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.

When it comes to vehicles modifications, there is often a delicate balance between what an average auto insurance providers will cover and the need for specialty auto insurance. There are times when standard auto insurance policies are not sufficient to properly ensure some types of vehicles, for example hot rods, vintage and antique vehicles and highly modified autos. In these cases, auto owners, collectors and enthusiasts can turn to a specialty auto insurance policy to secure the necessary coverage.

In general, specialty car insurance provides coverage for expensive, exotic or otherwise nonstandard vehicles that require special coverage considerations and adjusted coverage amounts. When it comes to highly modified vehicles, custom jobs and “tricked-out” rides, auto owners often find themselves needing such additional coverage. However, not all vehicle modifications require specialty auto insurance. While tinting windows or installing new stereo or security equipment often has little impact on an owner’s ability to secure auto coverage through a standard market, what does matter are major performance enhancements and body styling changes.

If the changes are designed to improve the power, performance or overall quality of the vehicle, the auto will most likely qualify as a specialty auto. Each insurance provider has their own specific standards for what qualifies as a modification, however specialty modifications often include:

-Custom paint jobs

-Structural changes to the frame and/or body such as: Front or rear spoilers; Custom wheels, tires or spinners; Vertical doors; Custom grilles; Side pipes; etc.

-Significant performance enhancements like engine, steering, exhaust or suspension enhancements.

When it comes to attaining the right specialty auto insurance coverage, it is often beneficial to work with an insurance agency that specializes in this niche area, as opposed to general consumer vehicle coverage. 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.

Specialty Auto Insurance: The Foreign Truck Disadvantage

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

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

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

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

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

Custom Car Insurance: History of the Hot Rod

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Collector 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.

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.

The Case of a Hotel Valet and a Crashed Lamborghini

Earlier in July, at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi, a hotel valet attempted to park a guest’s Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, however apparently was not an experienced enough driver to be behind the wheel of such a powerful car. As he accelerated, the vehicle veered out of the man’s control, through a crowd of people, and into a concrete barrier. Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured in the incident, as the only injury sustained was to the driver himself and was minor.

Unfortunately however, the hotel simply calls this incident an “accident” and so far has taken no financial responsibility for the damaged specialty car. The car’s owner claims that the vehicle is worth nearly a half a million dollars, due to the high cost of importing it, and estimates that the damage done to the car comes to just over $330,000. In this case, the owner of the Lamborghini has filed a complaint against the valet, however if the hotel refuses to pay, this means that the owner is financially responsible for the damage done to his vehicle.

Although this type of case might have a different outcome here in the U.S., the scenario still shows how important it is to have the right type of insurance coverage for specialty, exotic, or classic cars. In addition, it should serve as an example of the importance of taking care of your exotic car; perhaps thinking twice about letting anyone else behind the driver’s seat, even if it is someone who should seemingly be an experienced driver.

Whether you own a Lamborghini or any other type of specialty or classic car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of insurance coverage. 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.