Bryce Stone asked:


The general definition of antique cars in the United States refers to cars that are over twenty five years old and those driven before the world war two but in the United Kingdom they refer to cars that are almost one hundred years old and also known as veteran cars. Antique cars are also known as classic cars and date way back to when the motorized system included the manufacture of auto mobiles. According to the American Classic Car Club, antique cars refer to distinctive automobiles. The club rates the classic cars to full classic and CCCA classic. The antique and classic term meant that the cars were very expensive and very few people were able to afford them, this made their production be in small numbers. 

Some of the factors that accord cars the antique status include the general and distinctive luxurious accessory  and custom coachwork features such as the power clutch, the power brakes and an automatic  or “one shot”  lubrication system and the engine displacement. The twenty five year or more time frames of the antique cars is quite astonishing since the modern cars can have a half of that life span. This rare and long survival makes the antique cars not be used for regular transportation as it is very expensive to maintain. However, due to the prestige that comes with this type of cars, most people many antique cars are kept  restore, collect and own antique cars as a hobby or as an art collection or for commercial purposes.  

Initially antique cars were propelled with steam and they were horseless carriages which could move at a speed of 12mph when going up hill and on level roads. The steam engine saw a major but gradual development over the years and by 1860 the antique cars had an internal combustion engine. The four stroke engine became characteristic with the next set of antique cars but was quickly overtaken by Benz which had a tabular chassis which was framed and had three wheels. The styles used on antique cars may vary but most of them have removable headlights, trunks fenders and headlights. In addition they have a grill treatment which is vertical in nature. Some examples of antique cars include Kaiser-Frazer, pierce arrow, 1910 Ford Toure and Duisenberg.  

Antique cars do not normally have safety related features such as roll over protection, seat belts and crumple zones. In addition most of these cars still use the ancient and outdated standards of vehicle handling. This is mainly in the performance of the brakes, suspension and steering of the car and this therefore demands that one is highly alert and aware when driving to avoid any accidents. In some countries the use of antique cars for daily transportation is either prohibited or discouraged. Most antique cars qualify for the motor shows due to their originality and traditional designs. Some owners refuse to fit in seatbelts or redesign their antique cars so as not to make them lose their originality.



Jay

khalid r mustaffa asked:


Qatar classic cars, a topic that never have I thought would be researching, or writing about. When I left Qatar seven years ago, there were no signs that there ever would be high demand in the market for classic cars, Qatar specifically and the region in general.

A couple of months ago I received an international call at three in the morning. Don’t be very deceived by the timing; the conversation could have waited a couple more hours, however due to miss calculations on the caller’s behalf. By all means, I do not regret waking up to take the call. The subject was of great importance and forced me not to go back to sleep, rather jump right to research. The first thing I heard when I picked up the phone is an old friend saying “how much have you dealt with classic cars?”, “there is a very high demand for classic cars in the region, and the supply is very low”. On the ending note of the call, I promised I will have a preliminary research completed within a week.

As always, I started by certifying the facts I was told in regards to supply and demand, and the overall economic situation of the country. I found many articles and press releases discussing the fact that car manufacturers are taking advantage of the increasing demand for personalized, classic and antique cars in the region. The underlying reasons for the change in demand of the past seven years was explained by Bufori (a modern brand of rare automobiles resembling 1930s coupes), the high demand is a reflection of the booming population, and economics of the region in general, and more specifically Dubai and Qatar. Hence, that Crude Oil was discovered in Qatar back in the 1940s; however the wealth of the nation gradually increased over the next sixty years, till Natural Gas was discovered. Its people now have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

The research journey has not stopped, rather the more research I make, the more I am interested to learn about the differences in tastes and markets. I will dedicate an article for the amazing finding in the market differences. To get up-to-date research results, visit the section I dedicated to Qatar classic cars





Ella

Levi Quinn asked:


The storage of your valuables directly affects the kind of condition they are in come the future. Antique cars are items that need to be stored with strict care and maintenance. It’s not enough to throw a car cover over top and leave it for years on end. That kind of activity will only help to age your car and cause it to deteriorate. Classic and vintage cars grow rarer all the time. If you have one in your care, it’s important to treat it like the piece of history that it really is.

Your classic car should be detailed regularly, even when sitting in storage. It does not take long for dust and dirt to build up and stick to the paint. Cleaning both inside and outside is strongly recommended. Use only products that are specified for cars and indicate that they are safe on all automotive surfaces. A wax job before the car goes into storage is always a good idea. Good wax can protect the paint by coating it with a wax layer that prevents dirt and other things from bonding to your paint. It is one of the best ways to care for your antique car at all times, when stored or when in use.

If the car will be in storage for an extended amount of time, it is suggested that you always drain the fluids out of the car. Contaminants can settle in the fluid and it will grow thick and sluggish over time. Drain it all out before storing your classic car, then refill with all fresh fluids if you decide to drive it again or use it in a car show.

Mice can be a problem for some cars that are left in storage. You need to do all that you can to prevent the annoying little critters from getting into your car. They chew on things and leave waste behind. There is no end to the damage that can be caused by mice. Use a storage facility that guarantees a mouse free storage space or take necessary precautions yourself. Sometimes something as simple as a strong scented Bounce dryer sheet will keep them away.

Crack the windows open before you store your antique car. It will prevent humidity from building up inside the car. Proper ventilation and airflow will make a noticeable difference next time you open the car door. It also prevents moisture from accumulating inside which can lead to mould growth. That is a very serious type of problem.

Proper storage is essential. Choose car covers that are made for storage. Covers should be made of material that allows for proper air circulation. If possible, storing the car up off the ground on the back of a trailer is also a good idea. Make sure that nobody has access to your car except for you and anyone that you designate. Antique cars are rare but they have a wealth of history behind them. Do what is necessary to preserve yours so that time does not become the enemy.



Phyllis

Namsing Then asked:


The term Antique Classics is used in reference to old cars. According to Antique Automobile Club of America, an antique car is generally defined as a car over 25 years of age. However, the exact legal definition for the purpose of antique vehicle registration varies widely from State to State.

With about 12 years being the normal design life of modern cars, 25 years is about double and therefore a car that’s reached 25 is a rare survivor, and probably not economic to maintain as regular transportation.

The term Classic Car is often used synonymously with the term Antique car, but the formal definition of that term is restricted to specific high-quality vehicles from the pre-World War II era which began with the Great Depression in 1930 and ended with the recovery after World War II in 1948.

The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) defines the term Classic as a ‘fine’ or ‘distinctive’ automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. A Classic was high-priced when it was introduced and was built in very limited quantities.

Although, by 1930’s most of the manufacturing technologies had already been invented, certain factors like including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories, such as power brakes, power clutch, and automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car can be considered a Classic.

Some exemplary pre-war Antique Classics are: 1. 1934-1940 Bugatti Type 57. The Type 57SC has become the singular classic car. 2. 1934 Citroen Traction Avant. Has the distinction of being the first mass-produced front-wheel drive car. 3. 1936 MG T series, a sports car meant especially for American soldiers fighting in the war. 4. 1938 Volkswagen Beetle, the most-famous automobile of all times. It was a pre-war design that continues to exist even in the present times.

The CCCA Club keeps a thorough list of the vehicles they consider Classics, and while any member may petition for a vehicle to join the list, such applications are carefully scrutinized and very rarely is a new vehicle type admitted.

They also acknowledge the fact that their rather exclusive definition of a classic car is by no means universally followed and hence they generally use terms such as ‘CCCA Classic’ or the trademarked ‘Full Classic’ to avoid confusion.

After 1930 the number of auto manufacturers came down sharply, as the industry consolidated, and developed after the war more advances in engine design were made, like the compression V8 engines and modern bodies from General Motors, Oldsmobile and Cadillac brands.



Nellie

Levi Quinn asked:


Automotive enthusiasts are not hard to find. There are so many people into cars that there is an endless amount of websites, forums and car shows that cater to this crowd. Lovers and owners of antique cars are a special breed of auto enthusiast. Classic cars require so much care and special attention. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t want to show them off. There are auto shows for antique cars and fans too. Finding them may be a bit of a challenge but they are out there so it’s worth seeking out if you are a hobbyist that loves cars.

One of the best ways to keep up to date on car shows is to join an online discussion group for classic car owners and lovers. It allows you to connect with others from your own area as well as from all over the world. Joining a car club enables you to touch base with others that share your interests. This is a good way to learn more about antique cars while also making some new friends. It can also make you aware of certain auto shows or events that you may not otherwise learn of.

Doing a search on Google is a fine way to turn up more search results that you could possibly need. It can help you to pinpoint groups or sites that focus on meet ups and antique car shows in your community. Likewise, you can also use keywords to search for specific items of interest to you related to antique cars. The internet is the source for all information. Make use of it by making it work for you.

Joining a classic car message forum allows you to communicate with many people in a public forum. This is so much better than simply browsing a site for answers because you can speak directly to other people with firsthand knowledge. Sharing information through a message forum is a great way to get the word out about antique car shows.

The Antique Auto Club of America has a great website that has a detailed listing of several car shows all across the country. Sign up for their email newsletter or stop in regularly to check for updated shows. This site makes it easy to find a classic car show near you. There is also plenty of other helpful information to steer you in the right direction.

If all else fails, consider starting up your very own antique car show. If you can find enough people who would be interested in it and have cars they can bring then it may be something that you can pull off easier than you think. Post up ads or fliers on community bulletin boards and see what kind of response you get. Keep an eye out for charity drives as well. Many organizations create a charity drive that requires car owners to drive their cars from one place to another in order to raise money or awareness. It’s a great way to get your classic car involved in a good cause while putting it on display.



Fred

Thomas Zoellner asked:


People who own antique cars are generally passionate about them; nevertheless, not one owner would ever consider failing to insure their car. Although you might think it hard to obtain, it is surprising how many companies can actually supply antique car insurance. Of course, with so many classic car insurers available, an owner should not have a problem insuring their prized possession; they are also more likely to get the policy at a competitive price.

Mainstream auto insurers are also now able to provide this type of insurance for antique cars; often called collectors auto insurance, these plans meet the exact requirements of the vehicle to be protected. Perhaps more so than a modern car, these policies need to be more precise and an insurance representative will require as much information about the car before he can supply a tailor made quote. Your level of cover will depend on how much you can afford but it is possible to lower this by arranging for your deductible to be raised above the minimum set by the insurer.

It is important to know that the company you are insuring your antique car with is reliable; companies like this are usually well established with a good reputation. These large companies are also able to insure your modern car at the same time and may even have a discount scheme for multiple policies. The security of having an established company provide antique car insurance for an older car is well worth the premium they will charge.

Whilst cost is an issue you may find the specialist auto insurers that exist may be less expensive; the downside is you may have to use a standard auto insurer for any other car. With the number of classic cars still around you will not be surprised to learn that even the insurers have, in some areas, specialized even further to provide cover for only one type of car. To be on the safe side it is best to check out any insurance companies, especially the smaller ones so you can be happy in the knowledge that your premium money and antique car are not at risk.

No-one wants to find that after paying the insurance premiums for months the company will not or is unable to pay out on an insurance claim. It can be a lengthy process finding a reliable antique car insurance provider; nevertheless, it is far better to spend a little time doing this than not having the car insured at all. Most classic cars are worth many thousands of dollars and that is a big loss if the car is ever stolen or destroyed so having auto cover may be the most valuable protection you ever purchase.



Adam

Mary Duares asked:


Owning a class or antique car is a real joy, but it poses challenges from restoration to preservation. Finding affordable auto insurance for these gems can also be difficult. As with any insurance, research is the key. Take the time to decide what kind of coverage you want, then get quotes from multiple companies.

Car insurance quotes for classics and antiques will depend on many factors. What is the value of the car? Has it been restored? What modifications have been made to the vehicle? Is the car garaged when not in use? How many miles will be put on the car annually? Who will be driving the car? Where will the car be driven to and from? Know the answers to these questions before shopping for auto insurance.

Insurers of classic and antique autos will want to know the specific value of an older car before insuring it. The auto insurance companies will ask numerous questions about the state of repair the vehicle is in. The Kelley Blue Book or other car value publications will be consulted for a retail and trade in value. You should do this yourself also so you know the general value range of your vehicle.

Auto insurance companies want to know the miles the car will be driven annually. It is one of the most important aspects of the car insurance policy for older cars. Will it be driven for shows and weekends only or will it be used for daily driving? Some car insurance companies restrict the driving to weekends only and will not allow for it’s use as transportation to work. Others will allow any type of use, but only allow say 3000 miles a year to be put on the vehicle. They may also want a picture of the car and a list of all the modifications. This information helps them give you the best policy price for your car.

In order to get the most joy and value out of your classic car, pick the insurance coverage that will fit your lifestyle. Picking an insurance policy with too little coverage, or inadequate coverage, will be disastrous if something should happen. You will want your vehicle to be restored up to it’s current value if minor damage occurs. Some insurance companies will not do this, stating it is unable to be fixed to it’s pre-event state due to the lack of original factory parts available. In the event of a crash or unavoidable damage, you will want to be assured they will do everything in their power to repair your vehicle. Call around or cruise the Internet to find the auto insurance company that is right for you.



Loretta

Bryce Stone asked:


Classic cars are worth being seen and owners of such cars are usually proud to display their most prized and valuable possessions. Antique car owners find the opportunity to display their beauties during antique car shows. The car shows also give classic car lovers the chance to see other types of antique cars. Finding unique car show venues has been made easy through the use of technology. Antique car lovers can easily obtain information of the various car shows online. In addition to the classic cars, attending antique car shows is a great way to have fun in the company of loved ones. 

Those who want to see vintage cars should attend the Helderberg Mountain National Car Show. The event is held annually and begins in the morning until five in the evening. The event will present classic car enthusiasts a chance to see the most prized possessions that are available. During the car show, most of the awards will be given to classic cars that were made prior to 1980. Vintage cars made after 1981, will also be judged and awarded. The car show is the perfect time to spend with family and friends. Apart from cars, there will be a wide variety of music and activities to keep the visitors entertained during the show. 

Antique Automobile Car Club, is known for hosting excellent car shows around the nation and nothing can be more special than hosting the regional Northeast show in Florida. This event will be held on 18 April 2009 at the Cecil Field runway in Jacksonville. To make this event successful and transparent, the winners of different categories will be decided by the spectators. They will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite classic cars. Those attending the event will also enjoy the air show displays that will be provided by the military.  

For those who would like to commemorate the Memorial Day in style, then attending the Memorial Day car show will give them the opportunity to marvel at the various types of antique and classical cars. The event is held annually by Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club, in Norwich, New York at the Chenango County Fair Grounds. To make the occasion more memorable, those who attend will have the privilege of seeing classic military vehicles, vintage motorcycles as well as tractors. Registration is required. 

The Odyssey Car Show is one of the most popular car shows in Illinois. It will take place on May 24, 2009 at Oak Park Avenue in Tinley Park. Those coming with cars will be required to pay an entry fee and as a way of appreciating them, people who attend will receive free presents. The car show provides an all day fun activity for the family. To ensure those participating at the car show are entertained, there will be music played by a professional DJ and there will be free coffee. The car show will provide the opportunity for antique car lovers to see the classic cars.



Jacob

khalid r mustaffa asked:


Classic car lovers in Doha the capital of Qatar are willing to face the bumps to go after their passion. Classic, Antique or some may call vintage cars until very recently appeared to be a territory only the rich royalties and the VIPs are allowed to enter. However, this perception has gradually changed, and now the market holds possibilities for even the enthusiasts that are willing to spare a bit over a hundred-thousand Qatari Riyals the equivalent to twenty-thousands US Dollars. This became possible due to the economic boom the area is witnessing, efficient communications with classic car dealers in Houston, along with the superior supply chain management allowed cars in Houston to be transported at low costs.

It now became possible for a knowledgeable enthusiast, with patience, and time at their disposal to buy classic car in Qatar, or an antique car in Dubai, or even a classic car to be shipped from Houston. It became possible to start the process with the equivalent of three thousand US dollars, or in other words for less than the ca was worth in the seventies or eighties.

This however sometimes holds true, and sometimes does not. For instance, Morris Minors was valued in Dubai and Qatar at about QR 15,000 in the eighties. It is very difficult to sell such a car for QR 10,000 in 2007 according to a car dealer. Cars that were easy on the pocket back in their peaking days are unlikely to hold value over the years. Hence, exceptions always pop up, for instance this fact doesn’t hold true with the iconic mini.

I respect, and always reflect my articles with both mine and the apposing; however I do not see a Qatar classic car dealer’s opinion holding true. He said “The classic car market, if it can be called that, will flourish because people have bought [these cars] for nostalgia and recreation — not for financial gain,” says a dealer in classic cars. “Most people, who have bought a classic car in the last ten years, knew their cars would have seen a rise on the value.” To contradict, According to Classic Car magazine, the US has seen a growth in the market for classic cars, particularly American sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. Cars, such as Chevrolet Corvettes and Camaros, Ford Thunderbirds and Pontiacs, are said to have doubled in value over the past three years.

As I have been promising throughout the article series dedicated to Qatar classic car, the research journey has not stopped, rather the more research I make, the more I am interested to learn about the differences in tastes and markets. To get up-to-date research results, visit the section I dedicated to Qatar classic cars



Teresa

Levi Quinn asked:


Having an old car can be a pretty neat experience. Everyone knows that certain older cars might be considered antiques or classics. But how is one to know which is which? It isn’t always easy, especially if you aren’t an especially extreme car lover. Determining if your car is an antique will require some time and research on your part. This is something that tends to be a little fuzzy around the edges and not always so clearly defined. Don’t be surprised if you turn up some conflicting information. Antique cars are not something that everyone agrees on.

The exact definition of an antique car tends to be a highly debated topic. The Classic Car Club of America states that an antique car is one that was manufactured before the year 1948. It is likely that you will come across sites and organizations that do not agree with this and instead have different years listed. If you need the information for insurance purposes then your best bet is to get the details directly from your insurance company. They will have their own regulations and specifications regarding what make your car considered an antique.

Most antique cars are considered to be those that were built before World War I. During the war auto production was brought to a halt and the manufacturing facilities were used to make war vehicles. Those cars made before the war are considered very rare today and many of them are worth millions of dollars due to that rarity. Of course the rareness of a certain model can directly affect if it is labeled as a classic or antique. Availability certainly does play a role in determining what makes a car antique.

There are many neat tidbits of information that comes from antique cars. Many people for instance do not know where the Mercedes received its name from. An Austrian man contracted Daimler to create a fleet of 30 cars for him. He wished them to be called Mercedes, which was the name of his own daughter. This is interesting since that name has once again become a common name for girls. Many don’t know that it started out that way all along.

The early designs of vehicles should be appreciated and respected regardless of their classic, vintage or antique status. They are the direct link to the cars we all love and drive today. The very first cars were nothing like modern day vehicles. They had no windshield and no safety features. It’s astounding to see the way the vehicle has evolved since the days of the original antiques.

It is important to note that a classic car and an antique one are not at all the same thing. They have differing definitions and are not grouped together. Classic cars tend to be sports or muscle cars from the 1950s to the 1970s. However, like antiques, the exact years seem to change depending on your source. Seek out a professional for an expert opinion on antique cars if you find these sources to be lacking.



Jose