Latest news with #Pontiac
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Two hospitalized after Jones County crash
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – Two people were hospitalized after a two-vehicle crash in Jones County. The crash occurred on Spur Line Road on Tuesday, May 27. Jones County deputies said the collision involved a Pontiac Trans Am and a Honda Civic. Lucedale resident killed in Memorial Day weekend crash The adult driver of the Pontiac walked away with a small scratch. Deputies said the driver and passenger of the Honda were both transported to South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel for treatment. According to investigators, there was rain in the area at the time of the crash, and the roadway was wet. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Drive
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Tell Your Uncle: Pontiac Isn't Coming Back Just Because GM Is Renewing the Trademark
The latest car news, reviews, and features. General Motors just applied to renew its Pontiac trademark, and on the surface, it's tempting for us and all of our Coors-swilling uncles to assume there's a secret plan to resurrect the beloved brand. Still, don't get your hopes up: Pontiac likely isn't coming back in the near future, or even in the distant future. The trademark filing simply doesn't mean much. The application was filed on April 25, 2025, and it applies to 'hubcaps for vehicles, horns for vehicles, license plate frames, and novelty license plate frames.' This is another way of saying the name can end up on various car parts. The application hasn't been approved yet—it's still awaiting examination—but General Motors has owned it since 2005. It's going to be approved. Car companies routinely file trademarks to ensure that a brand name, a model name, or even a logo doesn't end up in a competitor's hands. Just ask Nissan. By renewing the Pontiac trademark, General Motors is essentially making sure that, say, Dodge doesn't end up using the name on a trim level. Would that happen? Probably not, but it's better to play it safe. And, by owning the trademark, General Motors is making sure it can continue to sell that sweet, sweet Pontiac-branded memorabilia despite the brand shuttering in 2010. Imagine if General Motors let the trademark expire. Pontiac is dead, after all, and it's not coming back. Why waste the legal team's time with a new trademark application? Granted, assuming that Dodge would launch a Charger Pontiac is a little far-fetched, but what if I spotted the expired trademark and claimed it? If my application were approved, I could sue General Motors if it ever sold anything Pontiac-branded. I can hear you from here: 'But, the Hummer EV!' Surely, General Motors must have trademarked the Hummer name before assigning the EV to GMC, and in that case the filing accurately revealed a future product. It sometimes happens: Subaru trademarked a bunch of Wilderness names in 2024 and we've seen a few hit the market since. Ford's Mustang Dark Horse trademark previewed a new model as well. But for every accurate trademark filing, there are dozens that amount to nothing. Lexus LFR? Sadly, no. Subaru STe? Nope. Make a red X next to the Ford F-200, Ford Excursion, Ram Dakota, Toyota Celica, Volkswagen E-Thing, and Rolls-Royce Silent Shadow. Sure, the Celica is allegedly making a comeback, but we've heard these rumors for so long that the old trademark filing was probably unrelated to the project. Last but not least, why would General Motors go through the trouble of resurrecting Pontiac? Doing that would require investing a massive amount of money into a product range. At this stage, the brand would have to be rebuilt from the ground up. Nothing suggests that General Motors wants to add a new brand to its portfolio. It was leaner than ever when it emerged from bankruptcy, and it almost definitely wants to stay that way. It rolled the short-lived BrightDrop brand into Chevrolet, and it closed the Cruise division it founded to develop autonomous driving tech. There's probably more equity left in the Pontiac name than in the Saturn name, but the high-octane, V8-powered performance that the company is known for isn't coming back, either. Does the world really need a Pontiac-branded version of the Blazer EV? Probably not. So, don't hold your breath for a 2027 Pontiac e-GTO crossover. You're in luck if you want a Pontiac-branded license plate frame, though. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These Cars From the '70s are Now Worth More Than Ever
The 1970s began with some of the most exciting muscle cars and supercars ever built. By the end of the decade, new emissions rules and rising fuel prices created what many call the Malaise Era. Yet despite that, several 1970s models have seen their values climb dramatically. To assemble this list, we verified each car's original sticker price and adjusted for inflation using the official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculator. We then compared those numbers to average private sale prices from and recent auction results reported by Hagerty and Bring a Trailer. The cars in this curated article have been selected because, well, they're worth more than ever! I first checked around for 1970s cars with a hefty price tag, but we wanted it to be more specific than that. To make sure they were truly worth "more than ever," I checked each car's original selling price for that year and checked how much that would be in today's money due to inflation. After crying a bit, I compiled a list of cars that have skyrocketed in price due to their rarity, good looks, or just how desirable they are to collectors. The average prices in this article were provided by and the cars were selected based on their distinct style, rarity, and interesting backstories. Original Selling Price: $3,999 ($31,946 in today's money). A blend of style and power that embodied the muscle car madness of the 1960s and 1970s, the Oldsmobile 442 attempted to compete with the Pontiac GTO. In the early 1970s, new emissions standards slowed things down, and GM stated that all engines should have reduced compression and power ratings. Enter the 1972 Oldsmobile 442, which introduced a W30 package with 310 horsepower and a Ram Air induction system. According to Muscle Cars Illustrated, Hi-Performance Cars Magazine recorded a 14.37-second quarter-mile at 98 mph behind the wheel of the '72. This made it the second-fastest muscle car of the year. Today, the 1972 Oldsmobile 442 is a highly desired collectible car, which is reflected in its price tag. Original price: $10,000 ($80,171 in today's money). This 1970s supercar could easily be confused with a Ferrari from the same era, with racecar-inspired curves, a boxy body, and pop-up headlights. However, a similar-looking Ferrari of that decade — the 365 GT — was selling for over $20,000 back then — more than double. The De Tomaso has an impressive performance that measures up today. According to the Audrain Automobile Museum, it had a Ford 351 Cleveland V8 engine, but Jalopnik's Kristen Lee claims it's quite difficult to drive. Original Price: $72,200 ($442,182 in today's money). Marcello Gandini was tasked with designing a supercar even more fantastic than the Miura of the late 1960s — and he definitely succeeded with the Countach. Car and Driver notes its outrageous features like scissor doors and groove cuts in the roof. Its dramatically slanted and narrowed front is a standout feature to me, giving it that "this is what the future of cars will look like" vibe from the '70s and '80s. (Unfortunately, they were wrong.) This prestigious and collectible supercar is unsurprisingly seen at auction going for millions these days, but if you're brave enough to drive such an expensive car, you're in for quite the experience, said Road & Track. Original Price: $4,180 ($19,528 in today's money). Some of the best cars of the 1970s were not American muscle cars, as proven by the Datsun 260Z, one of Nissan's many Z-cars. With a slightly increased engine size over the 240Z, the 260Z had a short-lived run in America from 1974 to the end of 1978. According to Hagerty, Nissan sold 450,000 Z cars in the United States from 1969 to 1978, but most are long gone, so it's a pretty rare car to come across today. When looking for a 260Z, avoid the 2+2. This was a unique seat configuration offered with the 260Z that was unpopular back then and is still undesirable now. The market value of the 2+2 is very low, with parts being difficult to come by and nobody really fitting in the backseats except children. But who's using a Datsun 260Z to drive children around? Let's be real. Original Price: $4,000 ($29,960 in today's money). The original Aston Martin Vantage is often referred to as "Britain's first supercar." According to Autoevolution, that's all thanks to a 300+ hp 5.3-liter V8 engine that got the sporty coupe up to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds and boasted a top speed of 170 mph. The 1973 Aston Martin Vantage wasn't just fast but also extremely stylish, with a prominent hood scoop, leather bucket seats, and a complex dashboard. It gives collectors a more refined option but with the same power as a muscle car of the same decade. In other words, it's a snobby British car, but it deserves to be. Original Price: $10,000 ($77,635 in today's money). Dyler tells us that the Maserati Bora is a rare supercar from the '70s. This was Maserati's first mid-engine road car, with the U.S. imports featuring a 4.9-liter V8 with 310 hp, shooting it to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and reaching a top speed above 170 mph. It may not be the fastest car of the decade, but the attention to detail of its design has made it unreachable. The Bora had a wedge-shaped body with a stainless steel roof panel for artistic contrast. According to Hagerty, it also had a mid-mounted engine, adding to the car's focus on sportiness and luxury. From 1971 to 1979, only 500 Maserati Bora cars made it to the United States. Original Price: $28,780 ($156,977 in today's money). A 1977 issue of Car and Driver found the Ferrari 308 GTB to be an overall rewarding driving experience, with a surprisingly comfortable cockpit that doesn't hinder the car's performance. Only 12,000 308s were ever made, and just 712 of them have fiberglass bodies. It has a 3.0-liter V8 mid-engine that produces 240 hp and an iconic modern appearance that puts the 308 GTB ahead of its time. Pop-up headlights and an angular wedge shape set the Ferrari 308 GTB apart. But let's be real, the value lies in it being a Ferrari. That will always cost you, no matter what year. Original Price: $3,720 ($31,401 in today's money). This is the epitome of a classic muscle car with an iconic fastback body and the performance to match. Back in the '70s, MotorTrend journalist Steve Kelly reported that the Boss had a 302 V8 engine with 290 hp that pushed a quarter mile in 14.64 seconds. But it thrives on the streets and the track after all these years. Despite being a pretty affordable car back in the day, the Mustang is part of classic Americana now. The 1970s were the decade of the muscle car, so it's no surprise that the Boss has become a pretty pricey '70s car for collectors and muscle car enthusiasts. Original Price: $17,000 ($104,115 in today's money). This is the sickest car on the list; I don't care what anybody says. FCA Heritage, a site dedicated to sharing Lancia's rich history, teaches us that the Lancia Stratos HF took over rally racing in the 1970s, known as the first car specifically built for the infamous Group B class. Its focus on rally racing gave the Lancia Stratos HF a unique look, including a short wheelbase, a fiberglass body, and an extreme wedge-shaped body. What started as a win at the 1974 World Rally Championship resulted in plenty more victories, making this a high-performance car with the records to back it up. Original Price: $4,446 ($33,301 in today's money). called the Trans Am Super Duty 455 the "end of the muscle car era." Despite the stricter emissions regulations after 1970, the Trans Am Super Duty 455 attempted to power through it with a 290-hp 7.5-liter V8 engine. To go along with its defiant performance, the Trans Am featured a shaker hood and the iconic "screaming chicken" hood decal. Its iconic status means it's now a highly sought-after classic, which is reflected in the prices. Original Price: $13,000 ($97,372 in today's money). What car list is complete without a 911? Porsche says the 911 was released in 1963, and it's remained a staple in car culture ever since. In the 1970s, they had the Porsche 911 Carrera RS, with 1973 being the last year of the first generation. With a design and performance focused on racing, this is now one of the most respected and sought-after 911s ever. The Porsche 911 Carrera RS featured a 2.7-liter flat-six engine with 210 hp. Its exterior had a ducktail spoiler and wide rear wheels, and a race-focused suspension kept it agile during track sessions or spirited canyon drives. Original Price: $3,500 ($28,937.69 in today's money) Few cars capture the drama of 1970 better than the Hemi 'Cuda drop-top. Plymouth built just 14 left-hand-drive convertibles equipped with the 426-cubic-inch Hemi V8, making them rarer than many European exotics of the era. Back in 1970, the sticker price was about $3,500, and today one sold at auction for nearly $2 million. What makes the Hemi 'Cuda so special isn't just the engine's legendary roar; it's the combination of blistering straight-line speed, genuine factory documentation, and the thrill of owning one of the rarest American convertibles ever offered. Original Price: $3,800 ($31,418.07 in today's money) When buyers wanted brute force in 1970, few cars answered like the Chevelle SS 454. Under the long hood sat a big-block V8 displacing 454 cubic inches and packing up to 450 horsepower in the LS6 configuration. Originally priced around $3,800, a well-preserved LS6 Chevelle now commands over $150,000 at auction. Enthusiasts prize the Chevelle's combination of glamorous Chevrolet styling, muscle-car credentials, and that deep burble you can feel through the steering wheel. Original Price: $3,535 ($29,227.07 in today's money) Dodge's Challenger R/T paired iconic '70s flair with a triple-carburetor 440 cubic-inch V8 that pumped out solid mid-400-horsepower numbers. The 'Six Pack' setup gave drivers instant throttle response and a unique engine note that still turns heads. Priced around $3,500 when new, matching-numbers Six Pack Challengers now sell for more than $120,000 in excellent condition. Collectors love the way the Challenger balances everyday drivability with genuine drag-strip credentials. Original Price: $26,700 ($150,531.22 in today's money) Porsche shook the sports-car world in late 1975 by adding a turbocharger to its proven 911 platform. The result was the 930 Turbo with roughly 260 horsepower, a distinctive 'whale-tail' spoiler to keep the rear planted, and that unforgettable spooling whistle under hard acceleration. At launch, it cost about $26,000 — close to double the price of a naturally aspirated 911 — and today, early 930s regularly fetch six-figure sums, often north of $300,000. Drivers praise the combination of raw punch, razor-sharp steering, and air-cooled charm that only a true 1970s Porsche can deliver. Original Price: $13,500 ($80,496.89 in today's money) BMW built the 3.0 CSL to win in European touring-car racing, fitting it with aerodynamic bodywork, aluminum panels, and lightened components. Its aggressive fender flares, giant rear wing, and roof-mounted spoiler earned it the 'Batmobile' nickname long before superhero movies made that term famous. Original buyers paid around $13,500, and today these cars go for nearly $300,000 at auction. Collectors covet the Batmobile for its blend of race-ready hardware, sculptural design, and the knowledge that it helped establish BMW's motorsport legacy. Original Price: $27,000 ($154,950 in today's money). With inflation, the Silhouette was technically worth more back in the day than it is now. But there's no denying that this car is worthy of the "expensive '70s car" title. It's gonna be hard to get your hands on the Lamborghini Silhouette. which currently has no 1975 Lamborghini Silhouettes for sale, reports that only 54 of this special car were ever produced — and two were prototypes. Lambo Cars claims this makes it one of Lamborghini's rarest cars, but it started out as an "affordable" model created out of desperation during a time when the company was struggling. This was Lamborghini's first car with a removable targa roof that could be stored behind the rear seats. It has a rear-mid-mounted 3.0-liter V8 producing 265 hp, giving it a top speed of 160 mph. Original Price: $6,118 ($51,644 in today's money). Here's another example of a classic car from the '70s that will set you back to purchase but is technically a steal if you calculate inflation. The Cadillac De Ville series rolled onto the car market in 1965 and found its own by 1970. This is the most desirable year for car collectors, according to Hagerty. It featured a nice styling upgrade that added to its luxurious design appeal, and the prominent and angular hood was home to a 500-cid V8 engine, the largest displacement V8 on the market. The 1970 Cadillac De Ville is notorious for being a bit of a gas guzzler, but that's the price you pay for power. By 1971, GM introduced "a new era of smog-controlled engines," reducing the hp and torque of the De Ville. But this model lives on. Still crying about inflation? Me too. Still crying about how expensive these stunning cars are now? Me too. While there's virtually zero chance that most of us will ever own any of them, it's still fun to take a look at some of the most desired cars from the 1970s and see what collectors are willing to pay for these beloved classics today. Read More: Overlooked, Underpriced, and Built to Thrill—These Cars Are Hiding in Plain Sight Fast, Fun, and (Maybe) Profitable: Sports Cars That Might Pay You Back
Motor 1
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
GM Trademarked the Pontiac Name, But Don't Expect a Comeback
It's been 16 years since General Motors killed the Pontiac brand , and nearly three years since the Bring back Pontiac Facebook page's last official post. There's still a lot of love out there for the brand, with plenty of folks clamoring for its return. But there's little chance GM will resurrect Pontiac, despite the automaker's recent trademark filing. GM filed a trademark application in the United States late last month for the Pontiac name. However, the filing isn't for the automaker to use it on a future automobile. The application specifically states that this is for "Hub caps for vehicles; Horns for vehicles; License plate frames; Novelty license plate frames." 2008 Pontiac G8 ST Concept It looks like the General wants to keep the Pontiac name under its control. The company has had the name locked down since 2005, and while it no longer builds any Pontiac models, there are still plenty on the road, with owners who want branded accessories, parts, and other memorabilia. So the renewed trademark makes sense. Pontiac was one of several brands that GM discontinued when the automaker faced insolvency in the late 2000s. Not even Bob Lutz could save the iconic brand. He told us last year that he still considers the brand's death "to be borderline a tragedy." We do too, Bob. We do too. Check Out More From Pontiac: This Pontiac Trans Sport Is Our New Favorite Lego Set This Was Pontiac's Last Concept Car Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: US Patent and Trademark Office via CarBuzz Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Triumphant Return: Pontiac Could Be Coming Back
Read the full story on The Auto Wire It's been 15 years since the Pontiac brand was officially retired by a bankrupt General Motors. While we've talked about how dumb it was to keep Buick while ditching the performance arm of GM, it seems the automaker might be regretting that decision. In fact, the word on the street is Pontiac is going to be stirs up all sorts of emotions in us and undoubtedly does in you as well. After all, that's one thing Pontiac excelled at during its entire history, which is why we would love to see it come back. The industry has become so boring lately, we need a little excitement. Pontiac is the brand credited with inventing the muscle car and kickstarting a horsepower war among the Big Three in the 60s and early 70s. With Dodge at least temporarily out of the muscle car segment, the Camaro dead, and the Mustang as the lone offering on the market, Pontiac is very much needed. Helping to fuel the rumors that Pontiac is being resurrected are reports GM has renewed its trademark for the brand name. We know automakers will sit on names, not doing anything with them sometimes for decades, but this action has given enthusiasts hope. Can you imagine what Pontiacs would be like now? What would the design language be? Would the brand have a full model range or would it just focus on muscle cars? Would a sports car be in the mix? We hate to ask this, but it's a thing these days, but would electrification be used in Pontiacs? That could be a hybrid powertrain or fully-electric cars. Just keep in mind right now that Pontiac's return isn't for sure. But if everyone makes enough noise, that might help seal the deal. Image via Eddie Gran/Facebook Marketplace Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
