Exotic Car Insurance: History of Hummer

Since their first arrival on the consumer auto market in 1991, Hummer brand vehicles have seen accolades, a loyal following and even controversy over the brand’s release of the civilian version of the military Humvee. Originally manufactured by American Motors General, the Humvee vehicles were “High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles” (Humvee) which began to surface for military use during the 1980s. In 1979, the United States Army awarded American Motors General a contract to design and product these vehicles which could follow the tracks and ruts of full size army trucks. Among the four competitors for the contract, AM General designed an entirely new vehicle to meet the Army’s requirements which was met with much enthusiasm from official’s. The first prototype was released less than a year later and by 1982 AM General began producing the original version of the vehicle to the U.S. Army.  These vehicles gained a lot of acclaim from Americans after their involvement in the Gulf War operations which lead to civilian interest and enthusiasm for the vehicle.

This lead to the original civilian version of the Humvee, which was released in 1992 to surprising success and instant acclaim, however the quantity of release was small and the vehicles were pricy even at the time.  Under the brand Hummer, AM General produced a consumer friendly version of the Hummer calling it the H1. The H1 sported an auto gloss finish, and passenger car enhancements such as air conditioning, sound insulation, upgraded upholstery, stereo systems, wood trim, and convenience packages. The civilian model began in part because of the persistence of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who saw an Army convoy while filming a movie and became infatuated with the vehicles.

The original release was essentially a street compliant version of the M998 Humvee boasting the performance capabilities and style. Following the wide success of the H1, General Motors acquired the brand in 1998 and began marketing three Humvee inspired vehicles under the Hummer brand: the original Hummer H1, the H2 and H3 models which emerged to make a more user friendly, fuel efficient and street appropriate vehicle for consumers based on the GM platform.

The most desirable and sought after Hummer model for collectors and enthusiasts is the H1 Alpha which was discontinued from production in 2006. The H2 and H3 were designed specifically to be commercial vehicles and were therefore produced in larger quantities with more accessibility when it came to distribution. However, the H1was more rough and closely resembled its Humvee vehicle origin.

Despite public support and interest, the economic downturn created complications for the Hummer brand by 2008. While the brand was retained by GM after their bankruptcy the final fate of the auto brand has yet to be decided as no new Hummer models have emerged since 2009.

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 exotic 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 exotic auto insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Car Insurance: Five Famous Rolls-Royce Models

For over a hundred years, British automakers Rolls-Royce have been churning out luxury vehicles which have stunned, captivated and enthralled auto enthusiasts across the ages.  Known for quality, speed and luxury, Rolls-Royce vehicles have been record breakers and trend setters since their humble beginnings in 1904. Over the years the auto-brand has become a top vehicle producer and created some of the most cherished and sought-after British imports. They have left their mark on both the race track and popular culture.

Here are a few of the most famous Rolls-Royces:

• 1933 Rolls-Royce Bluebird- Driven by Sir Malcolm Campbell, the Bluebird set the land speed record at 272.46 miles per hour. This record was later shattered by George Eyston who piloted a Rolls-Royce Thunderbolt at speeds of 312.2 miles per hour in 1937.
• 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II: While the vehicle was well received at the time, it was not until its appearance in the 1964 Hollywood film The Yellow Rolls-Royce that the Phantom became a cultural icon. The film stared some of the top names in show-biz at the tie including Omar Sharif, Ingrid Bergman and Rex Harrison, which helped propel Rolls-Royce to even higher standing.
• 1940s Silver Dawn- According to the company’s history, the Silver Dawn was the first Rolls-Royce to be sold with a standard steel body. The Silver Dawn was the first Rolls-Royce car to be offered with a factory built body which was made of all steel. Both the body and chassis of the Silver Dawn were shared with the Bentley Mark IV models. It was also the brand’s first export only model.
• 1950s Phantom IV: The Phantom IV has been said to have been the most exclusive Rolls-Royce model ever built and one of the most elite vehicles in automobile history. Only 18 were ever produced and 17 of those were sold exclusively to royalty and heads of state. The royal family even made headlines when the young Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh broke a long-standing royal tradition of purchasing Daimler vehicles to purchase an all new Rolls-Royce Phantom IV. After this initial purchase, Rolls-Royce became the official suppliers of vehicles to the monarchy.
• 1965 Phantom V: The Phantom V had many fans, most notably was rock legend John Lennon. According to Rolls-Royce, Lennon ordered a Phantom V directly from the factory, originally in all white. He later had the same vehicle repainted with a psychedelic design, and this Rolls-Royce is now one of the most valuable pieces of pop memorabilia according to experts.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. 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 classic auto insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Specialty Motorcycle Insurance: Superbikes Vs. Street Racers

Motorbike sports are one of the oldest vehicles racing competition in history. Over a century of motorbike and motorcycle racing has created a thriving and dynamic culture of sports fans, enthusiasts, aficionados and collectors devoted to the perpetuation of newer, stronger, faster and better motorcycle technology. Out of the early days of broad track racing came dozens of motorsports categories and specialties over the years, from speed racing to off-road competition designed to push the limits of engineering and innovation.

Two of the most popular racing categories are Street Racing and Superbike Racing. While they may seem similar at first glance, the differences lay in the nuances not unlike auto racing and its various factions.

So what is the difference between Street Racers and Superbikes? Here is a quick breakdown:

Street Racers are specially-built racing motorcycles that are neither available for purchase by the general public and despite their name, they are generally not permitted to be legally ridden on public roads. These bikers are currently divided into three classes: MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. All three classes are currently based on four-stroke engine platforms with strict weight limit and fuel capacities. Street Racers

Contrarily, Superbikes are derived from standard production models which are then modified after their initial production as consumer bikes. Rules vary from series to series, but generally these motorcycles must maintain the same profile as their road going counterparts and the same general appearance from all sides. Additionally, the frames of these bikes cannot be modified. Racers are permitted to modify some elements of the bike, including the suspensions, brakes, swingarm, and the diameter and size of the wheels, however the general performance and motor capabilities must be model standard. Superbikes must have four-stroke engines of between 850 cc and 1200 cc for twins, and between 750 cc and 1000 cc for four cylinder models.

When it comes to collecting and keeping specialty motorcycles, whether they are antiques, racers or sports bikes, having the proper insurance is vital. At Condon Skelly, we specialize in helping collectors and enthusiasts protect their classic, antique, exotic and collectable vehicles with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. To learn more about our operation and our Specialty Motorcycle Insurance, contact us at 800.257.9496.

Specialty Auto Insurance: The Foreign Truck Disadvantage

Have you ever wondered why America is the leading producer in the pickup truck market? Well there’s actually a pretty good reason that goes far beyond American craftsmanship and quality. In fact, one of the main reason’s America has maintained a strong monopoly on light duty truck production over the years is a little piece of legislature passed by Lyndon B. Johnson during the Cold War known as the “chicken tax”.

The Chicken Tax is a 25 percent tariff on a number of foreign goods such as starch, alcohol and light trucks, which was America’s response to taxes imposed by France, West Germany and other nations on poultry goods imported from the United States. Over time the tax on potato starch, dextrin, and brandy were lifted however the statute imposing the 25 percent tax on light trucks remains to this day. The tariff directly affected any country seeking to bring light trucks into the U.S., including Japanese auto makers and other smaller Asian and European vehicle producers looking to gain a foothold in the American auto market. While many have attempted to contest and repeal the tariff, U.S. legislature continues to keep the policy in place to protect U.S. domestic automakers from foreign competition in truck production.

As such, the tax remains one of the largest hurdles for foreign vehicle producers because it puts these companies at a distinct pricing disadvantage. Foreign automakers would have to increase the market prices of any truck models nearly $15,000 to compete with the average American truck maker’s return. Instead most foreign automakers choose to focus on expanding their product lines in every other available market sector, from compacts to SUVs and sports cars. Others, like Toyota, have taken to establishing North American production plants where they can produce trucks on American soil to avoid the tariff. While Toyota has done relatively well in marketing and branding of their Tacoma and Tundra truck platforms, American Companies Ford and General Motors continue to split over 60 percent of the truck market.

Some industry analysts suggest that the Chicken Tax has actually created a lag in technical and design innovation when it comes to light truck platforms which has adversely affected the overall quality of modern pickup truck offerings. Perhaps someday we will have the opportunity to see what companies like Mercedes and BMW would dream up in the form of a luxury pickup truck line, but as of now truck enthusiasts have roughly a hundred years of American trucks to collect, restore and treasure.

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 Specialty 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 specialty auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our Specialty Auto Insurance experts today at (866) 291-5694.

Collector Auto Insurance: More Quirky Cars Collectors Love

Auto collecting isn’t always about getting the best, the fastest, or even the most stylish vehicles ever made. Collectors choose their vehicles for countless reasons, sometimes for emotional investment other times for the potential to turn a profit. Jay Leno himself consistently advises collectors to think beyond the money and collect vehicles you love, whether they are ordinary, plain, simple or quirky or even down right flops.

Here are a few more understated collectable vehicles that you might never have thought to want:

• Little Known American Brands: When you think American autos you undoubtedly think Chrystler, Chevy, Ford, GM and others which have survived the sands of time to become the cornerstones of the American auto market they are today. However, over the years there have been dozens of American automakers that have come and gone, leaving only traces of their brief existence behind. Crosley Motor Corporation, for example emerged out of Richmond, Indiana in 1939 producing compact convertibles, a pickup, a station wagon and a few other models which were popular choices during WWII when fuel rations were limited. Crosley vehicles were known for getting up to 50 miles to the gallon making them some of the most economical models of the era. Yet there production was brief and sporadic and by 1952 Crosley ceased vehicle production, making these vehicles a rare and fascinating historical find for some collectors.
• Distinct Shapes or “Out-of-Place” Styling: When it comes to choosing quirky collectables, sometimes the simple novelty of finding a vehicles that just didn’t fit in at the time can be a fun choice. For example, the Pontiac Aztec was one of GM’s most recent flops due in large part to its unusual and awkward styling. At the time the vehicle was released it wasn’t a huge success with consumers who complained about everything from the Aztec’s shape and size to the lights and vents placement, despite the vehicles overall competency as a SUV crossover vehicle which were gaining in popularity. There are countless other examples of models that just hit the market at the wrong time or missed the mark on prominent styling trends which is want make them stand out to many collectors as memorable and worthy.
• Military Inspired Rides: Military inspired vehicles have always been a niche market among collectors and some are harder to come by than others. The Hummer H1 for example, which was the precursor to the thinner and more streamlined H2 and H3 models of the present, was and still is a novelty. In 1999 the the H1 emerged as a joint venture between General Motors and AM General which was built on a heavily modified GMC 2500HD chassis. The rough- and-tough looking military inspired vehicle appeals to collectors who enjoy the look and performance capabilities of the heavy duty outdoor vehicle. For collectors, the most desirable model is the H1 Alpha which was discontinued in 2006.

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 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 auto insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Collectors Car Insurance: Auto Flops Collectors Still Love

Over the hundred-plus year history of motor vehicles auto brands have come and gone, companies have merged and dissolved, and some have even been revived to rekindle their brand and spirit today. There have been hundreds of vehicle successes. Some models revolutionized motor vehicles, while others set new standards for style, performance and speed. Other models were bold and daring in design but never quite caught on. Some had mechanical complications while others simply failed to attract consumer interest.

Here are a few auto industry flops that still hold a special place in collectors’ hearts:

• Amphibious Cars: When first conceived, the idea of an amphibious vehicle seemed both useful and thrilling to a world on the brink of war, and why not? A car built for both land and sea, would surely seem to have its perks should you need to make a quick getaway or traverse various landscapes. Originally designed for the military during World War II, amphibious vehicles were developed and produced by foreign and American automakers from existing vehicle platforms. An amphibious version of the Willys MB Jeep, the Ford GPA were created to compete and successfully “sailed” around the world during the 1950’s. The German made Amphicar was one of the most successful amphibious vehicles ever built, however only a few thousand were ever produced before the trend was scrapped. Nevertheless, amphibious vehicles gained a small but loyal following among niche collectors who enjoy the novelty of these war time vehicles.

• 1970’s Subcompacts: In the late 1970’s AMC, GM, Ford and many others began to realize that while their muscle cars and other popular models of the era were luxurious, fun and sporty, they weren’t very economical. Raising oil and gas prices and changing consumer demands led many of the top automakers in a race to generate affordable and functional subcompact vehicle. One of the most notorious was the AMC Gremlin which TIME magazine calls “one of the most curiously proportioned cars ever.” The Gremlin competed with other subcompacts like the Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto, as well as with smaller imports such as the Volkswagen Beetle and Toyota Corona. While these vehicles sold well, each had their own peculiarities and nuances which lead motorists to either love them or hate them. The Ford Pinto for example was known for erupting into flames when involved in an accident from behind, and the Gremlin was infamous for its quirky styling as well as its speed capabilities for its class and weight. Today, collectors and auto enthusiasts often use these vehicles as a relatively inexpensive way to dip their toes into renovation, restoration and custom car building.

• DMC Vehicles: If you are wondering whether or not you have heard of DMC, the answer is probably yes, but not by that name. You might know it better for the only model the automakers ever produced, The DeLorean DMC-12. Ring a bell now? The iconic DeLorean made its claim to fame as the time traveling car Marty McFly used in the 1980s Back to The Future.However, were it not for the vehicle’s starring role in the film saga, the DeLorean Motor Company may have never become a household name. Production was over nearly as soon as it began for DMC, who started releasing the DeLorean in 1981, right before one of the largest auto market slumps in American history. Only about 9,000 of the futuristic looking sports cars were created before production halted in 1983, at which point DMC went into liquidation. Only 6,500 DeLoreans are currently known to exist, which makes them a rare find, especially since this particular vehicle appeals to many different types of collectors.

Want more quirky collectibles? Read the second half of our list here.

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 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 car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.