Latest news with #classiccar
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Unrestored 1968 Camaro RS Convertible Surfaces for Auction in Rare Ash Gold Finish
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A well-preserved 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible has hit the auction block this week, drawing attention for its originality and rare color specification. The vehicle, offered through Bring a Trailer by Avant Garde Collection, showcases a factory Ash Gold exterior and retains much of its period-correct equipment — making it a notable entry for collectors of unrestored American muscle. Originally built during the fourth week of October 1967 at GM's Norwood, Ohio, plant, this first-generation Camaro sports the Rally Sport appearance package. Signature RS features include concealed headlights, a unique grille design with a centered RS badge, and distinct parking and reverse light placements below the bumpers. The vehicle also bears RS badging on the fuel cap and fenders, and rides on 15-inch Rally wheels fitted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. While the 350-cubic-inch V8 currently under the hood is a later, 1971-dated replacement, the engine is stamped 'CGC,' consistent with Chevrolet small-block V8s of that era. Power is routed through a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission to the rear wheels. Mechanically, the car has seen recent service. Prior to listing, the front right lower control arm was replaced along with front shocks and both rear springs and shocks. The braking system remains stock with drum brakes at all four corners. Inside, the black standard bucket seats and center console with woodgrain trim remain untouched, according to the selling dealer. The air conditioning switch has been replaced, but the original AM radio remains in place, contributing to the car's period-correct appeal. Listed under an Antique title, this 1968 Camaro RS represents a compelling opportunity for collectors seeking originality over full restoration. With demand rising for first-gen Camaros in unrestored condition, bidding is expected to be competitive as the auction continues through the week.
The Drive
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
This 'Shorty' For Sale Sees the Original Mini and Laughs
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Today's Minis have gotten too big for their britches. Thankfully, a classic Mini touring about town maintains the small car balance. But should BMW-owned Mini build a laughably offensive modern-day behemoth, there exists the 'Shorty,' a truly miniature Mini that just so happens to be street legal. Based on a vintage Mini Cooper, the 'Shorty' is a highly modified version that sees the wheelbase significantly shortened and the roof chopped. According to Silodrome, the exact origins of this mini Mini are 'lost to history,' and there seems to be no set standard for the mods. How small the minimalist among Minis can get is genuinely based on preference. For example, there are two-seater classic Coopers galivanting around out there. At that point, they might even be tinier than go-karts. Because the only requirement is a classic Mini as the donor vehicle, the Shorty probably isn't as uncommon as one might think. As Silodrome notes, the OG cutie was built from 1959 to 2000, when BMW introduced its version that carried the same name but with modern design and engineering. More than 5.3 million original Minis were built over its four-decade lifespan. This conversion currently listed with Car & Classic happens to be a 1978 model. Car & Classic The Leyland Mini was converted into a Shorty about 12 years ago, but then apparently stored in a barn for the last decade. Its current owner obtained the lime-green Leyland sometime in the past year. The vehicle has had plenty of recent work, but mostly of the cosmetic variety. The vehicle's bumper, grille, and chrome trim are all new, and the interior is refreshed with new carpet and reupholstered seats. A new battery was installed, and the tires were replaced, likely from being an inactive barn resident for several years. Although this Leyland Shorty Mini sports a bold color, I think any possible polarization is a moot point when you consider the vehicle proportions will turn heads regardless. The vehicle is currently located in Northern Ireland and said to have just 50,000 miles on the odometer. The listing shows an asking price of £5,500 ($7,445), but the seller is also open to offers. This particular vehicle is 'driving very well,' said the seller, but may need its handbrake cable replaced. How this thing drives is a fascinating thought. After all, you're taking a vehicle that maxed at about 1,500 pounds to start, and then putting it on a crash diet. Shedding half the sheet metal (I'm guessing) might mean twice the fun (still guessing)? For that price, such a quirky little conversion might prove to be big, cheap fun. Beverly Braga has enjoyed an eventful career as a Swiss Army knife, having held roles as an after-school teacher, film critic, PR manager, transcriber, and video producer – to name a few. She is currently a communications consultant and freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous outlets covering automotive, entertainment, lifestyle, and food & beverage. Beverly grew up in Hawaii but roots for Washington, D.C., sports teams.
Auto Car
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
All Minors, no majors: Learning to drive in a 57-year-old Morris
Learning to drive in a classic car can be a very shrewd choice – and it could well make you a better driver too You can keep your Fiestas, this is a far cooler car for learning to drive in Close There's a Morris Minor fan near where I live. He has a Traveller on his drive and a saloon on the road outside that doesn't appear to have moved for some time because there's an eco system developing underneath it. Then a few weeks ago, while cycling past Hampton Court Palace, I saw what looked like the saloon motoring along the A308 in the direction of the M3. An impressive turnaround in fortune for a car that, I suspected, might never run again. Except this wasn't that Morris Minor. This one was being driven by a young-looking lad who, from the presence of an L-plate front and back, appeared to be learning to drive in it. A few days later, I spotted the car parked outside the local doctor's surgery. Further detective work revealed that the blue 1968 Morris Minor 1000 is the pride and joy of father Ed Wilson and his son Patrick. Patrick is 17 years old and has been learning to drive over the past four months. First, if you believe the mass media, no youngsters are learning to drive these days, and second, if they are, they're not likely to be learning in a 57-year-old classic. I found the sight of young Patrick in his Morris Minor rather heart-warming. So, Ed, why isn't junior learning to drive in something more modern? Something a bit more conventional like a Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta? 'Money,' says Ed. 'At least that's the primary reason.' I'd heard via word of mouth that insuring young people to drive a classic car was far cheaper than for a modern car. That turned out to be true because Patrick, who is the policy holder on the Minor, with dad as a named driver, pays only £120 per year. "That's for limited mileage, and only 1000 miles at that, but that's adequate for us as we don't go very far from home,' says Ed. 'And although the premium will rise once he's passed his test, it will still be far cheaper than for a modern car.' Why a Morris Minor? 'Well, my grandfather had one,' says Ed, 'which added some appeal. We looked at a Traveller but the woodwork was really rotten so we gave that one a miss. Then we spotted this saloon that was for sale for £1500. "As you can see, the paintwork is very dull and there is some surface rust in places, but structurally it's pretty sound. The other advantage of this car is that it's ULEZ-exempt, which is an important factor when you're on a tight budget.' Ed learned to drive at the age of 25 in a Ford Fiesta, a rather more sophisticated car than the Moggie. 'It took me a while to adjust to driving the Minor,' he says, 'but Patrick picked it up quicker than me.' Patrick says: 'Most of my friends are learning to drive, but nobody is driving a car as old as ours. They haven't commented much on the Morris but my sister Poppy reckons that it's a really cool car.' Even for Ed, the Morris has features he had not encountered before. Such as a foot-operated dip switch. 'I've never owned a car with a manual choke,' he says, 'which has taken some mastering.' But it's not what the car has: it's what it hasn't that makes it interesting for a learner driver. Like synchromesh on first gear. 'I've had to learn to think ahead,' says Patrick. 'I only drive the car in town but even so I have to think carefully when I'm coming up to a junction or making a manoeuvre. I don't think I'd like to drive it on a motorway as it's not fast enough and other traffic would be intimidating. I'll be taking my test in a modern car.' There's no question in my mind that Patrick will be a better driver for learning in such an analogue car with no distractions. He'll be picking up skills that will be of great use to him throughout his driving life even if he does migrate to a modern car that will help steer and park for him, spot pedestrians and carry out emergency stops. What did I learn in? A Morris Minor 1000 Traveller. Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here. Next Prev In partnership with
Top Gear
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
This stunning Dual-Ghia Convertible was owned by Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner
This stunning Dual-Ghia Convertible was owned by Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner This rare Italian-American drop top is up for sale just in time for summer. And it's a snip at $349,900 Skip 16 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 16 Looking for a little convertible sportscar for summer? Yeah, there are the usual options – Mazda MX-5, Toyota MR2 or perhaps an MG TF if you're really on a budget. There's also this. This is a 1957 Dual-Ghia Convertible that was purchased new by Frank Sinatra's production company. Sinatra then gifted the car to his ex-wife, the American actress Ava Gardner. And yes, it'll cost a little more than a Miata. In fact, it's up for sale through Daniel Schmitt & Co in St. Louis for $349,900. Yikes. Advertisement - Page continues below Quite the looker, though, isn't it? The Dual-Ghia was the brainchild of Eugene Casaroll – the owner of the Dual Motors Corporation which specialised in building military vehicles and industrial generators. Naturally, Casaroll decided that his company's next step should be to make a luxurious convertible land yacht, so he bought the rights to a Dodge Firearrow concept car and commissioned Carrozzeria Ghia to turn it into a proper production car. The Dual-Ghia quickly became supremely popular with those in Hollywood, but despite aiming for a production run of 150 cars, only 117 were built before the plug was pulled. It probably didn't help that it cost a bomb to produce, with the Dodge frame and 5.9-litre HEMI V8 being built in the US, before the whole thing was shipped over to Italy for Ghia to fit that wonderful tail finned body and the stunning interior. The cars were then sent back to the US for final assembly. Daniel Schmitt & Co reckons that just 34 Dual-Ghia Convertibles still exist, with this particular car possibly being one of the very best after a recent restoration. It was also previously featured in the 1992 TV series Sinatra, and it was once on display in the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Perfect for this fine weather we're having, no? Advertisement - Page continues below Looking for more from the USA? READ THE LATEST USA NEWS Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
