In a recent post we discussed the emergence of the Revology Mustang as one of the most headline grabbing and eye catching auto revival initiatives of 2015. What we haven’t mentioned yet is that Revology is not alone in their efforts to bring classic auto into the 21^st century with updated technology, performance, and luxury amenities. Revology is just one of a handful of specialty auto crafters popping up across the country that specialize in revamping classic rides. In the last few years a small but growing group of automakers around the world have been taking some of the most iconic cars ever built and updating them into thoroughly modern machines. In return, these revival vehicles have been met with both incredible praise, and harsh criticism from classic car enthusiasts.

There is no doubt that classic cars have an undeniable appeal, but as any auto enthusiast will confess vintage vehicles are not without their faults and flaws. While we might look back on classic rides through the proverbial rose colored glasses, many classic, antique and vintage vehicles leave much to be desired in terms of reliability, dependability and safety. Even in the best of shape and with impeccable upkeep vintage vehicles can be a handful and don’t often make the best daily drives. Which leaves many enthusiasts and collectors facing the conundrum of balancing their love for vintage aesthetics and tradition with their yearning for luxury, performance and convenience.

That’s where these replica and revival vehicles come into play. For years enthusiast have been updating their classics to enhance the driving experience. In fact, that’s what originally lead to many auto trends, such as hot-rodding. Proponents and producers of these modernized classics have been quick to point out just that. Supporters of these re-imagined classics assert that these vehicle, claim that they represent the prefect blend of automotive history, tradition and progress. These vehicles producers are coupling vintage styling and aesthetics appeal with the modern luxury amenities most consumers need in a daily driver to create a unique class of specialty vehicles to meet some enthusiasts’ demands. Many of these new autos offer top of the line vehicle technology in both safety and performance.

Whether you are a vintage auto purist or a specialty vehicle enthusiast, it is important to protect your ride. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting specialty, exotic, and classic cars can be. 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 car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information about our specialty car insurance, contact our specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Florida-based Revology Cars recently revealed what they are calling the Revology Mustang, and these new Mustangs quickly caught the eyes of auto enthusiast and industry professionals. Sporting the classic and iconic body styling of the 1964-1966 Ford Mustangs, the Revology Mustang is a spitting image of the past with a modern flair for luxury. With a list price of $119,500, these reimagined classics offer features that include a 265-horsepower, Windsor V-8 engine, LED head and tail lamps, 18 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency, a hidden antenna and one-year bumper to bumper and five-year body corrosion warranties, according to Car and Driver magazine.

Here’s the catch; the vehicles aren’t actual classic 1960’s Mustangs. Instead, Revology’s specialty Mustangs are reportedly licensed Ford Mustang replicas based on the original production line that ran between late 1964 and 1966. Revology is coupling authorized reproduction bodies and equipment with luxury amenities such as air conditioning, bluetooth compatibility, USB and auxiliary ports, power windows and locks disguised as classic window cranks. The new autos also offer a power convertible top, power steering, anti-lock brakes and a collapsible steering column, and number of other modern safety features that just weren’t available on the original model. Revology Cars founder Tom Scarpello reportedly remarked that the new vehicles are designed for “nostalgic Mustang fans who love the sleek and minimal look of the classic Ford vehicle but want modern fuel efficiency, power and handling.”

According to reports, the reaction from industry fans and critics is split. Some are praising the vehicles as a practical solution to modern luxury machines and vintage appeal, while others are saying that the price far outweighs any practicality for the product. Online commenters were quick to scoff at the specialty vehicle’s steep price tag, saying that collectors would be better off buying an original 1966 Mustang and having custom work done, according to the New York Daily News. Still, many specialty auto and Classic Mustang enthusiasts are intrigued by the new replicas. Revology Cars is currently looking for factory space to produce these vehicles on an made-to-order basis.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting specialty, exotic, and classic cars can be. 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 car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information about our specialty car insurance, contact our specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

To American film enthusiasts, the name Ford Fairlane is a reference to an obscure 1990 American action/comedy film directed by Renny Harlin and based on a short story series published in the 1979. However, classic Ford enthusiasts have a much different association with the name. In fact, many auto enthusiasts will tell you that the name of the film, and it’s main character, is actually derived from a line of vintage Ford vehicles produced between 1955 and 1970 with a unique place in collector’s hearts.

The Ford Fairlane line originated in 1955 to replace the Crestline as Ford’s premier full-size vehicle in the American auto market. The name was taken from Henry Ford’s estate in Michigan called Fair Lane. Originally, six different body styles were offered, all of which featured the iconic Fairlane stainless-steel body striping. The initial body styles included the Crown Victoria Skyliner which featured a tinted, transparent plastic roof, the Crown Victoria coupe which boasted a substantial increase in stainless-steel trimming compared to it’s standard Victoria coup counterpart, a convertible Sunliner, and simplistic traditional sedan.

The original design was quickly adapted by 1957 to reflect industry changes at the time. The new styling made the body wider and longer, with larger tail fins and a low wheelbase. The Fairlane 500 Skyliner was the first to feature a power retractable hardtop. Unlike most hard tops, the Fairlane 500 Skyliner’s solid top hinged and folded down into the trunk space at the touch of a button, unfortunately the top filled most of the trunk when retracted. While this made the model noteworthy and generated publicity, the feature was expensive and generated minimal sales. This second generation of Fairlane’s remain some of the most iconic in terms of 50’s styling and vintage appeal.

By 1962 the Fairlane line became Ford’s mi-sized vehicle offering, bridging the gap between the smaller Falcon and the full-sized luxury Galaxie, in order to compete with GM. Having moved out of the era of chrome, the Fairlane styling was updated to mirror the more boxy styling trends of the decade. As the muscle car market began to skyrocket, Ford responded with a Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt heavily modified for drag racing in1964. According to experts, less than 130 of these vehicles were ever produced, the first 11 Thunderbolts were released in “Vintage Burgundy” the remainder in white. Throughout the course of the mid to late1960’s the Fairlane began to embody sportiness both above and under the hood as it slowly morphed into the Torino series which would effectively replace the Fairlane in the 1970s.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete classic 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 vintage auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information about our classic car insurance, contact our specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Imagine, you turn on the news only to see your prized classic vehicle battered and stranded by the side of the road. Having your vintage ride turn up missing would be painful enough, but the idea of finding it damaged after being stolen would be almost unbearable for many auto enthusiasts. While a strong antique classic car insurance policy can help mitigate the financial impacts, the moment would still likely be highly emotional.

Such could be the case if the owner of a stranded classic American muscle car steps up to claim their property. British police officials are making an international call to find the owner of a classic 1969 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport with plates registered in the US. According to reports, police have been desperately hunting the owner of the 1969 Impala after it was left abandoned in an intersection last month during rush hour traffic near London. The vehicles has suffered considerable amounts of damage to the the front bumper and hood but looks to have been in well-kept condition prior to the recent damage. The vehicle has an Idaho license plate which has been released through the media in hopes of alerting the owner who authorities believe might not even be aware that their Impala is missing. UK authorities believe that the vehicle may have been stolen and dumped by joyriders as the model is a rarity in the United Kingdom.

Classic vehicle theft is not as uncommon as many collectors would hope. In fact, there have been a number of recent reports of classic and vintage vehicle thefts over the last few months including the theft of another classic Chevy valued at over $45,000 from a Florida dealership and the theft or a rare 1987 Buick Grand National worth nearly $40,000 in Minnesota. Many of these thefts have taken place at restoration shops and dealerships. It is important that auto collectors choose their auto shops, dealers and storage facilities carefully in order to ensure that their vehicles are not only handles with care but protected in the event of a theft or break-in.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete classic 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 car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information about our classic car insurance, contact our specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

For decades auto makers and consumers have had a love-hate relationship with diesel engines. A true product of necessity, diesel vehicles have had a long history as commercial and industrial vehicles due to their durability and endurance. However it wasn’t until the late 1970’s when diesel engines became more of a consumer choice. While their rise and fall in the consumer market was rapid, auto markets have recently seen a growing surge of collector interest is these hard to find “modern classics”.

The first diesel automobile engines are accredited to the Mercedes-Benz 260 D available to consumers in 1936. Nearly 2,000 were produced through 1940 after which time consumer production halted to focus on military manufacturing. After World War II, the production of diesel engined vehicles was resumed with the Mercedes-Benz 170D n 1949. While they were very economical, consumers were largely unimpressed with the lack of speed, horsepower and performance diesel engines offered, as such many early diesel models fell to the wayside. Few of these models remain functional and intact as many fell victim to deterioration over the years, making diesel consumer Mercedes models rare and valuable collectibles. Mercedes eventually shifted their production of diesel vehicles to the commercial market, were many models were created for taxi, delivery vans and other work uses.

In 1967, the world’s first compact, high-speed diesel car was introduced as the Peugeot 204BD, however diesel engines did not fully gain popularity among consumers until the first fuel crisis that followed the Arab oil embargo of 1973. In a time when fuel prices were skyrocketing and shortages were abundant, diesel vehicles offered an affordable and spacious alternative to the compact gasoline models of the time and the clunky gas burning sedans that had nearly single digit fuel milage. While many diesel model sold well at the time, they were quickly replaced when the fuel crisis ended as consumer preferences changed.

Interest in diesel vehicles has seen a slight resurgence in recent years as consumers look for alternative to traditional gasoline as prices continue to rise. Many older diesel vehicles have been repurposed into bio-diesel compatible eco-friendly daily drivers. Other auto enthusiasts have begun to recognize the diesel cars of the past as collectables worth preserving and seeking out.

Whether you are into diesel classics or high powered gasoline performance machines, we can help protect your antique, vintage, classic and exotic rides with the vintage auto insurance you need. At Condon Skelly we write policies specifically designed for the classic, vintage and specialty vehicles. We strive to keep the insurance classic car owners need affordable so that you can spend more time on the road. Our policies cost about 60% less than standard auto insurance companies, and they’re designed specifically for unique needs of classic and collector cars. While many vintage auto insurance policies restrict usage to 6 months, we make sure you get the most enjoyment out of your vehicle by removing mileage caps. To learn more about us and our specialty vehicle insurance programs, contact us today at (855) 735-2844.

Classic, vintage and specialty vehicles can be worth a great deal both financially and emotionally. Many owners invest their time, energy and hard earned money into perfecting and restoring their vintage rides. But accidents happen, and you can’t always prepare for them.That’s why having complete vintage car insurance is so important.

Imagine taking your prized vintage car into the shop to have some clean up and restoration done only to get a call from the shop owner saying that there has been an accident. That’s exactly what happened to auto owners in San Jose, California after a five alarm fire broke out in a building which housed a restoration auto shop that specialized in upholstery and a audit system instillation shop. While the fire was believed to have been an accident, the devastation was vast. According to local police officials the contents of the building were a “complete loss” including one collector’s ten vintage vehicles being garaged in the shop.

Finding the right coverage at an affordable rate can be challenging. Collectable vehicles have very different insurance needs than the average new vehicle and driver. One such need is the option for a policy structured upon an Agreed Value. Agreed Value auto insurance ensures that vintage auto owners will receive a vehicle’s full value in the event of a total loss, instead of a depreciated vehicle value which is common in most standard auto insurance policies. This helps collectors recover their full investment in the event of vintage auto losses.

At Condon Skelly we write policies specifically designed for the classic, vintage and specialty vehicles. We strive to keep your insurance costs low so that you can spend more time on the road. Our policies cost about 60% less than standard auto insurance companies, and they’re designed specifically for unique needs of classic and collector cars. While many classic car insurance policies restrict usage to 6 months, we make sure you get the most enjoyment out of your vehicle by removing mileage caps and To learn more about us and our specialty vehicle insurance programs, contact us today at (855) 735-2844.

Antique Car Insurance: A History of Sunbeam Motors

After nearly 40 years of inactivity, it has been rumored recently that a newly revived Sunbeam Motor Company Limited is set to design and manufacture electric vehicles in the very near future, propelling the marquee’s long standing history of innovation and vehicle production. For over a century the Sunbeam brand has made an incredible impact on not only the auto world but on vehicle production as a whole, from cycling to aviation.  Many classic and antique auto enthusiasts might know the brand as England’s pioneer vehicle producer, whose roots go as far back as the late 1800’s.

In 1877 John Marston established the Sunbeamland Cycle Factory where the cycling enthusiast began manufactured and designed bicycles under the marquee “Sunbeams”. The cycling operation was successful and as tastes changed and technology advanced, the cycle-maker began dabbling in motor vehicle construction.  According to historians, the company produced a number of experimental cars between 1899 and 1901 however none ever made it to the consumer market.  It wasn’t until they partnered with designer Maxwell Maberley-Smith in 1901 that the first Sunbeam automobile emerged for commercial sale. Unfortunately their first attempt was a bit of a flop, selling only a few hundred vehicles when production ended in 1904.

In 1905 the Sunbeam Motorcar Company Ltd was separated from the Sunbeam motorcycle and bicycle operation before Marston brought in another designer for their next attempt. By 1912 were making conventional, high-quality vehicles which appealed to consumers at the time who were looking for a little less flash and extravagance offered by their most direct competitors, Rolls Royce. Through the World Wars, Sunbeam like many other vehicle makers became a supplier for military vehicle parts and technological advancements.

A Sunbeam was the first British car to win a Grand Prix race, where it simultaneously set a number of land speed records. However in 1935 the company went into near bankruptcy and was purchased by the Rootes Group marking a turning point in the brand’s history. In 1938 Rootes created a new marque called Sunbeam-Talbot which lead to a number of successful roadsters, racers and sports-performance vehicles.  The Rootes Group continued to use the Sunbeam marque to much success until 1976 at which time the marquee was acquired by Chrysler who would go on to completely re-brand the vehicle lines. This resulted in a loss of brand loyalty and enthusiasm among consumers and coupled with diminishing sales eventually lead to a halt in production in 1978.

Whether you are a fan of the early days or the Chrysler era, protecting your antique Sunbeam auto or bike is important.  At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete car insurance for classic car. 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 antique classic car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Antique Classic Car Insurance: Finding a Restoration Shop

When it comes to fixing up and restoring a classic and antique vehicles, not all enthusiasts and collectors have the ability to do the work on their own. Whether you lack the space, the time, the tools or the knowhow relinquishing your baby to a shop can be an agonizing experience. But when you find the right professionals who are well equipped to tackle the job, the results can be magical.

There are hundreds of restoration professionals in the United States and around the world who specialize in restoring vintage rides to their former glory and beyond; the trick is finding the right match for both your vehicles and your dreams. As such, it is essential to know your goal for the finished product and your budget, before ever setting foot into a shop. Doing so will allow you to make informed decisions about the type of restoration professional you are looking for and can help you budget appropriately to make sure your vehicle turns out just the way you imagined.

Specialty and restoration auto shops typically have specific areas of focus and as such it is vital that you find a shop with the right expertise, experience and track record. Here are a few tips to help you get started finding a quality shop:

• Get referrals– Ask around at auto shows and clubs for recommendations. Who better to ask than collectors who have real life examples of a shop’s work? Auto shows are great places to gather leads and recommendations, but the research shouldn’t stop there.
• Compare and Contrast– Shopping around and speaking with multiple shops will help you get a better sense of the scope, cost and timeline of the project. Stay away from shop that seem too high or too low when compared to the average estimate for the restoration. Most reputable shops will give you similar and competitive estimates; this is after all how they make their living.
• Focus on Restoration– it’s very likely that you will find a shop or two eager to take on your restoration project that offer collision repair services as well. Some experts caution against working with “combination shops” because most restoration professionals build reputation and livelihood solely on such projects and therefore often have more experience and knowledge.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete antique classic 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 antique classic car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

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.