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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The U.S. Copyright Office is currently examining whether provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which was designed to protect intellectual property, should be applied to new automotive technology. Doing so could prohibit auto owners from modifying, tuning and preforming vehicle restoration on newer cars. Reports recently revealed that the Auto Alliance is relentlessly seeking these changes. For those unfamiliar with the Auto Alliance, the group is comprised of 12 of the top vehicle producers in the world serving as the auto industry’s leading interest and advocacy group. Auto makers are hoping that provisions in the copyright law that will soon prohibit home mechanics and car enthusiasts from repairing and modifying their own vehicles.

According to reports, auto makers believe that modern vehicles have become too technologically advanced and complex for consumers and untrained third party mechanics to handle. In a statement filed to by the Auto Alliance, the group claims that allowing individual auto owners and non-company based mechanics to continue to fix their vehicles has become “legally problematic,” and could affect the safety of drivers and vehicles.

Is this the end of DIY vehicle restoration and upgrading for future generation?

Not just yet. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates for individual rights in digital matters, is fighting to ensure that enthusiasts can continue working on their vehicles by providing exemptions that would give them the right to access necessary car components. Should the group succeed it could protect the future motor-heads and auto enthusiasts in their do-it-yourself pursuits for many years to come. If not, it could lead to an even more heightened interest in restoring classic, vintage and antique vehicles.

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

When it comes to vehicles modifications, there is often a delicate balance between what an average auto insurance providers will cover and the need for specialty auto insurance. There are times when standard auto insurance policies are not sufficient to properly ensure some types of vehicles, for example hot rods, vintage and antique vehicles and highly modified autos. In these cases, auto owners, collectors and enthusiasts can turn to a specialty auto insurance policy to secure the necessary coverage.

In general, specialty car insurance provides coverage for expensive, exotic or otherwise nonstandard vehicles that require special coverage considerations and adjusted coverage amounts. When it comes to highly modified vehicles, custom jobs and “tricked-out” rides, auto owners often find themselves needing such additional coverage. However, not all vehicle modifications require specialty auto insurance. While tinting windows or installing new stereo or security equipment often has little impact on an owner’s ability to secure auto coverage through a standard market, what does matter are major performance enhancements and body styling changes.

If the changes are designed to improve the power, performance or overall quality of the vehicle, the auto will most likely qualify as a specialty auto. Each insurance provider has their own specific standards for what qualifies as a modification, however specialty modifications often include:

-Custom paint jobs

-Structural changes to the frame and/or body such as: Front or rear spoilers; Custom wheels, tires or spinners; Vertical doors; Custom grilles; Side pipes; etc.

-Significant performance enhancements like engine, steering, exhaust or suspension enhancements.

When it comes to attaining the right specialty auto insurance coverage, it is often beneficial to work with an insurance agency that specializes in this niche area, as opposed to general consumer vehicle coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting collecting specialty, exotic, and classic cars can be. That’s why we specialize in offering complete specialty auto insurance. We are a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. Our team is as passionate about protecting your vehicles as you are about collecting them. We can help you secure affordable, industry-leading specialty auto insurance coverage to protect your classic, antique, or exotic vehicles. For more information about us and our specialty insurance programs, contact our specialists today at (866) 291-5694.

In a recent post we discussed the emergence of the Revology Mustang as one of the most headline grabbing and eye catching auto revival initiatives of 2015. What we haven’t mentioned yet is that Revology is not alone in their efforts to bring classic auto into the 21^st century with updated technology, performance, and luxury amenities. Revology is just one of a handful of specialty auto crafters popping up across the country that specialize in revamping classic rides. In the last few years a small but growing group of automakers around the world have been taking some of the most iconic cars ever built and updating them into thoroughly modern machines. In return, these revival vehicles have been met with both incredible praise, and harsh criticism from classic car enthusiasts.

There is no doubt that classic cars have an undeniable appeal, but as any auto enthusiast will confess vintage vehicles are not without their faults and flaws. While we might look back on classic rides through the proverbial rose colored glasses, many classic, antique and vintage vehicles leave much to be desired in terms of reliability, dependability and safety. Even in the best of shape and with impeccable upkeep vintage vehicles can be a handful and don’t often make the best daily drives. Which leaves many enthusiasts and collectors facing the conundrum of balancing their love for vintage aesthetics and tradition with their yearning for luxury, performance and convenience.

That’s where these replica and revival vehicles come into play. For years enthusiast have been updating their classics to enhance the driving experience. In fact, that’s what originally lead to many auto trends, such as hot-rodding. Proponents and producers of these modernized classics have been quick to point out just that. Supporters of these re-imagined classics assert that these vehicle, claim that they represent the prefect blend of automotive history, tradition and progress. These vehicles producers are coupling vintage styling and aesthetics appeal with the modern luxury amenities most consumers need in a daily driver to create a unique class of specialty vehicles to meet some enthusiasts’ demands. Many of these new autos offer top of the line vehicle technology in both safety and performance.

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

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.

Collector Car Insurance: Spotting a Modern Classic

One of the best things about auto collection is that the market is always expanding. Today’s “new car” can be tomorrows highly prized collectors piece. But not every car driven off the lot will become a collectable, in fact most will not. There is an art to predicting which vehicles will appreciate in value and those that will depreciate into simple used vehicle status. The trick is to invest wisely in the moment.

In a recent article, Popular Mechanics investigated the auto industry over the last few decades in search of the “new classics” or vehicles which are fetching increased prices on the collectors market. Here are a few of their findings:

Porsche Carrera GT (2004-2006)

Why: Rarity. While Porsche’s are known for holding their value well, only a few modern models are being sought after in collector circles. The Carrera GT is one such model. The V10 powered sports car boasts 605 hp which allowed Jay Leno to set three standing-start speed records in the model. Only 604 GT’s produced were available to the U.S. and a grand total of 1270 were ever made. While not yet a classic or officially a collector’s piece, the Carrera GT has held its value and is predicted to increase over time due to rarity and performance capabilities.

VW Vanagon Camper Syncro (1986–1991)

Why: Niche Market. While VW does not have a strong presence in the collector car market, their van models have become routinely sought after in certain niche markets. The Type 2 Microbus for example, the groovy one from the 60s, has fetched six digit prices at auctions. According to Popular Mechanics, the Type 3 released during the 1980’s through 1991 has increased in value as well. Much of the draw to these models are the built in camper functionality and easily modified to increase power and performance.

Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)

Why: Record Breaker. Ferraris notoriously hold and improve their value when properly maintained, but the F40 has doubled in value in the last 20 years. Weighing less the 2500 pounds and sporting 471 horsepower, the F40 was the first street legal production vehicle to ever break 200 mph. Its styling, performance and reputation have made the F40 a sought after prize and investment.

To read the full Popular Mechanics article, visit their website.

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.

Collector Car Insurance: History of Lotus Part 2

In the first of our posts recounting the history of Lotus we discussed the auto brand’s founding and early victories in both the consumer market and racing circuits. However, the brand struggled to retain financial security, and over the years founder Colin Chapman have to come up with some creative solutions to keep his operations running.

Despite their early success throughout the 1960s and 1970s, by the 1980s the Lotus Group faced serious financial complications as production and sales dipped to less than 400 vehicles a year. In 1982 Chapman who was still running the Lotus Group came to a collaborative agreement with Toyota. Lotus Engineering helped Toyota develop the Toyota Celica XX, which gave Lotus the funding to launch the Excel. The Excel was built using Toyota components which allowed the vehicle to be produced and sold for much less than their previous models. During this time Chapman launched a new American branch, Lotus Performance Cars Inc., which was incredibly well received in the American market. Revenue from Lotus Performance Cars Inc. was able to provide fresh capital to the Lotus Group back in the United Kingdom.

Rocked by scandal involving a botched deal with the DeLorean Motor Company and the death of Chapman in late 1982, the Lotus Group was once again near bankruptcy by 1983. After the demise of Chapman, the brand would change hands and focus a number of times. The Group was purchased by new investors and an entrepreneur named David Wickins who would later facilitate the sale of Lotus to US based General Motors. In 19930 Gm decided to sell off their shares in the Lotus Group to to A.C.B.N. Holdings, who also owned Bugatti Automobili SpA. Three years later A.C.B.N. Holdings sold their share in Lotus to the Malaysian automaker Pronto.

In 2009 Dany Bahar of Farrari took over as CEO of what is now known as The Lotus Group International Limited which had been established in 2006. Bahar was let go in 2012 and a new CEO was appointed to guide the brand forward.

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.

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.

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.