Getting Approved For a Classic Car Auto Loan - Where to Shop

Before the Internet, it was difficult to find a lender that was willing to finance a loan for a classic car. However, now that the internet allows you to reach lenders from all over the country, it’s much easier to discover a lender that specializes in classic car auto loans. This article will explain the best places to shop when searching for a classic car auto loan:

Shop Online

It’s much easier now to get approved for a classic car auto loan because you can find a specialty lender online. Specialty lenders deal only in classic car financing, so their interest rates will be more reasonable than those of a traditional lender. Additionally, they will have a good idea of what your car is worth, so you won’t need to provide extra documentation to prove the car is worth the amount you want to finance. Another benefit to borrowing through specialty lenders is that they are more likely to allow you to borrow an amount greater than the worth of the car in order to make improvements or for restorations.

Shop at Your Personal Bank

If the idea of borrowing money from a company online bothers you, you might consider shopping for a classic car auto loan through your personal bank. If you have a relationship with you bank, they’ll be more likely to work with you in finding financing for your purchase. However, because banks normally approve financing for new cars, their interest rates on a classic car auto loan are likely to be higher than those of a specialty lender. Additionally, you’ll need to provide extra paperwork in order to prove that your car is worth the amount that you’re borrowing. The blue book value of a 70-year-old car is going to be next to nothing, so you’ll have to prove that either its improvements or its restoration has raised the value of the car. Proving this will make your loan less of a risk to your lender, so it’s better to arrive at the bank prepared.

Visit Car Loan Sense to view our Recommended Auto Loan Lenders online. Also, visit Car Loan Sense for more information about Classic Car Loan Financing.

Classic Car History - The 1959 Cadillac Series 62

The 1959 Cadillac was the brainchild of Designer Harley Earl, who drew on the inspiration of American space travel and rockets for his design. The 59 Cadillac was the pinnacle of the American auto design excess. With tail fins that rose a full 42 inches off the ground, rocket flare tail lights, quad headlights and massive chrome bumpers, a body length of over 20 ft, this was the ultimate Cadillac for grabbing attention. The ’59’s outrageous fins are accentuated by its very low profile, which is 3 inches lower that the ‘58 model’s already low profile.

Harley Earl was directly responsible for the design of 50 million vehicles and completely changed the face of the American automobile in the 1950’s. No single man has had such an impact on the shape of American auto design and no one man has been guilty of so many design excesses. Included in his space-themed design were other images such as chrome denture like grilles, dashboards that looked like they belonged to jet fighters with dozens of switches and controls, bumpers protrusions known as “Dagmars”, hood ornaments which looked like missile launchers.

The 1959 Cadillac is an American icon. You will see this year model displayed in many 50’s styled diners and restaurants. Hard Rock cafe always has either a 1959 or 1960 Cadillac displayed in their restaurants. The 59 also starred in many films, like in the Clint Eastwood movie “Pink Cadillac”. The 59 Cadillac was a monument to American optimism in the 1950’s; it was in fact the “American Dream”. Who wouldn’t love to drive one of these today? Today you will be hard pressed to find a restored 59 convertible for less that $70,000 with many of them selling for well over 100K.

Some of the features of the 59 Series 62 Cadillac included power brakes, power steering, automatic transmission, central locking, tinted glass, and some options include headlight dimmers (autronic eye), electrically operated windows, seat adjust, and trunk. Some of the other models available included the 8 seater Fleetwood Limo, and the Eldorado Biarritz which is the most valuable ‘59 Cadillac model.

Specs for 1959 Cadillac Series 62
Engine: 390 c.i. V8, cast iron head and block
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Induction: Carter 4-barrel carburetor
Maximum Power: 325 bhp at 4800 rpm
Maximum torque: 435 lb-ft at 3400 rpm
Top Speed: 121 mph
0-60 mph: 11 sec
Transmission: GM TurboHydramatic Automatic
Body/Chassis: Steel body on steel X-frame chassis
Steering: Recirculating ball
Wheels and Tires: Steel discs, 15 inch diameter
Brakes: Drums, 12 inch dia. (front and rear)
Front Suspension: Wishbones with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Rear Suspension: Live axle with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Height: 55.9 inches
Weight: 4885 lbs
Quarter Mile Performance: who cares?
Production: 11,130
Price: $5000 for Series 62, $7400 for Eldorado

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What Are Good Classic Car Classifieds

When people think of buying a car, the first thing on their minds are car classifieds. The same is true for classic cars; classic car classifieds exist as well. The fact is that, regardless of what connections one has, there is no definite way to determine just who is selling what for how much. In a fluctuating, active game like that which classic car classifieds cater to, a comprehensive listing that is as up-to-date as possible is essential for many. After all, some collectors are going to be willing to part with one of their machines and, at the same time, another collector is going to be looking to add another vehicle to his extensive collection.

Classic car classifieds are very similar to their counterparts for more usual cars. These classifieds are listings of ads placed by people looking to sell their classic automobile, though some of these classifieds also contain sections for people looking to buy a specific classic car. Some classifieds have also taken an idea from a variety of their online counterparts and included listings for parts and supplies related to the maintenance of classic cars. The usual details put into an ad include the make and model of the car, what condition the car is in, the price, the contact information of the person selling the car, and the seller’s location. While not common, some listings also allow for the submission of buyers looking for specific cars. These instances are rare but, according to some reports, they are increasing.

Also, since the definition of what a classic car actually is tends to vary from group to group, so do the listings. Some classic car classifieds will outright reject a car ad if it does not fit in with their standard list of what constitutes an automobile classic. As such, it is advisable to first check the limitations and terms of a particular listing to see if the car you are trying to sell would fit with their definition of a classic auto. Details to look out for include the relative age of the machine, the specific make, model, and year of the car, and whether or not that particular car listing has a specific list of models they will accept. Despite all these restrictions, however, these listings are still a car collectors best chance and finding that car to complete his personal collection.

As previously stated, the classic car classifieds are a collector’s best bet at finding that one car to complete their collection. These listings also serve as a great resource for maintenance because more and more are including listings of parts for sale, as well as the few places where one can have parts specially made or ordered. Classic car classifieds still have a few problems, like the fact that none of them can seem to agree on what is or is not a classic car, but there are so many of them that it isn’t hard to find a listing that will fit your needs.

For more valuable information on Classic Car Classifieds, please visit http://classifieds.itrustmotors.com//cgi-bin/classifieds.cgi?db=classic

All You Need To Know About Classic Collector Auto Insurance

Classic collector auto insurance is what’s referred to as nonstandard car insurance, which includes specialty car insurance for the classic car collector or owner of a modified car.

Classic collector and modified car insurance is very much like standard insurance but with significant differences regarding use of the vehicle and the method of determining value. Although there are criteria for the classic collector–often a minimum age of 25, 10 years driving experience, and a good driving record–insurance on a modified car or on classic cars depends a great deal on the car.

There Are Limitations

A classic auto is usually defined by age, 15 years the usual minimum. In some states, Massachusetts, for example, the age of a classic car must be at least 25 years. Most insurers further require that the components of the classic car are original or restored to original, that the classic be stored in a garage, and that the owner maintains a daily-use vehicle for everyday use.

While limited pleasure driving and club or hobby activities are acceptable under classic car insurance provisions, daily driving, commuting to work, and commercial use of a classic auto is not. Limitations on a modified car are similar.

A Boon To The Car Collector

Also an important difference in classic car insurance is the means of determining the value of the classic car. In most states, Massachusetts, Texas, and Virginia the exceptions, the insured value of the classic car is an ‘Agreed Value’.

Unlike the case of standard insurance where the provider determines the value of the vehicle, specialty insurers agree with the owner on the value up front and are bound to that amount in the event of total loss to the classic car.

Because of the criteria on the owner, the use and storage limitations on the classic car or modified car, and the predetermined valuation of the vehicle, specialty insurers can offer insurance rates on a classic auto or modified car that are often better than on policies for vehicles covered under standard car insurance, a real boon to those who have a car collection.

Jon Butt publishes http://www.which-car-insurance.com A free resource site devoted to advising all on the car, motor and auto insurance facts you need to know, the different types, cover levels, the top car insurance companies, how to buy wisely online or through local brokers. All vehicles are all covered in this easy insurance guide.

American Concours Foundation Announced Auction For Four Classic Automobiles

Four classic automobiles will be auctioned by the American Concours Foundation with the proceeds going to charitable institutions like the Amelia Island Concours Foundation and the Concours Las Vegas.

The four classic automobiles will be sold separately and will be auctioned online. The four vehicles are totally unique and rare that the bidding will surely go through the roof. A Mercedes, a Lincoln and two Jaguars will be auctioned via eBay.

The first of the four classic automobile is a 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Show Car. This timeless piece of engineering was first introduced to the public in 1954 at the New York Auto Show. It is distinct among it predecessors because of the fact that it did not debut during a European motor show.

Aside from that peculiarity, the Mercedes Benz 300SL is also best known for its gullwing or butterfly wing doors. The door configuration is now being used on sports cars and is also known to enhance the aesthetic value of a vehicle.

The 300SL is also the first car to be equipped with a gasoline engine with the direct fuel injection system. This means that the technology used in the 300SL is akin to diesel engine. The estimated value for this rare car is between $600,000 and $700,000.

The second car on the auction block is a rare 1954 Jaguar XK 120 Drop Head Coupe. This rare car is the forefather of the modern Jaguar XK which has captured the attention of performance enthusiast not only because of its high aesthetic value but also because of its high level of performance. The particular Jaguar XK to be auctioned has been thrice owned, with the current owner having owned the car since the year 1991.

The third classic car which will be auctioned is a 1933 Lincoln KA V-12 Model 513A Convertible Roadster. This is the oldest car in the group and is also the rarest of the four - owing to its age. The car can accommodate two or four passengers, and is equipped with rumble seat and side mounts. This particular model was designed by Dietrich and the body was built by the Murray Corporation.

The last of the four classic cars to be auctioned is another Jaguar. This time, a 1967 Jaguar E Type Vintage Roadster OTS Race Track Prepped. The car combines both beauty and strength. This street legal is ready for a race, thanks to its abundant supply of power. The car has seen life in the fast lane since it has begun its racing life way back in the early seventies.

The auction for the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing and the Jaguar XK120 will end on the 11th of March. The Lincoln and the Jaguar E Type will be on the auction block until the 13th of this month.

All these cars are born in the time of history where cars are equipped with high performance engines. With these cars in full throttle, even an EBC pad paired with a high quality rotor will be pushed hared to stop these cars.

Finding A Restoration Specialist For A Classic Car

Until the mid nineties, it was relatively easy to find restoration shops that could take a classic car and rebuild it, detail it, replace brackets, bolts, clamps, restore the interior, refinish the body and so on. Since then, however, restoration shops have been slowly disappearing from the scene leaving many classic car owners with much fewer places to go for help.

Happily, even though the shops themselves have disappeared, many of the mechanics and other restoration experts who worked on those classic automobiles are still around and are more than willing to help you, if you can find them.

One of the best places to find an auto restoration specialist is at a classic auto show. Look for newspaper or television notices of classic auto conventions and events occurring near your town and make an effort to attend. As you look at the cars, take special note of the ones that have restoration quality work that impresses you. Then, simply ask questions to find out who did the restoration work on the vehicle. If you do this for all the classic cars the impress you, you will probably have quite a list by the time you leave the auto show.

Depending on where the automobiles hail from, quite a few of the restoration experts may be too far away from your home. This doesn’t mean that you should not contact them. In fact you should contact ALL of them. Simply tell them that you were recently at an auto show and saw some of their work which you admired. Explain that you are looking for someone they could recommend that does quality work similar to them but who is closer to your town. You will not get referrals from all the experts that you contact but you may be pleasantly surprised at how many names you do get. Many will also give you other restoration tips that you might not have thought of on your own. And it never hurts to build up your contact list.

The advantage of finding a restoration specialist in this manner as opposed to finding them through a phone book or a newspaper ad is that you have seen, first hand, the results of their labor.

Another excellent way to find classic car repair specialist is to join and become a member of one or more classic auto clubs. These clubs can be an invaluable resource for finding parts, services, and other information of interest to classic car hobbyists. The best thing about these clubs are that they are full of enthusiasts who are always willing to go above and beyond to help other members. And don’t think that these clubs have to be local. If you’re in New York and join a club based in Chicago, for example, in most cases you’ll still be able to actively take part in the club through their bulletin boards, newsletters, ezines, and so on. Classic automobile clubs can also help you to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous shops, restoration specialists and so on.

In addition to pointing you to the best restoration resource, classic car clubs help their members by giving them information on what questions they should ask a classic car renovation specialist. The clubs will also give them tips on how to tell if they’re being gouged or overbilled, how long certain jobs should take, what to do if there’s a dispute between you and the car renovation specialist and more.

As more and more restoration shops leave the scene, the classic car owner will increasingly find himself looking for all of the help that he can. At least, for now, the help is still out there if you’re willing to take the time to research and find it.

Carl Phllips discusses antique car appraisal and other classic car restoration issues. He is an author and regular contributor to http://www.antiquecarcollectors.com

Investing In Classic Cars

Are you an investor looking for ways to make your money make more money, have you considered investing in classic cars, the classic American and classic British cars are a good choice for you, if you spend some time, and do some research you could very well be pleasantly surprised at what you find, a lot of these cars are now worth ten or more times there original value, you’ve just got to think, how many investments you know of can do that.

Back in the day a HEMI 1970 CUDA sold for around $3164 and today you could not touch one of these cars for less then $150,000, and that would be an extremely good buy, I recently seen one sell for $1,500,000 at auction, and this is not uncommon for this type of muscle car, not to long ago I was out reading up on pricing of these car, and I ran in to a 1969 ZL1 camaro that had just sold for $880,000 at auction, this car from the factory went for around $7,000 when it was new.

While these were very special cars that the factories didn’t build a lot of, if you do some research you’ll find that there are still some good investments to be found in the automotive world, if you have some money to start with, you can do very well with these cars; I could go on for about a hundred years with a list of American and British cars to invest in, but I’ll just keep things short and to the point.

If you haven’t looked in to this; you may think that I’m just up in the night, or you might even want some of what I’ve been smoking; I have done a lot of research on these old cars, and I’m here to tell you, I am not up in the night, I have spent most of my life studying these cars, and during my studying I learn certain things, and in a lot of cases things even make me go HHHMM what is going on around here, how could this be.

I haven’t only seen this type of thing one or maybe two times, I have seen it over and over again, if your an investor and you have an interest in cars, it just might be the right time to start throwing some of your cash at the classic car industry, or at least look in to it a bit more, if you have a favorite car, or favorite manufacture; do some research on the car or manufacture that you love, chances are that there was some special version of you favorite car built, and that would peak your interest HUH?

* Classic Car Restoration

I’ve been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it’s where my heart is.

http://autorevival.com