Experience the Beauty of the Restored 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 Without Requiring a HEMI

 With perhaps the exception of the 1963 Corvette Stingray or the 1969 Charger R/T, no other American muscle car is more lauded for one singular model year than the 1970 Plymouth Cuda.

Granted, a HEMI-Cuda would serve better as a dog whistle for how amazing this muscle car is by virtue of the considerable mythos around the brand. But no HEMI finds its way under the hood of this classic Cuda due for auction at Mecum in Kissimmee, Florida, this coming January.

In fact, the engine's even bigger than a HEMI. It's a 440-cubic inch (7.2-liter) Chrysler RB V8, jetting a probably underrated 375 gross horsepower from the factory.

Further trinkets like a 4.10-geared Dana 60 rear axle, power front disk brakes, power steering, and a throaty twin exhaust, this is a package that screams the early 70s. In the years after 1970, an oil crisis coupled with new emissions regulations effectively ended the first muscle car renaissance.

So it's more than likely the first owner of this purple beauty wasn't aware the car they were purchasing was a piece of American history. But being a relic of the distant past, inevitable entropy eventually had its way on this classic car.

To add to the amazingness, this particular Cuda Hardtop is one of 902 models that left the factory with the Chrysler A833 four-on-the-floor manual transmission for the 1970 model year on the planet. Even with all the extra accolades, no 1970 Cuda isn't worth saving.

That's why when John's Body Shop of Nicollet, Minnesota, did nothing short of the Lord's work with their meticulous body-off-frame restoration of this car.

We wouldn't blame an average restoration shop for cutting out as much deeply rust-pitted bodywork and praying they're good enough with a MIG welder to make everything look presentable.

But John's Body Shop is clearly a cut above. From the shiny Violet paint color that somehow isn't Chrysler Plum Crazy Purple to the plush, vinyl interior with the period-correct wood grain-wrapped shifter. It all adds up to something that equals big bucks on the auction floor.

Discover How the Custom 1961 Mercury Meteor V8 Triumphs Over Ohio's Harshest Seasons

 The American Midwest is not a place that's kind to classic cars. Heck, even new cars can have trouble staying rust-free in a place lovingly nicknamed the Rust Belt. In spite of all of this, some TLC over the decades is almost as good of a rust protection as undercoating.

Take a look at this beautifully preserved but by no means unused 1961 Mercury Meteor 800 V8. This custom American sedan calls the great state of Ohio home.

A place that makes mince meat out of cars an eighth as old as this hunk of old American steel. If cars are extensions of the souls of the people who drive them, this car has a metric ton of stories to tell.

This Meteor 800 tells these stories through the custom, two-tone orange-on-white paint, a matching fabric-covered interior, and a burbly exhaust note from the same 352-cubic inch (5.77-liter) Ford FE V8 engine the car left the factory with over 60 years ago.

In the annals of automotive history, the first-gen Mercury Meteor was little more than a blip on the radar.

Though closely related to the Ford Fairlane and Ford Galaxie, the Meteor in both its 600 and 800 trim levels saw a fraction of the production of the Galaxie. Funnily enough, the Meteor was originally intended to be marketed under the doomed Edsel brand but wound up in the Mercury line slotted underneath the larger and more memorable Monterey.

With goodies on offer like power brakes, a plush leather interior, and factory two-tone paint as options, the only way to get a fancier Ford in those days was to buy a Lincoln.

With 69,000 miles (111,045 kilometers) on the odometer, this 1961 Mercury Meteor 800's clearly been well taken care of its whole life. Where most Ford Escapes from 15 years ago have trouble passing state inspections because of how rusty they've become, the surface rust on this 60s Mercury is a welcome reprieve.

You'll be happy to know almost every accessory on this car, from the a.m. Radio to the power brakes and even the cigarette lighters. Only the clock is slightly incorrect.

All in all, this classic Mercury tells the story of a scrappy, tough-as-nails group of people living in a state that's seen its fair share of difficulties over the years. For an extremely fair price of $6,100, this is one of the classic car deals of the year, just in time for Christmas.

Elevating a Classic: The 1964 Chevrolet Impala, Freed from Barn Confinement and Restored to New Heights

 A 1964 Impala that has returned after a long sleep in storage is ready for a new life because that’s precisely what such a great classic deserves in the first place.

Posted on eBay by seller woodrow2006, this 1964 Impala isn’t by any means a rust bucket, and if anything, it still seems to be a very solid candidate for a restoration.

Historically speaking, the 1964 Impala didn’t introduce too many changes in a lineup that was already preparing for glory. Launched in 1958 as the top version of the Bel Air, Chevrolet’s Impala became an overnight hit, with the yearly sales rapidly going through the roof in the first part of the ‘60s.

In 1964, it was already Chevy’s best-selling car, while a year later, it became the first nameplate in the U.S. after WWII to sell more than 1 million units in just 12 months.

This is the reason many collectors are drooling after a classic Impala, as owning such a gem is like owning a little part of automotive history.

The 4-door example we have here is essentially a project that requires a full restoration, with some parts exhibiting wear and tear that can no longer be fixed. As it turns out, the car spent a long time in a barn, though it was taken outside occasionally to survive in the condition we can all see today.

There’s the typical rust, so be ready for some serious patches, and it’s almost complete, though the “almost” part is the one that should raise more questions. Just make sure you go check it out in person before committing to a purchase.

A 1964 Chevy Impala in tip-top shape is worth a small fortune, and if done right, this could be the case with this model as well. The bidding is underway right now, with the top $1,200 still unable to trigger the reserve.

Twice-Restored 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 with Pristine Original Hardware: A Testament to American Muscle Car History

 There are the rare cars of old, and there’s the 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30. The 442 muscle car that made the rounds of the American automotive scene during three stints between 1964 and 1991 is extremely coveted by collectors today, and even more so if it comes in the W-30 configuration.

The code was there to designate a 442 with several enhancements, including the special engine, beefed-up suspension and unique front geometry, but also visual tweaks like a fiberglass hood with scoops and red fender liners.

Back in 1971, the year when the Bittersweet example we have here was born, only 110 442s were made in W-30 configuration, making this car very rare. It’s made even more so by the fact it’s one of just ten to be equipped with air conditioning.

The car went through a frame-off rotisserie restoration back in 1991, and was cared for again in 2016. In between these two dates, it placed second during the Oldsmobile Nationals in 1992 and 1993, so it kind of knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight.

It’s going there once again next month, as it’s listed for sale by Barrett-Jackson during the Scottsdale, Arizona event the auction house will be running at the end of January 2023.

Despite being so old and going through two separate restoration processes, the car still retains the matching-numbers 455ci engine tied to a HydraMatic transmission and sporting a Rochester 4-barrel carburetor.

Barrett-Jackson says the car is offered with the build sheet, “original Broadcast Sheet, original warranty booklet and Protect-O-Plate, original Owner's Manual and service records.” An additional set of original Super Stock wheels is included in the package, as is a title reading 1971 Oldsmobile HXF.

The 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 is going under the hammer with no reserve and no mention is made as to how much it is expected to fetch.

1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible: A Timeless Classic

 The introduction of the 1959 Impala marked the beginning of a remarkable legacy, with its sales steadily increasing year after year, eventually breaking records in the domestic market. It was a pivotal moment in automotive history when, in 1965, the Chevrolet Impala became the first car in the United States to exceed one million units sold in a single year. Reflecting on the origins of this success, the 1958 and 1959 models present a unique opportunity.

Behold the Astonishing Survivor: 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible | Barn Finds

A truly awe-inspiring specimen, the 1959 Impala showcased by eBay seller 1958stevea (currently listed for sale by S&S Classic Cars) boasts a remarkable allure that surpasses that of a brand-new vehicle.

From every angle, it achieves a flawless presentation, both in its exterior and interior, while the engine bay exudes perfection.

Exquisite Design: The 1959 Chevrolet Impala | Hemmings

Equipped with a 350 (5.7-liter) small-block V8 engine coupled with a 350 Turbo transmission, this Impala is prepared for any adventure you may embark upon. However, its rightful place seems to be within the confines of a garage, nestled alongside other impeccably maintained classic automobiles.

The seller has thoughtfully outlined the numerous enhancements made to this Impala, ranging from a stylish chrome alternator and power steering pump to the inclusion of MagnaFlow mufflers and an HEI ignition system.

 

A Legacy of Timeless Pleasure: The Matched Set of Impalas – Hagerty Media

The video shared by the seller grants us the privilege of admiring this Impala in all its magnificent glory. It comes as no surprise that many individuals with considerable means are willing to invest a substantial fortune in acquiring this automotive masterpiece. At the time of composing this piece, the bidding on eBay has already surpassed an impressive $110,000, and the reserve price has yet to be met.

What is even more astonishing is the fact that the Impala has garnered an impressive 35 bids, indicating that it has captivated the attention of numerous affluent collectors eagerly vying for its ownership.