Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Classic Car Sale

Classic Car Sale - Where to Find Vintage Formula Cars

There is nothing quite like going at break neck speed and the level of competition is fueled by the rush of adrenaline that surges in a racer’s body as he or she passes by one car and another to get to the checkered flag first. Even if a person is just among the crowd, the excitement rips across the huge raceway, and everybody feels the thrill of a car race.

Automotive races have gained so much popularity from the four corners of the globe and its ranks is well represented by different nations. Although there are now numerous drivers competing in different types of car racing, there is nothing that compares or even comes close to Formula One racing.

One of the first types of car racing, Formula One has deeply rooted history that has commanded great loyalty from their fans. Some Formula One enthusiasts that has been fortunate enough to have deep resources can even add something to their collection that no ordinary Joe can have, and this is having a vintage formula car.

Smaller and simpler than Formula cars today, vintage Formula cars are basically the same in concept though. They have a single seat open roof cockpit and they are designed to go fast. Having them as a part of a collection would certainly be the icing on the cake.

If you’re looking for vintage formula cars for sale, then you have come to the right place. Since you are reading this article, you are logged on to the internet. This is the best resource you will have for finding vintage formula cars for sale. Here you will be able to do a search for sellers of vintage formula cars and be able to check them out easily.

Most websites that offer vintage formula cars already have pictures of the vehicles and some description. With this, you can already have an idea of what is being sold. SO this means that before you go to check out the car, you already know what to expect, but of course, it is always advisable to check out the car personally and preferably with a mechanic before you actually purchase the vehicle.

Auction sites like eBay also has listings of vintage formula cars for sale. Some people say that auction sites can provide great deals with cars like these, but once again, if you are able to, try to set up an appointment with the seller so you will be able to have an ocular inspection of the vehicle before you bid.

There are also some sites that announce auctions for vintage Formula cars. Here you will be able to find the venue and the date of the auction. You will also find some sites that will provide a listing of the lots of vintage Formula cars that will be put on the block. This is a good venue for finding vintage formula cars for sale and be prepared for it as well. Since you already know what are going to be sold, you can do a research on the current prices befitting such vehicles.
One reminder, make sure to stick to your budget. Some vintage formula car aficionados tend to go overboard with their purchases and bidding that they tend to overpay for the car.
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Saturday, November 29, 2008

Vintage Car Toys

Vintage Car Toys - How to Start your Vintage Toy Car Collection

Ever since motorized vehicles have been introduced to the world, numerous people have been fascinated about them and a number of these people have developed a deep fashion for them. Some of them have started this passion even while they are still young; this led to a collection of toy cars. A small number of these car buffs have been fortunate enough to have huge resources which can allow them to start a collection of real cars. Others though could only content themselves with just enlarging their toy car collection.

Today, many toy car collectors do not consider their collection to be complete unless they have included vintage toy cars. A toy car collection though doesn’t have to mean that you have to have a car that would represent every era, every sector, and every type of produced car there is. You may be interested only on Formula One race cars, or your collection may just be on a certain car manufacturer, in this case, this is all about starting a collection of vintage toy cars.

When you start your vintage toy car collection, you may be shocked to find out that there are thousands of other collectors out there that share your same interest. This is a good indication as these other people may be able to help you out. You will be able to get a lot of information about collecting vintage toy cars as this is not an uncommon hobby.

Since you have already decided that your toy car collection would be on vintage cars, you know have to decide how much you can afford to start your collection. Remember, you don’t have to go for the oldest and most expensive pieces. Starting a collection with new vintage car toys is well enough, with proper care, such as taking good care of their boxes, these pieces can be very valuable in the future.

Try to visit some of the garage sales being done in or around your area. Many gems have been discovered in these sales. Try also to go to collectible shops, establish a reputation as a collector as this will get you into the vintage toy car circles. If other collectors know that you are a collector as well, you will be able to establish connections and get valuable information. Sooner or later, people will be contacting you about their finds and this will help ease the burden in looking for vintage car collectibles.

Online auction sites are also good sources for finding vintage toy cars. Many say that they were able to find great bargains in auction sites like eBay. Establishing a reputation as a vintage toy car collector in these auction sites will allow the sellers to directly contact you when they have pieces to sell.

It is important that you should do a good research first and have vast knowledge about the history of vintage toy cars. This will hugely help you in determining if the price of the vintage toy car is right. Know about the history of toy cars and the materials used and their manufacturers so you can have proper assessment of their value.

Also, have a proper place where you can store your collection. A good display case will be able to protect your vintage toy car collection from the elements and still allow it to be viewed. Make sure to have a list of all your pieces in your collection and record their characteristics as well, this will be important especially if you want to sell your collection later on.
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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Classic Car Sales

Classic Car Sales - Searching for Vintage Cars that are for Sale Online

Been fascinated with vintage cars? Do you find them glamorous, classy, and as the ultimate ride? If you’re fortunate enough to have the necessary resources to afford a vintage car, then you are among the lucky few. Vintage cars come few and far in between, some of them are just old rusty buckets now languishing in junk yards or in someone’s old barn.

But these old rusty buckets can still be restored into its old glory. To many vintage car restorers, this is a monumental project that is worthy of their expertise. Many vintage car aficionados find this a very challenging task and have poured their hearts and souls in projects like this. For them, vintage car restoration is a labor of love.

But where do you find these old vintage cars? Do you really have to search all the junkyards there are in your area or ask around at a seemingly improbable quest? Do you have to spend countless hours scouring newspapers and magazines for these great projects? The best way to do this is to do a search through the internet.

A lot of people have found that selling their vintage cars through the internet is the best way to do it. Not only are they able to do it for free, but they can also capture a wide market. Some post their old vintage cars in websites that specializes in selling them. These websites will only take a small percentage fee or a flat rate for the sale.

This method is beneficial for both the buyer and the seller. For the buyer, they don’t have to go through many tedious steps just to find a vintage car that they want. Also, they will be able to immediately see the condition of the vehicle through pictures and some even have videos of the vintage car that’s for sale. Even if the vehicle is from the east coast and you’re from the west coast, you don’t have to travel all the way to the other end of the country just to see it. Relying on oral descriptions through phone calls will not be enough.

Another great venue for both buyers and sellers would be auction sites like eBay. Here sellers will be able to post their vintage cars for sale and buyers can have a chance to buy them at a low price, that is if there are few or no bidders.

But it is not only old and decrepit looking vintage cars that are for sale today. There are also a number of fully restored vintage cars for sale that you can find I n the internet. Make sure though that you know exactly what comes with the car and if there are some repairs that are needed to be done, the seller should inform you. This way, you can properly assess the valuation of the vehicle.

Another consideration a buyer must think about is the method of shipping. Will the seller be shouldering the shipping costs or are you going to have to get it yourself? There are car couriers that specialize in shipping vintage cars and they are given the utmost care to preserve them while in transit.

So remember, owning a vintage car doesn’t have to be harassing. In fact, you should be enjoying this experience. Vintage cars exude the class and glamour of the twenties and the thirties, plus they look great in road shows.
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Saturday, September 27, 2008

Vintage Car Models: A Collectors Dream

You may not be able to realize a dream of having a fleet of fully restored vintage cars, but you can be able to have the next best thing, a collection of vintage car models. As a vintage car enthusiast, hobbyists would most likely want to have a collection of their own, and if possible, this would be a collection of real vintage cars. But not all of us have buildings named after us, nor do we have a software empire that can finance such a huge enterprise, so having vintage car models would be closer to the real thing.

Having a collection of vintage car models will allow you to appreciate more your passion for vintage cars. This is because you will be able to treasure them and show them off and at the same time, learn more about them along the way. They are also great as decorations to a home. You have to understand though that because they are only models, it doesn’t mean that they don’t cost much.

In fact, some vintage car models are also vintages on their own right. Some are from the same era as the cars they are replicating and can command a considerable amount of money. If they are in an exceptional state or in mint condition, these models can cost thousands of dollars. With that price, you wouldn’t think of them as mere toys.

Many of these vintage car models are made from die cast metal. Plastic models were unheard of in those days and even know, if a model is in limited edition, they are generally made from metal to allow them to last longer. This way, they can be worth something in the future. Also, the price of the model is not just based on how old it is and how good the condition it is in. Another consideration would be the design and the detailing of the model.

There are vintage car models that are highly detailed and have different movable parts attached together. Since they are small, they can be hard to build and has to be manually produced. These details provide an intricate authenticity to the model and they are scaled exactly to the proportions of the car so you can have a general idea of what they really look like in their true to life size. The more detailed the model is, the higher the price it can command.

Usually, vintage car models can be found in hobby stores and collectible stores. If you don’t have one in your area, you may have a hard time making your collection grow. This is the old fashioned way of looking for vintage car models. So that you can specifically find a particular vintage car model, all you need to do is log on to the internet and find the numerous collectibles and hobby retail websites. There you will be able to get good deals and discounts and be also able to find exactly what you want.

Auction sites are good sources for these collectibles. Usually, there are collectors who sell their vintage car models as well. You can do a thorough search for the different vintage car models and you don’t even have to leave your home or office. Better yet, join clubs and forum on the internet and be always informed.
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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Vintage Car Insurance

Vintage Car Insurance Online, the Easy and Most Convenient Way

Restoring a vintage car is a labor of love. While admittedly there are some that do this as a business, all of them, those that restore and collect vintage cars, are driven by their passion, they are fueled by their desire for vintage cars and watching them return to their full glory is what makes them happy.

Ownership of a vintage car sets an image of glamour, prestige and a status symbol that shows you can afford its high maintenance, think Jay Leno. Aside from having the money to pursue such an endeavor, you should also have the passion for it. You need to be very patient when restoring a vintage car.

After restoring a vintage car, a lot of people would either drive out from time to time, or keep it in storage so that they will be in great condition when they present it at car shows. This great concern for safety is understandable; this is because a vintage car restoration project is no laughing matter. A huge investment in time, money and effort is done and watching a car get destroyed or to have it stolen can be a huge blow.

This is where having an insurance comes in. But unlike regular car insurance, vintage car insurance can be different. One thing that collector’s like is that a vintage car insurance is relatively far cheaper than regular car insurance. You have to consider though that this insurance policy is cheaper because they only cover certain mileage. There are also conditions like parking garages that are considered.

Also, the price of a vintage car insurance policy will depend on the make and model of the vehicle, the rarer the car is and the more expensive it is in the market, the higher the cost of the policy is. Furthermore, make sure that your insurer will guarantee the valuation of your car prior to signing the policy. There have been some insurance companies who have denied claims for complete valuation. Although having a guaranteed valuation included in your policy will mean extra charges, this is all worthwhile as you are protected in the event that your car is stolen or is damaged beyond total repair.

Looking for vintage car insurance can be as simple as flipping through the yellow pages or browsing through vintage car magazines. There you will be able to find car insurance companies that can be able to give you a quote after you give out your details through a phone call, or if you go to their physical office. Comparing their quotes can be a troublesome task. You need to make several phone calls or visits to get their quote. Plus, interacting with an insurance agent can get you committed to their policy with their persuasion.

One of the more popular ways in finding vintage car insurance is browsing the internet. Here you will be able to find numerous insurance companies that can offer great deals in insurance policies. Plus, you don’t have to go to their physical offices to get a quote. In a matter of minutes, you will be able to get quotes from different companies and compare them. Aside from their prices though, you have to greatly consider what is included in the policy. One great thing about shopping for a policy through the net, you are not pressured to be committed to their service.
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Saturday, July 19, 2008

Determining Fair Vintage Car Prices

For a person who adores cars, especially vintage cars, putting a price tag on their favorite vehicles, especially if they have been fully restored can be very difficult. The emotional attachment a person gets with a vehicle that has captured his or her passion can be deemed as priceless and for many people parting with their vehicles, selling them to another vintage car enthusiast is like giving a part of themselves as well.

For a buyer though, it is but normal that they would haggle with the prices and be skeptic about the price, this is just basic buying. Cars, both old and new, are usually priced higher than they are normally worth; this is so that when a buyer haggles for the asking price, they still have room to deduct. If a buyer is really determined to buy a vintage car, and he or she doesn’t have any inkling about its market value, then in the hands of a good seller, the buyer may be paying a price that’s too high.

In determining what a fair price is when buying a vintage car, it would really help a lot if you have a car value guide in hand. A value guide can clearly show a person the valuation of a vehicle determined by the year, make and model of the vehicle and its current condition. For example, you may be looking at two exact vehicles; one may be higher in value if the other one is in a worse condition and would need more repairs.

Conditions are usually rated from 1 to 5, 1 being the best and 5 being the worst. A vintage car in condition 1 is usually in the car show condition and is fully restored. Condition 2 and 3 is drivable, has a good body but doesn’t have that car show qualities yet. Condition 4 needs various repairs and condition 5 is not drivable and is a candidate for the junk yard.

Also, try to consider the things that have been altered with the vehicle, A seller may be jostling for higher prices for a “pimped out” vintage car, but remember, the more original parts that are taken out of the vehicle, the lesser its value becomes. This is because if you want to have a great looking fully restored vehicle, it has to have its original parts and designs, and if you want to do this with a tricked out vintage car, you will need to still find the parts and this will cost you more.

The rarity or the number of units made with the same specifications will determine its price as well. Example, if a certain vintage car was made with a limited production number, its value will be higher, but if within that limited units made, there were also units that had better specifications, then those special units are much more rare and would command a higher price.

Lastly, always have a mechanic check out the car before you buy it. A vintage car can have a lot of secret damages and problems to it. And because vintage cars can be very expensive, you have to make sure first if you are truly getting what the seller is selling you. You just don’t hand over your money. Be wise when buying a vintage car, it is a worthy investment and knowing that you paid right for it makes it even a better investment.
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The Great Magnetism and Glamour of the Vintage Car Show

We all know what car shows are, most every country in the world has them, and this doesn’t just happen once a year, aside from the big motor shows that the top car manufacturers participate in, there are also different car shows put up by car clubs in various places. And for those who have developed the passion for the cars of the early era, there is the vintage car show.

Usually, car shows are held to show case the new cars that were developed by car manufacturers. Sometimes though, there is also some space in the car shows where vintage and classic cars are given a chance to de displayed as well. These fully restored vintage cars are presented so that those car buffs who love the vintage cars will be able to see these glamorous and historical vehicles.

Car shows started off as somewhat like a car market where people can see which cars are available for them. Car manufacturers take advantage of these shows to present their new cars to the public and sell it to them. What developed from these “temporary” car show rooms became somewhat like a competition today.

Smaller car shows have also become a contest for people who want to showcase their vehicles. For vintage car shows, vintage car owners have the opportunity to compete against other vintage car owners and see which vintage cars have been restored the best. For car aficionados this is a big treat as they will b able to see these magnificent cars of the past and also get the chance to meet the people who owned and restored them and also, meet new friends and get some information.

In these vintage car shows, each car are meticulously inspected for any flaws which could determine who will be the winner. Judges would see if the engine parts are all original, if the cars are clean and rust-free, do the vintage cars emulate its original characteristics, does every mechanism work, or if the vehicles are road worthy and can run fine.

Most of the time, vintage car shows are set up by different car clubs. If you are interested to join one, you can ask the vintage car clubs in your area, better yet, you can join them so you can be updated always. By joining a vintage car club, you will be able to get lots of information, not only with the schedule of vintage car shows, but other pertinent information which can help you restore and maintain a vintage car.

But a vintage car show is not only for those who have vintage cars. If you love vintage cars and love going to vintage car shows, all you have to do is buy a ticket and see these glorious machines which helped start the automotive industry.

So why do people love going to vintage car shows? With all the somewhat similar designs of cars today, The hard bodied box type cars of yesterday emits a certain aura of glamour and sophistication, back then, only a fortunate few can afford to own a car. These vintage cars are great to look at and seeing them restored to their full glory is such a thrill for those who truly love cars.
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

The Vintage Car: The Post World War 1 Phenomenon

Vintage cars are commonly regarded as the cars and automobiles that were produced at the start of the second decade of the 1900s and ended about a decade after, a good starting point for this era was when the First World War ended. Its end date though is a little murky but many experts insist that it was in the end of 1930. That is why some vehicles produced after 1925, which some American vintage car experts say is the end of the era, are considered to be classic cars as well as vintage cars. There are also those that considered the end of the First World War and the start of the Second World War as the vintage car era.

Either way, the vintage car era was when many automotive experts, enthusiasts and aficionados consider as one of the greatest eras in automotive history as many innovations were installed and more people could afford them. Before this era, a car ownership was next to impossible and before the vintage car era ended, numerous American families owned a car.

The reason for this upsurge in vehicle production can be attributed to many factors. The economy was at an all time high, roads were being paved and the vehicles were becoming practical, convenient and affordable. Because cars were in great demand, many car companies were created and they all jostled for sales.

But because of the stiff completion and the surging slide of the economy resulting to the great depression in 1929, many of these car companies folded and only about 10 percent of them survived. Some of those that folded were small automotive companies that couldn’t handle the unpaid bills and were producing subpar vehicles that couldn’t withstand the test of time.

Some of those companies though, like Ford, Hudson, Oldsmobile, Daimler, Dodge, Chrysler, and DeSoto, where able to produce cars that were stamped with quality and durability that up until today, some of their products are still road worthy. These companies were able to produce vehicles and automobiles that were considered luxurious and highly durable. Automotive innovations like in car heating, a radio, better engines and the introduction of anti-freezing allowed these cars to be used anywhere and anytime with utmost comfort.

Today, a number of these cars still exist and can be still regarded as road worthy. But they don’t ply the roads as often as they did then and are considered more as valuable collections. A number of car buffs regard vintage cars as the trophies of their collections and showcase them in car shows.

Some of these vintage cars are salvaged from junk yards and from abandoned garages and are restored to their full glory. This though comes with an expensive price tag. If you have a vintage car that has numerous problems, looking for parts to restore it can become a problem in itself. Parts for vintage cars are hard to find and if you ever find one, they may be a bit pricey. But don’t fret. With some perseverance and a truckload of patience, a vintage car restoration project can be very rewarding. Because not many vintage cars can be seen today, being an owner of a fully restored vintage car can be a great source of pride and for individuality.
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