Mike Wolfe, the acclaimed star of the History Channel’s hit series “American Pickers,” has built a career out of unearthing forgotten treasures scattered across the American landscape. For over a decade, viewers have watched him comb through barns, sheds, and sprawling properties, not just for trinkets and collectibles, but also for a vast array of unique and often historically significant vehicles. His passion for the automotive world extends far beyond the screen, culminating in a personal collection that is as diverse and intriguing as the items he seeks on the show. Mike’s deep appreciation for history, engineering, and distinctive design is evident in every piece he brings into his garage.
Wolfe’s commitment to preserving and showcasing automotive history is further highlighted by his ownership of the Columbia Motor Alley, a unique museum-gift shop hybrid dedicated to displaying cars and selling memorabilia that celebrates the rich tapestry of automotive evolution. It’s a testament to his genuine enthusiasm, transforming a personal hobby into a public celebration of vehicular art. This isn’t just about owning expensive cars; it’s about connecting with the stories they tell and the eras they represent, whether they’re pristine showroom pieces or rugged, character-filled survivors.
Join us on an exhilarating journey through Mike Wolfe’s extraordinary garage, as we peel back the layers on some of the coolest and most historically significant cars he has personally owned. From pioneering American icons to transatlantic marvels, each vehicle offers a glimpse into a different facet of automotive ingenuity and a reflection of Wolfe’s discerning eye for mechanical artistry and historical relevance. These are not merely modes of transport; they are cherished artifacts, each with a compelling narrative that Mike has carefully integrated into his impressive collection.
1. **1958 Chevrolet Impala**For a man who possesses such an evident fondness for unique and historically resonant cars, it is entirely fitting that the 1958 Chevrolet Impala holds a distinguished place in Mike Wolfe’s personal collection. This particular model made its grand debut in 1958, coinciding with Chevrolet’s momentous 50th birthday celebration, a milestone that it commemorated with an unmistakable statement of automotive luxury and design innovation. It would also mark the beginning of one of the company’s most enduring nameplates, with the Impala lineage continuing for nearly eight decades until its conclusion in 2020.
While its ultimate iteration might have been far from remarkable, the initial version of the Impala was anything but ordinary. The 1958 Impala could be vividly characterized by numerous adjectives, yet “shy” would certainly not be among them. This was Chevrolet’s not-so-modest birthday gift to itself, designed without any compromises, epitomizing an era of automotive excess and aspiration.
Visually, the 1958 Impala was an imposing “gigantic land yacht,” distinguished by its exceptionally long hood that flowed gracefully into an even longer roofline. The vehicle’s front end skillfully borrowed numerous styling cues from its lighter, sportier sibling, the Corvette, with both the grille and the distinctive headlights bearing an almost identical resemblance. However, where the Corvette pursued sportiness and agility, the Impala unequivocally prioritized opulence and grandeur.
Its design was a symphony of curves and width, conceived to effortlessly glide down America’s burgeoning network of roads with a remarkable sense of finesse. The spacious interior was designed to comfortably accommodate friends, family, or lovers, making every journey an experience in luxurious comfort. Beneath its aesthetically pleasing exterior, the first-generation Impala also showcased some truly impressive engineering feats, including an innovative X-frame chassis. This chassis boasted a significant 30% increase in rigidity and was ingeniously designed to fit within the driveshaft tunnel, allowing the car to sit notably lower to the ground, enhancing both its profile and handling. It was a true emblem of the American dream, embodying excellence and excess at every turn, completed with gleaming chrome trim and futuristic, space-age fins.
Car Model Information: 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS
Name: Chevrolet Impala
Caption: Fourth generation model (1967)
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Production: 1957–1985,1994–1996,1999–2020
ModelYears: 1958–1985,1994–1996,2000–2020
Predecessor: Chevrolet Bel Air,Chevrolet Lumina#Second generation (1995–2001)
Successor: Chevrolet SS,Chevrolet Caprice
Platform: GM B platform,GM W platform,GM W platform (GMX211) (2005–2013),GM Epsilon platform#Epsilon II
Class: Full-size car,Mid-size car
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 1960s cars, 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars
Summary: The Chevrolet Impala () is a full-size car that was built by Chevrolet for model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020. The Impala was Chevrolet’s popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in the United States.
For its debut in 1958, the Impala was distinguished from other models by its symmetrical triple taillights. The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced as a top-line Impala Sport Sedan for model year 1965, later becoming a separate series positioned above the Impala in 1966, which, in turn, remained above the Chevrolet Bel Air and the Chevrolet Biscayne. The Impala continued as Chevrolet’s most popular full-sized model through the mid-1980s. Between 1994 and 1996, the Impala was revised as a 5.7-liter V8–powered version of the Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan.
In 2000, the Impala was reintroduced again as a mainstream front-wheel drive car. In February 2014, the 2014 Impala ranked No. 1 among Affordable Large Cars in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings. When the 10th generation of the Impala was introduced for the 2014 model year, the 9th generation was rebadged as the Impala Limited and sold only to fleet customers through 2016. During that time, both versions were sold in the United States and Canada. The 10th-generation Impala was also sold in the Middle East and South Korea.
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: Impala
Price: $56,991 Mileage: 51,426 mi.
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2. **1947 Hudson Truck**The Hudson Motor Car Company is largely celebrated for its formidable, NASCAR-dominating Hudson Hornet and the groundbreaking Twin-H Engine, which means that the 1947 Hudson Truck often flies somewhat under the radar in automotive discussions. With a limited production run of only 2,917 examples of the Series 178 model, this particular truck, which was the first produced fully under the Hudson name, certainly meets the criteria for a unique and collectible item in Mike Wolfe’s discerning personal collection.
However, the narrative surrounding the Hudson truck becomes even more captivating when one delves into its innovative conception. Prior to 1947, Hudson had established a stellar reputation for its passenger cars, but it had also been manufacturing a variety of other vehicles, including trucks, under a different marque: Terraplane. When the time came to develop a truck that would proudly bear the Hudson nameplate, the company embarked on a truly pioneering path.
They tasked Betty Thatcher, a talented young automotive designer, with the ambitious responsibility of making this new truck truly special and distinctive. This significant appointment made Thatcher, as records indicate, the first woman to be formally hired as a fully-fledged automotive designer within an American car company. And by all accounts, her design contributions were nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating a remarkable blend of foresight and artistic flair.
Thatcher delivered a Hudson pickup that masterfully combined robust utility with sophisticated style. Drawing inspiration from the elegant forms of Hudson’s acclaimed road cars, particularly the Commodore, she skillfully integrated that distinctive design language into the front half of the truck. The result was a vehicle that was both handsome in appearance and highly competent in performance, a testament to her innovative vision. With such a compelling and progressive story woven into its very foundation, it is unequivocally clear how this particular truck perfectly satisfies Mike Wolfe’s well-known preference for vehicles imbued with profound character and a rich historical narrative.
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3. **1969 Chevrolet El Camino**When discussing the masterful fusion of distinctive style and practical utility within the automotive world, perhaps no vehicle exemplifies this balance more perfectly than the iconic El Camino. The name “El Camino” itself carries the substantial weight of legend and is effortlessly recognized as one of Chevrolet’s most visually and culturally significant models. Thanks to the El Camino’s uniquely functional yet beautifully unconventional nature, combined with its substantial presence within the American Zeitgeist, it has rightfully earned a cherished place in Mike Wolfe’s exceptional collection of personally owned vehicles.
The El Camino first made its debut in 1959, conceived as an innovative hybrid that skillfully bridged the gap between a conventional pickup truck and a passenger car. Over the course of almost four decades that followed, this versatile vehicle evolved through five distinct generations, continuing its production until its eventual discontinuation in 1987. Mike Wolfe’s particular 1969 example is a proud member of the third generation, an era celebrated for its distinctive fastback design and a notably more athletic and dynamic personality.
By the time the 1969 model year arrived, the El Camino had already been a fixture on American roads for a full decade. To maintain its relevance and appeal in an ever-evolving market, the third generation necessitated a series of thoughtful enhancements to both its styling and performance attributes. Chevrolet meticulously tweaked several aspects of the vehicle to keep it fresh and competitive, ensuring it remained a desirable option for consumers seeking both utility and driving pleasure.
Underneath the hood, a significant upgrade was implemented: the displacement of the base V8 engine was increased by 24 cubic inches, bringing the total to a robust 307 cubic inches, which further enhanced its power and capability. On the exterior, while the third-generation El Camino generally retained a visual similarity to its immediate predecessor, a subtle yet impactful alteration was made to the B-pillar, which now swooped back at a less severe angle. This design refinement contributed to a lower and distinctly sportier overall appearance, aligning with the more athletic persona of the generation. The 1969 model year also holds a special distinction as the last to feature the slight, iconic overhang positioned above the grille and headlights, with the subsequent 1970 model adopting a flatter, more streamlined frontal aesthetic.
Car Model Information: 2021 Nissan Rogue SL
Name: Chevrolet El Camino
Caption: 1969 El Camino SS
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
ModelYears: 1959–1960 ,1964–1987
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Class: Coupé utility,Muscle car
Categories: 1960s cars, 1970s cars, 1980s cars, All articles lacking reliable references, All articles needing additional references
Summary: The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959–1960 and 1964–1987. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.
Introduced in the 1959 model year in response to the success of the Ford Ranchero coupé utility, its first run, based on the Biscayne’s B-body, lasted only two years. Production resumed for the 1964–1977 model years based on the Chevelle platform, and continued for the 1978–1987 model years based on the GM G-body platform.
Although based on corresponding General Motors car lines, the vehicle is classified in the United States as a pickup. GMC’s badge engineered El Camino variant, the Sprint, was introduced for the 1971 model year. Renamed Caballero in 1978, it was also produced through the 1987 model year.
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: El Camino
Price: $20,995 Mileage: 117,217 mi.
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4. **1932 Ford Roadster**Mike Wolfe’s discerning automotive taste clearly leans heavily towards vintage and antique vehicles, showing a profound appreciation for their inherent history and character over their newer counterparts. Therefore, it makes perfect and intuitive sense that a 1932 Ford Roadster would find its way into his prized collection. Wolfe’s specific example is not just any Roadster; it’s a genuine “rat rod,” a term within hot rodding culture that signifies a very clear, often deliberate, do-it-yourself creation, characterized by its literal and figurative rusty edges and unpolished aesthetic. The 1932 Ford Roadster, along with its Coupe sibling, stands as the visual embodiment and undisputed synonym of hot rodding culture itself, making the Roadster an undeniable and highly sought-after collector’s item for enthusiasts worldwide.
So, what precisely elevates this particular car to the esteemed position of being the chosen representative of the entire hot rodding movement? A paramount reason lies squarely with its engine. The 1932 Fords famously introduced the groundbreaking Ford flathead V8, an engine that would go on to power a multitude of cars bearing the iconic Blue Oval badge all the way until 1953. This venerable flathead V8, while producing a seemingly modest 65 horsepower by today’s standards, was an exceptionally impressive figure for its era, pushing the boundaries of accessible automotive performance.
Beyond its power output, the flathead V8’s fundamental construction was lauded for its simplicity and remarkable durability, rendering it an extraordinarily dependable engine for everyday drivers. Crucially, these very characteristics also made it exceedingly easy to modify and enhance, a feature that was wholeheartedly embraced by the burgeoning community of hot rodders who sought to push their vehicles to new limits. The accessibility and adaptability of this engine cemented its legend and its place at the heart of performance customization.
Wolfe’s specific 1932 Ford Roadster might not be ready for a concours d’elegance competition, yet its profound charm resides precisely in its raw, unrefined edge. This authentic “rat rod” character is celebrated through intentional design choices that amplify its rugged personality. The engine, for instance, is openly exposed, proudly displaying its mechanical intricacies rather than concealing them beneath a hood. The original gear lever has been creatively replaced with one topped by a distinctive skull, adding a rebellious touch that speaks to the car’s custom spirit.
The interior, too, is beautifully rugged, featuring a comfortable brown leather bench seat that invites occupants to settle in for a ride through history. A classic three-spoke steering wheel offers a tactile connection to its driving legacy. The dash presents an array of analogue gauges, their housings displaying a rich palette of brown and green rust, reminiscent of an aged penny that has endured countless rains and embraced concrete pathways. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t just carry history; it oozes with it, boasting a personality that is perfectly suited for a connoisseur like Mike Wolfe, who understands and appreciates the soul embedded within such unique automotive artifacts.
Car Model Information: 1929 Ford Roadster
Caption: 1932 Ford Model B Standard Tudor 2-door sedan
Name: 1932 Ford Model B
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Production: 1932–1934
Predecessor: Ford Model A (1927–1931)
Successor: Ford Model 48
Class: Full-size Ford
BodyStyle: phaeton body,Pickup truck
Engine: 201 cuin
Abbr: on
Transmission: Non-synchronous transmission,Manual transmission
Wheelbase: 2692 mm
Disp: flip
Layout: FR layout
Assembly: see list below
Related: Ford Model Y,Ford Köln,Ford Rheinland,GAZ-M1
Designer: Edsel Ford
Categories: 1930s cars, All articles needing additional references, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles needing additional references from January 2021, Articles with short description
Summary: The term 1932 Ford may refer to three models of automobile produced by Ford Motors between 1932 and 1934: the Model B, the Model 18, and the Model 40. These succeeded the Model A. The Model B had an updated four-cylinder engine and was available from 1932 to 1934. The Model 18 was the first Ford fitted with the flathead V-8, and it was available in the Model 40 too in 1933 and 1934. The company also replaced the Model AA truck with the Model BB, available with either the four- or eight-cylinder engine.
The three car models were replaced by the streamlined Model 48 in 1935.
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Brand: Ford Model: Roadster
Price: $39,980 Mileage: 500 mi.
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5. **1953 Nash-Healy Le Mans Coupe**The 1953 Nash-Healy Le Mans Coupe is an automotive marvel that can best be described as “something of a mutt,” reflecting its fascinating multinational heritage. This particular vehicle stands out as one of the coolest cars ever uncovered during the filming of “American Pickers” – so cool, in fact, that Mike Wolfe himself decided to add it permanently to his personal collection. The reasons for this car’s undeniable allure and profound coolness are extensive and deeply compelling, underscoring its unique place in automotive history.
Firstly, its rarity alone commands attention: a mere 520 of these distinctive cars were ever manufactured. Within this limited production run, an even more exclusive subset exists, as only 62 examples were produced with hard tops, making Wolfe’s acquisition a truly exceptional find. Beyond its scarcity, the Nash-Healy Le Mans Coupe holds significant recognition as the first American sports car to be produced following the conclusion of the Second World War, a testament to its pioneering spirit and forward-thinking design in a new automotive era.
However, the true intrigue and captivating essence of this automobile lie profoundly in its extraordinary origin story and the remarkable individuals who brought it to life. The Nash-Healy Le Mans Coupe was the direct result of an ambitious and collaborative effort, a joint venture that harnessed the collective brilliance of automotive minds hailing from the United States, England, and Italy. Each of these nations played a pivotal and distinct role, contributing different, yet essential, parts to the car’s complex and innovative construction.
At the heart of this transatlantic project was George Mason, the visionary American CEO of Nash-Kelvinator, who harbored an ambitious desire to construct a groundbreaking sports car. To realize this dream, he sought collaboration with the highly respected Englishman, Donald Healey, a renowned figure in the automotive world. Their initial blueprint envisioned Mason supplying engines to Healey, who would then be responsible for crafting a lightweight body to house these powerful American powerplants. As their collaborative project gained momentum and evolved, they made a pivotal decision to entrust the renowned Italian design rockstars at Pininfarina with the critical task of sculpting the car’s aesthetically breathtaking body. The culmination of this international synergy was the magnificent Nash-Healy Le Mans Coupe.
The finished product was undeniably a thing of profound beauty, a harmonious blend that genuinely appeared to be the sum of its distinct parts, embodying equal measures of American power, English engineering, and Italian design artistry. Mike Wolfe’s specific example of this iconic vehicle carries an even richer layer of character, featuring a distinctively rusted red paint job that tells tales of its past, paired with a charming plaid fabric interior. It is effortlessly clear why Wolfe, with his keen eye for originality and storied vehicles, chose to integrate this remarkable and character-filled automobile into his highly curated collection, celebrating its unique journey and multifaceted heritage.
Having journeyed through the initial pillars of Mike Wolfe’s impressive personal automotive collection, uncovering stories of American luxury, pioneering utility, iconic hybrids, legendary hot rods, and transatlantic collaborations, we now shift gears to explore even more distinctive additions. Wolfe’s discerning taste, as we will discover, extends to rare off-road legends, quintessential American sports car heritage, prized European performance marvels, and a truly surprising two-wheeled entry. Each of these vehicles further illuminates his profound appreciation for history, engineering, and the unique character that defines automotive excellence, painting an even richer portrait of the collector behind the ‘American Pickers’ phenomenon.
Car Model Information: 2021 Subaru Forester Limited
Name: Nash-Healey
Caption: 1951 Nash-Healey
Manufacturer: Nash Motors
Aka: Series 25
Production: December 1950 – August 1954
ModelYears: 1951–1954
Assembly: Warwick,Turin,Kenosha, Wisconsin
Designer: Len Hodges (1951),Adriano Rabbone
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupe,Roadster (automobile)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
Platform: Warwick Healey chassis
Related: Alvis-Healey
Engine: Overhead valve engine,1951-52: {{cvt,234.8,CID,L,1,cvt
Transmission: Manual transmission
Wheelbase: roadster: {{cvt,102,in,mm,0
Length: roadster: {{cvt,170.75,in,mm,0
Width: roadster: {{cvt,64,in,mm,0
Height: roadster: {{cvt,48,in,mm,0
Weight: cvt
Sp: us
Categories: All articles with dead external links, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with dead external links from March 2024, Articles with dead external links from September 2024, Articles with permanently dead external links
Summary: The Nash-Healey is a three-seat luxury sports car or grand tourer produced from 1951 to 1954. It was marketed by the Nash-Kelvinator conglomerate in North America as a halo car to promote sales of its Nash Motors division.
The car resulted from a joint venture between Nash-Kelvinator and British automaker, the Donald Healey Motor Company. Nash supplied the drivetrain from their range-topping Ambassador model, and Healey provided the chassis and early bodies. One year after its introduction, the car was restyled by Pininfarina, and the final assembly was transferred to Italy. Some describe the Nash-Healey as the first sports car introduced in the U.S. by a major automaker after the Great Depression.
Various Nash-Healeys, some modified road cars, and some purpose-built racers competed in several endurance racing events, most notably posting a third-place finish at the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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Brand: Nash-Healy Model: Le Mans Coupe
Price: $22,899 Mileage: 73,544 mi.
6. **Ford Bronco U13**As we delve deeper into Mike Wolfe’s captivating automotive world, we encounter vehicles that resonate with history and raw utility. One such gem, showcasing his appreciation for rugged American ingenuity, is the Ford Bronco U13. Wolfe’s collection proudly includes a truly rare specimen: a Ford Bronco U13, which he reportedly acquired in Indiana for a substantial $30,000. This particular model isn’t just another vintage truck; it stands out as a highly sought-after model for its unique design and significantly limited production run. Its presence in his garage speaks volumes about his commitment to unearthing and preserving vehicular history that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream collectors.
The Bronco U13, part of the early Ford Bronco lineage, embodies the pioneering spirit of American utility vehicles. While specific design details for this particular sub-model aren’t always widely publicized, the original Bronco series was celebrated for its robust, go-anywhere capabilities and straightforward, no-nonsense aesthetics. It was engineered to be a versatile workhorse, equally at home on rugged off-road trails as it was navigating rural landscapes, cementing its status as an early icon in the burgeoning SUV market.
The ‘limited production run’ of the U13 variant further elevates its desirability among collectors. Fewer units mean greater exclusivity, making Wolfe’s acquisition not just a purchase, but a rescue of a significant piece of automotive heritage. For enthusiasts, finding such an unmolested or well-preserved example is akin to discovering a priceless artifact, highlighting the Bronco U13’s place as a cornerstone in the evolution of American off-road vehicles.
This appreciation for foundational utility vehicles perfectly aligns with Wolfe’s ‘American Pickers’ ethos. He doesn’t just look for flash; he seeks out stories, engineering milestones, and vehicles that represent a significant chapter in American manufacturing. The Bronco U13 is more than a car; it’s a tangible link to an era when vehicle design was dictated by purpose and resilience, a philosophy Wolfe deeply admires and champions.
Car Model Information: 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE SEL 2.4
Categories: 2016 in sports, All articles with dead external links, Articles with dead external links from April 2025, Articles with dead external links from July 2023, Articles with dead external links from June 2022
Summary: 2016 in sports describes the year’s events in world sport. The main highlight for this year is the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The year is considered by many to be the greatest year in sports history, featuring many underdog stories, huge comebacks, broken curses and exciting and historic moments.
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Brand: Ford Model: Bronco U13
Price: $26,999 Mileage: 26,947 mi.
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7. **1962 Chevrolet Corvette C2**Moving from rugged utility to pure American exhilaration, Mike Wolfe’s garage also houses an undisputed icon of speed and style: the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C2. Among the shining examples of American automotive excellence in Mike Wolfe’s cherished collection is a magnificent 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C2. This isn’t merely a car; it’s a vibrant slice of American history, representing the pinnacle of sports car design and engineering from its era. Wolfe has taken immense pride in having this particular Corvette restored to what is described as its ‘former glory,’ a testament to his dedication to preserving the authentic spirit of these machines.
The Corvette, from its inception, was America’s bold answer to European sports cars, quickly establishing itself as a symbol of performance and aspirational design. The 1962 model, while often seen as a bridge between generations, still carried the powerful aesthetic and thrilling driving dynamics that made the Corvette a household name. Its distinctive lines, powerful engine options, and undeniable road presence ensured it captivated the hearts of drivers and enthusiasts alike, embodying the post-war American dream of freedom and adventure.
The meticulous restoration of Wolfe’s 1962 Corvette C2 means that every curve, every chrome detail, and every engine component has been brought back to its original factory-fresh condition, or perhaps even better. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about honoring the original craftsmanship and ensuring that the vehicle performs as spectacularly as it looks. For Wolfe, who appreciates history in all its forms, owning a beautifully restored Corvette is about keeping a legend alive, allowing its story to continue to be told on the open road.
The inclusion of such an iconic American sports car in his collection highlights Wolfe’s diverse automotive palate. While he loves the rugged and the utilitarian, he equally values the sleek and the powerful, especially when they represent a significant cultural touchstone. The 1962 Corvette C2 perfectly embodies this blend of historical importance, engineering prowess, and undeniable ‘cool factor’ that Mike Wolfe consistently seeks out.
Car Model Information: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/3LT
Name: Chevrolet Corvette
Caption: 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Production: 1953–present
ModelYears: bulleted list
Assembly: bulleted list
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 1950s cars, 1960s cars, 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars
Summary: The Chevrolet Corvette is a line of American two-door, two-seater sports cars manufactured and marketed by General Motors under the Chevrolet marque since 1953. Throughout eight generations, indicated sequentially as C1 to C8, the Corvette is noted for its performance, distinctive styling, lightweight fiberglass or composite bodywork, and competitive pricing. The Corvette has had domestic mass-produced two-seater competitors fielded by American Motors, Ford, and Chrysler; it is the only one continuously produced by a United States auto manufacturer. It serves as Chevrolet’s halo car.
In 1953, GM executives accepted a suggestion by Myron Scott, then the assistant director of the Public Relations department, to name the company’s new sports car after the corvette, a small, maneuverable warship. Initially, a relatively modest, lightweight 6‑cylinder convertible, subsequent introductions of V8 engines, competitive chassis innovations, and rear mid-engined layout have gradually moved the Corvette upmarket into the supercar class. In 1963, the second generation was introduced in coupe and convertible styles. The first three Corvette generations (1953–1982) employed body-on-frame construction, and since the C4 generation, introduced in 1983 as an early 1984 model, Corvettes have used GM’s unibody Y‑body platform. All Corvettes used front mid-engine configuration for seven generations, through 2019, and transitioned to a rear mid-engined layout with the C8 generation.
Initially manufactured in Flint, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981, which is also the location of the National Corvette Museum. The Corvette has become widely known as “America’s Sports Car.” Automotive News wrote that after being featured in the early 1960s television show Route 66, “the Corvette became synonymous with freedom and adventure,” ultimately becoming both “the most successful concept car in history and the most popular sports car in history.”
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Price: $92,990 Mileage: 3,779 mi.
Read more about: Hidden Gems: 11 Used Sports Cars That Deliver Thrills and Value Beyond Expectation
8. **1965 Austin Healey 3000 MK III**Venturing across the Atlantic, Wolfe’s collection takes on an international flair with a remarkable European sports car, the 1965 Austin Healey 3000 MK III, a vehicle he enthusiastically added to his garage. Mike Wolfe’s discerning eye for unique and character-rich vehicles extends far beyond American borders, as evidenced by his acquisition of a truly stunning 1965 Austin Healey 3000 MK III. This prized European performance machine was not merely stumbled upon but was a targeted purchase, with Wolfe reportedly agreeing to a deal of $22,500 for this exquisite example. Its presence in his collection underscores his appreciation for the craftsmanship and spirited engineering found in classic British automobiles.
The 1965 Austin Healey 3000 MK III is, by all accounts, a gorgeous automobile, lauded for its exceptional design and distinctive features. Wolfe himself noted its ‘great lines’ and the elegant ‘teardrop back end,’ which gracefully tapers, giving the car a sense of movement even at a standstill. The ‘hood scoop on the front end’ further enhances its sporty demeanor, contributing to an overall appearance that simply ‘has the look’—a perfect balance of aggressive performance cues and classic grand tourer elegance.
What makes Wolfe’s Austin Healey particularly special is its exceptional condition. As he observed, it’s a car ‘you don’t see this often in this condition because most of the time, they’re either rotted to the ground or they’ve already been restored.’ This places his acquisition firmly in the coveted category of a ‘survivor driver,’ meaning it has largely maintained its original integrity and can still be enjoyed on the road, free from extensive modern overhauls. Such originality is a hallmark of true collector value.
The Austin Healey 3000 MK III, often referred to as the ‘Big Healey,’ was the most powerful and luxurious of the 3000 series, offering a potent blend of performance and comfort. Its inline-six engine provided ample power, making it a formidable competitor in rallies and a joy to drive on winding roads. For Wolfe, this car represents not just beauty, but a significant chapter in European sports car history, embodying the spirit of post-war motoring where driving was an art form and a passionate pursuit.
Car Model Information: 2021 Subaru Forester Limited
Caption: Austin Healey 3000 sports convertible
Name: Austin-Healey 3000
Assembly: Abingdon, Oxfordshire,England
Manufacturer: Austin-Healey
Production: 1959–1967
Predecessor: Austin-Healey 100-6
Successor: MG MGC
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: Roadster (automobile)
Layout: FR layout
Engine: 2912 cc
Abbr: on (front)
Length: 157 in
Width: 60 in
Height: 46 in
Weight: 2550 lb
Wheelbase: {{convert,92,in,mm,0,abbr=on
Sp: uk
Categories: 1960s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, Articles with short description, Austin-Healey vehicles, CS1 Swedish-language sources (sv)
Summary: The Austin-Healey 3000 is a British sports car built from 1959 until 1967. It is the best known of the “big Healey” models. The car’s bodywork was made by Jensen Motors and the vehicles were assembled at BMC’s MG Works in Abingdon, alongside BMC’s MG models.
During its production life, the car changed from an open sports car, albeit with a child-transporting 2+2 option, to a sports convertible. In 1963, 91.5 percent of all Austin-Healey 3000 cars were exported; mostly to North America. The 3-litre 3000 was a highly successful car, which won its class in many European rallies in its heyday and is still raced in classic car competitions by enthusiasts today.
British Motor Corporation ended manufacture in 1967, filling its place with a car with a new, though similar, engine in a newer monocoque chassis; the MGB variant named the MGC.
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Brand: Austin Healey Model: 3000 MK III
Price: $22,899 Mileage: 73,544 mi.
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9. **Mike Wolfe’s Motorcycle Collection**Rounding out our journey through Mike Wolfe’s incredible personal garage is a category that reveals another facet of his mechanical passion: his extensive and surprising two-wheeled collection. Beyond the four-wheeled marvels, Mike Wolfe harbors an incredibly deep passion for motorcycles, or as he sometimes refers to them, ‘bicycles,’ reflecting an ‘avid fondness and genuine enthusiasm for anything related to bikes.’ This isn’t a casual interest; it’s a lifelong pursuit that has seen him dedicate an impressive three decades to curating a truly remarkable collection of vintage motorcycles, each telling a unique story of two-wheeled innovation and adventure.
The sheer scale and diversity of Wolfe’s vintage motorcycle collection are astounding. At one point, he boasted ‘over 110 bicycles,’ a truly breathtaking number for any enthusiast. This treasure trove included iconic machines like ‘multiple Indian Fours from the 1930s and 1940s’ and ‘Harley-Davidson Knuckleheads from 1936 and 1937,’ representing the golden age of American motorcycling. His collection also featured incredibly rare and historic examples such as a ‘Yale Single from 1909,’ a ‘historic olive drab Indian Military Twin from 1919,’ a ‘Harley-Davidson JD from 1921 with a sidecar,’ a ‘racing twin from 1914 with a complete racing engine,’ and a ‘1937 Harley Davidson UL,’ which marked the first year for that distinguished U series.
While his heart clearly beats for vintage iron, Wolfe’s appreciation isn’t exclusively confined to the past. His collection also surprisingly embraces modernity with the inclusion of a ‘2021 Indian motorcycle.’ This contemporary marvel is celebrated for its ‘power, handling, and lightweight’ attributes, which are ‘highly respected in the performance bike industry.’ This addition beautifully illustrates the breadth of his passion, showing that he values both the historical significance of classic bikes and the advanced engineering of modern performance machines.
In a significant move that highlights his philosophy of stewardship, Mike Wolfe decided in January 2023 to ‘sell half of his motorcycle collection,’ amounting to 60 bikes, at the world’s largest motorcycle auction in Las Vegas. He framed this decision not as a farewell, but as a continuation of their legacy, stating, ‘I’m one link in the chain when it comes to the history of these bikes. I’ve personally decided to honor them the way I’ve found them, now it’s going to be someone else’s journey that will take them down the road further.’ This sentiment perfectly encapsulates his role as a preserver and facilitator of history, ensuring these magnificent machines continue to inspire future generations of riders.
As we pull away from Mike Wolfe’s extraordinary garage, it’s clear that his collection is far more than just a gathering of vehicles; it’s a meticulously curated anthology of automotive history, a testament to engineering prowess, artistic design, and the indelible stories etched into every chassis and engine. From the opulent American classics and pioneering utility trucks to the spirited European sports cars and an awe-inspiring array of two-wheeled wonders, each vehicle reflects Wolfe’s unwavering passion for authenticity and the enduring spirit of the open road. His garage isn’t just a place where cars reside; it’s a living museum, where every turn of a wheel echoes a forgotten era, and every gleaming surface holds a narrative waiting to be rediscovered by a connoisseur who truly understands the soul of these mechanical masterpieces.
