Most Wanted Classic Cars: AMC Javelin (Part 1)

Posted by Steve White on Mar 31, 2010

During the 1960s, when pony cars were becoming popular in the US, American Motors decided to produce their own version of pony car. The AMC Javelin was manufactured from 1968 to 1974, and it gained recognition as one of the best-performing pony cars in history.

The Javelin was designed based on an AMC AMX prototype that was displayed during the AMX project national tour in 1966. It was American Motors’ answer to the popular Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. The base engine of the 1968 AMC Javelin was a 232 cid straight-6 with 155 hp, and three optional V8 engines were offered. The 343 cid 4-barrel V8 was a serious performance engine, and it was capable of delivering 280 hp.

In the year 1969, a 390 cid V8 was added to the engine line-up of the AMC Javelin. This powerful engine had a maximum output of 315 hp, and it made it possible for the car to reach from 0-60 miles per hour in around 7 seconds. The following year, the AMC Javelin had a longer hood, a new “twin-venturi” grille, and a revised rear end that featured full-width taillights. Also, two new engines were introduced, and they were the 304 cid V8, which became the new base engine, and the 360 cid V8, which replaced the 343 cid V8.

The 8th Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction

Posted by Steve White on Mar 29, 2010

The Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction is one of the most prestigious auto auctions in the world. The event will be in its 8th edition this year, and it will be held at the Americraft Expo Center in the South Florida Fairgrounds from the 1st to 3rd of April, 2010. It will feature some of the finest vehicles from around the world, and it will be telecasted live on SPEED.

Last year’s auction was a tremendous success, attracting more than 55,000 auto enthusiasts and generating a total sales volume of $20 million. Hundreds of vintage and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles, as well as contemporary vehicles will be offered on the block this year, and a number of rare vehicles will also be put up for sale, including the Barrett-Jackson Roush Mustang concept car, a limited-edition 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon, and a concept version of the 2011 Shelby GT350. Other than cars, a wide range of automobilia will also be auctioned off.

Tickets for the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction are priced at $13.00 for the first two days of the event and $18.00 for the final day. A three-day pass costs $35.00. Concessions are available for early purchase as well as children and seniors. A portion of proceeds from the auction will be donated to charity. For more information about the auction, you can check out the Barrett-Jackson website.

Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum

Posted by Steve White on Mar 26, 2010

The Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum is home to the largest collection of Hudson cars in the world. This excellent museum is housed in the Shipshewana Town Center in Shipshewana, Indiana, and it has an exhibition space of 50,000 square feet. There are presently more than 50 cars on display in the museum.

The museum was established because of one man’s passion for Hudson cars. Eldon Hostetler was a young boy growing up in an Amish farm when he began to develop a fascination for automobiles. When his neighbor brought home a 1936 Hudson Terraplane, he was captivated by the beauty and innovative design of the car. When he was 18 years old, Hostetler bought a 1938 Hudson for just $350.00, and this would be the first of many Hudson automobiles that he owned. In 1997, he donated his impressive collection of Hudsons and 18 acres of land to the town of Shipshewana to start a museum. Today, the museum showcases many Hudson automobiles, as well as other rare classic cars and trucks such as Essex, Dover, Railton, and Terraplane.

The Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm all year round, with extended evening hours to 8.00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission rates are $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children aged 6 to 17, and $7.00 for seniors. Concession rate of $6.00 per person is offered to groups of 10 people or more.

Quality Classic Car Insurance from Hagerty

Posted by Steve White on Mar 24, 2010

Hagerty is a reputable company that specializes in offering top quality insurance for classic cars. The owners and employees of this insurance company are classic car enthusiasts themselves, and they can provide comprehensive information and advice on your insurance needs. Hagerty’s competitive insurance rates and excellent benefits make owning a classic car a most pleasant and worry-free experience.

Hagerty provides insurance coverage for many different types of automobiles, including vintage cars, classic cars, muscle cars, exotic cars, and special interest cars. Unlike many insurance companies that restrict usage of automobiles to car shows and parades, this insurance provider extends coverage to occasional leisurely drives. The company has an in-house claims department that makes it more convenient for policy holders to get compensation for damages. It also offers a Hagerty Plus program that features additional benefits such as 24-hour emergency road side service, product discounts, and a quarterly magazine.

One of the main reasons why classic car owners choose to get insurance from Hagerty is because its premiums are lower than most other classic car insurance companies in the US. It is very easy to get an insurance quote from Hagerty. All you have to do is visit the Hagerty website and take about 90 seconds to fill out the application form. After you receive the quote, you can compare it with the rates offered by other insurance companies, and you will be convinced that Hagerty is indeed the best option for you.

Revolutionary Chevy E-Rod on Californian Tour

Posted by Steve White on Mar 22, 2010

A 1955 Chevrolet concept car that is powered by the revolutionary E-Rod crate engine package set off for a three-month Californian tour on March 15, 2010. The car departed from Huntington Beach, and it will be making stops at GM dealerships, car shows, cruise events, Bureau of Automotive Repair stations, and hot rod shops throughout the state.

This tour offers classic car enthusiasts the rare opportunity to get a close look at a radically innovative auto system that is capable of meeting the stringent emissions standards of California without compromising performance. The E-Rod crate engine system consists of an LS3 engine that can deliver a maximum output of 430 hp, as well as emission devices such as catalytic converters, and supporting components that make the car as environmentally-friendly as a modern car. This engine package is considered a revolutionary hot rodding technology, and it has been approved by the California Air Resources Board.

The 1955 Chevy E-Rod is a fully restored hot rod, and it features factory Bel Air trim on the outside and original interior with upholstery and other items from CARS Inc. It is now being offered through GM dealerships and authorized GM Performance Parts retailers. For more information about the car or the schedule of the tour, you can check the GM Performance Parts website.

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