A Brief History Of The Mini
The mini was a very iconic car during the 60’s and early selling strongly up to the early 21st century (2000) when production was finally ceased. It was then replaced by the new Cooper. The Mini had many names during its long history, and it was marketed under Austin and Morris until it became its own company in 1969. The first car was produced in 1959 by the British Motor Company (BMC) its engines ranged from 850cc to 1275cc during its later years.
The original car was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis who wanted to give the mini a great deal of room for passengers and luggage. To save space the mini was designed with a front wheel drive layout leaving up to 75-80 percent of the cars chassis to be used for passengers and luggage; even though the chassis was very small car there was a lot of space thanks to this layout. The car was assembled in factories in Longbridge and Cowley as well as being built worldwide in many other countries such as Belgium, Australia and Spain due to its popularity with the global public.
The Mini was put into production because of the fuel shortage that took place in 1956. This meant that the UK had to introduce a program of petrol rationing. During its lifetime the car received three main updates from its original car (the Mark 1). They were the mark 2, the clubman and the mark 3. It also received modifications that changed the exterior of the car. They included variants such as pickups and vans.
There was also the Mini Cooper S that was hailed as a sportier or “racier” version of the original; these were extremely successful in rally events and won the Monte Carlo rally three times. This was mainly due to great handling and low weight, the Cooper S weighing just 617kg to 686kg. They were also quite successful in other forms of racing winning GTC 65 championship races. Many celebrities such as Niki Lauda and Steve McQueen famously owned Mini’s.
The new version was introduced in 2001 taking the mantle from the old model when production ceased. BMW had bought the rights to the company and started production of the new model. Due to the new ownership the Mini corporation changed its name to BMW Mini. Currently there is only one model in the range, with some variants such as the clubman and convertible. Also in 2008 the next generation of minis came out with new stylish and sleek looks that people wanted this was called the Mark 2.
The mini has been at the centre of some criticism with hardcore enthusiasts saying that the car does not follow the trend or principles the original car set. They complained that the car was too big and there was less room inside. BMW hit back saying that they had increased the safety and crash protection making the passengers inside less susceptible to injury in the result of a crash. They also stated that they incorporated new features such as air conditioning and emissions control that had to increase the size of the car.
The two main versions sold in the UK of the new version are the standard Cooper and Cooper S. The standard Cooper features a 1.6L engine that produces 120hp and has a 0-62 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The faster version the cooper S has a supercharged (and now turbocharged, mark 2) 1.6L engine that produces 175hp with a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds and has an impressive top speed of 140 mph. From its humble beginnings the mini has become a modern, stylish and above all popular car.
Motoring expert Thomas Pretty looks into the history of the Mini from sixties icon to modern day styling.
Have A Classic Car To Relocate? 3 Tips That Will Save You Money
To some people a car is a car. You tend to forget sometimes that not everyone shares a love of cars like we do especially when it comes to classic or vintage cars. How can you really be sure that a company will take care of your car in the same manner as you would?
I have a few tips that you can look for that will help in the selection process and what to ask to ensure the protection level is a high priority with the transporting company you select that will save you money.
Again, you need to be very particular in a reliable company who will care for your classic or exotic car as though it were their own. Just shop around and compare services first to insure that you’re getting a competitive and fair rate. Don’t just jump to the first cheap quote you get because comparing is how you get the best deals to saving money. This is for your peace of mind for yourself and for extra protection for your car while traveling
Let’s be straight about something here, you have a very expensive car and you expect it to remain in that excellent condition as it did before you handed it over to strangers at an auto transporting Service Company. A few things can make all the difference between endings up with a car that you have to put money into repairing to just being able to drive away without any incidences.
1. You want to choose a company that current with technology and are well-equipped with equipment that is in tune with the latest a door-to-door satellite GPS tracking system so you know where your car is at all times. This way you always know where your car is traveling at all times.
2. Insurance. Make sure that the company you select has adequate insurance to cover any mishaps of your car while in transit. You can always get additional coverage if you feel that the minimum is too little of an amount. This is sometimes a better alternative when it comes to those really expensive and irreplaceable exotic or classic cars.
3. The transporter company you choose should have a well-developed and reliable network of offices throughout the country and world and you would think that when it comes to professional car transporters, especially exotic or classic, that the crew would use the most caution, consideration and carefulness when it comes to these types prized vehicles. The reality is because their so expensive and costly to repair.
To sum things up, you just need to be careful on who you select. You need to be very particular in a reliable company who will care for your classic or exotic car as though it were their own.
It seems like these days smaller groups of companies are forming in the industry who hire people who are skilled in the handling of specialty cars so you might keep that as an option. I’m sure you’ll pay more for the service but you know what they say, you get what you pay for.
Here at Damovers you can locate and compare multiple Auto Shipping Quotes from several shipping companies at one time. Always compare rates and services first for Auto
Transporting companies. Get tips for finding a great Auto Transporting Service company that will care for your car as much as you do.
Protect Your Classic Car with Suitable Classic Car Insurance
For many people, classic cars top the list of desirable transportation due to the styling and character that you just don’t find in today’s vehicles. Classic cars are often a huge object of pride for the owner, and a huge object of desire for would-be car thieves. Maintaining a classic car is no easy task and with the world turning more unpredictable by the day, it makes good sense indeed to protect your much-loved car with classic car insurance. These insurance plans provide an umbrella of coverage for your classic car and aid you in proper hassle-free running of your much-loved classic car.
Before explore classic car insurance in depth, let us understand what exactly constitutes a classic car and how it is different from a vintage car. A classic automobile is usually defined by its age with the minimum cap of 15 years. However, the accepted age for a classic car varies from twenty to forty years while vintage cars are those cars which are at least 60 years old at the time of insurance.
Maintaining a classic car is no piece of cake and often requires a lot of repairs and money before it can strut its stuff out on the roads. With so much put on the line, investing in a classic car insurance policy is a must. Regardless of the age of your classic vehicle, most car insurance companies require certain prerequisites to be fulfilled before you can avail a cheap classic car insurance quote.
One of the major requirements is that the vehicle should be in good or at least restored condition and should be kept in a fully enclosed facility. Furthermore, the driver should not be younger than 19 years old and the vehicle itself should be used primarily for exhibitions and club activities. Although an occasional drive here and there is permitted, most car insurance companies make sure that the car is not used primary means of transport.
Collector auto insurance is generally inexpensive owing to the fact that the car is to be used sparingly. However, the coverage offered is very car-specific and is highly dependent on the company and state policies. Some of the primary options available include garaging location, spare part replacement, comprehensive classic car insurance, and value coverage which reimburses the amount equivalent to the vehicle’s true market value.
One aspect that should be kept in mind when purchasing a classic car insurance policy is that most companies keep tabs on the total number of miles that you travel. This may vary from state to state but generally ranges from 1000 to about 5000 miles per year.
Keeping in mind the time and expense associated with having a collector car, a classic car insurance policy is probably just as important as any other aspect of owning such a vehicle. Since most classic car insurance coverage is relatively cheap and is highly specific, special care should be taken to obtain insurance quotes that fit your unique situation and classic car.
For more information about low cost auto insurance options, including New York car insurance, be sure to visit http://www.lowcostautoinsuranceinfo.com today.
Approaching Your Classic Car Restoration Project
When you first begin the process of restoring an old antique classic car, there are a lot of different decisions that a person has to make before and during the entire process. Depending on the type of approach you decide to take, you can do all the work yourself or hire a mechanic and body shop to do all the work for you. The main thing to remember though, when choosing the garage to do the work for you is to make sure you do all your homework on the people that you are hiring to make sure that you choose someone reliable and knowledgeable in what they are doing.
One of the first things that you should ask of the shop that you are thinking of using is references. Ask them for names of some of their previous customers that you could then go to and ask questions. You will also want to verify how much their hourly rate is and get estimates on how long the job will take and what the costs of any parts that they supply are going to cost. The main thing to remember is that there are always a few black sheep garages out there that can take advantage of people that have not done their homework ahead of time. As long as you make sure that you go to a reliable shop, you should be good to go.
Another good way to find some good shops that can work on your classic car restoration is to attend some of the classic cars shows that come to your area and ask the car owners there who they use for doing their work. During this time, you may even find a car owner that does his own work that you might be able to hire to do yours as well.
It is easy to remember that the main thing to do when you are searching out a shop to help you in your new classic car restoration project is to do your research and make sure you know what you are getting into before you start your project. Knowing everything ahead of time definitely helps prevent some of the headaches down the road and makes you enjoy your classic car that much more. Once all the work is over and finished, you will enjoying driving your new creation around the town without having all the potential nightmares haunting you.
Corey Palmer is a car collector and restorer who enjoys going to car shows and showing off his own cars. There are many classic cars for sale out there but the best place to find antique cars for sale or just plain old cars for sale there are some good places online as well.
The Willys Jeep: American Classic and Reliable Off-Roader
A good off-road vehicle doesn’t have to cost you more than your house. Many four wheelers like older models like the Willys Jeep. Parts for these classics are still easy to find so it’s easy to keep them running.
What’s a Willys?
Although Willys is a name that brings a blank look to most people’s faces, it’s one of the most recognizable vehicles out there: the World War II Army jeep. These sturdy and reliable performers remained one of the most popular Army vehicles for decades, serving not only Americans in Korea and Viet Nam but armies of other nations even to this day.
The original MB model was named a critical tool of World War II by General Eisenhower and an International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
The late 1970s saw a change in the US military’s policy toward personnel and cargo transport. They decided to go with larger and more advanced vehicles, so the venerable jeeps and trucks were replaced with the Humvee.
Although no longer used by the American military, there is still a strong community of enthusiasts that keeps their Willys fighting fit. Even 30 years after retirement, there is no lack of Willys Jeep parts and supplies.
Cheap, Tough, and Versatile
With World War II looming on the horizon, the US Army had basically three specifications for its new personnel vehicle. It had to be tough enough to survive combat use. It had to be able to drive anywhere from deserts to swamps. And it had to be cheap enough to supply an army.
The very characteristics that made the Jeep such a successful army vehicle are what make it so beloved today. It’s not fancy. It’s not pretty except to another jeeper. But it’s rugged and never gives up.
Willys Jeeps were built in the days when all you needed to fix your car was a screwdriver. When you need to replace Willys Jeep parts, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to do it. You don’t need expensive tools and computerized analysis. Invest a little sweat and elbow grease and your Jeep is ready to roll again.
The Off-Road Vehicle Built for Off-Roading
Most four-wheel vehicles built today are designed to look pretty sitting in your driveway. They are status symbols rather than rugged vehicles, no matter what the slick television ads say.
Willys Jeeps are all about function over form. These are not glorified minivans. These are vehicles for people who want to come home covered in dust and mud. They are about adventure and exploration and genuine off-road experiences.
Since they aren’t manufactured anymore, it can be hard to find one - and even harder to find one that’s not obscenely overpriced. Patience will pay off, particularly if you are willing to buy a junker and replace a few of the Willys Jeep parts yourself.
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Willys
Jeep Parts, visit http://www.walcks4wd.com.
A Brief History of the Hot Rod
California is considered to be the birthplace of hot rods. People were looking for cars to race across the salt flats, and many amateur mechanics looked to create streamlined vehicles for racing. They used whatever parts they could find in local junkyards. The idea was that they could build a better racer than their more affluent neighbors with sheer ingenuity.
It was important that the cars could be used both for racing and everyday driving, since very few people had more than one car. Early hot rods were created from Ford Model T and Model A roadsters. Actually, the term “hot rod” is believed to be derived from the phrase “hot roadster.” Model Ts and As were plentiful, cheap and easy to modify for racing. The absence of a top made these cars lighter than most, though sedans and coupes were soon used for racing. These would often be prepared for racing by removing the tops and giving the windshield a backwards slope to make them lighter and more aerodynamic.
The tires were usually replaced, with very large rear tires to raise the gear ratio. Small front tires were used in combination with the large rear tires in order to “rake,” or slope, the car forward. This further decreased wind resistance. Slots were cut into the body of the car to help keep the engine cool. These backyard enthusiasts made every effort to create the fastest car in the region.
After WWII, the American public became enthralled with hot rods. Many early enthusiasts came back from military service with mechanical and metalworking skills, and they were ready to put those skills into their cars. They gathered once again in southern California’s dry region and continued customizing cars and racing.
As street racing rose in popularity, so did the dangers associated with it. All across the country, kids were racing their hot rods, sometimes with fatal consequences. From cruising the streets at night to gathering at local hot spots, the youth of America became obsessed with street racing. Eventually, the American public at large looked upon hot rodding as a dangerous and delinquent pastime which, along with rock and roll, was rotting the youth of the country.
To offset this perception, the first Hot Rod Exhibition was held in Los Angeles in 1948. The exhibition emphasized the positive aspects of hot rods, such as craftsmanship and ingenuity. Hot rod associations were formed in order to develop cooperation between enthusiasts and the police, giving the entire subculture a better image in the public eye.
Many people shifted the focus from creating a racing car to creating a unique and beautiful vehicle. Custom paint jobs became all the rage, while the slope of the car changed. While early builders leaned the car forward, people started to slope the cars toward the rear. The cars were built for looks rather than racing, though their engines and performance were still held in high regard.
Hot rods are still highly popular vehicles, among both younger and older generations. Their size, appearance and performance appeal to many. Amateur mechanics still park them in their garage to tear them apart, soup them up and take them to the streets. Just like in the old days, it’s about creating a better car with a little money and a lot of determination.
Glen Francis has a passion for cars especially those high performance and small production, but Hot Rods and Custom cars are his niche.
Find out about the origins of Hot Rods and how to create these timeless machines at http://www.fixinghotrods.com
A History Of Vauxhall Cars Through The Decades
Vauxhall dealers in the past have had a range of cars on their forecourts to suit even the lowest budget. The company itself, if not the dealers, has been in existence for more than one hundred and fifty years. The founder of Vauxhall Motors was Alex Wilson, the factory he opened originally manufactured pumps and engines, it wasn’t until the turn of the century, or more precisely 1903 when the company produced its first motor car. At this time the dealers were in a minority and those who wished to buy this car will have had trouble finding one.
Twenty years later the Vauxhall Motor company made a deal that would affect its dealers and customers for generations to come. Put simply, the British company was bough out by American car manufacturing giant General Motors. At this time, GM only had to spend two and a half million dollars to purchase the entire Vauxhall company, factories and dealers included. The American influence on design and manufacture meant that for almost sixty years Vauxhall cars were very similar to their American cousins. A brief interlude during the war years saw car production cease for the manufacture of the Churchill tank for the war effort.
After the war it took Vauxhall and its dealers another twenty years to achieve a revival of fortunes. Two cars, namely the Viva and Victor were instrumental in this resurgence during the late sixties. Ford has always been a major competitor for Vauxhall and the seventies were no different. While the dealers reported high sales of the Viva countrywide, the Ford Cortina was still a far more popular option of motorists. At this time it was also the case that as well as Ford being a major rival, British Leyland was considerable competition.
The mid seventies were a battlefield in the British motor market with dealers making fortunes selling a variety of models. The primary Vauxhall model of the period was the Chevette, a three door hatchback representing a new trend in the car industry for smaller family cars while the Cavalier, a saloon car produced by Vauxhall was finally beginning to compete with the dominant Cortina from Ford. By the end of the seventies the gap between Vauxhall and Ford was closing, although Ford were still the most popular car company in Britain in terms of sales by dealers.
Dealers were blessed with a complete revolution of the Vauxhall range during the eighties. Some of the cars that rolled onto the forecourts of dealers during this period are in fact still in production today, although heavily revised. The Astra was one of this new generation and continued the trend for small family cars replacing the rather tired Viva. More importantly, the eighties saw the release of the Mk 2 Cavalier, now competing against the Ford Sierra, the replacement of the Cortina. In addition, a foray into the executive saloon market was undertaken by Vauxhall with the Carlton rolling out to dealers all over the land. This car was rather successful, packing a punch in terms of technology and comfort.
More recently the nineties saw Vauxhall building upon past successes. The Astra was still the core car in the range and the most popular amongst dealers. This decade did see the release of the Corsa representing a move by all the major car companies to produce a’ supermini’ car. These two models have continued being produced going into the new century with a variety of facelifts and minor changes. Today, the cars produced by Vauxhall range from small hatchbacks to large MPV family vehicles. Ford are still their main rival and only in recent times have the Vauxhall Motor company’s dealers released figures showing that they have finally taken the mantle of Britain’s most popular car manufacturer.
Motor industry expert Thomas Pretty looks into the history of Vauxhall dealers and the cars on their forecourts
The First True Production Model Porsche
Even though the Porsche 64 is considered by many to be the first car produced by the company it was really only a test car and was never built as a production automobile, in fact only three were built. The 364 was built by Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche after design by Erwin Komenda, while getting its engine modeled after the VW Beetle.
The 356 was offered in the beginning as a coupe, a cabriolet, and a roadster and before being taken off the market in 1965 it underwent several modifications. The models that were the most wanted were the Super 90, the Speedster, and the 356 Carrera which often fetches over $150,000 now. The original selling price for a Porsche in the latter 1950
Classic Cars - Unique Feeling Despite Various Definitions
Classic car is a term repeatedly used whenever one mentions about an older car, but the exact implication varies from person to person. Some tend to be very inclusive, classifying any older car in excellent condition as a classic. Others, including the “Concours d’Elegance” and the Classic Car Club of America are adamant that 1948 is the final year for genuine classics. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) claims that it has coined the term Classic car and as is the case it believes that the actual definition of the term is what they have given. According to the CCCA a classic car is a fine or distinctive vehicle, either American or foreign made, manufactured between 1925 and 1948.
Generally, a Classic is costly when fresh and was produced in limited numbers. Other factors which help to assess whether a vehicle is a Classic or not includes engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories, such as power brakes, power clutch, and “one-shot” or automatic lubrication systems. The Club possesses an exhaustive list of the vehicles it classifies as a Classic, and even though any member may move a petition for a vehicles to be added in the list, such petitions are scrutinized with care and rarely is a new vehicle type accommodated.
Even though this definition of a classic car is acknowledged by the CCCA, it is not universally admitted. While it still insists that the true definition of ‘classic car’ is its, it commonly utilizes terms such as CCCA Classic or the trademarked Full Classic to keep away confusion. Legally, most states provide time-based rules for the definition of “classic” for occasions such as antique vehicle registration; for example, Pennsylvania defines that a Classic is a “A motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, constructed at least 15 years before the current year which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is to the extreme complying with manufacturer specifications and appearance.” Like the definitions already given other institutions have given self-compiled definitions for Classic cars.
A division of classic cars is known as the Modern Classics. The vehicles listed under this category are generally older, anywhere from 15-25 years, but are not admitted as classics by The Antique Automobile Club of America. Such cars are rather perceived as classics by auto enthusiasts, and are generally rare, and out of construction. There was a modification in styling trends worldwide just after the end of World War II. Many cars at that time modified the traditional discrete replaceable-fender treatment. After the war, automobiles of all kinds transformed to envelope bodies in basic plan.
The CCCA term, “Classic Car” has been limited to “the functionally traditional designs of the earlier period” (mostly pre-war). They usually had removable fenders, trunk, headlights, and a usual vertical grill treatment. In a large vehicle, coupled with traditional lines, might match the CCCA term. Thus it may be a car which belongs to a later time, but not belonging to the “Classic period of Design”, in the words of the traditionalist CCCA faction. In any case Classic cars are extremely popular around the world and whatever definition you give to them, they will continue to be loved and respected.
As one of the world’s most exciting and prestigious brand, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong offers luxury passenger cars and commercial vehicles extensive choice of Vito, Sprinter, Viano, Actros, Axor and Atego to the customers in Hong Kong and Macau.
Antique Vehicle Insurance - What You Must Consider
Many people choose to restore and then display their antique cars at shows. No serious owner would ever fail to insure this prized possession. With such interest in old cars you will not be surprised to learn there are antique car insurance companies that take a particular interest in insuring this type of vehicle. With so many classic car insurers available, an owner should have no problem insuring their prized possession. Competition amongst insurers should also mean a quote that meets with the owner’s financial requirements.
The area of antique vehicle insurance has not gone unnoticed by commercial auto insurers who now have special policies for the collectors of antique cars. These plans reflect the specialized nature of this type of auto cover and are often called ‘collectors auto insurance’. Although the policies may seem the same as the policies that regular auto cover provides, they are not and the agent will require exact details of the car to be insured before a full quotation can be supplied. The agent will be able to help you choose what level of coverage you require and can afford and the level at which the deductible needs to be set.
One particular benefit of insuring your antique car through a large commercial insurer is the fact that they should be reliable; these companies usually have a good reputation as they have been established for many years. The other advantage of this type of insurer is their ability to also arrange the protection on any other regular vehicle you own. The security of having an established company provide antique car insurance for an older car is well worth the premium they will charge.
There are also many independent auto insurers available through which you can purchase car cover for an older car; the downside being that you may have to use a (different) standard auto insurer for any other car you own. Some of these independent insurance companies will only insure a particular type of classic car, so if the car you are attempting to insure is particularly rare, it may be difficult to find a provider that will provide coverage for it. It is worth doing some research when choosing an independent antique car insurer to make sure they have a good reputation as you will have a great deal of money at stake.
It can be an awkward situation when you have been regularly paying your insurance premium only to find your insurance company will not pay out on a claim you have made. Locating an antique car insurance company is not as straightforward as finding a regular auto insurance provider so it may be necessary to persevere to end up having your car protected by the correct insurance policy. Most classic cars are worth many thousands of dollars and that is a big loss if the car is ever stolen or destroyed so having the right cover may be the most valuable protection you ever purchase.
For more advice on what you need to look at when considering
antique vehicle insurance go to http://www.aboutinsurancesite.com/antiquevehicleinsurance.html
