20
Nov
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
In the early 1950′s, all major car companies were trying to top the opposition by introducing a state-of-the-art automobile with all-new styling along with a more innovative engine. Meanwhile, Chevrolet appeared to be stuck in a rut; each Chevy from 1929 to 1954 had exactly the same six-cylinder engine beneath the hood. Chevrolet had been giving up its edge as a sporty but inexpensive motor vehicle manufacturer, but the tides will change with the 1955 Chevy!
The 1955 Chevrolet displayed a shift in design as well as function. The brand new 265 cubic inch V-8 engine was most likely the greatest cause of the popularity of the 1955 Chevy, and the choice of the “Turbo-Fire” V-8 provided some extra for automobile enthusiasts, with between 162 and 180 horsepower. This small-block V-8 was the first V-8 engine in a Chevrolet since 1918.
If you are looking for 1955 Chevrolets For Sale or 1955 Chevrolet Parts And Accessories you can buy them at auction prices. You can get more information on 1955 Chevys For Sale and 1955 Chevy Parts And Accessories by clicking on the links at the bottom of this articles.
The ’55 Chevy ended up being the very first Chevrolet to feature “Motoramic” styling. Underneath this now-classic styling sat a brand new body, three new motor types, new brakes, and a new suspension.
When compared with previously Chevrolets, the 1955 Chevy was both lighter in weight as well as stiffer, along with “glide ride” front suspension providing a sleek ride. As General Motors’ largest seller, the Chevrolet brand had been carefully styled prior to the launch of the all-new 1955 design. The eye-catching design was boxy, yet sleeker plus more futuristic compared to the 1953 and 1954 models. The new model was built to seem longer, lower, as well as broader than the older model.
Nicknamed the “shoebox” design, the 1955 model was the first Chevy to possess sleek rear fenders. Interior enhancements included plush upholstery and a fan-shaped instrument cluster, with an optional radio. With a classy wrap-around windshield, tail fins, and chrome detailing, the 1955 Chevrolet quickly grew to become popular with car enthusiasts and everyday drivers.
The 1955 model year included three Chevrolet models: The Bel Air, the 150, and the 210. Available versions included 2-door and 4-door sedans, station wagons, and also the much in demand convertible. Fourteen different solid color choices were available for the 1955 Chevy, even though most 1955 Chevrolets was sold with one of twenty three popular two-tone color combinations.
The ’55 Chevy was the top-selling car in 1955, over 1,700,000 Chevrolets had been made that year. As a testament to its acceptance, a ’55 Chevy was picked as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1955.
During 1954 Ford had dominated the market by selling 47 % of all low-priced automobiles, the 1955 Chevy would be a smashing success, exceeding Chevrolet’s sales record for any previous year. Actually, the 50 millionth General Motors auto made in the United States was a 1955 Chevy Bel Air.
The attractiveness of the 1955 Chevrolet is thanks to its totally transformed look. With better performance plus a shiny new look, the ’55 Chevy quickly earned over the hearts of America.
The look introduced in the 1955 Chevy existed with insignificant alterations until the 1958 model year. The 1955 Chevy continues to be a well-liked choice over fifty years following its arrival for automobile lovers who lovingly rebuild the automobiles to their original condition or added more changes depending on their individual tastes.
17
Nov
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
There is a love of classic cars that just cannot be stripped away from some people. It is more than just the captivation they have with the look of the car, it is also about the way they were built and the era that they came from. But as with anything classic, restoring these cars can be time consuming and expensive as parts are not always easy to find. Classic car parts can be extremely difficult to find, you may find that special part you are looking for on the other side of the country or even from the other side of the globe.
When looking for classic car restoration parts, it is always best to try and look around to see what you can find in your area. Starting here first will save you a lot of time and money by not having to pay for shipping costs. Remember, more often than not, classic car parts are heavier in weight than the parts are today and since the postal service charges for the weight, shipping expenses can be pretty high. So if you are able to avoid the mess of getting classic car restoration parts through the mail, all the better.
Buying Your Part Over The Internet
A lot of people seem to find the classic car parts that they need through the Internet on auction sites. These auctions are just regular people who are selling some of their own stuff. While most often this is a safe adventure, you must proceed with caution as there are scam artists out there just waiting to take your money. Classic car restoration parts are not cheap so make sure that you check out the seller as much as possible before sending them your money or any of your personal information.
Of course, there is only so much that you can determine about someone over the Internet. Since this is the case, your best bet when buying any classic car parts is to use a safe payment method such as paypal or your credit card because you, as the buyer, are offered a certain amount of protection through these payment methods. While it is great to get the classic car restoration parts you have been wanting, it is not worth giving away every penny in your bank account because you were too excited or impatient to take cautionary steps. Just proceed with caution when buying such items and you will be fine.
28
Aug
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
In the world of vintage and classic cars, preserving an automobile is a different ball game than restoring one. Preserving vintage cars is not in any way a means of restoring them. That means preserving vintage and classic wheels and rides does not entail rigging and fitting them with customized brand new car seat covers and what not. In the simplest of terms, preserving a classic car is basically letting it hang on to its old colors body frame and floor mats.
While most car enthusiasts prefer shiny chrome plates and hoods, vintage and classic cars that are untouched still emanate a certain archaic aura, sometimes to the point of sacredness and worship. Beneath the decades of rust, grime, dust, and dents, preserved vintage cars, even with their tattered seat covers are still considered works of beauty.
This seems to be the trend that a growing number of auto collectors prefer; preferring their vintage and classic jalopies to stay the way they are — steering wheel, stick shifts, floor mats and all.
Many motor and auto enthusiasts want to keep the vehicles as they are because of their historical merit and authenticity. They want to keep the images — and the stories — of these classic cars to fresh and real, despite years of inactivity. The torn seat covers, moldy stick shifts and chipped paint — all tell of the vehicles’ individual histories.
While vintage car preservation is an unsound investment compared to collectors who restore their vintage autos, (especially when considering the amount of money spent to get their hands on a classic ride and letting them rust away) car preservationists say that the sense of history motivates them to do what they do – buy vintage cars and let them be.
Preserving vintage cars and their battered bumpers and dilapidated wheels, is, for car purists, is like owning a piece of history. That feeling of elation is something a car with fully-loaded modifications such as custom seat covers and modern high-revving engine, cannot give to its owner.
However, replacing other parts and accessories, such as rubber linings and car seat covers can still be done for the sake of preservation. Whether or not this crosses the line between car preservation and restoration is still a hot topic for debate. While vintage car purists maintain that everything should be untouched to keep a classic automobile’s authenticity, contemporary car collectors say little changes in floor mats and seat coverings and linings won’t hurt.
Several vintage car preservationists admit that when a car is too far gone, giving it a minor overhaul is not a bad way to go. Popular TV show host and a famous car collector Jay Leno says that he bought a 1934 Duesenberg that had been rotting in a Manhattan parking garage for 34 years and decided to do some restoration because it was way beyond mere preservation. He has also successfully kept intact a 1927 Duesenberg he bought — tires, spark plugs, and all.
15
Aug
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
Saab claim to be “bringing quirky back” reports PistonHeads.com, through the revamp of the classic 99/900, which is inspiring the creation of the new 9-3. It can be argued that Saab is also bringing **** back using the spirit of the old Saab and utilising its “quirky roots”.
Spyker might have only just got their hands on the Saab legacy, but already the new owner Mr Victor Muller has big plans for the company, saying “within two years, the entire production line-up will be renewed”. Some might say these are big plans for such a small company, in fact these are almost the exact words reported on Top Gear, who have reported that “Saab globally sells 100,000 – 150,000 cars, while the likes of Mercedes, BMW and Audi do 10 times that amount”. In order for Mr Muller to get the success he believes is possible all of us car enthusiasts need more than just sentiment for this classic car maker, which Top Gear believe the simple answer is “people just need to start buying Saabs again”.
According to Dutch car news website Autointernationaal, “Spyker wants to bring back the essence of the old Saab 99/900 series with the next 9-3”. With additional body styles and using the Vauxhall Astra platform and its turbocharged 1.4-litre motor you should expect this new car to be here sooner rather than later.
TopGear.com reports that it’s a tough job to be distinctive when you’re a “small company who can’t afford its own proper engineering”, which is why with the injection of £347 million, approved by the European Investment Bank, Saab will have the fuel and resources to “develop and build fine cars” placing them in the position of being a credible rival to BMW and Audi.
Since the deal has been made between General Motors and Spyker there has been a lot of scepticism about the future of the Saab name, but the million dollar question is, can Saab attract customers back to the classic brand and make a profit? According to BBC News, Mr Muller of Saab has high hopes for the company and believes that “the main reason why we think Saab will succeed is its unique brand”.
15
Aug
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
Owners of classic cars will understand the importance of protecting their cars from the elements and as a result many classic cars are put away for storage as the winter months approach. Taking a few simple precautions prior to storing your car will ensure that the following spring its in tip top condition.
Even a fully charged battery will lose some of its charge over time. A heavily discharged battery can suffer permanent damage. This can easily be avoid be either fitting a trickle charger to the battery or recharging with a normal battery charger once a month.
If a car is left in the same position for a long period of time the tyres can become slightly misshapen. While not visible to the ***** eye as misshapen tyre will cause the wheel to be slightly out of balance and while be noticed when driving the car. Over inflating your tyres can prevent this problem. There are two things you need to be very aware of, firstly do not inflate the tyre beyond the maximum pressure stated by the tyre manufacturer and secondly don’t forget to reduce the tyre pressure when the car is driven again.
Some people advocate the use of petrol stabilisers, my experience is that while petrol can degrade over time I have never found the need to put additives in the tank. If your car has a metal petrol tank, as most older cars do then make sure the tank is nearly full before storage. This will help prevent condensation forming on the inside of the tank that could lead to rusting.
Damp and condensation is the biggest enemy of the classic car owner. Damp will rust metal, rot fabrics, corrode electrical contacts and can cause mould to grow. Unfortunately many garages do suffer from high relative humidity, anything above 50% relative humidity will allow steel to rust. The easy solution is to buy a dehumidifier for your garage, this will be cheaper to run than a heater and will also be more effective.
Take your car for a good run of at least 30 minutes to get the engine and exhaust up to temperature. Exhaust systems often rust from the inside out, giving the engine a good run will remove as much of this moisture as possible. Getting the engine oil up to temperature will drive off any moisture that may be present in the oil. Another option to change the oil before storing the car, if the car is due an oil change anyway then we would certainly recommend some fresh oil and a new filter.
Rodents such as mice and rats can be a major problem. They can chew electrical cables and have been known to build nests in air filter housings. Droppings while easy enough to clean up are unpleasant and may carry diseases. If you have mice and rats then the best approach is to use traditional pest control methods. If you are unsure about the best way to control mice and rats then a local pest control company will be able to help.
We hope you found these tips and advice useful, if all goes well then your classic car will be in its best possible condition ready for you to enjoy again in the following spring.
08
Aug
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum would be holding their very first Annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Benefit Extravaganza and as part of this event, the museum would be actually having a live automobile auction. In fact, automobiles that would be auctioned off during the mentioned event would include a 1936 Cord 810 Westchester Sedan. If you are interested, you can bid for that vehicle or you also can bid for a 1929 Chrysler Imperial Roadster. These are the two new vehicles which have been added to the list of vehicles to be auctioned off.
These classic vehicles that would be auctioned off are actually considered to be quite unique in their own ways. In fact, the 1936 Cord 210 Westchester Sedan is one of the 401 units that have been produced with a bustle trunk. And the chances of finding the other 400 are quite slim especially if the units have not been maintained well. As per the Chrysler Imperial Roadster 1929 model, this classic car has a Locke body and has been a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) and an Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) senior winner.
Proceeds for the mentioned auction would be going to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. If you are interested, you would have to shell out $100 per person for tickets. This would be an event that you would not want to pass you by especially if you are a lover of classic cars.
Aside from the two mentioned vehicles that would be auctioned off, you also could opt to bid for a 1930 Auburn Speedster which has gone through a body-off restoration. There also would be a 1976 Cadillac El Dorado Bicentennial Convertible that is quite in good shape with only 32 miles in its odometer.
When maintaining classic cars, it is quite difficult to find parts for it. However, for Oldsmobile parts and Plymouth parts, you can find these at Auto Parts Corner and you can be assured that they are durable and has a very low price tag attached to it.
04
Aug
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
Auburn was an American car manufacturer which produced cars from 1900 to 1936. Like so many other early automobile manufacturers, Auburn automobiles were created by makers of horse-drawn carriages Frank and Morris Eckhart of Eckhart Carriage Co. The first car models were experiments as they were hand-built cars and distributing them only in the Auburn area.
Over time, Auburn cars then came to be known for their advanced engineering and striking appearance. The stylings of this car were primarily designed by notable automobile designers Gordon Buehrig and Alan Mealy. These imaginative designers were hired by Erret Loban Cord when he ran the company from 1924 to 1937. The advance engine was a flat-mounted single-cylinder placed in the center of the car and produced 10 hp(7.5 kW). An A.2- speed planetary transmission was also fitted to complement the makings of the Boattail Speedster.
Because of material shortages during the World War I, plus the financial fall-out in the depression era market, manufacturing over at Auburn became to costly and the plant eventually had to be closed down. Today, however, their art deco headquarters in Auburn has become an automobile museum and was made a National Historic Landmark in 2005.
But even with the untimely demise of the automobile company, their legacy of creating classic cars have been immortalized by the imprint their products left in American culture. In movies and television alone, Fred Astaire can be seen driving a Cord 810 Convertible in the 1937 musical comedy film “A Damsel in Distress.” And in the 1974 film “The Great Gatsby,” Bruce Dern was featured cruising in a 1927 Auburn 8-88.
The 1936 Auburn Speedster also appeared in many Remington Steele episodes as the designated company car. Remington Steele, I might add, was the television series that starred Pierce Brosnan. The role ultimately got him compared to Roger Moore, which then led to him being considered and then eventually grabbing the coveted role of suave super spy, Agent 007 himself, James Bond.
In addition to this, the 1984 Indiana Jones installment “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” the Speedster was also featured in the opening scene as the car being driven by the character Short Round.
It is really unfortunate that such revered cars from the United States were untimely killed by the Great Depression, especially when the plug was pulled at the height of these cars’ automotive lives. Nevertheless, there is comfort in the knowledge that the remnants of their greatness can still be felt and relived in no less than the magical city of Las Vegas. Here, the glory days of the Speedster are again rejuvinated in the showrooms (and then on the road) of classic car rentals.
Rental car dealers in Las Vegas offer you a wide array of rides from the classic to the exotic to the luxury types. And here in Vegas, you are sure to find an Auburn Speedster waiting to take you for that roaring twenties spin. It is also a treat to know that these car rental companies likewise offer a lot of services in their easy-to-access websites. Car information on models, rental prices, policies and reservations are acquirable in this websites. VIP offers such as a personal driver, 24-hour emergency access, and pick up services are attainable upon request.
So for whatever reason it may be, take a ride on classic rental. If you are a fan of Remington Steele and loved Pierce Brosnan driving this car, you’re sure to enjoy turning the wheels on this baby. Or even if you’re just simply a lover of classic cars, there’s no reason for you to venture out to Vegas hop in on one of these great American classics.
19
Jun
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
Detroit might be the Motor City, but for a time, it did not have much on Auburn, Indiana. Throughout the early 1900s, this little town was a big focus of the American automobile industry. In fact, automobile enthusiasts who want to see a different side of history than Detroit can provide will find a gem when they visit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum.
Dubbed one of the “Top Ten Gearhead Destinations in the United States” by MSNBC in 2007, this museum pays homage to the cars in the Cord, Auburn and Duesenberg lines. The museum has on display more than 120 cars ranging in production date from 1894 to 1999. Housed in the old Auburn Automobile Company national headquarters, the museum has had its doors open since 1974.
While many people are aware of the history of American auto giants out of Detroit, the story of these three lines is lesser known. Auburn was known for its affordable cars. Cord was famed for its innovations. Duesenberg provided the wheels many Hollywood stars tooled around in.
The history of the three lines all came together in Auburn, which is why the museum focuses keenly on the trio. The Auburn Automobile Company produced vehicles out of its Indiana headquarters from 1900 to 1936. During the course of the company’s history, it also picked up the Cord and Duesenberg lines. Auburn itself was responsible for such vehicles as the 1929 8-90 Speedster and the 1935 851. The Cord line was manufactured by Auburn from the late 1920s and into the 1930s. Deusenbrg was a standalone company that built luxury cars along the line of the Rolls Royce. This highly popular company was founded in 1913 and was bought by E.L. Cord in 1926, cementing its ties to Auburn.
Plans for the museum date back to 1969 when the nonprofit Auburn Automotive Heritage Inc. was formed. The group had its sights sets on honoring the Deusenberg, Cord and Auburn lines. Its initial statement purpose was to “discover, procure and preserve whatever may be related to the history of the automotive industry in the City of Auburn and County of DeKalb, Indiana.” By the 1974 opening, the group was able to procure 24 automobiles on loan along with a variety of memorabilia.
Since its opening, the group has greatly expanded its collection and even managed to get National Register of Historic Places recognition for the building. Visitors to the museum today will find it chockfull of exhibits dedicated to the three lines. It features three floors of gallery space, an archives, education center and more. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum plays host to special events and exhibits throughout the year.
Car lovers interested in the history of the American automobile outside of what happened in Detroit will find the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum provides an eye-opening experience. This museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It only closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Tours are self-guided, but it is possible to arrange a docent-led visit.
08
Jun
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
In the 1920′s and 1930′s, it was a distinction to drive such a car. Mercedes-Benz created supercharged cars that overshadowed all the refined and powerful cars that had existed before them. They created a new era of automotive engineering. Politicians and captains of industry, artists and athletes were the people driving these supercharged Mercedes cars. These people opted for an image of dynamism and savoir vivre, for the most refined design and for the most advanced engineering. These people were looking for the best cars in the world.
These supercharged models from the 1920s to 1930s all had one thing in common. They represented the ultimate in automotive engineering in their eras. The experience of driving them, to listen to the howl of their mechanical charger, to feel the power of their engines was the crowning glory of motoring. And now that distinction still continues. That distinction can still be experienced. Las Vegas car rentals offer one of the supercharged cars that came out of that era: the 1936 Mercedes- Benz 500K.
The 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K was part of the brand’s famous eight-cylinder cars that was built in the 1930s. The other car models were the Mercedes- Benz 380 and the 540K. These cars differed from their predecessors because they were designed for speed and comfortable travel rather than racing. They were expressions of luxury, performance, and elitism. These cars were manufactured by hand and even custom made to the wishes and ideas of each individual customers.
The Mercedes-Benz 500K was a sports car that was built by Mercedes- Benz from 1934 to 1936. It was first exhibited at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show. It is distinguished from the 500 sedan by the “K” in its name which stands for the kompressor(supercharger) fitted to the sports car. It is the successor of the Mercedes-Benz 380 and has a larger, more powerful engine and more voluptuous coachwork to adhere to customers’ demands for greater luxury and performance.
The Mercedes-Benz 500K is powered by a M24 inline-eight cylinder supercharged engine that is capable of producing 160 horsepower. If the 380 was named after the cubic capacity of the engine. The “500″ was named for its 5018 cc power plant. The car had also introduced innovative achievements with its power assisted brakes, a rear independent suspension with swing arms and a transmission that had five gears.
The Mercedes-Benz 500K was procurable in ten unique body styles. Part of this was the Special Roadster which is considered one of the most attractive automobiles ever built.
Car rentals are available and can easily be viewed through car rental websites. These websites already offer services such as car model information, rental policies, VIP services, as well as reservations.
Las Vegas sports and classic car rentals offer a throng of distinctive cars for rent. It is available to be experienced by everyone; young and old, male or female. Get to know why such classic cars were and still are considered as the best ever built. Experience a classic like you never did. And ride that experience in the great Nevada landscape.
04
Jun
Posted by: Brad Lithium / Category:
Classics
So are you planning to add one of those classic cars into your prestigious car collection? Well, remember buying a classic requires you to carefully peruse every aspect of the car – from under the hood to car fluids, exhaust – for signs of deterioration, drivability and much more to make every cent you paid worth it.
Let us examine some of the basic elements that need to be carefully inspected before going for a classic car.
1 Verification of the paperwork
Check out the authenticity of the car before you spend your valuable time over the other detailed aspects before making the purchase. Ensure that the Vehicle Identification Number on the vehicle coincides with those in the documentation to remove any doubts of alterations. If the owner claims that he has made restorations, request the papers or pictures taken before and after.
2 Check for the vital signs
Now is the time for you to keep a close watch over the condition of the classic car. Start the car and inspect the color of the smoke coming out of the exhaust when the engine is cold. Also, look for smoke by revving the engine. If the smoke emitted is black, it can be a sign of worn out piston rings, the cylinder linings or the carburetor, denoting a very “tired” engine. This might require you to invest a few more extra dollars to get the engine back into shape. Ask for the history of repair and maintenance performed on the car so that you know the amount you need to further invest.
3 Conduct a road test
Now is the time to drive the car to observe the engine performance and acceleration. The time taken for the engine to respond, the sound emitted from the engine, the smoothness of the steering, etc. need to be closely checked into. Any sound from the transaxle needs to be closely looked into as it can speak of the problems in the wheel bearings. The brakes, gauges (including the speedometer), tachometer, etc., battery and oil gauges, suspension, and much more are to be inspected while test driving. Driving can also tell whether the clutch is spongy or firm.
4 Look under the hood
If you are satisfied with the performance on the road, now is the time to look under the hood. The hoses, wiring, and engine mounts have to be inspected to see how well it has been maintained. A closer look at the timing belt that may be damaged can reduce the hit on the functionality of the engine, improving fuel efficiency. A faulty timing chain can make the engine.
5 External checks
Next, inspect the tires for their tread depth and pressure for abnormal wear and tear. Abnormality might be the result of poor wheel alignment or other reasons. Also, check out for signs of rust and deterioration as this is one major threat faced by classic cars. The heating/AC, defogger, glove box, steering lock, horn, mirrors, carpets and other interior furnishings can speak volumes about the maintenance and fitness of the car.
Seek the advice of an expert mechanic. He can always tell you any of the vital signs that you may have missed. Remember, the classic car is an adornment to your collection and is worth every cent spent by you. Inspect thoroughly for maximum enjoyment.
