Participants will have the chance to drive these iconic vehicles in the rally alongside a professional racing driver, mirroring the journey of racing legends such as Rudolf Caracciola and Sir Stirling Moss.

The “1000 Miglia”, one of the pinnacles in the classic car calendar, promises a thousand miles of dream roads from Brescia to Rome and back, showcasing a fleet of remarkable automobiles. The package, priced at 150,000 euros before taxes – around $161,830 with the current exchange rates – provides participants with the complete works team experience. This includes the privilege of driving one of the three available 300 SL cars, a racing driver as a co-pilot, organizational and technical support, and a dedicated test drive weekend in Stuttgart for preparation. The “1000 Miglia” rally is scheduled for June 11 to 15, 2024.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing at 1000 Miglia

For those with their own Mercedes-Benz classic car, technical support packages are available starting from 15,000 euros before taxes ($16,180), catering to individual needs. To ensure fairness for the more expensive package, in the event of more interest than available packages, selection will be through a drawing lots system.

Prospective participants, aged 25 to 80, need to possess a valid international driving license for at least four years, and a certificate of good health confirming physical suitability. More importantly, the purchaser must also present proof of successful participation in a roadworthiness test by Mercedes-Benz Classic prior to the “1000 Miglia” event. Registration for the draw opens on January 18, 2024, and closes on February 15, 2024. 

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Welcome to Timeless European Treasures, our weekly look back at cars from the European market that defined a motoring generation.

Why Do We Love It?

The SEAT Ibiza has earned a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts for several reasons. Firstly, its eye-catching design by renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro provided a fresh look that set it apart from its competitors. Interestingly, the car was initially proposed to Volkswagen as the second-generation Golf, but the Wolfsburg-based company rejected it. When SEAT approached the designer, that particular car morphed into the original Ibiza.

Gallery: SEAT Ibiza I (1984-1991)

Additionally, SEAT collaborated with Porsche for engine development. As a part of the agreement between the two companies, the Spanish firm had to pay a royalty of seven German marks per car sold back to Porsche. Under this deal, SEAT gained the right to put the System Porsche inscription on the engine blocks.

Last but not least, Karmann was also involved in the project. The manufacturer was responsible for the industrialization of the vehicle and its preparations before mass production.

When Was The Car Launched?

The first generation SEAT Ibiza made its debut in 1984. The timing was crucial for the company as the brand sought to establish itself as a significant player in the automotive market. The Ibiza put the brand on the map of major European automakers. The first-gen hatch remained on sale on the Old Continent until 1993, but a rebadged and restyled version of the car went on sale in China in 1999. A facelift of that car in 2003 brought significant visual revisions, helping the car stay in production until 2008.

Where Did It Sit In The Brand’s Lineup?

Around the middle of the 1980s, SEAT only had a few different small cars on sale and all of them were either rebadged or slightly re-engineered versions of existing models from other companies. These included the Marbella and Ronda, both based on Fiat models. Despite its size and relatively affordable price, when the Ibiza arrived, it occupied the flagship position within the brand’s lineup until the Toledo was launched in 1991.

What Engines Did It Have?

As mentioned above, one of the key highlights of the first-generation SEAT Ibiza was its collaboration with Porsche for engine development. Depending on the model year, the engine range included 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, 1.5 turbo, and 1.7 gasoline engines, as well as a 1.7-liter diesel. The most powerful of the bunch was the turbocharged mill with an output of 108 horsepower. The base gas and the diesel engines came from Fiat.

Did It Sell Well?

Prior to the launch of the second-generation model, the original Ibiza sold 1,342,001 units around Europe. It quickly became one of the company’s all-time best-selling products and even today, it is arguably its most recognizable model.

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Host John Davis starts by complaining that many new cars look alike, and over 30 years later, we don’t think much as changed with regards to new vehicles (as far as our comments section is concerned, anyway).

He doesn’t lump the fourth-gen Prelude into this category of cookie-cutter machines. The model receives praise for the wedge-shaped crease on the hood leading to the nose’s center. The rear earns a comparison to a Jaguar XJS.

MotorWeek tests the up-level Prelude Si with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with dual overhead cams, rated at 160 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. This one has a four-speed automatic transmission rather than the standard five-speed manual gearbox.

To put that figure into perspective against competitors at the time, a 1992 Toyota Celica GT-S made 135 hp and 145 lb-ft from a 2.2-liter four-cylinder. A 1993 Mazda MX-6 with a 2.5-liter V6 produced 164 hp and 160 lb-ft.

On MotorWeek‘s track test, the Prelude reaches 60 miles per hour in 7.8 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds. Not wildly impressive by modern standards, but right up there with the rest of the segment for the time.

Gallery: Honda Prelude Concept

The current Civic Si is the closest equivalent to the Prelude today in the Honda lineup. The automaker doesn’t officially list 0-60-mph times. However, Edmunds finds it reaches that speed in 7.2 seconds, and Motor Trend puts the figure at 7.4 seconds. 

This Prelude also has the optional rear-wheel steering system, making it more agile in the corners. It adds $2,320 to the price, but MotorWeek praises this tech for helping the coupe get through the slalom better than most front-drive performance vehicles.

This review isn’t so keen on the Prelude’s full-width instrument panel. It puts the speedometer and tachometer in front of the driver. However, the digital fuel gauge and coolant temp are in the middle, and the clock is basically in front of the passenger. The setup is reminiscent of the dashboard-spanning screens we see on premium vehicles today but using the tech available 30 years ago.

At the time, this Prelude went for $22,320. Today, that’s the equivalent of $49,298 once you factor in inflation. For comparison, we tested a 2024 Acura Type S for $52,595 in June 2023. Another similar model is the 315-hp Honda Civic Type R, priced at $44,890 after the $1,095 destination fee and before any options.

Unfortunately, we don’t know whether Honda intends to revive the Prelude nameplate quite yet. The concept uses a hybrid powertrain that would likely slot the new model somewhere between the Civic Si and Type R in terms of power. Until that happens, we have decades of Preludes to remember.

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Simmer on that thought as we give you a quick summary of what was happening in Motown back then. The 1996 Ford Taurus debuted in all its jellybean glory, featuring more curves and oval shapes than a full season of NASCAR. It was as risky a design move as the first-generation Taurus was a decade prior, but with the benefit of hindsight, we know the gamble failed. A quick facelift for 2000 couldn’t help the former best-selling sedan, and a second update in 2004 merely prolonged its suffering. The nameplate was awkwardly revived in 2009 as part of the Ford Five Hundred’s facelift, but alas, the Taurus never reclaimed its former glory.

That was arguably the big debut for the show, but it wasn’t the only reveal by far. A new-generation Dodge Caravan flew into the show, and we mean that literally. Dodge had quite the display set up for the minivan, which boasted new styling and rear seats that were easily removable – a big deal for the day. It was joined by upscale Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country variants, none of which exist today. There was at least one accurate prediction for the future, however. General Motors launched four-door versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs.

What about concepts? Some might call the ’90s a golden age for such vehicles, where even a minivan could get some cool cred. Ford’s SHOstar concept plugged the epic 220-horsepower Yamaha-sourced 3.0-liter V6 from the Taurus SHO under the hood of a Windstar. It never entered production, but the front-wheel-drive van did get a SHO-like intake manifold for its 3.8-liter V6, making 200 hp from 1996 through 1998.

The big concept news for 1995, however, was undoubtedly the Ford GT90. We recently waxed poetic about this car, packing a big V12 with edgy styling that pointed towards the future. The actual Ford GT we got a few years later didn’t have a V12, nor did it have much in the way of sharp lines. But other FoMoCo machines did get sharper. The SN95 Ford Mustang facelift in 1999 even garnered the name New Edge. Other Ford concepts included the two-seat Lincoln L2K and the Triton pickup, the latter of which was a thinly veiled preview of the 10th-generation F-150.

The Blue Oval certainly had a big presence in Detroit, but there was much more happening at the show. Oldsmobile showcased its updated Bravada SUV and the Antares concept, a snazzy sedan that lent its influence to the 1997 Oldsmobile Intrigue. Acura yanked the roof off the first-generation NSX and previewed the CL with the CL-X concept. The Plymouth Backpack concept looked like a weird Suzuki X90. The Eagle Jazz was a sleek sedan concept that never came to fruition, nor did the 1930s-themed Chrysler Atlantic.

But Chrysler did win the second annual North American Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) award with the … Cirrus? Yes, folks were smitten with the upscale Dodge Status back then, but just like the Ford Taurus, we know the Cirrus story doesn’t end well. If you really want to see what all the fuss was about, you can probably get one today on Facebook Marketplace for a fiver or Sony PlayStation 5 trade.

In any case, sit back, relax, and relive the ’90s while enjoying some leftover turkey.

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This particular Mulsanne holds a unique distinction. Commissioned by the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it was tailored for royal duties, showcasing an exterior adorned in solid Barnato green, complemented by an interior swathed in Twine and Cumbrian hide. The opulence extends to Burr Walnut wood veneers and deep lambswool carpets, creating an ambiance fit for royalty.

Gallery: 2020 Bentley Mulsanne returns to museum

The customization didn’t stop there – rear privacy curtains, the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom inlaid into the door waistrails, and the removal of front center armrests to make way for a custom-sized tray, designed to cradle the Queen’s handbag, all bear testimony to the bespoke nature of this regal chariot. The discreet inclusion of blue police lights, a siren, and a bullhorn, complete with a concealed switch panel behind a walnut-veneered door, underscores the vehicle’s dual purpose.

When power was needed, the Mulsanne delivered. Under the hood, there’s a 6.75-liter V8 engine delivering 537 horsepower sent to the rear 21-inch wheels through an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic gearbox. 

As this bespoke Mulsanne takes its place in Bentley’s Heritage Collection, it joins esteemed company. Alongside the second Mulsanne ever built, VIN 0002 from 2010, and a 2019 Mulsanne Speed that once served on Bentley’s press fleet, it forms part of a larger 45-car collection. This assemblage, two and a half years into a three-year rebuilding program, aims to comprehensively narrate Bentley’s illustrious 104-year history through its diverse family of cars.

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The ZR-1 – note there’s a dash in the name, unlike the modern iterations – was a high-tech machine for its era. General Motors controlled Lotus at the time and contracted the British team to create a V8 for this range-topping model. The result was a 5.7-liter V8 with dual camshafts for each bank of cylinders – a significant change from the pushrod-equipped, overhead-valve layout available from other ‘Vette engines.

The Lotus-tuned V8 made 375 horsepower at introduction and 405 hp after the 1993 model. Plus, the mill had a redline at 7,200 rpm. To put that spec into perspective, the 3.4-liter V8 in the Ferrari 348, available around the same as the ZR1, made 320 hp at 7,200 revs.

The road-going C4 always used a 5.7-liter V8, but Chevy improved it several times during the production run. The 1996 model was the finale for the fourth-gen ‘Vette, but the Bowtie decided to introduce the new LT4 engine as an option. It made 330 hp, according to the factory specs. In the video, host Brad Hansen notes this output is possibly lower than the actual figure, with dynos putting the number between 350 and 360 hp.

Retro Cars Forever does real-world 0-60-mph acceleration runs in both cars with two passengers inside. The LT4-equipped C4 tallies a best time of 6.78 seconds. The ZR-1’s top sprint takes 6.46 seconds.

The LT4 comes out on top as a car you would drive regularly. This engine is an evolution of the venerable Chevy small-black V8, making repairs easier than the ZR-1’s more exotic engine. 

Plus, the ZR-1 features unique bodywork, like doors that flare outward to the wider fenders. In the event of damage, it will be more complicated to find replacement parts than for a C4, which has a more common exterior. 

So, which one should you get? The video leaves that up to the individual. In their current condition, both of these Corvettes are worth around $25,000. However, the later, more powerful ZR-1s command more, and the LT4-equipped Grand Sport also goes for a premium. Meanwhile, folks with more modest budgets can check out the earlier, lower-output examples that are less expensive, judging by a report from Hagerty Insurance.

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Despite its rocky start, the DeLorean gained a second life as a cultural icon, thanks in part to its role as a time machine in the “Back to the Future” film trilogy. This cinematic association injected a new lease of life into the car, transforming it from a mediocre sports car into a pop culture phenomenon.

In the world of classic car enthusiasts in the United States, the DeLorean has become a sought-after collectible. Enthusiasts are drawn not only to its unique design but also to its connection to the beloved film franchise. As a result, there is a dedicated community of DeLorean enthusiasts who never cease to search for neglected examples of the iconic car. The folks over at the Restored channel on YouTube were recently on a mission to save an abandoned example of the time machine, which has been sitting static for over 25 years. And the mission was successful.

This is a rather weird-looking DeLorean, we must admit. For reasons unknown, it was once painted red and the paint is now barely visible on some of the exterior panels making the overall picture even worse.

But there’s more to it than meets the eye. The car has only around 12,000 miles on the clocks and still has its original engine under the hood. There’s a good amount of paperwork proving its service and maintenance history. It was a run-and-drive car when it was parked more than 25 years ago and everything still seems intact today. The interior doesn’t look great, though – the seats are torn and the dashboard is cracked from sitting under the sun for thousands of days.

Obviously, this DeLorean would need a lot of attention in order to return back to the road. But with just around 9,000 units built from the DMC-12, every single surviving example out there is surely worth giving a second chance in life. This particular red car was saved from sitting under the sun for another decade or so and it seems that the future might finally be bright for the car. What are the first goals for the team that rescued it? Addressing the wheels and tires and then taking care of the engine. 

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Coming to movie theaters in March 2024, the modern version of The Fall Guy is a big-screen reboot of the classic ’80s television show. Ryan Gosling plays the aforementioned Seavers, a Hollywood stuntman called into action to find the missing star of an in-production film. That’s the basic plot according to The Internet Movie Database, and it loosely follows the theme of the original show, where Seavers was a stuntman by day and a bounty hunter at night. Emily Blunt plays Jody Moreno, director of said film who apparently has a history with Seavers.

As far as vehicles are concerned, the three-minute movie trailer is rife with GMC badges. It opens with an action scene where a GMC Hummer EV is a camera vehicle. Moments later, we’re greeted with the telltale square taillights and brown/gold color scheme of a high-riding, early 1980s GMC K-2500 pickup. It’s a brief scene that feels almost like a teaser since we never see the full truck. But the roll bar is there, the whip antenna is there, and yes, the chrome wheels are there.

As the trailer progresses we’re treated to something of a surprise in the form of a new GMC Sierra AT4X wearing the same brown/gold exterior finish. In a clear homage to the TV show, it jumps over parked cars along a wall though we don’t get to see it land. However, we do see it crash into other parked cars a few seconds later, off-road lights, roll bar, and all. 

We couldn’t resist pinging GMC to ask about the film, and more importantly, whether a special edition Sierra AT4X in brown and gold might be in the pipeline. A spokesperson expressed excitement for the automaker “to be included” in the movie but declined to comment on anything further at this time.

Airing for several seasons from 1981 through 1986, The Fall Guy starred Lee Majors in the role of Seavers with Doug Barr as sidekick Howie Munson and Heather Thomas as Jody Banks. The cast list for the film doesn’t mention Thomas or Barr, but Lee Majors is credited so expect a cameo from the OG Colt Seavers somewhere amid the action.

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The diesel sedan has seen better days, but it’s not a lost cause after traveling 178,830 miles (287,800 kilometers) in its life. The engine bay is dirty, but not destroyed, even with a missing battery and some unconnected hoses. The engine still has oil in it, even if it is quite dirty, and the air filter is surprisingly clean. 

Some fresh fuel and coolant and a new battery is all it takes to get this rescued Mercedes running again. It starts right up like it was waiting to be driven again despite sinking into the ground. Motor1.com contacted the creator to learn more about the car’s recovery. 

The cabin is dirty, with the various switches inoperable and covered in grime. The seats aren’t ripped apart, and the windshield wiper works with the right amount of motivation, but the shifter is a bit stiff. The interior is nicer than its rusting exterior.  

The high-pressure wash removes a lot of the grime, but not all of the imperfections now embedded in the paint. Some body panels are still a bit cruddy, but the lack of dirt on the white exterior emphasizes the remaining rust spots that plague the truck lid, rear fascia, and hood. Some of the trim is also starting to fall off.

A clogged fuel filter causes the car to stall, but it runs well once cleaned. It spews quite a lot of smoke under acceleration, but the vehicle likely needs new oil and a bit more TLC to get it in tip-top shape. The alternator isn’t charging, the horn is non-functional, and the car keeps on running even with the key turned off (and removed), so clearly there is still some work left to do.

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The company Helm Motorcars built this Jaguar. The overhauled E-Type has more than just an eye-catching color to make it special. Modern tech makes the car more usable today. For example, the exterior features front and rear parking sensors, and the turn signals now have LEDs for illumination.

Gallery: Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster By Helm

Helm uses aluminum for the doors and hood. The company also fits hand-formed bumpers at both ends. The nickel-plated brightwork adds a subtle shine to the body’s metallic trim. Underneath the skin, this E-Type uses an electrophoretic-coated bodyshell to resist corrosion. 

Jaguar’s classic 4.2-liter inline-six is under the hood. The engine makes 300 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. This mill made 265 hp and 283 lb-ft in an original Series 1 E-Type. Helm fits electronic fuel injection rather than the original triple-carburetor setup. The four-speed automatic gearbox sends power to a limited-slip differential at the rear wheels.

Helm adds a speed-sensitive power-steering system, which should make cruising easier. The suspension is adjustable at both ends. Upgraded track rod ends and ball joints are also part of the package.

Bill Amberg Studio’s plan for the upholstery was to create an appearance that reflected the car’s spirit rather than a faithful recreation of the original E-Type’s cabin. The interior features a mix of suede and vegetable-tanned black leather that covers the seats, dashboard, and console. 

Several modern features complement the leather-upholstered cabin. There’s a rearview camera screen and a reverse camera. The stereo supports Bluetooth, and air conditioning keeps occupants comfortable.

The car comes with a pair of bespoke weekend bags using black Italian calfskin. Leather straps hold them down in the trunk.

Helm is building 20 bespoke E-Types like this one. This is the second car of the run completed and the first roadster. Each one takes over 6,000 man-hours to complete.

The Series 1 E-Type is valuable among collectors today. Gooding & Company achieved a new record for the model by selling the first-produced roadster for the equivalent of $1.139 million (911,250 pounds) at its London Auction in September

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