Photo courtesy of the Charles Schwab Challenge

Newly crowned 2021 PGA Championship winner Phil Mickelson will be among a group of international golfers vying for the lowest score at the Charles Schawab Challenge PGA Tour event in Fort Worth, Texas this weekend.

The winner of the tournament will receive a 1946 Dodge Power Wagon that has undergone a complete resto-mod revision by Legacy Classic Trucks. This is the second vehicle the tournament has awarded to a winner with a 1973 Dodge Challenger awarded to Kevin Na in 2019. Na didn't keep the car for long. He turned it over to his car-obsessed caddy Kenny Harms.

The '46 Power Wagon is a nod to the roots of the tourney. This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Colonial, the original name for the event.

1946 Dodge Power Wagon Charles Schwab Legacy Classic TrucksThe interior of the truck wears The Colonial's tartan.Photo courtesy of the Charles Schwab Challenge

Under its hood is a 6.2-liter Chevrolet LS3 engine that delivers 430 horsepower. The engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a custom Atlas transfer case. The rig rides on 40-inch Toyota tires and custom Trail Ready wheels.

Modern conveniences have been added like air conditioning, disc brakes, a long travel suspension, and a 12,000-pound Warn winch.

Because Charles Schwab is the sponsor of the tournament, Legacy Classic Trucks added some special 'Schwab' elements to the model including a Dove blue paint job and a custom 'SCHWAB' tailgate and brightwork. The interior of the truck is upholstered with a tartan fabric in the design of The Colonial's traditional plaid. A custom nameplate on the dashboard acknowledges Ben Hogan's 1946 win that started the legacy of the tournament.

Similar resto-modded trucks by Legacy Classic Trucks go for around $350,000.

1946 Dodge Power Wagon Charles Schwab Legacy Classic TrucksThe rear of the truck features a custom tailgate.Photo courtesy of the Charles Schwab Challenge

Uniquely, the truck has inspired a song by up-and-coming country singer Travis Denning called "Grew Up with a Truck". The song debuted last week on Bobby Bones' podcast, "Bobbycast".

Other golfers joining Mickelson at the tournament include Lee Westwood, Jordan Speith, Si Woo Kim, and Sergio Garcia.

The first round of play kicks off on Thursday, May 27 with the second and third round on ensuing days leading up to the Final Round on Sunday, May 30. Tickets for the event are still available.

Photo courtesy of Legacy Classic Trucks

Legacy Classic Trucks restomodded a 1937 Kenworth 706 Mount Rainier touring bus

Restomod

Visiting America's national parks has been a staple of American family life for more than a century. The Mount Rainier National Park was established in 1899 and is one of the five oldest national parks - a list that includes Yellowstone, Yosemite, General Grant (now part of Kings Canyon), and Sequoia.

From 1937 to 1962, five 1937 Kenworth touring buses transported guests visiting Mount Rainier from the Winthrop Hotel in Tacoma and Olympic Hotel in Seattle to the park.

Art Redford purchased one of the buses in 1985. In 2009, Redford and Frank Pupo donated that bus to the Mount Rainier National Park. At the time of its donation, the Covington Reporter interviewed Redford and Pupo who told them that, "the coach is one of only five built by Kenworth between 1937 and 1938. Three still remain active, one in Sitka, Alaska, one in Montana and the one [they owned]."

Throughout the years, the duo allowed the park to use the coach to celebrate important events, including its Centennial inn 1999. Recently, Legacy Classic Trucks was given the opportunity to restore one of the original five models.

"Today, most people associate Kenworth with large format semi-trucks, but the company actually manufactured buses as part of its business back in the thirties," said Legacy Classic Trucks Founder Winslow Bent. "Decades have passed, but the Kenworth Mount Rainier tour buses delighted travelers for years and years. When we were presented with the rare chance to work on the bus, we knew it was just too cool to pass up. Our work at Legacy Classic Trucks is focused on giving workhorses like the Mount Rainier Tour Bus a new life, and we can't think of a more deserving vehicle. This tour bus has brought so much happiness to the world."

1937 Kenworth 706 - Mount Rainier

Photo courtesy of Legacy Classic Trucks

During its lifespan, the bus logged thousands of miles and visitors. As part of its restoration, Legacy Classic Trucks equipped the model with a six-cylinder Hercules JXD engine that they mated to the vehicle's original manual five-speed transmission. The bus now is able to produce 130 horsepower. The first three gears are all compound low gears that originally assisted in climbing and descending the steep mountain passes of Mt. Rainier. Legacy upgraded the bus with 20x6 Budd wheels and shoed it with Bias Ply Tires.

The long body of the bus had its rust repaired by Legacy and it was repainted its original flame red shade. It features retro-style gauges and instrument paneling designed to give a feeling of nostalgia. The bus's wood flooring is original to the vehicle.

The bench seating received an upgrade. The seats are now covered in leather made from 23 hides of imported Italian leather. In total, the bus can seat up to 18 people in the cabin. Ann open top canopy system allows passengers to see their surroundings while riding.

"Interestingly, the Mount Rainier Kenworth Bus was actually brought to us by a long-time customer who thought Legacy could have some fun with this project," continues Bent. "Restoring a classic bus like this takes an insane amount of work. A larger format vehicle demands an exacting amount of detail, so the restoration is more extensive. However, it was one of the most rewarding processes in our company's history, and Legacy couldn't be happier with how everything turned out restoring this bonafide piece of automotive history."

The fully restored Legacy Mount Rainier Kenworth Tour Bus is available now priced at $580,000.

Photo courtesy Legacy Classic Trucks

Legacy Classic Trucks restomods 1949 Power Wagon adding a turbodiesel, serious off-roading chops

New Model News

The latest restomod from Legacy Classic Trucks puts the power back in Dodge Power Wagon. The 108th build from the company features a vintage Power Wagon that has ben transformed from the ground up, giving it more power and the capability to off-road like a modern machine.

"The classic Power Wagons are just amazing trucks, and they are absolute smile magnets when other drivers seem them out on the open road. This is the truck that helped build all the bridges, dams, and roads out West that everyone road trips across during the summertime season," said Legacy Classic Trucks Founder Winslow Bent. "We've had Power Wagons that we've restored that have served in World War II. The best part about a Legacy Power Wagon build is that drivers get all the good looks of a classic restoration without any of the hassles. Drivers won't have any trouble driving this truck out on the street, highway, or off-road. It can do anything."

1949 Legacy Power Wagon

Photo courtesy Legacy Classic Trucks

The 1949 Legacy Power Wagon keeps a twin-turbo Cummins 4BT eight-valve turbodiesel engine. The power output has been raised significantly from the original truck's capability with the new engine's production reaching 350 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

It now wears Dana 60 axles, ARB locking differentials, and Warn locking hubs. At the front is a Warn winch. Modern Power Wagons also come standard with a winch up front.

The rig's 144-inch wheelbase rides on 40-inch Toyo tires.

The cabin of the truck features bespoke leather seats and grey German square weave carpeted floor mats. The truck's wood steering wheel and vintage gauges give the appearance of vintage styling. There are modern features as well: a Bluetooth stereo, new HVAC system, and USB charging ports.

Legacy Classic Trucks spent 2,000 hours to build the truck. They are selling the model for $350,000. Further upgrades are available.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.