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.

Exotic Car Insurance: History of Hummer

Since their first arrival on the consumer auto market in 1991, Hummer brand vehicles have seen accolades, a loyal following and even controversy over the brand’s release of the civilian version of the military Humvee. Originally manufactured by American Motors General, the Humvee vehicles were “High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles” (Humvee) which began to surface for military use during the 1980s. In 1979, the United States Army awarded American Motors General a contract to design and product these vehicles which could follow the tracks and ruts of full size army trucks. Among the four competitors for the contract, AM General designed an entirely new vehicle to meet the Army’s requirements which was met with much enthusiasm from official’s. The first prototype was released less than a year later and by 1982 AM General began producing the original version of the vehicle to the U.S. Army.  These vehicles gained a lot of acclaim from Americans after their involvement in the Gulf War operations which lead to civilian interest and enthusiasm for the vehicle.

This lead to the original civilian version of the Humvee, which was released in 1992 to surprising success and instant acclaim, however the quantity of release was small and the vehicles were pricy even at the time.  Under the brand Hummer, AM General produced a consumer friendly version of the Hummer calling it the H1. The H1 sported an auto gloss finish, and passenger car enhancements such as air conditioning, sound insulation, upgraded upholstery, stereo systems, wood trim, and convenience packages. The civilian model began in part because of the persistence of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who saw an Army convoy while filming a movie and became infatuated with the vehicles.

The original release was essentially a street compliant version of the M998 Humvee boasting the performance capabilities and style. Following the wide success of the H1, General Motors acquired the brand in 1998 and began marketing three Humvee inspired vehicles under the Hummer brand: the original Hummer H1, the H2 and H3 models which emerged to make a more user friendly, fuel efficient and street appropriate vehicle for consumers based on the GM platform.

The most desirable and sought after Hummer model for collectors and enthusiasts is the H1 Alpha which was discontinued from production in 2006. The H2 and H3 were designed specifically to be commercial vehicles and were therefore produced in larger quantities with more accessibility when it came to distribution. However, the H1was more rough and closely resembled its Humvee vehicle origin.

Despite public support and interest, the economic downturn created complications for the Hummer brand by 2008. While the brand was retained by GM after their bankruptcy the final fate of the auto brand has yet to be decided as no new Hummer models have emerged since 2009.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle custom and exotic cars is. That’s why we specialize in offering complete exotic 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 auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our exotic auto insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Car Insurance: Five Famous Rolls-Royce Models

For over a hundred years, British automakers Rolls-Royce have been churning out luxury vehicles which have stunned, captivated and enthralled auto enthusiasts across the ages.  Known for quality, speed and luxury, Rolls-Royce vehicles have been record breakers and trend setters since their humble beginnings in 1904. Over the years the auto-brand has become a top vehicle producer and created some of the most cherished and sought-after British imports. They have left their mark on both the race track and popular culture.

Here are a few of the most famous Rolls-Royces:

• 1933 Rolls-Royce Bluebird- Driven by Sir Malcolm Campbell, the Bluebird set the land speed record at 272.46 miles per hour. This record was later shattered by George Eyston who piloted a Rolls-Royce Thunderbolt at speeds of 312.2 miles per hour in 1937.
• 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II: While the vehicle was well received at the time, it was not until its appearance in the 1964 Hollywood film The Yellow Rolls-Royce that the Phantom became a cultural icon. The film stared some of the top names in show-biz at the tie including Omar Sharif, Ingrid Bergman and Rex Harrison, which helped propel Rolls-Royce to even higher standing.
• 1940s Silver Dawn- According to the company’s history, the Silver Dawn was the first Rolls-Royce to be sold with a standard steel body. The Silver Dawn was the first Rolls-Royce car to be offered with a factory built body which was made of all steel. Both the body and chassis of the Silver Dawn were shared with the Bentley Mark IV models. It was also the brand’s first export only model.
• 1950s Phantom IV: The Phantom IV has been said to have been the most exclusive Rolls-Royce model ever built and one of the most elite vehicles in automobile history. Only 18 were ever produced and 17 of those were sold exclusively to royalty and heads of state. The royal family even made headlines when the young Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh broke a long-standing royal tradition of purchasing Daimler vehicles to purchase an all new Rolls-Royce Phantom IV. After this initial purchase, Rolls-Royce became the official suppliers of vehicles to the monarchy.
• 1965 Phantom V: The Phantom V had many fans, most notably was rock legend John Lennon. According to Rolls-Royce, Lennon ordered a Phantom V directly from the factory, originally in all white. He later had the same vehicle repainted with a psychedelic design, and this Rolls-Royce is now one of the most valuable pieces of pop memorabilia according to experts.

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 specialty car insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our classic auto insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Collectors Car Insurance: Auto Flops Collectors Still Love

Over the hundred-plus year history of motor vehicles auto brands have come and gone, companies have merged and dissolved, and some have even been revived to rekindle their brand and spirit today. There have been hundreds of vehicle successes. Some models revolutionized motor vehicles, while others set new standards for style, performance and speed. Other models were bold and daring in design but never quite caught on. Some had mechanical complications while others simply failed to attract consumer interest.

Here are a few auto industry flops that still hold a special place in collectors’ hearts:

• Amphibious Cars: When first conceived, the idea of an amphibious vehicle seemed both useful and thrilling to a world on the brink of war, and why not? A car built for both land and sea, would surely seem to have its perks should you need to make a quick getaway or traverse various landscapes. Originally designed for the military during World War II, amphibious vehicles were developed and produced by foreign and American automakers from existing vehicle platforms. An amphibious version of the Willys MB Jeep, the Ford GPA were created to compete and successfully “sailed” around the world during the 1950’s. The German made Amphicar was one of the most successful amphibious vehicles ever built, however only a few thousand were ever produced before the trend was scrapped. Nevertheless, amphibious vehicles gained a small but loyal following among niche collectors who enjoy the novelty of these war time vehicles.

• 1970’s Subcompacts: In the late 1970’s AMC, GM, Ford and many others began to realize that while their muscle cars and other popular models of the era were luxurious, fun and sporty, they weren’t very economical. Raising oil and gas prices and changing consumer demands led many of the top automakers in a race to generate affordable and functional subcompact vehicle. One of the most notorious was the AMC Gremlin which TIME magazine calls “one of the most curiously proportioned cars ever.” The Gremlin competed with other subcompacts like the Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto, as well as with smaller imports such as the Volkswagen Beetle and Toyota Corona. While these vehicles sold well, each had their own peculiarities and nuances which lead motorists to either love them or hate them. The Ford Pinto for example was known for erupting into flames when involved in an accident from behind, and the Gremlin was infamous for its quirky styling as well as its speed capabilities for its class and weight. Today, collectors and auto enthusiasts often use these vehicles as a relatively inexpensive way to dip their toes into renovation, restoration and custom car building.

• DMC Vehicles: If you are wondering whether or not you have heard of DMC, the answer is probably yes, but not by that name. You might know it better for the only model the automakers ever produced, The DeLorean DMC-12. Ring a bell now? The iconic DeLorean made its claim to fame as the time traveling car Marty McFly used in the 1980s Back to The Future.However, were it not for the vehicle’s starring role in the film saga, the DeLorean Motor Company may have never become a household name. Production was over nearly as soon as it began for DMC, who started releasing the DeLorean in 1981, right before one of the largest auto market slumps in American history. Only about 9,000 of the futuristic looking sports cars were created before production halted in 1983, at which point DMC went into liquidation. Only 6,500 DeLoreans are currently known to exist, which makes them a rare find, especially since this particular vehicle appeals to many different types of collectors.

Want more quirky collectibles? Read the second half of our list here.

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

Collector’s Car Insurance: American Pony Cars

The term pony car is often used interchangeable when defining an American muscle car  and while the two share many common characteristics, there are very distinct differences among them. In fact, unlike the American muscle car, there is actually a widely agreed upon history and widely held set of standards when it comes to the American pony car. The term American pony car describes an affordable, compact, highly styled car with a performance-oriented image.

Most auto enthusiasts and historians accredit the true origins of the American pony car to the launch of the Ford Mustang in 1964, which was one of the first mass produced sports cars designed to balance affordability, style and performance. While Ford wasn’t the only automaker noticing the rising public interest in accessible performance vehicles, the Ford Mustang set the standard when it comes to defining the pony car. In fact, most accredit the name “pony cars” to the 64 Mustang’s debut of the now iconic stallion logo.

Unlike many auto classifications, there is significantly less debate surrounding what it takes to classify a vehicle as an American pony car. Here are the classic criteria:

• American-made
• Two-doors, four passengers
• Styling that includes a long hood, short deck, and open mouth
• Built with mass production parts
• Affordable base price with a variety of available upgrades
• A high powered, V6 or V8 engine

After the initial success of the 64 Mustang, many competitors quickly emerged endeavoring to match its combination of performance, style, and affordability. While mustang remains one of the most iconic pony cars to date, the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger have also risen above the pack in the pony car race. Other classic American pony cars include the Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin, and Plymouth Barracude, however production of these vehicles was limited and they eventually phased out.

One key benefit of the pony car lines for American automaker was their ability to appeal to younger drivers and generate brand loyalty among customers. In 1970 Car and Driver reported that while very few pony car drivers bought a second, around 50% chose to purchase another model from the same auto manufacturer when it came time to get a new vehicle.

Much of the pony car class’s popularity can be attributed to their prominence in popular television and film, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. Their lifespan however was somewhat short lived as by the late 1970 buyers were moving away from the pony cars, either toward smaller compact cars or toward larger, more rugged models.  Declining sales and the growing popularity of rear-wheel drive vehicles, light trucks and sport utility vehicles ultimately led to the demise of many of the iconic pony cars, such as the Pontiac Firebird.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle custom and exotic cars is. That’s why we specialize in offering complete collector’s 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 auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our collector’s car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Custom Car Insurance: History of the Hot Rod

Hot rods and roadsters are the foundation of a classic American auto tradition which dates back to the early 1930s. According to historians, the tradition of customizing factory vehicles in an effort to make them look, drive and feel faster has been present since the beginning of mass production. Many historians attribute Southern California as the original “home” of the hot rod scene, where young auto enthusiasts used to fix up and “hop-up” old vehicles for racing in dry lake basins.

The vehicles typically began as older, now classic American cars, which were modified to increase speed, styling and performance. Originally pieced together from junkyard metal scraps and broken down vehicles during World War II when steel was being allocated for the war effort, hot rods developed a very distinctive style and appearance. Over time enthusiasts began incorporating fiberglass body coverings and adornments as well. Large and powerful block engines, loud headers, big rear tires and polished chrome embellishments are hallmarks of a classic hot rod.

During the 1950’s hot-rodding became so popular that an entire culture began to emerge around street racing and car modification. Racing associations evolved and safety became a major issue which led to the formation of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in 1951. The NHRA established universal rules to promote entertainment and safety within racing circles.

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of “street rods” which were hot rods modified such that they were legal to drive on public roads as every day vehicles. Due in large part to the prominence of muscle cars in the racing arena, emphasis for street rods shifted from speed and performance to style, comfort and safety. Street Rod racing events were governed and regulated by the National Street Rod Association which emphasized safety and promoted a family friendly environment.

Today there is still a vibrant hot rod culture in America which has spread throughout the world. The hot rod community is commonly subdivided into two main groups: street rodders and hot rodders. Hot rod enthusiasts still build their vehicles using a lot of original equipment, parts, and stylistic traditions of the 1940s through the 1960s, while street rods are typically built with newer materials.

At Condon Skelly, we understand the importance of protecting your collectible, antique, classic, muscle custom and exotic cars is. That’s why we specialize in offering complete custom 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 auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information, contact our custom car insurance specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Auto Insurance: A History of the Bentley Brand

The origin of the Bentley brand start as many automakers do; in a small town by a man who was obsessed with engineering, design and speed. This particular entity was founded in January of 1919 by an English engineer named Walter Owen Bentley. Known to most as “W.O.”, Bentley got his start selling French automobiles with his brother. During a trip to an auto factory in 1913, Bentley came up with the idea of using the lightweight metal instead of cast iron to make engine pistons as a lighter weight alternative to the cast iron standards of the day.

During World War I, Bentley struck out on his own and began manufacturing the aluminum pistons he dreamed up which were incorporated into aero engines for military vehicles. After the war, Bentley continued making auto parts and in 1919 he build his first chassis for the London Motor Show and later that year the first car to bear his name pulled out onto the streets of London. With the assistance of aviation engineer Clive Gallop early Bentley models featured an unique multi-valve engine designed with 4 valves per cylinder for greater power and speed. Even from the beginning Bentley was committed to luxury, quality and speed.

Despite early successes, the company was financially unstable, underfunded and struggling. In the mid-1920s Racer and motorsport enthusiast Woolf Barnato became a major investor and restructured the operation. With a new financier and his strong values, W. O. Bentley was able to produce a new line of vehicles ultimately leading to five victories at Le Mans in the 1920s.

By the 1930’s early Bentley models gained such prestige that they were being incorporated into contemporary culture and media. The 4½-litre model would later become famous as the vehicle of choice of James Bond in the original novels, however they were not so popular in the film adaptations. The 19301 8-litre engine was a huge success, and it is commonly believed that Rolls-Royce purchased Bentley Motors to prevent it competing with their Phantom II. W. O. Bentley remained with the company until 1935, after which time he left to join Lagonda.

Rolls-Royce’s advertised Bentley vehicles as the “the silent sports cars”, in reference to their luxurious ride and speed emphasis, until the 1950s. During World War II Rolls-Royce and Bentley shifted production focus to aircraft engines in a new factory. For a long time after World War II, most high-end motorcar manufacturers like Bentley and Rolls-Royce did not supply complete cars. Instead the automakers sold “rolling chassis” composed of engines and many of control elements. Auto buyers would order their vehicles through a separate body and coach manufacturer. To compete in overseas markets and with American manufacturers Rolls-Royce began releasing fully complete models and Bentley brand models in the mid twentieth century. In the 1950s Bentley released the R-Type Continental which the company claims to be “this was quite possibly the finest motor car available to humanity, combining speed, performance, luxury, elegance, exclusivity and the evocative Bentley name.”

Rolls-Royce eventually collapsed as a corporate entity in the 1970s, leaving the Bentley marquee floundering. It wasn’t until the brand was picked up by German automakers Volkswagen that the Bentley name was on the road to recovery. Today Bentley has reclaimed much of their status as a world class leader in luxury vehicles 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. 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 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.