M13 Trans listed on my 1972 GTO build sheet (enclosed) is indeed the 3-speed manual that you talked of in a recent Auto Roundup Car Collector Corner column?
Q: Greg, I've seen so many TV ads for oil additives it is starting to drive me crazy. There's a new one out now with Carroll Shelby telling people "it works and he puts his name on it" and it's called zMAX.
Q:Greg, I really enjoy your columns on collector cars. I have a 1958 Chevy Delray, and it drips oil on my garage floor.
I’ve read Jim Wangers’ “Glory Days” and it really is a fine book on the state of Detroit and high performance back “in the days.” Gary P., Pennsylvania.
Were There Any Aftermarket Racing Parts Made For The 1949 to 1954 Pontiac 8 Cylinder Engine?
Q: Greg, I enjoy your Auto Roundup “Collector Car Corner” articles and would like to know if there were any aftermarket high performance or racing parts made for the 1949 to 1954 Pontiac inline flathead 8-cylinder engine?
Buy Quality Tires At All Times
Q: Greg, I read your answer to a person who had a muscle car or pony car that "tire hopped" under acceleration in the winter, but not in the summer. You said his problem was due to the coldness of the rubber and roads in the wintertime.
Katech's Solid Adjustable Belt Tensioner
I have a 2000 Pontiac Firebird Formula with an LS1 engine that I put headers on and did a few other modifications, including an intake manifold, Hypertech chip, and throttle body.
Kaiser Darrin With A Willys Knight Six Cylinder Engine
Q: Greg, I enjoyed your article on the Kaiser Darrin recently in Auto Round-Up, and want to let you know there was a Darrin in Mount Carmel, Pa., when I 12 back in 1958.
Should I Run A Manual Or An Automatic In My Rebuilt 1993 Camaro LT1?
Should I run a manual or an automatic in my now being rebuilt 1993 Camaro LT1? It has a manual, but I'll need a new one as it has over 125,000 miles on it and I had some problems anyway.
Lack Of Car Production In 1942
One point you made I'd like to embellish a little. You are correct that there was no car production from '43 to '45 but there was not much during 1942 either which is why there aren't many '42 model cars around today.
Where Can I Find Vent Window Gaskets For A 1948 Nash Ambassador 4 Door Sedan?
Q: Greg, I own a 1948 Nash Ambassador 4-door sedan and am trying to locate vent window gaskets for both the front and rear.
How Much Is A 1961 Pontiac Catalina 2 Door Hardtop Worth And Where Do I Find One?
Greg, I purchased a 1961 Pontiac Catalina 2 door Hardtop new in that year. It was the coolest car that I ever owned. I want to obtain another "61" Catalina in good condition for restoration.
What Does Mopar Stand For?
Q: Greg, I know Chrysler-Dodge-Plymouth is Mopar, but what does Mopar really stand for, if anything?
 3 Speed Manual Equipped Pontiac GTO
Q:Greg, I am writing mainly to compliment you on your answer to "M.M" and his 3-speed manual equipped Pontiac GTO in a recent “Car Collector Corner” column in "Auto Roundup,” Vol. 7, Number 694 on page 35.
Popular Car Music And Groups
Greg, you once printed your most popular car songs. I remember your top pick was thought not to be a car song, right? Do you still have your old albums?
How Many Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertibles Were Built In 1956?
Q: Greg, I am in the process of restoring a 1956 Oldsmobile 98 Starfire Convertible. I will be using all original parts for the restoration.
What Would It Cost To Restore A 1968 Mercury Montego MX Convertible?
I own a 1968 Mercury Montego MX Convertible, the car is in decent shape, considering its age, but pretty much needs a top to bottom refurbishing.
How Many Body Styles Were Available Of The 1966 Pontiac GTO?
How many body styles were available, and I am told the 3-speed manual in my car was made by Ford Motor Company and used at the end of the model run because GM ran out of 4-speeds. Is this true?
Greg, I have a 1956 Ford F350 V8 pickup Custom Cab Dually. It has the 8-foot bed and I want to restore it. Where do I find bumpers, glass, fenders and other pieces?
Q: I'm From South Dakota and am presently in Topeka, Kansas, looking around for early Hemi parts.
1984 Lincoln Mark VII Diesel
I have a 1984 Lincoln Mark VII with a 2.4-liter Diesel engine that I believe was made by BMW. It came from the factory like this and I have enclosed the documentation.
How Many Thunderbirds Did Ford Produce In 1955?
How many Thunderbirds did Ford produce in the car’s first year in 1955, and what engine came with it? Connie K., Wisconsin.
1953 Chevy Bel Air Sedan
Hi Greg, I just read your column “The Cars of my Early Childhood” in my local paper and it brought back many fond memories.
Who Had The First AMC Funny Car?
Most people still think Rambler and AMC cars were just for the family, but they put together many a fast muscle car. My question is, do you remember those AMC Funny Cars? Who had the first one?
1987 GMC Caballero Amarillo
I have found that GMC only produced the Caballero vehicles from 1978 through 1987. Is there anything you can tell me about this vehicle and its approximate value?
Greg Zyla's Collector Car Market Update
Today, the popularity of the collector cars, older pickup trucks and muscle cars have expanded to include not only the baby boomer generation, it’s spreading to much younger groups who are finding the excitement of the hobby serves them well.
If you put larger overall tires on your 1973 Chrysler Newport, it could affect the accuracy of your speedometer and you’ll be going faster than the speedometer says.
How Many 1993 Cadillac Allantes With The Northstar Engine Were Produced?
The Cadillac Allante is indeed a rare piece, as you don’t see many around. Cadillac produced the Allante to much fanfare from 1987 through 1993, and only 21,300 cars were built during the model run
Kaiser Darrin Fiberglass Body Sport Cars
the 1954 Kaiser Darrin was the brainchild of the late Howard Darrin, Kaiser's chief designer and personal friend of Henry J. Kaiser. Darrin created a clay model in 1952 with full backing from Kaiser, and worked with his son in California on the car.
In Memory Of Andy Granatelli
Andy Granatelli, who is best known for his wins at the Indy 500 and his beloved STP brand of oil treatment, became the principal at Studebaker Racing in the early 1960s.
Am I Wasting Money On Synthetic Motor Oil?
Am I wasting money on synthetic motor oil? I like to feel I'm doing the best I can for the cars. If they were yours, what specific oil and brand would you use?
How Much Is My 1967 Ford Mustang 6-Cylinder Worth?
I have a 1967 Mustang with a 6-cylinder engine. It needs some work but looks good from 10-feet. I want to sell this car and have no idea on how much it is worth. How much is my 1967 Ford Mustang 6-cylinder worth?
Model Car Companies Of The 1950s
I am a model car lover and remember all the great model car companies of the 1950s through today. I was wondering if you know of the heritage of these companies, including Jo-Han, AMT, Monogram and the others.
When Did The First Independent Car Manufacturer Come Out With A V8?
When did the first independent car manufacturer come out with a V8? Studebaker receives the nod for producing the first overhead valve (not flathead or inline) V8 thanks to its 1951 232.6-inch, 120 horsepower overhead valve V8.
Jaguar Repros And The Larz Anderson Museum
I read your column about the D-Type Jags and it reminded me of my trip to Larz Anderson Museum in Brookline, MA. Larz is a great place with acres of lawns. About every Sunday they have a car day.
Was The 1971 Vega The Worst Car Ever?
Back in 1971 we owned a ‘71 Vega and it was the worst car we ever purchased. At 20,000 miles the tires were bald; the aluminum block had steam coming out the sides; the body had begun to rust; and it would just stop running at times!
Kaiser, Chrysler And Packard Memories
Your recent articles were special for me on the Kaiser-Frazer. My grandpa's brother opened a Kaiser-Frazer dealership in the little town of Harrington, WA. It was in that 1947 Frazer that I learned to drive on the highway.
What was the biggest Ford engine ever put into a Ford Thunderbird?
The first “big” engine to appear in the Thunderbird came in 1958 thanks to Ford’s involvement in NASCAR racing. Ford teamed up with Holman-Moody of NASCAR fame to produce a 430-inch racing V8.
Frazer Automobile History
As for those Frazer cars, the company came into existence thanks to Joseph Washington Frazer, a noted descendent of the original “Washington” family from Virginia (yes, President George was related!)
What Years Did Car Manufacturers Not Build Cars During the World War II Era?
To be specific about the WWII effort, car manufacturers did not build cars for three years: 1943, 1944 and 1945. When the war came to an end, the 1946 models were “unveiled,” but were the same as the 1942 vehicles.
Which American Car Manufacturer Sold the Most Cars in the 1950s?
I enjoy most the articles on cars from the 1950s, so can you tell me which American car manufacturer sold the most cars during the great decade of 1950? I think I know it is the Chevy, and then Ford. But how about after that?
The Rare 1958 Mercury Super Marauder 430 V8 & 1956 Golden Hawk 374 V8
That 1958 Mercury Super Marauder was a very rare option, and did appear on the option list. The 1956 Golden Hawk model was available with either a 352 Packard V8 or the rare but available 374 as an option.
The Best Classic Car Songs
Many years ago you wrote an article about car songs and the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean that I saw in a recent issue. The article covered the best classic car songs, and I’d love if you could touch on some of these great classic car songs again.
1940-1942 Willys Coupes Are Very Popular Today
Those 1940-1942 Willys Coupes are very popular today, and several companies produce complete fiberglass bodies for use on the street or strip.
The Very Rare 1971 Corvette LS6 454 Cubic Inch V8 With 425 Horsepower
The very rare 1971 Corvette LS6 454 cubic inch V8 with 425 horsepower was similar to the LS7 engine that could be ordered from the factory as a crate motor (I bought one for my race car in 1979 for $1,448), and came with a solid lifter camshaft.
What Happened to the Lincolns From Back in the 1950s?
I'd like to know about what happened to the Lincolns from back in the 1950s. Up until 1958, I thought the styling was quite nice for a luxury car. Then in 1958, Lincoln came out with a massive piece of monstrosity.
Is There a One Mile Dragstrip in the East That Officially Sanctions Races?
Is it true that there is a one mile dragstrip in the East that officially sanctions races? Yes and no. The track you are talking about is a 9,000 foot long private airport used mostly by DHL business delivery airplanes.
How Many Shelby AC Cobras Did Ford Build?
Overall, only 654 small blocks and 350 or so big block AC style Cobras were ever built in those seven years of availability, and many were indeed for street use.
Diana Motor Company Automobile History
The Diana Motor Company built cars from 1925 through 1928, so it sounds like your dad bought his Diana in its last year of production.
The DKW German Steam-Powered Automobile
The DKW was a German built car from 1928 through 1966. The word means "Dampf-Kraft-Wagen," or, translated into English the "steam powered vehicle."
Is My 1968 Mercury Worth Restoring?
Your car is currently listed under NAPA Old Car prices somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,620 to $2,948, mainly because of the six-cylinder engine which is a 10-percent deduction in value.
How Long Were the Muntz Jet Cars Available on the Market?
Muntz said 394 Jets were built, and it is estimated that today some 49 survive. Movie starts, of which he was friend with many, usually bought them, but from the beginning Muntz was losing money on every sale as production costs were very high.
Who Marketed the First Front Wheel Drive Car?
The first consumer available front wheel drive, mass marketed car came from the DKW F1 company from Germany in 1931. Other German car producers, of which there were many back then, followed as Stoewer later in 1931 offered a front drive.
Studebaker Golden Hawk Transmission Types
Specifically, two transmissions were available for the 1956 Studebaker Goldenhawk, including the manual Borg Warner T85 three-speed with overdrive or Packard's "Twin Ultramatic" automatic transmission.
Why Did General Motors Drop Oldsmobile?
General Motors dropped the Olds because of declining sales numbers. That's pretty much the same reason Pontiac fell by the wayside, too. Olds was first to go in 2004 following several years of trying to prop up the brand with new marketing.
Brief History of the Graham Cars
I was wondering if you could give any information on the history of the Graham cars? The first Graham car was dubbed a “Graham Paige,” released in 1928, and the Graham cars continued along through 1941.
5 Things You Need To Know About the Collector Car Market
Collector car journalist and racing legend Greg Zyla presents five things you need to know about the collector car market including values of classic cars, restoration tips and where to find the most resourceful collector car news.
The 1954 Ford Skyliner - The Grandfather of Moonroofs
I own a 1954 Ford Skyliner and enjoy your column very much. I have read somewhere that Ford tested two Skyliners in 1954, one with the plexiglass top and one with a steel top in Arizona with all of the windows up.
Which Production Car Had the First Moonroof?
Which production car had the first moonroof? I was really taken in by Ford’s new 1954 Skyliner, which was a Crestline Victoria that featured a green, transparent, Plexiglas window roof right above the driver’s seat.
How Many Panteras Were Built?
To give you the scoop on the Pantera, the mid-engined beauty was sculpted by noted designer Tom Tjaarda and manufactured by the Italian car company DeTomaso.Overall, a total of about 7,500 Panteras were built, with most sold by Ford/Lincoln/Mercury.
More Volkswagen Beetle History
The evolution of the Volkswagen Beetle model is very interesting. From the sporty Karmann Ghia to the VW Camper and Bus line, Volkswagens were the mode of transportation for so many of my friends during the 1960s and 1970s.
Is My Numbers Matching 1967 Chevelle Worth More as an Original Car?
I have a 1967 Chevelle 2-door that has a 283 with a two barrel carb. I would like to do an engine upgrade to a new muscle car crate motor and put some SS badges on it, but some of my friends say it is worth as an original.
Hudson Cars of the 1930s
Model 73 Hudson Custom vs. Model 74 Hudson Deluxe with all the specs: weight, horsepower, prices, and even the option of a 3-way hot water heater and defroster unit for $21.65, plus 65-cents tax, totaling $22.30. Now, how great is that?
Was the Studebaker Golden Hawk Considered a Muscle Car?
The Studebaker Golden Hawk was powered by a 374 cubic inch Packard twin four barrel engine that produced 310 horsepower and 400 pound foot of torque, so I think it should be classified as a muscle car.
When Did Buick Begin Their Car Manufacturing Operations?
Buick actually began producing a horseless carriage in 1903 utilizing a chain driven twin-power engine. The inventor was David Buick, a Scottish industrialist. All Buicks used inline six cylinder engines until 1931.
The Fabulous Hudson Hornets
The most famous of the performance Hudsons was the 308-inch 6–cylinder “racing” versions that allowed race drivers like Marshall Teague to win 12 of 13 scheduled AAA stock car races in 1952 in a Hornet.
How Rare is the 1968 Mercury Cougar 427?
As for the 1968 427 Mercury Cougar, only 357 were ever built, making it the rarest of the rare Cougars because of the 427 “W” Code side oiler engine. (I guess I’d probably opt for the 427 based on numbers only).
Did the Hemi Engine Come Out Before 1965?
Those famous 426 Hemi engines came out way before 1965, but in smaller dimensions. My dad had a 1953 Dodge with a Hemi in it. The 1953 Dodge Hemi came with a scaled down version of the already introduced in 1951 Chrysler 331 Hemi V8.
Can a 440 Wedge Block Accept Hemi Heads?
I was going to buy a new 1965 Plymouth Belvedere. The salesman told me he could get me a 426 Hemi for it. Was the salesman telling the truth about being able to buy the 426 Hemi for the Belvedere? Is there a kit to make my 440 into a Hemi?
Did the 1968 Camaro RS SS 396 Engine Have Aluminum Heads?
Back in the 1960s, it was a great time to own a performance car, and I owned a 1968 Camaro RS SS. Did the 1968 Camaro RS SS 396 engine have aluminum heads?
Bill Bratko's 1965 Chevy Nova Survivor Car
I still have my 1965 Chevrolet Nova that was bought brand new in 1965 and I consider it a true survivor collector car. It has a 355 cubic inch V8, 12.5 to 1 compression, dual quad carburetors, 4-speed transmission and a 4.88 posi rear end.
Rare COPO 427 Chevys
Chevy allowed two specific "COPO" allotments, numbered 9560 and 9561 for the 1969 model year. COPO 9561 included the L72 427-425 horse big block and was by far the most popular of the two.
Are the Interior Parts the Same in the 1959 Ford and the 1959 Edsel?
The 1959 Ford had similar mechanical parts as the 1959 Edsel Ranger, including engines, rears and transmissions, but are any of the interior parts the same?
Building Model Cars in the 1950s and 1960s
I want to dedicate this column to model cars and model car builders. Building models was and still is an enjoyable endeavor of my "car loving" life. Just about every car lover goes through the model building days.
Eastern Museum of Motor Racing
The Eastern Museum Of Motor Racing (EMMR) is located in York Springs, PA and was purchased in 1982 by EMMR, a 501-c nonprofit organization is home to the EMMR museum that houses an extensive collection of historic race cars.
1957 Ford Fairlane Model Car Kit
A few years ago I found a 1957 Ford model car kit. I think it was a Revell. My car was light green and white, and the photo of the Revell model was the same color, so that's what color I was going to paint it.
Did the Chrysler Newport and Dodge 880 Receive the Same Sheet Metal in 1962?
Chrysler had regularly used the Newport logo in the 1940s and 1950s, but it wasn’t until 1961 that the Newport became a standalone model.
More Plymouth Collector Car History
I’ve been reading your columns recently and liked the GTX column last month. I still like the old Plymouths, and ask if you think Chrysler should have kept the name instead of Dodge.
1957 Ford Police Interceptor
My dad said the 1957 Ford business coupe had a 270 Police Interceptor engine in it with two 4-barrel carbs and a 3 speed transmission on the column.
How Many 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 312 V8 Superchargers Were Made?
I had a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 with the optional 300-horsepower supercharged 312 V8. It was quite a fast car back then, and I'm wondering if you know how many of these 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 312 V8 Superchargers were made?
Why Did Checker Motor Company Go Out of Business?
I really miss those old Checker Taxi cabs. Whatever happened to the Checker Taxi cabs and why did Checker Motor Company go out of business?
How Much Is An Original 1947 Pontiac Silver Streak Worth?
I have a 1947 Silver Streak Pontiac with only 24,000 miles showing on the speedometer and it has the Straight-8 with a 3-speed manual that runs great. Could you please tell me what a fair price would be for this car?
When Was the Last Official Packard Built?
In 1958, even less Packards were sold, and the Packard-Studebaker board announced it would end all Packard production midway that year.
What is the Definition of a Muscle Car?
The term muscle car is any American-produced vehicle with a high horsepower engine built specifically for performance. The years 1956-1957 were loaded with fine examples of Detroit muscle.
How Much Is My 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL 2-Door Hardtop Worth?
How much is my 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL 2-door hardtop worth? Our Galaxie has an AM/FM radio, 390 V8 engine, 4-speed transmission and only 69,000 original miles.
What Was the Best Year for Collector Cars of the 1950s?
What was the best year for collector cars of the 1950s? If you had to choose one year from the decade of the 1950s as the best overall for cars, what year would it be?
1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer
The 1957 Dodge Coronet Lancer was one of Dodge's most popular all-new cars of the era, featuring a 325 V8 engine producing 245 horses, 3-speed push button Torqueflite transmission, lots of chrome and beautiful interior.
Is It True That a Monkey Used To Ride With One of the NASCAR Drivers Back in the 1950s?
Is It True That a Monkey Used To Ride With One of the NASCAR Drivers Back in the 1950s? The driver who took a monkey with him in the NASCAR races was the legendary Tim Flock.
1950s Saabs That Sounded Like Bumblebees
Do you remember those great Saabs of the late 1950s that sounded like bumblebees? I sure do. I, too, was a Saab fan, especially of those “bumble bee” sounding 1956-1959 models with a four speed on the column and a three cylinder, two stroke engine.
Collector Car Insurance Options
I am planning on buying a Lincoln or Cadillac from the late 1950s or early 1960s and want to know about collector car insurance. How do you insure your collector cars?
Who Won the Very First Indy 500 in 1911?
A Bosch-powered Marmon Wasp driven by Ray Harroun did indeed win the very first Indy 500 in 1911, so Bosch’s roots in motorsports goes back a long, long way.
How Many Different Engines Were Available in the 1965 Dodge Coronet?
The powerful 426 Hemi engine was available in 1965 in the Dodge, and five other V8 engines including the 273, 318, 361, 383 and 413 power plants. Additionally, two Slant-6 engines were available.
Did a Nash Car Ever Pace in the Indy 500?
Nash was the official pace car of the Indy 500 in 1947 and was driven by George W. Mason, president of Nash-Kelvinator. Mason was a marketing genius who utilized Nash automobiles in the Superman TV series, too.
What is My 1937 Buick Series 40 Special and My 1969 Midget Worth?
I have a 1937 Buick that I restored about 30 years ago and a 1969 MG Midget that I worked on 20 years ago. I'd like some ballpark figures on what my 1937 Buick Series 40 Special and my 1969 Midget are worth?
Should I Install Aluminum Rods In My 454 Chevy For My 1969 Chevelle?
I am rebuilding a 454 Chevy to put in my 1969 Chevelle and came upon a set of used aluminum rods I picked for only $200. DO NOT run these aluminum rods in your 454 engine, or any engine for that matter.
How Can a Car Collector Tell if a 1968 Mr. Norm Grand Spaulding 440 Dart is Real?
How Can a Car Collector Tell if a 1968 Mr. Norm Grand Spaulding 440 Dart is Real?
I have a 1940 Graham Supercharger and I would like to know what it’s worth. The supercharger is designed and built by Graham and has a serial number of F82857.
1940 Graham Supercharger
The Graham became known as the car line with a “Supercharger” series, and many of their production models came with a supercharger.
1950 Plymouth Business Coupe
You do have a rare piece of automotive history on your hands, as just 16,861 1950 Plymouth Business Coupes were ever produced in a total run of 610,954 Plymouth cars that year.
What is the Value of a Crosley Today?
What is the value of a Crosley today? How well do these cars do at auctions nowadays, as they weren't a very expensive car back when they were built?
Honda Insight Memories and the Modern Electric Car
I’d love to hear your comments on the original electric car to come to America, the 2000 Honda Insight. I know it came before the Toyota Prius and I would guess you test drove the car back then as I see you’ve been doing this since 1994.
How To Rebuild a Mopar 383ci V8 Engine for $2,500
I am preparing to rebuild a Mopar 383 V8 engine that has been sitting around my garage for years and I am going to put it in a 1968 Plymouth 2-door Satellite. How can I rebuild my 383 V8 engine for $2,500?
1939 Chevy Sedan Delivery Model JB Sells For $673!
1939 Chevy Sedan Delivery was called a Model JB, and it sold new for $673.00. The vehicle has a 112.25 in wheel base and weighed 3005 lbs. from the factory on the original chassis.
The Writing Is On The (Side) Wall
If I inflate my tires past the recommended tire pressure number by a few pounds, will I get better gas mileage in both my muscle car (1970 Plymouth Barracuda) and my street car 2010 Dodge Avenger R/T?
Lincoln Continentals of the 1950s
Lincoln produced a Continental from 1939 to 1948 and then let the name sit for several years until bringing it back as a stand-alone model in 1956.
What Was the Very First Sport Utility Vehicle?
Of all vehicles out there, the 1949 Willys Jeep Station Wagon in my opinion is the very first SUV ever built, as it included a strong four-wheel drive underbody with the flexibility of the station wagon body design.
Who Built the First Hatchback Car, and What Year Did It Happen?
Who built the first hatchback car, and what year did it happen? I'd give that vote to the 1949 through 1954 Kaiser Traveler utility sedan.
What is a Fair Price for a 6-Pack, Three-Two Barrel Setup?
What is a fair price to pay for a 6-pack, three two barrel setup, for my 440 Dodge R/T?
Fastest American Car in 1957
What was the fastest American car in 1957? In my view, the 1957 F code T-bird was the fastest American car in 1957.
The Crosley Motor Company
Crosley Motors Inc. was founded by Powell Crosley Jr. in Cincinnati, Ohio, back in the 1930s. I remember Crosley because I was a big Phillies baseball fan beginning in 1958, when I used to listen to the games on a Crosley manufactured radio!
Great Old Packards
I want to ask about your feelings on the Packard automobile that was built up through 1958. Also, do you know what the “Thee “P”s were in luxury cars?
Did Ford Produce Enough 1969 Talladega Fastbacks to be Legal for NASCAR Racing?
Did Ford Produce Enough 1969 Talladega Fastbacks to be Legal for NASCAR Racing?
Famous Mercurys on Highway, Dragstrip and Oval
Which year do you feel was most important to Mercury as a car brand on the dealer showroom, on the drag strip and on the racing ovals?
Was the 1967 GTX the First True Muscle Car Effort from Plymouth?
Was the 1967 GTX the First True Muscle Car Effort from Plymouth? The 1967 Plymouth GTX wasn’t the first muscle car effort by any means.
1967 Chevelle:  Real or Clone?
1967 Chevelle SS a few years ago that had a 350 small block crate motor in it. However, it does have all the correct SS396 badges inside and out. After doing some research, I read that the SS Sport Coupes came with 396/325hp engine.
Remembering the 1956-1959 Saab Model 93
Saab was founded back in 1949. Saab is still best known by car collectors for these very unique “humpback” sedans and coupes that roamed the roadways in the Fifties.
Lee Iacocca and the Ford Mustang
Didn’t Lee Iacocca start with Ford Motor Company and help bring the Mustang to market as well?
Earl Madman Muntz and his Muntz Jet
Another car manufacturer that I remember from the 1950 era was a man called “Madman Muntz” and his Muntz Jet. I’m sure you remember him and would appreciate if you could give us some information on him and his car?
Growing Up with Cars, Model Kits, and Drag Races
I remember the wheelstander drag vehicles you mention like it was yesterday, and I, too, built a model of the “Little Red Wagon” just like you did.
Car Shopping in the 1960s
Buying a car back in the 1960s was a lot different than it is today and the marketing was so much fun with the new model year dealership “new car celebrations”.