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.

Collector Car Insurance: Classic, Antique, or Just Outdated?

When it comes to collecting automotive, the age of a vehicle often plays a large factor in value, classification, registration and even insurance rates you’ll pay to protect your “baby”. Evaluating a vehicle’s classification also takes into account the year, make, model and any modifications made. Classifications like “classic,” “vintage” and “antique” are often colloquially misused by the average consumer and even some enthusiasts. This is likely because there is no universal standard definition of any of these classifications.

For example, According to the Classic Car Club of America, to earn a “classic” label the auto must be between 30 and 49 years old from the post-World War II era. However, the group makes the distinction between “classic” and “Full Classic Car” which is defined as a specific set of vehicles produced between 1925 and 1948. The group also acknowledges that time-period appropriate mechanical and vehicle components are also factors when classifying a vehicle.

However, the legal definition in most states for a classic vehicle is any older motor vehicle manufactured 20 years prior to the current year which has been maintained or restored to a condition which conforms to the manufactured specifications. Authenticity of production is another critical factor in classification as replica and reproductions are not considered classic vehicles. What’s more, most insurers set their own standards when it comes to classifying automotive, which can range from specific decade markers to specific years of release.

So is there a general rule for determining whether your vehicle is classic, vintage, antique or just plain old? Not really.

Based on the combination of guidelines and definitions set by collectors clubs and other industry authorities, a classic vehicle is one which is produced between 25 and 50 years ago. While “antique” vehicles are traditionally thought of as those automobiles produced before World War II, the Classic Car Club of America and the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) any vehicle 25 years or older can qualify as an antique. Thus more collectable vehicles are “antique” than truly Classic or otherwise classified.

Luckily age isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to collecting vehicles, in fact, for many age comes as an afterthought to styling, features, performance, rarity and other factors. Whether you like the look and performance or the history of your collectables it’s important to keep them protected.

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

 Collector Auto Insurance:  A Brief Maserati Timeline

This December 1^st marks Maserati’s centennial birthday. Founded in 1914 in Bologna, the Italian automaker has become one of the leading names in luxury, speed and style around the world over the last century. Humble roots and amassing achievements both on the road and the race track have helped fashion the company’s character, personality and prestige among collectors, enthusiasts and other industry members.

While you may know Maserati for their powerful engines and sleek styling, there is much more to the auto maker’s rich history than you might realize. Here are a few interesting facts about Maserati to celebrate their 100 years of accomplishments.

– The Maserati brothers, Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore, and Ernesto were all involved in automotive manufacturing, production and racing as adolescents in the beginning of the 20th century. The bothers worked for various Italian transportation manufactures including Fiat S.p.A and Diatto. Led by Alfieri, the brothers began working as a joint-stock company under the family name.

– The logo was designed in 1920 by fifth son Mario Maserati who was an artist and the only Maserati brother not involved with engine production. The trident was chosen at the suggestion of a family friend due to its connection with Bolognia, and connotation of Neptune’s virtues of strength and vigor. Mario incorporated the colors red and blue from the flag of Bologna into the design, which remain symbolic of the brand to this day.

– For the first 12 years the brothers specialized primarily in engine building. It wasn’t until 1926 when that the Tipo 26 became the first vehicles to sport the Maserati name. After that early success the brothers began producing race cars with 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines. They took engine performance a step further by creating a model with two twin 8 cylinder engines mounted side by side, to create a powerful 16 cylinder performance racer which would shatter speed records and help win the Maserati brothers racing prestige.

– In 1929 Maserati set the world speed record for reaching finish line speeds of 246.069 km/h, their record would remain unbroken until 1937.

– In 1939 Maserati became the first and only Italian automaker to win the Indianapolis 500, and even more impressively they were able to repeat their win the following year.

– During World War II Maserati endeavored unsuccessfully to construct a V16 towncar for Benito Mussolini before Ferry Porsche of Volkswagen could build one for Adolf Hitler. Throughout the war they became one of the largest producers of spark plugs, batteries and other automotive components for the military.

– In 1957 Maserati retired themselves from race car production to focus on road cars commercial luxury auto production. They did however continue to produce racers for privateers on a case by case basis.

– Maserati passed through a number of corporate hands over the next few decades until Fiat acquired the brand in 1993. Fiat reinvested in the Maserati brand and line at which time the brand saw a resurgence of enthusiasm and public appeal. In 1997 Fiat sold 50 percent of the Maserati to long-time German rival Ferrari. In 2007 Maserati made a profit for the first time in 17 years.

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

American Classic Car Insurance: History of Dodge

Long before Horace and John Dodge ever produced a vehicle under their own brand, the brothers were fully engaged in the art of auto making in the early twentieth century. Horace and John Dodge founded the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900, originally as a supplier or automotive parts and components for many of the local Detroit automakers. In 1903 the bothers entered an exclusive agreement with Henry Ford where they agreed to supply the freshly incorporated Ford Motor Company with 650 automotive chassis complete with engines, axles and transmissions as the first contract. The brothers also agreed to invest $7,000 in materials and $3,000 in bank notes in Ford’s new endeavor for 100 company shares. These chassis would be the basis for the first Ford automobiles to roll off the line. Their partnership continued over the next fifteen years however by 1905 Ford began preparations to produce their own engines to keep costs down for the upcoming Model N.

Ford later bought out the 100 stock shares owned by the brothers, who at that point had seen a 32 million dollar return on their initial investment in the Ford Motor Company. This lucrative partnership allowed the brothers to gain their own prominence and momentum in the automotive industry. In 1913 Ford and the Dodge brothers severed their relationship with Ford to begin manufacturing and assembling their own automobiles. The Dodge reputation for quality was reportedly so widespread that some 13,000 dealers asked to become Dodge agents before the brothers even released their first vehicle. As their first order of business, the Dodges decided to produce a high-quality vehicle that would sell for about $800, and therefore not have to compete with Ford’s Model T. Their first model affectionately deemed “Old Betsy,” was methodically tested for safety and functionality before it rolled off the assembly line to much success in 1914. The following year Dodge produced 45,053 cars at their Michigan plant. In1920 Dodge had its most successful year to date, they produced145,000 vehicles despite losing founder Horace.

In 1928 Walter P. Chrysler bought Dodge, rescuing the then luxury car brand from weak profits and near bankruptcy. With the addition of Dodge, Chrysler now held four major car lines and instantly became America’s third largest automaker. To fit better into the Chrysler Corporation lineup, Dodge’s production lineup was trimmed down to a core group of two lines and thirteen models which would be priced as mid-level autos above Plymoth and DeSoto. The Dodge adding a new eight-cylinder engine into their line up reasserting themselves as a powerful yet safe family friendly vehicle line. During World War II, Dodge gained prestige with civilians and the military for their heavy-duty, durable and dependable trucks and medical vehicles. This notoriety would lead to a longstanding investment in commercial vehicle production.

Today dodge is known for their truck and commercial vehicle, as well as their strong presence in the American muscle car sector. The Dodge Charger being one of the bands most notable claims to fame.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting American Classic and vintage vehicles 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 collector auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our American classic car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Collector Auto Insurance: A Look at the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

Ferrari made headlines this summer after a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO became the most expensive car in the world when it sold for over $38 million at a California auto auction. The model, chassis number 3851GT, was number 19 of just 39 250 GTOs ever produced. As such the vehicle had been highly anticipated and discussed prior to the auction event and buzz generated quickly about its hefty reaping.

So what makes the 250 GTO’s so special? Actually, quite a bit.

The Ferrari 250 GTO was originally produced between 1962 and 1964 as a racing vehicle for the FIA (International Automobile Federation) Grand Touring category 3, which in turn is where the racer got its name. GTO stands for “Gran Turismo Omologato”, or Grand Touring Homologated, which is in reference to the type of racing while the numerical component references the displacement capacity of the powerful engine cylinders that give the model its speed. Originally the sales price for a new Ferrari 250 GOT was $18,000 on the American market, and at the time all buyers had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari himself and his North American dealer.

Between 1962 and 1963, Ferrari produced 33 250 GTO models with their original body styling, which can be found on the recently auctioned model. In 1964 Ferrari produced only six more 250 GTOs sporting an updated body and adjusted styling features. Such rarity highly contributes to the draw and prestige of these vehicles, which in turn sets their value on the collectors markets. However, the scarceness is not the Ferrari 250 GTO’s only asset.

As previously mentioned, the 250 GTO was designed to compete in GT racing where it was set against some of the fastest and sleekest vehicle in the world. At the time its rivals included models like the Shelby Cobra, Jaguar E-Type and Aston Martin DP214. As such, performance was paramount when designing the 250 GTO and it took a team of Ferrari engineers to craft the racer. While typically credited to Giotto Bizzarrini, as he was the initial lead engineer on the project, the 250 GTO’s creation actually passed through a number of hands, especially in 1962 when many of the major engineers were fired due to a dispute with Enzo Ferrari himself. The body design and further development of the 250 GTO was then spearheaded by engineer Mauro Forghieri and Sergio Scaglietti.

One of the most acclaimed features of the 250 GTO, it’s stunningly sleek body styling, was the result of incorporating extensive aerodynamics research into their design in an attempt to improve top speed and stability. According to experts, the final 250 GTO’s body design was shaped based on both wind tunnel testing as well as road and track testing of several prototypes and in fact continued to change and evolve through the course of the vehicle’s production. The result was the 250 GTO’s iconic all-aluminium body with a long, low nose, small radiator inlet, and distinctive air intakes on the nose with removable covers. The styling was not only incredibly efficient; it was attractive and would become synonymous with the Ferrari brand. Critis, enthusiasts and collectors adore the model so much that in in 2004, Sports Car International noted that the Ferrari 250 GTO could be the top sports car of all time.

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

Collector Car Insurance: Defining an American Muscle Car

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines muscle cars as “any of a group of American-made 2-door sports coupes with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving.” In social circles, the term muscle car is typically used to refer to a variety of high performance automobiles which have emerged from a number of manufactures in many different countries. All the while, collectors, traders, and enthusiasts still debate what exactly the defining features of a muscle car are. To understand what a muscle car is we must first look at their origins to determine what is it not.

The origin of the muscle car itself is highly debated, but many enthusiasts and experts credit the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 as the first ever American muscle car and the spark for this new classification of vehicles. The Rockett 88 was created in response to public interest in speed and power, featuring a heavier body than most racers and America’s first ever high-compression overhead valve V8. During the 1950’s various automakers began to showcase high-powered engines and other heavy performance hardware in flashy limited-edition models of their vehicles. The 1955 Chevy C-300 was released to huge success on the NASCAR scene. Sporting a flashy blend of Hemi power and luxury-car trappings the C-300 boasted a 300 horsepower engine. As interest grew in stock car racing, automakers and enthusiasts became infatuated with the potential of muscle cars.

However, it wasn’t until the 1960’s that interest in these high-powered street racers finally peaked. Experts suggest that the original intent of the muscle car was to put the most powerful motor that would fit, into the lightest car possible. During the 1960’s Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler, Ford and others battled it out to create the most powerful drag racer. Some experts refer to this period as the golden age of American muscle cars, as some of the most sought after muscle vehicles were produced over the following two decades. The muscle car horsepower war peaked in 1970, with some models advertising as much as 450 horsepower drawing in young auto enthusiasts into show rooms who demanded standard editions of these racers. Although the sales of true muscle cars were relatively modest, they became invaluable for American automakers in terms of prestige and publicity. High competition among manufacturers meant that buyers had the choice of ever-more powerful engines in varying body styles and performance capacities.

Traditionally, muscle cars differed from other racers in two main ways. They had higher powered engines, which in turn made them heavier and ultimately lead to the adoption of the larger body styling. Unlike their sports car cousins, a muscle car bodies were based primarily on those of a mid-sized sedan, converted to a two door style. Designed to be as high-powered and cheap as possible, American muscle cars were originally lacked many of the bells, whistles and flash that sports and luxury models featured. Over time they began to incorporate many additional add-on features based on popular demand and to improve market appeal, however the raw power of American muscle engines remain the largest draw for enthusiasts, collectors and consumers today.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting classic muscle 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 collector auto insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Exotic Auto Insurance: Defining “Exotic” in Auto Terms

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, by definition the term “exotic” means “very different, strange, or unusual”. Often applied to the physical appearance of an object or individual, the term “exotic” has also adopted the connotation of intrigue, mystique and complexity. When applied as a term used to both describe and classify vehicles, auto experts and enthusiasts have a few distinct criteria an auto must meet to be truly classified as an exotic vehicle in auction or appraisal.

If a vehicle classifies as “exotic” it will likely meet some of the following criteria:

Rarity- A fundamental tenant of an exotic vehicle classification is that they are difficult to come by. Limited production models, for example, are often some of the most prized and sought after vehicles and often fetch millions of dollars at auctions and private sales. Original batch vehicles, or models which were originally built to be made in limited quantities but became widely popular that the public demanded more, are also highly popular among collectors and enthusiasts. Exotic vehicle producers do not intended to sell to the general population, but rather appeal to a very specific buyer market. Their prestige and appeal are often generated as a result of their rarity and unattainability to all but a select few.

Customization- Exotic vehicles are often hand assembled, or created through non-standard manufacturing processes. These vehicles often rely heavily on personalization and customization and are typically built exactly to the specifications of either the owner or the designer. They also tend to incorporate new technologies, materials, and other non-traditional components into the function and design of the vehicle. Exotic vehicle will often have a story of creation which typically includes personal history of individuals or design teams. Most exotic vehicles will have “pedigree” papers or original documentation of all owners, dates of purchase and sale, maintenance records and other documentation.

Performance– A key feature in many exotic vehicles are the extensive design elements geared towards enhancing the driver’s experience. Many exotic vehicles have competed in race or competitive environment, while others were designed for high-performance speed and driving pleasure. As opposed to other classes, the emphasis for exotic vehicles is most often speed and handling capabilities, along with style.

Look- Aesthetics are fundamental tenet of exotic vehicles design and classification. By nature, exotic vehicles tend to have strange and unusual appearances from concept to design. Many include unusual functions such as non-standard door designs or aerodynamic body designs, or enhanced motor designs, fuel systems and other features. However, exotic “look” is an ever evolving concept, what may be considered “exotic” in one generation of vehicles may become the norm later on.

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

Antique Car Insurance: History of the Stutz Motor Company

In the history of American motor vehicles there have been hundreds of designers and manufacturers, but few had the ability to eternally distinguish themselves from the crowd. While some early American auto makers were focused on making vehicles widely accessible to consumer, others set out to distinguish themselves as luxurious and extravagant symbols of wealth and leisure. The Stutz Motor Company was one such brand, and the Stutz Bearcat was their claim to fame.

Throughout its lifetime, Stutz Motor Company was known as an American producer of fast cars and vehicles for the rich and famous. The Bearcat has been called the “first American sports car” by some enthusiasts because the early models were essentially a road-friendly version of their racer. Stutz has also been credited with the development of “the under-slung chassis”, which greatly enhanced the safety and cornering of motor vehicles. The technology is still being used today.

Originally produced between 1912 and 1925, the Stutz Bearcat roared through the early part of the twentieth century with enough speed and flash to embody the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The Bearcat became nearly synonymous with extravagance and luxury at the time. In 1914 it was priced at $2000, which two to three times as much as the average American “basic” car. The Bearcat rose in popularity due largely to its luxurious and fast reputation at much more affordable prices than some of the imported European sports cars of the era.

In 1912, Stutz Bearcats won 25 of the 30 auto races in which they were entered, increasing their prestige and appeal among motor enthusiasts of the time. In 1915 a stock Bearcat was driven by Erwin “Cannon Ball” Baker to achieve the record coast-to-coast drive time of eleven days, seven hours, and fifteen minutes.  This drive was the inspiration for the Cannonball Run race and subsequent film adaptation of the events.

Stutz Motor Company struggled through the great depression and wartime era which lead to vehicle production ending in 1935. The America’s luxury auto makers produced some 35,000 during their twenty-four year run. While the brand was later revived as the Strutz Motor Car of America in 1968, it never again regained its early prominence.

No matter what type of vintage, classic, antique or collector car you own, getting the right insurance to protect your prized vehicles is vital. At Condon Skelly, we know are as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. 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, contact our antique car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Exploring Jay Leno’s Classic Car Collection

Most classic car collectors know that Jay Leno’s garage boasts a rather impressive collection of classics, antiques, and collector vehicles. Referred to as the “Big Dog Garage”, Jay Leno’s collection has it all, from classic cars to supercars, to restoration projects and road tests. Below are some of the most impressive vehicles in his collection, as cited by Business Insider’s transportation writer Travis Okulski.

1955 Buick Roadmaster

When he bought it in 1972, Leno only paid $350 for the 1955 Buick Roadmaster! He restored this car in 1973 and drove it everywhere. It was even the car he used on his first date with his wife. This wasn’t the car’s only “first”. This car was the beginning of Leno’s extensive automobile collection.

1986 Lamborghini Countach

Leno’s 1986 Countach was actually one of his daily cars, with almost 70,000 miles on it. The Lamborghini Countach features a Lambroghini trademark first with its’ scissor doors; hinged at the front with horizontal hinges, so they lift up and tilt forward. It’s unique look made it one of the most popular cars there was between the 1970’s to the 1990’s.

1937 Fiat Tiopolino

While the top speed of a 1937 Fiat Tiopolino was only 53 mph and contained a small five gallon fuel tank, this vehicle was able to get almost 40 miles to the gallon. At the time of its production, the Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world, and this vehicle is one of the oldest in Leno’s collection.

This is just a tiny sample of the classic cars living in Leno’s Big Dog Garage. His collection has been admired by many, and serves as an inspiration to both beginner car collectors and seasoned enthusiasts. 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.