|
|
Home
List your car until it Sells for only $45
Sell Your Classic Car. List your car in a photo ad until it Sells for only $45. Post up to 10 images and all your cars information.
More...
The Neighborhood for Motorheads.
Join the social networking revolution that's dedicated to Classic Cars. Find people with similar cars, share information, and make new friends.
More...
"Where Car Lovers Click" 14th Year!
The ClassicCar.com forum is the oldest running online community on the Internet today. 14 Years!
More...
Articles >> Classic Vehicle Histories
Vehicle History: '62 Ford Thunderbird
Vehicle History: 1962 Ford Thunderbird.
More...
Frontpage Slideshow | Copyright © 2006-2010 JoomlaWorks, a business unit of Nuevvo Webware Ltd.
Articles on classic cars from shows and museums
www.examiner.com/x-7445-Philadelphia-Classic-Car-Examiner
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Jan 16, 2010
Tagged in: Untagged
As the Holiday season fades into black, the realization of a long winter begins to come into focus. For those of us in the Northeast and colder regions of the country, the collector cars are all tucked safely into garages, not to emerge until the brown and barren landscapes begin to show signs of color. So, what are those of us in the collector car hobby supposed to do to as January presents its bitter weather for our consideration? Well, how about heading south…as in Scottsdale, Arizona?
 1956 Chrysler Plainsman concept car at RM Auctions. Photo by Darin Schnabel
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Dec 31, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Welcome to Part 2 of my “Year in Review” series on significant Classic Car auctions from 2009. This article will focus on some of my favorite cars from RM Auction’s “Sports and Classics of Monterey”; held August 13th-15th, 2009. While none of these beauties were top ten sellers, they represent a unique and eclectic mix of automotive distinctiveness…from a 1946 Indian Chief Roadmaster motorcycle to a 1952 Cushman Ice Cream Cart! A slideshow of all of these vehicles follows this article.
Leading off the list is possibly the most technologically advanced passenger automobile of all time, the fabulous Bugatti Veyron. This land jet is powered by an 8 liter (488 cubic inch) quad turbocharged and intercooled dual overhead cam 64 valve W-16 engine with aluminum block and heads. The Veyron is a mid-engine design with all wheel drive and a seven speed, twin clutch semi-automatic sequential transmission.
The powerplant is basically two Volkswagen Passat eight cylinder engines married together that produce 1001 horsepower! It has direct fuel injection and along with the four intercooled turbos come ten radiators. Yes, ten radiators. Three cool the engine, two handle the air conditioning system and one each for transmission, differential, engine oil, intercoolers and believe it or not, one for the hydraulic oil that powers the rear spoiler. The spoiler deploys at 138 mph while the car hydraulically lowers itself to 3.5 inches of ground clearance.
The Veyron is the quickest accelerating and decelerating street legal production car in the world and the world’s fastest street legal production car with a recorded top speed of 253.19 mph. Road and Track magazine measured a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds and the quarter mile in just 10.2 seconds at 143.6 mph. This beauty, painted graphite over sterling was a no-sale at $900,000.
 RM Auctions
Now for something completely different, how about a 1952 Cushman Ice Cream Cart. This cutie is an original example, fully restored and powered by a 9 horsepower, one cylinder air-cooled engine with a four speed manual transmission. The Cushman Motor Works was established in Nebraska in 1901. Their vehicles have been widely used by the U.S. Postal Service as well as many municipal Police Departments and government agencies.
This show quality example had a complete frame off restoration and features a red and white surrey top with period style graphics, pin striping and extensive chrome. The engine was rebuilt and the cart was finished in white with a blue seat and red frame and fenders. This truly unique specimen sold for $27,500. What a classic!
 RM Auctions
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Dec 31, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Welcome to the second installment of my “Year in Review” series from Classic Car auctions in 2009. One of the most successful events from 2009 was RM Auction’s “Sports and Classics of Monterey” from the lovely Portola Hotel and Spa and Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California on August 13th-15th. The auction posted strong results with 86% of lots sold and total sales exceeding 35 million.
Individual sales standouts featured the auction’s top seller, a Jaguar C-Type at a new world record $2,530,000; a 1955 Aston Martin DB3S with racing heritage that fetched $1,980,000 and a 1935 Deusenberg Model SJ Convertible Coupe that brought an impressive $1,430,000!
The world record Jaguar featured a 3,442 cc double overhead cam inline six cylinder with two SU carburetors, making 210 horsepower. Coupled to a four speed manual transmission, the Jag rode on an independent front suspension with upper and lower wishbones, torsion bars and hydraulic dampers. In back was a live rear axle with trailing arms, a double action torsion bar and torque reaction member. Wheelbase on this beauty was 96 inches.
This was the first C-Type Jaguar in the United States and was driven to victory at its first North American race at Elkhart Lake by the incomparable Phil Hill.
 Hugh Hamilton
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Dec 7, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Are you searching for that perfect Holiday gift for the classic car lover in your life? Car lovers can be quite picky when it comes to their beloved rides and it can be somewhat intimidating to try and find a gift that will be really appreciated and used for years to come. Well, worry not my friends; I am here to allay your fears and to offer up suggestions that will enable you to put that very special gift under the tree this year.
Since I am a Philadelphian, I will start with some local suggestions that are certain to please the car lover in your life. How about an opportunity to ride in or actually drive a real race car on the track? We are fortunate to have two NASCAR tracks within an easy driving distance; the “Monster Mile” at Dover and the “Tricky Triangle” at Pocono.
Monster Racing is located at Dover and they offer ride along and actual driving experiences from ten to thirty laps. I have first hand experience with this operation and I can tell you that it is the thrill of a lifetime. Photos and in car videos are available with the event and it is truly something that the driver will never forget. 877stockcar.com is the driving event offered at Pocono and they offer multiple driving/ride along experiences as well. These driving experiences are a little pricey and aren’t for everyone but I can heartily recommend them as unique and unforgettable.
Got the need for more speed? Local drag race tracks at Maple Grove (near Reading) and Atco are both within about an hour’s drive. Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School operates at these tracks and they offer opportunities to ride along or drive real race cars down the quarter mile track. How about a ten second blast at well over 100 miles per hour? Sounds good to me…
Philadelphians are also blessed with two of the finest automobile museums in the world…the AACA Museum in Hershey and the Simeone Foundation Museum in southwest Philadelphia. Both offer world class car collections, special exhibits and gift shops. A trip to either would be a special occasion for any car lover.
Not really what you had in mind? Okay, let’s look at some more options. How about a gift certificate to their favorite local auto supply store? Pep Boys, Auto Zone and other stores are chock full of ideas for the car enthusiast. Cleaners and waxes, lubricants, tools and gadgets abound at these stores and you can be sure that it will be appreciated.
Okay, a gift certificate is a little too impersonal for you? How about a photo of their car on a T shirt, coffee mug or sports jersey? Zephyr Print offers a professional photo transfer service on a multitude of different objects. You can send them a photo by email and they do the rest. There is no minimum order like some other promotional companies and they do great work.
How about a book on their favorite subject? Motorbooks.com offers a fabulous selection of books on just about any make and model of car, from classics to hot rods and everything in between. A magazine subscription or renewal is another great idea for the car enthusiast. Many offer special deals around the holidays.
Another suggestion would be a diecast replica of the special car. Hot Wheels and Matchbox offer hundreds of options as well as the more detailed and intricate offerings from the Danbury Mint and the Franklin Mint. The Mint offerings are usually priced at about $150.00 but they are available on the secondary market such as Ebay for less money.
How about a car wash and wax package? My favorite supplier is Meguiars as they have been in business for fifty years and their products are world class. You can select from several different packages with all types of cleaners, waxes and polishes.
Does the special car reside in a special garage? Well, Garageart.com is for you. Here, you can find vintage signs, photos and clocks and other unique and beautiful items that would be perfect in the garage or a bar/rec room.
Not convinced yet? Maybe a hat or jacket would do the trick. Speedgear.com offers a wide array of apparel from many racing series, as well Ford and Chevy.
Looking for a special print or artwork of a favorite car? Cruisingoods.com sells a wide selection of classic car, hot rod and motorcycle fine art and prints from many different artists.
How about ArmorAll gift packs? These are always handy for detailing that special car before heading out to a show or just for a weekend cruise.
One of my favorite suppliers is Griots Garage. They supply all types of premium gifts for the car enthusiast. As a special offer to my readers, you can get free standard shipping on your purchase by entering key code ATH9 at checkout.
Another well respected automotive supplier is the California Car Cover Company. They offer hundreds of unique and quality items from car covers to shirts to signs. A very comprehensive listing of items is on their website.
Finally, for the most personal gift of all, you can make a CD with photos of the car and accompanying period music from that era. Got a ‘69 GTO? “Little GTO” by Ronnie and the Daytonas or the Beach Boys would be perfect. A 1940 Ford? How about some big band swing with Tommy Dorsey or Glenn Miller? The possibilities are endless and you are only limited by your imagination…
Well, I hope that these suggestions will help you to find the perfect gift for the classic car lover in your life. I wish you all a very blessed Holiday season and as always, I’ll see ya down the road…
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Nov 24, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
The “Icons of Speed and Style” event was conducted by RM Auctions at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles in late September. This auction presented several “one of a kind” vehicles such as the Little Red Wagon wheelstander, the Dodge Deora show truck, numerous authentic race cars and many wild customs.
On the whole, judging by the uniqueness and personality of the cars that were presented, this was my favorite auction of the 2009 season. In this article, I will discuss two of my favorites, both custom Thunderbirds from 1958 and 1961. The article concludes with a slideshow of some of the notable sales from the auction.
 Darin Schnabel
First up is Larry Watson’s beautiful 1958 custom Ford Thunderbird. This car has won awards everywhere it’s been shown. A brand new 1958 T-Bird was obtained by Larry and sent to George Barris’ shop where it was nosed and decked and generally smoothed over. Larry then took over and applied his magical paint scheme in a pearl lacquer and candy apple burgundy which served to highlight the sumptuous curves in Ford’s design.
This beautiful custom was recently modeled by the Danbury Mint in 1/24 scale. The real car was restored to its original beauty and it brought $55,000.00 at the auction.  Darin Schnabel
The second of my featured cars is the 1961 Thunderbird “Firestar” by John D’Agostino. This custom T-Bird was built in 1997 and features a chopped top and candy red paint with gold scallops. The rear fender peaks and taillights were restyled and the stunning interior was pretty much left alone. Check it out in the slideshow…Detroit sure doesn’t make them like that anymore!
The body was dechromed and the grille was reworked with bullet shaped projections reminiscent of fifties styled customs. This attractive Bird fetched $31,900.00 at the auction.
My slideshow from the event features notable vehicles like an Elvis Presley limousine, a four engine Riviera station wagon campaigned by “TV” Tommy Ivo, a Bonneville streamliner, a “Jungle Jim” Liberman Nova funny car and many others. Thanks for stopping by and as usual, I’ll see ya down the road… The slideshow will not copy in this format, to view it, click here.
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Nov 19, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
The 2009 classic car auto auction season is rapidly waning and it is time to review the significant events from the past year. I am planning a series of articles, beginning with coverage of the RM auctions of 2009. Be sure to check back often for interesting and informative articles on the best of 2009.
RM Auction’s Icons of Speed and Style auction was held in late September at the Peterson Automotive Museum. This “no reserve” auction featured 80 lots of historic vehicles as well as 70 lots of automobile memorabilia. The auction realized almost 7 million dollars in total sales.
The 1965 Dodge A100 pickup truck “Little Red Wagon” wheelstander exceeded its high pre-auction estimate of $300,000.00 by $250,000.00, marking the top transaction of the day. The “Little Red Wagon” was campaigned by Bill “Maverick” Golden for over thirty years and it was the most famous exhibition wheelstander in drag racing history.
 Darin Schnabel
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Nov 19, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
An American legend was featured at RM Auction’s Icons of Speed and Style event at the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles in late September. The Dodge Deora, a multiple award winning show truck from the 1960’s was the second top seller at the auction, bringing $324,500.00 as the high bid.
The Deora is a true legend, perhaps best known for being modeled as one of the original sixteen Hot Wheels cars. I vividly remember my first Hot Wheels set with the Deora and its twin surfboards and the Custom Cougar. Ah, the sixties…
 Darin Schnabel
The Deora was introduced at the 1967 Detroit Autorama where it was a smashing success, winning nine trophies and the ultimate prize, the Don Ridler award for the best custom car. The Ridler award is still the most coveted prize in the custom car industry.
The Deora was designed by Harry Bradley (who later moved from General Motors to Mattel) and built by Mike and Larry Alexander. Utilizing one of the new Dodge A100 cabover pickups, they began by chopping the entire cab off, down to the floorpan. Reaching into the Ford parts bin, they used the roof and rear window from a 1960 Ford station wagon, rotated 180 degrees so the wagon’s rear window became the Deora’s windshield. Hinged at the top with an electric motor, the windshield lifted open and an ingenious lower front panel between the headlights was fabricated. This panel, hinged on the right side became the truck’s only door. Entry was made by raising the windshield and opening the panel.
 Darin Schnabel
The truck was lowered about fifteen inches and the engine was moved back 15 inches to allow for the bucket seats. The radiator was moved into the bed as well and a slick tonneau cover was fitted to hide all of the rear modifications. The interior was covered in pleated leather with the speedometer and tachometer located in the center console. The rest of the instrumant panel gauges were moved to the driver’s door.
The Deora still wows the crowd wherever it appears. The forty year old design is as fresh as the day it was new. One of my favorite designs from my childhood and it is nice to see it in the news again.
If you missed my previous article on another world famous Dodge A100 that sold for over half a million dollars at the Icons of Speed and Style event, click here. And as always, I’ll see ya down the road… If you like this article, check out my website.
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Nov 7, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
Hello all. I have a 75 Lincoln listed for sale on this site and this morning I received an email offer to purchase this vehicle. I strongly believe this email to be fraudulent and I urge all to take great care when viewing offers of this type.
Here is the email in its entirety...
Mike (wing7144@yahoo.com) has requested additional information about a listed vehicle. Please use the link below to view the vehicle in question
http://www.classiccar.com/index.php?option=com_ezautos&task=detail&id=16&Itemid=12
Telephone:- nill
Message Hello
I am interested in purchasing this 1975 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK IV,it suits my requirements
perfectly, and i will be happy if you can sell it to me.
THESE ARE MY TERMS OF TRANSACTION:
1) I AM OKAY WITH THE STATED PRICE
2) I WILL BE PAYING WITH A CAHSIER CHEQUE.
FULL NAME............................
ADDRESS........................
TELEPHONE NUMBERS...................(Mobile and Land)
As soon as i have your details,i can have payment effected immediately,all
things being equal, we should have this wrapped up by the end of this
week.
I believe that most transaction are based on trust, so i will look forward
to a successful transaction with you.
Best Regards.
Mike Wing
I have seen emails like this in the past when selling items on Craig's List. I responded that the terms of the transaction were cash only and I have not heard back from the coward. Please feel free to comment or contact me for more information.
Regards/Steve
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Nov 7, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
What’s that you say? They don’t make the Road Runner anymore and Plymouth is just a pleasant memory? Well my friends take a look at this. Automotive designer Michael Leonhard has taken his sketchpad and rendered a vision of a retro styled Road Runner that is about to become a one off reality. Michael has partnered with a well known coachbuilder and is auctioning off the opportunity to own this fabulous concept vehicle.
 Courtesy Michael Leonhard
Posted by: Steve Roedel
on Oct 25, 2009
Tagged in: Untagged
I’ve always been captivated by automotive design. My head turns just as quickly as I’m driving by a used car lot as it does on a bikini filled beach. My passion for cars that quicken my pulse is deeply rooted in the fantasy cars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Harley Earl’s Buick Y Job was perhaps the beginning of the growth of the automotive design industry. His full scale operating model drew stares of admiration wherever he drove it, and drive it he did. It is said that he put over 25,000 miles on the 1938 concept car that featured sleek styling, flush door outside handles and hidden headlights.
Concept cars really began to gather steam in the 1950’s. GM’s traveling Motorama shows brought these shining examples around the country to crowds of enthusiastic fans. Chrysler was also hot and heavy into these concepts…some fully operational and some just styling examples in clay. Ford was not as prolific in the production of these styling exercises as the other two manufacturers but they did produce several outstanding examples. So, what really floats my boat? I have selected my ten favorite designs and I present the first five here in no specific order for your enjoyment. Buckle up and here we go…
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >> |
