Classic Cars Zone

Why Classic Cars Are Better Than New Ones

2011-01-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

Why Classic Cars Are Better Than New Ones - by John Kelly

The start of 2008 brought great hilarity for those of us who keep a keen eye on the motoring industry - and especially those among us who sneer at anything less than a supercar. First, the joy of the internet and email meant I received a picture of a garden shed on wheels (yes, an actual shed) - with a clever fake press release heralding the launch of the new Daewood car! Very funny.

Then, in India, Tata Motors launched the world's cheapest new car...the $2,500 Nano. Wizened industry-watchers heralded the apparent “breathtaking innovations in manufacturing technology in the global automobile industry based on severe cost-cutting". Others were not so open-minded, with one United States media presenter describing the car as "a golf cart crossed with a jelly bean."

But both events got me thinking - why on earth would someone buy a horrible new 'Eurobox car' when the money could be better spent on a fantastic classic car? This conundrum always baffles my colleagues at Sureterm Direct - the UK's leading specialist classic car insurance company - so with their help here are my top 7 reasons to buy a classic car instead of a faceless, cheap, under-powered, Euro-shed.

1. It makes financial sense. The moment you drive your run-of-the-mill chunk of far Eastern plastic and metal car off the forecourt you lose 30% of its value straight away in depreciation. You no longer own a new car - you own a second-hand one! But if you invested in a cracking little classic car in good condition - and kept it smart - the chances are it should at least hold its value (and in some cases it might even increase in price).

2. Better insurance deals. Take it from us, as the country's leading specialist classic car insurer, the costs of insuring a classic MGB if you opt for special features like limited mileage options can be considerably less than cover for a new hot hatch. And we're not just talking about saving a £10 or so - the difference can run to hundreds of pounds. Classic car insurance quotes can be very competitive.

3. Zero road tax. Yep, that's right. In the UK classic cars built before 1973 qualify for zero-rated road tax. You have to display a tax disk, but it doesn't actually cost anything. So there's £160 banked straight away.

4. Cheaper repair bills. Let's say you're in the middle of a country estate enjoying a picnic in your classic Morris Minor when you carelessly but gently bump into a great oak. You can find a new rear lamp for around 20 quid. However, do the same in your new Kia and the replacement rear light is likely to be at least two times that.

5. You're more environmentally-friendly. People think old cars use more petrol per mile than new ones - and in some cases they're right. But it is a well-documented fact that around a third of the energy consumed by a car in its entire life is used to make it in the first place. So buying and using a classic car is recycling par-excellence. Spare parts for older cars are readily-accessible, so keeping your classic running is again very environmentally sound - while many components used in the build of new cars are sealed in and only fit for the bin once they're no longer of use.

6. Social networking. Want to meet nice new friends in great surroundings? Then join a classic car club. For example, there are events for VW Beetle owners almost every weekend. It's fun - and it's hard to imagine the same feeling from a field full of Daihatsu Sirion owners.

7. You look good. Swing down the street in a gleaming classic MGB and you'll turn heads. And it feels great to drive around in something that is instantly-recognisable and draws knowing waves, nods and winks from other motorists. Of course, your Far Eastern tin machine might draw hand signals too - but a single finger doesn't constitute a wave I'm afraid.

Buying A Classic Car

2008-02-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

Buying A Classic Car
By:Derek Both
One thing is for sure which is that there is no shortage of classic cars for sale. You can find adverts in local newsagents, specialist magazines, the internet and online auction sites. You should be able to find everything you need from these sources from cars and car parts to cheap classic car insurance.

Firstly, you will need to think about what storage facilities you have. An old car is not going to take kindly to being kept outside or even under a covered area. Even worse would be to have it sat on grass or with a plastic sheet on it. As damp rises it has nowhere else to go other than to settle on your corroding underside if you have something covering your car. If you have to keep your car parked outside then also consider where you can park it as your neighbours might not be too happy with extra cars clogging up the street.

The next advisable step is to decide what condition of car you wish to buy. If you're more than capable of welding, then your options are greatly increased as you can do a lot of restoration work yourself. However, if you haven't got a clue what you are doing then it's best to go for a car that needs little or no work unless you know someone who can do it for you.
When buying an old, classic car be aware that body parts can be tricky to find.

One of the most important aspects of buying a classic car is to make sure that you trust the person you are buying from. This is especially important if you are going through a private seller as it is extremely unlikely you will ever see them again if you break down on your way home. The best time to arrange a viewing is during the day so you can see the car properly. It will be easier to spot any scratches and dents in natural light than it would be in a dark garage. If possible take someone with you who knows a lot about classic cars as they will know what to ask and what to look out for from rust to whether you will be able to find cheap classic car insurance for the vehicle.

A few quick and subtle tips you can try are walking around the car to see how it sits, is there any sagging and do the panel gaps line up nicely? Check the body all over for rot, popular places for this are the headlamps and arches. Many people make the mistake of relying on the MOT certificate which is a good indication don't rely on this alone.

Try to see the engine start up from cold - if it is already warm the vendor may be trying to hide cold - starting problems by getting it started before your arrive. When the car is started listen for any knocks when the engine starts up or clouds of smoke from the exhaust. It sounds obvious but don't forget to take the car for a test drive to see how it runs.
However, do take into consideration that the car you are looking at may be over 30 years old so the chances of it still being in its original state are very slim. Service items such as brake shoes, batteries, tyres and clutches are likely to have been replaced over replacement over the years.

Finding cheap classic car insurance can be a bit tricky and will go through the roof for modified cars so try to avoid this. If your car is modified you are likely to have trouble selling it on later anyway.

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Pontiac GTO The Greatest Muscle Car of All Time

2008-02-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

Pontiac GTO The Greatest Muscle Car of All Time
By:Jerry Johnson
Factory Hot Rods became real. In October of 1963, the GTO was born. Pontiac offered the GTO option for only $295. They quietly added to the option list of the 1964 Pontiac Tempest/LeMans. The GTO option package included a 325-horsepower 389-cubic-inch V8 with dual exhausts, a Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor, a mild hydraulic camshaft, and the kind of whip lashing neck pain street-grabbing torque that left a smile on your face. Other standard features included a manual three-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter (in those days the Hurst shifter was not only very good but also very cool), a heavy-duty clutch (very much needed), heavy-duty suspension, US Royal red-line tires, a 3.23:1 rear axle ratio, twin hood scoops, and an assortment of GTO emblems. The GTO emblem itself was just as famous as the car itself.

Body Styles were important. Pontiac provided the GTO option on three LeMans bodies, the two-door coupe, hardtop, and convertible. More hardtops were produced and shown to be the most popular than the combined total of the coupes and convertibles. Engines with the single four-barrel carburetor outsold the Tri-Power models by a margin of three to one. I still remember the sound of my three deuces sucking air when the gas pedal was on the floor. Needless to say, you could also see the gas gauge move down toward empty. Fortunately, gas was only $0.20 a gallon. Can you imagine owning one today and driving it like a teenage of the 1960's?

What Made The GTO So Coveted? Some things you never forget such as my 1967 GTO with 3 deuces. It was a good thing it had a windshield because I would have had bugs stuck to my teeth from grinning so much. The thrill of standing still, shifting into first gear, revving up that sweet engine and letting out the clutch and being plastered to the back of the seat was pure adrenaline pumping. That was my first experience of "pulling G's". Last time I felt that type of adrenaline rush was during chopper auto-rotations in Nam. That was 40 years ago and I still love my GTO. Maybe it is the legend. Maybe we have gotten the legend mixed up with reality. All I know is I can't help but smile when I remember my little GTO.

It is hard to explain to my children why it was so special. I owned a 1955 Ford though it was pretty it just didn't have the appeal of the GTO. The royal blue was my favorite. I have a friend whose color was plum. Can you remember vinyl seats? I can! They were cool looking and very hot functionally. I remember leaving my skin on the seat many times getting out that car. Getting in the summer meant either cooking your legs or trying to keep a towel in the car to sit on. Once you started up that 389, you were transported to another world. The purr of that engine, the feel of the Hurst shifter and watching the gas needle drop was worth all the pain of sitting on a hot seat. What hot seat?

How Do You Get A Piece of History Today? There are many GTO's still available that are being offered by GTO lovers who have been taken care of by their lovers. You can find them on the web.

Pontiac also has brought back the name of the GTO. They are still pretty fast. In the long run against the 1964 GTO, they can outrun them for the distance but put the two together on a quarter mile strip and the early muscle car is still king. There is just something about the Goat. Once you drive one, old or new, you just have to own one.

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Qatar Classic Cars

2008-02-16T05:26:00.000-08:00

Qatar classic cars, a topic that never have I thought would be researching, or writing about. When I left Qatar seven years ago, there were no signs that there ever would be high demand in the market for classic cars, Qatar specifically and the region in general.

A couple of months ago I received an international call at three in the morning. Don’t be very deceived by the timing; the conversation could have waited a couple more hours, however due to miss calculations on the caller’s behalf. By all means, I do not regret waking up to take the call. The subject was of great importance and forced me not to go back to sleep, rather jump right to research. The first thing I heard when I picked up the phone is an old friend saying “how much have you dealt with classic cars?�? “there is a very high demand for classic cars in the region, and the supply is very low�? On the ending note of the call, I promised I will have a preliminary research completed within a week.

As always, I started by certifying the facts I was told in regards to supply and demand, and the overall economic situation of the country. I found many articles and press releases discussing the fact that car manufacturers are taking advantage of the increasing demand for personalized, classic and antique cars in the region. The underlying reasons for the change in demand of the past seven years was explained by Bufori (a modern brand of rare automobiles resembling 1930s coupes), the high demand is a reflection of the booming population, and economics of the region in general, and more specifically Dubai and Qatar. Hence, that Crude Oil was discovered in Qatar back in the 1940s; however the wealth of the nation gradually increased over the next sixty years, till Natural Gas was discovered. Its people now have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

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. To get up-to-date research results, visit the section I dedicated to Qatar classic cars

Classic sports cars

2008-02-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

Classic sports cars

Those three words come up together to form an image of grandeur, speed and extravagance. For who can afford classic sports cars? Only the affluent of course! But for the average “Joe” who dreams of having his own classic sports car and hopes to know more about it, this article is meant to provide information on this amazing “king of the road”.

First know the foremost brands of classic sports cars.

Lotus

Lotus is famous for coming up with the Lotus Elise 11S, Lotus Elise Motorsport, Lotus Elan, Lotus Europa Twin Cam, Lotus Super Seven S4, Lotus Elan SE Turbo and Lotus Super Seven Replica by Birkin.

Austin Healey Sprite

Only Austin Healey Sprite can come up with the Bugeye Sprite Race Car with an outstanding 250 horsepower! The 1960 Speedwell Sprite Vintage Race Car is another force to reckon with, as well as the 1962 Austin Healey Sprite MK.

Austin Mini

Austin Mini boasts of the Mini Cooper that comes in excellent colors and for $13,000, it is quite a steal!

TVR

The TVR has this elite collection of classic sports cars like the TVR Tuscan Challenge Race Car, TVR S2 Roadster, TVR Taimar Coupe and TVR 2500M.

Birkin

Classic sports car is almost synonymous to the brand Birkin, as it is made famous with Louts Super Seven replicas and offers Birkin S3, Birkin C-S3 Street, among other roadsters that come with the Ford ZETEC engine, four-wheeled disc brakes and a heavy-duty aluminum body.

Jaguar

Jaguar is the ‘mighty’ classic sports car that men cannot get enough of. With the Jaguar E-type Coupe, Jaguar X-Type Track Car and Jaguar C-Type replica, this is the brand that really pushes classic sports cars several ‘to the limit’.

Triumph

Jaguar-engined Triumph roars just as a classic sports car is expected to do. Classic models like the 1969 Triumph Spitfire MK III and 1960 Triumph TR3A stand for what Triumph is all about - sophistication and power.

Here are some books that inform the reader on how to keep the classic sports cars in tiptop shape: “Classic Car Restorer’s Handbook,” “Fun and Profit Buying, Showing and Selling Vintage and Classic Cars,” “Restoration of Antique and Classic Cars,” “Budget Auto Restoration: Low Cost, Step-By-Step Tricks” and “How to Rebuild and Modify Your Muscle Car.”

The classic sports car exudes action and nobility. No wonder, it never goes out of style.

Author: ana
Author's web site: http://myarticleblog.com

Why the 1965 Buick Riviera is one of the Coolest Classic Cars Ever Made

2008-01-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Buick Riviera that was released and sold in the year I was born, 1965, was quite a vehicle. It was the last year for the "first generation" Riviera model - and by far the best. A unique, recognizable body style that encompassed a spacious cabin and housed a powerful V8 engine has now become a sought-after gem of classic car collectors. I was fortunate enough to have one for a few months in my youth. Here are some of its power stats:

*0-60 in 8 seconds
*Quarter mile in 16 seconds
*Top speed observed 115 MPH
*Mileage 13.2 MPG

With a 401 Wildcat under the hood, I had no trouble getting where I wanted to go. And while the body was large, it was quite maneuverable thanks to the standard equipment power steering and stiff heavy-duty suspension. And who says getting there fast can't be in style? Check out some of the features it came with:

*Front bucket seats
*Bucket-style rear seats
*Cruise control
*Tilt steering wheel
*Center console floor-shifter & storage comp.
*Power windows, including wing-window!
*Driver side 4-way power seat
*Air conditioning
*AM/FM radio with power antenna

This 1965 car had more stuff than my 1985 Toyota did! I can remember cranking up the radio with the cruise control on doing 75 while adjusting my power seat, the tilt wheel, and the power wing windows. Ah to be young again - those were the days.

But the real feature that made the 1965 Buick Riviera stand out from all the other years were the hidden headlights. Tucked out of sight by the clam-shell covers that opened and closed automatically on the outer edges of the vehicle, they were moved back into the grille for all future body styles (where they had been the previous 2 years.

Back in the mid-80's these cars were a lot easier to find, but there are some original vehicles still sitting in driveways out there is suburban and rural America. You might be able to pick one up for $1,000 if you do your homework. Less populated areas away from big metro cities are your best bet for discovering one of these hidden gems.

Find one, invest some time and/or money into restoring it, and you will have something special. It's a good investment too; you just can't lose restoring classic American cars.

There is another unique Riviera worth mentioning here, and that is the 1972 model, otherwise known as the "torpedo back." A neighbor-mechanic of mine told me they love those things in Las Vegas (this was in 1985). I have never owned one of those - not yet anyway!

Article Source: http://www.ArticlesAlley.com/

What To Look For In A Classic Car Auction

2008-01-18T00:31:00.000-08:00

What To Look For In A Classic Car Auction
By Marc
You will find a wide range of car of all ages and all conditions. They are also a great place to find rare cars of all types. You will find that some classic cars will be sold for very high prices and often not sell at all. Most cars won't sell on their first attempt because of the high prices and the classic car market is not all that large. This just makes thing easier for people that want a particular car and are prepared to spend the right amount of money.

To find good classic car auctions you will need to look around, as they are not that many around. A good place to find where the best classic car auctions are is to look in the most popular classic car magazines and try attending any classic car functions that you can find. The classic car world is fairly tight knit and you will need to be in the know to get on too the good deals. That doesn't mean that you will need to be an expert but you will need to know what you are looking for and be prepared for the high prices and lack of selection.

If you are prepared to do a lot of hunting around and a lot of leg work you can find some very rare cars in very good conditions for a very good price. Not all classic cars are expensive you can find car that are old but not all that rare so the price won't be so high. Just because the car is not are that does not mean it not worth buying. If you are looking for a classic car then most likely you will know exactly what you want but trying to find it will be the hard part. It's also a good idea to attend a few too get a feel for what you be up against and find out how it all works.

When you do find the perfect car at the perfect price be prepared for a bidding war. The fact that you like and want the car means that there will be most likely a lot of other people that are thinking the same time. Always remember to watch what you are buying, as there are a lot of replicas out there and all may not be what it seems. I wish you the best of luck in you classic car buy adventures and hope you find what you are looking for.

Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/

How To Safely Haul Your Classic Car

2008-01-12T00:47:00.000-08:00

How To Safely Haul Your Classic Car
By: Phoenix Delray
Begin by looking at your trailer. Is there sufficient length for the Classic Car plus enough space to operate the ratchet assemblies at the fore and aft of the bodywork? Do you have ‘D’ rings located towards the corners of the trailer? Is the ‘D’ ring rated for a total of 3 times the weight of the car? Once these items have been addressed, It is time to load the car and tie it down.

Once you have loaded it onto the trailer, the next step is to connect the straps. You can buy a complete tie down kit from Mac’s custom tie downs. Start by connecting the twisted snap hook on the fixed end (the short end) to each of the ‘D’ rings. Choose a set of locations to tie down to.

Typically, on a Classic Car those locations would be through the wheel, over an axle or substantial suspension member, or possibly around a frame horn.

Some general guidelines to keep in mind are: choose a location with enough strength to hold the Classic Car in the event of an accident, one that is free of cutting hazards, and with enough space around it to lace the axle strap.

DO NOT run a strap where it might migrate and crush a brake line. Also consider the effect of the movement of the Classic Car while it is traveling down the road, since what may seem like a clear space now, could become tie down strap guillotine later, if the trailer hits a hard bump.

After choosing a location, you should now run your axle strap around it. Check the length if the standard 24” isn’t enough, don’t worry Mac’s can make the strap in any length needed in a short timeframe.
After determining that the length is correct, align the two delta rings at the end of the axle strap together and click in the running end (long end) of the ratchet strap. Before ratcheting the strap tight, pull the tail end of the strap through until the strap looks straight. Now you can ratchet the strap, making sure to have two full wraps around the mandrel to ensure a positive mechanical lock. Repeat this process at all four corners of the Classic Car.

Should you cross the straps? Possibly. Understand that the strap will have its maximum strength in the line it is pulling. It is always a good idea to have the straps at the rear of the Classic Car pulling mostly straight back. Most vehicles will out corner a trailer, so the Classic Car is more likely to come loose when an accident occurs than wander around when properly tied down. Be sure to take a look at the setup in your trailer and make sure that it is sensible this is the best test for tie downs.

Article Source: http://www.articlemap.com

What To Look For In A Classic Car Auction

2008-01-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Renaissance Of Classic Muscle Cars

2007-12-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

The Renaissance Of Classic Muscle Cars
By Rob Parker
Muscle cars are a staple part of the cultural consciousness of developed North America; even those not familiar and really not too interested in engines and power can’t help but turn their heads when a Barracuda or a Mustang rolls by. The combination of power and style that these cars bring together has always appealed to North Americans, from the early years of muscle cars in the classic 1960s right up to the present day.

The problem with muscle cars has always been the same; people see them as impractical, both as family vehicles and in terms of economy. They have never gone out of style as far as looks, and maybe even desire, but they have never been able to reproduce the sales success they enjoyed from the ‘60s to the ‘70s.

Given that muscle cars are known for their massive displacement, which traditionally has sucked up the fuel, it is kind of surprising to realize that there has been a resurgence in the manufacturing of muscle cars by North American companies for much of the new millennium. Ford, Chrysler, and Chevrolet have all turned out new models and reworked existing models in order to bring the muscle car back into the selling mainstream.

Perhaps the resurgence of the muscle car manufacture is best described as a renaissance, for these are not the muscle cars our fathers knew. They are designed to accommodate consumer concerns over fuel consumption, with even the biggest V-8s mitigated in their guzzling through the latest in computer chip technology. Even more stunning is the fact that some of these cars are designed – and are selling – not as traditional two doors but as sedans and even (gasp) as station-wagon like models.

Some resurgent models include the 2005 Ford Mustang, which boasted an entirely new look in addition to a new chassis, and became the best selling Mustang model in ten years. Pontiac also rolled out a new style GTO in 2003, but it was discontinued in 2006. This has not dissuaded Chevrolet, however, as the company has announced plans to roll out a new version of the Camaro in 2009, as well as reworked G8’s and a possible comeback of the GTO.

The struggle of the American car companies is not news. With all of them losing huge market portions to foreign car manufacturers like Toyota, Volkswagen, and Honda, it should come as no surprise that Detroit is falling back on an old stalwart to try and remind North Americans why they fell in love with the companies in the first place. Cars with traditional muscle appeal but designed for family and energy efficiency may be the key to winning back some market share.

Article Source: http://www.articlemap.com

New Club Showcases Old Cars In Cyberspace

2007-12-26T03:11:00.000-08:00

New Club Showcases Old Cars In Cyberspace
Show cars are put to bed at the end of the car show season in early Fall until the season starts again in April. But in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors, the show must go on. Tonza Borden, antiques collector, has filled this niche by launching AtlantaAntiqueCarClub.com. The web site is a virtual community that offers a showcase of seldom seen vintage motorcars, research, history, private collections, and many more things to do while you are online. Borden did not jump on the classic car bandwagon as a wannabe'.

Her background has driven her to this destination."Old cars are in my blood," says Borden. "My father started working as a mechanic and body specialist when he was 11-years-old. I was 11 when I started hanging out with him at the body shop. On my 16th birthday, he bought me a used 1960 Ford Falcon."Is is no surprise that car buffs have memories of their first wheels as strong as old shoes tied to a wedding car. It is also easy to see what the fascination for these
timeless beauties are when viewing the Barrett-Jackson auction or; admiring an 80-year-old owner's prize auto that is not for sale for all the money in the world.Borden expresses that same passion for classic cars when she talks about the object of her recent love, a 1963 Ford Falcon Futura.

"It was not easy to find the favorite car of my youth nor was it in pristine condition when I bought it. Locating spare parts and a good mechanic "willing" to work on a vintage car was no easy task, either," she says. It was because of her search for vintage parts, "can do" service providers and love for car shows that she decided to build a web site to help this growing hobby.Fortunately, Borden has built a new Internet car club to bring old cars, parts, and car-show aficionados, of both genders together. On AtlantaAntiqueCarClub.com, fellow car enthusiasts can display their show cars for the entire world to see, while enjoying an online car show in the comfort of their own home.

Insurance For Those Owning Kit Cars, Classic Or Imported Cars

2007-12-26T02:57:00.000-08:00

Insurance For Those Owning Kit Cars, Classic Or Imported Cars
Car insurance policies can be perplexing as there are a number of insurance companies offering different types of insurance coverage with different policies. Nowadays the UK insurance companies have broadened themselves to guard against almost any conceivable risk to a customer. Among them, insurance cover for those who own Kit Cars, Classic or Imported Cars is one of the insurance types offered by the insurance companies in this country. If an individual decides to buy a car that has not been manufactured in the UK, he has to venture beyond the normally set boundaries of car insurance. This is because an imported car has been built without taking into account the laid down UK build specifications.

There are different types of imported car insurance depending on where you import it from. For example, if an individual wants to import a Japanese sports car, before investing several thousand pounds on the vehicle, it will be prudent to speak to some insurers first and ascertain how much the insurance will cost.Also if you own an imported car, then you will normally have to pay a higher premium than a standard car purchased in the UK. To insure an imported car, one has to provide the insurer with detailed information about the vehicle's specification in order to assess their suitability for the policy. Generally Classic car insurance will usually covers these three categories - Veteran Cars (built before 1903), Vintage Cars (constructed between 1903 and 1933) and Classics Cars (tend to be at least 15 years old). The insurance company usually frames an ‘agreed value' for the vehicle prior to issuing of the policy which is the value the customer will receive in the event of the total loss of the vehicle.

Also, the insurer will stipulate the maximum distance that can be travelled in a year. As the condition and scarcity of classic cars differ, it is important that the customer take out a guaranteed agreed valuation while insuring their classic car. Kit car insurance is different from normal car insurance - the difference being that kit cars are made individually and with parts supplied by a manufacturer. Generally, a kit car is an imitation of a popular car and the manufacturer will supply body parts and the frame kit except an engine, wheels, transmission and other vital parts. If the engine of one's kit car is small, the insurance premiums will be less.

You can also reduce the insurance premium by garaging the kit car overnight, fitting security devices, and by building up a no claims discount. The main point to be noted while one applies for a kit car insurance is that he has to declare everything about the car – if any information is missed or found wrong, the company may not pay your claim..
Jason Hulott is Business Development Director of Protection Insurance. Protection Insurance is an internet based insurance business dedicated to getting consumers the very best insurance rates and the best products. Our product portfolio includes many specialist products such as classic car insurance

Classic Cars In Cuba

2007-12-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

Classic Cars In Cuba

Havana is a potent mixture of the old and the new. Modern office buildings punctuate the skyline alongside deteriorating Eastern European residential towers. Ancient vehicles, some with more rust than paint, share the road with newer, shinier models, while horse-drawn carts mingle with motorcycles. Flea markets display Cuba holiday mementos - wooden models of cars built in the 1950s, which are still seen on Cuban streets.

‘Yank tank’, ‘máquina’ ‘cacharro’ and ‘bartavia’ are all words used to describe the American classic cars in Cuba. It is the only place where history and circumstance have combined to enable a whole society to preserve these amazing vehicles and turn them into a national treasure.

About 150,000 classic cars existed at the time of the 1959 Cuban Revolution when the U.S. imposed a trade embargo on Cuba. After this, international trade was made very difficult, so the cars that were present at the time have been nurtured and cared for ever since.

Of the 60,000 classic cars in Cuba, about half are from the 50s, another 25 percent from the 40s and a similar number from the 30s. Brands include Chevrolet, Ford, Cadillac, Buick, Plymouth, Chrysler, Dodge, Willy’s, Oldsmobile and De Soto – vintage models of all of these can be seen on Cuba’s roads today.

Nostalgia

As a clash of cultures and ideologies, few experiences compare with that of rounding a corner in the heart of Old Havana with its crumbling baroque buildings and coming face to face with a gleaming 1955 Thunderbird that looks as if it had just been driven off the lot.

Cubans are increasingly aware of the value of classic cars, particularly when visiting Americans become nostalgic about them. They realize that there is business to be made from hiring them out, and it is therefore possible for those on holiday to Cuba to hire out a classic car for the duration of their stay. Although there are more classic cars in the US overall, an American would have to go to Cuba to see a concentration of the cars filling the streets like a snapshot of 50s USA come to life.

Cuba holiday makers feel they have stepped into a time warp to that perhaps more innocent age, when Americans sported prim and proper outfits and drove shiny, sparkly-wheeled cars in brilliant colours with fins and chrome bumpers. The cars made driving feel special. The

size of them and the comfort gave a calm feeling for a time when people were able to take their time and enjoy the good things in life.

Care & Attention

While classic cars are still used for daily transportation, often as taxis, they have also become cherished heirlooms handed down from generation to generation within families, in some cases going all the way back to the 30s.

Most owners of classic cars spend hours applying waxes and polishes and basking in the praise and admiration of passers-by. Some even reminisce about a time when their cars were new, and life itself seemed brighter and as inviting as an open highway.

To own one of these vintages defines who you are, how you spend your time and how you wish to be known, and Cubans will go to incredible lengths to keep their classic cars running. 1950's bumpers and tailpipes are recreated and myriad other parts are adapted. Steering wheels carved from wood, hub cabs made from aluminum cans and plastic sheets for windows are common. While such shortcuts would be frowned upon in the United States, classic car lovers admire the Cubans' ingenuity and their ability to keep the cars running.

The Future for Classic Cars in Cuba

Each day these cars get closer to extinction. They are now outnumbered by boxy Russian Ladas, Volga sedans and more recent Eastern European and Japanese imports. But the biggest threats to Cuba’s classic cars are the scarcity of parts and lack of original factory literature to maintain them with uniform standards.

Hopefully they will still be preserved for years to come, even if they become increasingly temperamental with all the alterations they go through. If you’re thinking of hiring a classic car on your Cuba holiday make sure to make a ceremonial splash of rum on the car's floorboard for good luck!

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