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30 May

Antique Car Financing – Why Most Lenders Won't Provide A Collector Car Loan

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



Most conventional lenders are reluctant to make an antique car loan, even though buying an antique or collector car is a smarter financial decision than buying a new car. The biggest reason many lenders do not offer collector car financing is that a collector car is very difficult to place an accurate and reliable value on. With a new car or one that is less than 20 years old, it is much easier to nail down an accurate market value. With an antique or collector car, there are way too many variables for many lenders to deal with.

For instance, is the car all original or has it been restored? If it has been restored, what is the quality of the restoration like? Is it unique or rare in any way? Is it a popular car with a wide fan base such as a first generation Camaro, early Mustang, or Mopar E-Body, or is it a more obscure (but rare) model that would only be worth a considerable amount of money to a relatively small group of collectors? Has it been modified, and if so, how do the modifications affect the value of the car? Is it really a Chevelle Super Sport, or a mundane Malibu that someone has swapped engines in and added emblems to? Did the car once belong to a celebrity, or is it a vintage race car that won some famous races? These kinds of questions will make a normal loan officer’s head spin, but all of these factors will come into play when you are applying for classic auto financing.

The bottom line for the classic car finance provider is, “If the borrower defaults on the loan, how easy will it be for us to sell the vehicle and get our money back for it?” With a new (or late model used) car, there are enough “data points’ for a lender to get a relatively accurate and reliable picture of what they are up against if the borrower defaults on the loan. With a 1957 Desoto Adventurer coupe, there aren’t a lot of data points to compare to. Even for a more common classic car, such as the ubiquitous 1969 Camaro, the values vary so greatly due to the options, condition, and modifications that a typical lender just isn’t well-enough informed to make a good decision. So they bump up the interest rates to cover their losses in case they overestimate the value of the car, or they just don’t offer collector car financing at all.

When looking for collector car financing or classic auto financing, it is best to seek out lenders that specialize in classic car finance, or at least have an antique car loan program. These lenders will most likely be able to give you a better interest rate and/or a longer loan term than you will get with lenders who concentrate on newer car loans. These lenders are familiar with the classic car market, and will understand why a 50 year old car could be worth $50,000 or even much more.




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29 May

Classic Cars Qatar and Dubai

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



One of the major reasons driving the classic cars market in Dubai, Qatar and the region is homesickness. Richard Murphy a British Citizen that lives in Dubai, is enthusiastic about classic car. Richard was motivated to acquire a wreck of an Austin Healey 100M so that he would own a rare piece of British automotive history. The flashy modern cars that flourish Dubai do not catch his attention.

When asked, he said “This is the genuine article,” proud of his gleaming, thoroughly restored vehicle. It was easy to figure out the amount of obsession he has for the car. Only 600 were manufactured, out of only a little over hundred still exist in 2007. Displaying the certificate, Richard Murphy said, “It has been certified by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust as a factory-made Healey 100M and it also has the Le Mans Registry Certificate of membership,”

Further research lead to the conclusion that Qatar classic car owners may be as diverse as the vehicle models they love, or own. However, those owners all share a common factor, Attitude. There is three different types of attitudes noticed among the owners. The most common attitude is pride for their cars, as they will present their belongings, or wealth as some look at it in the region on their house driveway for those who pass by to stare or ogle at, but the most the owners are willing to do is allow the passing by to touch these cars. On the other hand, there is those that hide their loved vehicles even as they brag about them.

And the third type is those who treat the cars very casually. Joerg Grunwald, a resident of Dubai, the ownership, and the privilege of driving classic cars is a way of life. The word popping up most in his sentences is classic. “You should visit Munich,” he said of the native of the Bavarian city. He continued by saying “It’s a beautiful place with many old and well-preserved buildings: classic!” His love for classic cars leads him to use his driveway to display his shining red 1964 Mercedes Benz 230 SL and a 1965 Triumph TR4.

The research journey has not stopped, rather the more research I make, the more I am interested to learn about the differences in tastes and markets. I will dedicate an article for the amazing finding in the market differences.




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16 May

Qatar Classic Cars, a Classic Love

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



Classic car lovers in Doha the capital of Qatar are willing to face the bumps to go after their passion. Classic, Antique or some may call vintage cars until very recently appeared to be a territory only the rich royalties and the VIPs are allowed to enter. However, this perception has gradually changed, and now the market holds possibilities for even the enthusiasts that are willing to spare a bit over a hundred-thousand Qatari Riyals the equivalent to twenty-thousands US Dollars. This became possible due to the economic boom the area is witnessing, efficient communications with classic car dealers in Houston, along with the superior supply chain management allowed cars in Houston to be transported at low costs.

It now became possible for a knowledgeable enthusiast, with patience, and time at their disposal to buy classic car in Qatar, or an antique car in Dubai, or even a classic car to be shipped from Houston. It became possible to start the process with the equivalent of three thousand US dollars, or in other words for less than the ca was worth in the seventies or eighties.

This however sometimes holds true, and sometimes does not. For instance, Morris Minors was valued in Dubai and Qatar at about QR 15,000 in the eighties. It is very difficult to sell such a car for QR 10,000 in 2007 according to a car dealer. Cars that were easy on the pocket back in their peaking days are unlikely to hold value over the years. Hence, exceptions always pop up, for instance this fact doesn’t hold true with the iconic mini.

I respect, and always reflect my articles with both mine and the apposing; however I do not see a Qatar classic car dealer’s opinion holding true. He said “The classic car market, if it can be called that, will flourish because people have bought [these cars] for nostalgia and recreation — not for financial gain,” says a dealer in classic cars. “Most people, who have bought a classic car in the last ten years, knew their cars would have seen a rise on the value.” To contradict, According to Classic Car magazine, the US has seen a growth in the market for classic cars, particularly American sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. Cars, such as Chevrolet Corvettes and Camaros, Ford Thunderbirds and Pontiacs, are said to have doubled in value over the past three years.

As I have been promising throughout the article series dedicated to Qatar classic car, the research journey has not stopped, rather the more research I make, the more I am interested to learn about the differences in tastes and markets. To get up-to-date research results, visit the section I dedicated to Qatar classic cars




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16 May

Austin Healey Sprite Classic Car

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



Leaping into production in 1958, the Donald Healey Sprite was a low cost sports car which used existing BMC parts to ensure over heads of the cars productions remained low. The Austin Healey Sprite would prove to be a big success.

The commonly named “Austin Frogeye”, the Mark I Sprite, was a massive success in its three years of production, with no other car competing on price or performance. As its widely used nick name suggests, the distinctive look of the Mark I Sprite owed itself to the round headlamps on the bonnet of the car, nicked named “frog-eye” headlamps. Cheap and easy to maintain, the wings and bonnet was a one piece unit which opened up to allow easy and large access to the engine. The Mark I used the 948cc Austin A-Series engine which was tuneable and capable of 43bhp, the A35 gearbox and axels, and the twin SU carburettors. Equipped with leaf spring suspension to the front, and wishbone suspension to the rear, the Mark I got it suspension from earlier models such as the A35 and Moris Minor.

The Mark II saw some cosmetic changes including the famous headlamps being moved on to the wings, a change of rear bumper, and the introduction of front disc brakes. The Mark II was also equipped with a new larger engine from the Morris Minor 1000 and Morris Minor 1100, increasing the engine size to 1098cc.

A less performance geared Mark III Sprite was more fined with lockable doors, wind up windows, and quarter lights. With the rebadging of the Sprite by BMC to the Midget, the Sprite Mark III was also sold as the MG Midget Mark II.

The Mark IV had two main difference, with an increased capacity to 1275cc and a convertible roof instead of the removable roofs from the earlier variations.

The production of this classic car ended in 1971. Today many of this classic cars are known as “Spridgets” with the classic car enthusiasts community due to the Austin Healey Sprite and the MG Midgets sharing the same design and parts. This makes finding parts relatively easy due to the parts being interchangeable.




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08 May

Classic Car Profile: Ford Crown Victoria

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



When it comes to classic American cars, the Ford name ranks right at the top. From the earliest days of the Model T to the on again, off again love affair with the Crown Victoria, this company has often set the bar others seek to attain.

 

The Crown Vic as it is often called was originally produced in 1955 and 1956. Original Crown Vics are quite a boon to come across since production ceased so quickly on the models. Collectors, in fact, will find it is not uncommon for good condition 1955 Crown Victoria models to fetch $30,000 to $100,000 or more.

 

Initially a coupe with two doors and six seats, the classic was distinguished from the regular Victoria in the Ford line by a decorative stainless steel band that ran along the roofline. This feature essentially gave the roof a crowned appearance. The full-sized car also featured a sweeping design with rounded lights and the perfect body embellishments to make a two-toned paint job look fantastic. This V8 beauty was a follow up to the Ford LTD in production. Just like the LTD, the Crown Victoria was and continues to be favored as a police car and fleet vehicle.

 

Although the original rear-wheel drive Crown Victoria models were appreciated by some, especially those building fleets, the model did not initially sell well. Sluggish sales, in fact, led Ford to shelve the model for a time. It did not reappear on the market until 1979. At this point, Ford introduced the LTD Crown Victoria. This four-door design was shorter and less bulky than the original version. The changes resulted in improved handling, ride and fuel economy. The LTD version came with two engine types, a 255 CID V8 and a 302 V8. Most models made between 1979 and 1980 were three speeds with an automatic transition. An AOD four-speed was an option that was made available.

 

The reintroduction of the Crown Victoria paid off for Ford with sales and production continued. In the 1980s, the LTD Crown Victoria was a hit with both law enforcement and civilians. Ford, in fact, began producing two versions by 1983. Models for the general public offered a fuel-injected V8. The police version boasted a 5.8 liter V8 with a Variable Venturi carburetor.

During the 1980s, a number of alterations were also made to the Crown Vic design. In 1983, for example, central fuel injection was introduced. By 1986, this had been replaced by a sequential fuel injection system that was electronic.

The success of the reintroduced Crown Victoria line has led to production of this design since the late 1970s. Although many changes have occurred through the years, the model continues to be one of top in the Ford line for luxury combined with speed and handling. The 1990s did see a break off of the police version of the car. The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was officially introduced in 1999.




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28 Apr

How to Sell your Classic Car

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



For vintage collectors and car enthusiasts, a classic car is a prized possession that brings with it pride, elegance and a sense of achievement. When an individual therefore, decides to dispose of a classic car, it is usually after in-depth thinking and in most cases it comes as a last resort.  It is necessary to adequately prepare the car for sale, in order to attract potential buyers. 

The car should be spruced up not only on the outside but also under the hood. Car enthusiasts can usually tell the state of a car by the sound of its engine. Therefore, the care has to be tuned to optimal condition including a full engine service with necessary replacements. However, engine parts should not be replaced unless it is absolutely necessary.  The body   needs to have any dents repaired, a paint job if necessary and a thorough polish to give the exterior an attractive look.  Even the difficult to see areas such as wheel lips, doorsills and rockers call for some touch.  The interior is another important area and it should be exclusively detailed for a clean look. The upholstery should be in a clean and good condition. It is important that the car maintains its natural condition without the need for perfumes or car sprays.  The trunk and other compartments should be cleared of any unnecessary items and cleaned thoroughly.  Cleanliness is generally of utmost importance of which there is no substitute. 

After the car is in good condition, it is time to figure out who or where the car is to be sold. One can decide to place an ad in a magazine or newspaper listing the model, make and year of manufacture.  If it is a detailed ad, it could include a picture and information about the condition of the car, price and other terms of sale. The wider the reach of the publication, the more likely one is to get a buyer.  A good place to network with potential buyers is at a car show for classic cars where likely buyers come to satisfy their taste for vintage vehicles. While there, one can network and even hand out flyers with the car’s details to a large number of people.  It is important to interact with individuals who have shown a liking to similar models as they are likely to add to their collection. 

The internet provides a good platform to advertise and meet with potential purchasers.  The web is abounding with sites for vintage enthusiasts and members interact through chat rooms and live streaming.  It is possible to upload photos of the car and details on specific sites which offers an instant world wide market base. Car clubs are also a good option where a number of individuals with he same interests come together, to socialize, exchange expertise and transact.  One could even consider selling the car in parts. It sometimes fetches a higher price than when sold in working condition. Generally, when selling a classic car, ensure it is groomed and well maintained to attract the buyer.




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27 Apr

Muscle Cars For Sale – How To Locate The Right Classic Cars For You

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



Muscle Cars For Sale – How To Locate The Right Classic Cars For You

Every classic car lover loves American muscle cars, and they can be illusive when your looking for a certain car, their are people out there who will take advantage of a person who is just learning the muscle car ropes, but I hope to help you with your hunt.

I don’t like to see anybody get taken advantage of when they buy a muscle car, hopefully my experiences will help you to have a good first experience when you buy a classic muscle car, it’s easy to go out looking for your first one, and let the excitement take over.

It’s OK to let the seller know that your excited to buy your muscle car, but you should also let them know that their car is not the last one on earth, don’t let a hard sell ruin your day, if your looking for a certain car, it’s always best to look at quite a few before you make your decision.

Allot of this process will depend on what you plan to do with the car, if you want to restore it to drive around town in, it will be much easier to locate your perfect muscle car, this of course will depend on your knowledge of the restoration process.

If this is to be your first restoration, you’ll need to start with a car that is in good condition, what I mean by good condition is this, look at the body panels on the car, such as the trunk floor, rocker panels, floor boards, and quarter panels.

Ask the seller to put the car on a lift so you can inspect the under side of it, if you notice any of the things that I have mentioned here, it will severely complicate the process of the restoration on the car, so you might want to look farther and find a better car.

Body panels aren’t the only thing that need attention, you should also inspect the engine for leaks around the valve covers, oil pan, and intake manifold, not to mention you should always hear the car run, so be sure to ask the seller to fire it up.

Listen for any strange noises, such as knocks, clicks, bumps, and rattles look for the car to smoke excessively at the tail pipe, beware that if your looking for a cheap car to start with, you will have to forgo being to picky about some of these things.

I will tell you up front, the lees you spend when you buy the car the more you’ll spend to restore it, this is not meant to scare you off, it’s the honest truth on the subject, plan to spend about $10,000 to start with if you want a good project car to start with.

At the end of this article I’ll give you some links to dealers on the web that I have done the research on, and I find them to to be trustworthy to do right on your purchase, now let’s talk a little about the cars that are easier to locate parts for, up front these are the Camaro, and the Mustang.

Most of the parts for either the Camaro, or the mustang are fairly easy to get, unless your dealing with a very rare version of either car, such as a Yenko camaraderie, or a GT350 mustang, these can get pretty hard to locate parts such as engines for them.

I’d love to see you find the right muscle car for you, no matter what you plan to do with it, it’s my only desire to see that you get the car that you want in the end, so both you, and the seller feel like you have gotten a great deal in the end.

You should always check these dealers out through the BBB, and the local chamber of commerce in the area that their located, this is usually a good place to start, these agencies aren’t always the perfect solution either, they both depend a lot on membership of the company in their service.

Take what they tell you with a grain of salt, and do some of your own research on the issue, by talking to past customers, and the owners of the company that you want to deal with, and don’t take no for an answer on your questions.

Ask where the car came from, why it’s for sale, ask about the condition of the car, and let your mechanic, or restoration shop take a look at the car, once you have gotten all of your questions answered, you should be able to do the deal, and feel good abut it.

Fast Lane Cars Fossil Cars Dream Car Store




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23 Apr

Muscle Cars & Classic Cars Reborn

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



These are exciting days and times for car enthusiasts. Muscle cars and classic cars have been brought out of the non-existent museum of retired classic cars & muscle cars and they have been reborn and given new life.

Vrooom!!

The muscle car is something that is as All-American as All-American gets. These cars hearken back to another era; an era in which Detroit dominated the world auto industry with innovation, style, gusto and raw power. U.S. cars were the envy of the world. Now those muscle cars and classic cars have been given new life. Let’s talk about these cars.

Chevy Camaro. In the house. Can I get a witness? Can I get a woot-woot??!!

As much a star of the blockbuster “Transformer” movie as Megan Fox, this car is smokin hot. Red hot. Even white hot. If looks could kill – our city streets would be a crime scene, because this car has deadly hot looks.

The new model is available in a 2010 Transformers Special Edition which features the word “Transformers” emblazoned on the hood, as well as strategic silver “Transformer” logos in certain key area (sort of a head logo of one of the Transformers).

More info about the all-new 2010 Chevy Camaro and Chevy Camaro Transformers Special Edition can be found at the link below.

Ford Motor Company has also been busy as of late.

How the Capri made it into “classic car” status is unknown, we surely though could call the Capri retired. It has now been reborn and with fabulous new styling. And what a car it is. The Capri was originally built in Europe and sold in the U.S. This car was sold simply under the name “Capri” and later “Mercury Capri”. The new Ford Capri will have the latest in Ford’s European styling. And this car is now a sports car(!)

There is also exciting news from (ahem) Mercedes-Benz.




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08 Apr

Transporting Classic & Prestige Vehicles – an Overview

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



If you have a classic or prestige vehicle you wish to transport you have a wide number of choices.  There are many firms in the UK offering car transportation services.  Most of these companies will operate a range of different types of trailer and so it is important to consider what is most appropriate for your vehicle.

Classic car transport represents a significant part of the vehicle transportation market.  Common occasions where prestige vehicles need to be transported include car shows, product launches and dealer stock transfers.  Due to the value of the vehicle the transportation of classic cars is a specialised service.  Trailers used are specially designed for safe and efficient transportation of the vehicle.   Drivers of the trailers will be professionals who are experienced in handling prestige vehicles.

Types of trailers used in classic car transportation will vary.  Common types of trailers used include six and four car enclosed trailers and two car non stacking enclosed trailers.  Most transportation of classic cars will involve covered trailers. 

Opting to use a covered car transporter trailer offers a number of benefits.  By keeping the car concealed it is easier to ensure that it is protected from exposure to road dirt and weather conditions such as rain and frost.  An enclosed trailer also gives added protection from possible damage caused by trees and branches or from an accidental collision.  With covered vehicle transporters the car is kept out of view of thieves and vandals and so the vehicle is more secure.

As well as the type of trailer used the main factor in determining the cost of transporting the classic car is the distance involved.  Some car transporters will charge by the mile with higher premiums being set for international transport.  The competitive nature of the marketplace means that customers can expect a high standard of service.  Classic car transport companies will typically offer flexibility in pick-up and delivery time to suit the needs of the customer.  Additionally customers will have access to up to the minute updates on the status of their vehicle.




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29 Mar

Experience the Real Classic Car: Rent a 1937 Packard in Las Vegas

Posted by: Brad Lithium  /  Category: Classics



We can talk all night about any given topic. Debate, discuss, and lay down the facts, but nothing beats experiencing the live thing. Nothing tops really letting the senses feel everything, or to hear, touch, smell, taste, and to see the real deal.

The axiom, “To see is to believe,” is what we get when go to museums or car shows to watch and be awed by sports, exotic, luxury or classic cars that are all in display. But with Las Vegas car rentals, the right thing to say is, “To sense is to believe.” The real experience and the awakening of the senses is the promise that Las Vegas car rentals bring you.

An even more appreciated point is the fact that with Vegas car rentals, we can still drive one of the leading luxury cars of the past that has now gone defunct. These luxury car models are not for sale anymore. But in Vegas, we are given the option to “rent” the experience and understand the reason why it was one of the leading luxury cars back then. Take the 1937 Packard 120 Convertible Sedan, for example the.

The 1937 Packard 120 convertible sedan was a car manufactured by the now defunct Packard automobile company. Packard automobile was founded by brothers James and William Packard, along with George Lewis Weiss in Ohio. James, a mechanical engineer, believed that they could build better horseless carriage than the Winton cars owned by Weiss. He had ideas for improvement on the design of current automobiles and by 1899 they were manufacturing vehicles. The company which they called the Ohio Automobile Company introduced a number of innovations such as a modern steering wheel and years later the 12-cylinder engine.

While other cars of that time like the Cole 30 & Colt Runabout were priced at US$ 1,500, the Oldsmobile runabout at US$ 650, the Western’s Gale Model A roadster was US$500 and the Black was US$375.The Packards were priced at US$ 2,600. Still, they had a following among the wealthy purchasers here in the United States and abroad.

While other car companies like Franklin, Marmon, Ruxton, Stutz, Stearns-Knight, Dusenberg and Peirce-Arrow crashed during the Great Depression, Packard survived by producing more affordable cars in the medium-price range. In 1935 the Packard 120 convertible Sedan came out. It was Packard’s first under-US$ 1,000 car.

The Packard 120 was produced from 1935-1937 and again on 1939-1941. It had numerous body styles that included convertibles, coupes and two-and four door configurations. The 1937 model had a “C” and “CD” trim levels. It had a wood-bodied station wagon, a touring sedan and a limousine body style. This model was equipped with a 282 cubic-inch motor with a 120 horsepower, dual side mounts and a heater.

It was after the second World War that Packard began to show signs of its end. It was at this time that Packard suffered a shortage of raw materials needed to manufacture automobiles. In 1959, the Packard nameplate was pulled out from the market. In 1995, there were plans for reviving the brand but the project was later abandoned and the world realized that 1959 was the last for the Packards to ever grace a showroom.

The 1937 Packard 120 Convertible Sedan remains to be one of the luxurious cars of history. And the thrill of riding it can still be experienced through renting it at one of the classic car rentals that Las Vegas offers. Don’t limit yourself. To see is to believe is not enough. Go for the full ride, experience to believe.




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