Category Archives: Vehicle feature articles

The 1980-1991 Mercedes W126 S-Class: A buyer’s overview

This gallery contains 165 photos.

The “w126 body” S-class (or “126”) body style sold from 1980-1991 is considered one of the most influential designs in Mercedes-Benz’s history.  It’s hard to argue that 126’s exude power, sophistication and continue to inspire imitation today.  Among the sleekest … Continue reading

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If you’re going to dress up as Elvis for Halloween, you should know a little about his personal cars

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If you’re considering going to a Halloween party dressed as Elvis, you owe it to yourself to know a little about the cars he’s owned.   And if you think the King only owned Cadillacs, you’d be wrong.  Why write … Continue reading

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Meet The “Little Pete” – A 3/5ths Scale Big Rig

This gallery contains 11 photos.

At a recent cruise night in Somerville, New Jersey, I came across something I’d never laid eyes on before – a Peterbilt truck cab that appeared to have been lowered much closer to the ground.  After more than a minute … Continue reading

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Fiberglass Roof Extension Caps Hidden Underneath Vinyl – A Cheap Malaise Era Shortcut To A More Formal Roof Look

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Whether you remember a time when vinyl roof coverings were everywhere on automobiles or not, we have a feeling you’ll find the hidden depths contained within pictures in this article both amazing and cringy at the same time. In the … Continue reading

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Celebrating 30 Years With a 1985 Mercedes 300D

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Ten years ago, I wrote, “Today I reached a 20-year anniversary of owning a 1985 Mercedes 300 Diesel, and felt it important to celebrate in some way.  When I bought the car, it was seven years old.  That seemed pretty … Continue reading

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How Old Are The Tires On Your Classic Car? (Probably Older Than You Think)

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At a local Cars & Coffee gathering recently, I met up with a friend Richard who I’ve known since we began working together as copywriters in 2012. Richard enjoyed seeing the car I brought because it was one I often … Continue reading

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4 Pickup Mods That Give a 1500 Series Pickup the Stature of a Heavy-Duty One

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(Re-published from November 2021)… On a recent road trip from Arizona to Florida, I was privileged to enjoy some great scenery and views that our nation’s interior has to offer. Over the course of two days driving through Texas, for … Continue reading

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Is The Porsche 911 The Quintessential Sports Car? We Talk With Several Owners To Find Out.

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PART 1 – THE 911, AND WHAT OWNERS SAY ABOUT IT: The definition of quintessential is “representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class”.  So could the Porsche 911 be the perfect, quintessential sports car? Since … Continue reading

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When your favorite fiction authors write about cars, do they get the details correct? (Part 1)

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My wife paused from reading a Sue Grafton novel to ask me, “Could a Mercedes sedan that would have been around in 1988 do a tire-smoking burnout, on a smooth cement parking garage surface?”  Having owned and driven a succession … Continue reading

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When your favorite fiction authors write about cars, do they get the details correct? (Part 2)

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(Continued from Part 1) If you’re like me when you read a work of fiction, you visualize things you read to a high degree.  You form a mental picture of characters in the story based on people you know or … Continue reading

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On the Bring A Trailer Online Auction Experience

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Fans of classic cars, we are truly in boom times when it comes to buying and selling the ones of our dreams on the internet. A current leader in the online experience is auction site Bring A Trailer.com, which has … Continue reading

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The 1976-86 Mercedes “W123 body” E-Class – Possibly The Best Car Benz Has Ever Made

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NOTE: As a Mercedes W123-body owner living in the United States, my writing has an admittedly U.S.-market bias because these are the very versions I grew up admiring. That said, I’ve always had an equal fondness and interest regarding all … Continue reading

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Does That Red 2-door Sports Car You Dream Of Need To Be An Actual Car?

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For many children of the 1970s like myself who remember that final decade when affordable British, Italian, and German 2-seaters with ragtops could still be purchased new in the U.S., the phrase “sports car” conjures up distinct memories of them. … Continue reading

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My Idea of a Perfect Bare-Bones Economy Car

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Has this happened to you? You buy a lower-priced car intending to save money only to end up dropping paychecks into it later in the interest of upgrading things. I don’t mean spending money on necessary repairs – I’m talking … Continue reading

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Do You Still Want Today’s Version Of The Car You Dreamed Of When You Were Young?

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Recently I came across two old Cadillac commercials on Youtube that effectively played on a sentimental vibe many of us car enthusiasts can relate to. The first ad for a 1971 Coupe de Ville opens in black and white with … Continue reading

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When Is It Time To Cut The Cord On Your Beater Car?

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When you’re into cars, it’s hard not to end up caring and worrying about the ones you own. You end up dodging potholes, choosing remote parking spots, spending money on maintenance items, keeping everything clean, using a car cover, and … Continue reading

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Vinyl roof coverings were created to be retro in 1925. Now the on-and-off fad is making a comeback. A brief history…

This gallery contains 57 photos.

Coming across a can of old glue thinner in the garage recently made me recall how I had used it to remove the padded vinyl roof on a ’79 Cadillac Sedan deVille I once owned.  Which got me thinking about … Continue reading

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Inside a custom-made 4-door 1970 Plymouth Barracuda

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It all started in 2010 when Dave Walden, owner of ECS Automotive Concepts in Chesterfield, Mo, came across an artist’s rendering of a light blue/gray concept four-door Barracuda hardtop.  After much consideration, it led to him and his friend, Steve … Continue reading

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Bet You Didn’t Know the 1975-84 VW Rabbit Stayed In Production Around The World Until…2009!

This gallery contains 77 photos.

Volkswagen’s Golf model, named after the wind (Golf is German for Gulf Stream), was first introduced for the 1975 model year to serve as a modern replacement for the aging Beetle and related models.  Sold in the United States as … Continue reading

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The top 50 longest-running car designs

This gallery contains 70 photos.

The Beetle had the number 1 longest-running automotive design.  But you may not guess what numbers 2 through 50 are… If a car design is right from the start, it does not need to be changed for the sake of … Continue reading

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The 1983-1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible: a true ’80s period piece…

This gallery contains 56 photos.

“In convertibles it’s important to remember you’re under a magnifying glass, because everyone notices what you’re doing.  It’s no place to pick your nose.  You want to look bored almost – give it some ennui” was the advice K.J. Barrett … Continue reading

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A look back at color-matched wheels and wheel covers. A design feature worthy of a comeback…

This gallery contains 105 photos.

For a very small manufacturing cost, applying paint to a car’s wheels or wheel covers that matches body color can add a lot of visual interest to a vehicle’s profile.  And if chrome trim or brightwork is applied tastefully with … Continue reading

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A look back at the 1963 – 1991 Jeep Wagoneer: A guide to year-to-year changes

This gallery contains 69 photos.

One of the guidelines in the original Preppy Handbook (1980) reads, “Never replace anything until you have exhausted all possibility of repair, restoration, or rehabilitation.  No matter what it is, they don’t make it as well as they used to.”  … Continue reading

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Alternative gear shift levers through the years

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The American Business Dictionary defines the word alternative as “One of two or more ways of achieving the same desired end or goal.  An alternative need not be a close substitute for the first choice (or other alternatives), but it … Continue reading

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The 1956-57 El Morocco – a “small Cadillac” created decades before the first Seville and Cimarron

This gallery contains 22 photos.

Once in awhile throughout the history of classic cars, truly interesting creations are born.  Interesting because they’re unique enough to stand out and catch your attention in the first place, well-done enough to hold your attention, and perceived as desirable … Continue reading

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A look back at a true American classic: the 1977-79 Lincoln Continental Mark V

This gallery contains 136 photos.

A star during the 1970s boom in “personal luxury” cars, 1977 – 1979 Lincoln Mark Vs are highly sought after today for their clean styling and last-of-their-kind extra large dimensions.  By the 1979 model year, every other make and model … Continue reading

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Some interesting four-door sports cars and exotic cars over the years. Ford Mustangs, Porsche 911s, Chevy Camaros, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Cadillac Eldorados and much more

This gallery contains 69 photos.

Four-door sports cars based on two-door coupes (even two-seaters) have always been intriguing.  Whether produced by automakers themselves or customized via cut-and-stretch methods by limousine builders, this classification of car represents a slightly rebellious nature.  For if two-door Ferraris and … Continue reading

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1993-1995 Mercedes 300CE / E320 Cabriolets – A look back at these modern classics

This gallery contains 62 photos.

“Few automobiles can claim to be instant classics.  The thrilling new 300CE Cabriolet might be one of them” claimed advertising introducing the 1993 E-class Cabrio to the United States market.  Truer words have never been spoken if one considers how … Continue reading

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If your car had a “door ajar” voice reminder in the 1980s, you’ll enjoy these flashback videos

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My mother bought a Chrysler LeBaron convertible in the mid-’80s, fully equipped with whitewalls, wire wheel covers, digital dash, and fake wood.  But one feature it had that made it an ’80s period piece more than any other was its … Continue reading

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The 1975 – 1980 Ford Granada had a simple and effective ad campaign – we copied the cars you really want

This gallery contains 13 photos.

If you’re like me, you may have noticed car makers just don’t criticize each other the way they used to in advertisements.  By criticize, I don’t mean making value comparisons against competitors based on selling points of price, features, or … Continue reading

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1984 – 1987 Toyota Corolla Sport coupe: a last rear-wheel-drive economy car classic

This gallery contains 52 photos.

Looking for a modestly priced rear-wheel-drive car that’s fun-to-drive and has collector appeal?  How about one that gets over 40 miles per gallon? Often cars we find most collectible have a unique mixture of last-of-its-kind and first-of-its-kind attributes.  Popular “last” … Continue reading

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Actor Bruce Campbell reflects on director Sam Raimi’s 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88

This gallery contains 40 photos.

When I was growing up, my father owned a full-size ’73 Oldsmobile from 1975 until 1983.  During that era in the United States an Olds was a respected car that middle class people of all age groups aspired to, upper-middle-class … Continue reading

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The best car chases you have & haven’t seen

This gallery contains 38 photos.

To us, a good car chase is the look on a driver’s face when encountering unexpected obstacles.  It’s panic on the bad guy’s face who’s riding shotgun because he’s not in control of things.  Typically, suspension of disbelief is required … Continue reading

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The classic 1972 – 1989 Mercedes SL spanned 18 model years without one body panel change

This gallery contains 113 photos.

With a design run spanning model years from 1972 to 1989, fans around the globe feel the the third generation Mercedes-Benz SL is a model that most embodies the image of the company and the elements that led to its … Continue reading

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What a “donk” is, and why classic car fans should value them

This gallery contains 66 photos.

Being fans of all the 1971-1976 full-size General Motors models, we at Classic Cars Today Online have watched the growing trend of fitting these “B-body” platform cars with oversized rims and lift kits to create cruisers generally known as “donks”.  … Continue reading

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A look back at simulated wire wheel covers. Part 3: the 1970s

This gallery contains 61 photos.

(Continued from Part 2) The 1970s began with carryover wire wheel cover styling from the late 1960s.  As that decade drew to a close, wire wheel covers were trending towards designs with two layers of straight, parallel spokes.  The effect … Continue reading

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A look back at simulated wire wheel covers. Part 2: the 1960s

This gallery contains 61 photos.

By 1960, wire wheel covers had become a fixture on American roads.  During the previous decade, American automakers equipped them on everything from Buicks and Oldsmobiles to sleek sports cars such as the Kaiser Darrin and Nash-Healey Lemans. Similar to … Continue reading

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A look back at simulated wire wheel covers. Part 1: the 1950s

This gallery contains 49 photos.

We have always been fans of simulated wire wheel covers at Classic Cars Today Online.  While they are an automotive accessory extremely subject to personal taste, one cannot deny wire wheel covers are uniquely American in flavor.  Mostly shunned by … Continue reading

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My mother claims cars were more recognizable 60 years ago. I analyze decades and disagree (Part 2 – the 1960s))

This gallery contains 51 photos.

CONTINUED FROM PART 1… (Attempting to resolve a debate with my mother that cars from the late 1940s and ’50s on any given street were more recognizable than now, I take a look at some of the more popular design … Continue reading

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A town with one of the best weekly classic car cruise nights in the USA – Somerville, NJ

This gallery contains 49 photos.

by contributor Pete Abbate… In the summer of 1989, a local car club known as the Classic Cruizers began a “cruise night” tradition on Friday evenings in the downtown area of Somerville, New Jersey.  A cruise night is usually defined … Continue reading

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A car museum with an authentic General Lee? Christine? Herbie? KITT? The Hollywood Star Cars Museum offers much to see…

This gallery contains 31 photos.

Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (not Hollywood, CA), The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a find for fans of historically noteworthy classic cars.  The museum features two floors of displays featuring over 40 vehicles.  Cars owned by Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Mike … Continue reading

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The 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II: a look back at these modern classic SUVs

This gallery contains 86 photos.

The second generation Land Rover Discovery, introduced partially through the 1999 model year, was badged as the “Discovery II”.  Until production lines were fully changed over from building the original Discovery I model, both generations were sold alongside each other … Continue reading

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Like classic Mercedes-Benzes? You won’t want to miss this annual show at M-B USA headquarters in Montvale, NJ on June 7

This gallery contains 5 photos.

Whether your favorite Mercedes is a ’57 300SL Gullwing coupe, a ’67 600 Limousine, a ’77 240 Diesel, an ’87 560SEL, a ’99 E55 AMG, or a 2014 E-Cabrio, this is the one car show all year you won’t want … Continue reading

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Many automakers claim they sell 4-door coupes. We beg to disagree, because here are some real ones.

This gallery contains 54 photos.

Attending the press preview of the 2014 New York International Auto Show, we heard a lot of talk from automakers about “4 door coupe” models.  We feel they need to rethink their definition of what a 4-door coupe is, because … Continue reading

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Owner profile – 1982 Chrysler Imperial

This gallery contains 37 photos.

Jack Harkavy owns a 1938 Packard Eight, a 1954 DeSoto, and, as a professional driver, is regularly behind the wheel of high-end cars old and new that are used as props in major movies and television shows. Ask him what … Continue reading

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Commentary – Does being loyal to one car brand make you a glutton for happiness, or punishment?

This gallery contains 3 photos.

Erica is a friend of mine who recently became the owner of a used 2006 BMW 750Li.  An enviable purchase by any stretch of the imagination, but one she agonized about due to feelings of brand loyalty to another marque. … Continue reading

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When classics were born – a collection of assembly line pictures

This gallery contains 71 photos.

“I created you inside of me. I watched your body form, come together, and grow in size. I smiled as you first made your way along the floor. Treading slowly on all fours. You were flawless and beautiful, unscathed yet … Continue reading

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Need a gift for that car fanatic in your life? Check out our online store of vintage car ads and brochures

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If you’ve been searching for an inexpensive, unique gift that will intrigue the car fanatic in your life, our online store BEST OF THE PAST CAR ADVERTISEMENTS (Click here to visit our page) has just what you need.  Specializing in … Continue reading

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If the 1955 – 1963 Mercedes 190SL design was engineered today, here’s what it would look like…

This gallery contains 14 photos.

In 2008 when car collector Richard Mott contacted Hot Rods and Custom Stuff tuning shop in California to discuss upgrading his stock 1961 Mercedes 190SL with a more powerful engine, better brakes and lowered suspension, neither parties could even begin … Continue reading

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The 1977-1988 Porsche 924 proves VW involvement isn’t a bad thing

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In light of the fact many are bemoaning the merger* completion between Volkswagen and Porsche AG earlier this year, we feel it’s important to remember that a number of successful Porsche models over the years would not have existed without … Continue reading

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Three modern reboots of iconic classic cars – the affordable 2012 Fiat 500, Mini Cooper, and VW Beetle. A roadtest comparison of base models.

This gallery contains 23 photos.

Shopping for an economical new car on a budget but don’t like the look of most “modern” economy cars?  If you appreciate classic automotive design, you have more choices than ever this year.  Witness the recently-introduced 2012 Fiat 500, redesigned … Continue reading

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20 affordable cars from the last decade that have the best chance of being collectible…

This gallery contains 48 photos.

…They may not be what you’d expect. A 1974 Chevrolet Impala advertisement once pointed out “If a car isn’t popular new, it won’t be popular used”.  To make their point, behind the ’74 Impala sits a 1957 Bel Air hardtop … Continue reading

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An interview with DeLorean Motor Company vice president Jim Espey about their new electric vehicle

This gallery contains 18 photos.

In the 1985 movie “Back To The Future”, Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) uses a DeLorean to jump 30 years back in time to 1955.  Today, the new DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) does virtually the same thing – … Continue reading

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