Table of contents for February 2025 in Drive

FROM CAR SHOWS AND CRUISE-INS TO OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES, EARLY FORD BRONCOS (1966-1977) ARE THE PERFECT CLASSIC CAR FOR ANY ADVENTURE. With more than 500 Bronco restomods under its belt, Velocity is the leader in creating world-class builds that balance vintage style and modern performance. This Adventurine Green 1971 Ford Bronco from Velocity is a perfect example, but before digging deeper into this build, here’s a little backstory detailing why the classic Ford Bronco is one of the coolest 4×4s around. Debuting in 1966, the classic Bronco was Ford’s answer to the popular International Scout and Jeep CJ-5. Smaller than the Scout, the Bronco’s compact size made it great for off-roading or farm work, but it was about a foot longer than the CJ-5, allowing for added passenger or cargo space.…

WHILE MEXICO HAS LONG BEEN A TOP DESTINATION FOR YEAR-ROUND RELAXATION WITH HOTSPOTS LIKE CANCUN, PUERTO VALLARTA, AND TULUM DRAWING CROWDS OF SUN-SEEKERS, THERE’S A DIFFERENT KIND OF ENERGY STIRRING IN AGUASCALIENTES. This vibrant city is home to one of the most anticipated truck events of the year: The Chevroleteros’ Annual Truck Show. This year’s event saw an impressive turnout with over 3,500 attendees, more than 800 trucks and vehicles, and representation from 140 clubs across Mexico. The show’s growth has been remarkable, with each year bringing better craftsmanship, innovative designs, and the same unmistakable good vibes. Truck owners, builders and enthusiasts arrive as early as Friday to soak in the atmosphere, though the main event kicks off on Sunday. Some even made the journey all the way from Texas…

EXPANDED WHEEL STUD SELECTION FROM ARP Industry-leading fastener manufacturer ARP is best known for its vast lineup of engine-related bolts and studs, it’s important to note that the company has also invested a considerable amount to engineering and manufacturing technology to an ever-expanding collection of high performance wheel studs for competition and street applications. All are manufactured from 8740 chrome moly steel and precision heat-treated in-house to a tensile strength of 190,000 psi. The threads are rolled after heat-treat to provide significantly improved fatigue strength. All studs are cadmium plated for extra protection —with the unique bullet-nosed Speed Studs™ given a baked-on dry film lubricant. Replacement press-in wheel studs are available for over three dozen OEM axles and hubs — including longer studs that facilitate use with aftermarket wheels. Screw-in…

“ALMOST EVERYTHING ON THE CAR HAS BEEN MODIFIED, BUT, EVEN MORE CUSTOM THAN NOT, THE ORIGINAL FRAME OF THE CAR IS STILL RECOGNIZABLE TO THOSE WHO KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR.” HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU SEEN A 3RD-GEN CELICA ROLLING ON 27-INCH MTS? Probably never. But by now you’ve probably learned to always expect the unexpected. That’s exactly what Jon Rood’s 1984 Toyota Celica named “Carlos” is: Unexpected, in the best way possible. Almost everything on the car has been modified, but, even more custom than not, the original frame of the car is still recognizable to those who know what to look for. Seeing a Celica rip up in the desert like you’ll see on these pages is certainly unexpected, too. “Toyota never meant the Celica to be…

EHTESHAM SAJID’S JOURNEY INTO TESLA OWNERSHIP BEGAN IN JANUARY 2021, AT A TIME WHEN SPOTTING A MODEL 3 ON THE STREET WAS STILL A NOVELTY. But as these electric rides became more common, particularly in their stock white finish, Sajid knew he wanted something that would stand out because nobody dreams of driving the automotive equivalent of plain yogurt. His 2021 Tesla Model 3 has now become a vibrant showcase of creativity and electric power. ”THE EXTERIOR IS MORE THAN JUST EYE CANDY. IT’S A CAREFULLY CURATED BLEND OF FORM AND FUNCTION. The project began modestly enough with lowering springs and new wheels—simple upgrades to give the car a unique stance. But for Sajid, “unique” was never going to be a one-and-done deal. Dissatisfied with the initial ride height, he…

sometimes OWNER • MARK SLAGLE Sumner, TX 1959 Chevrolet Apache Double Deluxe Fleetside IT TAKES A WHILE TO FIND THAT PERFECT TRUCK. You know the one. It’s been on your bucket list for years. Starter trucks come and go, but those are simply learning experiences. They do, however, prepare you for your final goal. Mark Slagle is a cattle farmer in Texas and looks back on building several of those preliminary trucks in the family garage before he finally found the right one—this 1959 Chevy Apache Double Deluxe Fleetside. If you’re not familiar with that lengthy model designation, it was the replacement for the very successful Chevy Cameo. The Double Deluxe begins with a specially trimmed Fleetside bed featuring a stainless steel “rocket” on the side that is usually accented…