We spent some time enjoying a number of collector cars and hot rods with the Minnesota Street Rod Association. Here’s a brief video with one of the members:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C575uqZl5hU]

Condon Skelly visited Scottsdale, Arizona last week to check out some unbelievable classic and custom cars. Scottsdale is actually a hotbed for collector cars, custom hot rods, and a gathering place for gearheads across the country to gather, share, and race. Here are some of the beauties we found.

1. Is coverage available seasonally?  – Definitely! At Condon Skelly we’re flexible to your changing needs. During the off-season when your collectible vehicle isn’t being used, we’ll be happy to insure your vehicle for comprehensive coverage only.
2. Do collector car insurance policies offer deductibles? – Yes. Usually there are a variety of deductible options. Because annual premiums are so low, many customers choose to have a zero deductible, but several different options are available.
3. What are Condon Skelly’s garage requirements? – When you’re not out driving or showing you classic or antique vehicle, we require that you keep your pride and joy in a fully enclosed, locked garage.
4. What is Agreed Value? – Agreed Value policies guarantee that in the event of a total loss – resulting from an accident, theft or anything else – you’ll receive your collectible vehicle’s full value. And you’ll know what that value is right when you file your claim, because it’s the value agreed upon when you set-up your policy.
5. How much insurance should I carry on my car? – You should always insure your vehicle to its market value or your most recent appraisal value. By insuring your vehicle to its market value, you’ll be ensured to receive its highest value in the event of a total loss. And your limits must be equal to the limits on your everyday car policy.

We recently attended Salute the Troops in Media, PA.

Many things in the automotive industry have changed over the last 55 years. Even the ways we describe and perceive the automobile have changed. It can be fun and illuminating to explore the differences back to back, and interpret what they say about the cars themselves, but also about ourselves, as collectors, drivers, and people.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A8m3eDMrQc&w=640&h=360]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-pLZiWVA2k&w=640&h=360]

We attended the annual Pumpkin Run this year in Egg Harbor, NJ. It’s was a blast, as always. The focus of the show is on hot rods and antique engines & tractors. We love to cover these vehicles with antique car insurance and custom car insurance, but we love seeing them and driving them even more. Check out some photos from the show…

Corvettes represent one of the most recognized and significant collector car franchises of the automotive industry. In looks and performance, they were always top-notch. They cost more than typical American muscle, but they back it up with fine craftsmanship and exclusivity. This is especially evident in a number of models from the ’60s. Here Mike shares with us some info on his ’66 Vette.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_OpszAbjXY&w=640&h=360]

Horsepower, like many things, continues to grow with the times. Many want bigger, faster, cheaper. Technology and economies of scale are happy to oblige. In some ways, however, it’s remarkable that we’ve come this far, given the effects of the gas crises. The resulting fuel economy efforts devastated the market for power and performance. In the 80s, a typical Ford Mustang had between 88 and 140 horsepower – today’s equivalent of a compact or subcompact economy car. Despite the crises, and the need to clean up our act, the horsepower wars are raging now as much as ever before. Let’s take a look at what five decades will do.

In the 60s, the most powerful production car (by rated net HP) was the Chevy Camaro ZL-1, producing 376 bhp. Today, the list of cars with more power is nearly endless, but let’s focus on the ones that most people can afford. The Camaro ZL-1 was expensive in 1969, but not outlandish – about $43,000 in today’s money. Today’s cars under $43,000 with more than 376 bhp are as follows:

• Chevy Camaro SS – 426 bhp
• Ford Mustang GT – 412 bhp
• Dodge Challenger SRT8 – 470 bhp

It’s nice to see that Detroit has returned to its old hallmark of affordable power for the people. There’s a vast array of European and Japanese cars over 376 bhp, but most of them cost two or three times what these cars cost. The ZL-1 was a rocket ship in its day, and just 5 years ago, none of these cars were around. This decade, however, has marked the return of American Muscle. What’s to come in the following ten years?