Antique Auto Insurance: A History of Oldsmobile

We can hardly speak of antique and classic cars without referencing an Oldsmobile. Founded in 1897, as the Olds Motor Vehicle Co. by Ransom E. Old, Oldsmobile was one of the oldest surviving American auto brands in the General Motor portfolio until it’s dissolution in 2004. For over one-hundred years Oldsmobile pumped out classic, reliable and sophisticated vehicles totaling roughly 35.2 million by the end of their production days.

In 1901, just four years after opening their doors, Olds produced a total of 425 vehicles, which gave the brand the distinction of becoming the first high-volume gasoline-powered automobile manufacturer. Although often credited to Henry Ford, it was Ransom Olds who pioneered the first automotive assembly line.  His innovative auto production strategies lead to the production of their first major success, the Curved Dash Olds automobile, which was colloquially shortened to the Oldsmobile by consumers. Some 19,000 Curved Dash models where produced over all between 1901 and 1907 at which time they sold for just $650 dollars.

In 1908 the company was purchased by General Motors, and in 1910 Oldsmobile began producing the widely acclaimed “Limited” Touring car. The model was luxurious; it boasted a 60 horsepower engine, factory white wheels, goatskin upholstery, and spacious accommodations for five. The Limited gained notoriety after winning a race against the 20^th Century Limited Train which was immortalized in a painting by William Hardener Foster. In the 1920’s Oldsmobile was rebranded as a middle class vehicle line in the General Motors product ladder, it would later be placed above the Chevrolet and Pontiac lines and below Buick and Cadillac products. In 1929 Oldsmobile introduced the Viking line as a slightly escalated caliber of vehicles from the now common Olds however the line failed less than a year later with only a limited number of Vikings produced.

In 1940 Oldsmobile became the first auto manufacturer to offer a fully automatic transmission, called the Hydramatic, which featured four forward speeds, no clutch and a gear selector on the steering column. Olds soon after introduced their two digit model designation system which would go on to be used for all vehicles produced between 1941 and 1996. The designation system was originally implemented to reflect the design and performance elements of the vehicle. The first digit would signify the body size while the second represents the number of cylinders used in the vehicles engine. Original body sizes were 6, 7, 8, and 9, and the two options for engine size were 6 or 8-cylinder. As such, subsequent Oldsmobile models were named 66 through 98.

During World War II, Oldsmobile shifted focus to weapons and munitions production, creating numerous material for the war effort, including large-caliber guns and shells. After the war their efforts returned to vehicle production and in 1949 Oldsmobile introduced the Rocket V8 engine which utilized overhead valve systems rather than the flathead systems which we prevalent at the time. Through the 1950s, Oldsmobile played up the jet plane styling angle, incorporating twin jet pod-styled taillights and “open maw” grills as a nod to its “Rocket” motif. Heavy chrome styling and exaggerated features were staples of the Oldsmobile aesthetic, however there were not always well received.

Over the next few decades there would be a number of firsts pioneered by Oldsmobile including the first turbocharged engine in 1962 and the first modern front wheel drive capabilities. Oldsmobile was a landmark auto producer and earned their rightful place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors of vintage, antique and classic vehicles.

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

Collectible Car Insurance: Lessons from a Lost Collection

A recent Yahoo Auto article focused on a newly rediscovered collection of Chevrolet Corvettes that once belonged to artist Peter Max. The collection of some 36 vehicles, one from every year of Corvette production between 1953 and 1989, has been stuck in storage for nearly two a half decades collecting dust and slowly deteriorating, much to the horror of some enthusiasts and collectors. How such an intriguing collection came to be forgotten for such a long time is an interesting tale.

According to Yahoo’s report, the owner Peter Max, purchased the collection from the winner of a VH1 contest which was raffling off the vehicles as part of a promotional campaign. Max allegedly purchased the Corvettes with the intent of incorporating the vehicles into an art collection for which he repainted many of the models in bright striking colors. Because the artistic endeavor was never complete the collection was locked up in a storage facility in New York City. Reports indicate the Max considered “completing” his collection by adding 14 more vehicles, one from each year through 2010, however the acquisitions never came to pass. The collection was recently sold to a Corvette enthusiast and collector who is looking to invest in the restoration of the Corvettes and restore them to their show-ready conditions. The restorations however will be no easy undertaking. While some of the models need some basic restoration, many others will require extensive repairs due to corrosion, dry-rot and other deterioration.

When vehicles are left unattended for a long duration of time, they become exposed to a myriad of risks which can contribute to deterioration. However, much of the damage suffered by these Corvettes could have been avoided had the proper long term storage preparations and maintenance measure been taken. Most experts suggest that no vehicles should be stored for longer than a year at a time without being service to ensure the health and longevity of the vehicle. Many collectors wouldn’t dream of being separated from their babies for that long and only store their classics over the winter or non-show season, but even inactivity for three to six months can take a toll on your prized vehicles. As such it’s important to prepare your collectibles for long term storage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collector Car Insurance: Defining an American Muscle Car

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

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

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

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

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

Exotic Auto Insurance: Defining “Exotic” in Auto Terms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collector Auto Insurance: A History of Buick

Founded in 1903 as the Buick Motor Division, of the Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company, Buick proudly claims its repute as the oldest American auto-brand still active in the industry. The automakers struggled through their first year of production and recovered from near-bankruptcy in 1904 to become the most productive automaker of 1908, manufacturing more vehicles that year than both Ford and Cadillac combined which were Buick’s closest competitors. Originally, Buicks were designed and built to simulate the feeling and comfort of being in a modern American living room, which earned them the nickname the “moving couch of America”. Known for their large spacious interiors and opulent body styling, Buick’s became incredibly popular with the wealthy, especially with British royalty. After the war, Buick expanded its facilities and production rapidly increased as did sales.

In 1908, the original Buick Motor Company became the first cornerstone of the General Motors Company (GM). Buick’s former general manager William Durant and Buick auto-racer Louis Cheverolet founded GM. Durant had lead Buick to become the largest car maker in America at the time and from these efforts he began buying up other American automakers to form the megacorporation General Motors. Durant had a dream for GM that would allow each division to target one class of buyer and focus their efforts on appealing to that demographic instead of competing amongst each other. Buicks was and still remains the second of the top tier of Gm vehicle brands, second only to Cadillac. To Durant, the deal Buick customer would be comfortably well off, and searching for a more refined and less ostentations vehicle than the Cadillac line up.

Buick was always on the cutting edge of vehicle design and style. The first Buick made for sale was the 1904 Model B, only 37 of these Buicks were made that yea however none of the originals survived. The automakers would go on the use the Model B as a the basis for subsequent models through the 1909 Model F, and historians and experts suggests that the original 1904 engine was optimally engineered even to modern standards. Production picked up thorough the 1920’s, increasing to over 260,000 vehicles being crafted and distributed to countries around the world in 1926 alone. In 1939 Buick pioneered the use of turn signals in their vehicles, which did not appear on as a feature in other American auto brands until nearly a decade later. In1939, all Buick models became equipped with automatic spark advance and had a mounted shift lever affixed to the steering column.

During World War I Buick built Liberty aircraft engines and Red Cross ambulances. When called upon again in World War II, the auto maker turned to building aircraft engines, Hellcat tank destroyers and other military goods. Buick was awarded more than 30 separate military contracts and Buick-built goods could be found at virtually every fighting front.

The Roadmaster models became one of the pillars of Buick success, due largely to new engineering and styling innovation. They remain some of the most cherished collectable Buick models in auctions today. Buick’s famous vertical-pillar “toothy” grille was first introduced in 1942, and increased in size and prominence during the post-war era becoming a signature stylistic element of many new Buick models.  “Hardtop convertible” styling was introduced on the 1949 Roadmaster Riviera. Buick’s famous “portholes” came along that same year. The Roadmaster was so successful that it was reprised in the 1990’s.

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

Classic Car Insurance: History of ‘Coke-bottle’ Styling

One of the most iconic features of mid-century American automobiles is the pervasively curvaceous body styling which began in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Stepping away from straight-edged boxy and envelope styling of the early 1900’s vehicles, designers in the mid-20^th century began to incorporate chiseled edges, dramatic fenders and curvature into the automotive body styling with both performance and aesthetic intent.

To auto enthusiasts and collectors this design has come to be known as Coke-bottle styling, named after the resemblance to the classic contoured bottle design of popular American beverage producer Coca-Cola. Many tenants of Coke-bottle styling were originally crafted by aircraft manufacturers who had been streamlining aircraft design to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag and air resistance for better flight performance.  When automakers began incorporating functional curvature, wasp-waste body modeling and other elements into their vehicles, the performance improvements and consumer response was staggering.

Throughout the 1960s automakers such as Studebaker, Pontiac and Buick began to incorporate subtle horizontal creases and a slightly pinched middle section which swelled out again in the rear of the vehicles. By 1966, the General Motors A-body sedan had incorporated the softer more aerodynamic curvature into their design with a mid-riff pinch and slightly tilted fenders. However, it was the 1968 Corvette Stingray which brought Coke-bottle styling to prominence.

The new shape of the 1968 Corvette Stingray, first of the C3 generation, featured improved aerodynamics when compared to the C2 Corvettes, an iconic pinched mid-section and fenders which bulged out and arched upwards. The design was adopted in response to racer complaints about drag and high speed front end lift experienced my drivers in earlier models. The C3’s new Coke-body styling was so successful that it would be a staple for the next four generations of Corvettes and inspire other auto makers such as Ford, Dodge and GM to adopt similar styling in their sports, muscle and race car models. By the 1970’s tailfins had been incorporated into coke-bottle styling, and the combined design would be adopted almost unilaterally among American and foreign automakers over the next decade.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. 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 classic 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.

Collector Car Insurance: History of Aston Martin

Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford as “Bamford and Martin LTD”, Aston Martin  has become one of the most successful British luxury and sports car brands in the world. The name “Aston Martin” originated in 1914 after Martin’s success in the Aston Hill Climb race which gave the automakers early recognition. The two produced their first motor vehicle in 1915, however their efforts were put on hold due to the outbreak of World War I at which time each of the founders enlisted in separate divisions of the British military.

After the war, the automakers struggled through the financial turmoil of the 1920’s while endeavoring to produce racing models. In 1922, Bamford & Martin produced two vehicles for the French Grand Prix, one of which went on to set world speed and endurance records at the world’s second professional motorsports track Brooklands. Bill Renwick and Augustus Bertelli took the helm in 1926, at which time the Aston Martin brand started to gain a foothold producing what has come to be known as the “Bertelli cars”.

New investors and new management continued to produced racing and consumer vehicles on a small scale under the Aston Martin name. At the 1933 Le Mans race Aston Martin vehicles placed first within their class leading to a large upswing in notoriety and prestige. However in 1936, Aston Martin decided to concentrate on road cars, producing an estimated 700 vehicles before the onset of World War II. During WWII production on motor vehicles halted and the company’s focus shifted to aircraft components for the military.

In 1947 the Aston Martin brand was acquired by English entrepreneur David Brown who revved up vehicle production and acquired auto manufacturers Lagonda, famous for their 2.6 liter engine designed by W. O. Bentley. Brown introduced the DB series in the 1950’s and 1960’s to huge racing success and public acclaim. In 1963 one of the most critically acclaimed and publically noted vehicles of all time went into production, the DB5. Better known as the “James Bond” car, the Aston Martin DB5 not took the automakers from noted race car producers to pop culture icons, forever changing the prestige and public perception of the brand. The DB5 lead to tremendous success for the brand and remains one of the most prized models to date.

Reprising their role as the “James Bond” car in the 1990s and 2000’s, Aston Martin became synonymous with speed, style and being on the forefront of “cool”. Despite changing ownership, the Aston Martin brand continued to produce many iconic high-powered and luxury vehicles over the last few decades and remains a world renowned producer of exotics and sports cars.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete collector car insurance.  Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We’ve been helping our customers protect their collector cars with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, contact our antique car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Antique Car Insurance: History of the Stutz Motor Company

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

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

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

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

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

No matter what type of vintage, classic, antique or collector car you own, getting the right insurance to protect your prized vehicles is vital. At Condon Skelly, we know are as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, contact our antique car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Vintage Motorcycle Insurance: History of Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is one of the oldest and most renowned American motorcycle manufacturers in the world. The brand has notoriety among collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy the craftsmanship, majesty and power of these bikes. Over the years, Harley-Davidson has become a household name and symbol of American ingenuity and spirit.

Ever wonder how the legend got its start? It all started in 1903 in a 10×15 foot wooden shed, where founders William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first motorcycle to sell to the public. While production was small and sales were slow at first, business began to improve in 1908 when their Endurance performance model gain notoriety at the 7th Annual Federation of American Motorcyclists Endurance and Reliability Contest. Ridden by Walter Davidson, brother of company founder William, the Harley-Davidson scored a perfect 1,000 points when ranked by the contest, and later set the fuel economy record at 188.234 miles per gallon. Word quickly spread about the durability and strength of Harley-Davidson’s motorcycle and demand rapidly increased.

Harley-Davidson also has an extensive military history which began when they were asked by the U.S. military to supply motorcycles for an expedition a few years prior to World War I. During the First World War, Harley provided about 15,000 machines to the military forces during. By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with dealers in over 67 countries. By this time the small 10×15 shed had long been discarded in exchange for a full production operation which had cranked out nearly 30 thousand machines. Harley-Davidson struggled to survive during the Great Depression but was able to diversify their services enough to get by. During this time Harley manufactured industrial powerplants based on their motorcycle engines, and three-wheeled delivery vehicles called Servi-Cars, which could remain in production into the 1970’s.

Through the years, Harley continued supplying the American military and police forces with motorcycle vehicles. The WLA line was the most common military-specific model designed and produced by Harley Davidson during World War II and again for the Korean War. The XA model was originally commissioned for the U.S. military to compete with the foreign motorcycles being produced at the time, however the model was eclipsed by the emerging Jeep four-wheeled military vehicle and was never set into full production. There were only 1,000 Harley XA models ever produced, making them rare and prized treasures for collectors.

Over the years, Harley has dabbled in the production of small, two-stroke engine models, however they found their niche and prominence by producing both racing bikes and commercial durable and powerful motorcycles with great capacity for customization.

At Condon Skelly we love classic or vintage motorcycles as much as you do and are passionate about keeping them safe. We specialize in insuring classic, antique and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles, because we understand their true value to their owners. We invite you to contact us today for more information or give us a call at (866) 291-5694.