EV Reality Checks, Collector Momentum & Racing Consequences
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Hello Gearheads, It’s January 2026, and the auto world is already setting the tone for the year ahead. Strategic pullbacks, collector-market confidence, and hard lessons on the track are shaping conversations across car culture. From recalibrated EV ambitions to standout enthusiast finds and costly motorsport missteps, here’s what’s grabbing attention this week. The Hellcat is Back, Baby! For real this time…The modern revival of the Dodge Charger has been marked by bold experimentation, but for many longtime muscle-car loyalists, something essential has been missing. That absence appears poised to end with the expected arrival of a V-8-powered Charger Hellcat, potentially as early as the 2027 model year. Catastrophically Damaged 1969 Dodge Charger Listed For Sale in AlabamaA completely battered and incomplete 1969 Dodge Charger has appeared for sale on Facebook Marketplace, offering a stark reminder of how far some classic cars can fall from their former glory. The vehicle, listed in Double Springs, Alabama, carries an asking price of $4,500 and is described as one of the roughest examples of the iconic muscle car still in existence. The listing identifies the car as a four-door sedan equipped with an automatic transmission and powered by a gasoline engine. Both the exterior and interior are described as brown, though the current condition suggests originality and presentation are secondary concerns. The Charger is reported to have a clear title and visible vehicle identification number, two elements that often determine whether a severely damaged classic is viable as a restoration candidate. Win this 2006 Ford GT or $250,000 With More Entries Now A rare, low-mileage 2006 Ford GT is being offered as the centerpiece of a sweepstakes that gives entrants the choice between the supercar itself or a $250,000 cash alternative, according to details released with the promotion. WIN HERE TODAY’S WATCH Formula 1 drivers spend their lives in the fastest cars on Earth — but their private garages might be even crazier. From Lewis Hamilton’s $16M McLaren F1 to Fernando Alonso’s one-off Aston Martin Valiant, these drivers own some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. In this video, we count down the 10 most insane cars currently owned by F1 drivers in 2025 — including classics, hypercars, and million-dollar collectibles. Cars featured in this video:
DEALS WE FOUND ON AMAZON JOYTUTUS Panoramic Rear View Mirror – Wide Angle Blind Spot Reducer (11.81”) (36% Off!)Upgrade your visibility with the JOYTUTUS 11.81-inch Panoramic Rear View Mirror, designed to give you a broader, safer view of the road. DEALS WE FOUND ON AMAZON Car Seat Protector – Waterproof, Thick Padding, Universal Fit with Storage Pockets(29% Off!)Protect your car’s seats from spills, scratches, and messes with this Waterproof Car Seat Protector—perfect for kids, babies, and pets. Closing NoteWe’re starting 2026 in a recalibration phase: big ideas refined, passion markets holding strong, and rules being enforced with less tolerance for noise. As the year unfolds, what do you think will matter more — innovation, authenticity, or accountability? |
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...