About Jim ODonnell

Out Of The Barn! 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

I think it’s a toss-up as to what gets more coverage here, first-gen Mustangs or 1970 Chevrolet Chevelles. Regardless of coverage, when one builds a better mousetrap, one usually wants to promote it by all available means. However, that… more»

Luck O’ The Irish: 1985 Ford Mustang SSP

As you can imagine, we cover Fox Body Ford Mustangs all the time here on BF. Some, such as this 1985 example, are Special Service Package (SSP) police interceptors. None, to the best of my knowledge however, have ever… more»

Worth Saving? 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger 340

What we have here is a genuine 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 (per the VIN), but unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to have done much swinging lately. Modified for drag racing, this Dart has been echoing the sounds of silence… more»

Cheap Project: 1961 Ford Ranchero

Ford scored a pair of firsts with its Ranchero. The first “first” is obvious: They came to market two years ahead of their arch nemesis, Chevrolet, and its El Camino. Their second first was their decision, starting in the… more»

Matching Numbers? 1970 Buick GS 455

I have often opined on the success and popularity of GM’s A-body cars from ’68 to ’72.  While the current marketplace prices for the performance versions (SS396, GTO, 442, and GS) are stratospheric, even the bread-and-butter models (Malibu, LeMans,… more»

Great Restoration Project: 1970 Ford Bronco V8

And now for something from the “I don’t get it department.” As I’m sure most know, Ford revived its iconic Bronco in 2021 – it’s another example of a modern take on a classic. They seem to sell well… more»

Beautiful In Blue: 1968 Dodge Dart GTS

I’ve had a “thing” for this vintage Dodge Dart for a long time. The fact that it’s a convertible just adds to its allure. This one’s a top-drawer 1968 GTS performance model and boy oh boy, it sure looks… more»

Fastback Project: 1968 Ford Mustang GT

It’s amazing what a feature run on the silver screen can do for a car. Pontiac felt the full effect of that action back in ’77 with Smokey and the Bear Bandit- after release, those black Trans Ams started… more»

The Ultimate Throwback? 1967 Chevrolet Camaro

Oh boy, this is an unusual one. Let’s face it, we’ve covered innumerable 1967 Chevrolet Camaros so it might be logical to suggest, “Why cover another?” Well, as Camaros go, the first gen ’67-’69, is my favorite, no doubt… more»

Joe Bailon Custom: 1965 Chevrolet Impala

And now for something from the “What in the Sam Hill happened here” department, a heavily customized 1965 Chevrolet Impala. Before and after images are always helpful in following a car’s progression but in this case, it’s the reverse… more»

Goes But Doesn’t Stop: 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Yup, this one’s a project. The seller tells us that this 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass two-door hardtop was barn-bound until last November. It starts and drives but does not stop—”zero brakes, zero,” he tells us. It’s looking rough around the… more»

1963 Pontiac Grand Prix 4-Speed Barn Find

I’ll cut to the chase: This 1963 Pontic Grand Prix is a great find, but it’s not presented all that well, so I’ll have to talk through the listing. Barn-bound in Manchester, Maryland, this GP seems to be “all… more»

C3 Finale: 1982 Chevrolet Corvette

Man, what a run! Fifteen years for the C3 Corvette and this 1982 Collector’s Edition is the swan song. Much changed from the inaugural 1968 version? You bet! The basics were still there and the unmistakeable Mako-Shark lines were… more»

An Environmental Choice? 1984 Mercedes 300 TD

I have to admit that I’ve never considered a big Mercedes-Benz sedan, diesel equipped or not, an “environmental choice,” but that’s the seller’s suggestion regarding this 1984 300 TD. What I do know is that these are well-engineered and… more»

Pininfarina Perfect: 1988 Cadillac Allante

Here’s one we hardly ever cover, a Cadillac Allante such as this 1988 example. As a matter of fact, we’ve only covered two and the last review was over six years ago – time to rectify that situation with… more»

Full Size Performer? 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible

Before the advent of intermediates and Pony cars, full-sizers were how America rolled. Hopping them up, despite their size, was part of car culture. I enjoyed these big cars years ago, and still do today – and that’s the… more»

Barn Finds