Old cars are great just as they are. But if you hope to use one regularly these days, a few updates can make the experience better. 

For example, say you’ve got a 1968 Mustang with a 390 and you live in L.A. That traffic is notorious, and the cooling system in the Mustang, while decent enough, won’t like long periods of idling. What’s the fix? A modern radiator and an electric cooling fan to assist air movement when sitting Read More

We’re working on the next issue of ACC this week, and there’s still time to participate in our Readers’ Forum. This month’s question: What is it that makes a car collectible?

This issue will feature everything from a vintage AMC Pacer through a modern Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. That’s a wide range of cars, and it begs the question: What is it that makes a car collectible?

When does a car become special? When does it become coveted? At what Read More

Every year, on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, classic car owners all over the Portland area fire up their cars before the sun and head to the east side of town for an early morning gathering. This is where the Portland Transmission show kicks off the car show season, sprawling across a big chunk of the inner southeast portion of the city.

There’s always a bunch of great stuff at this event — from Gassers to Model Ts, military vehicles, Read More

There’s something pretty appealing about a classic car project. For me, there are a lot of possibilities that circle around a rusty remnant of a car — especially when its revival is in my hands. 

What color was the car and what color will it be when you’re done with it? What engine was in it from new, and will it still be in there when you hit the key? How about the interior? What about wheels and tires? Read More

Everybody loves Tri-Five Chevrolets, Shoebox Fords, Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers and Challengers. But if your goal is to stand out from the classic car crowd, the best bet is to find something different. 

Owning an old car is a social thing. You can’t take a classic anywhere without striking up a conversation with people in parking lots or at stop lights. For a lot of us, that’s a big part of the appeal of an old car — and for Read More

We’re wrapping up ACC #39 this week, but there’s still time to submit responses to our Readers’ Forum question. What car should you have kept?

This builds off a blog I wrote a few weeks ago — I’d like to know what car or cars you’ve owned in the past that you wish you still had. Maybe you sold that classic to pay a bill, or to buy something different, or just because you thought you were done with Read More

ACC’s gears are turning as we prep for issue #39 — and that means its time for another Wrenching column. So today, Auction Editor Chad Tyson and I have snuck out of the office and are in my shop, working on ACC’s 1966 Ford Mustang. I’m writing this from my workbench.

Here’s the thing about the Mustang: It’s a low-miles original that isn’t completely original. The previous owner added stainless headers as well as an aftermarket intake and carb. Read More

We’re finishing up the March/April issue of ACC this week, which includes all our coverage of the Arizona auctions and Mecum Kissimmee in January.

Our Readers’ Forum question this month is all about classic trucks — specifically the market for them, and whether or not it’s hit a peak. This is something I touched on in my last blog — and here’s your chance to get in the conversation.

I’ve watched classic trucks come up in value over the Read More