Collector’s Car Insurance: American Pony Cars

The term pony car is often used interchangeable when defining an American muscle car  and while the two share many common characteristics, there are very distinct differences among them. In fact, unlike the American muscle car, there is actually a widely agreed upon history and widely held set of standards when it comes to the American pony car. The term American pony car describes an affordable, compact, highly styled car with a performance-oriented image.

Most auto enthusiasts and historians accredit the true origins of the American pony car to the launch of the Ford Mustang in 1964, which was one of the first mass produced sports cars designed to balance affordability, style and performance. While Ford wasn’t the only automaker noticing the rising public interest in accessible performance vehicles, the Ford Mustang set the standard when it comes to defining the pony car. In fact, most accredit the name “pony cars” to the 64 Mustang’s debut of the now iconic stallion logo.

Unlike many auto classifications, there is significantly less debate surrounding what it takes to classify a vehicle as an American pony car. Here are the classic criteria:

• American-made
• Two-doors, four passengers
• Styling that includes a long hood, short deck, and open mouth
• Built with mass production parts
• Affordable base price with a variety of available upgrades
• A high powered, V6 or V8 engine

After the initial success of the 64 Mustang, many competitors quickly emerged endeavoring to match its combination of performance, style, and affordability. While mustang remains one of the most iconic pony cars to date, the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger have also risen above the pack in the pony car race. Other classic American pony cars include the Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin, and Plymouth Barracude, however production of these vehicles was limited and they eventually phased out.

One key benefit of the pony car lines for American automaker was their ability to appeal to younger drivers and generate brand loyalty among customers. In 1970 Car and Driver reported that while very few pony car drivers bought a second, around 50% chose to purchase another model from the same auto manufacturer when it came time to get a new vehicle.

Much of the pony car class’s popularity can be attributed to their prominence in popular television and film, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. Their lifespan however was somewhat short lived as by the late 1970 buyers were moving away from the pony cars, either toward smaller compact cars or toward larger, more rugged models.  Declining sales and the growing popularity of rear-wheel drive vehicles, light trucks and sport utility vehicles ultimately led to the demise of many of the iconic pony cars, such as the Pontiac Firebird.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle custom and exotic cars is. That’s why we specialize in offering complete collector’s car insurance. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We can help you secure affordable, industry-leading specialty auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our collector’s car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Auto Insurance: The Little Known Ford Edsel

During the 1950s, the Ford Motor Company made multiple attempts at creating a line of luxurious vehicles to compete with General Motors. While Lincoln had been their flagship luxury line to date, Ford management at the time began doing research into their largest competitor, General Motors and the various vehicle lines they offered. According to historians, Ford found that their Lincoln line was not actually competing with GM’s luxurious Cadillac brand, as they had hoped, but was instead in competition with the Oldsmobile and Buick line-up.

In hopes of narrowing the competition, Ford developed a plan to propel the Lincoln brand upmarket in order to truly compete with the Cadillac brand. To do so, Ford decided to take the well-received Lincoln Continental and turn Continental into a separate brand in the Ford product line. They also decided to add a premium/intermediate vehicle to the gap left vacant by Lincoln.  This new intermediate line was called Edsel, in honor of Henry Ford’s son.

Research and development on the Edsel marquee began in 1955 under the code name “E car”, which at the time stood for experimental car. Ford built publicity and excitement before the release of the First Edsel in 1957, promising consumers and the media that the new line was vastly superior in both performance and style to the Oldsmobile and Buick models on the market at the time. The Edsel was introduced on the self-proclaimed “E-Day” in September of 1957 and was heavily promoted, including a top-rated television special called The Edsel Show.

Unfortunately, the proportions and hype were not enough to drive large sales numbers and Edsel model production would conclude after only three years. In 1958 Edsel produced four vehicle models, two hard and soft top convertible sedans and two wagons with the same convertible options. The Edsel vehicles offered buyers a number of innovative bells and whistles, including the “rolling dome” speedometer, warning lights for maintenance conditions as low oil level, parking brake engaged, and engine overheating, as well a push-button transmission shifting system which was affixed to the center of the steering wheel. In the first year of production only 63,110 Edsels were sold in the United States and an additional 4,935 units were sold in Canada, bringing the total to 67,110 of the 1958 models produced.  In 1959, only the smaller two Edsel models were in production, one wagon and one sedan, and only 47, 396 units were produced and sold. Only 2,846 Edsels were produced during the line’s last year in 1960 before Ford decided to end the program. Despite the Edsel’s lack of commercial success, several of the vehicles were raced in NASCAR’s Grand National series during the late 1950s.

Historians and auto enthusiasts have many speculations about why the Edsel models were never a true success for the Ford Motor Company, and the vehicle brand has become somewhat notorious in the industry as a marketing failure. Never the less, the Edsel has a significant fan base among collectors and enthusiasts today.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete collector auto insurance. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We can help you secure affordable, industry-leading classic car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our classic auto insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Custom Car Insurance: History of the Hot Rod

Hot rods and roadsters are the foundation of a classic American auto tradition which dates back to the early 1930s. According to historians, the tradition of customizing factory vehicles in an effort to make them look, drive and feel faster has been present since the beginning of mass production. Many historians attribute Southern California as the original “home” of the hot rod scene, where young auto enthusiasts used to fix up and “hop-up” old vehicles for racing in dry lake basins.

The vehicles typically began as older, now classic American cars, which were modified to increase speed, styling and performance. Originally pieced together from junkyard metal scraps and broken down vehicles during World War II when steel was being allocated for the war effort, hot rods developed a very distinctive style and appearance. Over time enthusiasts began incorporating fiberglass body coverings and adornments as well. Large and powerful block engines, loud headers, big rear tires and polished chrome embellishments are hallmarks of a classic hot rod.

During the 1950’s hot-rodding became so popular that an entire culture began to emerge around street racing and car modification. Racing associations evolved and safety became a major issue which led to the formation of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in 1951. The NHRA established universal rules to promote entertainment and safety within racing circles.

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of “street rods” which were hot rods modified such that they were legal to drive on public roads as every day vehicles. Due in large part to the prominence of muscle cars in the racing arena, emphasis for street rods shifted from speed and performance to style, comfort and safety. Street Rod racing events were governed and regulated by the National Street Rod Association which emphasized safety and promoted a family friendly environment.

Today there is still a vibrant hot rod culture in America which has spread throughout the world. The hot rod community is commonly subdivided into two main groups: street rodders and hot rodders. Hot rod enthusiasts still build their vehicles using a lot of original equipment, parts, and stylistic traditions of the 1940s through the 1960s, while street rods are typically built with newer materials.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle custom and exotic cars is. That’s why we specialize in offering complete custom car insurance. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We can help you secure affordable, industry-leading specialty auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our custom car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Collector Car Insurance: Spotting a Modern Classic

One of the best things about auto collection is that the market is always expanding. Today’s “new car” can be tomorrows highly prized collectors piece. But not every car driven off the lot will become a collectable, in fact most will not. There is an art to predicting which vehicles will appreciate in value and those that will depreciate into simple used vehicle status. The trick is to invest wisely in the moment.

In a recent article, Popular Mechanics investigated the auto industry over the last few decades in search of the “new classics” or vehicles which are fetching increased prices on the collectors market. Here are a few of their findings:

Porsche Carrera GT (2004-2006)

Why: Rarity. While Porsche’s are known for holding their value well, only a few modern models are being sought after in collector circles. The Carrera GT is one such model. The V10 powered sports car boasts 605 hp which allowed Jay Leno to set three standing-start speed records in the model. Only 604 GT’s produced were available to the U.S. and a grand total of 1270 were ever made. While not yet a classic or officially a collector’s piece, the Carrera GT has held its value and is predicted to increase over time due to rarity and performance capabilities.

VW Vanagon Camper Syncro (1986–1991)

Why: Niche Market. While VW does not have a strong presence in the collector car market, their van models have become routinely sought after in certain niche markets. The Type 2 Microbus for example, the groovy one from the 60s, has fetched six digit prices at auctions. According to Popular Mechanics, the Type 3 released during the 1980’s through 1991 has increased in value as well. Much of the draw to these models are the built in camper functionality and easily modified to increase power and performance.

Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)

Why: Record Breaker. Ferraris notoriously hold and improve their value when properly maintained, but the F40 has doubled in value in the last 20 years. Weighing less the 2500 pounds and sporting 471 horsepower, the F40 was the first street legal production vehicle to ever break 200 mph. Its styling, performance and reputation have made the F40 a sought after prize and investment.

To read the full Popular Mechanics article, visit their website.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle and exotic cars is. That’s why we specialize in offering complete collector car insurance. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We can help you secure affordable, industry-leading specialty car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our collector car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Collector Car Insurance: History of Lotus Part 2

In the first of our posts recounting the history of Lotus we discussed the auto brand’s founding and early victories in both the consumer market and racing circuits. However, the brand struggled to retain financial security, and over the years founder Colin Chapman have to come up with some creative solutions to keep his operations running.

Despite their early success throughout the 1960s and 1970s, by the 1980s the Lotus Group faced serious financial complications as production and sales dipped to less than 400 vehicles a year. In 1982 Chapman who was still running the Lotus Group came to a collaborative agreement with Toyota. Lotus Engineering helped Toyota develop the Toyota Celica XX, which gave Lotus the funding to launch the Excel. The Excel was built using Toyota components which allowed the vehicle to be produced and sold for much less than their previous models. During this time Chapman launched a new American branch, Lotus Performance Cars Inc., which was incredibly well received in the American market. Revenue from Lotus Performance Cars Inc. was able to provide fresh capital to the Lotus Group back in the United Kingdom.

Rocked by scandal involving a botched deal with the DeLorean Motor Company and the death of Chapman in late 1982, the Lotus Group was once again near bankruptcy by 1983. After the demise of Chapman, the brand would change hands and focus a number of times. The Group was purchased by new investors and an entrepreneur named David Wickins who would later facilitate the sale of Lotus to US based General Motors. In 19930 Gm decided to sell off their shares in the Lotus Group to to A.C.B.N. Holdings, who also owned Bugatti Automobili SpA. Three years later A.C.B.N. Holdings sold their share in Lotus to the Malaysian automaker Pronto.

In 2009 Dany Bahar of Farrari took over as CEO of what is now known as The Lotus Group International Limited which had been established in 2006. Bahar was let go in 2012 and a new CEO was appointed to guide the brand forward.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle and exotic cars is. That’s why we specialize in offering complete collector car insurance. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We can help you secure affordable, industry-leading specialty car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our collector car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Collector Car Insurance: The History of Lotus Part 1

Mention the brand Lotus around any sports car and racing enthusiasts and you will undoubtedly be met by a chorus of oos-and-ahs. Over the last 60 years Lotus has carved out a name for themselves among aficionados on and off the track as exemplary examples of British auto engineering and craftsmanship.

Founded in 1952 by engineer and motorsports enthusiast Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, better known as Colin Chapman, and his friend Colin Dare, Lotus Engineering Ltd had lofty aspirations from the start. Chapman’s desire to create competitive race cars in the years after WWII drove him to produce his first road vehicles as a way of financing his racing ambitions. In 1954 Chapman emphasized his serious interest in motorsports vehicle production by founding a separated division for racing vehicle production. In 1959 Chapman created the Lotus Group which consisted of three separate entities: Team Lotus, Lotus Cars, and Lotus Components. Team Lotus which was completely designated to motorsports, while the Lotus Cars division would focus their efforts on road vehicle manufacturing, and Lotus Components emphasis was custom vehicle production.

Between 1954 and 1994 Team Lotus engineered and entered vehicles in many series, including Formula One, Formula Two, Indy Car and sports car racing. The team won a number of titles and accolades for speed and design becoming one of the most successful racing teams of all time. Simultaneously, Lotus’s early road cars were produced and purchased only as kit cars, which lasted through the late 1960’s. After which time the auto makers began work on their first fully assembled commercial vehicle. After a collaborating with Ford on the Lotus Cortina, a kit style racer featuring a Ford engine block with Lotus head and valve gear, Lotus released the Lotus Elan Type 2 which became that first Lotus road car not offered in kit form. The Elan Type 2 was modeled after the racing version of the same model. By the mid 1970’s Lotus was producing their renowned Eclat and  Elite  models as fully factory built vehicles.

To learn more about the history of Lotus read on here.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle and exotic cars is. That’s why we specialize in offering complete collector car insurance. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We can help you secure affordable, industry-leading specialty car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our collector car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.