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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.
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.
Determing Market Value
Determining the Market Value of a Classic Car
Got Rust?
The standard approach to rust removal has been to sand blast or scrape down to bare metal, prime with a rust-inhibiting primer and then paint. When we come across rust on our cars or restoration project, we found using rust converters in the form of brush-on liquids to be an attractive alternative.
Take Care of Your Car's Paint
How to take care of Classic Car's Paint - Washing, Waxing,and Polishing Tips for Your Car.
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.
Inspection Check List
When we are considering a car as a potential purchase, we always use this car inspection checklist.
How to Start a Stored Car
Cars that have been resting peacefully for a long period of time don't take kindly to an abrupt wake up call. They will be as nasty as a grizzly bear prematurely jolted out of hibernation and you will pay the price of their wrath.

So just curb your excitement of getting behind the wheel of your sleeping beauty and follow these steps to get a happy ending.

Determining the Market Value
To appraise your car, rate each of the following items listed on a scale of one to five, using five as
How To Decide Which Car
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to buy and restore an older car, the next decision is which car
What Carroll Shelby Meant to One Enthusiast
Carroll Shelby International announced on May 11, 2012, that Carroll Hall Shelby, a man whose vision for performance transformed the automobile industry, has died at age 89. One Shelby fan in particular sent me this note shortly after Carroll’s passing and we would like to share it as he pretty much sums up what most us are feeling.
The Best Dashboards of Monterey
With every major classic car event we focus on a particular feature of the automobile which, over time, car makers have improved its functionality or used it to differentiate a marque creatively. In the past, we’ve looked at hood ornaments, headlamps and rear-ends with great appreciation of those who stand out as being unique and attractive. At the Monterey Classic Car week we found ourselves immediately attracted to the variety of extremely beautiful and unusual dashboards.
Volkswagen
Under the orders of Adolf Hitler, the VW Beetle was initially designed to provide cheap transport for the hard working German masses.
1956 Isetta Cabriolet
1956 Isetta Cabriolet
1899 12hp Daimler
1899 12hp Daimler
Classic Car Insurance Review
Classic Collectors Insurance : Classic Collectors insure antique, classic, street rods, pro-streets,
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
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.
Goodwood Revival 2010
Every year in September classic car enthusiasts and motor-sports fans can step back in time for three days and be constantly delighted by all there is to see and do.
1960 Fiat 600D
1960 Fiat 600D
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.
Insuring Your Classic Car
Choosing the right insurance for your classic or collector car is the best way to protect your investment.
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.
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.
1970 Mini Cooper Convertible
1970 Mini Cooper Convertible
The Trabant
November 9, 2009 marked the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and if any of you have been watching some of the recent documentaries to celebrate the event, you may have noticed a particular little car keep showing up.
1970 Subaru 360 Van
1970 Subaru 360 Van
Ten Most Expensive Cars Sold At Auction
Ten Most Expensive Cars Sold At Auction
ZDDP
After 70+ years of trouble-free, metal-metal anti-wear protection, the E.P.A. is forcing ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithio Phosphate, containing both Zinc and Phosphorus) from domestic motor oil. Is this a good or bad thing?
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.
1965 Austin Mini Van
1965 Austin Mini Van
1912 Renault Type CB Coupé de Ville
1912 Renault Type CB Coupé de Ville
The Barn Finds
The Barn Finds, 1971 Ferrari 246 Dino GT, Aston Martin DB2/4 and Chevron Racing Chassis
1964 Triumph Spitfire
1964 Triumph Spitfire
The Edsel
The Edsel, was it the wrong car at the wrong time, was it too big when small was in, or was the name just too strange to be a luxury car. It was all of those and more.
1937 Cord 812 Coupe
1937 Cord 812 Coupe
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.
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.
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.
History of Jaguar
For the last six years, Jaguar has achieved top marks in the J. D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index study, three of those years claiming the #1 spot. But it wasn't always that way for the British marque.
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.
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.
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.
1941 Dodge WC Series 1/2-Ton Pickup
1941 Dodge WC Series 1/2-Ton Pickup
1964 Morris Minor Traveller
1964 Morris Minor Traveller
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.
The Elegance at Hershey
The Elegance at Hershey will bring the finest of race cars and show quality collector cars of the pre-World War II and immediate post-World War II period together for a weekend celebrating the automobile. But this is so much more than a celebration, it is also about causes and raising money for charity.
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible
1911 Locomobile Model M-48 Seven Passenger Touring
1911 Locomobile Model M-48 Seven Passenger Touring
Prevent Overheating
Keeping your older car from overheating and leaving you stranded can be easy if you follow our preventative maintenance tips on a regular basis.
Glossary
Classic car glossary of terms and definitions that you'll need to know in order to understand and communicate properly.
Ethanol and Classic Cars
There's a lot of conflicting opinions on whether or not Ethanol fuel can cause damage to Classic cars but a recent study shows it may not be the enemy after all.
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
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.
Site seeing at Château de Pierrefonds
The France Jaguar Tour site seeing Château de Pierrefonds
Ten Most Expensive Cars
1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe
GT500 SE Super Snake Fastback
GT500 SE Super Snake Fastback
How to Replace Your Door Panel
How to Replace Your Classic Car's Door Panel
1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite
1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite
Pontiac
The history Pontiac Motor Company began in the early nineteen hundreds, thanks to Cadillac.
collectorbargains
Anyone who has looked through the sales results at Barrett-Jackson or RM Auctions would have good reason
Engine Compression Test
Is your engine running rough or lacking power? One of the first things we suggest you do is a compression test. It's easy with the right equipment and something you can do in your own garage.
The 1957 Ford Fairlane
In 1957 the Ford Motor Company applied a series of innovative design principles to its automobiles. Spearheaded by the Chief of Styling, George W. Walker, the 1957 Fords successfully challenged the norm and won. In short, it was the impact of the company’s “equaflair” styling expressed in its most appealing Fairlane series that boosted Ford’s reputation as a leader in car manufacturing.
The Moon Car
Joseph Moon was one of five brothers of an Ohio farming family. When each one of the boys turned twenty
1929 Chevrolet Imperial Landau Convertible
1929 Chevrolet Imperial Landau Convertible
1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet
1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet
1964 Mini Moke
1964 Mini Moke
1960 Chevy Impala
1960 Chevy Impala Houston Classic Auction
Johnny Carson's 1939 Chrysler Royal Sedan.
Johnny Carson's 1939 Chrysler Royal Sedan.
1939 Ford Truck
1939 Ford Truck
1950 Crosley Convertible
1950 Crosley Convertible
1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante
1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante
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.
When it’s Time to Sell
We love buying old cars and fixing them up. But that means something has to go to make room for the new arrival. All our cars mean something special to us so when it comes time to sell one, it can be pretty emotional. Properly marketing our cars helps to ease the pain by speeding up the sale and getting a fair price.
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.
fule sending unit
Replace Your Fuel Tank Sending Unit - how to replace fuel sending unit- fuel tank sending unit
1953 Fiat V8 Supersonic
1953 Fiat V8 Supersonic
Classic Car Theft
Protecting your Classic Car from would be thieves can be as easy as installing a battery cut-off device, or you can go high tech with a global tracking device. We suggest both, and a few others.
Coolants For Classics
Usually car fluids that advertise a newer, better, or best technology isn't best for older cars and their internal parts. But we are always on the look out for new products that just might be the exception to the rule.
The 1939 85 Ford Emblem
The 1939 Ford 85 Emblem
The First Stainless Steel Car
The Delorean may have been the first stainless steel car that comes to mind in conversation, but it wasn't the first to get on a production line.
Renting a Classic Car
If your looking for a special car for a special occasion, renting a classic or collector just got easier.
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.
1952/56 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton
In 1952 Chrysler supplied three custom-built Parade Phaetons for transporting dignitaries in special
1939 Bugatti Type 57C by Vanooren
This striking and supercharged Bugatti was originally owned by the Prince of Persia; it was a gift from the French government for his first wedding. The dramatic body was constructed by Van Vanvooren of Paris, with features that included fully skirted vendors, a top that when down conceals under a metal panel, and a windshield and that can be lowered into the cowl by means of a hand crank mounted under the dashboard.
1898 Daimler Cannstatt
1898 Daimler Cannstatt, vintage cars
1960 Jaguar Mk. II 3.8L
1960 Jaguar Mk. II 3.8L
Southwind Heater
Are you tired of waiting for your classic car to warm up in order to have your heater start delivering hot air? A Southwind Heater will have you toasty Warm in 90 Seconds.
1940 Lincoln Zephyr - Babe Ruth Car
1940 Lincoln Zephyr - Babe Ruth Car
Some good looking Fiats
1970 500F Fiat and 1958 600 Fiat
Affordable Classics
Do you love going to classic car shows and wish that you could afford to own one of these older cars? Well you can, you just need to know what to look for that won't bust your budget.
Why to Go To A Car Auction
If you like watching collector and classic car auctions on television, you'll love attending one in person and here's our top reasons why you will.
Disassembling Your Classic
The first part of the disassembly process is to understand that this will be a slow and deliberate process. Don’t get any bright ideas on a Sunday afternoon after a few beers that you and a couple of buddies should get started on your restoration project.
The First Ferrari Road Car
A classic car's value is based on its originality and rarity. So what do you call the first Ferrari road car that's in its original condition...priceless. We were able to get up close and personal with this historic car and have assembled this photo gallery for your viewing pleasure.
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
What Makes it a Classic?
A classic car is really a generic term that can cover many genres of cars worthy of being considered
1969 Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car
1969 Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car
Meguiars Mag Polish
A review of Meguiars Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum Polish
History of the Headlight
Today we pretty much take our car's headlights for granted. In fact, so many newer car's lights come on automatically triggered by sensors that owners might be hard pressed to actually tell you where the light switch is. But it wasn't always that easy for cars to light up the road.
1939 Bantam Roadster
1939 Bantam Roadster
Remove Veneer
Removing Veneer From Wood
1959 Metropolitan Hard Top
1959 Metropolitan Hard Top
1942 Custom Lincoln Limousine
This 1942 custom Lincoln limousine was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Harry S. Truman.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
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.
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.
1922 Ford Model T Depot Hack
1922 Ford Model T Depot Hack
1942 Crosley Convertible
1942 Crosley Convertible
1917 Pierce-Arrow Four-Passenger Touring Car
1917 Pierce-Arrow Four-Passenger Touring Car
Stripped Wheel Stud
How to replace a stripped Wheel Stud - replace wheel stud - stripped wheel stud
1939 Ford 95 Emblem
1939 Ford 95 Emblem
1930 Ford AA Truck
1930 Ford AA Truck
1935 Pierce-Arrow 12 Convertible Coupe
1935 Pierce-Arrow 12 Convertible Coupe
Classic Cars 1925 Through ?
If you were to ask 10 car enthusiasts their definition of a “classic car”, you would probably get 10
1954 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spyder
1954 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spyder
1903 Cadillac Model A Runabout
Introduced in January 1903 at the Third Annual National Automobile Show at the Madison Square Garden, the Cadillac Model A runabout with its single cylinder, ten horsepower engine, could reach a top speed of 30 mph.
1939 Maybach SW38 Spohn 4 Door Cabriolet
1939 Maybach SW38 Spohn 4 Door Cabriolet
More Mini Mokes
1967 Mini Mokes
Bristol
Bristol is celebrating 64 years of making Great Britain's most exclusive luxury car. They make about a few cars a week, by hand, and are sold directly from the company without dealers or distributors.
1959 Metropolitan Convertible
1959 Metropolitan Convertible
Adam's Detail Spray
When we make the rounds at car shows or auctions, we see the usual products being used for those last minute touch ups and detailing. Meguiars and Mothers detailing sprays seem to be two of the most popular bits of ammunition in the battle of whose car shines the brightest. But there's a new kid on the block.
The Isetta Class
The Isetta Class
1957 Dodge Regent
1957 Dodge Regent
History of the Sunbeam
When most car folks hear the name Sunbeam, the first model that may come to mind is the Tiger. But this little car maker broke land speed records and won Grand Prix races.
Duesenberg
What classic car combines luxury, style and elegance with the mechanical precision of a Rolls-Royce and the amazing acceleration and blinding speed of a Bugatti? A Duesenberg!
1925 Renault Model 45 Kellner Phaeton
1925 Renault Model 45 Kellner Phaeton
1936 Auburn 852 Boattail Speedster
1936 Auburn 852 Boattail Speedster
Abbreviations
To help you understand classified ads, here is a list of the most utilized abbreviations, and their meanings, used in classic car ads.
1951 Delahaye 235 Saoutchik Cabriolet
1951 Delahaye 235 Saoutchik Cabriolet
1964 Morgan Plus 4
1964 Morgan Plus 4
1970 Fiat 500
1970 Fiat 500 at the 2008 Arizona Concorso
Bo's General Lee 1969 Charger Coupe
Bo's General Lee 1969 Charger Coupe
1956 Porsche
1956 Porsche 356 1500 GS Carrera Returns to Pebble Beach
1912 Locomobile Model 48 Torpedo 5 Passenger
1912 Locomobile Model 48 Torpedo 5 Passenger
1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing
1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing
1956 XKSS Jaguar
The XKSS was a road-going version of Jaguar's D-Type racing car. Just one of 16 built, it was originally white with a red interior, but after McQeen purchased the car he had it painted green, polished the Dunlap wheels, and had the interior done in black. It is reported that McQueen did much of the maintenance work himself, and collected so many speeding tickets that he came close to having his driver's license suspended twice during his first year of ownership.
1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 1 by Eagle
1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 1 by Eagle
1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Convertible
1958 Chevrolet Impala Sport Convertible
Joining a Classic Car Club
Joining a Classic Car Club
1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Runabout
1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Runabout
Bonhams First Scottsdale Sale
Bonhams has been one of the big players within the classic car auction circuits for many years, but 2012 was the first year they came to one of the biggest weeks for classic car enthusiasts, the Annual Scottsdale Classic Car Auctions. And were glad they came.
1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan
1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan
1931 Bugatti Type 51 Dubos Coupe'
1931 Bugatti Type 51 Dubos Coupe'
1936 Auburn 852SC Boattail Speedster
1936 Auburn 852SC Boattail Speedster up for Auction at RM in Monterey
Car Restoration Projects
If you've always wanted to restore a classic or collector car, the right way, don't even think about writing a check or getting your fingers greasy until you have completed these important steps.
1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible
1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible
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.

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