Back in January, Ford Mustang Brand Manager Ryan Shaughnessy gave us an up-close look at the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse SC. Slotted between the regular 500-horsepower Dark Horse and the 815-horsepower GTD, the SC is powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Shaughnessy told us a lot about its exterior design, aerodynamics, wheels and tires, and interior. He also let us know that this particular SC was special because it was a 2026-only Track Pack Special Edition with VIN 001, and would be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction to raise money for the Breakthrough T1D nonprofit organization.

What Shaughnessy couldn’t tell us at the time was the SC’s horsepower and torque ratings, and starting price. Once that information became available, we made sure to add it to our footage. Watch the video below to find out the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC’s specs and pricing, and how much money it raised for a great cause.

My first car was a 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2, though I wouldn’t say I am an Oldsmobile guy. Nonetheless, it was a spectacular-looking car, something I’d put against most muscle cars from the era. While using the 1970 Oldsmobile brochure for research, I made several observations that may be beyond my familiarity (due to my age) yet may have been remarkable for 1970.

The marketing theme for 1970 was the brand’s vehicles being “Escape Machines” to escape from the ordinary. In some respects, it seemed like an evolution of “Youngmobile Thinking 1969,” which showed different models with backdrops from recreated classic movie scenes — imagination is an escape too, is it not? But what is ordinary? Restaurant orders and complaints. The 9-to-5 grind (or 13-hour days). Being hurried and harried. Lending an ear to everyone. Impersonal facts and figures. Would you believe Oldsmobile’s roster for 1970 models is your escape?

Oldsmobile offered four series for 1970. The F-85 series (A-body) included the revamped Cutlass Supreme, which now offered a unique notchback coupe to play a personal luxury role in a way that was a clever Plan B to the special G-bodies that Chevrolet (Monte Carlo) and Pontiac (Grand Prix) were using. In addition, the 4-4-2 came into its own, ditching the 400 Rocket V-8 for a 455 that previously was only available on the Hurst/Olds.

The Delta 88 series (B-body) was Oldsmobile’s full-size bread and butter. After years of 88 variations, the Delta 88 rose to the top and now featured variations within, including base, Custom, and Royale. Stretch the wheelbase and add a dose of luxury and you’d have the Ninety-Eight, which rode on General Motors’ prestigious C-body platform and had done so since 1940.

And then there was the Toronado, which still was one of two front-wheel-drive cars available from Detroit (the other being, of course, the Cadillac Eldorado). A front end restyle ditched the hidden headlights (and the grin from its face), and a new GT package illuminated the availability of the W34 engine that had been available since 1968.

It’s easy to miss what may have been remarkable for 1970, such as cultural issues that were evolving in society and the profundity attached to them, because the things portrayed in this brochure were mainstream when I came of age.

I find this Cutlass S Holiday Coupe interesting in several ways. For one, this is a car that’s been recycled by many a young man in the used-car market, but here it’s being marketed to a woman — y’know, because one can’t think of 1970 without thinking about the impact of feminism in the workplace and all other parts of society. A nice sporty coupe for the independent lady? “You can change directions as quickly as you change your mind,” says the brochure. Maybe smile harder too? Additionally, note the African-American stenographer in the background, a reflection of the Civil Rights Movement, desegregation, and changing public attitudes that pushed advertisers to rethink representation.

Here is the base Delta 88, again with the focus on women. Here they are as actual smart people and not just a supporting cast for men. Mainframe computers? Given the chance, anything a boy can do, a girl can do better, right? And this Delta 88 Holiday Sedan “runs and runs and runs — on regular fuel!” says the brochure, appealing to the more practical side of women because, by golly, the fairer sex is the practical sex.

Men were targets of the more upscale Delta 88s, the Delta 88 Royale (the fanciest and sportiest of the 88s) and 88 Custom (mid-range but not spartan). However, it is easy to infer class plays a role in how the two are targeted: young businessman and 40-something barber, respectively.

While Oldsmobile wasn’t quite a luxury brand, it certainly thought the 98 was a “Grand Luxury Car.” There were six Ninety-Eight models, each having its own special interior treatment and fabrics. “We believe that when you select a particularly fine car for the personality it reveals outside, it should be reflected inside as well,” says the brochure as an architect stands by the most personal of Ninety-Eights, the Holiday Coupe. It should be no surprise that three of five interior colors were Earthtones. And, unlike Buick, Oldsmobile offered a convertible in its top series.

I also have insight on who the Toronado targeted. It was just a used gas guzzler when I was a kid, but back in the day, it was an upscale personal car for the successful, individual male. In fact, Oldsmobile couldn’t help itself with more sexist commentary, stating, “… you do enjoy a sense of command unknown in other ‘personal’ luxury cars … which is why women are among its most enthusiastic endorsers.” Nonetheless, a dynamic of power seems like a natural for such an engineering marvel.

But let’s not forget about the place that women belong: home. Yes, it’s been 10 years since the introduction of the birth control pill, but progress can’t happen without knowing where you came from! And guess what? Oldsmobile has a car for that!

Virginia Slims cigarettes used marketing to cater to women smokers. The result from the ad agency was the tagline, “You’ve come a long way, baby.” This brought attention to the newly found independence that woman had in society. Though it comes off as somewhat quaint today — maybe even sexism fighting sexism —it seems Oldsmobile recognized (for better or worse) the changes that were happening. Today, we can claim we have mostly escaped from the roles we were forced to play.

Just as I do for hidden headlights, I may have a thing for full-width taillights. It may have started with the 1966 Ford Thunderbird, but then I discovered the 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1969 Dodge Charger, and even the Opel Monza. Each of these vehicles did things its own way, but the rump is what pulled me in.

The lead vehicle of these AutoHunter Picks features this design cue, although admittedly the center light is just a reflector. Wouldn’t it be cool for it to light up when the brake is pressed? Other cars for this week include an overshadowed Oldsmobile, a Chevy with a sweet color combo, and a Mustang that was inspired by a good place. Which one would you choose?

1969 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible
Way before I was a legally licensed driver, I saw a candy apple red Dodge Coronet on the side of the road. When I turned my head, I noticed three taillight lenses, a design that wasn’t familiar. The next time I was at the Concord Mall, I went to Waldenbooks and looked up this car in Tad Burness’ “American Car Spotter’s Guide.”

Ever since then, the 1969 Coronet R/T has been high on my Mopar muscle bucket list. A ragtop with a four-speed? Me want!

1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88
You think Oldsmobile did a dumb thing by applying the Cutlass name to many models in the 1980s? Olds was doing this stuff in the 1950-60s — witness the Dynamic 88, Super 88, Jetstar 88, Delmont 88, and Delta 88.

This 1962 Dynamic 88 was slotted under the Super 88 (only two 88s for ’62 — whew!) and offered style and value in that special Rocket Division way. It’s great to see this big-block Olds because it often seems that we only get to see Starfires.

1955 Chevrolet Nomad
The 1955 Chevrolet Nomad is so superior to what followed that it ain’t even funny. Maybe you prefer the 1956 or 1957 styling, but what gets me with the ’55 (aside from the clean styling) is that it’s the only one to feature radiused rear wheel wells.

Once ya learn that, how could any other Nomad do? Plus, I really dig the color combination of this one: India Ivory with a Regal Turquoise top and matching interior. You keep your red and white — I’ll take this!

1967 Ford Mustang Custom Hardtop
Terlingua Racing Team was Carroll Shelby’s tongue-in-cheek name for a clique of associates who would converge on a tiny southwestern Texas town for fun ‘n games. That spirit manifested itself in a 2016 Shelby Mustang; this ’67 has snagged the inspiration and run with it.

It features a bit of both vintage and modern bits, with power coming from a Ford Racing 427 V-8 topped with a Jim Inglese eight-stack intake with electronic fuel injection. I really appreciate the imagination of this one.

Several years ago, my wife, mother-in-law, and I traveled to California for the Fourth of July weekend. The plan was to stay in a hotel in Carlsbad, then venture into San Diego to see the sights. We ended up liking Carlsbad so much that we spent our entire vacation there, even if it was a little different from what we originally had in mind. Our Pick of the Day is also a little different yet wonderful. You can find this 1999 Ferrari 456M GT listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Wayne, Pennsylvania. It comes with 2006-2025 service invoices, original owner’s manuals, and a copy of the window sticker.

Back in the 1990s, many Ferraris still had an angular, wedge-like shape, such the 512 TR, 348, and F355. The 456 and its successor, the 456M (M as in modificata, or modified), definitely had a family resemblance up front, but they were 2+2s with a front-mounted V-12 and much softer lines and gentle curves.

If you ask me, that major difference is what makes this 456M GT so attractive. It’s not a sports car and it’s not trying look like one, but it can still cover long distances in a short amount of time thanks to its 5.5-liter DOHC V-12, which Ferrari tuned to produce 442 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Plus, as a GT model, it has a six-speed manual with a gated shifter as opposed to the GTA’s four-speed automatic. Sure, the F355 is an undeniable head-turner, but when I dream of having a Ferrari, it’s a 456M.

So what exactly was modificata about the 456M? Compare the car you see here with the ’95 456 GT I wrote about last April and you’ll see subtle updates to the front end, carbon fiber hood, lower rear fascia, and Connolly leather interior, which features a different steering wheel and center stack/console design.

Whoever initially spec’d this car absolutely nailed it. Rosso Corsa looks great on any Ferrari, especially the racier, mid-engine models, but Rosso Barchetta fits this car’s looks perfectly because it’s noticeable yet subtle. The “Daytona-style seats in Cuoio Natural Leather with Bordeaux piping and a matching leather dashboard” are the perfect complement. I’m especially fond of the color-coordinated steering wheel.

What you can’t see is the odometer, which indicates that this 1999 Ferrari 456M GT has been driven only 22,706 miles. If you want to do something a little different than the previous owners of this car and rack up serious mileage in it, contact the dealer for the price, make the purchase, then hit the road.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

For muscle-car enthusiasts, few names carry the weight and attitude of “The Judge.” And now, time is running out on a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic Pontiacs ever built — a fully restored 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge finished in seldom-seen Matador Red.

The GTO Dream Giveaway is entering its final stretch, and this is your last chance to get in before entries close on May 14th. One lucky winner will take home this show-quality Judge — and Dream Giveaway will also pay $26,000 toward the federal prize taxes. Click here to enter now!

A Late-Build Judge in a Standout Color

Introduced as a bold, youth-driven performance package, the Judge quickly became the halo version of the Pontiac GTO lineup. Most examples are seen in the more commonly ordered Carousel Red — but this car tells a different story.

Built in May 1969, this Judge benefits from a later production window when Pontiac expanded its color palette. That timing allowed for its striking Matador Red finish, a far less common hue that gives this already eye-catching muscle car an added layer of exclusivity.

Backed by Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) documentation, it is authenticated as a genuine Judge — an essential detail for collectors seeking originality and provenance.

Pure Pontiac Muscle, Exactly as Intended

Under the hood sits the legendary Ram Air III V-8, delivering the kind of torque-heavy performance that defined the golden era of American muscle. Paired with a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, this GTO Judge offers an engaging, driver-focused experience that modern cars simply can’t replicate.

Signature Judge features are all here, including the hood-mounted tachometer, bold graphics package and the unmistakable pedestal-mounted rear wing that stretches nearly five feet across the decklid. It’s a combination of performance and presence that made the Judge a standout in 1969 — and still turns heads today. Click here to enter now!

Restored to a High Standard

This particular Judge has undergone a comprehensive, $100,000-plus restoration, resulting in a concours-level presentation that places it among the finest examples in the country. The work was completed with support from Ames Performance Engineering, a well-known name in the Pontiac restoration world.

The result is a #1-condition car that captures the look, feel and factory-correct details of the original — right down to the finishes, trim and mechanical components that defined its era.

Final Days to Enter

As the giveaway deadline approaches, this is the moment for enthusiasts and collectors alike to act. Opportunities to win a documented, high-level restoration of a rare-color Judge don’t come around often — especially one presented at this level.

Beyond the car itself, every entry supports a network of veterans’ and children’s charities, making this more than just a chance to win — it’s a way to give back.

But make no mistake: the clock is ticking.

If you’ve ever wanted to own a true icon of Detroit’s muscle-car era, this is your final call.

Enter now!

A captive import is a foreign-built vehicle that is sold by a domestic automaker through its own distribution system. One example from the 1980s is the subcompact Dodge/Plymouth Colt, which was built by Mitsubishi in Japan. Dodge, of course, went on to do the same thing with its Stealth sports car, essentially a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi 3000GT.

Back in 1986, Dodge ran magazine advertisements to promote the Colt. By that time, the model was in its fifth generation and was concurrently sold as the Mitsubishi Mirage. Dodge wasn’t shy about the fact that the car was built by Mitsubishi. In fact, that statement was proudly printed on the cover of sales brochures and included in the magazine ads.

The idea behind a captive import was the ability to fill a gap in a product lineup, and given the Japanese automakers’ prowess at building small, fuel-efficient cars, the subcompact class saw many captive imports. Domestic companies could, in turn, avoid high development/tooling costs, respond quickly to the market, and leverage global partnerships.

These days, the lines between domestics and imports are blurred. Toyota, for example, builds all of its Tundra pickups in Texas. Motor Trend stopped making a distinction for “Car of the Year” versus “Import Car of the Year” after the 1999 model year for some of these same reasons.

MotorWeek has an entertaining and educational six-minute intro to the Colt if you’re so inclined!

As for the basic nuts and bolts: Base models came with a miserly 1.5-liter, 68-horsepower inline-four, but an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged power plant could crank out 102 horsepower. Even though that figure sounds abysmal, it was still more than the base Mitsubishi Mirage made just before being discontinued in 2025. Available transaxles for the fifth-gen Colt included a three-speed automatic and a five-speed manual.

Now that it’s been 40 years since those magazine ads for the Colt were published, the car has largely gone extinct. In fact, I even searched known auto recycling websites IAAI and Copart for photos and wasn’t able to find any vehicles being parted out. But then again, it’s kind of fitting right? A car based on the Mirage has now indeed vanished into thin air.

Mercedes has two major timelines. The first starts in 1885, when Carl Benz created what became known as the Benz Patent Motor Car, aka “the first automobile.” The second starts in 1926, the year that Daimler (the manufacturer of Mercedes-branded vehicles) and Benz merged, creating Mercedes-Benz. To commemorate that special year (and every vehicle that came after it), the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will open its newest exhibit, “World-Class: 100 Years of Mercedes-Benz,” on May 23.

“The exhibition brings together a broad range of models that have shaped and cemented the company’s legacy over the past century, exploring how two pioneering automakers evolved into a single global symbol of engineering excellence, innovation, and renown,” the museum states.

As of right now, there’s no word on which specific models will be on display, but the Petersen’s website may give a hint. At the top of the page is the 1991 C 112, a mid-engine, V-12-powered experimental vehicle with gullwing doors and advanced technologies such as active aerodynamics, tire pressure monitoring, rear-axle steering, and adaptive cruise control.

Near the bottom of the page is the 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300SL one-off, an evolution of the 1952 race car that featured a 3.0-liter I-6 with direct fuel injection, transaxle, more aerodynamic bodywork, shorter wheelbase, narrower track widths, and revised rear suspension. Given the wide time span covered by the exhibit, it’s reasonable to assume that it will include heavy hitters such as a majestic prewar car, an S-Class (or two), a 300SL “Gullwing” coupe (which the Petersen owns), several AMG models, and a G-Wagen (another one from the Petersen’s collection). I myself am crossing my fingers that a 280SE 3.5 cabriolet and W123 300D turbodiesel sedan will make the cut.

On May 21, the Petersen will host an opening reception for the Mercedes-Benz exhibit. Attendees will enjoy German-inspired hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine, as well as “an engaging and thoughtfully curated panel discussion that explores the extraordinary legacy and cultural impact of Mercedes-Benz.”

Tickets for the World-Class: 100 Years of Mercedes-Benz opening reception are $75; Petersen Automotive Museum members get in for $60. Ticket prices for the exhibit itself start at $12 for kids ages 4-11 and go up to $22 for adults. Click here for the full range of ticket prices.

Did you know that some Chicago-area Pontiac dealerships used the term “Pontiaction” when marketing cars in the ‘70s? There were some clever people sitting around GM’s boardroom tables during that era. AutoHunter is showcasing a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Coupe those ad execs were promoting, and it’s listed for sale by a dealer in Annandale, Minnesota.

Below is a link to a “Pontiaction” commercial, which, by the way, includes a firefighter driving the Firebird (in fire engine red, of course). Pontiac saw some marketing opportunities here and ran with them. “Firebird’s got the look that says ‘move over, I’m coming through’,” the commercial says.

In the Pontiac Firebird’s evolution, the second generation was produced from 1970-81. Within that range, model year 1979 stood out for a few reasons. For one, the car’s four-eye front end received a new fascia with individually housed headlights. And sales-wise, the car was a home run: the 211,454 units sold that year would make it a high point in the model’s history.

In addition to the fireman-themed television commercial, Pontiac pushed the Firebird in print media. One advertisement for 1979 said, “Firebird first touched pavement twelve years ago. Sharpening corners and shortening straightaways with a passion others envied.”

The Atlantis Blue exterior of the AutoHunter-featured car includes quad headlights, urethane bumpers, color-keyed side mirrors, rear spoiler, louvered taillight panel, and 15-inch Cragar wheels wrapped in white-letter tires.

The bucket seats are upholstered in Oyster vinyl. Interior features include power steering, power windows, air conditioning, center console, woodgrain trim, rear defroster, and Alpine stereo with CD and USB.

Under the hood is a 135-horsepower, Y-code, 4.9-liter V-8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 18,588 miles, but the true mileage is unknown. Nice-to-have equipment includes power front disc brakes and dual exhaust system.

If you didn’t get in on the “Pontiaction” back in the late 1970s and early 1980s (or if you did, and want a retro nostalgia trip), this clean second-gen F-body will give you all the right vibes. 

The auction for this 1979 Pontiac Firebird Coupe ends Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Lincoln never built a proper station wagon, which was typical of an American luxury brand. However, who came closest? Mercury used marketing to push its medium-/upper-medium-priced brand upwards, but is our Pick of the Day akin to a Lincoln wagon? This 1966 Mercury Colony Park is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Branson, Missouri.

Mercury had its ups and downs when trying to figure out its place in the market. Though Chrysler Corporation is famous for having trouble from the late-1950s into the 1960s, Ford Motor Company also had its issues after trying to compete toe-to-toe (and beyond) with General Motors. The team of Ford, Edsel, Mercury, Lincoln, and Continental did not last long, unfortunately, and life was not happy in Dearborn by the end of the 1950s. If it wasn’t for the success of the 1960 Ford Falcon (and, arguably, the 1961 Lincoln Continental), Ford Motor Company may not have prepared for the highs it later experienced with the Mustang.

While Mercury was meandering as a fancy Ford in the early part of the 1960s, it regained traction in 1964, when the fancy Park Lane was reintroduced. A year later, Mercury crept into Lincoln territory with its styling. “Now in the Lincoln Continental tradition,” read the brochure. “For 1965, Mercury assumes a new posture” in terms of elegance, interior appointments, and road-handling characteristics. Monterey, Montclair, and Park Lane, plus the Commuter and Colony Park wagons, appeared as a return to form — at least more than just a Ford with different styling and more trim.

Despite Mercury milking Lincoln’s style and reputation, the Colony Park could hardly be considered a junior Lincoln wagon. The Colony Park matched the mid-range Montclair in appointments. “Colony Park interiors are available in cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl. Standard appointments include a deluxe steering wheel, electric clock, Interval Selector Windshield Wipers, deluxe armrests and paddle-type door handles, bright-finish seat side shields and windshield garnish moldings. Underfoot is deep-loop carpeting extending the length of regular passenger area.” Of course, the Colony Park also offered “marks of exterior distinctions,” like simulated wood paneling and side rails, deluxe wheel covers, bright-metal rocker-panel moldings, and powered rear window. “All Mercury station wagons feature a new Dual-Action Tailgate which can be opened either in the conventional manner, or in the manner of a side-hinged sedan door to provide passengers convenient access to the optional rear-facing third seat.”

So maybe the Colony Park was not akin to a Lincoln wagon, but it still was a chariot worthy of a family interested in an upscale utility. This Sage Gold 1966 Mercury Colony Park station wagon is powered by the standard 390 two-barrel paired with a three-speed automatic. Features include power steering and brakes, 15-inch steel wheels with wire wheel covers, luggage rack, and air conditioner (converted to R134a). “Car had a recent brake job and new front wheel cylinders, front and rear shoes, rear drums, and master cylinder,” says the seller. “Great running and driving car that you are not going to see another one like it at your local car shows.”

While many automobiles are named after locations that evoke prestige, Colony Park was imaginary, a creation of implied premium suburban luxury. More suggestive marketing from Ford Motor Company? For $40,000 (OBO), you can get this Colony Park, and we’ll give you the thumbs-up and not spoil the secret.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

My second cousin (who’s more into golf than gas guzzlers) recently texted me a photo of a Cadillac race car while visiting the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026. Cadillac used this opportunity to announce a new special-edition CT5-V Blackwing called the F1 Collector Series.

The unveiling of this new, exclusive model was done on the eve of what was the Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s inaugural home race. Developed in collaboration with Formula 1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series is the most powerful Blackwing ever produced by Cadillac.

“The CT5-V Blackwing embodies the very best of Cadillac track-capable performance. With the F1 Collector Series, we’re channeling the energy and innovation of Formula 1 into a road-ready sedan that feels every bit as special as our entry into the sport,” says Mark Reuss, President, General Motors. “Each of the 26 vehicles is curated to be a centerpiece in any collection and a true celebration of Cadillac’s new era in Formula 1.”

What makes the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series different from your usual, run-of-the-mill Blackwing? Let us count the ways:

• Midnight Stone Frost hue with monochromatic interior
• Carbon Flash Metallic wheels
• Carbon fiber lower bodywork with Switchblade Silver pinstripe
• Gloss black exterior badging and monochromatic Cadillac crests
• Several F1 and FIA badges and logos throughout the exterior and interior

The 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 produces 685 horsepower with 673 lb-ft of torque, which are bumps of 17 and 14, respectively. The improvements come courtesy of an upgraded supercharger developed in collaboration with GM Motorsports. And rejoice, manual mavens, as the F1 Collector Series comes exclusively with a six-speed manual plus the Precision Package, a track-focused chassis suite that improves dynamics on all road and track conditions.

The CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series will begin production mid-year 2026, and be available only in the American and Canadian markets. If you snooze, you lose because only 26 will be built.