October’s First Drive: Safety Gains, EV Dreams & Social Media Madness


Hello Gearheads,

Today we’re riding a wave of contrasts—crime dropping, legacy performance brands going electric, and social media stunts gone wild. Buckle your belt; this ride’s got surprises.


FEATURE STORY

Car Thefts Are On The Decline

In the first half of 2025, the U.S. saw a 23% drop in auto thefts, accelerating a downward trend. The figures are encouraging, but stolen vehicles are still a serious threat.

Read Here


SPOTLIGHT FIND

Ferrari Confirms First Electric Vehicle Reveal on October 9

Ferrari will unveil its first electric car on October 9, 2025—a big leap for a brand long tied to internal combustion. Expect performance, heritage, and fierce debate.

Read Here


DEEP CUT / WILD CARD

TikTok Girl Trashes Exotic Cars to Get Views

A TikTok influencer has caused outrage by intentionally damaging luxury cars—smashing windows and abusing expensive vehicles for content—and now the backlash is real.

Read Here


TODAY’S WATCH

video preview

This Car Sucked So Much That Elvis Shot It With A Gun
Elvis Presley once shot his car—twice. And yes, it’s still around… bullet holes and all. In this true story, we dive into the bizarre legend of how Elvis bought a De Tomaso Pantera to impress his girlfriend, only to end up unloading a pistol on it after it refused to start. This wasn’t just any outburst—it turned the car into one of the most famous Panteras on Earth. Discover how the King’s temper and a temperamental supercar created a one-of-a-kind moment in automotive history.


DEALS WE FOUND ON AMAZON

DMI 175-Piece First Aid Kit – Portable All-Purpose Emergency Set(18% off!)

Be ready for life’s little accidents with the DMI 175-Piece First Aid Kit, designed for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and injuries. Compact and portable, it’s a convenient all-in-one solution for your home, car, office, or travel... Perfect for those long, risky road trips with the kids.

Buy Here


DEALS WE FOUND ON AMAZON

mazon Echo Auto (Newest Model) – Add Alexa to Your Car

Bring Alexa on the road with the Echo Auto, the easiest way to make your car smarter. Designed to work through your car’s speakers, it keeps you connected, entertained, and hands-free wherever you drive.

And... IT'S 73% OFF

Buy Here


DEALS WE FOUND ON AMAZON

AVAPOW 8000A Portable Battery Jump Starter – With 4″ HD Display & Fast Charging(42% Off!)

Never get stranded with the AVAPOW 8000A Battery Jump Starter, engineered to start virtually any vehicle with ease. Packed with massive power and smart features, it’s your all-in-one roadside rescue tool.

Buy Here


Closing Note

From safer streets to electrified dreams and social media stunts crossing lines, today’s stories remind us the car world moves fast—on every front. Which one left you thinking?

The Auto Wire
Modern Car Collector
Backfire News

The Auto Wire

Read more from The Auto Wire

You don’t stop being a car guy just because your back reminds you it’s been a few decades. Whether you’re wrenching in the garage, heading to a show, or just keeping up with the daily grind, the right gear makes a difference. We pulled together a few practical finds our readers at The Auto Wire, Backfire News, and Modern Car Collector will actually use — not gimmicks, just smart upgrades for comfort, recovery, and everyday wear. Here’s what’s worth a look this week: Fix the aches from garage...

This is what you need to know for January 21, 2026 in the world of automotive news, racing, and auctions... Some Drivers Take Second Jobs to Buy a Car As the cost of owning a vehicle continues to rise, more Americans are finding that a single paycheck is no longer enough to keep a car on the road. Purchase prices have climbed, insurance rates are up, maintenance costs continue to rise, and fuel prices have generally trended higher over the past decade. For many drivers, the financial strain...

For much of the weekend, one story seemed to dominate conversations around Mecum Kissimmee 2026: Carroll Shelby’s personal GT40 had sold for nearly $12 million. Messages, tips, and “confirmations” poured in rapidly, many insisting the deal was done quietly after hours. The excitement felt justified. After all, this wasn’t just any GT40 — it was a car driven by Carroll Shelby himself. But that story turned out to be wrong. The car at the center of the rumor, the 1965 Ford GT40 MkI known as...