Antique Car Insurance: How the VW Bus Came to Be

Volkswagen produced the first generation of VW buses, officially called Volkswagen type II, in the 1950s and 60s. This panel van was Volkswagen’s second car model after the VW Beetle, the Volkswagen Type I. This first generation featured VW buses in the form of split screens. These “splitties” earned their name due to the split windscreen and also sported a sweeping v-line front. They had a rear air-cooled engine that was simple and reliable.

The first VW Bus was alternatively called the Transporter, Station Wagon, Kombi, or Micro Bus, and later the Vanagon and Eurovan. No matter what you called it though, it had great success in its first generation. The VW Bus was recognized for its remarkable space efficiency and innovative design. It sported tall upright seats and a great view for passengers.

The split-screen design of the VW Bus was replaced in 1968 by the “early bay” window version. The style of the bay was a redesign that was considered “radical” at the time. It had major suspension changes and engines fitted with a stabilizing “back bar”. A one piece windscreen and wind down windows also added to the changed.

1973 saw the introduction to the “late bay”. This saw changes in the “wrap around” style bumpers being replaced with the square style, front indicators being moved up to the new grille, and had an option of larger engine sizes. The last VW Bus with the bay style was produced in 1979. This year marked the end of the famous VW air-cooled engine.

Sales of the VW Bus were still going strong into its third generation in 1984, until Chrysler launched its Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Despite the steady success of the VW Bus, by the 1990s and the 2000s, it was just no longer as popular. VW introduced a more powerful version in 1999, but that only lasted through 2003.

Whether you own an antique VW Bus or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of insurance coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Car Insurance: How Chrysler Transformed the Auto Industry

In the early 1920’s a man named Walter Chrysler teamed up with three ex- Studebaker engineers; Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton, and Carl Breer, to design a revolutionary new car. The defined what the products of the Chrysler brand would be, which was “affordable luxury vehicles”, known for innovative, top-flight engineering.

The first of these vehicles was the 1924 Chrysler Six, an all-new car priced at $1,565 that featured two significant innovations; a light, powerful, high-compression six-cylinder engine, and the first time four-wheel hydraulic brakes were a standard on a passenger car. This well-equipped vehicle also featured aluminum pistons, replaceable oil and air filters, full-pressure lubrication, tubular front axles, shock absorbers, and indirect interior lighting.

This was just the beginning of the innovations we would see in personal vehicles. The Chrysler Corporation has been responsible for many more innovations than one ever expected. Co-founder Carl Breer was constantly seeking out and developing new technologies. In the 1940’s we saw additions such as resistor spark plugs to avoid radio interference, a padded dashboard for fewer injuries in collisions, a splash-proof ignition system, and more.

The 1950’s and 60’s saw even more auto technology introduced by Chrysler. For example, in 1951 Chrysler introduced the first full-time power steering function. GM used one in 1952, however GM’s had no assist until 3 pounds of pressure was applied to the steering wheel. These two decades also saw the first use of modern electronic fuel injections, the first curved side windows, and the introduction of cruise control, all thanks to Chrysler.

The early 70’s is when the electronic age began. In 1973, an electronic ignition became standard in all Chrysler models. Studebaker used electronic ignition before this, however it was only on a single model. Chrysler beat every other automaker by several years in making it standard. The 1970’s and 1980’s models of Chrysler also sported stamped aluminum wheels, standard radial tires on all cars, and a permanent-memory electronic display odometer. The modern cupholder even came from Chrysler, in 1983.

Safety was becoming a bigger priority in the 70’s and 80’s, which Chrysler responded to. The company was the first to include standard driver side airbags in 1988, and then include them on all of their models in 1991. They were also the first to include integrated child restraints in their vehicles, and developed the first minivan with a blind spot monitor. Chrysler continued to make many more advancements through the 90’s that other automakers would quickly follow. Suffice to say, Chrysler was a trendsetter.

Whether you own a classic Chrysler vehicle or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of Classic Car Insurance Coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Antique Car Insurance: A Look at the 1968-1969 Dodge Charger

As mentioned in our post in December of 2013 entitled “The Most Desired Classic Muscle Cars”, the 1968-1969 Dodge Charger was considered to be one of the most visually striking and memorable of muscle cars in its’ time. The 1968-1969 Dodge Charger models were a restyled edition after sales dropped their previous season. Many people considered these revised vehicles to be some of the best looking mid-size cars out there.

Dodge released a Charger R/T (Raod/Track) vehicle as part of its “Scat Pack” to please the muscle-car crowd of the time. The Scat Pack also included the Coronet R/T and Dart GTS. Each sported bumblebee stripes around its tail and carried an engine appropriate for its title.

The 1968-1969 Dodge Charger models were aimed at “a rugged type of individual”, with ads noting that the vehicles were “not built for the common car crowd.” For many individuals, that was enough to create a craving for the 440-Magnum V-8 and innovative suspension.

Although the vehicles were advertised in this way, the Charger featured vinyl-trimmed bucket seats and a cushion available to position an extra passenger between the buckets, making it a car of comfort as well as style.

The 1968-1969 Dodge Charger has also been in various movie and T.V. scenes throughout the years, increasing its popularity. The television series The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985) featured a 1969 Dodge Charger that was named “The General Lee”. Most recently, the Dodge Charger made an appearance in “The Fast and the Furious”.

Whether you own a classic Dodge Charger or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of insurance coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Car Insurance Determining the Market Value of Your Vehicle

Classic Car Insurance: Determining the Market Value of Your Vehicle

Whether you are buying or selling a classic car, you will have many financial considerations to make. If you are buying, you’ll want to purchase classic car insurance as soon as your vehicle purchase in made. In addition, you will of course want to determine the vehicle’s fair market value. There are many publications in existence that can help you determine what that value is, including the Old Car Buyers Guide, Hemmings, Collectible and Special Interest Car Appraisal Guide & Directory, and more. Their price guides rate a car’s value using 6 categories according to their conditions, a system frequently referred to as the “100 Point System”.

How do you implement this system? 20 categories are rated on a scale of one to five, using five as the maximum value. Then total your points for all 20 categories. These categories include; inspecting and rating the exterior, inspecting and rating the paint, glass, and trim, checking the operation of the engine, and more. Once the points are totaled, they should be compared to the 100 point maximum. Use this six category valuation to determine the fair market value of your vehicle.

Category 1: 90+ points

This is a classic car that rarely moves. It may sit in a museum or other type of temperature and humidity controlled area. When it does move, it goes into an enclosed trailer to a national car show where it has a good chance of winning first place.

Category 2: 80-89 points

This is an almost flawless car. Classic car experts can typically tell you if there is anything wrong with this car. It is very often mistaken for a Category 1 car.

Category 3: 70-79 points

This car is a show quality vehicle, and is the car that most hobbyist collectors own. It’s not perfect but it’s close enough for the car enthusiasts and owner. It might have some non-original parts and upgrades but nothing that would keep it from becoming a Category 2 with some time and money invested.

Category 4: 60-69 points

This is a functioning car in fair condition that you could use as a daily driver. It’s important to note however, that there are certain provisions for mileage when it comes to classic car insurance.

Category 5: 40-59 points

This car is more or less complete but needs major restoration. Buying a car in this category is considered a risk by many classic car collectors, unless you’re not worried about spending more than it may be worth.

Category 6: Any car under 40 points

Many classic car enthusiasts will say that this is a car that is simply not worth investing any time or money in, even if you want to attempt to sell it.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading classic car insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.