Pick of the Day – TopGarageReviews.com – Car Care and Trends in the Auto Industry

Pick of the Day: 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville, pink and proud of it

The late 1950s were the peak era for peak tailfins, and Cadillac models were prime examples of just how bold the styling became. The Pick of the Day is a 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville advertised on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Parma, Idaho, with pink paint for days.

“Good straight car, body is very straight, paint is in decent shape, with a few small scratches and paint chips,” the listing states.

This as a “flat-top” car, the seller states, describing the roofline. In all, Cadillac offered 12 different body styles for the 1959 year, and this one was originally marketed as the four-window Sedan de Ville. As such, it was one of about 12,000 of its kind produced for the year, each weighing a hefty 5,000 pounds, and wearing wide-whitewall tires and miles of chrome trim.

It’s worth noting that the official Cadillac paint chips for 1959 appear to make no mention of the word “pink.” The closest shade looks to be Wood Rose (code 49), although pop culture has made the notion of a bright-pink 1959 Cadillac something of an obsession. They even mass-produce diecast model cars of the same.

The de Ville model ran from 1959 through 2005, so this example was the first of its kind. From a styling perspective, it’s a tough car to mistake, particularly from the rear end. Iconic tailfins with bullet-style taillights evoked a sense of speed with space-age flair that was modern and trendy at the time. Power came from a 390cid V8 that produced 325 horsepower. And at 225 inches in length and 2-and-half tons, this big sedan needed all the power under the hood it could get.

Based on the photos that accompany the listing, this de Ville looks to be well-preserved both inside and out. The seller states that the car has very minimal rust for its age, and that the mechanical roadworthiness is intact.

“Transmission shifts as it should,” the listing states. A slow oil leak is noted, however. While the listing does not state the specific mileage, the car has reportedly not been driven much over the seller’s five years of ownership.

No pink Cadillac story is complete without paying homage to the late Aretha Franklin and to Bruce Springsteen, who both had hit albums in the 1980s making mention of pink Caddys. This de Ville might be just the right car to help you discover what the rage was all about. And if it doesn’t fit in your driveway, you could always settle for the diecast version.

The seller is asking $20,000 for this full-size version, or best offer.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: 1961 Triumph TR3A, a quintessential British sports car

There have been many great British sports cars, but my all-time favorite of the small-bore English roadsters has always been the Triumph TR3.

The Pick of the Day is a 1961 Triumph TR3A being advertised by a Washington, Missouri, dealer on ClassicCars.com. Finished in British Racing Green with a black leather interior and riding on correct painted wire wheels, this TR3A is the essence of the classic British sports car.

When it was introduced in 1955, the TR3 was a bit of a game-changer, offering strong performance at a more affordable price than most cars in its class. The TR3 would continue to be produced through 1962, at which time it had started to seem old-fashioned, and replaced by the TR4, which had more of the style and amenities expected by drivers in the 1960s.

The TR3A was an improved version of the original TR3, offering better performance. When new, the TR3A could cover 0-60 in less than 11 seconds and had a top speed in excess of 110 mph, enough to be among the hotter small roadsters of the era. The TR3 also acquitted itself well on race tracks; it was raced at Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona, as well as on such rallies as the Monte Carlo.

In addition, the TR3A is a surprisingly comfortable car to drive, even for taller people. Sure, the top is a typical Erector Set situation, and it has removable side curtains instead of rollup windows. But in nice weather, the TR3 is about as much fun as you can have in a classic cut-door sports car, and it can be driven for hundreds of miles in comfort.

The seller states that this TR3A was restored a few years ago, and the pictures show that it looks to be in excellent condition. Details I noticed in the pictures are correct carpets, correct seat leather, a correct and very clean engine compartment and no visible rust. An additional bonus is that this is an overdrive equipped car, making it as nice to drive on the interstate as on back roads.

When you acquire a car at the price point of the TR3A, you should always buy the nicest one you can afford, as restoration costs will well exceed the car’s value. This TR3A seems to be one of those nice ones, ready to drive on vintage rallies and club meets, and possibly nice enough to work as a show car.

The Triumph includes its tool kit and all-weather gear, including removable top and side curtains, which look to be in as-new condition.

The asking price for this clean TR3A is $35,995, which would be quite a lot of classic British motoring for the money.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: Mid-’30s car helped save Oldsmobile brand

Does this sound familiar? The Standard Catalog of American Cars notes that “GM officials seriously considered combining or doing away with either Olds, Buick or Pontiac.”

Yes, we know that Oldsmobile and Pontiac both were eliminated from the General Motors lineup — Olds in 2004 and Pontiac in 2010, but the reference above wasn’t to deliberations during this century but to considerations in the early 1930s as the Depression impacted new car sales.

Fortunately for Oldsmobile, sales rebounded by 1934 and the Standard Catalog reports that the brand moved up and into sixth place on the sales chart.

The Standard Catalog also points out that the rebound primarily involved vehicles such as the Pick of the Day, a 1934 Oldsmobile Series F, in this case a 2-door sedan.

In 1934, Olds Series F cars were equipped with inline 6-cylinder engines pumping out 84 horsepower. The company also offered its Series L vehicles with straight-8 engines and 90 horsepower.

As the Standard Catalog points out, “Horsepower was upped slightly on the six and styling was mildly updated this year” and that the 6 was “almost as powerful” as the 8.

Even the most expensive of the Series F cars was nearly $200 less that the least expensive of the Series L models. In 1933, Olds sold only 36,072 vehicles but in 1934, sales reached 82,150 — and were well into six figures in 1935.

The 1934 Oldsmobile Series F was available in four 2-door body styles — business coupe, sport coupe, sedan and touring sedan – and as a 4-door sedan or touring sedan.

The Anthem, Arizona, private seller offering the Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com says the car is a “museum-quality” vehicle and the 451st 2-door model built by Olds in 1934.

“Restored decades ago and reportedly preserved in a museum for a while,” the seller says, adding that the car has a “fresh interior” that retained the original dash and gauges and “period correctness.” Unfortunately, there are no photographs of the interior included in the advertisement.

The seller says the 213cid engine and 3-speed transmission are original and that the car has been driven up “steep Arizona mountains” and has a top speed of 71 mph on a “flat freeway.”

The seller adds that the only known modification is a conversion to a 12-volt electric system and starter; the original 6-volt starter and standard fuel pump come with the sale.

The car retains its original steering knob and “super loud” trumpet horns, and those horns are now linked to a “hidden high-end Viper car alarm.”

The car is offered for $48,500.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door post, simple and clean

The 1961 Chevrolet was a standout design, starting out the new decade shorn of tailfins but with a dramatic style that makes it highly desired today among Chevy fans.

The Pick of the Day is a 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door post, a mildly customized example of the model that slotted in below the top-of-the-line Impala. The Bel Air had a less-lavishly adorned body, with just a chrome accent tracing the attractive extrusions on the sides and rear, and four taillight pods instead of Impala’s six.

This Bel Air looks to have had the chrome trim removed, giving it the appearance of the lower Biscayne model, which is a look that’s appreciated by street rodders and cruisers. There is chrome window trim, but potential buyers would be advised to check whether the car was originally a Bel Air or if it’s a Biscayne fitted with Bel Air badges.

The Chevy is fitted with the optional 348cid big-block V8 with Offenhauser valve covers and dual exhaust, linked with an automatic transmission engaged with a tall, floor-mounted Lokar shifter. The V8, rated at 250 horsepower, could be the original factory engine.

The car rides on a set of chrome Eagle Racing wheels in a vintage style, and with stylistic upgrades to the headlights and taillights.

“This is a very nice Chevrolet 2-door post Bel Air that has been well-maintained,” according to the Gladstone, Oregon, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.

The Bel Air wears a fairly unblemished coat of white paint, most likely a respray, and gleaming chrome grille, bumper and other brightwork. The blue bench-seat interior looks like it could be original.

“The blue interior is very presentable and looks good with the combination,” the seller says. “The headliner and doors panels are in great condition. Custom extra gauges were added.”

The Chevy seems to show a good amount of ownership pride, judging by its overall condition and the modest custom additions that add to its appeal.

The asking price is $27,950 for a classic Chevy that looks good and could be driven regularly and shown at local meets.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: Vintage Lincoln Continental cabriolet in Grotto blue

The original Lincoln Continental was, of course, a custom-created car for Edsel Ford, whose driving of the car on his winter holiday in Florida drew so much attention that Continental became a model (and for a while a separate company with Ford).

The Pick of the Day is a 1948 Lincoln Continental convertible being advertised on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Volo, Illinois.

“From the estate of a very prominent car collector and friend of ours,” the dealership reports in the advertisement. “He bought it 22 years ago and kept it properly stored.

“It won an AACA senior national 1st prize in 1989. It also won a top honor from Lincoln owner’s group.”

The dealer points out that this is one of only 452 such cabriolet produced for 1948, which was the last year of this Continental design. (The Continental would be replaced in 1949 by the Cosmopolitan model. The Continental returned in 1956.)

As one of the last true classics recognized by the Classic Car Club of America, the dealer points out, “This gives the car a higher status and enables it to participate in CCCA events.”

Not only that, but the car has had air conditioning and power steering added, “which will make touring that much better.”

As for other details, the dealer notes that the exterior is in excellent condition and the power convertible top works, with a repainted frame and newly felt-wrapped weatherstrips and a tan Haartz cloth top.

The interior has been “redone with correct ribbed cord cloth and leather trim. The door panels have been redone in genuine leather. It has the unique power window switches and pushbutton door openers. The red clear plastic steering wheel looks to be in excellent shape.

“The dash is beautifully restored — it’s all repainted, the gauges are restored, chrome sparkles etc. Premium carpet with bound edges and matching mats. I noticed the interior lights are working.”

The V12 engine — gotta love this turn of phrase — “runs as smooth as a mouse in slippers.”

Even the trunk has been relined with correct carpeting with bound edges, even on the inside surface of the trunk lid.

“Under the car is very clean; it was obviously restored,” the dealer adds. “Front and rear suspension was restored. The brake system was redone. The hoses, lines, master cylinder and e-brake cables still look fresh. Looking up at the motor and trans they still look fresh too. The fuel tank was restored.”

However, the dealer does note that the exhaust system could use replacement.

“This car is still beautiful,” the ad points out. “It has been very well cared for and preserved since the restoration. It has hardly been used. Although it seems to run and drive fine, it was restored over 30 years ago. A mechanical service is suggested if your plans are to really put miles on it. This true classic is rolling art!”

The car is being offered for $54,998. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: ’92 Cadillac Brougham, last production year for a luxury icon

The golden age of Cadillac cars for me ended in 1992 with the last of the Brougham sedans. The Brougham was the top-of-the-line Cadillac from its introduction as a luxury model in 1977 as the Fleetwood Brougham until the end of the run.

Here’s a commercial for the 1987 Brougham touting how it was the biggest production car of its time.

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The Brougham name had been used by Cadillac as early as 1916, then again and again to designate a higher trim level of a specific model. The Cadillac Brougham was built to cater to the rich and offered every conceivable option that could be had in a General Motors product.

The Pick of the Day is a 1992 Cadillac Brougham in the wonderful color combination of Academy Gray with a gray leather interior. This car is optioned with the 5.7-liter V8, which might not sound all that important except that it had a lot of upgrades that came along with it.

To start with, the 5.7 engine has at least 50 more usable horsepower than the standard 5.0. In addition, the 5.7-liter engine option included the HD/Police version of the 700R4 automatic transmission, the “Corporate 8.5” rear end, upgraded suspension and upgraded cooling system.

Few were delivered with this option, however, because another feature of the 5.7-liter option came with was the dreaded $1,500 “gas guzzler” tax. At the time, this seemed excessive and made the optional upgrade appear less desirable, as most buyers were unaware of what was included beyond the larger engine.

This 1992 Brougham is advertised on ClassicCars.com by an Indianapolis dealer that describes it as a 69,000-mile car having the same owner during the past 15 years, and which always has been garage kept and meticulously maintained.

The car includes every fuel receipt for the past 15 years as well as complete service records. It features new tires with only 500 miles on them, the dealer says, and it includes all original owner’s manuals and delivery checklist, original spare tire and factory Cadillac trunk mat.

This Cadillac is also a show winner, achieving a Senior Award at the 2010 Grand National Meet for the Cadillac & LaSalle Club. The trophy comes with the car.

The asking price for this stunning Cadillac Brougham is a reasonable $26,000, for a car that could be enjoyed in luxury and [RG1] comfort over endless highway miles, or taken out for a high-style night on the town.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: 1968 BMW Glas 3000GT, a rare designer coupe

The Pick of the Day is a BMW that I doubt many people have ever heard of, much less have seen or experienced: the 1968 BMW Glas 3000GT, a limited-edition coupe designed by Pietro Frua and powered by a 3.0-liter V8.

Just 389 of these shapely cars were produced, according to the Woodland Hills, California, dealer advertising the BMW on ClassicCars.com. They were originally manufactured by automaker Glas of Germany, which was bought out by BMW in 1966 so that this car wears BMW badges.

Frua was a renowned auto designer, best remembered for his Maserati styling.

“Not surprisingly, the car bears a strong resemblance to his other work of the period, most notably the Maserati Quattroporte, Mexico, and the glamorous 5000GT,” the seller notes in the extensive ad description.

“The specification was quite innovative and includes fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox, power steering, power disc brakes all round (inboard rear), and de Dion rear suspension,” the seller adds. “The engine was also remarkable for its sophisticated OHC construction and because it was one of the earliest applications of belt rather than chain actuated timing.”

The BMW looks incredibly tasty in the photo gallery with the ad, and the seller says it sports all of its original factory addons, such as front and rear foglamps, a Talbot side mirror and a Becker Grand Prix AM-FM radio. “All of these options are present today and in excellent condition.”

“This particular car has been comprehensively and beautifully restored,” the seller states. “It was kept in a museum in Munich for 28 years before being imported to the United States, and is truly stunning.”

As well as being rare and beautiful, the BMW is also totally practical for driving, the seller contends, which makes me dream of taking it on a long-distance classic car rally.

“The motor is throaty and responsive, and the brakes and gearbox make the car very usable in today’s traffic,” the seller says. “The suspension is compliant and the car feels sure-footed.

“This example is in exceptional condition and is ready to enjoy. Furthermore, thanks to its modern feel and genuinely practical back seats and trunk, it is truly usable, despite its formidable rarity.”

Formidable indeed, and seemingly well-priced at $150,000 for such an exclusive, attractive and drivable automobile.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220A Cabriolet luxury touring car

The Pick of the Day, a 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220A Cabriolet, was a stylish part of the German automaker regaining its status as a luxury car company after the ravages of World War II.

Starting in 1951 with the 220 and its flagship 300 Adenauer models, Mercedes again equipped its cars with sophisticated OHV inline-6 engines, the 220s getting newly developed 2.2-liter engines producing 86 horsepower. The wheelbase for the 220 was stretched more than 6 inches compared with the 4-cylinder 180 models to accommodate the longer engines and to provide addition interior space.

While the styling of the 220 was conservative and old-fashioned looking in sedan form, the cabriolet models added a sporty spin, and they are appealing standouts among 1950s collector cars.

This Mercedes is an attractive example in Ivory with a red interior that is apparently in essentially original condition, according to the Astoria, New York, dealer advertising the cabriolet on ClassicCars.com. The body is accented with chrome trim, highlighted by bold landeau bars on either side of the fabric top.

“This very charming 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220A Cabriolet is a highly original example and a great driver that’s been under the same family’s loving ownership for over 20 years,” the seller says in the ad. “A very presentable car that’s mechanically strong. Good body, door gaps and panel fit. Nice paint, chrome, soft-top and clean interior. A very usable car that maintains its originality and has never been restored.”

The Mercedes appears to be in nice condition, with an inviting interior that’s ready for a luxurious road trip. No word in the ad whether the paint and interior have been redone, but both look to be in very good condition in the gallery of photos with the ad.

The 220 models, or W187 cars as they were known internally, were the end of the line for Mercedes’ carryover pre-war styling, the cabriolet model continuing through 1955 before being replaced by modern unibody designs with ponton-fendered bodies.

The classy cabriolet, which would be a fun and comfortable car for rallies and club drives, as well as a great head-turning way to make an entrance anywhere, is priced at $129,500.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL luxury top-down cruiser

In spite of the negative things that the year 2020 has brought so many people, there’s been one reward for automotive hobbyists during the coronavirus pandemic: Additional time for project cars.

With shelter-in-place orders in effect, curfews in place, and the closure of so many social venues, many have turned their attention to the garage or workshop. One such person is a private seller on ClassicCars.com with a Mercedes-Benz SL advertised as a “COVID project.”

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL that has been painstakingly restored, with more than 200 hours invested over the course of this year, the seller says in the ad.

“I have restored it as if I were keeping it, using all high-quality replacement parts and correct spec fluids,” the seller states.

Presented in an image gallery that looks like it came straight out of the Mercedes-Benz promotional catalog, this SL in Cambria, California, rides on an R107 chassis and is powered by a 3.5-liter V8 paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The SL label for Mercedes two-seaters stands for “super light,” with dates back to 1954 and the 300SL Gullwing race car. By the 1970s, the SL model had established a foothold in the luxury marketplace as the must-have roadster for affluent performance enthusiasts. Many SL models, like this one, came with both hard and soft tops.

The odometer on this example shows only about 29,000 original miles, which the seller believes to be original to the car. Among the items on the Mercedes’ 2020 restoration checklist were a number of service items, including recent brakes, tires and ignition work. In addition, the nearly 50-year-old carpet and interior got some much-needed TLC. The results appear to speak for themselves.

The seller has hyperlinked the vehicle ad with his personal website on, which spells out in greater detail the background of the Mercedes and its return to roadworthiness after many years of sitting in a friend’s driveway. Photos from pre-restoration are also included there.

“This SL is a sweetheart,” the seller concludes. “You can literally fly into central CA and drive this car home with no hesitation.”

Without a doubt, this seller definitely made the most of his spare time in 2020. Hopefully, he gets a chance to enjoy a few top-down cruises as a reward for his efforts before the Mercedes is sold. The asking price is $19,200.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Pick of the Day: Customized ’75 Cadillac

The Pick of the Day looks like it just arrived from the SEMA Show. It’s a 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood sedan with a custom wrap and riding on big aftermarket wheels.

This Caddy was the promotional ride celebrating the 40th anniversary of Magura USA back in 2015, and is offered for sale by its private owner in Olney, Illinois, via an advertisement on ClassicCars.com.

If you’re really into 2-wheel travel, you may know Magura USA as the distribution arm of German manufacturer Magura, which was established way back in 1893 in Bad Urach. Magura is known for producing the first hydraulic mountain-bike brakes and, in 1968 and for Malcolm Smith, the first adjust-on-the-fly motorcycle clutch for off-road racing.

According to its website, Magura offers a full range of hydraulic disc brake products for mountain bikes, the first wireless dropper seat post and radial brake and hydraulic clutch systems for motorcycles.

Magura USA was founded in 1975 and is based in Olney, Illinois, which likely explains the Caddy’s location.

The advertisement on ClassicCars.com has very little information, stating that under the graphic wrap, the ’75 Fleetwood Sedan Deville is black with a red pinstripe, has “every feature possible for that year,” and custom wheels and tires, dual exhaust and Edelbrock manifold and carburetor.

However, the website bikerumor.com, in reporting on the Sea Otter Classic in 2015, notes that “the real show stopper was Magura’s new ‘promotional vehicle.’ This pristine 1975 Cadillac Coupe de Ville got a custom Magura wrap to celebrate the 40th anniversary, but that Parlor Room Red interior is all original, baby.

“Seeing it in person, it’s hard to believe they used to make cars this big — there is enough room for 3, may be 4 bodies, we mean bikes, in the trunk alone. cq on the cross-through bodies

“Custom wheels with Vredestein tires and yellow calipers top it all off.”

In the specs portion of the ClassicCars.com ad, we learn the car has been driven 46,266 miles. In the photos, we see the stunning velour interior upholstery and the yellow trim on the V8 engine, presumably Cadillac’s standard 500cid V8.

The car is being offered for sale for $12,500. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.