This gorgeous machine packed a SOHC V-12 260 horsepower engine under the hood, driving a 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive, but Pinin Farina (PF) dolled up the coach of Ferrari’s 250 GT cabriolet. And what a beauty! The luxury Grand Tour (GT) debuted in 1959 at the Paris Motor Show.
In all, 200 cars were built. Competition-grade models were revered as the fastest and most prestigious road racers money could buy. The Ferrari 250 PF brought automotive luxury and performance to a new level, soaring high above its predecessors and the competition.
1965 Mustang GT K-Code Fastback
The 1965 Mustang GT K-Code Fastback was a special edition Mustang that sheathed the same blazing engine as the Shelby. Designated “K-Code” for its corresponding VIN starting-letter, these Mustang GTs were factory-fit with a special 289 cu. in., high-performance stallion. The K-Code cost drivers an extra $276 in the options package, but it was worth it.
The “High Performance 289” badge on the front fender was no gimmick. This car was built for performance. Upgraded pistons, cylinder heads, carburetor, lifter heads, and connecting rods meant business, as did the chrome air cleaner and valve covers sparkling under the hood. Ford knew drivers of these vehicles would push it to its limit, so a warranty on a Mustang K-Code covered just 3 months, as opposed to the 12-month warranty on a standard Mustang.
1967 Chevy Chevelle
“What you’ll see inside will probably bring on a severe compulsion to go driving.” So claimed a sales brochure for the 1967 Chevy Chevelle. The base model tore up the streets with a 325-horsepower engine, but you could upgrade to the SuperSport and commandeer a thundering 375-horsepower V-8. There were no shortages of choices in the Chevelle - a full six different transmissions were available.
There were two three-speed manuals, one four-speed, and two automatics to choose from. Plus, the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission was tempting. Convertible or hardtop, 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan, two-seat station wagon, the selections went on. All Chevy Chevelle models were framed with a sparkling chrome grille that stretched across the front and rear ends. Bold lines in steel design left no doubt that this was a serious muscle car worthy of its name.
1966 Toyota 2000GT
The 1966 Toyota 2000GT debuted in 1965, and it was to be Japan’s first supercar. It was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive 2-seater that revolutionized the company’s sportscar division. The 2000GT made its film debut in 'You Only Live Twice' (1967) co-starring with James Bond as a convertible. As the most collectible Japanese car ever, with only 351 units produced, one competitive racer sold for $1.7 million at a recent auction.
When Toyota wanted to be competitive at the SCCA, they put their car under the workmanship of Carrol Shelby. The American auto designer stripped down the Toyota to its base parts, added better tires, boosted the engine size, and replaced the suspension. Two of these modified 2000GTs finished in 1968 in the CP category, losing only to Porsche. One of these is the model that went for $1.7 million.
1965 Chevrolet Impala SS hardtop coupe
One response to the Pontiac GTO is the epic 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS hardtop coupe. Crashing through sales records, the 1965 iteration sold over one million Impalas. Rounded sides and a sharply angled windshield identified this model, strikingly different from the 1964 version. New trim included bodyside moldings, wheelhouse moldings, rear cover trim, and triple-stacked taillights and Super Sport (SS) fender and front grille script.
Inside, bucket seats, SS identification, and an electric clock and a snazzy instrument panel impressed. The best part, naturally, lay in its powertrain. It came standard with a 6-cylinder engine with overhead valves and the revered Hydra-Matic transmission. A 230 cu. in. motor generated 140 horsepower. Upgrading to the V-8 put 200 horsepower into your hands. If that was not enough for you, you could purchase the 400-horsepower option!