Eat your heart out, Tesla—check out this cool electric car that a Nissan predecessor company built over 70 years ago.

Photo: Nissan Official Media Newsroom.

OK. So it’s not quite as sleek and sexy as a Tesla Roadster.

But this vintage 1947 Tama electric vehicle built by Tokyo Electro Automobile Co., Ltd., has a funky charm of its own. And for Japanese car enthusiasts, it might be pretty cool to think that a company that is part of Nissan’s history was thinking this early about the benefits of electrification, in response to an energy crisis of its time.

Chevrolet set to show off new crate engines in delicious vintage Chevy builds at SEMA 2018

Photo: Chevrolet Pressroom.

If the term “crate engine” makes you think only of the “Put a 350 in it, man!” crowd, it might be time for you to take a fresh look.

While it may be true that, as Matt Farah observed during a chat with Jalopnik’s Kurt Bradley on The Smoking Tire podcast this week, a lot more people are talking on the Interwebs about doing crazy LS swaps these days than actually doing them, the Chevrolet crate engine lineup offers a considerable depth and breadth of swap-friendly options, with nearly 50 motors to choose from.

Dammerman car collection helps drive Saratoga Auto Auction to nearly $6 million in sales

Photo: Saratoga Automobile Museum.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum has credited the 44-vehicle Dennis Dammerman car collection, consigned by the estate of the late GE Vice Chairman Dennis Dammerman, with an important role in propelling sales to nearly $6 million in the second annual Saratoga Auto Auction on September 21 and 22 in Saratoga Springs, New York.

We’re looking forward to seeing this stunning 1966 Ford Bronco resto-mod at SEMA 2018

Photo: United Pacific Industries.

To restore, or to resto-mod?

In the automotive hobby, it’s one of those eternal questions of nearly Shakespearean proportions. And it’s a question that can become very personal and emotionally charged depending on the point of view of the individual enthusiast.

Don’t forget: the Dammerman Car Collection goes up for sale Friday at the Saratoga Auto Auction

Photo: Saratoga Auto Auction.

If you’re interested in bidding on pristine-quality mid-century American muscle cars, sports cars, or other collector-quality American vehicles of various vintages, you might not want to overlook the second annual Saratoga Auto Auction, which runs this Friday, September 21, and Saturday September 22, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Be still, my heart: the Jaguar E-Type is coming back—sort of.

Photo: Jaguar Newsroom

By Bill Hayward

Three days ago, it was officially announced that the childhood dream car that I’ve never owned is making a comeback of sorts.

And I almost missed the press release in my inbox.

But I finally found it, and my heart almost skipped a beat when I read it: Jaguar Classic confirmed on Thursday that they will offer all-electric E-Types for sale, branded as E-Type Zero to emphasize the zero-emissions profile of the powertrain.

T-Birds go up to 11: in defense of the 11th-generation Ford Thunderbird?

2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird. Photo by IFCARE (Wikimedia Commons).

By Bill Hayward

Although I do remember running across a short news story or two when the new, retro-styled 2002 Ford Thunderbird was about to debut, I have to say that these cars were essentially not on my radar at the time—even less so ever since, until very recently. 

Part of the reason for that, of course, is that at the time I was at a much more of a practical-minded lifestage when it came to vehicle needs. Transportation options like minivans and SUVs were top-of-mind, not two-seater roadsters. It was just this year that I started thinking again about the 11th-generation Ford Thunderbird and getting curious about what I might have missed by not paying attention when it was still in production.

44 sports cars, convertibles, coupes, and more from the Dammerman collection up for no-reserve auction in Saratoga Springs next month

Photo: Saratoga Auto Auction

The Saratoga Automobile Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York, announced yesterday that 44 vehicles from the personal collection of the late GE executive Dennis Dammerman will be up for sale with no reserve at the Saratoga Auto Auction on September 21 and 22.

The Classic Car Show podcast with Steve Rinaldo and Jim Weber is back. And now I want to buy a Model A Ford and get DNA tests for my cars.

Henry Ford drives the 20 millionth Model A Ford. Photo:
Ford Media Center.

Earlier this week, I was thrilled to find that The Classic Car Show podcast has returned to cyberspace, with new episodes posted on America’s Web Radio.

Back in February, when we published a story on some of our favorite automotive podcasts, I mentioned that I was a little worried about the future of The Classic Car Show, distributed on America’s Web Radio and hosted mostly by Steve Rinaldo, Jim Weber, and occasional guest hosts.

Are 9th- and 10th-generation V8 Ford Thunderbirds underrated?

10th-Generation Ford Thunderbird. Photo by Charles01
(posted to WikiMedia Commons).

So yesterday I was making a quick stop at McDonald’s, to grab my daughter a couple of McChickens and myself an Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich and a coffee, when what I eventually realized was a 10th-generation Ford Thunderbird caught my eye.

Pre-sale tickets available now for 6th annual 10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance in Minnesota

Photo: 10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance.

Pristinely preserved vintage automobiles along the bucolic shores of a placid lake on a lazy Minnesota summer day... it can't get much better than that, right?

If you agree, and if your travels next month will take you anywhere near Excelsior, Minnesota, you just might want to grab some tickets to the sixth annual 10,000 Lakes Concours d'Elegance, set for Sunday, July 22, 2018, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m at Excelsior Commons along the shores of Lake Minnetonka.

Spotting cool older cars: First-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Photo: Auto Enthusiasts Newsblaster

What it Is: First-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1970-1972).
When Spotted: May 9, 2018.
Where Spotted: Somewhere in Pennsylvania.
Why It's Awesome: From a general perspective, the first-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo is obviously a great looking car. But you've got to drive or ride in one of these to truly appreciate them. Like a lot just about all full-size GMs of the era, the Monte Carlo's ride was silky smooth. But compared to other GM models of the era like the Impala, these were built to deliver tighter handling, and their grip on the road felt rock solid—especially for a big car that was basically a two-door land yacht. As for this one specifically, it's great because it looks essentially like a well-preserved survivor. It may have had a repaint at some point, but it doesn't look like a recent one. It looks much more original than restored, although it does have aftermarket wheels and tires that are fatter than stock. But a survivor from this generation in this kind of condition is not a common site on the street these days.
Where You Could Buy One: There's a teal 1970 Chevrolet Monte Carlo advertised now on Autotrader, for sale in Michigan. Asking price: $15,995.

Spotted any cool older cars lately? Submit your original photos and details to auto.enthusiasts.news@gmail.com. We'll consider your entry for future publication in this recurring feature, "Spotting Cool Older Cars."

The Ones that Got Away: 5 Cars From My Past That I Wish I Had Back

Yes, I know. Nostalgia is a tricky thing. We tend to view the past through rose-colored glasses. Thinking back to cars from your past is no exception. You tend to remember the good and fun things about them, and filter out what was negative and frustrating. Nevertheless, what's the harm in taking a quick little trip down memory lane? So here goes. Here's a list, in no particular order, of vehicles that I either owned or drove frequently that I wish I could drive again today.

1. 1973 Chevrolet Impala. This was my second college car, and it's the car I spent the most time with in the 80s. It wasn't a sporty coupe--it was a brown 4-door colonnade  with a tan vinyl top.

A 1973 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe. Mine was a 4-door sedan, but it had this exact color scheme for the body and vinyl top. Photo by Vegavairbob (Wikipedia).