Category Archives: Back In The Day

The Reason Why the C2 Corvette Used Powerglide

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 Diego Rosenberg

In the Barrett-Jackson studio, I caught sight of a Mosport Green 1966 Chevrolet Corvette roadster. It looked perfect with the turbine-like aluminum knock-off wheels and unusual gold stripe tires. The domed hood told me it was a big-block car, specifically a 427 since 1966 was the first year for that engine. Taking a peek inside, I noticed the automatic shifter. “390 horses,” I remarked to myself.

From 1965-68, all solid-lifter big-block engines available in the Corvette required the four-speed transmission. As such, the presence of an automatic means this C2 couldn’t be powered by the L72 425-horsepower 427. If you wanted an automatic, you had to make do with the L36 390-horse 427. What’s interesting about this combination is that it was paired with the two-speed Powerglide.

1966 L36 427

Wait  — didn’t General Motors introduce Turbo Hydra-Matic (TH400) in 1964? Why saddle the Corvette with some old-fashioned tranny? Come to think of it, the TH400 transmission didn’t appear in mid-size cars until 1967, yet the Corvette didn’t receive it even then? Those questions are valid, and there are two explanations.

  • When the C2 Corvette was designed, it was not engineered for a transmission that had yet to debut, so it did not fit. Plus, automatic transmissions were a small percentage of Corvette production, with buyers overwhelmingly preferring the optional four-speed.
  • General Motors did not put automatics behind solid-lifter engines. Sure, GM built some fast cars through 1968 — Ram Air GTO and Firebird, and 4-4-2 W30 to name a few — but the ones with revving ability were stuck with manual transmissions.

When the redesigned Corvette appeared for 1968, it was engineered to handle the TH400, but the L71 and L88 big-blocks (both solid-lifter engines that first appeared in 1967) were still restricted to a four-speed. That all changed for 1969.

1968 COPO Nova SS converted to 427 by Dick Harrell

Fred Gibb (the owner of the same Illinois-based Chevrolet dealer who became famous for creating the 1969 ZL1 big-block in conjunction with GM) and champion racer Dick Harrell had discussed the idea of how perfect an L78 Chevy II would be in SS/Automatic. They worked with Chevrolet’s Vince Piggins to create a 1968 Nova SS powered by a solid-lifter, 375-horsepower 396 paired with the TH400. Normally, only a three- or four-speed was available, but Piggins had engineers create a TH400 with a modified torque converter and improved clutch packs. Gibb placed a COPO fleet order for 50 Nova SSs with the L78 and beefed-up TH400 to satisfy the NHRA’s homologation requirement.  

Thanks to this COPO order, GM was equipped to allow the TH400 to play a role with solid-lifter big-blocks in Chevrolet’s roster starting in 1969. It was also used in GM’s stronger performance cars, including Ram Air IV Ponchos and W30 Olds.

The aforementioned 1966 Corvette will be headed to the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Las Vegas Auction, which takes place September 10-12, 2026.

Original Owner Reunited With Her 1968 Camaro RS/SS After 58 Years! | Island Girl

Muscle Car Central

Muscle Car Central

After 58 years apart, Pat Klein was reunited with the 1968 Camaro RS/SS she ordered brand-new as a 20-year-old young woman!

Pat ordered the Island Teal Camaro during the summer of 1967 through her father’s dealership, Ray Klein Chevrolet in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Her passion for performance cars led her to choose an incredible combination: an L48 350, M20 4-speed transmission, 12-bolt Positraction rear end, tach and gauges, and deluxe interior.

The Camaro’s ownership history spans three dedicated caretakers:

1967-1968: Pat Klein – Original Owner Pat ordered the car new and had not seen it since

1968. 1968-1989: Tom Lukatch – Second Owner Tom purchased the Camaro directly from the dealership’s used-car showroom in October 1968 when he was just 19 years old. His father had to co-sign the loan so he could buy it!

1989-Present: Fred Schempp – Third Owner Fred purchased the Camaro in 1989 and has carefully preserved its remarkable history for future generations of Camaro enthusiasts.

At the 2026 Camaro Nationals, Pat finally came face-to-face with her beloved Camaro once again. Watch as she sees “Island Girl,” shares memories from her time with the car and even climbs back behind the wheel.

With only 40,096 miles and having been off the road since 1976, this Camaro is more than a classic car… it is a timeline of memories, families and generations.

Thank you to Pat Klein, Tom Lukatch and Fred Schempp for preserving and sharing this unforgettable piece of Camaro history!

#Camaro #1968Camaro #CamaroRSSS #CamaroNationals #ClassicCamaro #ChevroletCamaro #BarnFind #MuscleCar #CamaroCentral #IslandGirl

What Is America to Me? | The House I Live In – Bob Anderson

Bob Anderson

Bob Anderson

Get ready to feel the heartbeat of America as Las Vegas honors 250 extraordinary years and offers the country a profound opportunity to reflect on the journey that has shaped our nation and to come together to celebrate the ideals of freedom, democracy, and unity that has guided us through generations of individuals who have contributed to America’s story.

Originally composed in 1945 by Earl Robinson with lyrics by Abel Meeropol (Wise Music Group), this timeless anthem reminds us that “We the People” are the heart of this country.

This special Las Vegas production brings together an extraordinary team starting with singer, Bob Anderson. known as The Greatest Singing Impressionist in the World. He has been inducted into the Casino Legends Hall of Fame and The Las Vegas Entertainers Hall of Fame. He is also a seven time winner of Entertainer of the Year in Las Vegas.

Frank Sinatra, one of Bob’s biggest fans, said it best, “This kid’s got a hell of an act!”

Bob Anderson’s tender interpretation of this iconic song is a salve on our hearts and an acknowledgment that “WE THE PEOPLE” are what make this land worth loving and defending, especially when times are hard.

This song embraces a profound sense of unity and is exactly what we need right now.

The team also includes:

  • Dustin Ebsen – Film Editor
  • Tony Orlando – Host Supporter
  • Nathan Tanouye – Music Arranger
  • Daniel Falcone – Music Director/ Producer
  • Patrick Hogan – Pianist
  • Rob Katz – Sound Engineer & Audio Wizard
  • Lorraine Hunt Bono/ Dennis Bono – Sponsors
  • Todd Fisher – Producer
  • Gregg Giuffria – Associate to the Producer
  • Mike Distefano – Production Assistant
  • Greg Jones- Media Producer
  • Diane Russomanno – Executive Producer
  • Joseph & Christine Gillespie – Executive Producers

🎶 Recorded with Bob Dylan’s original Neumann U67 microphone
🎺 Featuring The Las Vegas Legends Orchestra
🇺🇸 Celebrating America’s Quarter Millennium

50 Millionth Chevrolet – planned perfect Impala SS 409

AutoMinded

AutoMinded

The 50 Millionth Chevy was planned to be perfect, and today it looks exactly that way… but thanks to a little luck and a lot of care. It also helps that there’s under 220 miles on the odometer since rolling off the assembly line.

There is now a follow-up video to this one where it is compared with the 50 Millionth Ford:    • 50 Millionth Chevrolet and Ford – differen…  

The car is currently part of the NPD Collection (https://www.npdlink.com). And while you may have noticed a few of our other videos from this collection, this represents one of their early finds and most careful/considerate restorations.

There may be some confusion about this car because there were a few other notable golden Chevys. The 50 millionth General Motors car was a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air painted in gold, and Chevrolet had a Golden Anniversary special edition production 1962 Impala to celebrate 50 years in the car business. But this 1963 Impala is the sole representation of the celebration of the 50 millionth Chevrolet ever made. Part of this confusion can also explain what Rick noted in the video about the dealer respraying parts of the car the wrong color. Despite being only one year apart, the Golden Anniversary Impala and this solo 50 millionth Impala were done in different shades of gold. So, where there is a special shade of gold on the books for 1962, it’s unlikely anyone in the body shop investigated if there was a bespoke gold for this one-of-one in 1963.

A special thanks goes to the GM Archives. They provided and allowed the use of the factory photos and the promotional video. They are the people who really help give vehicles of the past so much more character today.

#chevrolet#automobile#classiccars#car#carlover#automotivehistory#gm#supersport

This is Why America Stopped Training Mechanics

Vintage States

Vintage States

Ever wonder why your neighborhood garage disappeared? Why your dad could fix cars but you can’t even change your own oil? This deep-dive investigation exposes the corporate conspiracy that deliberately destroyed America’s most democratic profession.

🔧 WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS VIDEO: • How 250,000 independent auto repair shops vanished between 1980-2020

• The exact moment car manufacturers decided to eliminate competition •

• Why a 1975 Chevy Nova had 30 parts while today’s Honda has 3,000+ components

• Secret meetings where Detroit’s Big Three planned the death of independent mechanics

• How emission controls became the perfect cover for proprietary lock-in systems

• Why diagnostic equipment costs dealers $500 but independents $5,000+

• The engineering tricks that buried simple repairs under hours of disassembly

• How warranty terms became weapons against customer choice

• Why high schools eliminated shop classes that trained generations of mechanics

• The subscription services that hold repair information hostage

• How Tesla represents the final stage of manufacturer control

• Why Jerry Kowalski’s garage became a Starbucks (real story) 💬 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  • What independent businesses in your town have disappeared?
  • Do you remember learning to fix things as a kid?
  • Which industry do you think will be captured next?

Share your stories in the comments – I read every single one.

The V6 Pontiac That Almost Replaced the Corvette!

Banshee (XP-833)

In 1964 Pontiac developed the XP-833 project, a small two-seater with a long, sweeping hood and a short rear deck. Several different versions were constructed, but only two drivable prototypes were ever built. One was a silver hardtop with a straight six engine and the other is a pearl-white convertible with a V-8.[2] A 4-seater version was also developed codenamed XP-851. The Banshee name was retroactively given in 1971 when engineer Bill Collins installed the leftover Banshee badges taken from the later XP-798 project, XP-833 was never referred to as the Banshee during its development.[3][4]

The styling on these cars is highly reminiscent of what appeared on third-generation Chevrolet Corvettes in 1968, as well as the Opel GT.[5] Another styling cue that made production was the design of the taillights, which are nearly identical to that found on first-generation Pontiac Firebirds. Indeed, the high performance and sensuous styling of the Banshee may have led to its demise. Head of Pontiac John DeLorean called this car the “Mustang Fighter” and rumor has it he fully intended to bring it to production. However, his bosses at GM felt that it would be a threat to the Corvette, cannibalizing its sales, and (if DeLorean had his way) outperforming it as well.

This did not sit well with GM execs who had marketed the Corvette as their top performer; even today, models such as the Camaro and Firebird – even though using the same engine as Corvette – have had those engines de-tuned slightly so they will not have as high a horsepower rating as a Corvette. The Banshee would have had equivalent horsepower, yet weighed 500 lb (227 kg) less than the Corvette and so would have been a potent package. It was able to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in second gear. GM executives instructed DeLorean to cease further development in 1964, though a direct successor was developed as XP-858.[1] In a move loaded with irony, a memo to GM’s head of design, Bill Mitchell, dated September 10, 1965, instructed Mitchell to have his staff update the XP-833 exterior clay and interior bucks “reflecting a Chevrolet design for the two-passenger version coupe.” And so it was that the XP-833 project was revised to become the C3 Corvette against which it had been forbidden from competing.

A 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Was Found in a Maine Lake

The car has been recovered, but its story remains a mystery

 Tyson Hugie 

The words “sunken treasure” took on a whole new meaning in April 2026 when Jason Smith, an underwater explorer, came across a car in the middle of a Maine lake 55 feet below the surface. An hour-long video that was released on May 9 by the Maine Freshwater Exploration Going Deep YouTube channel brings point-of-view footage from an underwater drone and GoPro cameras.

Smith’s narration tells the story in greater detail, but the chain of events started earlier this year when he discovered a snowmobile at the bottom of Sebago Lake during one of his routine exploratory dives. At the time, the surface was still iced over, so he decided to go back and evaluate recovery options in the spring. He returned on April 18 and made several more random discoveries, including a cordless drill and leaf blower.

But then the camera caught a glimpse of something else: a 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. The windows were down, and Smith was relieved to see that there didn’t appear to be any human remains inside. But with the trunk closed and the car missing its license plates, it brought up several chilling questions about how it landed there.

Smith engaged with his colleague Greg Canders of Canders Diving Services, who works with specialized equipment like inflatable air bags and helium to lift heavy objects to the surface. They pulled in the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, who decided to proceed with investigation and recovery on April 23.

The team was met with many challenges. Wind conditions made it difficult to operate the underwater drone and, at one point, a rope that was anchored to the car broke free. When the team did get the air bags attached and inflated, only two of the four came to the surface.

As it turns out, the car’s complete rear axle had detached from the car due to its decayed condition. Also, the car had flipped over onto its rooftop.

It was already getting late in the day by this time, so they decided to return several days later.

On April 25, the second attempt proved to be successful as the Camaro (or what was left of it) was brought to the surface, towed to shore, and winched up the shoreline by a wrecker. “I bet we caught the biggest fish out here today,” one of the team members said in the video. The car’s roof was dented, and the front clip was mostly missing, but there was enough to at least be able to proceed with the investigation. A VIN search did not readily reveal anything, and the only thing found in the trunk was a camping tent.

“The steering’s a little loose,” Greg said from the driver seat with a smile on his face.

The car has been rcovered, but its story remain

On April 25, the second attempt proved to be successful as the Camaro (or what was left of it) was brought to the surface, towed to shore, and winched up the shoreline by a wrecker. “I bet we caught the biggest fish out here today,” one of the team members said in the video. The car’s roof was dented, and the front clip was mostly missing, but there was enough to at least be able to proceed with the investigation. A VIN search did not readily reveal anything, and the only thing found in the trunk was a camping tent.

“The steering’s a little loose,” Greg said from the driver seat with a smile on his face.

As of the time of this writing, there has still been no conclusive determination as to how or why the Camaro ended up at the bottom of Sebago Lake, but a few theories have been shared. The most likely scenario was that the car was driven out on the ice one winter and fell through. Others have surmised that the car was being ferried and somehow fell off the vessel.

For now, it remains an unsolved mystery. If we hear more on it, we’ll keep you posted!

Why They Stopped Making Reliable Cars (Classic Cars Are Next to Be Banned)

Teardown Truth

Why They Stopped Making Reliable Cars (Classic Cars Are Next to Be Banned) If you think your classic car is safe in your garage, you haven’t read Minnesota Bill HF 3865. Lawmakers are quietly pushing a death sentence for analog machines, wrapping total control in the language of “urban safety.” 🚗 In this episode, we expose the legislative war on classic cars and the right to repair. Even though collector vehicles account for less than 0.1% of total miles driven in the U.S., bills like HF 3865 are designed to restrict their use to the point of mechanical suffocation. Why? Because an analog V8 engine with no satellite modem and no OBD-III port is the ultimate threat to a connected, trackable, and corporately controlled automotive ecosystem. We unpack:

  • The HF 3865 Trap: How lawmakers use vague terms like “organized events” and “exhibitions” to turn everyday classic car owners into criminals on their own streets.
  • Mechanical Suffocation: Why restricting driving to just weekends causes dry rot, gummed-up fuel systems, and internal rust—literally destroying the engines from the inside out.
  • The 2026 Flashpoint: The stark difference between an old cast-iron V8 that fails mechanically (and can be fixed) versus a modern, 150-ECU connected car that fails digitally (and locks you out).
  • How California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair and Europe’s Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) have laid the groundwork to tax, restrict, and slowly phase out historic vehicles.
  • The Death of Car Culture: How restricting analog machines kills a massive aftermarket economy, erases hands-on mechanical skills, and strips away our fundamental property rights.

Why 90% of New Trucks Are Garbage (The Plastic Engine Trap)

Teardown Truth

This is a must see!! Why 90% of New Trucks Are Garbage (The Plastic Engine Trap) Is your $65,000 modern truck engineered to self-destruct the moment the warranty expires? The auto industry is trading pure, bulletproof mechanics for fragile plastic, glitchy software, and disposable parts. 🛻- In this episode, we pop the hood to expose the “Engineering Crimes” that are silently bankrupting today’s truck owners. Modern pickups have stopped being workhorses and have become fragile smart devices on four wheels. We break down the deliberate design choices that kill modern engines, and reveal the analog, “Smart Money” trucks that master mechanics actually trust to run for 300,000 miles. We unpack:

The Smart Money Choices: Why the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra (3UR-FE), the early Ford F-150s (6.2L Boss / 5.0L Coyote), and the pre-2014 Chevy Silverados remain the ultimate fortresses of pure mechanical reliability.

The V8 Death Sentence (AFM/DFM): How cylinder deactivation uses tiny oil passages and collapsible lifters that seize, chew through your camshaft, and turn a legendary engine into scrap metal.

The 10-Speed Transmission Trap: Why cramming 10 paper-thin clutch packs into a transmission creates a fragile system that costs $10,000 to replace when the electronic solenoids inevitably fail.

The Plasticization Invasion: Why replacing cast-iron and aluminum oil pans and intake manifolds with cheap, heat-brittle plastic guarantees catastrophic coolant and oil leaks.

The Software Lockout: How automakers use encrypted modules to lock independent mechanics out of your truck, forcing you to pay the dealership just to “activate” a replacement part.

AVOID These 5 Gas Station Brands With FAKE Premium Fuel (And 8 With TRUE Premium)

Auto Care Lab

AVOID These 5 Gas Station Brands With FAKE Premium Fuel (And 8 With TRUE Premium) Most drivers assume that “premium gas” always means higher quality—but that’s not always true. In reality, some gas station brands sell so-called premium fuel that doesn’t meet higher detergent standards, which can negatively impact your engine over time.

In this video, we reveal 5 gas station brands to avoid because their “premium” fuel may not deliver the protection your car needs—and 8 brands that actually offer TRUE premium fuel with proper Top Tier certification. You’ll also learn why the EPA’s minimum requirements often fall short for modern engines, and how using the right fuel (like Top Tier gasoline with advanced additives such as Techron) can help prevent carbon buildup, improve performance, and save you money on repairs in the long run.

If you care about your car’s health and want to avoid wasting money at the pump, this is a must-watch. Subscribe to Auto Care Lab for real car tests, oil analysis & maintenance truth 👉    / @autocarelab  

Check out TOP TIER – High-quality Fuel Performance Standard – TOP TIER™

Minnesota is One Step Away from Banning Classic Cars

Car Coach Reports

Minnesota’s HF 3865, similar to California’s legislation, is more than just paperwork; it’s a significant change in public policy with consequential impacts on vehicle enjoyment. This proposal, while framed as a certification of collective health rules, introduces new driving laws that could affect how you use your car.

If you think this is just another harmless piece of paperwork coming out of a state legislature, think again. Minnesota’s HF 3865 is being sold as a simple clarification of collector car rules, but the reality is far more consequential. This proposal doesn’t just tweak the language—it redraws the lines around when you’re allowed to enjoy a vehicle you already own. And if it passes as written, classic car owners could find themselves boxed into a narrow window of “acceptable” use, with little room for the freedom that defines car culture.

For decades, collector vehicle laws have operated on a basic understanding. These vehicles are not daily transportation, and owners accept that limitation in exchange for reduced registration requirements and, in many cases, historic recognition. But within that framework, there has always been a reasonable level of flexibility. Owners could take their vehicles out for a drive, attend informal gatherings, test car repairs, or simply enjoy the result of years of restoration work. HF 3865 changes that balance.

The bill establishes a centralized rule governing how all collector-class vehicles can be operated in Minnesota. That includes vintage vehicles, classic cars, collector vehicles, street rods, military vehicles, and classic motorcycles. While the legislation retains the existing restriction against using these vehicles for general transportation, it goes much further by narrowing when they can legally be driven

California’s War on Classic Cars Just Hit a Wall—Thanks to Jay Leno

Car Coach Reports

California has long led the nation in strict emissions regulations—but now, a new bill backed by Jay Leno could reshape how the state treats classic cars. Lauren hopes this will apply to other states like New York.

I break down Senate Bill 1392—also known as “Leno’s Law”—and what it really means for collectors, enthusiasts, and the automotive industry. This isn’t a rollback of emissions standards. It’s a targeted effort to recognize the reality that classic cars are driven differently, maintained differently, and represent a small fraction of vehicles on the road.

Its abouot using smog checks to remove classic cars from the roads. Will this bill influence policy across the country? This is a good starting point. Let me know your thoughts in the comments—should classic cars be treated differently?

What Childhood Was Really Like in the 1950s (AI Reconstructed Footage)

Professor Blackwood

If you grew up in the 1950s, your childhood was radically different from anything kids experience today. No seatbelts, no helmets, no phones—just pure freedom from sunrise to streetlights. In this video, we explore what daily life was REALLY like for children in the 1950s using AI-reconstructed visuals to bring these memories back to life.

This video features AI-generated reconstructions of authentic 1950s childhood experiences, showing the unsupervised adventures, the strict school rules, the family dinners, the simple toys, and the independence that shaped an entire generation.

From walking to school alone to playing outside all day without checking in, from one-bathroom households to homemade meals every night—we cover the real details that made 1950s childhood unforgettable. This isn’t the sanitized TV version. This is the truth about growing up in post-war America, brought to life through cutting-edge AI visualization.

AI reconstructions help visualize authentic 1950s scenes: neighborhood streets, vintage playgrounds, classic kitchens, rotary phones, vintage cars, period-accurate clothing, and more—all recreated to match the era perfectly.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: A Glimpse Into 1950s Childhood

02:29 – No Screens, No Problem: How Kids Entertained Themselves

04:29 – School: A Different World

06:30 – Family Life: Dinner at 6, Everyone at the Table

08:33 – Daily Life: Chores, Freedom, and Independence

10:07 – Safety: Walking Alone, Unlocked Doors, and Trust

12:55 – What It All Meant: The Legacy of 1950s Childhood

The Psychology Behind Boomers Who won’t Give Up With Their Classic Cars

Psyche Drive

The Psychology Behind Boomers Who won’t Give Up With Their Classic Cars

Discover the fascination behind baby boomers and their classic cars in this video, where we explore the reasons why this generation is so obsessed with their vintage vehicles. From nostalgic value to the thrill of restoration, we delve into the psychology and history behind the enduring love affair between boomers and their beloved classic cars.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a member of the baby boomer generation, or simply curious about the phenomenon, this video is for you. Join us as we take a closer look at the cultural significance of classic cars and what makes them so special to those who own them. Get ready to take a trip down memory lane and find out what makes boomers so obsessed with their classic cars.

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#PsycheDrive #ClassicCars #BoomersPsychology