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    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…”

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    JTM724 commented on 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution

    “Mustang II getting some respect. Finally!”

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    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!!”

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    shelbtgtc55 commented on 23-Years-Owned 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta

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

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    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.

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    BaT Auction Success Story: Buster82’s Super Beetle, Ready for Summer You Should Know

    Byjustpastevehicles

    BaT member Buster82 won a 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible for his wife from KSC813 in a November 2025 BaT auction, and he recently wrote in with an update:
    My wife had owned a Super Beetle many years ago. I decided to take her back in time with this recent purchase. As the bid amount grew, I had to show her the auction to make sure that she would be happy if I was ultimately the highest bidder.

  • 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…”

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    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!”

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    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”

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    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.”

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    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…”

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    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…”

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

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    Understanding this Week’s Weird and Wonderful—July 17, 2026

    Byjustpastevehicles

    For much of the North American population, today is a day to stay inside if you can, lest one be exposed to excessive smoke, tainted lettuce, and other modern perils. To keep you from going stir-crazy, we have assembled for your viewing pleasure a curated list of the most interesting and noteworthy vehicles currently on BaT. This week’s installment contains two military vehicles, three race bikes, two fantastic tribute cars, and the coolest woodie wagon you’ve ever seen. But there was such an abundance that we had to leave things like a DeTomaso Mangusta and an LS3-swapped Mercedes tour bus on the cutting room floor. Not to worry, they can still be seen on our live auctions page, which currently hosts around 1,200 vehicles.

  • Question of the Week: What’s the top First Car Ever Built By an Automaker?—WINNER’S UPDATE

    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 the best first car ever built by an automaker?

    Thanks to everyone who threw their suggestions into the ring! This week, the Volkswagen Beetle and the Tesla Roadster were tied in nominations, and instead of turning to the thumbs, we’re exercising our Editorial Privilege to break the tie by picking the nomination that intrigued us most—the Tesla Roadster! BaT member @JPSO86 was the first to mention it: 

    “You could make a strong argument for the Tesla Roadster.
    It got the ball rolling on electric vehicles again and launched Elon’s wealth making career”

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    JPSO86 commented on Question of the Week: What’s the Best First Car Ever Built By an Automaker?—WINNER’S UPDATE

  • A Look at yesterday’s comments of note

    Byjustpastevehicles

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

    “This is a sweet ’69 El Camino L78… no vinyl top! Could have been used to drag race or simply used to pull a boat down to the river. With the pin-striping that was removed, my guess, it was sparingly used to launch a Sanger flat-bottom boat with a built 427.
    😉”

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    a990dna commented on No Reserve: 396-Powered 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS 4-Speed

    “I had the absolute pleasure of being parked next to this vehicle at the BaT concours d’elegance in Elkhart Lake on Saturday evening, and I must say: this car somehow looks even better in person. I am in and out of a ton of aircooled Porsches in a professional capacity, and this may be the nicest 911SC I’ve ever seen. It’s obvious after talking to the seller that they took their time to refurbish the car the correct way – with the love and care this fine example deserves.
    Somebody is going to…”

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    Edelweiss_Autowerks commented on 43-Years-Family-Owned 1979 Porsche 911SC Coupe

    “There were two icons of the late 1980s for me: the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 16V and the Lancia Delta Integrale 16V.
    If you grew up like I did in the 1980s there’s a good chance you were obsessed with one—or both.
    The GTI was the benchmark hot hatch, while the Integrale was the rally-bred legend that dominated the world stage. Different personalities, yet both became automotive icons that defined a generation of enthusiasts.
    It’s so cool to see a well-sorted GTI 16V again. Seeing one…”

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    zraphael commented on Restored & Modified 1988 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V

  • Yesterday’s comments of note You Should Know

    Byjustpastevehicles

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

    “My Dad and I were at our local Ford dealer buying yet another LTD for family use back in the day. Our sales guy was working on my Dad’s most recent offer (a little game they played). A car carrier truck pulled up front at the dealership and our salesman got all crazy. He said his new ’71 Mach 1 was on the truck and would we mind if he took a minute to get it on the ground. Dad said sure and we all went out to see a very red Mach 1. They got it off the truck and the new owner was just giddy with…”

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    billyblyth commented on 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air 4-Speed

    “Quick comment here! See the white sticker on the bottom corner of the windshield on driver’s side? This is the genuine RCA sticker for parking lot, when Pat Ieraci owned this Volvo since it was new. Pat Ieraci was the influence with RCA to sign Jefferson Airplane. I emailed with (the late) Ieraci’s daughter. She remembered the Volvo with fondness and said her father dearly loved the car. We owned the Volvo and sold it to the present owner. My husband is a life-long master mechanic and…”

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    loisrogers52 commented on 1968 Volvo 122S 2-Door 4-Speed

    “Thanks everyone I’m so happy. This has been my dream car since I first saw one on the Dallas North Tollway back in 1994. I’ve spent decades trying to find the right one. Thanks everyone for bidding and the great sportsmanship. This is a wonderful community!”

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    TSwanz71 commented on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E