Tag Archives: Ford

Auctions

Custom 1955 Ford “Beatnik Bubbletop” Set to Cross the Auction Block

In a world where modern cars often blur together in shades of gray and practicality, the Beatnik Bubbletop is a brazen reminder that automotive design can still be wild, wonderful, and a little weird. Built from the bones of a 1955 Ford, this custom creation is anything but conventional—and nearly a decade after its last auction appearance, it’s once again ready to turn heads as it heads to the Mecum Auctions block this September.

Originally the brainchild of renowned custom car builder Gary Fioto, the Beatnik Bubbletop took over four years to complete. The project was no mere restomod—it was a full-blown reinvention. Fioto chopped the roof off a ’55 Ford and mounted the body on the chassis of a 1988 Lincoln Town Car. From there, things only got more radical.

Up front, a bumper from a 1959 Cadillac makes a bold first impression, while the rear is capped with a 1958 Caddy bumper and striking finned taillights sourced from a 1960 Chrysler. All the bodywork in between was handcrafted in steel, painstakingly joined with oxy-acetylene welding to achieve a sculptural, seamless flow. It’s a design that feels more at home in a Jetsons cartoon or a mid-century sci-fi dream than on any city street.

But the most striking feature—and the reason for its name—is the clear Lexan bubble roof, giving the car a full-blown space-age silhouette. The oversized dome isn’t just a design flourish; it defines the car’s entire persona. It’s audacious, theatrical, and undeniably unique.

Inside, the show continues. The cockpit is as bespoke as the bodywork, featuring a yoke-style steering wheel, custom dashboard, and sleek, color-matched air vents that extend into the rear. Pearl White upholstery shimmers beneath the light pouring in from the transparent canopy, while a Vintage Air HVAC system and Alpine screen add a modern touch to this retro-futuristic fantasy.

The Beatnik Bubbletop isn’t just a novelty—it’s a decorated showpiece. It cleaned up on the custom car circuit in the mid-2000s, taking top honors at events like Daryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Car Show, where it earned a $20,000 grand prize in 2006. It later joined the eclectic collection of the late Larry Klairmont, a well-known Chicago collector who passed away in 2021.

Back in July 2015, the car fetched $165,000 at an RM Sotheby’s auction. Now, ten years later, collectors and custom enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see if its value—and its legend—have grown with time.

Whether you love it, loathe it, or simply marvel at its existence, one thing is certain: the Beatnik Bubbletop wasn’t built to blend in. It’s an automotive statement piece, a rolling work of art that revels in excess and eccentricity. As it heads back to the auction stage, the question isn’t whether it will attract attention—it’s whether anyone will be bold enough to take it home.

Source: Mecum Auctions

News

Now Might Be the Best Time to Score a Ford Bronco – Especially the Raptor

If you’ve been eyeing a Ford Bronco, now might be the best time to finally take the plunge. With thousands of 2024 models still lingering on dealership lots across the U.S., Ford is aggressively working to move inventory—especially the high-profile Bronco Raptor. The result? Deep discounts, flexible lease terms, and real opportunities for savvy buyers.

Ford dealerships in select regions are now offering up to $14,000 off the Bronco Raptor through August 4. That eye-popping figure comes in the form of dealer cash, a type of manufacturer incentive that gives dealers the option to either pass the savings directly to the customer or retain it themselves. Translation: buyers willing to negotiate stand the best chance of walking away with a significant discount.

The Bronco Raptor, known for its Baja-ready suspension and 418-horsepower twin-turbo V6, normally starts at $91,930. Shave off the full $14,000, and you’re looking at a 15.2% reduction—a rare deal in today’s market for a vehicle that blends heritage styling with off-road muscle.

According to a report from CarsDirect, the Bronco Raptor discount applies to both purchase and lease agreements, and it’s available in major cities like New York, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, and more. That national reach opens the door for enthusiasts across the country to take advantage of the savings, but availability may vary by dealership.

And it’s not just the Raptor seeing markdowns. Ford is extending significant Bonus Cash offers on other trims, including the rugged Badlands and the more premium Wildtrak, with potential savings of up to $7,000. In total, Ford reportedly has around 6,000 Broncos from the 2024 model year still in stock.

For those not ready to commit to a purchase, Ford is also promoting its “Zero, Zero, Zero” lease campaign—zero down payment, zero security deposit, and zero first-month payment. Combined with the cash incentives, this could make leasing a Bronco more financially practical than buying outright, particularly for drivers who prioritize short-term flexibility.

In a market where desirable vehicles often come with long waitlists and markups, Ford’s current Bronco strategy is a rare opportunity. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or just looking to grab a deal on one of America’s most iconic nameplates, it might be wise to head to the dealership before August 4.

Source: Ford

News

Ford Urges EV Shoppers to Act Fast as Federal Tax Credits Near Expiration

With sweeping changes to federal EV incentives just around the corner, American electric vehicle buyers may soon find themselves paying significantly more—unless they act quickly. The long-standing federal EV tax credit, which provides up to $7,500 in savings, is set to expire on September 30, ushering in a new era of pricing and accessibility challenges for both new and used EV shoppers.

In a recent communication to dealerships, Ford sounded the alarm, stating that “demand is expected to increase as the deadline approaches for eligible vehicles.” The automaker is urging its network of dealers to ensure Time of Sale reports are submitted before October 1 to secure current credits for buyers opting to apply the incentive at checkout.

Notably, not all of Ford’s electric lineup qualifies for the full tax credit. The Mustang Mach-E, for instance, doesn’t meet the criteria for a purchase-based tax break due to its Mexican assembly location. However, when leased, the Mach-E remains eligible for the full $7,500 credit—a loophole savvy consumers can still take advantage of. On top of that, Ford is sweetening the deal with its limited-time “Zero, Zero, Zero” promotional campaign.

Replacing the previous employee pricing-for-all strategy, the Zero, Zero, Zero promo includes:

  • 0% financing for 48 months
  • $0 down payment
  • No payments for the first 90 days

Even more enticing, reports from CarsDirect suggest some trims of the Mustang Mach-E are currently available with 0% financing for 60 months, making this perhaps the most affordable moment yet to go electric with Ford.

The impending end of these tax incentives doesn’t just affect new car buyers. Used EV shoppers—a growing segment in today’s cost-conscious market—stand to lose access to credits of up to $4,000. For many Americans, especially those already feeling the pinch of rising living expenses, these federal perks have been a critical bridge to EV ownership.

As the September 30 cutoff looms, industry watchers expect a spike in last-minute EV purchases, lease deals, and a potential bottleneck at dealerships scrambling to process paperwork before the deadline. Ford, for its part, is clearly signaling that now may be the best time in the foreseeable future to buy or lease an electric vehicle.

Bottom line? If you’re eyeing an EV, especially a Ford, don’t wait too long—because in just over two months, today’s prices could be yesterday’s dream.

Source: Ford