Collector Car Insurance: The History of Lotus Part 1

Mention the brand Lotus around any sports car and racing enthusiasts and you will undoubtedly be met by a chorus of oos-and-ahs. Over the last 60 years Lotus has carved out a name for themselves among aficionados on and off the track as exemplary examples of British auto engineering and craftsmanship.

Founded in 1952 by engineer and motorsports enthusiast Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, better known as Colin Chapman, and his friend Colin Dare, Lotus Engineering Ltd had lofty aspirations from the start. Chapman’s desire to create competitive race cars in the years after WWII drove him to produce his first road vehicles as a way of financing his racing ambitions. In 1954 Chapman emphasized his serious interest in motorsports vehicle production by founding a separated division for racing vehicle production. In 1959 Chapman created the Lotus Group which consisted of three separate entities: Team Lotus, Lotus Cars, and Lotus Components. Team Lotus which was completely designated to motorsports, while the Lotus Cars division would focus their efforts on road vehicle manufacturing, and Lotus Components emphasis was custom vehicle production.

Between 1954 and 1994 Team Lotus engineered and entered vehicles in many series, including Formula One, Formula Two, Indy Car and sports car racing. The team won a number of titles and accolades for speed and design becoming one of the most successful racing teams of all time. Simultaneously, Lotus’s early road cars were produced and purchased only as kit cars, which lasted through the late 1960’s. After which time the auto makers began work on their first fully assembled commercial vehicle. After a collaborating with Ford on the Lotus Cortina, a kit style racer featuring a Ford engine block with Lotus head and valve gear, Lotus released the Lotus Elan Type 2 which became that first Lotus road car not offered in kit form. The Elan Type 2 was modeled after the racing version of the same model. By the mid 1970’s Lotus was producing their renowned Eclat and  Elite  models as fully factory built vehicles.

To learn more about the history of Lotus read on here.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle and exotic cars is. 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 specialty car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our collector car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Car Insurance: A Look at the Model T

Who doesn’t appreciate the Model T? Also known as the “Tin Lizzie,” this automobile changes the way that Americans lived, worked, and traveled.  According to History.com, he Model T was the first car to be affordable to a majority of Americans due to Henry Ford’s groundbreaking advancements in assembly-line automobile manufacturing.

The Ford Motor Company built the Model T from 1908 until 1927. The vehicle was conceived as affordable, yet practical, transportation for the common man. Henry Ford’s creation soon gained a reputation for being inexpensive, durable, versatile, and easy to maintain. Ford’s assembly-line production methods eventually allowed the price of the touring car version to be brought down from its original $850 in 1908 to less than $300 in 1925. Due to these extremely low prices, Model T could comprise of as much as 40% of all cars sold in the United States during the years they were in production.

All bodies of the Model T (there were several different kinds) were mounted on a uniform 100-inch-wheelbase chassis. The types of body styles included a five-seat touring car, a two-seat runabout, and a seven-seat town car. From 1913 to 1925, the Model T was mass-produced in only one color- black- despite it originally being available in a variety of colors.

Model Ts were used for many different purposes than just a convenience vehicle; they were used as snowmobiles, to power farm machinery, sausage grinders, and newspaper presses. The immediate appeal of this vehicle was based on its sturdiness, power, and value for the money.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Cars: How the Mazda Came to Be

Earlier this summer, we looked at the rising value of Japanese classic cars, stating that their value has skyrocketed in recent years. While not as popular as perhaps the Datsun or classic Toyotas, Mazda has definitely made its mark in the world of classic cars. Mazda has become well known for its affordable, quality-performance vehicles; namely the Miata, “the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster,” according to an article from History.com. So, how did the Mazda legend begin?

The Mazda brand originally started as a machine manufacturing company called the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. Founded by Jujiro Matsuda in 1920 in Hiroshima, the company had to be saved from bankruptcy almost a decade from its start, and went on to produce its first automobile. Eventually, the company’s name was changed to Mazda.

1931 saw the brand releasing the Mazda-Go. This was a three-wheeled vehicle that resembled a motorcycle, but with a cargo-carrier at the back. The company went on to develop more cars, however this was halted during World War II and the bombing of Hiroshima. They started developing small, four-wheel trucks in the 1950’s and launched their first passenger car in 1960 in Japan. This vehicle was called the R360 Coupe.

Mazda debuted their first rotary engine car, the Cosmo Sport 110S, seven years after the development of the Coupe. It wasn’t until 1970 until the Mazda entered the American Market, with the R100 coupe. This was the first mass-produced, rotary-powered car in the U.S. 8 years later, the Mazda RX-7 debuted. At the time, this was an affordable, “peak-performing” sports car.

The latest development as far as classic Mazdas go is the MX-5 Miata, a two-door sports car revealed in 1989 that had a starting price tag of $13,800. According to Mazda, the concept for the car was “affordable to buy and use, lightweight, had good handling, and classic roadster looks.”

Mazda continues to be a relevant and affordable brand today, with sales of their MX-5 Miata reaching their 25^th year, topping 900,000 sold vehicles. Whether you own a classic Mazda or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of insurance coverage.

At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Cars: The History of Sports Cars

Defined by a Wikipedia article as a “small, two seated, two door vehicle designed for spirited performance and nimble handling”, the sports car has long fascinated classic car enthusiasts. Car lovers nationwide have differing opinions about what makes sports cars so great; is it the elegant body design, the tremendous power output of the high-rev engines, or the distinctive throaty musical note of the exhaust pipes?

Of course originally, cars were created as a functional solution to a problem, rather than an aesthetically pleasing piece of art. Although throughout the years we have had an eye for beauty and a thirst for power and speed when it comes to vehicles. This truth of human nature is what led to the development of the first “sports cars.”

The birth of the sports car can be attributed to the early 20^th century touring cars and roadsters. These were raced in early rallies, such as the Herkomer Cup, Prinz Heinrich Fahrt, and Monte Carlo. The actual term “sports car” did not make its way to standard car vernacular until after World War One, but the first sports cars are thought to be the 3 litre 1910 Prince Henry (Prinz Heinrich) Vauxhall 20 hp and the 27/80PS Austro-Daimler designed by Ferdinand Porsche.

Although there have been many developments throughout the years regarding different versions of the sports car, two companies ended up offering the first truly reliable sports cars. This was Austin with the Seven, and Morris Garages (MG) with the Midget.

One of the discoveries made about the development of sports cars as they entered the driving world more rapidly included the fact that the drive train and engine layout significantly influenced the handling characteristics of an automobile, which is crucially important in the design of a sports car. In order to potentially improve handling and weight distribution, alternate layouts were sometimes used in place of the standard front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout of vehicles not classified as sports cars.

Prior to the 1980’s it was rare for a sports car to use four-wheel drive as this traditionally added a lot of weight to the vehicle. However due to safety issues, especially in adverse weather conditions, four-wheel drive has become a necessity and is quite commonly found in high-powered sports cars, such as the Porsche, Lamborghini, and the Bugatti Veyron.

Whether you own a classic sports car or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of insurance coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Car Insurance: History of the Mercedes Benz

Most people are aware of how luxurious a brand the Mercedes Benz is, but do you know how they originated? First off, their slogan, which is the German phrase “Das Bete oder nichts”, means “The best or nothing”, although this car company was not always the luxury brand we know of today. In fact, the first car, which is of course credited to Henry Ford for creating, was actually created by Karl Benz.

Karl Benz’s 1886 Benz Patent Motor Wagon is said to have been “one of the most outstanding innovations of its time” by many classic car enthusiasts. Just a few years later, in 1901, Gottlieb Daimler created a vehicle that he named Mercedes. Daimler, who was eventually the co-founder of Mercedes-Benz along with Karl Benz, gets credit for creating the first gas powered engine suitable for use in automobiles.

Perhaps more popular than the vehicles themselves is the iconic emblem we know for Mercedes-Benz. The evolution of this emblem has seen many different designs throughout the years. There are two emblems however that remain the most significant and identifiable.

The first emblem was created in 1909. The Benz & Cie. wanted to have the Benz name surrounded by a laurel wreath as their emblem. This logo was registered as trademark on August 6^th, 1909. At the same time, auto manufacturer Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft had applied for legal protection for the Mercedes-Benz star on June 24^th, 1909, and this was entered on the Register of Trademarks on February 9^th, 1911.

Almost 25 years later, the star emblem was officially used as a badge and signet on both the Daimler vehicle as well as the Mercedes-Benz. On February 18^th, 1925, both brands registered a new shared logo- Daimler’s Mercedes star inside Benz’s laurel wreath. This is said to have been a very symbolic action in anticipation of their merger, which happened on June 28^th, 1926. It was from these beginnings that the Mercedes-Benz trademark developed, and is still used today.

Whether you own a classic Benz or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of insurance coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Cars: History of the Lamborghini

Would you believe that the first Lamborghinis ever created were actually tractors? Designer Ferruccio Lamborghini, who quickly earned the reputation of being a master mechanic and prolific tinkerer, started piecing together tractors out of spare parts shortly after WWII. People loved them, and his tractor business took off overnight.

Ferrucio Lamborghini, born in 1916 on a farm in a rural town near Modena, starting Lamborghini Trattori S.p.A in 1949. They produced in-house tractors with modular construction and interchangeable components. The success of his endeavor turned the company into one of the biggest agricultural machinery manufacturers in Italy in the late sixties.

So how did we get from that to where we are now? Considerably wealthy by the early sixties, Ferruccio decided to build a factor of luxury sports cars. He wanted to build a super sports car to compete with Ferrari, which many people considered him crazy for even attempting. Constructing this type of vehicle was viewed as an unexplainable extravagance and something that would squander his fortune without ever turning a profit.

However, by May 1963 he founded ‘Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini’, buying a large plot of land in Sant’Agata Bolgnesese to build a large and ultramodern factory. Ferruccio was in a position to set up the best facilities for his purpose due to his experience with other companies: a very functional structure that was unrivalled in its field at the time.

The company’s first models were released in the mid-sixties and were noted for their refinement, power and comfort. Lamborghini gained wide acclaim in 1966 for the Miura sports coupe, which established rear mid-engine, rear wheel drive as the standard layout for high-performance cars of the era. In its first decade, Lamborghini grew rapidly.

Although Lamborghini’s are not as immensely popular and available as they once were, they are still considered one of the top luxury brands of vehicles. Whether you own a classic Lamborghini or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of insurance coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Cars: The Iconic 1966 Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet Corvette has been called “one of the greatest lines of sports cars ever built” by many classic car enthusiasts, with a history covering more than 40 years. Interestingly enough, the ’66 model almost never existed; early versions of the Corvette were often called “too American” to appeal to American sports car buyers! It was in 1955 that the model was improved and started gaining popularity, later turning into one of the most iconic cars of the 1960’s.

Not only was the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette known for its style and class, it often makes cameos in movies, and has even been featured in Country songs. 1966 Corvettes, which were produced from September 1965 through July 1966, featured a newly introduced 427 cubic-inch engine. This high performance engine was actually originally listed and labeled at 450 hp but the rating was reduced to 425 hp shortly after introduction.

Other than the engine, the 1966 Corvette had many features that made it different from the previous year’s model. For example, the ’66 Corvette sported a plated, cast-metal grille with an “egg crate” insert not seen in previous models, in addition to ribbed rocker panel moldings, chrome-plated exhaust bezels, and spoke-style wheel covers.

These weren’t the only features that set the 1966 Corvette apart from other vehicles. This model had eliminated roof vents, replacing them with front fender sides that featured three slanting vertical air louvers. These Corvettes were available in a wide range of colors, with 10 lacquer exterior finishes, ranging from tuxedo black or ermine white to sunfire yellow and miland maroon. Interior colors varied too, with bright blue or red being popular choices.

Whether your classic or specialty car is a Chevrolet Corvette or not, Condon Skelly has the Insurance Policies to keep you financially protected. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading classic, antique, and specialty vehicle insurance since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Trucks: The 1957-58 Ford Ranchero

Dubbed as “American’s first modern car-pickup hybrid”, the Ford Ranchero was introduced for the 1957 year. According to sources from Consumer Guide- Automotive, Ford Rancheros are among the most collectible artifacts of the 1950s, with a far reaching influence.

So what was the Ford Ranchero? Basically, it was a two-door Ranch Wagon with the rear roof section cut off and a bed liner slipped over the floor pan. The concept for this vehicle was introduced much earlier, in 1932, in Australia. Ford of Australia called this vehicle a “Ute” (Utility): a roadster with the body section behind the driver replaced by a fleetside bed. In 1957, the open-bed Ford Ranchero joined Ford’s wagon lineup and was joined by the more wagon-like Ford Courier Sedan Delivery.

The Ranchero was first offered in two trim levels and was built on the corresponding automobile assembly line, but sold as a truck through Ford’s truck division throughout the model run. The two models were the basic standard model; marketed to traditional pickup truck buyers such as farmers, and the custom model; available with extensive accessories such as stainless steel bodyside moulding and two-tone paint. The custom model picked up most of its options and accessories that were available on the Fairlane line.

While the Ford Ranchero rushed into popularity in 1957, with 21,705 being produced, a year later Ford attempted a facelift on the model. Only 9,950 were produced this year. The Ranchero still lived on for many more years though, ceasing production in 1979. For many collectors, however, nothing compares to the first 1957-1958 Ford Ranchero.

Whether you own a classic Ford Ranchero or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of Classic Car Insurance Coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

What to Consider When Making a Classic Car Investment

In November 2013, we discussed a couple reasons why classic cars make a good investment. Financial advisors today are looking at classic cars for investor’s profiles, and many classic cars are rising in value. However, although classic cars can definitely be a good investment, it’s imperative to consider your purchase and make sure that investing in any particular classic car will be a good fit for you.

Classic cars carry the potential for a huge profit if you plan on refurbishing (correctly) it and selling it. They also have a “cool” factor which is the appeal for many collectors. But before you make a classic car investment, there are many things to consider.

Ryan Guina, classic car owners and publisher of Cash Money Life, states that you should never buy a classic car on a whim. “It’s important to familiarize yourself with the market before buying so you know you’re getting a reasonable deal,” he says.

In addition to being mindful about your classic car investment, you should think about whether you will need or want to drive this vehicle on a regular basis. It’s not typically recommended that a classic car be an everyday vehicle, for wear and tear purposes as well as classic car insurance purposes. While you may not want to purchase a classic car you aren’t going to do anything with, you also don’t want to devalue the car or need to pay high auto insurance premiums.

One more factor to consider when making a classic car investment is maintenance costs. If you are only driving the vehicle minimally, you may not ever need extensive repairs. However should something happen, it’s important to realize that classic cars can be expensive to fix since parts are not always readily available.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the appeal of and desire for classic cars. We are able to insure a wide variety of collector vehicles, from original antiques to brand new exotic sports cars, as long as the vehicle is a true collectible. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Car Insurance: The Elusive 1983 Corvette

Most classic car enthusiasts by now have heard of the sinkhole that occurred in early February 2014 and damaged 8 of the classic and antique Corvettes on display at the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky. Fortunately, no people were present at the time that the sinkhole happened. Luckier still, the official insurance agent for the museum says there is no coverage concerns regarding the incident. Michelle Montgomery, director of quality control, said that they had tailored coverage to fit the needs the museum, adding that the value of the vehicles are based on appraisals the museum obtains regularly and insured to an agreed amount in the policy.

Although the vehicles affected will be restored to their full monetary value, car enthusiasts and museum employees are glad the situation wasn’t any worse, given the unique and rare cars they have on hand. In fact, client services manager and claims manager Phyllis Milliner says that some of the most valuable cars they have were spared from the sinkhole, even though they were only feet away. One of these vehicles that seems to be particularly fortunate is the 1983 Corvette.

If you are asking yourself, “What 1983 Corvette?” you aren’t alone. There has been a general consensus amongst those who know the Corvette’s history that there was no 1983 model. This model year Corvette was never actually released to the public, as it featured so many advances that it would have taken too much time to validate and go through the government-approval process. Over 40 1983 Corvettes were actually made, however they were all either destroyed, or repurposed for the 1984 model year; all except for the one in the National Corvette Museum.

The museum’s communications coordinator Bob Bubnis speculates that it would have been catastrophic had the only existing 1983 Corvette been lost in the sinkhole. He said that after the sinkhole, the vehicle was safely removed from the area as soon as people were able to safely get into the Skydome. People are calling this unique vehicle a “legend” that will keep living on as the years go by.

Whether you own a classic Corvette or any other type of classic or antique car, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of Classic Car Insurance Coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.