Author Archives: Trevor Freeman

About Trevor Freeman

Trevor is a real gearhead who loves everything from classic American muscle cars to high-performance exotics. When he's not reading about cars or taking photos at a car show, he's probably out cruising around. He is currently working on restoring a 1980 Chevrolet Monza hatchback.

SEMA 2024: 1969 Adams Probe 16 Movie Car

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While strolling the crowded halls of the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, I stumbled upon something truly unexpected: the 1969 Adams Brothers Probe 16. This car wasn’t just another showpiece; it is a time capsule of automotive design and movie history. Parked among rows of cutting-edge builds and custom creations. Though it was half-hidden beneath a car cover, once I spotted the car, it was impossible to ignore.

The Adams Probe 16 is no ordinary collector’s car. According to Bonhams Auction House, it is one of only three chassis ever built by brothers Dennis and Peter Adams. Known for their boundary-pushing designs, the Adams Brothers envisioned the Probe 16 as a glimpse into the future of motoring. With its wildly futuristic body and low slung chassis, the car was designed to be both experimental and provocative.

Of the three cars built, two have been neglected over the decades and are now in need of restoration. The one I saw at SEMA is the most original and unrestored example in existence. A true survivor, it has weathered the decades without being dismantled, modified, or forgotten.

The car made its debut back in October 1969 at the London Motor Show. Powered by a BMC 1.8-liter OHV inline 4-cylinder engine that was tuned by JanSpeed, the powerplant is mounted transversely in the chassis, probably more out of necessity than performance.

But what really cemented the Probe 16’s place in pop culture was its role in Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian 1971 film A Clockwork Orange. Renamed the “Durango 95” in the film, it served as the surreal and sinister mode of transportation for the gang of Droogs led by Malcolm McDowell’s Alex DeLarge. That brief screen appearance made the Probe 16 a cult classic among car lovers and movie buffs alike.

After its cameo in the movie, the Probe 16 spent much of the 1970s and 1980s in Canada before returning to the U.K. around 1990. From April 2019 through March 2020, the car was part of the “Hollywood Dream Machines – Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy” exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. This curated event featured more than 40 iconic screen-used vehicles from movies and video games. The Probe 16 was a fitting addition, since its radical lines still look more like science fiction than reality, even half a century after its creation.

Seeing this car in person at SEMA was such an unexpected surprise. This obscure, hand-built, British sports car turned movie star was the last thing I expected to see at the convention for aftermarket and modified car parts. The juxtaposition of this artsy, postwar machine sitting among modern custom builds and being used to promote car covers made the moment even more surreal. All I could do was smile and snap some photos before moving on to the next booth, and the next car. You truly never know what you might come across at the SEMA Show!

Celebrate the Art of Engineering at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance

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Car enthusiasts and lovers of fine craftsmanship, mark your calendars! The 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance is set to return on Sunday, January 19, 2025, promising a spectacular celebration of automotive beauty and innovation. Hosted at the Scottsdale Civic Center, this highly anticipated event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering an unforgettable day of automotive excellence and artistry.

Celebrating The Art of Engineering

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is more than just a car show; it is a celebration of the Art of Engineering. This year’s theme highlights the balance between design and technology that makes these classic and exotic cars a work of art. Whether it’s the graceful lines of a vintage automobile or the cutting-edge precision of modern engineering, the event honors the craftsmanship and creativity that define automotive history.

A Showcase of Over 100 Remarkable Vehicles

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring more than 100 distinct vehicles presented in 16 unique classes. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most stunning automobiles up close, including:

  • Timeless pre-war classics that capture the essence of a bygone era
  • Impeccably restored mid-century marvels that shaped automotive design
  • Cutting-edge modern exotics showcasing innovation and performance

Each car on display tells its own story, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of automotive engineering and style over the decades.

The Perfect Setting: Scottsdale Civic Center

The Scottsdale Civic Center serves as the ideal backdrop for this annual event. Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the beautifully landscaped grounds provide an elegant and inviting atmosphere for showcasing these iconic vehicles. Stroll through lush gardens, take in the beauty of the meticulously restored automobiles, and enjoy a day immersed in automotive culture and history.

Why You Should Attend

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a must-attend event for car enthusiasts of all ages. Here’s what makes this show stand out:

  • Unparalleled Variety: From classic icons to modern masterpieces, the diverse lineup ensures there is something for everyone to admire.
  • A Celebration of Innovation: Explore how automotive engineering has evolved over the years, blending art and function.
  • Stunning Venue: Enjoy a day in Scottsdale’s Civic Center, surrounded by elegant cars, beautiful scenery, and like-minded enthusiasts.
  • Community & Culture: The event brings together passionate collectors, industry experts, and fans to celebrate a shared love of automobiles.

Event Information

  • Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: Scottsdale Civic Center, Scottsdale, Arizona

Mark your calendars now and don’t miss this extraordinary event. Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of world-class design and engineering, the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the artistry of the automobile.

Final Thoughts

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance isn’t just an event; it’s a journey through history, innovation, and craftsmanship. Join fellow enthusiasts in celebrating The Art of Engineering at this premier automotive showcase. Be ready to marvel at more than 100 remarkable vehicles, enjoy Scottsdale’s vibrant setting, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

See you at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance!

SEMA 2024: 1959 Chevrolet Apache Pickup by Stafford’s Garage

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The introduction of the Chevrolet C/K series in 1960 was a turning point for pickup trucks. More than 60 years later, the C/K series is still highly regarded by enthusiasts and collectors. But before that was the Task Force line of trucks from 1955-1959.

At the 2024 SEMA Show, nestled among the heavy hitters in the Toyo Tires Treadpass pavilion, I stopped in my tracks to admire this custom 1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside nicknamed “Thunderchief.”

This stunning ride was built by Chris Stafford of Stafford’s Garage. Based in Las Vegas, Stafford’s Garage turns vintage metal into rolling pieces of art. With “Thunderchief,” Stafford has raised the bar for what a restomod can be, blending postwar design with modern materials and craftsmanship.

The Apache’s big window cab distinguishes it from the small back window C10s that followed, but it’s the deep, dark gray metallic paint that pulls you in. The color is rich and lustrous, looking elegant in the shade, but sparkling in the sunlight.

Against this moody exterior, the truck has a full custom red interior. I’m talking seats, carpet, dash, door panels, everything! Bits of chrome accents break up the sea of redness.

Inside, every detail is executed with care. The interior maintains the truck’s heritage with new reproduction gauges and an original-style radio. The red leather-wrapped chrome steering wheel with flat bottom is a modern touch in this classic truck interior.

“Thunderchief” rides on a set of 20-inch Raceline billet wheels. The wheels have a slotted design with a polished lip and are color matched red with silver accents.

They sort of remind me of monoblock style wheels on a Mercedes, but with tri-bar center caps. I think these wheels complement the truck’s smooth body lines and aggressive stance. It’s the kind of setup that says this is a show truck, but it can still haul stuff if needed.

One of the standout features of this build is the flawless chrome work. Every piece, from the bumpers to the trim, is polished to a mirror finish. The side of the bed has beautiful chrome and red trim pieces that just work on a 1950s era truck. It’s the kind of meticulous detail that separates good builds from great ones — and “Thunderchief” is firmly in the latter category.

Among the thousands of vehicles at SEMA, only about two dozen have the honor of getting invited to the Toyo Tires Treadpass pavilion. This area houses a curated group of elite custom builds, any one of which could be on a magazine cover. This Apache pickup certainly deserved its place among these special vehicles.

I will keep my eyes out for more vehicles from Chris Stafford and Stafford’s Garage in the future. The craftsmanship and detail shown in “Thunderchief” really shows what they are capable of building, while staying true to the spirit of the original truck.

For more, follow @staffords_garage on Instagram.

1953 Allstate Custom Coupe – The Mail Order Car

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You’ve never heard of an Allstate car? Well, I hadn’t either until I was standing in front of one at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall auction. This 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe is a curious piece of automotive history, representing a brief period when Sears ventured into the car business.

In response to surging demand for new cars as part of the postwar economic boom, companies like Crosley were cranking out small, basic cars at an affordable price. Not wanting to miss out, the Sears company partnered with the struggling Kaiser-Frazer corporation to offer a mail-order car. Sold exclusively through the Sears & Roebuck catalog in 1952 and 1953, only 797 examples of this unique vehicle were ever produced. The original price was $1,589, equivalent to about $18,775 in 2024.

Despite being 7 decades old, this Allstate has been transformed into a stunning custom creation, and recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall collector car auction for $17,270. Let’s explore what makes this car so special.

The Original Allstate: A Catalog Car with Character

In the early 1950s, Sears sought to extend its influence into the automotive world by offering a car that could be purchased alongside home appliances and garden tools. The Allstate was essentially a rebadged Henry J, tailored for Sears customers with unique branding and slight modifications. While it wasn’t a high-performance vehicle, it stood out for its affordability, becoming a rare collectible over time.

Modern Performance: A Custom Transformation

This particular 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe has undergone a complete transformation, blending its vintage design with modern performance. Under the hood is a Ford 302 V8 engine equipped with an HEI distributor, headers, and an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. This powerful setup delivers far more punch than the original Henry J, which was offered with a 68 horsepower inline-4 engine and later, an 80 horsepower inline-6 engine. Paired with a 3-speed C4 automatic transmission and a Hurst Pro-Matic 2 shifter, the car offers smooth and spirited driving.

The drivetrain has been upgraded with a Ford 8-inch rear end featuring 3.55 rear gears and posi-traction, ensuring excellent traction and acceleration. To keep things cool, an aluminum radiator and electric fan have been installed, making the car reliable even under demanding conditions.

Unique Restoration: A Toyota Frame

In a prior restoration, this Allstate has been swapped onto a 1977 Toyota pickup frame, which is certainly more durable than the car’s original frame which was designed to be manufactured as cheaply as possible. The frame’s manual rack and pinion steering improves handling, while the modernized suspension offers a smoother ride compared to the original chassis.

Inside, Toyota front bucket seats with fold-up armrests provide comfort and functionality, complemented by a custom center console, gauges, and a Woodward speedometer. These updates enhance the driving experience while maintaining a nod to the car’s vintage roots.

Distinctive Features: A Blend of Old and New

This custom coupe boasts several distinctive features that set it apart from other restomods. An original hood ornament that lights up with the headlamps adds a touch of whimsy, harkening back to the playful design cues of the 1950s. Though not currently installed, the listing description says that the car includes an original Allstate under-dash air conditioning unit, a rare and nostalgic accessory.

While the front bumper has been removed for a sleeker look, it is included with the car according to the listing.

A Collector’s Dream

With only 797 Allstate Coupes ever produced, finding one is a rarity. Discovering one that has been so carefully customized and modernized is even more remarkable. The $17,270 sale price at the Barrett-Jackson auction reflects the unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and performance this car offers.

Final Thoughts

The 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe is a compelling example of how vintage vehicles can be reimagined for the modern era. By combining a rare piece of automotive history with contemporary upgrades, this custom creation preserves the spirit of the original while delivering daily-driver reliability. Whether you are a fan of unique collectibles or innovative restomods, this Allstate is a true standout.

Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Scottsdale Fall Auction A Smash Success

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Demand from both buyers and sellers has been pushing the collector car market to new highs in recent years. In January 2024, Barrett-Jackson filled all of their consignment slots in record time. This prompted the Arizona-based auction company to launch a new Scottsdale Fall auction, which took place Oct. 10-13, 2024.

The new Scottsdale Fall auction was a smash success, any way you look at it. The catalog featured 794 vehicles and more than 400 pieces of collectible memorabilia over the three-day auction.

Collector Car Sales

Collector car sales were strong, with a 99% sell-through rate and total sales of more than $55 million. American muscle cars from the 1960s-1990s dominated the catalog, with many examples of Mustangs and Corvettes on offer.

Auction Atmosphere

The Scottsdale Fall auction had a different feel than the larger January auction. For one thing, it felt weird to be at Westworld when it was hot outside. The temperature was noticeably warmer in October than in January.

There were about half as many cars as there were during the January auction, which was also noticeable.

Finally, the crowds were smaller, especially during the daytime on Thursday and Friday. I enjoyed the auction event more with fewer people present, which meant shorter lines for food. However, many of the food vendors were not open on Thursday and Friday, leaving fewer options to choose from.

Bugatti Chiron Falls Short of the Reserve Price

One of the star vehicles consigned to sell was a 2018 Bugatti Chiron hypercar, formerly owned by Super Middleweight boxing champion of the world, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The 34-year-old fighter has a collection of 10+ supercars and muscle cars as well as several motorcycles.

The Chiron was previously listed with DuPont Registry in 2022 with an asking price of $3.9 million and showing 1,520 miles on the odometer. In late 2024, the auction listing stated 1,668 miles. That works out to just 148 miles driven during the last two years – truly a garage queen.

The car features an 8.0 liter W16 engine with four turbochargers, producing a staggering 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 ft-lbs of torque. The car can dash from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 261 mph.

Barrett-Jackson does not do appraisals for auction cars. Bidding for the Chiron started at $250,000 and quickly jumped up past a million dollars. The high bid was $2.3 million which did not meet the reserve price, and the car did not sell. Several months earlier in January, Barrett-Jackson sold a different 2018 Chiron for $2.97 million. I was disappointed that this one did not sell, as I would have liked to see a new owner for this incredible car.

Sammy Hagar Sets a Record for Ferrari LaFerrari

Another featured car that crossed the block on Super Saturday was the 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari owned by rocker Sammy Hagar.

The car is one of just 499 units built, and the only one finished in a cream exterior color with cream-colored seats over a black interior.

The car was originally consigned to sell at the January 2024 auction but was removed so that the car’s hybrid battery pack could be replaced. The work was completed at Ferrari of San Francisco during the summer. Unofficial sources online put the cost of the replacement battery pack at approximately $30,000, though the repair cost was not mentioned in the listing.

With an original MSRP of $1.5 million, the LaFerrari has appreciated rapidly, with a median sale price of $3.3 million in recent years. On Super Saturday, October 12th, Sammy Hagar’s Ferrari hammered for a record $4,250,000 or $4,675,000 including the buyer’s premium.

Get Ready for the Next Event

While the Scottsdale Fall auction has ended, the Arizona-based auction company is already gearing up for the next event, January 18-26, 2025. Follow Generation High Output for more updates.

SEMA 2023: 1966 Chevrolet Nova ReNOVAtor by The Custom Shop

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I have featured The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois before on this site, so I was pleased to see a new custom car build from them at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

In the North Hall at the SONY car audio booth was this bright red ’66 Chevy Nova called “ReNOVAtor.” Though the car is almost 60 years old, you would not guess that based on its appearance! From every angle, the car looked stunning.
The Custom Shop has pulled off several tricks with this build that set them apart from the crowd. First, most of the chrome is blacked out, which I think makes for a very cool look. Second, the car has been completely upgraded to modern day with LED taillights, a digital dash, and a carbon fiber driveshaft.

I was surprised when I peeked under the hood and saw a small block Chevrolet engine under the hood, NOT an LS engine! The Hixson-built 427 SBC makes an estimated 750 hp at 8500 rpm. The engine choice is unique when every other builder has the same GM crate engine under the hood these days.

The engine has a Holley EFI setup with Imagine Injection stacks. It flows through a set of Hooker headers into a Pypes stainless steel exhaust with cutouts for when you want that extra sound.
This Nova features a full flip cowl hood, which is a neat touch that once again sets this car apart from other builds. The moldings have been shaved and the firewall, trunk floor and belly pan have all been smoothed.

Up front, the laser cut grille has sort of a stock car vibe, and I’m not sure how I feel about it on this car. The LED headlights are a big improvement over the stock ones.

The interior is a complete renovation as well, with the Holley EFI digital dashboard taking center stage in the instrument cluster. The LED accent lights look cool, and illuminate the floor-mounted brake pedal. The interior is from TMI Upholstery and features Apex leather on the seats and door panels. And of course, it has a bangin’ Sony stereo system!

The Custom Shop has done it once again with their ’66 Nova “ReNOVAtor” and created a restomod car that their client is sure to love.