Project Cars

BF Auction: 1964 Dodge 880 Highway Patrol + Parts Car

Many of us likely have a romanticized view of the California Highway Patrol based on two television programs: Highway Patrol, starring Broderick Crawford, and CHiPs, starring Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox. As with most things, the realities are certainly far less… more»

BF Auction: Pair Of Ford Rancheros

Even those who loathe the Blue Oval must admit that Ford’s product planners were good at their jobs in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. They found niches before anyone else and they improved upon niches that others found. The… more»

Cosworth Project: 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16

One of the hardest moments as a car enthusiast is getting deep into a project and then seeing an example that looks like a potentially better deal. This has happened a few times over the years to me, and… more»

Sitting For Years: 1977 Yamaha RD400D

Appearing to have been modified, with different exhaust pipes, lower handlebars, and finned heads in an unusual gold color, this 1977 Yamaha RD400D is reported to have been sitting for years and isn’t currently in running condition. It turns… more»

KITT Replica: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am

There have been a lot of famous cars over the years that have played central roles in television action series. In the 1960s, there was the Batmobile that assisted Batman and Robin in their crime-fighting escapades. Then there was… more»

Foglia Green Donation: 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider

It’s time to play my favorite game of what got donated this week in California. This time, it’s a 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider, which is perhaps the only version of a classic Alfa model that you will see unceremoniously… more»

No Reserve Kit Project: 1964 Fiberfab Jamaican

Kit cars seem to divide opinions. While many people view them negatively, they have the potential to let their owner slip behind the wheel of a vehicle that looks exotic, but won’t break the bank. This 1964 Fiberfab Jamaican… more»

390 V8 “Woodie”: 1969 Ford Torino Squire

The Country Squire was a full-size station wagon sold by Ford for more than 40 years (1950 to 1991). But, Squire versions of Ford’s compact and mid-size wagons were also available during part of this era, meaning they (too)… more»

Running, Driving Project: 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

Chevrolet trailed the Jeep CJ, International Scout, and Ford Bronco in introducing its Blazer in 1969, but one might argue that the route they took in doing so had the most influential long-term effect; after all, full-size SUVs owe… more»

One Mixed Up 1954 Studebaker Commander

Yes, it’s confusing and I’m confused. The listing tells us that this car is a 1954 Studebaker Commander, but then elaborates further and states that it’s a Golden Hawk with a Commander front clip substituted for the original piece…. more»

Double Trouble: Two Subaru 360s

If you’ve always dreamed of driving a bumper car ’round town, here’s your chance. Ok it’s not exactly a bumper car but the Subaru 360 is barely larger than an amusement ride – whether it’s amusing or not is… more»

4-Speed A-Code: 1966 Ford Mustang GT

It’s refreshing to find an early Ford Mustang that has spent its entire life in California, still wears the factory-applied paint, and has pretty much been left alone since it was new.  Another plus here is that the original… more»

Promising Project: 1967 Volvo 1800S

Volvo developed a reputation for producing cars with bulletproof mechanical components and conservative styling. However, that changed dramatically in 1961 when it released the P1800. The vehicle underwent a series of evolutionary and slight name changes, with this 1800S… more»

Stalled 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Project

Hiding in this garage is an unfinished project build showing plenty of promise. This 1965 Corvette Convertible features fresh paint and a rebuilt engine. With the more difficult and expensive work complete, the buyer faces the prospect of adding… more»

1 of 200 Project: 1982 AMC Eagle Sundancer

Say what you will about American Motors, they were never afraid to push the envelope with new product development. 1960s and 1970s examples include the AMX, Gremlin, and Pacer. A 1980s breakthrough vehicle was the Eagle, a 4-wheel-drive passenger… more»

Same Owner For 57 Years: 1961 Ford Falcon Sedan

I’ll admit that it took me quite a while – actually more like decades – to finally appreciate the Ford Falcon and its role as a game changer in the automotive world. Game changer is quite a moniker, but… more»

Barn Finds