Immerse Yourself in Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum: A Museum Experience Like No Other

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Specifications: 302 cid V-8 engine, Holley four-barrel carburetor, 290 HP, close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and staggered shock absorbers, front disc and rear drum hydraulic brakes; wheelbase: 108 inches 

· 1 of 7,014 Boss 302s produced 

· Documented by an Elite Marti Report 

· 1 of 2,412 Finished in Wimbledon White 

· Beautifully restored to its original appearance 

Ford Motor Company had long realized that success at the race track was integral to success in the showroom. "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" became a winning marketing strategy as much as a slogan. During the 1960s, most of the focus in motorsports was on NASCAR and NHRA drag racing where acceleration and high sustained speeds were the name of the game. However, that would soon change with the introduction of the 'Trans-Am Series' by the Sports Car Club of America.

The Ford Mustang Boss 302 was a high-performance, limited production model offered for only two years to homologate the car for this new series. The Trans-Am series proved to be wildly popular and featured Challengers, ‘Cudas, Camaros, Cougars, and Mustangs as well as some of the most famous names in all of motorsports like Roger Penske, Mark Donohue, Dan Gurney, and Parnelli Jones. The culmination of Ford's efforts was realized when the Bud Moore-prepared Ford Mustang Boss 302 driven by Parnelli Jones won the Trans-Am Championship in 1970. The success of the Boss 302 on the track drove traffic to the showroom and sales took off.

The Boss 302 was designed by the legendary Larry Shinoda and was the brainchild of Ford CEO Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen. The Boss 302 moniker was Shinoda's homage to Knudsen, the "boss", but it also referred to one of the best small-block engines of the muscle car era. Unlike its big brother, the Boss 429, the Boss 302 was designed around homologation requirements that limited engine displacement to 305 cubic inches, but not at the expense of power. The unique 302 cid Ford small-block engine featured a thin-wall, high nickel content block casting with 4-bolt mains, screw-in freeze plugs, and heads using a canted valve design that was being developed for the planned 351 cid Cleveland engine. The entire vehicle package was geared toward road racing where handling was at a premium, and it included a competition suspension, lower ride height, front disc brakes, larger sway bars, heavier-duty spindles, and reinforced shock towers. With the high-revving, solid-lifter Boss 302 V-8 engine and its free-breathing Cleveland-style heads mated to a close-ratio four-speed, Ford knew it had a winner. The Boss 302 was as successful on the showroom floor as it was on the racetrack, and just over 7,000 were produced in 1970. Unlike the Boss 429, whose only option was a choice of color, the Boss 302 was available with an array of options.

Finished in Wimbledon White, this Boss 302 is a rare vehicle to come across and is thoroughly documented by an Elite Marti Report. Marti reports can be ordered Ford vehicles produced between 1967 and 2017 and it gives you the complete factory options list, door data plate info and then breaks down production numbers to see how unique your vehicle is compared to all the other ones produced in that year. Built on 11/11/1969, this Boss 302 would be 1 of 2,412 finished in Wimbledon White and be 1 of only 648 with this color and trim code package. As the Elite Marti Report will also show, combined with 10 other factory-ordered options, this particle Mustang is actually 1 of only 3 Boss Mustangs to be ordered with an AM radio. To see the complete breakdown, please see the Elite Marti Report that is framed with the car. As one of the most iconic muscle cars from the 1970s, this beautifully restored Wimbledon White Boss 302 is an important part of Mustang history and is a testament to the quality that comes from the Ford factories. 

 The 1975 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a classic American sports car with a V8 engine, automatic transmission, and a number of notable features:  

• EngineThe 1975 Corvette has a 350 cubic-inch V8 engine that produces 165 horsepower.  
• TransmissionThe standard transmission is a 4-speed manual, but an automatic transmission is also available.  
• BodyThe Corvette Stingray has a coupe body style with a distinctive rear deck.  
• Bumper systemThe 1975 Corvette has a new bumper system with a self-restoring honeycomb substructure in the front and hydraulic cylinders in the rear.  
• SafetyThe Corvette has seat belts and T-tops, and an anti-theft alarm.  
• InteriorThe interior has leather seats and comes in a variety of colors, including black, dark blue, and silver.  
• ExteriorThe Corvette comes in 10 colors, including Classic White, Silver, and Bright Blue.  
• Other featuresThe Corvette has power disc brakes, power steering, power windows, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio.  

1. One of the most recognizable vehicles ever made 

2. Attractive color scheme of bright red and white 

3. An icon of counterculture around the world 

The Volkswagen 23 window bus, also known as the Samba, is one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history. Introduced in 1951, the Samba quickly became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and counterculture, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. The origins of the Samba can be traced back to the late 1940s when Volkswagen was looking to expand its product line. The company’s executives believed that there was a market for a larger, more luxurious version of the popular Volkswagen Microbus, which had been introduced a few years earlier. They envisioned a vehicle that could transport larger groups of people, and offer more comfort and amenities than the standard microbus. 

To achieve this goal, Volkswagen turned to a company called Westfalia, which had a long history of building camping and travel trailers. Westfalia was tasked with designing and building a new version of the microbus that would feature a larger, more spacious body, and a range of additional features such as a fold-back sunroof, a two-tone paint scheme, and a unique striped fabric interior. The resulting vehicle, the 23-Window Bus, debuted in 1951 and was an instant success, garnering its nickname after the samba music of Brazil, which was popular at the time. The vehicles unique features and styling quickly set it apart from other cars on the road, and it became a favorite among families, and especially surfers and hippies. 

As the years went on, the 23 Window Bus evolved and changed, with new features and improvements added along the way. Reported to have been produced for the North American market in 1975, this 23 Window Bus is a recipient of a wonderful ground-up restoration. Before it was welcomed into the Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum, it resided in the Dallas and Ammie Hawkins Collection, who are owners of Midwest Muscle Cars (MWMC) in Jonesville, Michigan. 

Specifications: 3.2-liter flat-six engine, 228 horsepower, 5-speed manual transaxle, independent front suspension, rear independent suspension with trailing arms and double-acting shock absorbers, front and rear vented disc brakes, rear-wheel drive; wheelbase: 89.3 inches 

· One of the most iconic Porsche models built 

· Finished in attractive Guards Red

· A well-optioned and highly original example 

· Documented by Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (COA), original dealer books, service records, and clean CarFax report 

The Porsche 911 is easily considered one of the most coveted sports cars of all time. Its lengthy history extends over 50 years of production and to this day, the iconic design lines are still utilized. Throughout the 911’s long life, it has steadily evolved becoming more refined but still maintaining the essence of its roots. The air-cooled era spawned some of Porsche’s greatest creations and some of its most iconic looks. 

Introduced in 1984, the Carrera 3.2 was created as a replacement for the 911SC. Though the body mostly stayed the same with a few tweaks to the front bumper and an eventual option for a 930-style wing, Porsche claimed the engine to be 80% new. Capacity rose to 3164cc by way of larger 95mm barrels and a shorter 74.4mm stroke crankshaft. Pistons with raised crowns increased the compression ratio to 10.3. The main innovation here though, was its upgrade to the Bosch Motronic 2 engine management system. This was the first production 911 to feature an ECU to control the ignition and fuel systems. This led to the 3.2-liter Flat-six making 228 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated 911 ever. Undoubtedly a success, the Carrera 3.2 sold over 70,000 units.

The 911 Carrera 3.2 here, chassis number WP0AB0910GS120616 with matching engine number 64G01380, which is documented by its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a lovely and fierce example that has been extremely well maintained during its lifetime. This example is finished in the iconic Guards Red, paint code 027, over a fine black leather interior. Notable factory options include “Monterey” AM/FM Stereo, automatic heating regulation, cruise control, rear window wiper, 16-inch forged alloy wheels, sport shocks, limited slip differential, power sunroof, and front & rear spoilers. 

This 911 Carrera’s known history begins with Mr. O’Rourke of Houston, Texas who was the first owner, which Is documented in its original warranty & maintenance booklet. He would hold onto this Porsche till 1999 when it was sold to a collector in Missouri. Documented by a Clean CarFax report and an odometer disclosure statement, O’Rurke put a mere 11,574 miles on it during his ownership. 

From there it traded owners a couple of times in different states like Maine, Ohio, and Florida before ending up in Michigan with its previous owner in 2016 who drove it sparingly in the summertime and kept it in top order. Documented by multiple odometer disclosure statements during its lifetime, when the Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum took ownership in 2023, this Porsche amazingly still had under 33,000 miles. 

Today this car presents in pristine condition firing up on command with no hesitation. Though many of these were sold throughout the years, finding one in this condition with these miles will be no easy task. A time capsule of one of the most iconic sports cars of all time, this 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera is a true automotive gem that will only garner more attention the older it gets. 

Specifications: 351 cubic-inch OHV V-8 engine, 300 horsepower, 4-speed manual transmission, competition suspension, front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, rear-wheel-drive; wheelbase: 107 inches

· 300-HP 351-cubic-inch OHV V-8 engine 

· Accompanied by a Deluxe Marti Report, original window sticker and original build sheet

· Desirable Competition Blue over white bucket seats 

· Formerly displayed in the Lingenfelter Collection

Cougars were raced in the SCCA Trans-Am Series with some success during 1967, enabling Mercury to finish second to Ford in the 1967 Trans-Am championship manufacturers standings. Parnelli Jones, Ed Leslie, Peter Revson, David Pearson, and Dan Gurney were among those who piloted the Cougars during the season, which included four outright wins. Gurney and Jones gave Mercury its only 1-2 Trans-Am finish in the Pan American 300-mile endurance race at Green Valley Raceway in Texas. Just like today, racing wins often yielded the fodder for manufacturers to whip up a special model or two, in the hopes of cashing in on the wins – in the form of “Win On Sunday, Sell On Monday.” The first of the special Cougars was the XR7-G, the "G" standing for Gurney, in 1968. That same year, Mercury also offered the GT-E model, available with either a 428 Cobra Jet or a detuned version of the all-conquering 427. Both were one-year-only models, with a new special package debuting in 1969 dubbed the Eliminator. More than just a paint-and-tape kit, checking the Eliminator option box on the Mercury Cougar order form meant substantial performance-flavored upgrading inside and out. Exterior changes included a front spoiler, hood scoop, rear deck wing, and a passenger-side mirror. A simple but distinctive black stripe package and "Eliminator" I.D. played well with the blackout treatment of the front grille and rear taillight fascia. 

The recipient of a complete restoration in the early 2010s, this Cougar was subsequently placed and displayed in the Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton, Michigan, where it sat among some of the most desirable and fastest sports/supercars in the world. Acquired by a muscle car collector, who had an eye for Eliminators, the Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum, another prominent Michigan-based collection would take ownership in the spring of 2024.

Following the guidance of its Deluxe Marti Report, original window sticker, and original build sheet during the restoration, this example was finished in Competition Blue, the same as when it rolled out of the Dearborn plant. Originally sold in December 1969 by Fuguay Motor Co., Inc., this Cougar was equipped with the desirable Eliminator Package, three-speed manual transmission, middle console, AM/8-track stereo radio, and competition suspension. It has since been upgraded with a desirable 4-speed manual transmission. Its menacing muscle car look is rounded out by its concealed dual headlights, which appear with the pull of a knob. This example is equipped with a 300 horsepower 351-cubic-inch OHV V-8 engine that is simply a thrill to drive. 

Documented by a Deluxe Marti Report, its original window sticker, and original build sheet which are all displayed in this binder, this well-maintained 1970 Cougar Eliminator Coupe represents everything that the muscle car ‘70s was all about.

 The 1983 Chevrolet C20 Brown Sugar is a custom-built camper truck that was featured at the 2019 SEMA show:  

• BuilderRiver City Rods of Davenport, Iowa, led by builder Craig Piggott  
• FeaturesA 5.3-liter LS V-8 engine, 4L80E automatic transmission, GSI air-bag suspension, and a camper shell that slides into the truck's 11-foot bed  
• InteriorA natural, earthy theme with plaid that matches the exterior's hockey stripes, a sink made from a vintage Coca-Cola cooler, knotty pine paneling, and copper detailing  
• AmenitiesA fridge, microwave, waste-water tank, fresh-water hookups, and a killer sound system with subwoofers hidden in whiskey barrels  
• OriginThe truck started as a 1983 Coachman that Piggott bought for $1,400 on Craigslist  
• InspirationPiggott wanted to build a vehicle that stood out from other, more expensive vehicles, and to inspire people to think outside the box with their campers and trailers