In the 1950s, General Motors was so large that the U.S. Department of Justice threatened to break it up under antitrust regulations; however, it did not manufacture a sports car. So, after the idea was formed to create an affordable sports car under the GM brand, the Chevy Corvette emerged from Flint, Michigan in 1953. Since then, GM has continued their production–remaining extremely popular in the collector car circuit.

Only 300 Corvettes were manufactured in 1953, and their relatively weak engines made them more of a cruising car than a European-inspired racing car. However, the 1960s brought increased production levels and engine variety as well as special performance editions. With the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, the brand distinguished itself as a successful race car producer.

Though production boomed from the late 60s to early 80s, this generation of Corvettes lacked quality and power. Fortunately, the C4 was released in 1984 and has gained popularity among collector car enthusiasts who are interested in classic Corvettes that can be driven frequently.

Since the C4, Corvette performance ratings have consistently increased. Current models are technologically advanced “supercars” that demonstrate top-line capabilities. With the brand returning to its glory days and gaining popularity in modern markets, collectors are also becoming more devoted to the classic Corvette. So, not only does the American sports car continue racing, but it’s classic models have become some of the most popular collector cars In the nation.

If you have an affinity for classic, collector Corvette’s, be sure to protect your investment. At Condon Skelly, we share your passion for these iconic vehicles. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in providing complete insurance for all types of collector and custom autos. We will help you secure affordable, industry-leading coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

The U.S. Copyright Office is currently examining whether provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which was designed to protect intellectual property, should be applied to new automotive technology. Doing so could prohibit auto owners from modifying, tuning and preforming vehicle restoration on newer cars. Reports recently revealed that the Auto Alliance is relentlessly seeking these changes. For those unfamiliar with the Auto Alliance, the group is comprised of 12 of the top vehicle producers in the world serving as the auto industry’s leading interest and advocacy group. Auto makers are hoping that provisions in the copyright law that will soon prohibit home mechanics and car enthusiasts from repairing and modifying their own vehicles.

According to reports, auto makers believe that modern vehicles have become too technologically advanced and complex for consumers and untrained third party mechanics to handle. In a statement filed to by the Auto Alliance, the group claims that allowing individual auto owners and non-company based mechanics to continue to fix their vehicles has become “legally problematic,” and could affect the safety of drivers and vehicles.

Is this the end of DIY vehicle restoration and upgrading for future generation?

Not just yet. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates for individual rights in digital matters, is fighting to ensure that enthusiasts can continue working on their vehicles by providing exemptions that would give them the right to access necessary car components. Should the group succeed it could protect the future motor-heads and auto enthusiasts in their do-it-yourself pursuits for many years to come. If not, it could lead to an even more heightened interest in restoring classic, vintage and antique vehicles.

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 are 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 about us and our specialty insurance programs, contact our specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.