Looking To Buy A Classic Car

When you look at buying a classic car it is very important that you do your research and buy the right one for you.
Think about what you want to do with your classic car, if you want it for occasional use then most models will probably be OK. If you want to use it as your day to day car then you need to be a bit more careful about which one you buy. Write a list of your favourite classic cars, then remove those that are not going to be practical for your circumstances.


Next cross off those cars that are outside your budget. Consider not just the cost of buying the car, but also the cost of running and maintaining the car. Make a list of the cost of obvious things like insurance, but also include the cost of items you have to regularly replace such as tyres. Parts like tyres can be very expensive for some classic cars.
Start to visit classic car shows to see some of the cars that are still on your list. You can often chat to owners and examine the cars at close quarters. Doing this will help you to further understand whether those cars are going to be practical for you to own.
Some classic cars need specialist care, all classic cars require very good maintenance. Because of this you need to be sure that you have a garage or mechanic that can do the necessary work for you within a reasonable distance from your home.
Now that you have decided which car you want to own you can begin your search. Look in local newspapers, on-line, at auctions and in specialist car magazines. Also contact the makes owner club, they often list cars for sale.
Once you have found the car that you are interested in go and look at it, but take a good mechanic with you. By this time you should know from the owners club, the weaknesses of the vehicle you are interested in. During the inspection ask your mechanic to pay particular attention to those areas, looking for emerging problems or problems that have been covered up.
Looking for the best price for your used car for sale?, visit us to find the best cash price on buy my car deals.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/looking-to-buy-a-classic-car-5246458.html
About the Author
Author: Patrick Wright
Patrick Wright is freelance journalist with a passion for photography, fishing and fell running. He is a self confessed petrol head with a weakness for range rover evoques but loathes the theme tune for we buy any car and Go compare.

Cold Fusion

I was thinking the other day that our alien benefactors at Area 51 really need to share the next step in technological innovation, if for no other reason than to kick start our economy again. Now it appears they have used a crazy Italian inventor by the name of Andrea Rossi (not related to Martini) to unveil a new E-Catalyst that magically transforms Hydrogen into heat with a dramatic increase in net energy.

This article from Wired.co.uk highlights another in the long run of supposed game changers on the global energy scene. We have all heard of the 100 mpg cars that run on water, and cold fusion that once started would run forever. I am really hoping that something like this will come along soon, but it does seem a bit simple to me. Read the article yourself and see what you think. There are some powerful people who believe in and are investing in this new design. I guess one of these days something will eventually work. When we find it, I want to work for the company that retrofits classic cars into fuel it up and go... forever vehicles.

... and we will buy the parts and kits from; Autopartstomorrow.com

How To Remove Rust From Your Car

Rust ruins vehicles For some people, rust can be the bane of their existence. It's destructive, ugly, and difficult to get rid of. It can get everywhere, and it seems to particularly enjoy cars! Most of these people, which could include you, have never heard of rust removal products and probably didn't know they existed, let alone know how effective, easy and cheap they can be.

New vehicles normally come with rust prevention substances already on them, but once the warranty on the vehicle expires, owners have to be especially careful to try and prevent rust. Of course, preventing rust isn't always easy or practical, and sometimes the only possible solution to rust problems is removal.


How rust forms and spreads

Rust isn't exactly difficult to get either. The smallest chip, cut or scratch in the bodywork of your car can open it up to the possibility of rusting. Once the surface coating has been removed, moisture, oxygen and water all get into the car and begin the process of rusting. Rust is porous meaning that it allows even more moisture in, this is why rust spreads across the car so quickly, but trying to prevent this rusting can be an expensive process.

A lot of people believe that the only method of rust removal is a hefty bill from a professional bodyshop; however, inexpensive rust removal methods are widely available.

Products such as evapo-rust are specifically designed for home rust removal tasks. All rust removal products work on generally the same scientific premise of causing a chemical reaction to cause the rust to break away from the object on which it has formed.

The features of an excellent rust remover for cars

* It rapidly removes rust from ferrous metal and stainless steel
* It's non-toxic, non-corrosive and inflammable.
* It is environmentally friendly by being biodegradable. .
* There are no hazardous ingredients including acids and solvents
* It works at room temperature
* No specialist equipment is required
* It works as a stand-alone product and no secondary or add-on purchases are required.
* Recurrence of rust is prevented for a decent period after application.
* Will not affect non-rusted areas
* It is simple to apply and easy to clear up after operation

Is it worth it?

No rust remover product is a rust preventer – that is an entirely different matter. – but if you can purchase a rust removal product that is effective for a decent period of time it is worth the effort. Having to buy the product for a few dollars every month or so and undertaking the work on your car yourself is a lot cheaper than the prospect of driving around in a "rust bucket" or worse, contemplating the expense of trading in the car for a rust free model.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/how-to-remove-rust-from-your-car-5106652.html
About the Author
Author: robertcorinadam
Rustremover.net/ is the perfect site for finding evapo-rust for a really bargain price. This product will solve all your rust related problems and offer a variety of products to help you in the future.

Motoring Memories: Cunningham – Luxury in Carriages and Cars

The Cunningham name has marched across the American automobile landscape twice, and with significantly different vehicles. Both were the products of meticulous entrepreneurs and were built in limited quantities.
The more recent Cunninghams were produced in the 1950s by millionaire sportsman Briggs Cunningham in his West Palm Beach, Florida factory. The main thrust was sports racing cars but he also built 27 road-going sports cars with Italian bodies. Cunningham’s goal was to produce an American sports-racing car that would win the famous French 24-hour LeMans endurance race.
Almost all of his 1951-1955 racers had Chrysler “Hemi” V8s, and although they would twice finish as high as third at LeMans against the world’s best, they never managed to win. A disappointed Briggs Cunningham began campaigning cars from other manufacturers.
The other Cunningham had a longer and more varied existence tracing to James Cunningham, who left the family farm in Ontario, Canada in the 1830s and moved to New York State. A keen woodworker, he found work in the carriage trade in Rochester.
In addition to being a skilled tradesman, Cunningham was an aspiring businessman. When his employer, Hanford & Whitbeck, became available in 1838, he and two partners bought it. Eventually Cunningham was able to buy out his partners, and through dedication to superb craftsmanship, the company prospered and established a reputation for quality products.
Cunningham’s son Joseph joined the business in 1882, and when James died in 1886, Joseph carried on. By the turn of the century, Cunningham was America’s leading builder of such products as carriages, cutters and sleighs. It was also renowned for elaborately-carved and decorated funeral wagons.
The arrival of the automobile attracted Cunningham, although it would continue to make carriages until 1915. After experimenting with electric power, they developed their first gasoline car in 1908.
Cunningham built only the bodies for its early motor vehicles, purchasing the mechanical components such as Continental engines from outside suppliers. That was temporary, and within a few years they were making their own mechanical parts such as the 1911 four-cylinder, 40-horsepower Cunningham engine.
Cunningham carried over its tradition of high quality coachwork. The cars were hand-built, luxuriously equipped and extensively road tested before delivery. This was reflected in the price, a princely sum of $3,500.

When this model was replaced in 1913, the price had risen to an even more breathtaking $5,000. It was still powered by the four-cylinder engine, but this changed in 1916 when Cunningham introduced its 7.2-litre (442 cu in.), side-valve V8 with a water-heated intake manifold. It was basically two four-cylinder blocks mounted in an aluminum crankcase, and was rated at 90 horsepower when the Cadillac V8 produced only 77. It drove through a four-speed transmission in which third gear was direct and fourth was overdrive.
Although not marketed as a performance car, the Cunningham could demonstrate a good turn of speed. In 1919, famous racing driver Ralph DePalma tested a stock V8 Cunningham boattail roadster at the Sheepshead Bay, New York, race track where he covered 6 miles (10 km) at 98.5 mph (158.6 km/h), 8 miles (13 km) at 92.8 (149.4), and 10 miles (16 km) at 94.3 mph (151.8 km/h). This spawned a brisk market in Cunningham’s $6,000 speedsters.
Cunningham was a conservative company catering to conservative buyers. It didn’t follow annual model years, and didn’t change its cars for the sake of change, but only when improvements could be made, which seemed to suit its clientele just fine. A substantial part of Cunningham’s business continued to be funeral cars and ambulances.
In 1925 the Cunningham got hydraulic brakes, engine displacement was increased to 7.7 litres (471 cu in.) now driving through a three-speed gearbox, and the vacuum tank was replaced by a mechanical fuel pump.
Cunninghams continued to be exclusive and expensive. Prices averaged $8,000 in the 1920s and custom orders could run to twice that. This limited its purchasers to an exclusive market, including newspaperman William Randolph Hearst, chewing gum magnate Philip Wrigley, movie mogul Cecil B. DeMille, actor Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and actress Mary Pickford.
The stock market crash in 1929 and ensuing Depression ravaged the luxury car market, including Cunningham, who ceased building cars in 1931. It did, however, continue its funeral car and ambulance business. And it returned to its coachbuilding roots by building custom town car bodies for other makes of cars, particularly Ford. This practice would continue until 1936.
Cunningham diversified into such products as diving helmets and belt buckles, and during the Second World War built armoured cars and weapons carriers. After the war they produced such farm and gardening equipment as tractors and rotary tillers. Then in the 1950s Cunningham began producing electronic devices. The Cunningham name continued for many years after the vehicle business was gone.

Source : autos.ca

Car Restoration Culture

This past weekend I attended a drive in car show at a local Home Depot and then the next day went to a Memorial Day parade that also included dozens of older classic vehicles, starting with a Wells Fargo horse drawn wagon! I find myself more drawn to the one of a kind modified vehicles. The imagination and art that goes into those cars, even the Rat Rods, continues to amaze me. At some point you run out of the specialty big block, numbers matching meticulous restorations and you begin with the "put it together with what you can get" cars. I for one am thankful for the retromod and Rat Rod movements because they are saving some of the amazing metal sculptures of the past. There is no telling what you may see next!!

Autopartstomorrow.com

Cheap Classics?!

I am not sure what the reasoning may be but I seem to be seeing a trend towards affordable "classic" cars now available from locations around the U.S.. It probably is a combination of factors; bad economy, the emergence of resto-mod vehicles and newly available restoration parts from overseas, but I am happy to see it. I fall into the category of aging baby boomers wanting a piece of their history (on the very youngest end that is) and we seem to be driving this market. It may even be just a function of the internet making cars that were once a regional phenomenon, now available for purchase worldwide.

Either way, there are sites like this one in Texas that have regional cars at reasonable costs... and they seem to be pretty good deals. I am certainly no expert on what each vehicle should go for based on pedigree, etc.... I just know that I would probably rather have a classic vehicle that is unique for less than $20K than a run of the mill new sedan for $30K. Maybe we need to consider hanging on to those obsolete auto parts for a while longer. We probably do a pretty good job with the older AC Delco parts but I am not sure on the Ford parts. Just call us and we will check the inventory. That's what our auto parts specialists are here for!

Autopartstomorrow.com

Pause for Classic Cars

Sometimes it's just good to sit back and look at a beautiful car... Plus I'll throw in a link to a place in Texas that has a few more, for sale!

Autopartstomorrow.com

Classic Chrysler Photo Gallery

1949 Chrysler Town & Country convertible

 

1934 Chrysler Airflow

 

 1955 Chrysler C-300

1955 Chrysler C-300

1963 Chrysler Turbine Car

 

1963 Chrysler Turbine Car

The UK Classic Car Zero Tax Rate

Author: Verity Clark-Spencer

For most cars on the roads of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Vehicle Excise Duty, better known as road tax is due. This is the tax for which you receive a tax disc that is placed in the front windscreen and it is due every year, or six months.

Certain classic cars are exempt from paying this tax, and can obtain a tax disc without paying. This is a date based exemption, and the cut off date is 1st January 1973. If your car was manufactured before this date you are entitled to the tax disc without charge. This is due to the legislation presuming that you will do limited mileage in the vehicle. When the classic car legislation was initially implemented this was a rolling exemption for any vehicle over 25 years of age. However, this was changed by the government in 1997 and it was frozen at the 1973 date. This zero road tax class is known as the "Exemption from vehicle excise duty for historic vehicles".
Not all vehicles built before 1st January 1973 count as historic vehicles, but anything that you might consider a classic car is included under the "private or light goods vehicles" category. Most of the exclusions are for vehicles still used for commercial purposes.
When you tax a classic car for the first time, you need to take or post the documents to your local DVLA office. The documents include the vehicle registration certificate (V5C), the MOT certificate, valid insurance documents and the application form from the DVLA. For future years you will receive a reminder through the post in the same way as you do for a paid renewal. You still have to prove that the car has an MOT and is insured in order to get the zero rate of vehicle excise duty. For many classic cars, you will be able to get special insurance that caters for the specific needs of vintage vehicles. This will be dependent on the needs of the owner, but typically might include limited mileage, agreed value, historic rally cover and is often discounted if you have membership of a car enthusiasts club.
Of course if you are not lucky enough to own your own classic car, then taxing it won't be a necessary step. There are other routes if you want to drive a classic car, perhaps for a special occasion such as a wedding, a prom or a birthday, in which case you can hire out a number of classic cars for self-drive hire. Available by the day or week this is a popular way to experience the beauty, excitement and ride of a vintage car, without any of the complications of ownership.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/the-uk-classic-car-zero-tax-rate-4599157.html
About the Author

Verity Clark-Spencer is enthusiastic about vintage vehicles of all sorts, and is currently writing about classic car hire in Sussex and Hampshire with vanillaclassics.com

Approaches to Camaro Restoration

Author: Terry Newman

All restoration is not the same. There are progressive levels of quality that can be achieved in Camaro Restoration or in restoring any classic vehicle, and they are based primarily on how much time and money you can put in. Keep this in mind if you're looking to buy a restored classic. Some will be far better than others. If you are restoring one then give it the best you've got.


There is, of course, the cheap way, which appeals to lots of folks for the obvious reason: it's cheaper than other ways. The cheap way is to give a cosmetic make-over by doing some quick body work, giving it a paint job, and giving the engine a once-over with a little cleaning and painting. Those who choose this method are generally trying to make a fast buck or just don't have the money or time to do a good job. You can make an engine look good without rebuilding it, but all you have is a dressed up old engine. Low-quality body work usually comes back to haunt you later on, since it won't stand the test of time. Also there are problems with keeping old parts intact as they are already living on borrowed time, since most of the classics are thirty to forty years old. So the cosmetic makeover won't take you very far down the road (so to speak.)

One approach that's more affordable than a full restoration is the "frame up" restoration. This will include mostly work on the body, engine, and interior. The frame is given only a once-over to replace badly worn parts, such as brake lines. This approach cuts corners where the frame is concerned, but does give a good look and makes the vehicle relatively "highway-safe."

To go a little further in the restoration level would require a body off restoration, where the body is removed from the frame. This gives greater access to the frame and the floor pan as well as allowing for the replacement of nuts and bolts. The frame can be taken apart and sand-blasted, the exhaust system replaced, along with all the the suspension parts, ball joints and tie rod ends. The trunk and interior are restored to like-new condition and the engine can be rebuilt.

The Rotisserie method can be used for many of the classic vehicles with the unibody style of body. With this type of body the subframe and rear end can be removed allowing the body to be placed on a "rotisserie" arrangement. The vehicle can be turned to give access to any area that needs to be worked on. The Rotisserie method allows for best access to all areas so the highest amount of restoration can be achieved.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/approaches-to-camaro-restoration-4499307.html
About the Author

Terry Newman is a Camaro Restoration Specialist and owner of Camaro Junction in Bassett, Virginia. For more information about Camaro Restoration visit Camaro Junction at http://camarojunction.com/Article-Restoration.php.

Starting A Classic Car Club

Author: Carl Phillips

As is true with people who love any hobby, a lot of automobile aficionados would love the opportunity to get together with others who enjoy the same interest that they do. And, in the age of the Internet, forming a classic car club is easier than ever.

As a matter of fact, it is a lot easier to start a club today than it would have been 20, 30, or even in the last 5 years. But, first, you have to decide what type of classic car club you would like to form.


Are you going to charge members to join or will you offer membership for free? Will it be a club simply where like minded hobbyists can congregate and exchange emails and pictures - or will it be more? Will it be one where members trade acquisition and industry resources with each other? Will the club be limited to classic cars of a certain kind? In other words, what are you looking for?

If you search the Internet, you will quickly discover that there are a ton of popular forums, discussion boards, and the like where people who love classic cars already congregate. So, before you start a club, you first might want to search the Internet to see if one or more clubs of your liking, already exist. If not, then there are a few basic steps that you can take to get started.

Social media is the most popular way of interacting with other people today. And, without a doubt, the simplest way of getting your new classic car club up and running is to take advantage of social media platforms. For example, using a platform such as Facebook or Yahoo Groups, you can actually have a club up and running within a day. However, if you choose to use social media, the growth and rules of your club will be largely determined by the rules of the particular social media platform on which you create it. Therefore, if you want to completely set your own rules for membership and operation, the best advice is to start your own classic car club website.

This is supposed to be fun, so don't over think it. After all, the basics are not difficult. First, choose a domain name that you like and register it. If you want your club to be local, then append your locale to the name. For example, if you live in Montana and want to form a local mustang club, you might choose a name like MontanaClassicMustangClub.com.

Now that you have your domain name, you have to find a way of hooking it up to the Internet. And, you do this by using the services of a web hosting company. Find an inexpensive but reliable web hosting company to host your site. And, lastly, choose one of the many free content management or membership management software platforms to publish your membership site on. If you are technically challenged, you should have no problem finding a student in your area to help you get your site up and running.

After your site goes live, the hardest part will be over. Now you can start to have fun. Your biggest challenge will be figuring out a way to promote your web site so that people are aware of it. Once people become aware of your site, however, you can look forward to having years of enjoyment with your new community of friends.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/starting-a-classic-car-club-4362917.html
About the Author

Want to read more articles on classic cars? Please visit our website and find articles such as car paint colors, antique car prices, and more.

Classic Car Auctions: The Classic Cars You've Always Wanted

Author: Johnnie McGee

Classic car auctions are the first place you need to look if you're the type of person that has been saving up all your money, ever since you were a kid, for the car of your dreams. Classic cars are timeless, and they will always appeal to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or status. Just seeing one pass by would already give you the thrills; owning one is a totally different experience, one that doesn't compare to owning other material things in this world.

Classic car auctions are different than ordinary car auctions, because it appeals and caters to individuals who are willing to spend a lot of money for their love of classic cars. These auctions usually span two to three days in a row, and the cars are lined up to give auction-goers and potential buyers a better view of each car.
If you are interested in taking home a car from one of these auctions, you can wait for the actual auction to begin, or you can just buy the vehicle right on the spot for the owner's asking price. There is no definite time and location for these auctions so you need to get as much information as you can if you want to participate in one.
As mentioned earlier, the time span normally allotted for these types of auctions is two to three days. In the first day, the cars are first shown to the potential buyers, bidders, and curious spectators. On the second day, the interested buyers and bidders get to test drive the cars they like in a nearby testing stage. The last day will be allotted for the actual bidding and occasional buying of the cars. You should take note when it's time to bid for the cars so that you bid on it at the right time.
There are also fast-paced car auctions, wherein the cars being auctioned are shown running and then automatically be auctioned off. After a winning bid is placed, it will immediately be replaced by a new one and the bidding will commence soon after. These classic car auctions are commonly featured on television and in magazines.
However, the first type of auction is usually for invitational events, for example, an exclusive event of a classic cars motoring club, wherein members and friends of members are the ones invited. Unless you know people who can take you to these auctions, you have to look for other ways to go in.
The second type, which is advertised on TV and magazines, could be excessively priced compared to the first one.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/classic-car-auctions-the-classic-cars-youve-always-wanted-4335121.html
About the Author

There are websites that offer information about these classic car auctions near you, so checking them regularly can bring you closer to the classic cars that you've always wanted. To get more information on where you can find auctions in your area, click here: Classic Cars for Sale.

100 Years of the Rolls Royce

Author: Laura Hartson

The Rolls Royce is an iconic British car, known for its prestige and glamour. The car is famous for gliding and being the chosen vehicle of the rich and famous. And on the 7th of February, one hundred of the iconic cars took to the streets of London to celebrate its century birthday.

Drivers took their cars across London through Trafalgar square, Piccadilly Circus and to parliament square; an array of differing models from original Rolls to the more modern vehicles.
London was brought to a standstill as the iconic vehicle, with Silver Lady mascot at the helm, made a carnival down the streets. The silver lady was thought to be originally modelled on Eleanor Thornton who was the lover of Lord Montagu of Beauliue, the publisher of the first early car magazine. Their relationship was a secret and the model did not adorn the early models; it then became an optional extra until finally becoming standard on all models in the nineteen twenties.
The car was designed by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904, and has since served the Queen as one of the state cars, amongst other stars.
The Rolls Royce is deemed amongst the rich and famous to be the king of the cars, and has an air of mystery rivalled by no other motor, often nicknamed the silver ghost, the car has a hefty price tag and is therefore quite exclusive.
The car was dreamt up when Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in Manchester when they planned to make the ‘best car in the world'. It is now seen to be a global engineering company who are prominent in the defence, marine, aerospace and motor markets. The whole thing has evolved from the brain child of two men who strived to be the best in the field and achieve something new and exciting.
If you own a Rolls Royce then you may find that car insurance is pretty expensive; go online to find the cheapest Car Insurance and save the pennies for your car dreams. Otherwise, you will find it a lot easier to insure your common or garden vehicle.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/100-years-of-the-rolls-royce-4342171.html
About the Author

Muscle Cars: How to Rebuild and Modify Your Muscle Car

Author: Alex Baumm

After the World War II, muscle cars became an instant hit, as motorists and car buyers aimed to acquire vehicles that would showcase and show great power and speed. The term was basically a name description of what the car was to the industry.


Muscle cars were considered the instruments to bring back the glory and profitability of the global car industry. Muscle autos were hugely popular in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.



With the emergence of many other car brands and more superior car models, muscle cars are now nowhere in the map of global cars. However, there are still some of those vehicles that are in circulation within the market.



Those muscle autos are now considered novelty and collectors' items. If you happen to own one, it surely would be your interest to improve and revitalize the look and performance of your old car. Thus, you would certainly find ways on how you can rebuild and modify your muscle auto.



Here are some suggested procedures on how you can rebuild and revitalize the look and feel of your muscle autos. Take note that some auto detailing techniques may already be familiar to you, especially if you are into regular auto detailing.



1. Plan the restoration process ahead of time. Muscle cars are important and are sensitive cars. Any error or mistake on the rebuilding and auto detailing procedure could greatly harm and alter the overall appearance of the exterior of the car.



Thus, it would be advisable if you would do a research and ask experts on what to do right about your muscle auto. Make a simple list of things to do and do a checklist to serve as a guide as you do the rebuilding and modifying process.



2. Spend time and more effort rebuilding the body of the muscle cars. Pay particular attention to details. The overall body of the car should be given more care and proper treatment. Do you need to modify and do little changes at the engine and the overall system?



If you are not too familiar with it, just leave it to the experts. Just tell them what you want, what you aim and what you intend to do and let them do the rest.



3. Settle to do a major auto detailing. When the insides of the muscle autos are modified and improved, take time to do a major auto detailing process.



When you auto detail muscle cars, you aim to revamp and overhaul the total exterior and physical package of the vehicles. Repaint. Spend to repair damaged parts. Check the wheels. In no time, the muscle autos would look as awesome as new again.



4. To wrap things up, check the overall electrical system of the muscle autos. Pay attention to the electrical wirings responsible for the proper functioning of lights and horns. Make sure the battery is functioning well.



5. There is no need to change the overall physical appearance or the assembly of the body packaging, not unless you want to remodel your muscle autos. If you do so, your muscle cars would cease to be muscle cars and should be called through other names.



As your muscle cars take a new rejuvenation and look, always remember that muscle cars would not ever function like the modern powerful cars. During their time, muscle autos were the most powerful vehicles on the road.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/muscle-cars-how-to-rebuild-and-modify-your-muscle-car-344973.html
About the Author

Alex Baumm, member of the Carclubtalk Car Club. More than half a century has passed, so do not think Muscle Cars are still as superior. They would definitely make as good collectors' items, though. Ask your questions about Auto Detailing etc.

History of Muscle Cars in America

Author: Nayan Choure

Muscle Cars in America

A “muscle car” is a term referring to the high performance variety of automobiles. This term usually refers to Australian, South African and American automobile models. It is generally a 2-door mid-sized vehicle with a rear wheel drive. It also has a powerfully large V8 engine and sold at a very low price.


The very first one that came out was produced between 1960s and 1970s. In most cases, the two main purposes of muscle cars are for racing and street use. They are different from GTs and sports cars. These have two seats or 2+2, intended for touring and road racing. These are different from the muscles cars because of the small size, special nature and high cost. There are varied opinions as to whether compacts, high-performance cars as well as pony cars qualify as classic muscle cars.

The country of origin and age of a car determines if it is a classic muscle car or not. The use of the term “muscle car” occurred only after the end of the vehicle’s production. During the time when the production of muscle cars is still at its peak, the American media regard them as “super cars.”

History of American Muscle Cars

Some say that the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 from 1949 was the very first breed of muscle car. It aroused the public interest for its power and speed. It featured a powerful and innovative engine, consequentially America’s very first high-compression overhead valve or V8. This engine is present in the earlier Oldsmobile body. A magazine for muscle cars said that putting a V8 engine in the hood of a typical car and running faster like a sports car belongs to the Oldsmobile.

Some manufacturers showcased a performance of limited edition and flashy models. Chrysler is among the first ones that led such vehicles to become popular. An inspired mixture of Hemi luxury car trappings and power found in Chrysler’s 1955 C-300 became the newest attraction of NASCAR. This particular model became “America’s Most Powerful Vehicle” due to its 224 kW or 300 horsepower.

The model is also one of the best selling cars of its century. The C-300 has the ability to accelerate from 0 up to 60 miles per hour or 97 kilometers per hour within 9.8 seconds. The car can reach up to 120 miles per hour or 200 kilometers per hour. After two years, another fast car became available in the market. This honor belongs to the Rambler Rebel. As said by Motor Trend, Rambler Rebel is the fastest American sedan.

Muscle cars gained popularity in the 1960s. It happened when major companies such as Plymouth, Chrysler, Ford and Dodge battled in drag racing. The Dodge 1962 Dart Max Wedge, for instance, can run a quarter of a mile drag strip with just 13 seconds. This 1962 Dart Max Wedge can run more than 110 miles per hour or 170 kilometers per hour.

Muscle car productions from other manufacturers such as Pontiac, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile occurred in 1964. Between the years 1964 and 1965, Mopar introduced its 7-liter or 426 cubic inches V8 engine, special trim and sift linkage with shifted transmission. Ford released its Thunderbolts model in the same year.

We still see these vehicles today but the owners seldom use them. They have a second car which they use to go to work everyday. Meanwhile, the muscle car is stored in a safe place in their garage, kept as a collection.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/history-of-muscle-cars-in-america-1311117.html
About the Author

For more information on American Muscle Cars Shows and Auto & Muscle Car Part stores in Alaska.Please visit our website.

The Recognition Of The Hot Rod In Automotive Art

Author: Jacques Vaucher

Once upon a time, only a few years ago, if you went to an art exhibition like the Saturday night AFAS show preceding the Pebble Beach Concours, all you saw depicted was classic cars, mostly prewar cars like Duesenbergs, Bentleys, etc.

Then depictions of muscle cars started creeping in, on cat's feet so to speak, but this was inevitable because some of the greatest car artists of our time are former ad illustrators like Art Fitzpatrick who painted the immortal Pontiac Grand Prix and GTO illustrations. At age 20, he was already working with Howard "Dutch" Darrin, designing the 1940 Packard four-door.
Tom Fritz , of Ventura, CA, was one of the first American fine artists to "break the mold" and depict the cars he grew up with;not LeTourneau et Marchand Bugattis but good ol' hot rods he saw on the streets of San Fernando, an LA suburb. Tom's vivid childhood recollections of the motorcycle and automotive cultures prevalent in Southern California during the 60's and 70's are reflected in his work.Among his clients are Harley Davidson and his paintings hang in many corporate collections and museums including the NHRA Museum.
And then, just like out on the lawn of Pebble Beach, hot rods appeared. Oh, the painters, many of them, were familiar with hot rods, heck many either owned or lusted after the '32 Ford "Deuce" roadster in their youth but never wanted to admit it in polite company at events like Pebble Beach where the talk was all of Hispano-Suizas, Erdmann and Rossi 540Ks, James Young Phantoms and the like.
But now the secret is out. We all be hot rodders. Because fundamentally a car is a car and if it's mechanical we love it.
The depictions of hot rodding that have appeared in fine art so far are steeped in history—say paintings of hot rods being run at the dry lake beds where hot rodders raced them even before WWII. More modern setting depictions are rarer though recently there has been a blossoming of "cruise-ins", impromptu car shows, at places like drive-in restaurants nationwide.
And then there's the problem of the commercial cliché—if you show a hot rod in a drive-in restaurant (like the kind where the waitresses rolled out on roller skates to take your order) then you risk painting something that commercial retro-theme restaurants are still currently exploiting.
And once you've opened Pandora's box, how far do you go, because there's a deep dark secret about hot rods. Now neat and clean hot rods are one thing, but deep down if you research the genre, you find out there's another vein of hot rodding called the "rat rodding." Because back in the day hot rodders had enough money to buy Smitty mufflers or Rajo axles but didn't have enough money to paint the car so they ran them in flat primer. There's a whole subtext/genre of hot rodders who have no intention of ever finishing their cars to normal "finished car" standards. To them, it is an outlaw statement on four wheels to leave it unfinished.
Call it being "in your face."
One of the first books to show this side of the car world was the artful softbound Hot Rod by Barry Gifford with David Perry taking the pictures of rough cars built by some rough looking ("wife beater" t-shirts and lots of tattoos) dudes. Perry also wrote the movie Wild at Heart. This book captures the era when driving a hot rod made you a "bad dude" --almost as bad as riding a Harley.
There was a real life example of hot rod meets fine art that I saw a couple years ago at the AFAS tent at Pebble at their party. It was when Chip Foose, a young designer who has worked for the Detroit automakers but who now is famous for his hot rod designs, drove up to their tent in a Ford roadster –the car full of aeroplane parts like exhausts from a WWII fighter!
The artists poured of the tent to see his hot rod and there was plenty of admiration expressed—indicating that, deep down in many an American-born artist famous for depicting classic cars is a hot rodder who knew the names Bill Cushenberry, Dean Jeffries and Gene Winfield long before he ever heard of Sergio Pininfarina or Giorgetto GIugiaro….
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/the-recognition-of-the-hot-rod-in-automotive-art-2068508.html
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1967 Chevy Impala

Author: Daniel Legal

The Chevy Impala is one of the oldest and longest running vehicles ever to be manufactured. Through its extensive history the car has taken on many roles. What used to be a high end luxury minded car, has in more recent times been turned into a more budget minded family sedan. Current styling is however rather reminiscent of those older days when cars had more unique body curves and accentuations. The 1967 Chevy Impala marked nearly a decade of production, and added to what was becoming a rapidly growing customer base and popularity. Today the model is highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts.
The '67 model was part of the third generation that was entirely revamped from what was offered for body styling and drive trains of the originals.
While the first decade saw the car being Chevy's most expensive passenger vehicle, pricing and trim levels were reduced starting in '65. The vehicle was still positioned higher in class than most cars of the day. One of the most distinctive features of the Impala is the implementation of 3 sets of taillights. Also available for this year is the fabled SS model known for performance and luxury.
Body styles available with 2 doors include the convertible, coupe and hardtop. Four door models were offered as hardtops, sedans and station wagons. All of these models were redesigned with a more streamlined and sleek body style without all the curves of previous years. The bubble back roof line was a very popular style offered for sport coupes in this year as well. The sport coupe is probably one of the most sought after styles by car collectors after the 1963 model year which has the most favored body style of any Impala ever manufactured.
The engines offered include a 3.8 liter turbo thrift inline 6 cylinder engine (230 cu in), the 4.6 liter Turbo Fire V8 (282 cu in), a 5.4 liter Turbo Fire V8 (327 cu in), a 6.7 liter W-series Turbo Thrust V8 (409 cu in) and finally a 7.0 liter Z11 V8. The standard transmission available on all vehicles was a 3 speed manual. The 3 speed was the only one offered on many of the smaller engines. All of the V8 engines were offered with the standard transmission, along with a choice of a 4 speed manual or a 4 speed automatic, with the automatic coming with a much higher price tag.
While the 1967 Chevy Impala was no longer the most expensive passenger car in the companies lineup, it still came with very impressive interior materials, compartments and accessories. The seats saw increased cushioning and a better selection of fabrics and or leather. Outside of the vehicle more chrome accents were added along the entire length of the vehicle, as well as in front and back. Chrome was also used to house the distinctive set of 3 taillights. SS models used many aluminum parts for the engine, along with its side moldings.
Enthusiasts who are interested in the "coke" body styling that was used for the third generation of the car must consider purchasing a 1967 Chevy Impala. While they were popular back when first produced, there lore and draw have only increased during the nearly half century that has passed, making them one of the most prevalent cars at any classic show or showroom.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/1967-chevy-impala-2761041.html
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Find a 1967 Impala at the #1 trusted source for finding cars online, LemonFree.com New Car. LemonFree trusted source for find cars online; with over 2 million cars & trucks for sale, give it a test drive today! Oh, and don't forget to read our latest article 1967 Chevy Impala in the resources section.

Classic Car News: A 1930's Classic Is Revived

Author: Katie Norton

The legendary Alvis 4.3 litre is back in production, according to the Telegraph website, complete with "engine management, hydraulic brakes and fuel injection". One of the most innovative car manufacturers of the 1930's is back in business, and judging by the new and improved model, Alvis are back with a vengeance.
Red Triangle, the well-established Alvis Service Company have decided that the first steps to rejuvenating the classic Alvis is to wait until the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month, when the marque plan to announce details of this unique project, which will see the re-introduction of the "famous Alvis 4.3 litre model, 71 years after the last 4.3 litre Alvis was produced", according to Easier.com.

The Telegraph website has reported that anyone lucky enough to find an original Alvis model at auction would be looking to pay in the region of £400,000 - £450,000 for the elegant, open-top pre-war car. Red Triangle however plans to "produce new continuation models which will cost from around £170,000".
Like most classics, this vintage motor has played its part in motoring history, with the 4.3 litre model taking the title of "fastest non-supercharged production car of its day, covering 0-60mph in around 11 seconds", according to Easier.com, with the "continuation" series hopefully living up to this historic heritage.
According to Alan Stote, Red Triangle and Alvis Car Company proprietor, the re-birth of the Alvis model is "part of our overall business plan, which is to maintain service to existing Alvis owners but also to reintroduce selected authentic Alvis models in line with the vision of the Alvis Board all those years ago".
With its original allure and modern enhancements, the Alvis will be faithful to its classic roots while welcoming modern technological improvements – meaning this vintage vehicle should prove just as big a hit in the present as it was in the past.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/classic-car-news-a-1930s-classic-is-revived-2746742.html
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Sureterm Direct are constantly adapting their classic car insurance policies to provide new and improved insurance cover. Call free on 0800 999 2030 or click here for a competitive classic car insurance quote.

Purchasing a Classic Car – A Wise Decision or Not?

Author: William Jason

Classic cars have become extremely popular over the last decade. These cars are timeless and beautiful. They transport you back to a certain place in time when life was much more laid back. You may remember having your first Beetle ride with your grandparents or sharing that first kiss in your father's Mustang. Aside from the classic car's timeless charm, here are a few good reasons one of these beauties.


Most cars are liabilities, but a classic car can serve as an asset. Invest in the right model, and you will see the value of your car increase as time goes by. This has held true for almost every model that is in near mint, to mint condition. Even models that need work, such a rare Superbird can fetch unreal prices because of their demand. All in all, the higher the demand for your car and the condition of it will ultimately determine its value.

Keep in mind that the maintenance of your classic will be expensive if the parts are imports or hard to come by. So you will need to do this research beforehand, so that there are no surprises after your purchase it. Sometimes just finding a single part can be a real test of patience and determination, and it isn't always going to be easy on your wallet.

Another advantage to owning these types of vehicles is that you will meet others who share your passion for this hobby. You can exchange advice, information and history with them! You can even go the extra mile and join classic car owners clubs. It's nice to mingle with fellow classic car owners so you can gain access to information, tools and parts more easily.

You will find that many people who attend car cruises and car swaps are extremely nice and always willing to share their stories and educate a newbie about the hobby. I have personally learned a lot from many of these people and I know you will also.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/purchasing-a-classic-car-a-wise-decision-or-not-4190154.html
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William is the editor of MuscleCarMonster.com where you will find dozens of articles on your favorite muscle cars and other related classic cars.

Classic Cars For Sale Sports Muscle Old Street Hot Rods Trucks Motorcycles Auto Trader Classifieds 43

Author: Clyde Thorburn

A great classic old truck ready for purchase on the old ride trader classic cars for sale classifieds website is a two door nineteen fifty two Chevrolet 3100 Custom. The outside of this truck has been spray painted in a sunset pearl colour while the inside of the cab of the truck has been completed in grey. The truck has only got one thousand three hundred and forty four miles or two thousand one hundred and sixty four kilometres on its clock. This classic old truck has an automatic transmission and holds an eight cylinder engine. Interested buyers and classic car or truck collectors can view the Chevrolet in Dallas Fort Worth in the state of Texas in America. The classic car dealer/owner is asking a selling price of seventy two thousand United States dollars for this immaculate old classic truck.


The contact telephone number and email address of the dealer/owner are listed on the old ride website and this old classic truck can be searched by punching in specific details related to this truck on the website in order to find it. It took the current owners of this classic old truck four years to rebuild and restore this vehicle. The truck experienced a complete restoration and attention was paid to every detail. The truck will be sold to the new owner together with the related documentation such as a complete set of photos and receipts proving how the truck was rebuilt over the four year restoration period. This Chevrolet 3100 Custom truck holds many custom features as everything that has been put on the truck is new and in perfect condition.
The entire bodywork of this truck is steel, except for the back bumpers. Some of the many features that have been fitted onto this truck include a frame stiffened stock frame and powder coated brakes disc front/drum rear, front suspension Heidts Superide II IFS, rear suspension heavy duty leaf springs, front wheels Foose Monterey, 18 x 8 rear wheels Foose Monterey, 20 x 10 front tyres Nitto NT 420S 255/50 R18,back tyres Nitto NT420S 285/40 R20, engine crate 350HO 330HP, carburettor Holley 600, headers hugger type with jet-hot ceramic coating, exhaust dual flow master, 44 series transmission TCI 700R4 with overdrive, drive shaft Denny's (custom built and balanced), rear 10 bolt (Eaton Positrac with 4:10 gears), ignition HEI radiator heavy duty with electric fan, accessory drive vintage air front runner serpentine, fuel tank 19 gallon aluminium under bed style 3100 series and many more custom features.

People who have classic cars for sale and want to publicize that they have street rods for sale, muscle cars for sale, old cars for sale, hot rods for sale, trucks for sale, motorcycles for sale, antique cars for sale, vintage cars for sale or sports cars for sale, can do so by accessing http://www.oldridetrader.com to place their classic car classifieds for free.

Visit Classic Cars For Sale Classifieds to place your classic car classifieds for free.
To learn more about Classic Cars For Sale Classifieds and how to place your free classic car classifieds offered by Old Ride Trader visit this link Classic Cars For Sale Sports Muscle Old Street Hot Rods Trucks Motorcycles Auto Trader Classifieds.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/classic-cars-for-sale-sports-muscle-old-street-hot-rods-trucks-motorcycles-auto-trader-classifieds-43-4248797.html
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