#ClassicCars

Losing an owner’s manual isn’t a big deal anymore. All the information you need is available online, either from the manufacturer or other people who dealt with the same problem, which is why paying $8,200 for such a thing might seem absurd.

Tease up those bangs, put on your neon legwarmers, throw in a couple extra shoulder pads and get ready for the ‘80s-inspired MINI Ray.

For Charlie Mallon, 54, of Downington, Pa., nothing numbers more greatly in life than his collection of Chevrolet memorabilia.

As a life-long collector and avid enthusiast, Mallon amassed 2,181 different Chevrolet items over the past 40 years. After the better pat of a lifetime’s devotion to his hobby, he finally counted up his trinkets to realize there might be a world record in his future.

Mallon spends a lot of his time travelling as a dealership consultant and says he always made a point to find new Chevrolet collectibles during each of those trips. He also scoops new pieces up as he sees them, most of which are Corvettes.

A decade ago, General Motors announced a limited run off of 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo coupes. Know as the SS “Intimidator,” these cars were built as a tribute to the late, great NASCAR legend Dale Earhardt.

Given their limited production and unique trim and color scheme, these cars have become quite prized in certain circles, notably among NASCAR fans and even car collectors. Now one of these cars, in much the same condition as when it first rolled off the line, is being sold for a worthy cause.

It will be auctioned off at the spring Toronto Classic Car Auction with part of the proceeds being donated to a local hospital to help fund a new urgent care unit.

They sure don’t make cars like they used to – and Rachel Veitch can attest to that. This 93 year old is still driving the 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente she bought brand new. But it’s the end of an era, as Rachel prepares to hang up her car keys for good.

After amassing 575,000 miles on a car she’s named Chariot, Rachel has decided to give up driving after running a stoplight. As well, she’s having difficulty reading large print in newspaper headlines.

They’ve spent so much time together, she knows her Mercury inside and out. The car comes with its factory-installed air conditioner and she’s kept meticulous records – from the day she bought the car (brand new for $3289) to every oil change and extended warranty. Chariot even became part of the family – Rachel threw birthday parties for her beloved car. She’s the original owner, so she can honestly say that a little old woman drove it around… although not just to church on Sundays.

“She’s better than three husbands, she’s never lied to me, she’s never cheated on me and I can always depend on her,” says Rachel. As to Chariot’s future, Rachel doesn’t know what she’s going to do with her car. It’s now valued at $12,000 and it doesn’t look like she’ll be passing it down to her grandchildren or great-grandchildren – they just wouldn’t give it the attention it deserves. Apparently, Rachel made an appearance on the Jay Leno show in 2010 and hinted that she’d let it go to the right late night talk show host.

You can see the fiesty senior taking one last joyride below.

Every custom car project should begin with a vision of not only what the end result should look like, but what its purpose will be. While this 1986 Pontiac Grand Am clearly has some excellent fabrication work and high-quality parts, the finished product is one confused project.

When the 1973 Volkswagen Beetle first came out, it was powered by a 1.3L air-cooled engine with a mere 44-hp. Considering there are over 70 cars that make 500-hp or more, the stock Beetle powerplant just doesn’t cut it these days.

LeMay America’s Car Museum (rendered above) will be opening its doors to the general public in Tacoma, Washington in two months. In anticipation of that, the group is bringing a sample exhibit to the upcoming New York Auto Show.

In 1966, Buick introduced its second generation Riviera, America’s take on the personal luxury car. Even though the Riviera died a silent death in 1999, early models of the vehicle were highly praised by automotive journalists and writers.

This year’s SEMA Show is distant on the calendar, but it’s never too early for builders to release sneak previews of what they’re working on.

Looking for a truly unique car to add to your collection? Better head to the 2012 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Palm Beach, Fla. from April 5 through 7. This custom 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe V7 features a twin-turbo, mid-engine setup backed by a stunning design.

Fans of the commercial shared their thoughts on KFC’s Facebook page, “The Pot Pies are delicious, but my nod goes to the Dodge Charger!” Another shared the same sentiment, “Man, that’s one sexy 1970 Charger!”