Today’s Auto Brief: Merlin goosebumps, a blue‑chip sale, warranty wins (and woes), Toyota gearbox heat, and a co-driver’s big moment

If you love machines, this morning’s feed reads like a tasting menu: a Spitfire story that reminds you why pistons matter, a collector car so valuable it usually lives behind velvet ropes, consumer wins on warranty refunds, fresh legal fire for Toyota over automatic transmissions, and a rally codriver finally handed the steering wheel. Grab coffee; this one moves from aviation to gravel in a few pages.

The Spitfire’s Merlin V12 and why car people still get chills

Autocar’s reflection on flying a Supermarine Spitfire hit me square in the sternum. The Merlin V12 isn’t a car engine, no, but it speaks the same language. It’s a mechanical sermon: induction howl, supercharger whine, exhaust baritone. In later marks, the Merlin was comfortably a four-figure horsepower affair, and the way it climbs through revs is uncannily similar to a big-capacity, naturally aspirated V12 road car—except you’re carving the sky.

I’ve never flown a Spitfire, but I’ve stood on the grass at Duxford when one tore past and felt the sound in my ribcage. Same sensation I get when a Murciélago barks awake or an F1 car of the V10 era lights the pitlane. Autocar’s point—that you can book a flight and touch that history—reminds me why many of us got into cars in the first place: visceral, analog connection. It’s the romance that keeps us patient with parking sensors that beep at leaves.

“One of the most valuable cars ever built” is for sale: what that really means

Carscoops reports a true blue‑chip is officially on the market. They don’t casually use that headline—this is the tier of car that collectors whisper about: museum-grade, provenance-heavy, the sort that typically changes hands in private salons at values that make skyscrapers blush.

When I’ve watched transactions in that stratosphere, three things separate a smart buy from a regret:

• Provenance that survives scrutiny (period photos, factory paperwork, ownership chain).
• Event eligibility (Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic, Pebble—these matter to value).
• Insurance and logistics that don’t ruin the experience (covered transport, specialty policies, secured storage).

If you’re lucky enough to be in the running, assemble your team before you fall in love: historian, legal counsel, and a shop that knows these cars cold. I’ve seen more seven-figure deals wobble over a casting number than over the headline price.

Quick buyer checklist for seven-figure classics

• Confirm matching-numbers components and any period-correct replacements.
• Request a full compression/leak-down report and bore-scope images.
• Review FIA/registries for event eligibility and previous scrutineering notes.
• Budget 1–2% of value per year for maintenance and preservation—even if you barely drive it.

FTC sends refunds to CarShield customers: extended warranty lessons

Carscoops also notes the FTC is issuing refunds to CarShield customers who were burned by misleading warranty claims. Good news for affected owners—and a timely reminder that “extended warranties” live on a spectrum from lifesaver to landfill.

I’ve run third-party plans on a high-mile German sedan (paid off), and I’ve also eaten a denied claim that should’ve been covered because of a comma in the contract. The devil is in the exclusions list, the claim process, and whether your preferred shop is actually approved.

Extended coverage options at a glance

How to vet an extended warranty

• Read exclusions and “wear items” language; ask for a sample contract—not just a brochure.
• Confirm diagnostic coverage and teardown authorization rules.
• Check shop approval list and parts policy (new OEM vs. remanufactured).
• Look up complaint ratios, not just online ratings.

Toyota faces a second lawsuit over automatic gearbox failures

Per Carscoops, a second lawsuit alleges certain Toyota automatic transmissions can fail without warning. Details in these cases matter—model years, drivetrains, and maintenance histories all shape outcomes—but two suits in the pipeline are enough to get owners’ attention.

I’ve owned Toyotas with transmissions that felt granite-tough at 200,000 miles, which is why stories like this stand out. If you’re concerned, treat this like a recall drill even if it isn’t one:

• Document symptoms early: harsh shifts, delayed engagement, slipping rpm, sudden neutral-like behavior, warning lights, “limp” mode.
• Get a dealer inspection and keep a paper trail (ROs, videos, scan reports).
• Check for TSBs and software updates during scheduled service.
• Avoid fluid “flushes” on modern autos unless the service bulletin or OEM schedule calls for it; prefer drain-and-fill with the specified fluid.

If your vehicle is in-warranty, escalate promptly. Out of warranty? A well-documented case sometimes opens doors to goodwill assistance, especially if you’ve serviced within the network.

When a WRC co-driver finally gets the keys

Road & Track’s piece on a WRC co-driver taking a turn at the wheel is catnip for rally nerds. I did a rally school a few winters ago and realized just how different “knowing the notes” is from managing weight transfer and throttle on loose surfaces. The co-driver’s world is timing and trust; the driver’s is rhythm and faith. Combining both? That’s wizardry.

Modern rally machinery is a study in traction—short gearing, aggressive diffs, anti-lag chatter, and brakes that move your eyebrows. Hand one to someone who’s lived in the right seat for years and you get this fascinating blend of surgical precision and fresh respect for what it takes to thread a car between pines at “are you sure?” speeds.

Why this matters beyond motorsport

• It highlights how teamwork defines performance—useful even if your stage is the morning commute.
• It underscores driver coaching’s value; great pace notes or great nav can unlock your best driving.
• It’s a reminder to practice in safe environments; car control is a skill, not a setting.

Bottom line

From a Merlin’s thunder to a rally car’s anti-lag, the common thread is feeling. The market’s still moving at the top end, regulators are flexing for consumers, and even the most reliable brands can face hard questions. In other words: the car world is alive and noisy—just how we like it.

FAQ

• Is Toyota recalling cars over the alleged automatic transmission failures? At the time of the latest reports, lawsuits have been filed; a recall hadn’t been announced in those stories. Check with your dealer and monitor official channels for updates.
• How do I know if I’m eligible for an FTC refund related to an extended warranty? If the FTC is issuing refunds in a specific case, they typically contact affected consumers directly. Keep your contract and receipts handy and watch for official FTC communications.
• What makes a car “one of the most valuable”? Rarity, racing pedigree, design significance, original components, and documented history. Event eligibility and cultural impact also play big roles.
• Can the public book flights in a Spitfire? There are licensed operators that offer flight experiences in dual-control, two-seat Spitfires. Availability, training, and cost vary; plan well ahead.
• How fast does a modern WRC car feel? On loose surfaces, the acceleration and braking feel supercar-quick, but the real magic is lateral grip and confidence over rough terrain—speed you measure in heart rate as much as mph.