Chances are, you’ve seen at least one of the 11 films produced as part of the Fast & Furious franchise, and you may have even known that there’s a 12^th pending in 2028. The franchise has become of the highest-grossing film series in history. And it’s celebrating an anniversary today.

The iconic cast, including the late Paul Walker as Brian O’Conner, first assembled over 25 years ago and changed the course of the car-film landscape as we know it. The original “The Fast and the Furious” premiered in Los Angeles on June 18, 2001, and hit theaters nationwide a few days later on June 22.

The rest, as they say, is history. Leading up to the F&F debut, “import tuner” car-culture had gained some serious momentum in the 1990s, due in large part to the popularity of sport-compact coupes like the Acura Integra, Honda Prelude, Nissan 200SX, and Toyota Celica. Mitsubishi was vying for a piece of the pie, too, and its Eclipse was a formidable contender.

In particular, the second-generation (1995-99) Eclipse evokes nostalgia for me and for my family. Back in 1999, my brother’s girlfriend drove the above-pictured white Eclipse GS that had period-correct modifications. Notice the chunky 18-inch chrome Niche wheels that likely impeded performance instead of enhancing it. Under the hood, I recall that the car had a cold-air intake, and on the interior, the gauges had been upgraded to white-faced “Indiglo” units.

If cars like the Eclipse were already on a roll in the late 1990s, then Fast & Furious accelerated that roll even more. Many people have gone on to create detailed replicas of cars from the films. I was able see the pink Honda S2000 from “2 Fast 2 Furious” when I visited the Honda campus for an event last June.

To date, the F&F franchise has grossed over $7.4 billion. The top-earning film was “Furious 7” (2015) which brought in $1.5 billion globally. The next installment in the franchise will be officially titled “Fast Forever,” and Universal Pictures has scheduled it for theatrical release on March 17, 2028.

I look forward to checking it out, and I’d love to see a (now-classic!) second-gen Mitsubishi Eclipse in it making a reprise.

In past Barrett-Jackson auctions, you might have noticed how attendees and spectators alike just love a good Mopar. With the Barrett-Jackson Inaugural Columbus Auction happening in a few days, it’s worth highlighting one of the most interesting Mopars that will be hitting the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds June 25-27, 2026: this rotisserie-restored 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T convertible.

Among mid-size muscle car convertibles in the era, there weren’t many that were rarer than the 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T convertible — only 296 were built. Of those, only 236 were built for the U.S. market, and only 16 of those were equipped with the 440 Six Pack. That’s another distinction this car has: it’s the rarest 440 Six Pack built save the few released to the public for 1972 before it was cancelled.

Then there’s the restyle Dodge stylists gave the Coronet for 1970. Sure, it’s a polarizing affair up front, but it’s a perfectly aggressive face you’d want while overtaking a competitor at the drag strip. In addition, the new rear flanks with their accentuated Coke-bottle styling added to the Coronet’s more muscular look. Add the addition of several Hi Impact colors, five choices of stripes, two versions of scooped hoods, and those nifty simulated brake scoops (standard for 1970), and the 1970 Coronet R/T comes off as quite the unique collectible considering the sales leaders were selling 40,000-plus units each.

In addition to the 440 Six Pack, this “EB5” Bright Blue metallic 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T convertible is equipped with console-shifted TorqueFlite automatic, White bucket seat interior, and White “Bumblebee” stripe. The recipient of a restoration that would make most restoration folks retire, this mighty Mopar has been driven only 388 miles since restoration, meaning it still retains its as-new condition.

The upcoming Barrett-Jackson Inaugural Columbus Auction will give you the opportunity to put this Mopar in your garage — click here to register to bid. If you simply wish to attend, you can purchase your tickets here.

Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. As a member of Cadillac’s upper series, the Biarritz was the only Eldorado offered for 1961, down from three in 1960. Powering this Caddy is a rebuilt 390ci V-8 backed by a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Features include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, remote trunk release, factory AM radio with modern Pioneer system in the glove box, and more. Painted blue with a white power top over a white leather interior, this classic 1960s cruiser comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.

The blue hue replaces the Jade metallic that was originally sprayed on this car’s flanks. Other features include a white power convertible top, lower body longitudinal chrome, and adjustable side mirrors with remote control for the driver’s side. The trunk features a remote release via a button in the glove box. A set of 15-inch steel wheels with Cadillac wheel covers is wrapped in 225/75 Vitour Galaxy whitewall radials.

The cabin features leather upholstery with a six-way power front bench seat with center armrest. Other features include power windows and door locks, power ventipanes, air conditioning, two-spoke steering wheel with power assist, power brakes, column-mounted automatic shifter, and factory AM radio assisted by a Bluetooth-compatible Pioneer FM/CD/USB/Aux system neatly tucked in the glove box.

Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel level. The odometer currently shows 854 miles, although it has rolled over.

The rebuilt 390ci V-8 has about 12,000 miles on it. With a four-barrel carburetor, it was rated at 325 horsepower when new. It is backed by a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

The undercarriage features upgraded power front disc brakes, 3.00 gears, and a single-outlet exhaust system.

You may think of the 1950s when you see a finned Caddy, but the 1961 Cadillac was a clear evolution of what came before it — simply glance at the 1959 Cadillac Cyclone concept car to see the influence. Cars like the subject of our AutoHunter Spotlight were premium American cars that few could afford, but they also showed that Cadillac continued to be the style leader in the industry. With top-tier looks and luxury for its time, this 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible is ripe for new ownership — will it be you? If so, you need to submit your top bid before Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

“The closest you’ll ever get to being in two places at the same time,” BMW said about its 2000 M5 sport-sedan. Boasting a nearly-400-horsepower V-8, a manual transmission, and a host of handling upgrades, the M5 was a modern-day muscle car with family-hauling capabilities. The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 2000 BMW M5 sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in LaFollette, Tennessee.

“Originally purchased directly off the showroom floor at the Los Angeles Auto Show in March of 2001, this car wasn’t just another dealership delivery. It was hand-selected at one of the most prestigious automotive events in the country,” the listing says. “The buyer was the CEO of my company at the time, who chose the car as a personal gift for the company’s Vice President of Operations.”

Imola Red (paint code 405) is a captivating color for this German sport-sedan. Exterior features include kidney grilles, fog lamps, Xenon headlights, black body side moldings, power moonroof, quad exhaust outlets, and 18-inch “Style 65” alloys wrapped in Continental tires.

Interior features include black leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, power convenience options, navigation, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Power comes from an S62 4.9-liter V-8 that was rated at 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. BMW Motorsport put extra effort into making sure that the S62 was a step above the M62 engine it was based upon: It came with eight individual throttle bodies, double-VANOS continuously variable valve timing, an upgraded oil system, and increased displacement (4.9 liters versus 4.4).

The M5 was also offered exclusively with a Getrag six-speed manual transmission — a testament to BMW’s goal to give the driver a connected, visceral experience.

The listing says, “Over the years, the car has been meticulously cared for. It has always been garage-kept and covered when not in use. I have always used BMW 20W50 engine oil and kept up on oil changes and maintenance throughout the life of the car.” Recent work included tires, camshaft position sensor, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, wiper blades, air filters, and more.

The seller has included a video showing the removal of the car cover and a cold start. The pride of ownership is evident as the seller narrates his storage and driving habits.

To some, the BMW E39 M5 represents a “golden era” of driving dynamics: naturally aspirated V-8 power, an analog manual transmission, and plenty of luxury. This 80,000-mile, well-kept example is a collector-grade example, and it’s priced at $38,900.

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

It’s Father’s Day, so it’s time for another rumination on the cars of my dad. Since he isn’t so much a car guy as he is a person who appreciates cars, the logical next step after showing the ones he’s owned is getting into the ones I remember testing with him.

1977-79 Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar
I am unsure if we tested any of these, but I do remember renting them when we went on family trips to California. All I had to do was ask him to specify a Thunderbird or Cougar, and viola! Though personal luxury coupes, they were large enough for a family of four to travel around Los Angeles in comfort. In retrospect, I have no soft spot for these cars.

I also remember becoming excited for the 1980-82 Thunderbird — what kid wouldn’t based on the hidden headlights and optional gee-whiz digital speedometer? But today, this generation seems like a downgrade, a car lost in the fog of Malaise. Considering over 288,000 were built, it’s amazing how uncommon they have become.

1981 Chrysler Imperial
For whatever reason, I loved Imperials of the 1970s. One interesting quirk that was different from Brand X was that their headlight doors dropped down, instead popping up. So when I caught wind that a new Imperial was appearing in dealerships, I begged my dad to go test one. I believe the dealership (on Kirkwood Highway — Gambacorta?) had a Sinatra Edition in the showroom. I cannot remember the test drive, but I do remember my dad saying there was an issue with the engine, so maybe we revisited and tested the car in ’82? I still love these, but I don’t feel compelled to own one.

1982 Lincoln Continental
Though at the time I didn’t realize what flattery meant, this is the car that personified it in relation to the Cadillac Seville. I’m fairly sure it was the Givenchy Edition because of the colors of Black and Medium Dark Mulberry Metallic, a combination that didn’t move me then, but I reckon I understand it today. I don’t remember much about the test drive other than the buttons on the dashboard because I was totally enamored by the digital dashboard. I’m somewhat glad my dad never bought this, though there’s nothing wrong with them.

1983 Lincoln Continental Mark VI
My dad bought a leftover 1976 Mark IV when the lot of Holiday Lincoln-Mercury was full of Mark Vs (and leftover 1976 Cougars, too), so he had a soft spot for Lincoln. When it was time to replace his, the Mark VI was the latest and greatest (and I was thankful, as I never cared for the Mark V). The Mark VI ushered in a four-door as well as a coupe, but I cannot remember what we tested other than it was black and pewter; looking at a brochure, I realize it’s a ’83 Bill Blass in Midnight Black and French Vanilla. I know these were downsized, but they never seemed that way (and they came across successfully, I feel). I couldn’t tell you why Dad didn’t pull the trigger, but it probably came down to money.

1984 Mercedes S-Class W126
This was his dream car — always unattainable, but close enough that he tested several over the years. Chances are that it would have been a 380SEL, though I recall not being able to decipher how Mercedes named its cars (two seemingly identical cars had different numbers). I remember these cars as being very, very solid (just shut the door of one!) with seats that felt different than those of other cars.

1984 Saab 900
I couldn’t tell you what year it was, but I do remember Dad testing a Saab 900, probably a 1984 model. I am unsure whether it was a turbo (likely), but I do remember sitting in it, him putting the key between the seats, mw staring at that unique dashboard, and him explaining to me (while navigating a tight U-turn) how these cars are known for handling snow. My recollection is it may have been above his price point, but now I imagine he simply wasn’t ready for a four-cylinder in his V-8 world.

1984 Lincoln Continental Mark VII
Out of the bunch, this is the one that my dad came closest to buying. A common thread, I suspect the price was slightly out of reach to him. This car was thrilling to me, being the first American car with European-style headlamps, plus it was based on the aero T-bird, which was among the coolest evolutions of cars to a kid who still relied on September for model-year debuts. Like the later Pontiac Trans Sport morphing into the Montana, the Mark VII (rightly) morphed into an LSC-spec personal luxury car.

1985 Citroen CX
Lucky me! A fledgling Citroen fan was able to score a nice tour on a car that shouldn’t have been in the U.S. I remember going to the Philadelphia Auto Show and discovering this company (led by a gentleman named Stout, I recall) called CX Auto in the “other” section of the show. I wouldn’t say my dad was a Citroen guy, but his interest was piqued, plus he was always up for making his son happy.

I do remember going to Media, Pennsylvania (possibly — definitely outside Philly) to test the CX, and I remember testing both the GTi and the long-wheelbase Prestige. Though I should have been more interested in the sportier version, I was taken by the limousine charms of the Prestige. I still have love the CX — in fact, I think I prefer it to the DS. Since he wasn’t hands-on, I imagine Dad nixed the CXA because getting it serviced would have been problematic, but nonetheless I cannot say whether he was taken by the car.

Since its introduction on June 7, 1976, the Honda Accord has solidified its status as a favorite of individuals and families across America. It helped revolutionize the midsize sedan market, proving that dependable, fuel-efficient cars could be comfortable, practical, and even a little bit sporty.

As of 2026, over 15 million Accords have been sold. I’ve personally owned three, including a pristine 2007 EX coupe that was auctioned on AutoHunter in 2024. The Accord’s versatility has helped it remain relevant for people with different automotive needs. It has been offered in sedan, coupe, hatchback, and station wagon variants, with a variety of engine and transmission combinations and equally diverse trim levels. Seemingly, there’s been an Accord for everyone.

And the momentum continues: In 2023, the car entered its 11^th generation. According to Honda’s data, the Accord accounts for 25 percent of all retail midsize car purchases in America. Honda shared a press release along with a short video that chronicles the Accord’s impact on the brand’s history.

Gary Robinson, Vice President of Auto Strategy, said, “Every generation of Accord has some sort of breakthrough technology.” Honda shared the following key milestones to illustrate some of the car’s history:

• 1976 – Start of U.S. sales
• 1982 – Start of U.S. production at Marysville Auto Plant
• 1983 – First Car and Driver 10Best win
• 1988 – 1 millionth Accord built
• 1989 – Accord topples domestics to become best-selling car in America
• 1994 – Accord named Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year”
• 1995 – First V-6-powered Accord debuts
• 2004 – 10 millionth Accord sold
• 2005 – First hybrid-powered Accord debuts
• 2005 – Accord wins Car and Driver 10Best for the 20th time
• 2018 – Accord named “North American Car of the Year” and Motor Trend “Car of the Year”
• 2025 – Accord wins Car and Driver 10Best for the 40th time
• 2026 – Accord celebrates 50 years and 15 million cumulative U.S. Sales

Below is a photo of a car from each generation.

First Generation

Second Generation

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

Fifth Generation

Sixth Generation

Seventh Generation

Eighth Generation

Ninth Generation

Tenth Generation

Eleventh Generation

Are you a former or current Honda Accord owner? If so, what did/do you like most about the model?

Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 1963 Chevrolet C10 pickup, a frame-off restoration powered by an LY6 6.0-liter V-8 crate engine mated to a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. Highlights include Vintage Air A/C and Classic Performance Products (CPP) suspension hardware. Finished in Chalk gray over a red vinyl interior, this custom first-generation C/K is offered by the private seller in Missouri with a build sheet and clear title.

The body was repainted in a Porsche shade of gray known as Chalk, but the frame-off restoration was completed earlier this year. A black front bumper, later-model C10 grille, and trim complement the neutral paint. Additional exterior features include dual mirrors, new windows, flush Kindig-It Design door handles, dual through-body exhaust outlets, custom Fleetside bed, wood bed planks, under-bed fuel tank, and shaved rear bumper.

Keeping with the neutral color scheme, the 20-inch U.S. Mags wheels are finished in black. They’re surrounded by 245/45 front and 275/40 rear Lexani LX-Twenty tires.

The interior is a radical departure from the low-key exterior with its red leather-wrapped steering wheel, red headliner and sun visors, red door panels, and red vinyl bucket seats. Comfort and convenience features include a tilt steering column, Borgeson power steering, custom dashboard with woodgrain accents, push-button ignition, Vintage Air A/C, custom center console with a touchscreen and Lokar shifter, and Focal speakers.

The all-digital Dakota Digital instrumentation consists of a speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The odometer shows 4,813 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.

Under the hood is a more modern LY6 6.0-liter V-8 crate engine, which is equipped with a performance intake and Holley Terminator X Max system. A 4L60E four-speed automatic sends the engine’s output to a rebuilt 3.73:1 Positraction rear end.

As part of the restoration, the chassis was powder-coated along with the suspension setup, which features CPP parts such as the tubular crossmember, and front and rear control arms. Speaking of handling, The Right Stuff power front disc brakes help make sure this truck can handle its updated power.

You have the power to make this 1963 Chevrolet C10 the newest addition to your garage. Bid on it right now and keep bidding until the auction ends on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

The ClassicCars.com Journal recently featured a Pick of the Day that focused on a particular Super Duty Trans Am that aroused the consternation of several enthusiasts who balked at the price. I won’t go on record stating that it was priced reasonably, but Super Dutys have been six-figure cars for quite a long time. However, I have found a Plan B for you: this 455-powered 1973 Pontiac Formula Firebird. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Concord, California.

Though the 1973 Pontiac Firebird looks like the 1970-72 iterations, there were several identifiable differences. Easily spotted is the coarse eggcrate grille, which stands out compared to the previous versions; it also was mounted forward more in the nostrils compared to previous years because the Firebird conformed to new federal bumper regulations. Inside, a new high-back seat design was introduced, with the Custom Trim Group being an upgrade featuring perforated Madrid Morrokide or Beige Prado cloth. New carpet choices of Red, Orange, or Blue (in place of black) were an interesting option.

The Formula Firebird continued to play the sporty and/or performance role ever since it replaced the Firebird 400 in 1970. That year, it was only available as a 400, but starting in 1971, an L30 350 two-barrel, L78 400 four-barrel, L75 455 four-barrel (only with an automatic), and LS5 455 HO were available, with the latter having the option of ram air. The L75 disappeared for 1972, only to reappear for 1973. The LS5 evolved into the LS2 455 Super Duty.

Even the Trans Am went through a few changes. Not only was the color palette expanded (three colors in total) with new stripes and markings to make it fresh, but the standard engine was downgraded to the L75, though now it was available with a four-speed manual.

While the 1973 Trans Am garners the spotlight — especially with the 455 Super Duty engine — the Formula has its fans, and it’s often much rarer when equipped similarly. Out of the 10,168 Formula Firebirds built in 1973, only 730 were built with the L75 455. Additionally, only 553 Formula Firebirds were built with ram air. That makes this 455-powered 1973 Pontiac Formula Firebird quite an interesting find. Also worth noting is the lengthy list of options on the below invoice.

“Factory matching numbers 455 Ram Air Formula! Buccaneer Red exterior with Black Deluxe interior and black vinyl top,” says the seller. “Paint is approx. 25 years old but still shows well with a few flaws.” The engine is original, but the TH400 automatic is a replacement.

In retrospect, a Plan B can sometimes pay off as much as a Plan A. For $32.950, you can pick up this Formula Firebird and brag to cruise night spectators that it’s rarer than a Super Duty Trans Am — that may not be an inaccurate statement. And with the money you save, you’ll have ample road-mile opportunities, something a Super Duty owner may not be so keen on.

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

There is nothing quite like the sense of pride that buying a new vehicle can provide. And being able to customize, personalize, and option a car to individual specifications is one of the most rewarding things about finally holding the key to a new ride.

Car companies know this, and some have found ways to make the purchase/delivery experience extra-special. Take, for example, Chevrolet, which offers a “Museum Delivery” program for the Corvette under Option Code R8C. Participants receive a membership to the museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, VIP tour of the museum, opportunity to view their Corvette on display, driver door jamb decal, dash plaque, wall plaque, and commemorative photo in front of the museum.

Here’s an example of a dash plaque on an older C7.

The “name placard” thing has been happening for decades. In the earliest days of motoring, cars were expensive investments that were owned by the elite members of society, and by the post-WWII era, organizers of high-end events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance would provide dash plaques with the name of the event as a form of proof of attendance — almost like a permanent trophy.

By the 1960s, some luxury automakers offered original-owner dashboard plaques made from custom-engraved metal tags. I recently came across not one, but two cars from the 1960s at Desert Valley Auto Parts that had original owners’ names on the dashboard. The first was a 1964 Mercury; the second was a 1969 Lincoln, pictured herein.

The tags on the car’s Arizona license plate expired over a quarter-century ago, in February 1999.

In typical Arizona fashion, the paint, upholstery, and dashboard were sun-baked, but the car was complete and rust-free.

“Owned by Kenneth Brown,” the tag said. And who could blame Kenneth for taking pride in such a fine car? The Continental Mark III was seen by some as the ultimate personal luxury car. The Mark III had a bold, upright grille, massive 460ci V-8 (with 500 lb-ft of torque!), deep pile carpets, gathered leather, and extensive sound-deadening insulation. The car was a status symbol for anyone who drove it.

In the brochure for 1969 Lincoln models, the Mark III was called, “The most authoritatively styled, decisively individual motor car of this generation.” The car came standard with power front disc brakes, Select-Shift automatic transmission, power seat, concealed dual headlamps, Flow-Thru ventilation, nylon carpeting, and rear lamp monitoring system.

Some 57 years later, I am sure Kenneth Brown is pleased to see that his pride and joy still bears his name. Let’s face it, a car is a huge financial investment, and if you want everyone else to know that it’s yours, more power to you!

Fellow dads, we’re a day away from Father’s Day! I hope your special day is filled with love, family time, relaxation, and great food. Of course, something related to automobiles is nice no matter what day it is. I’ll take care of that with this week’s installment of Car Connections. I had the Random Word Generator spit out a trio of words, then found a way to link them all to vehicles. This week’s words are salvation, frame, and hostile. How would you associate these words with cars? Tell us in the Comments section below. (And click here for more car games!)

Salvation: Church. Church’s Fried Chicken. KFC. Kentucky. The Chevrolet Corvette, which is built in Bowling Green.

Frame: Picture. “Photograph” is an Ed Sheeran song. Ed Sheeran is a redhead. You know what else is a redhead? A car featured on so many posters in the 1980s: the Ferrari Testarossa!

Straight from the Prancing Horse‘s mouth: “The name Testa Rossa is Italian for Red Head, and refers to the colour that the camshaft covers were painted on the sports racing models,” such as the Testarossa’s ancestor from decades earlier, the 250 Testa Rossa. (It appears as if Ferrari had its own version of the Chevrolet Corvette’s Sting Ray/Stingray name alteration.)

Hostile: The 2005 horror film “Hostile” directed by Eli Roth, who also starred in “Inglourious Basterds.” Quentin Tarantino’s earlier movie “Pulp Fiction,” in which a boxer named Butch Coolidge (played by Bruce Willis) drives a 1980 Honda Civic straight into Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames), a man he owes money after Butch killed his opponent in a boxing match.

The hatchback ends up getting destroyed, but Butch saves Marsellus from a much worse fate with something else that’s Japanese: a katana.

If today’s round of Car Connections makes you want to add a Chevrolet, Ferrari, or Honda to your garage, you can find them at ClassicCars.com and AutoHunter.com.