Car enthusiasts share their heartfelt stories of regret over selling beloved vehicles, ranging from Alfa Romeos and Toyota MR2s to Buick Roadmasters and Porsche 914s. These personal anecdotes highlight the emotional connections people form with their cars and the lasting impact of parting with them, often for practical reasons like financial constraints or life changes.
Car enthusiasts share their love for unreliable cars, such as the BMW 8 Series, Alfa Romeo, Audi S5, Jaguar E-type, and Mercedes-Benz, despite the constant maintenance and repair challenges. Despite issues with electricals, rust, and other mechanical problems, these iconic vehicles are still cherished for their design, driving experience, and historical significance.
Car enthusiasts are discussing which unreliable cars are worth the headache, with one enthusiast sharing their experience with a 2007 BMW Z4 3.0SI. Despite its hideous unreliability and costly maintenance, the car's driving experience makes it worth the trouble. Enthusiasts are invited to share their own experiences with unreliable yet beloved vehicles.
Car enthusiasts on Jalopnik discuss their picks for future classic cars from the early 2000s, including the Lexus SC430, Infiniti M45, FJ Cruiser, Plymouth Prowler, Kappa twins, Honda Insight, Tesla Roadster, Mazda RX-8, Ford Thunderbird, Dodge Neon SRT-4, Honda NSX, Honda Element, Volvo C30, Nissan Skyline R34, Jaguar Super V8 Portfolio, and various Porsche models, highlighting their unique features and potential for preservation and enjoyment in the future.
Car enthusiasts share their love for bad cars, including the Suzuki Sprint, Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, Lincoln Mark V Pucci Edition, Oldsmobile Omega Sedan, Honda Crosstour, Lexus RC, Mitsubishi Mirage, BMW i3 S, Tesla Cybertruck, Pontiac G6, Plymouth Prowler, Lexus SC, and Range Rover, highlighting unique features and personal attachments despite their flaws.
BMW board member Frank Weber announced that the future of all BMW M cars will eventually be automatic-only due to declining demand and cost considerations, advising enthusiasts to purchase manual transmission models now. Despite some customer demand for manuals, especially in the U.S., BMW is phasing them out, with only the M2, M3, M4, and Z4 currently offering manual options in the U.S.
Car enthusiasts express their nostalgia and disappointment over various turbocharged cars that they wish were naturally aspirated. Examples include the BMW M3, Toyota Highlander, Ford GT, Ferrari 488, and BMW M5. They argue that naturally aspirated engines offer a unique driving experience and sound that turbocharged engines often lack. Some suggest that manufacturers should have focused on developing reliable and powerful naturally aspirated engines instead of opting for turbos.
A 1989 Buick Reatta is being offered for sale at $5,550, claiming to be in excellent condition with a clean title. The Reatta, a two-seater coupe, was Buick's first production two-seater and one of only four two-seat cars offered by General Motors at the time. Despite not being popular when it was new, the seller believes that the Reatta may have gained more appreciation over time. The car features a well-maintained exterior, a clean interior with functioning power-adjustable seats, and a working Graphic Control Center (GCC) screen. The asking price is deemed "very cheap for a cool classic," but it remains to be seen if buyers will be enticed by this Reatta.
"Youngtimers," cars built after 1980, are gaining popularity among collectors due to their visually stunning designs and thrilling driving experiences. These vehicles, such as the Acura NSX, Aston Martin Lagonda Series 4, and BMW E30 M3, are meant to be driven rather than displayed. Youngtimers are more accessible in price compared to older classics, but their values have risen dramatically in recent years. Changes in import laws have also made it easier for collectors to access cars that were not originally sold in their country. Dedicated events and gatherings celebrate the culture surrounding youngtimers, further fueling their demand.
Justin, known as @33BossHog on Instagram, has a deep obsession with the rare Porsche color called Moonstone, which was only available in 1979 and 1980. He has owned three cars in this color and is dedicated to preserving and sharing information about it. Despite its subtle and subdued nature, Moonstone has a lasting impact on those who see it. Justin actively drives his rare machines to give people the opportunity to experience the unique color firsthand.
A 1978 Ford Mustang II restomod is up for sale at $9,500, featuring a newer fuel-injected 302 engine, four-speed manual transmission, refreshed exhaust, new paint and upholstery, and a custom stereo installation. Despite the Mustang II's vilification over time, the car's unpopularity was more a result of the challenging era it was born into, marked by tightening emissions and safety standards, fuel economy concerns, and competition from foreign makes. The asking price for this restored Mustang II raises the question of whether the improvements justify the cost or if the stigma surrounding the model still lingers.
A 1997 McLaren F1, previously owned by Elon Musk, is on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Musk bought the car for $1 million in 1999 but had an accident in 2000, causing significant damage. The vehicle was later sold in 2007. The festival, which started on July 13, has canceled activities for July 15 due to a severe wind warning.
Car enthusiasts shared their picks for underappreciated and lesser-known cars that they wish more people knew about. Some of the mentioned vehicles include the Buick TourX, Ford C-Max, Jeep Grand Cherokee with a diesel engine, Mazda 5, Mercury Capri, BAC Mono, Volkswagen Arteon, General Motors EV1, Cadillac Vs and Blackwings, Vector W8, Ariel Nomad, Local Motors Rally Fighter, Polestar 2, and various other unique and rare models. The enthusiasts expressed their desire for more people to appreciate and recognize these vehicles, highlighting their distinctive features and designs.
Thousands of car enthusiasts gathered at Rick Ross' annual car and bike show in Fayetteville, where the rapper aimed to inspire the next generation of car enthusiasts. The event almost didn't happen due to permit issues, but Ross worked with the county to address traffic concerns. Attendees expressed their desire to show the youth that they can obtain luxury items legally and without resorting to crime. The event also featured live painting by artist Sheldon Hill, who aimed to inspire kids to turn towards art instead of crime.
A collection of 230 classic cars, worth millions of euros, belonging to Dutch businessman Ad Palmen, will be auctioned off next month by Gallery Aaldering and Classic Car Auctions. The collection, which includes a rare Lancia B24 Spider America, was discovered in warehouses and an abandoned church in Holland. Palmen, who started collecting the cars 40 years ago, could no longer keep the vehicles due to his ailing health. Many of the models, including Maseratis, Jaguars, Aston Martins, BMWs and Facel Vegas, are in pristine condition.