• Here’s yesterday’s comments of note

    Byjustpastevehicles

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Nobody in Fort Stockton ever knew exactly where Harold and Eleanor Whitcomb were headed when they left, and after a while they stopped asking. It had become as dependable as church bells and the Dairy Twin closing at nine. Every Sunday, sometime after lunch, the old Mercury wagon would ease out of their driveway with a picnic basket tucked behind the front seat and Harold’s weathered county highway map folded neatly beside him. They never seemed to have a destination. Yet when they returned,…”

    130

    CaptainMyCaptain commented on 1948 Mercury Wagon Woody Marmon-Herrington 4×4

    “Great road test; beautiful sound bathing the cabin as you work the gears…no weird clunks, just straight-up British Sports Car excellence. GLWA! Given the bids already, I won’t be seeing this in my Virginia garage any time soon, alas.”

    7

    BahnBnr commented on One-Owner 1967 Jaguar XKE Series I 4.2 Coupe 4-Speed

    “I drove a 2012 manual Fit for three years before I lost it in a flood trying to cross an underpass. They float extremely well by the way.
    It was SO much fun to drive. It fit two bikes in the back with the seats up. Storage was best. I’ve not had a similar size car since that was as enjoyable. The Fiesta ST is a close second but the FIT had better (less) torque steer when burning the tires in the wet. It would get rubber past 2nd gear on moist roads.
    Indestructible….unless you drive it…”

    7

    funknyuyao commented on No Reserve: 49k-Mile 2012 Honda Fit 5-Speed

  • Yesterday’s comments of note You Should Know

    Byjustpastevehicles

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Combating the maintenance scaries with an impressive log of care.
    From VW’s golden era. This being on the lot next to the MKIV .:R32 and V10 TDI Touareg is as good as it’ll get.”

    20

    EMow commented on No Reserve: 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton W12

    “Hello BaT! I’m the builder and seller of this E30, and I’ll be here throughout the auction to answer any questions and provide additional photos or videos if requested.
    This project began as an effort to build an electric E30 that felt like a proper driver’s car rather than simply an EV conversion. Nearly every component was selected with that goal in mind—from the Tesla Plaid drive unit and custom battery system to the suspension, brakes, and chassis upgrades.
    After the build was…”

    12

    anchoright commented on 1986 BMW 325e EV Conversion

    “By the time this particular Fulvia was built, Fiat had owned Lancia long enough to have begun incorporating some profit-motivated changes. I spent a lot of time at the Lancia display at the Turin Auto Show in 1972, and following that wrote an article for the LANCIANA, the American Lancia Club newsletter. Some things I noted were “…the paint and overall finish is better than ever. Suspension bits are stampings now, rather than the nice hardware that we’re used to.. Plastic clips replace the…”

    10

    dinodo commented on 1971 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1600 HF

  • Question of the Week: What’s Your Favorite “Hidden Gem” Auto Museum?—WINNER’S UPDATE — Explained

    Byjustpastevehicles

    WINNER’S ANNOUNCEMENT:

    We’re back to announce the winner for our Question of the Week, where our winner will receive their laurels in the form of a $25 credit for a hat or T-shirt from the BaT Gear Store.

    This week, we asked: What’s your favorite “hidden gem” auto museum?

    Thanks to everyone who wrote in! While the Revs Institute received the most love this week, it’s a pretty sophisticated and well-known operation—a gem, to be sure, but not so hidden. This week, we’re exercising our Editorial Privilege to pick something a little further from the beaten path. Our prize today goes to BaT member @SFM1966, who nominated the Hajek Motorsports Museum in Ames, Oklahoma:

    “Hajek Motorsports Museum in Ames, OK is the definition of a hidden gem for a Ford fan.”

    1

    SFM1966 commented on Question of the Week: What’s Your Favorite “Hidden Gem” Auto Museum?—WINNER’S UPDATE

  • Yesterday’s comments of note: A Practical Look

    Byjustpastevehicles

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “This is what the first-gen Celica liftback was meant to be. We got what was spec’ed for US market, same chassis but with the big 5mph bumpers and a much lower-performance engine. The 20R is great for a truck, but 100 hp at 4800 rpm isn’t as much fun as an 18R-G140 hp at 6500 rpm in a sub-2500 lb car.
    B-D
    Were the dash and console panels painted gray? I believe all the RA29s had woodgrain vinyl stickers, which harked back to the 2000GT’s beautiful woodwork, but perhaps that was also…”

    19

    Toyotero commented on No Reserve: 1975 Toyota Celica 2000 GT 5-Speed

    “What an amazing man.
    Martin L. Swig, February 8, 1934 – July 3, 2012.
    A quintessential West Coast “car guy,” he organized the California Mille (1000 mile historic race car tour on Northern California back roads) in 1991 after discovering and driving Italy’s most-famous open road race (Mille Miglia) in 1982.
    Summing up his priorities in the historic motorsport world, he dedicated his event to “Great cars, Little Roads, and Wonderful Friends.”
    He kidded sedentary TV sports types with his…”

    20

    Stratos commented on The Swig Family Collection, Presented by Fantasy Junction—All Cars Are Live!

    “Back in the year 2001, I had this long-held notion I’d own a BMW 2002 in the YEAR 2002. So, obviously I began my search too early and found one far too quickly. So, In the dead of Winter, I rented a car and drove from Michigan to Washington DC and bought an Inka 1973 2002tii with sunroof. I drove it home, missing the blizzard in Pennsyvanis by a half day.
    A few years later, in 2005, when I moved to the West Coast I drove it to from Michigan, covering 5000 miles within a month — crossing…”

    13

    Delia_Wolfe commented on 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 5-Speed

  • |

    What to Know About sludgo Rides Shotgun with hardtuned

    Byjustpastevehicles

    The Riding Shotgun project has been an interesting one for me, to say the least, and as I picked up the e-phone to chat with the seventh subject of the series I couldn’t help but recall what a certain Mr. Gump had to say about that box of chocolates. Thus far in the project, whenever I’ve connected with any of the RS subjects, I’ve never known what I was going to get, and @hardtuned was no different. A handsome, youngish guy with chiseled features and a slender athletic build, he greeted me with a broad smile and an enthusiasm that was contagious. And when he began my ride-along by offering me a “ten-second tour” of his garage and its eclectic occupants, I knew I was in for another fascinating journey.

  • Yesterday’s comments of note — Explained

    Byjustpastevehicles

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Some final hour Sport evolution M3 fun facts.
    The sport evolution is the 3rd evolution of the E30 M3 homologated for racing. It was produced for just 3 months in 1990 resulting in 600 models. 500 models were required to evolve a race car at the time. Only 204 Red Sport evos were ever made.
    This car is 100% original in terms of parts. The modifications are exactly as it left BMW.
    The Sport evo was the only E30 M3 to feature a 2.5 Liter S14 engine making 238 HP.
    Some easy to spot visual…”

    13

    JTM724 commented on 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution

    “Mustang II getting some respect. Finally!”

    9

    MHHamrhead commented on 44k-Mile 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra 4-Speed

    “In the 70’s (in college), I had a summer job at Stern-Hasskell ( high end dealer ) in the Bronx NY. That is where I saw my first and only Mangusta. I never forgot it. It is as stunning today as it was all those many years ago. Thanks for the memories!!”

    14

    shelbtgtc55 commented on 23-Years-Owned 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta

    “” The interior seats 13 occupants”
    One steering and 12 screaming….”

    20

    Habu2 commented on LS3-Powered 1960 Mercedes-Benz O319 Panorama Bus

  • BaT Auction Success Story: The Amazing Mazie — Explained

    Byjustpastevehicles

    BaT member Chuckles83 passed an important automotive tradition to his youngest daughter with this 1978 Triumph Spitfire, which he won from StevenAJ in a March 2025 BaT auction:
    As a former Michigan State Spartan, it was hard watching my youngest set her heart on Ann Arbor for college. And when it became clear that off-campus housing necessitated a motor vehicle, I knew what I had to do.

  • Yesterday’s comments of note: A Practical Look

    Byjustpastevehicles

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “What a neat rig with an incredible pedigree! And you won’t need to bring a trailer because it’s too precious. Just drive it home and enjoy it.
    I don’t have a lot to add on top of what others have said about Harold Allen except to say that many years ago I came into a collection of his Stroppe-related photos from Ford Motor Company and I’m forever grateful for those.
    I think this is the only Bronco I know of that was owned by one of Ford’s off road racing stars that has come to market in…”

    17

    Todd_Z. commented on Ex–Rod Hall 1971 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja

    “Condolences to your Grandfather-he looked like a happy chap!
    He obviously cherished this BRG beauty!
    Cheers!”

    19

    LandSpeedster commented on One-Family-Owned 1999 Jaguar XJR

    “The BMW 3.0 CSL is a 1970s icon. It has no equal. It’s the car upon which BMW has built its image and reputation since 1972”

    11

    Delia_Wolfe commented on 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL

  • Yesterday’s comments of note: A Practical Look

    Byjustpastevehicles

    A few of the comments that stood out to us yesterday:

    “Hello BaT universe! I am the owner, craftsman, artist of this X-34 Landspeeder tribute vehicle. Since I couldn’t acquire the real one from that galaxy far, far away, (the import/transport fees would have been “astronomical”) I decided to build one to commemorate the upcoming 50th earthly anniversary of this iconic movie vehicle. I am looking forward to all the comments, questions, and bids.”

    55

    StoneRoller_ReadLuke24 commented on No Reserve: X-34 Landspeeder-Style Golf Cart

    “When I scroll BaT, I’ve always held out hope I’d come across two cars: my dad’s ‘66 E Type, and this car. I sold this car to the current seller. Bought when I was 14, restored it, drove it through high school and into young married life. Sold it when I was broke with a growing family to support. Broke my heart to sell it, but clearly I sold to the right individual. Car looks absolutely amazing. I’ll start the bidding with the last sale price…”

    30

    Mgh20180 commented on No Reserve: Backdated 1971 MG MGB Roadster

    “Harold is a Stroppe and Ford icon still with us today, he admits he is older and as for all of us, his memory is fading.
    Rod unfortunately is no longer with us but there is a lot more info on his legendary existence.
    with that being said, i invite anyone who knew or knew of Harold Allen and or his talents to share any stats and stories with us and the same with Rod?
    i am sure @BajaBronco / Andrew and @Todd_Z. and @House along with a handful of others will have some important history and…”

    24

    Chapter2 commented on Ex–Rod Hall 1971 Ford Bronco Bill Stroppe Baja