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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.
Determing Market Value
Determining the Market Value of a Classic Car
Abbreviations
To help you understand classified ads, here is a list of the most utilized abbreviations, and their meanings, used in classic car ads.
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 [link url=od/buyingadvise/qt/ratingtip.htm]6 categories[/link] according to their conditions that range from “pristine” to “basket case”. [br][br]
Old Cars Weekly
Old Cars Weekly Review
1970 Mini Cooper Convertible
1970 Mini Cooper Convertible
Take Care of Your Car's Paint
How to take care of Classic Car's Paint - Washing, Waxing,and Polishing Tips for Your Car.
Inspection Check List
When we are considering a car as a potential purchase, we always use this car inspection checklist.
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.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
1956 Isetta Cabriolet
1956 Isetta Cabriolet
Insuring Your Classic Car
Choosing the right insurance for your classic or collector car is the best way to protect your investment.
1964 Mini Moke
1964 Mini Moke
1964 Triumph Spitfire
1964 Triumph Spitfire
1970 Subaru 360 Van
1970 Subaru 360 Van
1965 Austin Mini Van
1965 Austin Mini Van
Johnny Carson's 1939 Chrysler
Johnny Carson's 1939 Chrysler Royal Sedan.
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.
1953 Cadillac Ghia
1953 Cadillac Ghia
Top Gear Spots Future Classics
Top Gears video on how to spot a future classic, which includes the Volkswagen Corrado Vr6 and the Mercedes-Benz 190 Cosworth, is a must see.
1939 Maybach SW38
1939 Maybach SW38 Spohn 4 Door Cabriolet
1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Spri
1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite
Meguiars Mag Polish
A review of Meguiars Hot Rims Mag and Aluminum Polish
1960 Jaguar Mk. II 3.8L
1960 Jaguar Mk. II 3.8L
BarnFinds
The Barn Finds, 1971 Ferrari 246 Dino GT, Aston Martin DB2/4 and Chevron Racing Chassis
1964 Morgan Plus 4
1964 Morgan Plus 4
Round Door Rolls
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.
1960 Fiat 600D
1960 Fiat 600D
1936auburnbotail
1936 Auburn 852 Boattail Speedster
1967 Mini Mokes
1967 Mini Mokes
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.
1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
1950 Crosley Convertible
1950 Crosley Convertible
1936mercedes540K
1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet
1922 Ford Model T Depot Hack
1922 Ford Model T Depot Hack
Sunbeam
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
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.
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.
1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante
1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante
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.
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.
1964 Morris Minor Traveller
1964 Morris Minor Traveller
1937cord812
1937 Cord 812 Coupe
1939 Bugatti Type 57C Galibier
1939 Bugatti Type 57C Galibier Saloon
1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I
Since the car was originally delivered in 1925, most of the chassis and drive train components were mid-1920s vintage. And since the body was constructed in 1934, most of the gauges and interior fittings were found to be from the mid 1930s. To compliment the round doors, two-piece side windows were designed to lower by means of a centrally mounted hand crank.
1959 Metropolitan Hard Top
1959 Metropolitan Hard Top
The Isetta Class
The Isetta Class
1929 Ford Model AA
1929 Ford Model AA
1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 1 by Eagle
1928 Mercedes-Benz S Tourer
1928 Mercedes-Benz S Tourer
1939 Bantam Roadster
1939 Bantam Roadster
1939 Diamond T Truck
1939 Diamond T Truck
1952/56 Chrysler Imperial
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.
1939 Bantam Roadster
1939 Bantam Roadster rear view
1948 Morris Convertible
1948 Morris Convertible
1925 Renault Model 45 Phaeton
1925 Renault Model 45 Kellner Phaeton
1941dogewc
1941 Dodge WC Series 1/2-Ton Pickup
1942 Crosley Convertible
1942 Crosley Convertible
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom
1929 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton
1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental
1931 Chrysler Imperial Sedan
1931 Chrysler Imperial Sedan
1988 Porsche 959S
1988 Porsche 959S
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.
1923 Model Ford TT UPS 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.
Some good looking Fiats
1970 500F Fiat and 1958 600 Fiat
Sherry's 69 Camaro
Sherry's 69 Camaro
1954 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spyder
1954 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spyder
Doris the Morris
Michele's 64 Morris Minor Traveller
1927 Fiat 509A Torpedo
1927 Fiat 509A Torpedo
1951 MGTD
1951 MGTD
1959 Metropolitan Convertible
1959 Metropolitan 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.
1936 Corbitt Truck
1936 Corbitt Truck
1939 Ford Truck
1939 Ford Truck
1947 KB-12 International
1947 KB-12 International
Classic Cars 1925 Through ?
The debate over the definition of a "Classic Car" will not end here. In fact, we won't even try to voice our opinion on the matter - but you'll read about others who do.
The 1939 Ford 85 Emblem
The 1939 Ford 85 Emblem
1925 Round Door Rolls
When the "Round Door Rolls" came into the possession of the Petersen Automotive Museum in the spring of 2001, Mr. and Mrs.Petersen decided to perform a ground-up restoration. Well meaning, but careless former owners had taken a number of liberties when renovating the car. In order to reverse this damage, virtually every component was removed, checked for wear and authenticity, then reconditioned or replaced as needed. The car sprayed black to highlight its subtle contours and striking profile.
1939 Ford 95 Emblem
1939 Ford 95 Emblem
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.
1886 Benz Replica
1886 Benz Replica
1902 Electric Studebaker
1902 Electric Studebaker
1937licolnmodelk
1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan
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.
Glossary
Classic car glossary of terms and definitions that you'll need to know in order to understand and communicate properly.
collectorbargains
If you want to begin collecting collectable cars, but your budget has a choke hold on choices, get 'em while their not "hot".
1927 Studebaker
1927 Studebaker
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.
Paddocks at Le Mans
Walking the paddocks of the Le Mans Classic
1913 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabou
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.
Pontiac
The history Pontiac Motor Company began in the early nineteen hundreds, thanks to Cadillac.
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.
AC Sports Cars
AC is the oldest British car manufacturer with continuous production of cars since 1901.
1939 Packard Super Eight
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.
1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A
1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A
1939 Bugatti Type 57C
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.
1938 Bentley MX Vanden Plus
1938 Bentley MX Vanden Plus
fule sending unit
Replace Your Fuel Tank Sending Unit - how to replace fuel sending unit- fuel tank sending unit
Running Start
Classic Le Mans Running Start
donsTractors
1923 Clark Three Wheeled Tructractor
studebackers
Don's Studebakers at Gold King Mine
BrandsHatch
Brands Hatch England Racing Circuit
1958 'Knobbly' Lister Jaguar
1958 'Knobbly' Lister Jaguar.
Christies' at Le Mans
Christies' Auction at Le Mans
1958 Austin Healey 3000
1958 Austin Healey 3000
1912renault
1912 Renault Type CB Coupé de Ville
Lea Francis
Lea Francis
Austin Healy
Profile of the Austin Healy from 1953 to 1967
1920's GMC Truck
1920's GMC truck with roll down doors
1947 Cisitalia 202 Coupe
Cisitalia was one of several small Italian firms that were established after World War II to build specialty sports cars with inexpensive Fiat components. The firms first model was the Type 202, a Pinin Farina designed grand touring fastback with a modified 1100cc Fiat engine. Considered revolutionary, a Pinin Farina- bodied Cisitalia 202 was featured in the 1951 New York Museum of modern Art show entitled '8 Automobiles"; an exhibit that studied excellent in automotive body design.
Parking at Le Mans
Parking at Le Mans inside the circuit
World War I Packard
World War I Packard
1935piercearrow
1935 Pierce-Arrow 12 Convertible 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.
goldKingMine
Gold King Mine
1929chevimperial
1929 Chevrolet Imperial Landau Convertible
1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe
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.
1924 Franklin Model 10C Sedan
Built in Syracuse, New York, Franklin was the most popular domestic air-cooled car prior to the Chevrolet Corvair. They used wooden frames for lightness and comfort and full elliptic suspension for a smooth ride and minimal tire wear. The 1924 Franklin was said to be the ideal car for extreme climates because it's air cooled engine could neither over heat or freeze.
1920's GMC Truck
1920's GMC Truck with Roll Up Windows
Bugatti
In 1909, Ettore Bugatti began producing cars instead of art like the rest of his family. But to the car enthusiast, a Bugatti is a work of art.
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.
Classic Car Magazines
If you're tired of always seeing junk mail in your mail box, why not give yourself or a fellow car lover a classic car magazine subscription. It always perks us up even when it nestled in amongst some bills. Car magazines are always a sure winner and they are easy to wrap.
Two Rare Fords
To many collectors, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is regarded as the “Pebble Beach” of the East Coast, where the best of the best classic and historic automobiles gather to win top honors or be sold at record prices. So it comes as no suprise that this venue was chosen to bring two Rare 1934 Custom Built Fords together.
1942 Custom Lincoln Limousine
This 1942 custom Lincoln limousine was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Harry S. Truman.
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.
1927 McFarlan Roadster
McFarlan was best known for its large and expensive "Twin Valve Six" cars. The company attempted to capture a share of the growing middle class market with the 1926 introduction of this straight-eight. This car carries a badge of LeBaron, a popular coach builder, but the body was constructed in Los Angeles during the 1960s in a style based on sporting cars of the thirties.
Scottsdale Classic Car Auction
Every January, classic car buyers and sellers make the pilgrimage to Scottsdale, Arizona. This year they’ll find six auction companies and hundreds of vendors from which to choose. We’ve put together a day by day report of all the excitement at this year’s event.
Towing
How to properly tow your classic using a recovery strap
1929packard640
1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Runabout
Gold King Mine Entrance
Gold King Mine Entrance
And they're off
Start of Grid One, 1923 -1939 cars
1930 MG M-Type Midget
1930 MG M-Type Midget Boat-tail Tourer
Worn Brake Disc
How to Replace Brake Disc - warped brake disc - worn brake disc
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!
Eastwood Tool Catalog
The Eastwood tool catalog is published monthly in a full-size format and is full of quality tools and supplies covering all aspects of restoration and custom work. Their website has the full catalog online as well as some great resources like their free technical library and restoration forum.
1911locomobile
1911 Locomobile Model M-48 Seven Passenger Touring
1917piercearrow
1917 Pierce-Arrow Four-Passenger Touring Car
Document Your Restoration
Document your classic car restoration with photos. The type of pictures you'll need will seem extremely boring to take, but we have found ourselves wishing for more close-ups of a nut or bolt in almost every restoration project we've done.
Vintage Automobiles
Vintage Automobiles 1916 Through 1924
Joining a Classic Car Club
Joining a Classic Car Club
Woolsey
1951 Wolseley Six/Eight
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.
Palm Springs
Palms Springs Exotic Car Auction
Grid One
Grid One, 1923 -1939 Cars
Anotherstopalongtheway
The France Jaguar Tour site seeing Château de Pierrefonds
Auto Collections
If you're looking to buy a collector car or just like looking, we'll take 10 to 1 odds that The Auto Collections is worth a trip to Las Vegas.

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