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For Classic Car Collectors: What You Need to Know

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/03/09 in Auto Collection with Comments Off on For Classic Car Collectors: What You Need to Know

Classic cars have become a very hot item for people to collect. Of course, this is a hobby that takes a considerable amount of money to get into. There have been many classic cars that have sold for well over $1 million at an auction. Collecting classic cars has become a very big business. Many companies have been created to satisfy the needs of the people who collect these cars. Some of these companies specialize in searching the entire planet for their clients in an attempt to find specific cars that are very rare. Other companies focus on buying classic cars. What makes a classic car desirable? Here are a few of the top things that collectors look for.

1. How many were made

The production number is always a huge factor in the world of classic cars. Obviously, the value of a car will not be very high is they are easy to find. Therefore, the serious collectors tend to gravitate towards the cars that were produced in very limited quantities. Collectors may also be interested in cars that may have been produced in large numbers and are now hard to find simply because they are so old. It all comes down to a simple case of supply and demand.

2. Condition

Finding a rare car is a difficult enough task. However, finding it in excellent condition is often impossible. Collectors want a car to be in outstanding condition if they are going to be paying top dollar for it. As you might expect, it is very difficult to find certain cars in great condition when they are more than 50 years old. This drives up the prices of the cars that have been well taken care of to amounts that few can afford. Collectors will pay premium prices for European classic cars with no rust and most of their original parts.

3. Manufacturer

There are certain car companies that have developed a reputation for excellence over the years. Therefore, the collectors tend to seek out cars made by these companies more than the ordinary manufacturers. Ferrari and Mercedes are two brands that always see very high prices when some of their rare models go up for auction. However, the price that a collector pays for a car often comes down to personal preference. The person may be willing to pay more than a car is worth if he has been looking for it for a long time.

Work Hard, Play Hard: Top Vehicles for Maximizing Your Fun

by Anica Oaks on 2015/04/27 in Auto Collection with Comments Off on Work Hard, Play Hard: Top Vehicles for Maximizing Your Fun

Although an old clunker will get you from point A to point B, the fun factor is virtually non-existent. Some drivers desire a tad bit more excitement on their daily commute. Here are some of the top vehicles for maximizing your fun.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat

If you are a true thrill seeker, the 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. With the use of a supercharger, the Challenger Hellcat’s ultra-potent Hemi engine is able to pump out a monstrous 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. During performance testing, this exhilarating muscle car was clocked at a top speed of nearly 200 mph. In an effort to make the Challenger Hellcat handle like a true sports car, it also comes standard with adaptive suspension dampers. A computerized gauge cluster enables the driver to easily view the car’s performance data.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

For years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been known for its amazing off-road capabilities, rather than highway performance. However, the new SRT model delivers the best of both worlds. Not only can the Grand Cherokee SRT tow up to 7,200 pounds, but it is also one of the fastest SUVs on the planet. In terms of power, a 475-horsepower Hemi engine enables the Cherokee to accelerate like a race horse. A specially-tuned AWD system enables this sporty Jeep to obtain excellent traction on the road.

Ram 1500 Black Express

Trimmed in black, the Black Express is a special edition of the 2015 Ram 1500 pickup truck. With a total of 395 horsepower on hand, the muscular V-8 engine emits a thunderous rumble. Some of the styling enhancements include 20-inch black wheels, projector headlights, and LED turn signals. This exclusive pickup truck can be seen at dealerships such as Expressway Dodge.

Chrysler 200S

First introduced to the automotive world in 2014, the new Chrysler 200 is one of the most fun-to-drive sedans on the market. In fact, the 2015 Chrysler 200 was recently named the Rocky Mountain Car of the Year. While all versions of the 200 are designed to deliver a pleasurable driving experience, the S model is especially exciting. Equipped with a sports-tuned suspension system, the 200S carves the road with precision. A variable valve timing system enables its Pentastar V-6 engine to pump out an impressive 295 ponies.

All four of these automobiles will deliver constant excitement. No one deserves to drive a boring vehicle.

Car Smarts: How to Protect A Vintage Collection

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/23 in Auto Collection with Comments Off on Car Smarts: How to Protect A Vintage Collection

Vintage cars have a fan base all their own, and anyone who owns one or more of these collectible vehicles knows all about the passion they inspire. It’s also no surprise that protecting vintage cars and keeping them in the best condition possible is a big deal. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep your cars protected and in prime condition.

Store Them Properly

Oftentimes you can tell a serious car collector from a hobbyist just by looking at how they store their cars. Keeping vintage cars inside is crucial, so make sure you have space in the garage, or build a shop to house them. Just putting a cover over them in the driveway is not sufficient to protect them against the elements. 

Use the Right Supplies

When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your classic cars, you need to make sure you are using the right supplies. This is everything from what you clean the interior with, what you use to wash the exterior, and what you put into the car such as oils and other fluids.

There are a lot of options available to choose from, so picking the right supplies can seem overwhelming. Take your time and do research on what professional car restorers use, as well as what other vintage car enthusiasts recommend.

By taking time up-front to make sure you’re using the right supplies, you’ll save yourself a lot of headache and frustration later. The wrong supplies can damage your car, and nobody wants that! 

Get Professional Assistance

One of the biggest mistakes vintage car owners make is trying to do everything themselves. If you are a mechanic by trade, then you can probably do the maintenance on your own vehicles. But if you don’t know how to properly maintain your cars, hire a professional. 

The same goes for things like needing a tow, or getting locked out of your car. Calling a professional locksmith service in Toronto or a tow company is a much better idea than trying to unlock the vehicle or move it yourself, especially if the company you call specializes in collectible cars. As Davies Lock & Door Services Ltd says, your car is less likely to be damaged if you get professional assistance when you encounter problems. 

These are just a few of the things you can do to make sure your vintage cars are well taken care of and protected. By investing a little time up front, you can ensure your vehicles are in great shape for decades to come.

Exotic Appeal – The Pros and Cons of Having a Foreign Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/31 in Auto Collection with Comments Off on Exotic Appeal – The Pros and Cons of Having a Foreign Car

Many people want foreign cars because they like the idea of having something exotic. Others prefer imports because they view them as being more reliable or attractive. Whatever the reason, there are definite advantages to owning a foreign car, but like with everything else, downsides exist as well. Here are some major pros and cons of buying foreign.

Pros

Better Performance

One good reason to choose a foreign car over a domestic one is better performance. As most car enthusiasts already know, the majority of high performance automobiles come from Europe and Japan. While Americans tend to value utility over everything else, Japanese and European automakers are more interested in innovation and pushing the envelope. Some of the fastest and most powerful cars come from abroad.

Unique Looks

Reliable function is probably the most important characteristic of a car, but it’s not the only one. Vehicular aesthetics are a huge consideration when choosing a car because the driver will always be dissatisfied with a car that isn’t to his or her liking. Driving isn’t only about getting from point A to point B. It’s also about enjoying the entire experience. European cars are well known to be some of the most sleek, sexy, and stylish cars out there, but Asian automobiles aren’t lagging far behind.

It’s Something Different

Nobody wants to have the same car everyone else has. There’s just something cool about standing out and being different. The sense of uniqueness gives one more pride about one’s ride, and that alone makes buying a foreign car worth it.

Cons

More Expensive

There’s a price to pay for superior performance, alluring looks, and relative individuality–and it’s usually pretty high. Foreign cars are typically more costly than domestic cars due to import laws. Some foreign cars are only made in small quantities, and their rarity commands a higher price. Many are simply higher-end models that appeal to wealthier folks.

Harder to Acquire Parts

Domestic cars have readily available spare parts, and most car mechanics are familiar with working on makes that were manufactured within the country. Import cars must have spare parts imported into the country, and only small batches can be obtained at any given time. Since they’re imported, the parts are also more expensive. BMW M3 parts, and Porsche Carrera GT parts are going to be more expensive than Ford Focus, Chevy Blazer, or Dodge Dart parts, for example.

Not Supporting Domestic Economy

A concern that many people have about buying foreign is that it doesn’t support the local economy. Helping to keep fellow Americans employed is a very good reason to stick with domestic brands. This factor is very important to some Americans, so they will only buy domestic brands, which influences their decisions of what car they will buy.

Foreign cars, just like domestic cars, have their pros and cons. However, the buying decision should come down to personal preference. If one prefers to buy foreign for any reason at all, then that’s good enough reason to go that route. It all comes down to how happy the driver is with the choice he or she has made.

AUTHOR BIO:
This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves writing for business, finance, women’s interests, or technology. Dixie lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters . Information for this article was provided by the auto experts of subarupartsforyou.com, who specialize in Subaru Tribeca parts.

Five Safety Tips Car Enthusiasts Should Remember during Their Next Project

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/02 in Auto Collection with Comments Off on Five Safety Tips Car Enthusiasts Should Remember during Their Next Project

Repairing an aging classic car or improving the performance of a new car can be incredibly satisfying. The work does come with a number of hazards. Small mistakes or unexpected events can cause serious injuries. Anyone working on a car needs to be prepared and take steps to remain safe. There are five safety tips car enthusiasts should remember during their next project.

Use Proper Safety Equipment

Car enthusiasts should own a full range of safety equipment. Personal protection gear should include safety glasses and thick gloves to stop sparks or metal splinters from causing injuries. A respirator should be on hand when painting or working with strong solvents. A fire extinguisher rated for liquids, electrical fires and grease fires should be kept near the car while working.

Perform Electrical Work with Insulated Tools

Many car enthusiasts have been shocked by the car battery while performing basic electrical work. Something that can be very harmful is electricity from the ignition system. This can provide a shock of up to 40,000 volts. It is important to use insulated tools when working on the car. The shock can actually be transmitted through other pieces of metal in the engine like the distributor cap. Insulated tools will prevent shocks.

Always Use Jack Stands

A major safety hazard is working under an unstable car. Jack stands should always be placed under cars that are elevated. Wooden blocks or other items are not enough. The jack stands need to be attached to a structural part of the vehicle. The stands will support the full weight of the car if it suddenly drops or shifts. This can prevent serious injuries or fatalities when working under the vehicle.

Have a Dedicated Workspace

Working on a car in a shared home garage can be dangerous in many ways. Tools, sharp parts and chemicals can all cause injuries to family members who come into the area. Family items stored in the garage can get in the way of tools or cause a person to trip and fall. It is best to have a dedicated space when working on a car. One option is to rent a unit from a storage unit that is large enough to hold the car and extra tools. This will keep car enthusiasts and the family safe.

Use Ventilation Fans

Car enthusiasts regularly use chemicals, paints and solvents that release fumes into the air. These can accumulate quickly and could cause nausea, disorientation or even neurological damage. Some type of ventilation should always be used even when working with something as simple as gasoline. Ventilation fans will keep the air clean and breathable.

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