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40 Most Expensive Classic Cars Of Today’s High-Priced Auto World

Vukasin Herbez April 12, 2022

All serious car fans know the collector’s car market is crazy right now. The insane prices of the most expensive classic cars suggest that investing in them is a better financial decision than investing elsewhere. Once abandoned, these pieces of automotive art are now worth their weight in gold. However, not all classic cars are sold for incredible sums. The market is very particular about what cars are in demand and which are not due to several reasons.

As a result, rarity, options, age, and celebrity connections are all good points to determine the value of the most expensive classic cars. Today, we’ll bring you 40 of the most expensive classic cars of today’s auto world to see how crazy the used car market has truly gone.

40. 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom

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Dubbed “The Best Car In The World” by its manufacturer, the Phantom was one of the definitive “antique” models. Meticulously constructed, thoroughly engineered, and built to the highest standards of the period, it delivered. By 1929, it was modernized and equipped with a bigger 7.7-liter straight-six engine delivering 100 HP (via Classic Cars).

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Interestingly, if you wanted to buy a Rolls Royce Phantom in 1929, you could get only a bare chassis with the engine. Then you would take it to your local coachbuilder and get a unique body. This particular example is fully restored with original parts and components. It’s priced accordingly at $550,000 as a result.

39. 1972 De Tomaso Pantera

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Not quite as well-known as Ferrari or Lamborghini, De Tomaso is another legend of the Italian sports car scene from the ’60s. Started by Alejandro de Tomaso, the company first started as a racing car outfit. It soon moved to the sports car market with a lineup of successful models. These featured Ford’s small-block engines and a five-speed transaxle gearbox (via Classic Cars).

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The key to the Pantera’s success was that de Tomaso got the deal with Ford Motor Company. This meant that De Tomaso cars were to be sold officially in America through the Lincoln-Mercury dealership network. The company found success as a result. If you’re fascinated by the story and looks of this car, this one can be yours for $225,000.

38. 1976 Ferrari 308 GTBi

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The mid-1970s marked the introduction of the Ferrari 308 GTB, the spiritual successor to the Dino. Once again, the company presented a smaller, cheaper, and easier car with a 3.0-liter V8 engine and compact dimensions. Due to the mid-’70s recession, the 308 soon outsold bigger cars. It became an extremely popular model for Ferrari as a result.

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Even though the 308i would be considered slow today, its fantastic design, legendary name, and affordability (for a Ferrari) make it very popular with collectors because of these factors. This iconic shape was featured in numerous movies and TV shows, making it instantly recognizable. This example can be purchased for $129,000 (via Classic Cars).

37. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible

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The Corvette Stingray didn’t change much in appearance during its life on the market. The split-window setup was abandoned in 1964. In 1965, four-wheel disc brakes became standard. In 1966, big-block power was available for performance-craving Corvette fans for the first time. This is why the ’66/67 Corvette is here as one of the most critical years in the model’s long history. The introduction of the big-block engine turned this Corvette into a powerful monster with 390 to 435 HP on tap (via Classic Cars).

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If you choose the famed L-88 option, you would get one of the fastest cars in the late ’60s. It’s a true muscle beast with a conservatively-rated 435 HP engine under the hood because of the big-block power. All in all, 1967 was the best year of the C2 Corvette. This was because of the fantastic big-block engines but also because of subtitle design improvements. If you want to snag this piece of Corvette history, be prepared to pay almost $350,000 because of its famed place in Chevrolet history.

36. 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharger

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Auburn Automobile was a company started in Auburn, Indiana, in 1900. The company soon grew to be one of the largest local manufacturers. Auburn began as a mid-class offering. But in the mid-1920s under the supervision of Errett Lobban Cord, it became a premium manufacturer. They began offering some elegant, stylish, and fast cars. The first step was the introduction of straight eight-cylinder engines synonymous with luxury models. Its finest model was the glorious Auburn 851 SC introduced in 1935 (via Supercars).

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The car had a 4.5-liter straight-eight engine with an optional supercharger and fantastic performance for the time because of that fact. Unfortunately, the market wasn’t impressed and Auburn production ceased in 1937. This story is precisely what makes 851 Supercharged so valuable due to its lack of availability. On the rare occasions these cars cross the auction block, they achieve prices of over $770,000 as a result.

35. 1961 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster

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In the early ’50, Mercedes was in ruins. Production was low and the factory slowly recovered from the devastating World War II. Nobody expected it to produce one of the finest sports cars of all time. It was also the fastest production car of the ’50s – the 300 SL. This unusual creation was arguably the first supercar in the world. It transcended the limits of the sports car class and went beyond design, power, and technology, creating a one-of-kind innovation as a result.

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Using a space frame chassis, fuel-injected straight-six engine, and race-proven parts, Mercedes created a masterpiece with fantastic performance. With just 240 HP on tap, the Mercedes 300 SL was a 150 mph car. Some even claimed it could reach 160 mph. It was available as a Gullwing coupe and gorgeous Roadster. The Roadster can be yours for north of $1,250,000 (via RM Sotheby’s).

34. 1957 Buick Roadmaster

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The forgotten piece of Americana is this ’57 Roadmaster. At the top of Buick’s model line, Roadmasters were cars that combined elegance with prestige and powerful engines. This example, priced at a cool $185,000, is the most desirable model because it is convertible and powered by a 364 V8 engine producing 300 HP (via Classic Cars).

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Even by today’s standards, 300 HP is not insignificant. But for late 50’s standards, it was insanely powerful. This example was the object of no-cost restoration and is perfect as a result.

33. 1967 Ford Mustang

1967 Ford Mustang GT fastback
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Mustang got its first redesign in 1967 when Ford introduced a slightly bigger and more luxurious model. The design was better and more elegant and the options list was longer than ever. Performance lovers finally got a big-block option with the 390 FE V8 engine producing 325 hp. However, if you think this was a crazy-fast Mustang that burned rubber, you’re mistaken (via MediaFord).

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This was indeed a fast car, but it was more of a Grand Tourer than a muscle car because of its specs. The engine was taken from the Thunderbird and was more suited for cruising than drag racing. With the bigger dimensions of the 1967-68 Mustang and better equipment, this was the perfect engine for making a compact luxury coupe. If you want this legendary pony car, be prepared to pay over $70,000 as a result.

32. 1964 Jaguar E-Type

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Introduced in 1961, Jaguar E-Type was a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic. Despite Jaguar’s long-lasting tradition of fine sports cars, the E-Type was years ahead of its time. The car had a superb design, four-wheel disk brakes, independent rear suspension, and powerful straight-six engines. It was derived from the Le Mans-winning C and D Type racers. And it was as fast as any Ferrari or Maserati at the time as a result (via Hagerty).

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But the best thing was the price. The E Type had the looks, power, and performance of high-priced Italian exotics but cost just a fraction of the price. However, today drivers will need to pay over $70,000 for a decent example because of its rich tradition.

31. 1957 Ferrari 335 S

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With a price of “about $36 million,” the 1957 Ferrari 335 S is one of the most expensive cars ever sold. This astronomical figure probably has you asking, is this car worth such a fortune? It probably is because it’s one of the most legendary Ferrari race cars from the 1950s. The 335 S was a very successful racer based on iconic 250 series models.

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It is powered by a 4.0-liter V12 engine with almost 400 HP and a top speed of around 190 mph, making it the fastest car in the world when released in 1957 because of this performance (via Ferrari).

30. 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider

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With a sales price of just under $20 million, this incredible Alfa Romeo was one of the most expensive pre-war cars ever sold. What makes it so valuable? A lot of things. First, it was based on Le Mans-winning chassis with a smooth, straight-eight engine, which provided this gorgeous roadster with convincing performance.

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Second, its unique body was designed by Carrosseria Touring from Milan, one of the finest coach-building companies ever. Third, its rarity was a significant factor. Only 32 such cars were ever constructed, only 12 had convertible bodies, and only 7 had roadster bodies on an extended chassis. This is one of those seven incredibly sought-after machines that fetched an unreal price because of their rarity (via Classic Car Auctions).

29. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

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Probably the most legendary, sought-after, and valuable classic Ferrari is the 250 GTO. The car was introduced in 1962 as the high-performance/racing version of the 250 series. The car was a separate model due to numerous changes to the engine and chassis. The 3.0-liter V12 delivered around 300 HP and the car was a winner on race tracks worldwide as a result of its power.

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Only 36 cars were ever made in two distinctive series. The 250 GTO, although it was road legal, was practically a race car for the street. It cost over $20,000 new. But today if you want one, you might need to be a billionaire since the asking prices are over $45 million as a result of its rich history (via Ferrari). In fact, one even sold for a record $48.4 million in 2018, making this car a record-setting model because of its value (via Forbes).

28. 1935 Duesenberg SSJ

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Despite being on the market for only 24 years, from 1913 to 1937, Duesenberg left an everlasting mark on the global car industry thanks to this vehicle. This brand was so fantastic that even today, 80 years since it was gone, people still recognize the name and the legacy. Affectionately called “Duesy,” Duesenberg was responsible for some of the greatest American-made cars.

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The idea behind the brand was to offer luxury cars with powerful engines and uncompromising performance. Duesenberg had the performance, and the hearts of most models were fantastic straight-eight engines that were hand-built and very fast for the day. The SSJ models had supercharged engines with 320 HP. This was an insane number in 1930 as a result. That’s why this model sold for $22 million recently (via Supercars).

27. 1964 Aston Martin DP215

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Car fanatics know Astons are very expensive. After all, James Bond’s favorite car cannot be cheap because of the prestige required. However, we never knew that a racing prototype from 1963 could achieve an astronomical $21.4 million price tag at auction in 2018. This race car was built to compete in the 1963 Le Mans and did so with celebrity drivers behind the wheel.

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However, it didn’t win. It managed to go almost 200 mph on the legendary Mulsanne straight. Carefully restored and wholly original, this is a precious piece of racing history because of its speed (via RM Sotheby’s).

26. 1994 McLaren F1 LM

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There’s much written about the F1. Car writers have discussed how it was designed and how it changed the supercar world forever. The F1 was introduced in 1992 and stayed in production until 1998. McLaren produced 106 cars during that period including the GT-R versions, which were highly successful racing models (via Motor Authority).

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The F1 featured a bespoke 6.1-liter V12 engine made by BMW Motorsport, which delivered 627 HP and had a six-speed manual transmission. The example pictured is the ultra-rare LM semi-competition version, of which only five were built. Hence its insane price of $19.8 million as a result.

25. 1937 Bugatti T57 S Atalante

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As one of the finest pre-war brands, Bugatti is always fetching high prices at auctions. But the 57S Atalante is a true collector’s dream. It’s a gorgeous coupe powered by a straight-eight engine with a beautiful coupe body.

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This one sold for over $8.5 million and it could fetch a bit more if sold again. The wealthy customers held Bugatti’s exclusivity, performance, and unique engineering aspect in high regard, hence the extreme prices (via Supercars).

24. 1985 Porsche 959 Paris Dakar

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The Porsche 959 is one of the fastest and most technologically-advanced supercars of the 1980s. The 959 was a super Porsche in every way; not just in design but also in performance and price. The 959 had a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six engine with 450 HP that was transferred to all four wheels over an intelligent AWD system, the first of its kind (via RM Sotheby’s).

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The car was also equipped with traction control, ABS, and a host of electronic systems, which helped the driver as a result. Since it was so advanced, it was highly successful for off-road racing due to these improvements. The Dakar-winning example sold for almost $6 million.

23. 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype

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The story of the Ford GT 40 is a saga of enormous effort, incredible support, luck, and several talented people all gathered at one place in one moment in time to create history. The GT 40 became an outright legend and a symbol of an American race car dominating the European racing scene (Via Robbreport).

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It won four Le Mans races in a row and defeated Ferrari on its turf. Logically, such vehicles will have hefty prices, and recently, the 1964 prototype sold for an impressive $7 million.

22. 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner

8 Most Expensive Vintage Cars Only Ultra Rich Can Afford - Marketing Mind
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Ettore Bugatti only made 6 Royale models with enormous 13.9-liter engines. Each sold at an astronomical price when the car was released in the early ’30s. Despite the name, no king ever owned one and all six proved to be a tough sell due to its price.

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Today, the Kellner version (Kellner was a coach-builder) is one of the most iconic Bugattis because of its rarity. It was sold for almost $10 million in the early ’90s. If an example went on sale today, it would most likely fetch at least double that figure as a result of its status as one of the rarest, most expensive classic cars on the market (via CarBuzz).

21. 1954 Mercedes W196 Silver Arrow

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The post-WWII Mercedes Benz renaissance started not on the streets but on the race tracks. The weapon of choice was a silver W196 F1 car with legendary driver Juan Manuel Fangio behind the wheel (via New Atlas).

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The vehicle was unbeatable because of its many qualities. It showed that Mercedes is a design powerhouse with much to deliver. Of course, such an iconic machine can’t be cheap due to its lofty status in the car industry. It sold for an astonishing $31 million.

20. 1934 Bugatti T59 Sports

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Bugatti built his name on the world’s race tracks before conquering the luxury market. That’s why racing models are always a bit more sought-after than sedans or coupes.

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This particular one has a stellar racing history, original condition, and some documented light restoration. Knowing all of that, the selling price of over $13 million shouldn’t be surprising as a result (via Sports Car Market).

19. 1931 Duesenberg Model SJ

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This car is another Duesenberg from a similar period but with different mechanicals and a more formal body. The SJ Convertible Coupe was an elegant roadster, one of just three made (via Supercars).

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However, what makes this one so special and expensive is that this is the only one equipped with a supercharger straight from the factory. Also, the first owner was William Lyons, the man behind Jaguar. It sold for a cool $4.5 million because of its rarity and speed.

18. 1962 Ferrari 330 Testa Rossa

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Even though Ferrari produced numerous racing cars from the very beginning, the Testa Rossa is one of the most popular and significant. Based on 250 architecture but with dozens of improvements, this was one of the most successful race cars of the period (via Rick Carey).

1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM - Images, Specifications and Information
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The 330-series engine provided more power than its predecessors, which meant more speed and competition success as a result. This particular example sold for $6.5 million and was known to participate in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

17. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM

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Despite the name and the 3.0-liter engine, the 250 LM could not be considered a genuine part of the 250 Series because of two important details. First, it was introduced at the end of the production. Second, it was a mid-engined model with racing aspirations (via Bloomberg).

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However, it never successfully raced. Only 35 were ever produced. But regardless of that, it managed to achieve a ludacris $67 million at the auction due to its highly-desired history and speed.

16. 1934 Mercedes 540K Roadster

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The 540K was the ultimate pre-war Mercedes luxury convertible. Powered by a supercharged straight-eight engine, it was extremely expensive. Only a dozen or so were built.

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Not many have been preserved because of the overall rarity. The ones that were sold for astonishing prices due to the car’s history. The last one fetched almost $12 million on auction a few years back (via Sports Car Market).

15. 1962 Shelby Cobra 260

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The Shelby Cobra is one of the most iconic American sports cars. Based on the AC Bristol but powered by Ford’s V8 engines, the 260 V8 version is one of the early examples with significant history.

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The later models got a more powerful 289 V8, but those early 260 V8 models are very sought after by collectors because of several reasons. Each original Shelby Cobra is very expensive, but this one sold for a whopping $13.7 million. This was due to the fact that it was actually Carroll Shelby’s car (via Classic Car Auctions).

14. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB Speciale

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The successor to the 250 GT was the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB. It had a slightly bigger V12 engine, more performance, and better technology due to recent advancements. However, it retained a classic design with a long front end and short rear. It sold as a coupe and a convertible with a GTC nameplate (via Motor Trend).

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This example was “C,” and was known for its unique features as a semi-racing car. They were enough to set the sale price at almost $26.5 million as a result.

13. 1957 Ferrari 250 Testarossa

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One of the first extremely successful Ferrari race cars was the gorgeous 1957 Testarossa. The car had a 250-series V12 engine of over 300 HP  that was unbeatable in the late ’50s as a result.

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The success of racing models helped Enzo Ferrari sell more streetcars and establish Ferrari due to that success. Of course, every Testarossa is extremely valuable. But this one sold for almost $40 million (via Auto Blog).

12. 1931 Bugatti Royale Berline de Voyage

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As you probably know, only six Bugatti Royales were made and one of them was Brline de Voyage. This model featured a closed body and plenty of space. It was envisioned as a luxury sedan for traveling, hence the name. However, it was too expensive and only one such car was ever constructed because of its price tag.

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This is that vehicle. It managed to fetch almost $14 million at auction due to its rarity and remarkable history (via Journal Classic Cars).

11. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM

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With an auction price of $22 million, the 1956 Ferrari 290 MM is one of the most expensive cars ever sold. Even though this model isn’t a household name in Ferrari racing history, it is still significant due to the list of drivers who drove this car (via Top Car Auctions).

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Practically anybody who was a celebrity driver in the 50s was behind the wheel, making this red Barchetta a true example of a well-preserved racing machine.

10. 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Zagato

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As a world-renowned sports car brand, Aston wanted into racing in the early 1960s, briefly becoming the owner of “the world’s fastest production car” title. Their weapon was the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato, a lightweight 300 HP version of the DB4 Grand Tourer (via Motor Trend).

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Aston’s engineers tried hard to achieve this power output with three carburetors and two spark plugs per cylinder. The original example sold for over $13 million.

9. 1953 Jaguar C-Type

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During the 1950s, Jaguar was heavily involved in racing, especially at Le Mans. First, there was a C-Type racing car, but soon, the company developed a brand new and much-improved D-Type that proved to be an equally successful and influential racing car (via Robb Report).

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The C-Type was the car that launched Jaguar as a performance brand and managed to win the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Very few were built since it was a purpose-made race car, and surviving examples are known to fetch high prices. This one achieved over $13 million.

8. 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta

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Based on the 250 Europa, the GT was Ferrari’s main model up to 1964. It was also the definition of the 250 Series and one of the first Ferraris produced in significant numbers, which brought some financial security to the factory (via Supercars).

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Numerous versions were available, and this one was called Tour de France since it was victorious in the race held under the same name. It was a bit more potent than stock and featured several race-spec modifications. The price? $13.2 million.

7. 1970 Porsche 917 K

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In 1971, Steve McQueen made an ultimate racing movie with “Le Mans.” The film featured real racing and real racing cars, especially the legendary Porsche 917. However, even before the movie was released, the Porsche 917 was a legend in racing circles.

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The 917 incorporated everything that Porsche as a company had in its arsenal. It had a unique body of lightweight materials, a flat-12 engine made out of two flat-six units, exceptional aerodynamics, and a top speed of over 200 mph. Today, it has a price of over $18 million (via IMSA).

6. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am

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Unfortunately, the days of big cube engines and high horsepower ratings were gone in 1979, so Pontiac decided to invest in new technology to generate power. That new technology was turbocharging, and in late 1979 it introduced the Trans Am Turbo (via Hagerty).

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The engine in question was a 301 V8 with a Garrett turbocharger bolted onto it. The power output was relatively modest at 200 to 210 HP, but the torque was high at 340 lb.-ft, which resulted in a hint of performance. Highly-preserved examples can fetch over $50,000 at auctions.

5. 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

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The Grand Wagoneer is the ultimate vintage luxury off-road vehicle. The fact that it was produced from 1963 to 1991 with just a few tweaks is proof of its qualities. The Wagoneer was powered by numerous inline-six and V8 engines. It had both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.

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The most coveted models came from the 1984 to 1991 Chrysler era, when the car went through a series of upgrades. With air conditioning, high-quality audio, power seats, and optional woodwork, the Wagoneer was a well-equipped car. The cleanest examples can fetch $100,000 at auction (via Carscoops).

4. 1991 Jaguar XJS

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When it was introduced in 1975, Jaguar XJS had the daunting task of eclipsing the aging-yet-still-gorgeous E-Type. Although it wasn’t as beautiful as the car it replaced, this ugly duckling was still a sales success, with production lasting up until 1996 (via Hemmings).

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On the classic car market, though, the XJS is in E-Type’s shadow. But that means one thing – you can find a V12-powered example for quite a reasonable sum. One of the best examples you can find is this convertible with low mileage and a price of just over $28,000.

3. 1962 Plymouth Valiant Custom

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One of the best and most interesting classic American compact cars was the legendary Plymouth Valiant. With flamboyant styling, smaller dimensions and engines, and a low price, Chrysler deliberately presented the car in Europe, hoping to sell many cars there.

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The Valiant was styled after many of Chrysler’s concept cars from the late ’50s and looked much more expensive and upscale than the rest of the compact car market. This one is a renewed custom car valued around $100,000 (via Classi Cars).

2. 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible

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Introduced just two weeks before the Ford Mustang, Barracuda was the first pony car in history. During most of the 1960s, it was in the shadow of the Mustang and Camaro yet in 1969, it debuted with upgraded styling and more options.

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The 1969 model was available in three body styles, and here we have a cool-looking convertible equipped with period-correct wheels and a desirable color combination. The price is relatively affordable at almost $40,000 (via Classic Cars).

1.  1957 GM Futurliner

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One of the craziest but still roadworthy concept cars was the famous GM Futurliner bus. Designed in 1939 as a part of the Parade of Progress, Futurliners were custom-made buses that used a regular GM Truck Division drivetrain.

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Redesigned for the ’50s, Futurliners gained a recognizable shape and each one of them was designed to show specific technology or achievement. The interior featured an information desk. GM produced 12 of these vehicles and only nine of them survived. One of them sold recently for a staggering $4.4 million (via Barett-Jackson).

Home Cars 25 Cars & Trucks That Almost Ruined Toyota’s Reputation Forever
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25 Cars & Trucks That Almost Ruined Toyota’s Reputation Forever

Cameron Eittreim April 11, 2022

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Toyota has been around for quite a while in the car industry and the company is well-known and beloved by drivers. Toyota built its brand name on quality, reliability, and value. When you get a Toyota model, you know that you’re going to get great value. Their cars are well-built and offer a great amount of resale value. But like every other car company, Toyota has not been without faults and there have been quite a few models of Toyota’s that were questionable at best.

Looking back at vehicles like the T100 and the FJ Cruiser, you’re sure to scratch your head. Or even the outrageous Mega-Cruiser, a blatant Hummer rip-off. Toyota is a company willing to push the envelope in technology and design. The company helped lead the hybrid revolution with the Prius. They are still pumping out some of the most practical cars and trucks on the road today. We looked at some of Toyota’s most blatant failures which were cars that came close to ruining the company’s reputation.

25: 2016 Toyota Avalon

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The redesigned 2016 Toyota Avalon has been dubbed the most disastrous debut in Toyota’s history. The car didn’t resonate with consumers at all and its price tag was astonishingly high. The car had many shortcomings and its styling was quite dated when you compared it to other models on the market (via The Motor Digest).

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Since the debut of this model, the Avalon has been a poor seller for Toyota. So much so that the car has finally been discontinued, which is ideal considering there never really was a place for the Avalon in Toyota’s lineup. The car was competing with the company’s own Lexus models and that didn’t make sense.

24: Toyota FJ Cruiser

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Although SUV models have become all the rage, there was a time a few short years ago when this wasn’t the case. Toyota released the retro-inspired FJ Cruiser SUV to much fanfare. But the sales numbers never amounted to enough to keep the thing in production. There were many shortcomings to the FJ Cruiser, such as the fact that the roof wasn’t removable (via The Motor Digest).

FJ Cruiser Via Motor Trend
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Now the FJ Cruiser has exploded in popularity on the used car market, but it’s not enough to justify the shortcomings. The FJ Cruiser could have been so much better if Toyota’s efforts were more effective. This could have been a competitor for the Jeep Wrangler in every way and that would have been a stellar proposition.

23: Lexus IS200

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The Acura Integra was one of the most popular cars of all time but that was a Honda and Toyota needed something fun to sell as well. Thus, the original IS200 was born. This was not your ordinary Lexus in any sense of the word. The car didn’t come standard with leather seats and the exterior colors were bright (via The Motor Digest).

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The IS200 was built to bring young consumers into the Lexus family, but instead, the car never managed to sell well. The IS line has continued to this day, although the car has become much more luxurious. The original IS200 was a far cry from the car we see today and was a lot more stripped down.

22: Toyota Sienna

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After the flop of Toyota’s Previa, the company launched another minivan, the Sienna. While this was a better offering than the Previa, it still fell flat. The styling of the van was bland, much more so than the closest competitor, the redesigned 2001 Dodge Caravan. The performance was also lacking, which gave the Sienna a series of bad reviews with the automotive press (via The Motor Digest).

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The price tag for a Sienna was quite high, which led to many consumers questioning Toyota’s decision-making and overall logic. Minivans are supposed to be entry-level family cars, but the Sienna was on the expensive side of things. Sales have always been semi-decent but the first generation of the van had a lot that needed to be fixed.

21: 2007 Toyota RAV4

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The 2007 Toyota RAV4 tried something completely new, as it was the first compact SUV to have a third-row seat. Although the RAV4 never sold well with this configuration, it was a unique option. But Toyota’s impatience showed out and they jumped the gun with this one as the third-row seat was useless due to the compact size of the car (via The Motor Digest).

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The RAV4 has been redesigned since then, and the 2007 model is one of the most confusing ones in the RAV4 line. To try and cram a third-row seat into such a compact package was a daring thing to do. But it just didn’t mesh with consumers because the third row was a useless novelty item.

20: Sera

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The Toyota Sera was a sports car that was never sold stateside and it had a unique look, to say the least. The compact dimensions of the car gave it a great driving disposition, and the mid-engined design was similar to the MR2. Although the Sera was never introduced stateside, the car was initially popular. However, the poor design of the car led to some issues and this is one of Toyota’s few mistakes Toyota they have ever made when it comes to building a car (via The Motor Digest).

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There’s a good chance the car was just a bit too over-the-top for buyers. This is why the sales were drab and the car never managed to take off. Let’s face facts, aside from the Supra, Toyota’s never truly been a performance car company. The brand can’t seem to mesh with sports car enthusiasts aside from Supra models.

19: Cavalier

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Yes, you’ve read this title correctly, there was indeed a Toyota Cavalier. The car was developed in a partnership with General Motors and is the fruit of Toyota’s offering the Corolla as a platform for the Geo Prizm. We’re not sure why Toyota decided to use a GM-designed platform overseas, but here it is. Loyalists panned Toyota’s Cavalier and rightly so, because the Cavalier is nowhere near the same quality of the car as Toyota’s Corolla (via The Motor Digest).

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There was absolutely nothing different with the Toyota Cavalier from the run-of-the-mill Chevrolet Cavalier. The only noticeable difference were the Toyota badges on the front and rear of the vehicle. There were no special trim packages and the car was otherwise unimaginative, which left a bad taste in the drivers’ mouths.

18: Prius C

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For a short period, the Prius was the hottest car you could get. Of course, that was back in 2008 when gas prices were soaring and SUV models were all the rage. Sound familiar? Well, now there are plenty of fuel-efficient options to choose from, and the Prius has become a relic of the past. Sales numbers for the car have slipped dramatically and Toyota has attempted to revive the brand with a few different incarnations (via The Motor Digest).

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The Prius C was supposed to be a model that would entice younger car buyers into the showrooms. Unfortunately, the car didn’t offer anything unique when you compare it to the countless other compact cars on the market. Where the Prius was once a technologically advanced compact car, nowadays it just uses an outdated design.

17: Mega Cruiser

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When Toyota needed something to compete with the popularity of the Hummer, it went with the Mega Cruiser. You probably never saw one of these things because they were a very small production run. The Mega Cruiser was a crude ripoff of the Hummer in just about every way. We’re sure that you can tell by the exterior styling that there isn’t anything unique about this SUV. The behemoth of a vehicle was a quick cash grab and another one of Toyota’s rare mistakes (via The Motor Digest).

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The Mega Cruiser was a monstrosity of an SUV and one that Toyota’s brass will probably always regret making. The vehicle was an obvious cash grab and a clone of an already existing rival. The weird thing is that Toyota is usually a very innovative company while this truck just reeked of desperation by the automaker.

16: Land Cruiser (Outdated)

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Toyota’s Land Cruiser is one SUV that stays in production no matter what. Between the high price tag and the low production numbers, you’ll seldom see a new Land Cruiser on the road. But Toyota is still making this large SUV and the platform has become outdated. In its current form, the Land Cruiser has been on the market since the early 2000s. The Land Cruiser is still stuck in the previous decades yet consumers don’t seem to mind (via Auto Evolution).

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The almost endless off-road capability and Toyota reliability are two things that continue to push sales. There are very few authentic SUV models still on the market. For a lot of consumers, the Land Cruiser is a breath of fresh air and they are willing to pay the premium price tag for the outdated ride.

15: Scion XD

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The original Scion lineup became a sales success for Toyota. When it came time to redesign the cars, the next models weren’t so well received. The XD built on the original product that was the XB, which in itself was never a flagship seller for Scion. The XD was seen as pretty bland and the car was a lot smaller than a comparable Honda Fit. Nevertheless, the model was still marketed as an important part of the Scion line until the brand disband (via Auto Evolution).

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There wasn’t much to like about the XD, which is one of the reasons that it never caught on with consumers. Toyota had hoped to keep the momentum of the Scion brand going but unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears. The Scion XD never seemed to catch on with consumers.

14: Venza

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Released at a time when crossovers were just coming into popularity, the Venza was marketed as a new type of car. The design was not meant to compete with the already popular RAV4, but to cultivate its own place in the market. The performance of the Venza was panned by critics, and the car was also knocked for its styling. The initial sales of the Venza were poor and the car never seemed to catch on with consumers (via Auto Evolution).

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Ironically enough, this incarnation of the Venza was discontinued, but Toyota has since reintroduced the model. Time will tell if the Venza will ever catch on with Toyota buyers. The styling of the original model and the features were just too bland to ever make the car a serious enough contender.

13: Crown Majesta

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If the Crown Majesta looks familiar, it’s because the bones of the car are derived from Lexus engineering. This is what the LS400 would have been had it bore a Toyota badge. The car was positioned to be a high-end luxury car that was expensive, in retrospect, though the car never did that well (via Auto Evolution).

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Although it has been proven that a high-end luxury car with Toyota engineering behind it is profitable, the Crown Majesta never turned a profit for the company. The Crown Majesta was never sold in America, but every once in a while you’ll see one imported while there isn’t much potential for this car.

12: Lexus CT

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In the mid-2000s, the Lexus lineup was selling well but was also becoming outdated. Toyota felt it was time to introduce a trendy hatchback to the brand. The Lexus CT was a hybrid supposed to introduce a trendy edge to it. The styling was attractive but at the time there were already many similar cars on the market (via Auto Evolution).

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The Lexus CT 200h never caught on with consumers, the car wasn’t what you’d expect out of a Lexus. The luxury aspects of the car weren’t there, and the car never managed to sell.

11: Master Ace

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The Toyota Master Ace was a van that was sold by Toyota in the ’80s. The company sold several vans in the past but this is perhaps one of the most infamous models. The design of the van was awkward, especially for the driver. The view through the front windshield was questionable at best (via Auto Evolution).

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The reliability of the Toyota Master Ace was also questionable at best and this led many consumers to be confused. Generally, Toyota products were extremely reliable, so this was a confusing scenario. The Toyota Master Ace could have been a hit for the company, but there were many issues Toyota never addressed.

10: Lexus HS

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Another intriguing Lexus model that came out in the mid-2000s was the Lexus HS. The compact demeanor of the car was meant to attract entry-level buyers into Lexus showrooms. The hybrid drivetrain was taken from the Prius, and the car was underwhelming when it hit the market. The traditional Lexus buyers weren’t at home with this car (via Auto Evolution).

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The HS would go on for a short period, ultimately being phased out. There hasn’t been a Lexus model that replaced this one in the lineup. The HS was an interesting concept, but when you spend double digits on a luxury car, the last thing you want is it to feel like a plain old Corolla.

9: 1991 Toyota Previa

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The Previa is the egg-shaped minivan Toyota sold during the 1990s. The minivan was the most popular segment in the automotive industry at this time, and the Chrysler drove its trio of minivans. Toyota didn’t have much luck with the van they were selling before the Previa and the new van was another try (via Auto Evolution).

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Consumers just couldn’t get past the shape of the Previa, which was ugly to say the least. Not to mention the fact that the van was difficult to repair, as the engine was mounted under the front seats. This led to many consumers taking a hard pass on the Previa and rightly so, as the van just didn’t stand up to the competition.

8: 1992 Toyota Paseo

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Toyota has sold a few sports cars over the past couple of decades, but there was one that never caught on. The Toyota Paseo couldn’t be called an “official” sports car, because it was nothing more than a two-door Tercel. But the car was built as an entry-level option for driving a Toyota car (via Auto Evolution).

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For most consumers, driving a Toyota is a no-brainer because the quality of their models is so high. But, critics universally panned the Paseo for its cheap design and lethargic driving characteristics. Let’s just say that there are better options on the road for the price, and many consumers decidedly went that route.

7: 1993 Toyota T100

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You’ve got to give Toyota credit, the company builds a great pickup truck. But getting into the full-size pickup truck market wasn’t an easy task for Toyota. The first full-sized truck we got was the T100 and it was a lackluster offering. The first and most noticeable thing about the T100 was that it lacked a V8 engine (via Auto Evolution).

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Nowadays, the lack of a V8 engine isn’t a major thing, but it was back then. Many considered the T100 underwhelming compared to the domestic competition. The T100 never became a sales success for Toyota, and a few years later, the truck was replaced with the Tundra full-size truck.

6: 2012 Scion IQ

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The Scion brand went from being the poster child for the next generation of car customers to a dated relic in Toyota showrooms. How did the brand go from prominence to obscurity? It was cars like the Scion IQ which made no sense. The car shared its entire design with the Smart ForTwo, a car itself was not doing well on the market (via Auto Evolution).

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The Scion IQ was one of the last cars to have a Scion badge on it. The car was far from the unique concept of the brand when it was first introduced. When the car hit the market, it didn’t offer anything unique and its compact size didn’t mesh with the average consumer.

5: 2004 Toyota Camry Solara

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The Camry is one of the most popular cars in the world so it’s no surprise that the company would release a trendy two-door. The Solara was a convertible based on the Camry sedan. The car was off to a great start, but the second generation of the car was rather lackluster at best. Consumers weren’t satisfied with the way the car looked and the drive quality was equally drab (via Auto Evolution).

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The Solara was eventually discontinued when there wasn’t a market for it anymore. There were better cars for the price that offered more excitement for your driving dollars. When it comes to memorable Toyota models the Solara is one that most drivers don’t even remember because it was so plain.

4: Toyota Echo

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When the Toyota Tercel was discontinued, there was a void left in the lineup for a compact car. Toyota reintroduced a new compact car into the lineup, and that was the Echo. The Echo was a small car that didn’t offer much refinement but initially offered a lot in the compact car segment (via Auto Evolution).

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Unfortunately, the Echo never sold well, and the consumers flocked to other automakers. There were just better options that were on the market than the Echo. This was one of Toyota’s most embarrassing projects.

3: 2001 Toyota Prius

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Also released around the same time as the egg-shaped Echo was the Toyota Prius. The first generation of the Prius was an awkward-looking car that was compact and underpowered. Consumers weren’t sure what to make of the original Prius, and it never sold well because of the weird design (via Auto Evolution).

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Nowadays, you’ll seldom see an original Prius on the road because the first generation was so lackluster. Most consumers never even considered this car when it came time to buy a new vehicle. The hybrids from this period were experimental at best and the original Prius was evidence of that.

2: Toyota RAV4 EV

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The Toyota RAV4 EV was a project by Toyota to try and introduce a fully electric vehicle into the market. The car debuted at auto shows around the country, and there was a lot of hype that surrounded it. Unfortunately, the RAV4 EV never had a decent range and its price was so expensive that most consumers couldn’t justify the cost (via Auto Evolution).

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Interestingly enough, the RAV4 EV has become a sort of collector’s item nowadays. These SUVs continue to rise in value, even though initially it was a mistake by Toyota. The RAV4 EV is one of the first EV SUV models ever released on the market, and will go down in history as a confusing piece of Toyota history.

1: Toyota Tundra Terminator T3 Edition

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The Toyota Tacoma was the first full-sized truck that was ever built by Toyota and it managed to become a modest success. But one of the more confusing models in the Tundra lineage was the Terminator T3 Edition. Was sold as a package deal with the new Terminator movie, the truck didn’t offer any enhancements in terms of performance or luxury (via Auto Evolution).

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Instead, consumers got a pre-packaged toy that had a hefty price tag slapped on it for the Terminator name. The truck didn’t offer anything unique in the way of performance or value for the price. These days there aren’t a lot of these T3 Edition trucks left because production numbers were low just like the sales.

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