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Classic Cars: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Restoring Car Leather
A step by step guide to repair and restore your car's leather interior.
Future Classics
There are many exciting 2008 cars being produced. So how do you decide which one to buy if your goal is to hold onto it for 25 years, and have it worth more than you orginally paid for it.
Inspection Check List
When we are considering a car as a potential purchase, we always use this car inspection checklist.
1970 Mini Cooper Convertible
1970 Mini Cooper Convertible
1970 Subaru 360 Van
1970 Subaru 360 Van
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible
1937 Cord 812 Coupe
1937 Cord 812 Coupe
1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite
1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite
The Barn Finds
The Barn Finds, 1971 Ferrari 246 Dino GT, Aston Martin DB2/4 and Chevron Racing Chassis
Wheel dolly
Wheel Dollies; vendors sell them at car shows, auctions and in car publications. Their manufacturers claim that these units will make moving a vehicle around the shop quick and simple.
Antique Cars 1880 Through 1916
The Antique car classification is used for cars built from the beginning of automotive development through 1916. They were first called “horseless carriages” and could have been powered by a gasoline combustion, steam or electric engine.
1956 Isetta Cabriolet
1956 Isetta Cabriolet
Determining the Market Value
Whether you’re buying or selling a classic car, you will want to determine its fair market value. Publications such as the Old Car Buyers Guide, Hemmings or NADA's Classic, Collectible and Special Interest Car Appraisal Guide & Directory are a good place to start. Their price guides rate a car's value using 6 categories according to their conditions that range from “pristine” to “basket case”.

1922 Ford Model T Depot Hack
1922 Ford Model T Depot Hack
Storing Your Classic Car
The majority of owners store their car rather than driving it in harsh winter weather. For those of you who live in snowy climates, you may have to store your cars as long as four to six months. Here are some storage tips to help preserve your precious investment.
Matching Numbers
An in depth explanation of the term “numbers matching car” and how to check if the car you own or intending to own can be considered in this group of higher valued vehicles.
1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Coupe
1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Coupe
Take Care of Your Car's Paint
How to take care of Classic Car's Paint - Washing, Waxing,and Polishing Tips for Your Car.
1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Convertible
1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Convertible
1965 Austin Mini Van
1965 Austin Mini Van
The Hupmobile
When the stock market goes into a nose dive and the economy is in a crisis, auto makers should not make the same mistakes the Hupp brothers.
Determing Market Value
Determining the Market Value of a Classic Car
1960 Fiat 600D
1960 Fiat 600D
1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sports Coupe Concept Car
1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sports Coupe Concept Car
1964 Triumph Spitfire
1964 Triumph Spitfire
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Freestone & Webb Sedanca
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Freestone & Webb Sedanca
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
Restoring Your Classics Chrome
There are two things that most people notice when they check out your ride - its paint and chrome. And if you are showing your car, these two factors alone can make the difference between a first place trophy and no trophy at all. Repainting a car is a job the home restorer can tackle, but replating needs a specialist. Here are some things we do to insure the job gets done right.
1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet
1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet
1964 Morris Minor Traveller
1964 Morris Minor Traveller
1905 Ford Model F Touring Car
1905 Ford Model F Touring Car
1939 Bugatti Type 57C Galibier Saloon
1939 Bugatti Type 57C Galibier Saloon
1941 Dodge WC Series 1/2-Ton Pickup
1941 Dodge WC Series 1/2-Ton Pickup
1960 Jaguar Mk. II 3.8L
1960 Jaguar Mk. II 3.8L
1965 Ford GT40
1965 Ford GT40 Goodwood Revival 2008
Volkswagen
Under the orders of Adolf Hitler, the VW Beetle was initially designed to provide cheap transport for the hard working German masses.
Meguiars Mag Polish
A review of Meguiars Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum Polish
1948 Tucker Serial #30
Preston Tucker's personal car, like all his cars, had features that were considered advanced for the time, like seat belts, a central headlight that turned with a front wheels, and a rear mounted flat-six engine. Tucker produced a proto-type in 1947 and 50 production cars one year later, but his inability to supply dealers with vehicles as scheduled caused his indictment on 31 counts of fraud. Although Tucker was acquitted, a lack of public confidence prevented him from resuming production.
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Brewster Henley Roadster
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Brewster Henley Roadster
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom Brewster Newmarket Convertible Sedan
1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom Brewster Newmarket Convertible Sedan
Leno's Tank Car Engine
Leno's Tank Car Engine
How to Start a Stored Car
Whether a car has been sitting for 3 months or three years, certain steps must be taken before you can just fire it up and head down the road, especially if you want to ensure many happy motoring experiences with it.
1960 Chevy Impala
1960 Chevy Impala Houston Classic Auction
1947 KB-12 International
1947 KB-12 International
1964 Mini Moke
1964 Mini Moke
1959 Metropolitan Hard Top
1959 Metropolitan Hard Top
More Mini Mokes
1967 Mini Mokes
1939 Diamond T Truck
1939 Diamond T Truck
General Motors
General Motors started out in 1908 as a holding company for Buick. One hundred years later, over nine million General Motors cars and trucks are being produced globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Daewoo, GMC, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall.
1901 Panhard et Levassor 10hp Cab
1901 Panhard et Levassor 10hp Cab
Lanes Girls in Period Dress at Goodwood Revival 2008
Lanes Girls in Period Dress at Goodwood Revival 2008
1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe
Seeing this 1925 Rolls-Royce Round Door Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe was by far the highlght of our tour at the Petersen Museum. It's size alone is overpowering. It's hard to believe that this "work of art" was consigned to a junk yard in 1950. It is not known who rescued the car from being scrapped, but East Coast entrepreneur Max Obie eventually acquired the unusual Rolls-Royce and refurbished it. Obie displayed the Round Door Rolls and charged curious enthusiasts to look at it.
1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7
1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7
1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 1 by Eagle
1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 1 by Eagle
Rowan Atkinson driving at Goodwood Revival 2008
Rowan Atkinson driving at Goodwood Revival 2008
Johnny Carson's 1939 Chrysler Royal Sedan.
Johnny Carson's 1939 Chrysler Royal Sedan.
Remove Bird Droppings
There is only one thing more devastating than to see bird poo come splattering down onto your car's lovely paint job - the damage it creates when you remove it incorrectly.
1940 Cadillac Bohman & Schwartz Convertible Victoria
1940 Cadillac Bohman & Schwartz Convertible Victoria
1936 Auburn 852 Boattail Speedster
1936 Auburn 852 Boattail Speedster
1928 Mercedes-Benz S Tourer
1928 Mercedes-Benz S Tourer
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Special Town Car
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Special Town Car
Classic Car Insurance Review
Before you go out and look for the best classic car insurance quote there are several things you need to decide. What are your expectations? Will you be driving the car year round, or is it a "show and shine" vehicle that only is out on warm summer weekends? Once you have determined what criteria you’re looking to protect your investment, you can choose which company has the right program for you.
1952 Allard J2 Roadster Raced by Carroll Shelby
1952 Allard J2 Roadster Raced by Carroll Shelby
1927 Fiat 509A Torpedo
1927 Fiat 509A Torpedo
1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental
1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental
1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Drop Head Coupe
1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Drop Head Coupe
1964 Morgan Plus 4
1964 Morgan Plus 4
1952/56 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton
In 1952 Chrysler supplied three custom-built Parade Phaetons for transporting dignitaries in special events. Built on the extended Crown Imperial chassis, all three were returned to Chrysler in 1955 to be updated with the new 1956 "Forward Look" styling. This particular model was frequently used by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and became known as "The Detroit Car". The federal government could not take title of the Chrysler because of its policy not to accept gifts.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko Copo Coupe
1 of 3 Camaros personally sold by Don Yenko, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko Copo Coupe
1925 Renault Model 45 Kellner Phaeton
1925 Renault Model 45 Kellner Phaeton
1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
Jay Leno's Tank Car
Jay Leno's Tank Car
1939 Packard Super Eight Phaeton
Parkard was one of the most highly regarded American cars of the prewar era. This magnificent Packard was used by Argentine strongman Juan Peron, and is believed to be the last vehicle his wife Evita rode in. This magnificent vehicle has a large eight cylinder engine that produced 130 horesepower and weighs over 5000 pounds. It was originally painted a dark color and was right-hand drive, but during its restoration in 1970, it was painted yellow and the steering position was changed.
Buying a Classic Car on eBay
EBay is now considered to be the dominant force in classic car and part sales. Learning how to access this large inventory of cars and how to bid accordingly, at or below its market value, may get you your dream classic sooner than you thought possible.
1924 Harley Davidson Oval Port 8-Valve Motorcycle
1924 Harley Davidson Oval Port 8-Valve Motorcycle
1923 Ford Model T
1923 Ford Model T at the 2008 Sedoa Car Sow
1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante
1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante
1962 Studebaker GT Hawk
1962 Studebaker GT Hawk
1957 Tatra T603
1957 Tatra T603
1939 Maybach SW38 Spohn 4 Door Cabriolet
1939 Maybach SW38 Spohn 4 Door Cabriolet
1954 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spyder
1954 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spyder
1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan
1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan
1929 Ford Model AA
1929 Ford Model AA
1912 National 2 Man Race Car
1912 National 2 Man Race Car
fule sending unit
Replace Your Fuel Tank Sending Unit - how to replace fuel sending unit- fuel tank sending unit
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta
1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible
1962 Chaika Parade Convertible
This imposing four-door convertible was the official parade car of Nikita Khrushchev during the final years of his regime. Premiere of the USSR from 1958 through 1963, Khrushchev had two of these cars built to order, one of which he gave as a gift to the Russian Cosmonaut Yurl Gargarin. Upon Gargarin's death in 1968, both cars were given to Hungarian President Janos Kadar and remained in Hungary until the collapse of communism in 1989, after which they were exported to the United States.
1929 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton
1929 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton
1939 Delahaye 165
1939 Delahaye 165
1936 Auburn 852SC Boattail Speedster
1936 Auburn 852SC Boattail Speedster up for Auction at RM in Monterey
1979 MGB Roadster
1979 MGB Roadster
1958 Austin Healey 3000
1958 Austin Healey 3000
renault
It was the genius and initiative of Louis Renault that makes this marque the oldest surviving French auto company, and well known for numerous revolutionary designs, security technologies, and motor racing.
1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia
During the 1950s, it was still possible to order a chassis from a manufacturer and have it sent to a coach builder to be fitted with a custom body. One of only two known to have been built by Ghia, this coupe was purchased by Ali Khan for the actress Rita Hayworth. Although its European body looked exotic compared to American cars of the day, this coupe was reliable, easy to drive, and simple to maintain thanks to its Cadillac underpinning.
Before you buy
You won't find this information in car magazines, but every classic car owner will agree with these 7 important aspects to consider before you purchase your classic.
Insuring Your Classic Car
Choosing the right insurance for your classic or collector car is the best way to protect your investment.
1931 Chrysler Imperial Sedan
1931 Chrysler Imperial Sedan
1952 Allard
1952 Allard
1930 Ford Model A
1930 Ford Model A
1970 Fiat 500
1970 Fiat 500 at the 2008 Arizona Concorso
1911 Locomobile Model M-48 Seven Passenger Touring
1911 Locomobile Model M-48 Seven Passenger Touring
What Makes it a Classic?
A classic car is really a generic term that can cover many genres of cars worthy of being considered "collectable". There are many that would use the term "classic" for a 1924 Packard and a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 in the same breath. Here's our take on a vehicle's proper classification according to the era of its conception.
1942 Crosley Convertible
1942 Crosley Convertible
1915 Lancia Theta Spider
1915 Lancia Theta Spider
1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Runabout
1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Runabout
1928 Huppmobile Model A Century Six
1928 Huppmobile Model A Century Six at the 2008 Sedona Car Show
1941 Lincoln Continental
1941 Lincoln Continental
1932 Lincoln KB Sports Phaeton
1932 Lincoln KB Sports Phaeton
Lagonda V12 Sedanca Coupe
Lagonda V12 Sedanca Coupe
1940 Lincoln Zephyr - Babe Ruth Car
1940 Lincoln Zephyr - Babe Ruth Car
1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
2009 Bugatti Veyron
2009 Bugatti Veyron at the 2008 Concorso Arizona
Abbreviations
To help you understand classified ads, here is a list of the most utilized abbreviations, and their meanings, used in classic car ads.
1923 Model Ford TT United Parcel Delivery Truck
Like their Model T passenger cars, Ford trucks were popular because they were rugged, reliable, and inexpensive to buy and operate. To enhance marketability, Ford offered their commercial vehicles in a variety of configurations. This delivery truck, an open cab model, was fitted with an enclosed cargo box and was originally used by United Parcel Service (UPS) to deliver packages.
Maybach History
Maybach became established as a luxury brand which exploits all technological possibilities to the fullest. Their cars would not be cars for the common man, but for those of great wealth and discriminating taste.
1920's GMC Truck with Roll Up Windows
1920's GMC Truck with Roll Up Windows
1927 Studebaker
1927 Studebaker
1944 Willy Overland Jeep
1944 Willy Overland Jeep
1929 Chevrolet Imperial Landau Convertible
1929 Chevrolet Imperial Landau Convertible
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
1928 Packard 4-43 Phaeton
1928 Packard 4-43 Phaeton
2007 Shelby Daytona Coupe
2007 Shelby Daytona Coupe at the Sedona Car Show
1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A
1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A
1953 Cadillac Ghia
1953 Cadillac Ghia
1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione
1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione
1930 Stutz "Jones Special" Indy Race Car
1930 Stutz "Jones Special" Indy Race Car
1936 Corbitt Truck
1936 Corbitt Truck
1920's GMC Truck with Roll Down Doors
1920's GMC truck with roll down doors
1913 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout
The Mercer was named after the county where it was made, Mercer County, New Jersey. It was built by F.W and C.G Roeling, who also constructed the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The 1913 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout was equipped with a 60 horsepower, 300 cubic inch engine, and was capable of sustained speeds in excess of 75 mph. This particular example is believed to be the most original Mercer Type 35-J in existence.
Antique Tow Truck
Antique Tow Truck
1959 Metropolitan Convertible
1959 Metropolitan Convertible
1970 Plymouth GTX
1970 Plymouth GTX
MG Car Company
During WWII, the American soldiers stationed in England became very fond of British roadsters, one in particular was the MG. Upon their return, there was nothing back in the US that had the same sporty handling. It didn't take too long until the MG found it's way onto US roadways.
Pontiac
The history Pontiac Motor Company began in the early nineteen hundreds, thanks to Cadillac.
Doris the Morris
Michele's 64 Morris Minor Traveller
Condition Rating System
While sorting through the trade magazines, classified ads and internet auctions; understanding the terminology used to rate a cars condition will help you determine the cars market value and what price you should pay. Here's a tip to understand the 100 Point and Six Category classic car condition rating system used by the most popular classic car value guides.
1899 Fairbanks Morse 22hp Gas Engine
1899 Fairbanks Morse 22hp Gas Engine
collectorbargains
If you want to begin collecting collectable cars, but your budget has a choke hold on choices, get 'em while their not "hot".
1931 Bugatti Type 51 Dubos Coupe'
1931 Bugatti Type 51 Dubos Coupe'
1930 Cord L-29 Phaeton Sedan
1930 Cord L-29 Phaeton Sedan
1954 Cunningham C-3 Vignale
1954 Cunningham C-3 Vignale
1939 Ford Truck
1939 Ford Truck
1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster
1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster
The Isetta Class
The Isetta Class
1933 Duesenberg J LaGrande Sports Phaeton
1933 Duesenberg J LaGrande Sports Phaeton
1948 Morris Convertible
1948 Morris Convertible
1924 Bugatti Type 35
1924 Bugatti Type 35
Radial Tires or Bias-ply
We’ve come to the conclusion that the answer to the Bias-ply versus Radial tire question rests solely with the cars owners. But to make that decision, you need to be armed with ample information to make the best choice for your classic.
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