Introduced in 1949, the American muscle car is defined by its lightweight body and powerful engine. These vehicles consistently dominated street and NASCAR racing, and the industry itself took off in the 1950s. In 1955, Chevrolet released the small block-V8, whose engine became a GM corporate standard for over 50 years. Then in 1964, the “Golden Age” of muscle cars began with the introduction of the Ford Mustang and Pontiac Tempest GTO. The classic Ford Mustang even gave birth to a new market for “pony cars,” which look similar to muscle cars but have significantly less power.

By 1975, governmental safety regulations, an international oil crisis, and high insurance costs led to the muscle car’s downfall. The cost of these vehicles rose dramatically, and Americans began purchasing small compact cars instead. However, collector car enthusiasts remain attached to their classic muscle cars.

Many of these enthusiasts consider Pontiac GTOs (“Goats”) to be the first muscle cars. The GTO became its own series in 1966, and in 1967 the 400 HO option with Ram Air induction became the top Pontiac performer. Of the 82,000 GTOs sold in 1967, 13,827 had the 400 HO option and Ram Air was installed on only 751. Pontiac’s classic muscle cars are often detected by their split grill front-end design, which remains one of the most recognizable features in the industry.

One classic muscle car that is particularly valuable is the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396s with L78 engine option. Only 100 were produced, making it a rare find for collectors of Chevy classic muscle cars. The Chevelle is distinguished by its classic forward-thrusting front fenders, and the “Super Sport” version includes special wheel covers, red-line tires, and a black-out grill to emphasize the SS badging. Its L78 engine allowed the Chevelle to go 0-60mph in only 6.5 seconds!

Another rare find is Ford’s Mustang Boss 429. This classic model was designed in compliance with NASCAR regulations—with less than 1,400 units produced between 1969 and 1970. Though it did not have the most distinctive appearance or the strongest horsepower, the Boss 429 was praised for being practically hand-built. This is because its engine could not fit smoothly within a standard Mustang, and required extensive modification.

These are only a few examples of the classic muscle cars still collected today, and at Condon Skelly we share your passion for these powerful vehicles. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in providing complete insurance for all types of collector and custom vehicles—even a specific line of muscle car insurance! We will help you secure affordable, industry-leading specialty car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Getting Classic Auto Insurance, the classic car market is booming, despite what many nay-sayers have been forecasting in recent years. In fact, over 5 million classic, antique or vintage vehicles are on the road, and many more remain garaged. Evidence suggests that classic car collecting is by no means fading away. Classic vehicles remain an attractive hobby for many individuals with the discretionary income to spend on these often pricey investments, because of the heritage, community and recreational nature of auto collection. In fact, the internet has transformed the classic auto market, making it much easier to find and buy classic cars, source parts and it’s bringing owners together for community events, discussion groups and chatter about their passion and interest.

Those interested in classic cars understand the worth and value of these vehicles, as well as just how important it is to protect these assets for a variety of exposures. Whether in the shop, at a show, or out on the open road, classic cars have unique insurance needs.

Here are a few quick tips for securing a strong Classic Auto Insurance policy:

Get a quote. According to reports, over half of collectors don’t bother to get a classic car insurance quote from a specialty auto insurer, and end up paying much more through their standard insurance provider.

Know what it’s worth. Have your vehicle appraised to assess it’s current and projected market value. Doing so will help you determine just how much coverage you need to attain based on your vehicles worth.

Think ahead. While a traditional car insurance policy is determined based upon the value of your vehicle decreasing over time, a classic auto insurance policy is enacted on the basis that the value of the older vehicle will appreciate over time. Coverage should be high enough to cover the growing value of the vehicle and its parts.

Pay what you can. Deductibles should reflect your ability to pay for losses out-of-pocket. The higher your deductibles, the lower your premium rates will be.

Drive safely. According to industry data, a single traffic violation or ticket can raise a premium from 10-20 percent, even for classic car owners.

Invest in vehicle tracking. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for classic vehicles to go missing. Tracking products can greatly improve the chance of vehicle recovery and can often save vehicle owners money in the long run.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From an early age, John Dillon had an interest in fine automobiles. In retirement, he took particular interest in antique cars. Over the years, he built an enviable collection. Headlined by his prized 1969 Chevy Camaro, John’s collection grew in value to over $500,000 dollars.

On most days one could find John working on his vehicles in his meticulously kept garage. One Sunday afternoon, John cleaned and polished his antiques to a show room shine. Always the perfectionist, John ended the day applying a fresh coat of wax to the garage floor. Proud of his work, he admired his vehicles one last time and discarded his work rags to a plastic hamper in the garage.

Several hours later, John was awoken to the unmistakable odor of smoke. His initial fear was confirmed when he peered from his bedroom window to see his detached garage ablaze. John reacted swiftly in calling the fire department but to no avail. When the smoke had cleared, his prized collection was a pile of charred metal and ash. The county’s Fire Marshall Investigation, aided by John’s video surveillance system, determined the cause of the fire was spontaneous combustion originating within the container of rags in the garage.

John promptly reported the incident to the Condon Skelly claims’ call center. The claims team took action swiftly and began the claims process. Appraisals of the damaged vehicles were secured within days and the claims adjuster reviewed them carefully with John. John received a settlement check for the full agreed value of his vehicle within weeks and has begun to replace his collection.

Like many people, John was not familiar with the dangers associated with chemically soaked rags. More than 14,000 fires per year are attributed to spontaneous combustion, and oily rags contribute to 35% of residential fires caused by spontaneous combustion. John could have prevented disaster in a number of ways:

1) Wash/rinse the rags after cleaning his floor and cars.

2) If time was an issue, while not the preferred method, John could have stored the chemically soaked rags in metal containers and ensured the container was in a well ventilated area.

Click here to download Condon Skelly’s guide for preventing spontaneous combustion.

Although John would prefer to have his 4 prized vehicles, he was very vocal about how pleased he was with Condon Skelly’s prompt handling of his claim. He noted that it was a relief not to worry about the claim’s process involving his vehicles.  At Condon Skelly, we know how important your exotic, classic and sports cars are. That’s why we specialize in offering complete car insurance for classic car and have a quick and easy claims service. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We can help you secure affordable, industry-leading specialty car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our classic car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.