Classic Car Insurance: How Chrysler Transformed the Auto Industry

In the early 1920’s a man named Walter Chrysler teamed up with three ex- Studebaker engineers; Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton, and Carl Breer, to design a revolutionary new car. The defined what the products of the Chrysler brand would be, which was “affordable luxury vehicles”, known for innovative, top-flight engineering.

The first of these vehicles was the 1924 Chrysler Six, an all-new car priced at $1,565 that featured two significant innovations; a light, powerful, high-compression six-cylinder engine, and the first time four-wheel hydraulic brakes were a standard on a passenger car. This well-equipped vehicle also featured aluminum pistons, replaceable oil and air filters, full-pressure lubrication, tubular front axles, shock absorbers, and indirect interior lighting.

This was just the beginning of the innovations we would see in personal vehicles. The Chrysler Corporation has been responsible for many more innovations than one ever expected. Co-founder Carl Breer was constantly seeking out and developing new technologies. In the 1940’s we saw additions such as resistor spark plugs to avoid radio interference, a padded dashboard for fewer injuries in collisions, a splash-proof ignition system, and more.

The 1950’s and 60’s saw even more auto technology introduced by Chrysler. For example, in 1951 Chrysler introduced the first full-time power steering function. GM used one in 1952, however GM’s had no assist until 3 pounds of pressure was applied to the steering wheel. These two decades also saw the first use of modern electronic fuel injections, the first curved side windows, and the introduction of cruise control, all thanks to Chrysler.

The early 70’s is when the electronic age began. In 1973, an electronic ignition became standard in all Chrysler models. Studebaker used electronic ignition before this, however it was only on a single model. Chrysler beat every other automaker by several years in making it standard. The 1970’s and 1980’s models of Chrysler also sported stamped aluminum wheels, standard radial tires on all cars, and a permanent-memory electronic display odometer. The modern cupholder even came from Chrysler, in 1983.

Safety was becoming a bigger priority in the 70’s and 80’s, which Chrysler responded to. The company was the first to include standard driver side airbags in 1988, and then include them on all of their models in 1991. They were also the first to include integrated child restraints in their vehicles, and developed the first minivan with a blind spot monitor. Chrysler continued to make many more advancements through the 90’s that other automakers would quickly follow. Suffice to say, Chrysler was a trendsetter.

Whether you own a classic Chrysler vehicle or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of Classic Car 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.

Antique Car Insurance: A Look at the 1968-1969 Dodge Charger

As mentioned in our post in December of 2013 entitled “The Most Desired Classic Muscle Cars”, the 1968-1969 Dodge Charger was considered to be one of the most visually striking and memorable of muscle cars in its’ time. The 1968-1969 Dodge Charger models were a restyled edition after sales dropped their previous season. Many people considered these revised vehicles to be some of the best looking mid-size cars out there.

Dodge released a Charger R/T (Raod/Track) vehicle as part of its “Scat Pack” to please the muscle-car crowd of the time. The Scat Pack also included the Coronet R/T and Dart GTS. Each sported bumblebee stripes around its tail and carried an engine appropriate for its title.

The 1968-1969 Dodge Charger models were aimed at “a rugged type of individual”, with ads noting that the vehicles were “not built for the common car crowd.” For many individuals, that was enough to create a craving for the 440-Magnum V-8 and innovative suspension.

Although the vehicles were advertised in this way, the Charger featured vinyl-trimmed bucket seats and a cushion available to position an extra passenger between the buckets, making it a car of comfort as well as style.

The 1968-1969 Dodge Charger has also been in various movie and T.V. scenes throughout the years, increasing its popularity. The television series The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985) featured a 1969 Dodge Charger that was named “The General Lee”. Most recently, the Dodge Charger made an appearance in “The Fast and the Furious”.

Whether you own a classic Dodge Charger or any other type of classic or antique 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.

Classic Car Insurance Determining the Market Value of Your Vehicle

Classic Car Insurance: Determining the Market Value of Your Vehicle

Whether you are buying or selling a classic car, you will have many financial considerations to make. If you are buying, you’ll want to purchase classic car insurance as soon as your vehicle purchase in made. In addition, you will of course want to determine the vehicle’s fair market value. There are many publications in existence that can help you determine what that value is, including the Old Car Buyers Guide, Hemmings, Collectible and Special Interest Car Appraisal Guide & Directory, and more. Their price guides rate a car’s value using 6 categories according to their conditions, a system frequently referred to as the “100 Point System”.

How do you implement this system? 20 categories are rated on a scale of one to five, using five as the maximum value. Then total your points for all 20 categories. These categories include; inspecting and rating the exterior, inspecting and rating the paint, glass, and trim, checking the operation of the engine, and more. Once the points are totaled, they should be compared to the 100 point maximum. Use this six category valuation to determine the fair market value of your vehicle.

Category 1: 90+ points

This is a classic car that rarely moves. It may sit in a museum or other type of temperature and humidity controlled area. When it does move, it goes into an enclosed trailer to a national car show where it has a good chance of winning first place.

Category 2: 80-89 points

This is an almost flawless car. Classic car experts can typically tell you if there is anything wrong with this car. It is very often mistaken for a Category 1 car.

Category 3: 70-79 points

This car is a show quality vehicle, and is the car that most hobbyist collectors own. It’s not perfect but it’s close enough for the car enthusiasts and owner. It might have some non-original parts and upgrades but nothing that would keep it from becoming a Category 2 with some time and money invested.

Category 4: 60-69 points

This is a functioning car in fair condition that you could use as a daily driver. It’s important to note however, that there are certain provisions for mileage when it comes to classic car insurance.

Category 5: 40-59 points

This car is more or less complete but needs major restoration. Buying a car in this category is considered a risk by many classic car collectors, unless you’re not worried about spending more than it may be worth.

Category 6: Any car under 40 points

Many classic car enthusiasts will say that this is a car that is simply not worth investing any time or money in, even if you want to attempt to sell it.

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 classic car 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.

Classic Cars: Exploring the Generations of Ford Mustangs

Ford Mustangs have been called a “pillar of American automotive lore”, and referred to as the car that brought sporting dash and styling at a price almost anyone could afford. While the Mustang has never been considered an exotic car, it still has had a way of capturing the hearts of drivers for nearly 50 years. Even though it’s just an ‘ordinary’ car, it’s always been considered an attractive car.

The history of Ford Mustangs can be broken down into six generations, but we’ll only be discussing the first four. The first generation, defined as the period between mid-1964 and 1973, includes vehicles such as the classic Shelby Mustang lineup, Boss Mustangs, K-Code Mustangs, the “Bullitt” Mustang GT-390 Fastback, the original Cobra Jets, and all the other Mustangs most folks consider “classic”.

The second generation (1974-1978) of Ford Mustangs was coined as the “Pintostang” generation. This is because the cars were based on the Ford Pinto platform. They were smaller and more fuel efficient, however they were considered too small, underpowered, and ill-proportioned by many potential buyers of the time. The third generation (1979-1993) improved, as it encompassed more years than any other generation in the history of the car. Coined the “Fox Body” Mustang, this car was based on the Fox platform. This generation of Ford Mustangs was also known for its powerful 5.0L V-8 engines.

The fourth generation, and the last generation that Ford Mustangs that can be considered “classic” until 2019, started with the introduction of the SN95 Mustang. This generation of Mustang, which lasted from 1994 until 2004, produced a car that was based on the SN-95/Fox4 Platform, and was larger than the previous generation. This car was engineered to be stiffer in design that past models. In 1996 the popular 5.0L engine was replaced with a 4.6L modular V-8 engine. This generation spawned the “New Edge” line of Mustangs in 1999. Although the cars looked different, they were still based on the SN-95 platform.

Whether you own a classic Ford Mustang or any other type of classic or antique 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.

Classic Car Insurance: ’64 Pontiac GTO

The 1964 Pontiac GTO was a car with ‘attitude’- a bigger V8 than previous cars, hood scoops, dual exhausts, a Hurst shifter, racy trim, and a name inspired by the Ferrari 250 GTO. The moment that the ’64 Pontiac GTO went on sale is often credited to be the start of the classic “muscle car” era.

This car came three ways. There were the expected sporty-car styles of the day, a convertible, and a two-door hardtop. There was also a coupe with a fixed B-pillar, which Pontiac called the Sports Coupe. The Sports Coupe was 20 pounds lighter than the hardtop and 150 lighter than the convertible, with the lowest starting price of all the models, making it the most popular.

The basis for the first 10 years of GTOs was GM’s “A-Body” platform, upon which midsize care for every General Motors marketing division except Cadillac were built. In 1964, that meant the A-Body chassis was found under the Buick Skylark, Chevrolet Chevelle, Oldsmobile Cutlass and Pontiac Tempest lines. Sportier versions of each of those cars were available with small (for the time) V8 engines, but only Pontiac dared to install a truly large V8 in its Tempest in ’64, and when a Tempest had a 389-cubic-inch V8 under its hood, it was a GTO.

The GTO package included the 389 V8, quick steering, dual exhaust, and premium tires. The 389 cid engine came with 325bhp with a single 4bbl carb or 348bhp with the optional Tri-power setup, 3 2bbl carbs. While Pontiac hoped to sell 5,000 copies, they ended up selling 32,450 of them.

Whether you own a GTO or any other type of Antique or Classic Car, we can insure it at Condon Skelly. Since 1967, we have been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage. We are a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Please contact us today for more information.

Classic Cars: The History and Evolution of the Bugatti Brand

Unlike other automobile companies of its time, the story of Bugatti is not that of a company that had to face countless financial problems, nor is it one of a company who had to rely on establishing sales venues or building plants across the Atlantic. Instead, the story of the Bugatti is that of a young visionary who came from a long line of artists and artisans. Born in Milano, Italy in 1881, Ettore Bugatti was on a path to become an artist, however decided to become an engineer when he was just 17 years old.

At this time, the young Ettore Bugatti started working and in only one year, he had designed and built a three-wheeled vehicle powers by two engines. Despite its small size, this prototype almost wiped clean the prized thrown in at the local races, having won an amazing 8 out of 10 events.

By the age of 19, he had just completed building his first real car. Considering the overall technological development at the time (in the beginning of the 1900s) his automobile seemed almost futuristic. The auto featured a four speed gearbox, a four-cylinder overhead-valve engine, and a variety of engineering improvement that only a gifted builder could have come up with.

In 1911, Ettore Bugatti decided to build a small, lightweight racing machine to compete in the Le Mans race. Although it was a tiny can in comparison to its giant competitors’ cars such as Fiat, De Dietrich and others, the small but swift and powerful automobile came in second, proving that Ettore was a more talented car designer than many of the older engineers at the time.

In the following years, Ettore Bugatti had many more automobile victories, with his last great one happening in 1939, when at his son’s request, the company prepared a supercharged Type 57 which won at Le Mans. Unfortunately, also in this year, his son passed away during a testing run of the same Type57 car, and a few days later World War II broke out. Given these circumstances, production of the Bugatti was halted.

After the war, several attempts to revive production were made, but there was never a distinctive result. German car maker Volkswagen took over the company in 1998 in an effort to revive the sports luxury brand, and maintains ownership of the brand today.

Whether you own a Bugatti or any other type of 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.

Classic Cars: A Look at the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado

When it comes to classic cars from the 1950s, glitter was good, bigger was better, and too many accessories were just right in the age of neon. So it was only natural that when the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado came around, automaker Harley Earl’s styling team pulled out all the stops. They contributed multiple new ideas, including four-door hardtop sedan bodywork, with side windows that disappeared completely, frames and all. The car also featured rear-hinged rear doors, a throwback to the 1930s, and a broad, sparkling brushed stainless steel roof.

Another great feature of this classic car was the list of power accessories. The trunk lid and rear doors not only opened with a push of a button, but they closed with one too, and the doors would lock automatically when the transmission was put in gear. This car was so fully-equipped that even the glove box came filled, which was perhaps this car’s most distinguishing feature. No other classic car included a lady’s vanity case with a compact, powder puff, comb and holder, lipstick and coin holders. In addition, the glove box held six drink tumblers, a tissue dispenser, and a cigarette case. The rear seat armrest was equipped as well, opening to reveal a notepad and pencil, a mirror, and a perfumer atomizer, which came with a complimentary ounce of Arpege by Lanvin.

The Cadillac Eldorado was originally only offered as a convertible, but in 1956 Cadillac decided to extend the Eldorado product line to include a coupe, for which they chose the name “Seville” to distinguish it from the convertible, which because the “Biarritz”. The “Brougham”, a sedan, was another model introduced this year.

Whether you own a 1957 Cadillac or any other type of 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.

Indian Motorcycles through the Years

The Indian Motorcycle Company, America’s first motorcycle company, was founded in 1901 by engineer Oscar Hedstrom and bicycle racer George Hendee. Hedstrom began affixing small engines on Hendee’s bicycles, and from there, they quickly honed their craft, creating some of the best motorcycles of that era. Just one year later, the first Indian Motorcycle that featured innovative chain drives and streamlined styling was sold to the public. Then in 1903, Hedstrom set the world motorcycle speed record, traveling at 56 mph.

The Indian brand rolled out production two years before Harley-Davidson, and these motorcycles quickly became a force to be reckoned with, introducing the first V-twin engine, the first two-speed transmission, the first adjustable front suspension, the first electric lights and starter, and many more innovations. Indian was clearly dominant in the marketplace in its beginnings, consistently setting and breaking speed records.

The motorcycle wasn’t always called such. When motorcycles began to appear in the late 19^th century, there was uncertainty about what to call them. Some people called them “motocycles”. In 1923 The Hendee Manufacturing Company chose to use this term, changing their name to the Indian Motocycle Company. It was in the 1930’s that “motocycles” became known as motorcycles.

Following WWII, Indian Motorcycles struggled with re-entry into the public market and Indian was forced to halt production in 1953, despite the Indian Chief being re-introduced two years prior as a mighty 80-cubic-inch model. The following decades involved a complex web of trademark rights issues that foiled numerous attempts to revive the Indian name. But in 1998, several formerly competing companies merged to become the Indian Motorcycle Company.

It wasn’t until very recently that a new era of Indian Motorcycles was born. The Indian Thunder Stroke III engine was introduced at Daytona Bike Week in March of this year, and the 2014 Indian Chief was unveiled at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. Many motorcycle enthusiasts agree though, nothing compares to the classic and antique Indian Motorcycles.

No matter what type of classic or vintage motorcycle you own, we can insure it at Condon Skelly. Your vehicle will fall into the antique category if it is completely original and at least 25 years old. We insure many different types of antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles so we’ll be able to craft the perfect policy for your vehicle. Please contact us today for more information. (866) 291-5694

Classic Motorcycle Insurance: Brough Superior

The 3048 Brough Superior motorcycles that were produced from 1919 through 1940 were known as the “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles”. George Brough was a racer and designer who created high performance motorcycles, and he manufactured motorcycles and cars with the Brough Superior signature during this time. Each bike was designed for an individual customer, being assembled twice. It was assembled once to fit the components and after that to paint all the parts as the customers preferred. In order to create the perfect bike, each machine was test ridden to make sure that its performances were at high level.

Due to the reputation of perfection and because of the high price, if a Brough Superior bike had any chance of failing a performance test, it was taken back to the shop. These motorcycles have always been rare, expensive, and preferred by many celebrities. The bike is still desired by a lot of motorcycle collectors, and is known as a legend in the motorcycle world. It’s a motorcycle that is known for the highest level of quality, innovation, and design in its product.

Although you will see Brough Superiors today, with 2014 unveiling their SS100 high performance luxury bikes, many collectors agree that there is nothing like the classic bikes from the early 1900s. Whether you own one of these bikes or another type of Classic Vehicle, we have the insurance products you need to protect your Vintage and Antique Cars and Motorcycles. Contact Condon Skelly today for more information about the coverages we offer.

Top Reasons to Purchase Classic Car Insurance

The biggest difference between a standard auto insurance policy and a Classic Car policy is that you will be paying more for the standard policy, since you are paying for a vehicle that is driven on a regular basis in this case. Most classic car owners only plan on driving their vehicle for the occasional parade or show.

Another major difference between classic and regular car insurance, and a reason why you should insure your classic car, is the way the value of your vehicle is determined. For example, a 1974 model of a car may have sold for $1400 when it was new, but dealers might now offer $15,000 for that vehicle. So, if the vehicle is totaled and you have classic car insurance, you can expect to receive what the car is currently worth. However, if you had insured that car with standard insurance, you’d be lucky to even get the original $1400 back.

Basically, it is much more cost effective to purchase Classic Car Insurance than it is to buy a regular auto insurance policy. The fact that a classic car is an older car means that it is vulnerable to high maintenance and repair costs. Purchasing a lower cost insurance policy means that you will be able to save money and put it towards restoration instead.

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.