Classic Auto Mall - #250 Stewart Howden welcomes Matt Stone, Author, Writer, Broadcaster plus Keith Martin of Sports Car Market

The Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic American pony car first introduced in 1966 to compete with the Ford Mustang. Known for its powerful V8 engine options and aggressive styling, it has been a staple of American performance culture across six generations. It is discussed here in the context of its historical sales and enthusiast appeal.

Matt Stone is an acclaimed automotive journalist, author, and broadcaster who spent 15 years as an editor at Motor Trend. He has written over 20 books on automotive history, including definitive works on Steve McQueen's vehicles and the De Tomaso Pantera.

Bring a Trailer (BaT) is an online automotive auction platform that revolutionized the collector car market by focusing on curated listings, transparent vehicle histories, and highly active community comment sections. Founded in 2007, it has become the dominant marketplace for vintage, enthusiast, and exotic vehicles.

The Lamborghini Countach is a mid-engine V12 sports car that defined the 'wedge' design language of the 1970s and 1980s. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, its dramatic scissor doors and aggressive styling made it the ultimate poster car of its era.

The Toyota GT 86 (later renamed the 86 and GR86) is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car developed in partnership with Subaru. It is celebrated by enthusiasts for its affordable price, low center of gravity, and pure, analog handling characteristics. It is discussed in the context of Toyota's sports car heritage.

The Honda Civic, introduced in 1972, revolutionized the compact car market with its exceptional fuel efficiency and reliable front-wheel-drive layout. The first-generation models helped establish Honda as a major automotive player in North America during the 1970s fuel crisis. It is discussed as a memorable early driving experience.

The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that has long served as the benchmark for sensible, reliable family transportation in North America. Alongside the Honda Accord, its dominant sales success in the 1990s and 2000s ultimately displaced domestic competitors like the Ford Taurus. It is discussed as one of the key vehicles that reshaped the American sedan market.

The Ford Taurus, introduced in 1985, was a revolutionary midsize sedan whose aerodynamic 'jellybean' styling saved Ford from financial ruin and became America's best-selling car. However, intense competition from Japanese rivals eventually eroded its dominance, leading to its discontinuation in 2019. It is discussed as a car that was ultimately eclipsed by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

The Ford Fusion was a highly successful midsize sedan produced across two generations before being discontinued in 2020 as Ford shifted its focus entirely to SUVs and trucks. It was praised for its European-influenced handling, stylish design, and available hybrid powertrains. It is discussed in the context of dealers who miss having a competitive sedan in their lineup.

The Porsche 911 is a legendary rear-engine sports car that has been in continuous production since 1963. The 1989 model year represents a significant transition point, marking the final year of the classic air-cooled Carrera 3.2 and the introduction of the redesigned 964 generation. It is discussed by an owner highlighting the passionate community surrounding classic air-cooled models.

The BMW 3 Series is the quintessential compact luxury sport sedan, celebrated for its balanced handling and driver-focused engineering. The transcript references the 'E30' (1982–1994) and 'E46' (1997–2006) generations, which are highly regarded by enthusiasts as high points in the model's history. It is discussed in the context of navigating BMW's complex internal chassis codes.

The De Tomaso Pantera is a mid-engine sports car that famously blended exotic Italian styling by Ghia with reliable American muscle in the form of a Ford 351 Cleveland V8 engine. Produced from 1971 to 1993, it was sold in the United States through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, making it a unique hybrid of European chassis design and Detroit power.

The Jaguar E-Type is widely considered one of the most beautiful and iconic sports cars ever made, famously praised by Enzo Ferrari himself upon its 1961 debut. Combining stunning aerodynamics, high performance, and a relatively affordable price tag at the time, it became a symbol of the 1960s. It is discussed as a legendary car that enthusiasts love to read about and study.

Bob Bondurant was an American professional racing driver who competed in Formula One and won the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1964 driving a Shelby Cobra. He later founded the world-famous Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, training generations of racers and enthusiasts.

The Toyota Supra is a flagship sports car lineage that grew from a Celica spin-off in the late 1970s into a high-performance icon, culminating in the twin-turbocharged fourth generation of the 1990s and the modern GR Supra. It is discussed in the context of track driving and the humbling experience of professional drivers showing off its true performance capabilities.

The Ford Mustang is the original 'pony car,' creating a new class of affordable, sporty American coupes when it debuted in 1964. As of 2026, the seventh-generation (S650) Mustang continues this legacy with traditional V8 power and modern track-focused variants. It is discussed alongside the Taurus regarding unexpected racetrack capability.

The Jaguar XJ6 is a classic luxury sedan first introduced in 1968, renowned for its elegant styling, exceptionally smooth ride, and sophisticated dual-overhead-cam inline-six engine. It served as Jaguar's flagship sedan for decades across multiple generations. It is discussed in comparison to other classic European luxury and GT cars.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact crossover SUV featuring a striking, retro-futuristic design inspired by Hyundai's 1970s Pony coupe. Built on a dedicated EV platform, it offers ultra-fast 800-volt charging capabilities and a spacious, lounge-like interior. It is discussed as a modern daily driver alongside classic cars.

The Ford Maverick is a compact, unibody pickup truck introduced for the 2022 model year that quickly became a massive success due to its affordable pricing and standard hybrid powertrain. It targets urban buyers and DIYers who want utility without the massive footprint of a traditional truck. It is discussed as a highly practical daily driver.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for decades, serving as both a rugged workhorse and a luxury family vehicle. Modern generations have grown significantly in size, luxury, and technological complexity. It is discussed in the context of how massive modern full-size trucks have become.

The Ford Bronco is a mid-size, body-on-frame off-road SUV resurrected by Ford to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler. The 2026 model year continues to offer retro-inspired styling, removable doors and roof panels, and serious trail capability. It is discussed as a 'monster' of a vehicle that owners love for its rugged presence.

The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact crossover SUV that shares the rugged styling and name of the larger body-on-frame Bronco, but is built on a car-like unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape. It offers respectable light off-road capability in a more daily-driver-friendly package. It is discussed alongside the full-size Bronco to highlight the brand's off-road lineup.

Jim Farley is the Chief Executive Officer of Ford Motor Company, notable for being a passionate vintage racer and car enthusiast who actively competes in historic motorsport events. Under his leadership, Ford has focused on enthusiast-oriented products like the Bronco and Mustang while navigating the transition to electric vehicles.

The Ford GT is a mid-engine supercar built to celebrate Ford's historic 1960s Le Mans victories, produced in two distinct modern generations (2005–2006 and 2017–2022). Known for its carbon-fiber construction and race-bred aerodynamics, it served as a halo vehicle that elevated Ford's brand image. It is discussed as a passion project championed by executives that likely didn't generate direct profits.

The Cadillac Eldorado was the pinnacle of American personal luxury, with the 1956 and 1957 models representing the height of post-war automotive opulence and tailfin design. The ultra-exclusive 1957 Eldorado Brougham featured hand-built construction, a stainless steel roof, and self-leveling air suspension. It is discussed as an incredibly expensive vehicle that GM likely lost money on due to its high development costs.

The Cadillac ELR was a luxury plug-in hybrid coupe sold for the 2014 and 2016 model years, utilizing a premium version of the Chevrolet Volt's range-extended electric powertrain. Despite its stunning concept-car styling and high-quality interior, its high starting price led to extremely slow sales, making it a notable financial loss for GM. It is discussed in the context of historically unprofitable automotive projects.

The Toyota Prius is the world's most famous hybrid vehicle, historically known for its quirky styling and outstanding fuel economy. The fifth-generation model, current in 2026, represents a dramatic redesign with a much lower, sleeker, and sportier stance that has won widespread design praise. It is discussed in the context of its low ride height making entry and exit more difficult.

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is an iconic American muscle car, famously powered by large-displacement V8 engines like the Pontiac 400 during the late 1970s. This generation became a pop-culture phenomenon, defined by its aggressive 'screaming chicken' hood decal and T-top roof.

The Jeep Commander (XK) was a mid-size, three-row SUV produced from 2006 to 2010, featuring boxy, retro styling reminiscent of the classic Jeep Cherokee (XJ). Built on the Grand Cherokee platform, it offered serious off-road capability but suffered from a cramped third row and poor fuel economy. It is discussed here due to a name-based misunderstanding in the transcript.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R231 generation, produced from 2013 to 2020) is a luxury grand touring roadster featuring an all-aluminum body and a folding metal hardtop. While the transcript mentions a classic 1987 560 SL (R107 generation), the R231 represents the modern evolution of this prestigious nameplate, combining high-tech luxury with powerful turbocharged engines.

The Mercedes-Benz 560 SL (R107) is a luxury roadster powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, representing the pinnacle of the long-running R107 generation. Produced from 1986 to 1989, it combined robust German engineering, timeless styling, and effortless grand touring comfort.

A sedanette (or fastback sedan) is a vintage automotive body style characterized by a continuous, sloping roofline that runs smoothly from the top of the windshield all the way to the rear bumper. Popularized in the late 1940s and early 1950s by brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick, it offered a sleek, aerodynamic look.

The Ford Fairlane was a mainstay of Ford's lineup, with the 1955 model year introducing a completely redesigned, lower, and wider body that helped Ford compete fiercely with Chevrolet. The 'Sunliner' was the highly desirable convertible version, featuring eye-catching two-tone paint schemes and chrome accents. It is discussed as a beautiful classic car arrival.

The Pontiac Firebird was a classic American pony car built on GM's F-body platform, debuting in 1967 alongside its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Camaro. The 1967 model year featured unique styling cues like integrated chrome bumpers and Pontiac's own overhead-cam inline-six or V8 engines. It is discussed as a highly desirable classic car arriving at an auction or dealership.

The Powerglide is a legendary two-speed automatic transmission developed by General Motors, featuring a simple planetary gearset and a cast-iron (later aluminum) case. Widely used from the 1950s through the early 1970s, its extreme durability and simplicity made it a favorite in drag racing.

The 1962 Chevrolet Corvette represents the final year of the first-generation (C1) Corvette, notable for introducing the legendary 327 cubic-inch small-block V8 engine. It bridged the gap between early Harley Earl styling and the upcoming Sting Ray, featuring a clean rear deck design with quad round taillights.

Numbers matching is a collector car term indicating that a vehicle's major components—such as the engine, transmission, and frame—still bear the original serial numbers stamped by the factory. This verification is crucial for establishing authenticity and maximizing value in high-end classic cars.

Positraction is General Motors' brand name for a limited-slip differential, which uses a clutch pack to distribute engine torque to both rear wheels when one begins to slip. This prevents the 'one-wheel peel' common with open differentials, significantly improving traction and acceleration.

The Mercury Cougar began as a more upscale, luxury-oriented sibling to the Ford Mustang in 1967, but by 1975, it had transitioned into a large, heavy 'personal luxury car' sharing a platform with the Ford Elite. The 1975 XR7 model featured plush interiors, opera windows, and a smooth, quiet ride typical of the era. It is discussed as an unusual classic car arrival.

Keith Martin is the founder and publisher of Sports Car Market, a highly respected monthly magazine that serves as the definitive guide to the collector car market. He is a prominent voice in the classic car community, known for his deep expertise in European sports cars.

The Austin-Healey 3000 is a classic British sports car powered by a robust 2.9-liter inline-six engine, celebrated for its beautiful proportions and rallying pedigree. Built from 1959 to 1967, the 'Big Healey' is one of the most iconic roadsters of the post-war British sports car boom.

The Triumph TR6 is a classic British sports car built by the Triumph Motor Company between 1968 and 1976, featuring a traditional body-on-frame design and a smooth 2.5-liter inline-six engine. Styled by Karmann, it was a strong seller in the US and remains a popular, accessible entry point into classic British roadster ownership. It is discussed alongside other affordable vintage sports cars.

The Fiat 124 Sport Spider is a classic Italian roadster designed by Pininfarina and produced from 1966 to 1985. It offered a twin-cam engine, a five-speed manual transmission, and a highly user-friendly soft top, making it a popular and stylish alternative to British sports cars of the era. It is discussed as a classic, affordable vintage convertible.

Overdrive is an auxiliary gear ratio designed to allow the engine to run at lower RPMs at highway speeds, improving fuel economy and reducing engine wear. In classic British cars, this was often an electrically operated unit (like Laycock de Normanville) engaged via a dashboard switch.