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.

Auto enthusiasts are gearing up for the latest in a string of high profile, large lot auto auctions. On February 27^th and 28^th, Mercum Auctions will be hosting and orchestrating the sale of more than 230 cars on from the Rogers’ Classic Car Museum in Las Vegas. The vehicles were amassed by late collector Jim Rodger’s over the course of his life and housed in the museum which was designed to “represented the American working man’s climb to success” according to his widow Beverly Rogers.

According to Mercum, all vehicles will be sold “as is” on site. While all the autos have been maintained outwardly and aesthetically, many of the vehicles have not been started or driven in many years, the auctioneers note. As such will likely need service attention and light mechanical work to fully restore the pieces to working order. According to reports, some vehicles may even be in mid-restoration condition, as parts of the collection were undergoing restoration or being refurbished when the museum closed it’s doors.

Still antique and classic car collectors are anxious for the upcoming auction. Pieces in the collection range for antique to modern exotic machines. Some of the most anticipated pieces include a 1915 Ford Model T, various early Cadillacs, a rare 1956 Dual-Ghia convertible, and a 1962 Rolls-Royce Mulliner Drophead Coupe.

Large collection auto auctions are becoming increasingly common. Earlier this year RM Auctions announced it would sell 75 vehicles from the collection of Paul and Chris Andrews with highlights including a 1935 Duesenberg and a number of other gems, according to Motor Authority. Similarly, a 100-car collection discovered last December in France unearthed a number of rare European sports cars. Many of the vehicles had suffered damages and deterioration from neglect and non-use, however collectors were still eager to scoop-up the 60 autos that actually made it to the block. Many of these large collections have countless diamonds in the rough just waiting to be restored to their former glory. Some industry experts believe that perusing these estate-like sales might become the modern equivalent of stumbling upon an illusive barn find.

At Condon Skelly we write policies specifically designed for the classic, vintage and specialty vehicles. We strive to keep your antique and classic car insurance costs low 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 classic car 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.

Classic, vintage and specialty vehicles can be worth a great deal both financially and emotionally. Many owners invest their time, energy and hard earned money into perfecting and restoring their vintage rides. But accidents happen, and you can’t always prepare for them.That’s why having complete vintage car insurance is so important.

Imagine taking your prized vintage car into the shop to have some clean up and restoration done only to get a call from the shop owner saying that there has been an accident. That’s exactly what happened to auto owners in San Jose, California after a five alarm fire broke out in a building which housed a restoration auto shop that specialized in upholstery and a audit system instillation shop. While the fire was believed to have been an accident, the devastation was vast. According to local police officials the contents of the building were a “complete loss” including one collector’s ten vintage vehicles being garaged in the shop.

Finding the right coverage at an affordable rate can be challenging. Collectable vehicles have very different insurance needs than the average new vehicle and driver. One such need is the option for a policy structured upon an Agreed Value. Agreed Value auto insurance ensures that vintage auto owners will receive a vehicle’s full value in the event of a total loss, instead of a depreciated vehicle value which is common in most standard auto insurance policies. This helps collectors recover their full investment in the event of vintage auto losses.

At Condon Skelly we write policies specifically designed for the classic, vintage and specialty vehicles. We strive to keep your insurance costs low 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 classic car insurance policies restrict usage to 6 months, we make sure you get the most enjoyment out of your vehicle by removing mileage caps and To learn more about us and our specialty vehicle insurance programs, contact us today at (855) 735-2844.

Antique Car Insurance: A History of Sunbeam Motors

After nearly 40 years of inactivity, it has been rumored recently that a newly revived Sunbeam Motor Company Limited is set to design and manufacture electric vehicles in the very near future, propelling the marquee’s long standing history of innovation and vehicle production. For over a century the Sunbeam brand has made an incredible impact on not only the auto world but on vehicle production as a whole, from cycling to aviation.  Many classic and antique auto enthusiasts might know the brand as England’s pioneer vehicle producer, whose roots go as far back as the late 1800’s.

In 1877 John Marston established the Sunbeamland Cycle Factory where the cycling enthusiast began manufactured and designed bicycles under the marquee “Sunbeams”. The cycling operation was successful and as tastes changed and technology advanced, the cycle-maker began dabbling in motor vehicle construction.  According to historians, the company produced a number of experimental cars between 1899 and 1901 however none ever made it to the consumer market.  It wasn’t until they partnered with designer Maxwell Maberley-Smith in 1901 that the first Sunbeam automobile emerged for commercial sale. Unfortunately their first attempt was a bit of a flop, selling only a few hundred vehicles when production ended in 1904.

In 1905 the Sunbeam Motorcar Company Ltd was separated from the Sunbeam motorcycle and bicycle operation before Marston brought in another designer for their next attempt. By 1912 were making conventional, high-quality vehicles which appealed to consumers at the time who were looking for a little less flash and extravagance offered by their most direct competitors, Rolls Royce. Through the World Wars, Sunbeam like many other vehicle makers became a supplier for military vehicle parts and technological advancements.

A Sunbeam was the first British car to win a Grand Prix race, where it simultaneously set a number of land speed records. However in 1935 the company went into near bankruptcy and was purchased by the Rootes Group marking a turning point in the brand’s history. In 1938 Rootes created a new marque called Sunbeam-Talbot which lead to a number of successful roadsters, racers and sports-performance vehicles.  The Rootes Group continued to use the Sunbeam marque to much success until 1976 at which time the marquee was acquired by Chrysler who would go on to completely re-brand the vehicle lines. This resulted in a loss of brand loyalty and enthusiasm among consumers and coupled with diminishing sales eventually lead to a halt in production in 1978.

Whether you are a fan of the early days or the Chrysler era, protecting your antique Sunbeam auto or bike is important.  At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete car insurance for classic car. 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 antique classic car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Antique Classic Car Insurance: Finding a Restoration Shop

When it comes to fixing up and restoring a classic and antique vehicles, not all enthusiasts and collectors have the ability to do the work on their own. Whether you lack the space, the time, the tools or the knowhow relinquishing your baby to a shop can be an agonizing experience. But when you find the right professionals who are well equipped to tackle the job, the results can be magical.

There are hundreds of restoration professionals in the United States and around the world who specialize in restoring vintage rides to their former glory and beyond; the trick is finding the right match for both your vehicles and your dreams. As such, it is essential to know your goal for the finished product and your budget, before ever setting foot into a shop. Doing so will allow you to make informed decisions about the type of restoration professional you are looking for and can help you budget appropriately to make sure your vehicle turns out just the way you imagined.

Specialty and restoration auto shops typically have specific areas of focus and as such it is vital that you find a shop with the right expertise, experience and track record. Here are a few tips to help you get started finding a quality shop:

• Get referrals– Ask around at auto shows and clubs for recommendations. Who better to ask than collectors who have real life examples of a shop’s work? Auto shows are great places to gather leads and recommendations, but the research shouldn’t stop there.
• Compare and Contrast– Shopping around and speaking with multiple shops will help you get a better sense of the scope, cost and timeline of the project. Stay away from shop that seem too high or too low when compared to the average estimate for the restoration. Most reputable shops will give you similar and competitive estimates; this is after all how they make their living.
• Focus on Restoration– it’s very likely that you will find a shop or two eager to take on your restoration project that offer collision repair services as well. Some experts caution against working with “combination shops” because most restoration professionals build reputation and livelihood solely on such projects and therefore often have more experience and knowledge.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting exotic, classic and sports cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete antique classic 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 antique classic car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

American Classic Car Insurance: History of Dodge

Long before Horace and John Dodge ever produced a vehicle under their own brand, the brothers were fully engaged in the art of auto making in the early twentieth century. Horace and John Dodge founded the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900, originally as a supplier or automotive parts and components for many of the local Detroit automakers. In 1903 the bothers entered an exclusive agreement with Henry Ford where they agreed to supply the freshly incorporated Ford Motor Company with 650 automotive chassis complete with engines, axles and transmissions as the first contract. The brothers also agreed to invest $7,000 in materials and $3,000 in bank notes in Ford’s new endeavor for 100 company shares. These chassis would be the basis for the first Ford automobiles to roll off the line. Their partnership continued over the next fifteen years however by 1905 Ford began preparations to produce their own engines to keep costs down for the upcoming Model N.

Ford later bought out the 100 stock shares owned by the brothers, who at that point had seen a 32 million dollar return on their initial investment in the Ford Motor Company. This lucrative partnership allowed the brothers to gain their own prominence and momentum in the automotive industry. In 1913 Ford and the Dodge brothers severed their relationship with Ford to begin manufacturing and assembling their own automobiles. The Dodge reputation for quality was reportedly so widespread that some 13,000 dealers asked to become Dodge agents before the brothers even released their first vehicle. As their first order of business, the Dodges decided to produce a high-quality vehicle that would sell for about $800, and therefore not have to compete with Ford’s Model T. Their first model affectionately deemed “Old Betsy,” was methodically tested for safety and functionality before it rolled off the assembly line to much success in 1914. The following year Dodge produced 45,053 cars at their Michigan plant. In1920 Dodge had its most successful year to date, they produced145,000 vehicles despite losing founder Horace.

In 1928 Walter P. Chrysler bought Dodge, rescuing the then luxury car brand from weak profits and near bankruptcy. With the addition of Dodge, Chrysler now held four major car lines and instantly became America’s third largest automaker. To fit better into the Chrysler Corporation lineup, Dodge’s production lineup was trimmed down to a core group of two lines and thirteen models which would be priced as mid-level autos above Plymoth and DeSoto. The Dodge adding a new eight-cylinder engine into their line up reasserting themselves as a powerful yet safe family friendly vehicle line. During World War II, Dodge gained prestige with civilians and the military for their heavy-duty, durable and dependable trucks and medical vehicles. This notoriety would lead to a longstanding investment in commercial vehicle production.

Today dodge is known for their truck and commercial vehicle, as well as their strong presence in the American muscle car sector. The Dodge Charger being one of the bands most notable claims to fame.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting American Classic 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 American classic car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

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.