Ford Classic Cars

Let us now take a look at the top five Ford classic cars.

The Ford GT

Inspired by the ford GT40 model this car gives you the ultimate racing experience. It is amazing that this car is not only for race tracks but also is highway friendly and glides with panache on both roads. With 18 inch front wheels and 19 inch rear wheels these make the best of technology without having to compromise on the style quotient. The doors cutting open from the roof of the cars is an additional feature giving the car an exotic look.

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Ford Mustang

Originally it came with a V-6 120 hp engine. The beauty of the car lies in the fact that it is usually made considering specifications from the owner. Mustang is undoubtedly the best looking beast for anyone wanting to drive muscle cars. I agree it is not one of the smoothest on roads but it behaves well making it easy for the driver to keep control. Not only is this car fashionable but it is one of those rare combinations of looks and brawn. So get out of your house in this powerful machine and dare your foe to not catch attention. You are sure to win the wager.

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Ford Shelby GT500

This is nothing but a high performance variant of the Mustang but if you wish to take it lightly because you already know about its parent then you couldn’t be more mistaken. Ford launched this version in the 2007 and created waves by immediately being ranked as one of the Ford classic cars.  The GT500 uses a 5.4 L (330 CID) modular 500 hp (370 kW) supercharged V8.  Some important features worth mentioning  the Tremec Tr – 6060 6-speed manual transmission, suspension tuning, a body kit, and 18 inch wheels.

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Ford Fiesta Sedan

If you are a simple person going for simple sensuous designs at affordable prices then Ford fiesta sedan is the perfect option for you. The metallic sheen gliding smoothly on all kinds of roads may not give the driver the pace of other high power Ford classic cars but this is your answer to an exotic getaway in an exotic vehicle. It has a bold kinetic design speaking of dignity and aura for itself. Carefully designed surfaces, divergent colours and comfortable, accommodating materials make the interior as strikingly different from others as the driver. Its modern features enable fuel efficiency delivering exceptional power, fuel economy and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

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Ford Figo

The first time I saw the Ford figo, it was like a baby wonder created by ford. You step into the car and you get the feel of sitting in a sedan. The interiors are comfortable and sexy as expected from ford.

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The engine is perky and doesn’t lack power and also present adequate torque on the wheels when you are driving at slow speeds. A compact gear box with good gear ratios is an advantage. It is a good riding experience. Even at 100 km/hr it is pretty much smooth on the roads and gives you no reason to complain.

What collectors look for in a collector car is its rarity, uniqueness, desirability, affordability and most importantly, the psychological value it carries in the form of status symbol. Owners of collector car auctions claim that while profit can never be guaranteed for any investment, collector car prices are constantly increasing by 5 to 15 percent annually.

Collector Cars

In spite of rising prices, you need not get discouraged every time you dream of owning a certain Rolls Royce or those beautiful vintage cars you see in royal weddings. Just read further and you will be delighted to know that there are some very affordable classic cars beginning from prices as low as $30,000.

1967-72 Camaros and Firebirds

These models, just like the Mustang range of cars, were produced in huge numbers. The Camaros has high performance models like those powered with 396 cubic-inches V8, or the race bred 1967-68 Z-28, or the Firebird 400 and the 1969 Trans Am (which is very rare).

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You can also take a look at the Firebirds’ Formula models of 1970-72, with overhead camshaft six cylinder engines with the same V8 power as compared to the costlier Trans Am of around the same years.

1967-70 Mustang Coupes and Fastbacks

These cars brought about a “generation launch”. Out of the millions of cars made about a hundred thousand can still be found. High value Mustang models are out of the reach of beginners in the collecting cars fashion, especially the 1965-66 convertibles loaded with the GT package, the 271-HP V8, the 428 cubic-inches Cobra Jet engine models of the 1968-70’s time and the Boss 302 and 429 Mustang varieties.

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For prices below $30,000, you can go for hardtop range of Mustang cars. Convertibles lovers can enjoy their favorites with the six cylinder engine Mustangs of 1965-66 for a reasonable price. A 1967 V8 convertible model of the car would be the best buy, bearing a price tag of $15,000, for pristine models.

1964-69 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

The Impala range of models is not as great as compared to the high priced models like the Chevrolet Bel Air of 1957 and 1958. However, it can be found to be packed with powerful V8, bucket seat and trimmed model designs. Models with high V8s of 409 and 427 cubic inches are priced above $30,000, so go for models with lower V8s which will be pocket-friendly.

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1968-71 Pontiac Tempest

The Pontiac Tempest does not rank as high as the prestigious GTO but a V8 powered ragtop variety of the Tempest would still be a good performance car, considering you can settle for something lower than the GTO if you want to go by the budget. The Pontiac Tempest has a Chevy 350cid engine, TH350 box, and 12b rear axle and was built for legal street racing.

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1968-71 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible

It is a great muscle car with a 350 rocket engine and 350 Turbo Automatic transmissions. It boasts of 342 gears and 442 badging which sets it apart from many others of similar category. You can definitely try out this car for an entertaining experience.

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1966-71 Dodge Charger

Iconic cars in their initial days, they are equipped with 426 cubic inches Hemi V8 which makes them stands out as the “gold standard” car. However, if you are low on your budget, you can go for smaller V8 cars. The 1966-67 model is a great bargain in the family of the Charger cars as it has a huge fastback style. And do not make the mistake of taking them for outdated cars; they look good even after so many years.

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1964-71 Chevrolet Chevell SS

In response to its competitors like the great GTO and the Oldsmobile 442, Chevrolet churned out from its factory huge numbers of this category of cars. You can look for cars with hardtops and lower V8s.

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Big block V8 models of the cars are auctioned at above $50,000. However, convertible models manufactured in the years 1964-67 are within the budget of entry-level collectors. Hence, low V8 cars are expected to be priced from $30,000 onwards.

1969-71 Pontiac Grand Prix

This marked Pontiac’s first venture into distinctive luxury personal sports vehicles. The big and powerful V8 cars are stylish in design and are meant for those whose primary psychological need is “style”.

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The rare S/J models can make for cheaper buys if their designs (which is not as good as the high priced models) are able to impress you.

1966 Oldsmobile Toronado

This was similar to the Pontiac Grand Prix in that it popularized as a major style statement when it had just been introduced in the market. Not only this, it marked an important engineering fashion as it was the first vehicle with GM front wheel drive.

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Also, since the Oldsmobile brand is dying away, you can purchase their cars and add them to the collection of collector cars. However, not all models in the range are collector cars.

1967-70 Mercury Cougar

This car was introduced as the “sister car” of the Mustang models. Unfortunately, it did not hit off too well as its sister counterpart. The high-end Cougar variety, XR-7 convertibles, is well within the $30,000 border. The rising fame of Mustang may indicate rise in the price of the Cougar variety also.

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So you see, there are a wide range of cars at your disposition. But in spite of being collector car- crazy, you might be confused regarding your choice of cars. The above listed cars are priced within $30,000. For more lavish expenditures you can consider buying Ferrari GTO (priced at $7 million) or the Rolls Royce, which will empty more than $1 million from your pockets.

Among the recent cars that are future contenders to become collectors cars are the Audi S5, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR, Honda S2000 CR, Cadillac XLR-V Roadster, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Pontiac Solstice/ Saturn Sky, Lotus Exige S, to name a few.

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In the recent years it has become quite a trend to customize a classic car according to one’s own specifications. Its human nature to customize their most prized possession in a way they want it to be. Same is the case with classic cars.

Another more practical reason can be that classic cars were produced many years back and lack a lot of features you might want to have in your classic cars, like fancier paint jobs, more powerful and sophisticated engine, better wheels, better safety options like seat belts or airbags, and some hydraulics.

Always keep one thing in your mind before customizing your classic car, that its market value will suffer. But quite frankly it’s a personal choice between market value or a comfortable and safe ride.

Here are some practical tips to assure a good and cost affective classic car customization.

The Master plan:

As opposed to restoring a classic car to its original or stock specs, there is a lot more you need to consider when you decide to customize a classic car. Well the most important is how you want your car to look and feel as that’s what customizing is all about.

Visualize, look before you leap.

Be 100% sure what you want in terms of look and feel of your car, some people like flames and skulls and some may like pinups and chrome, whatever the case its all about personal choice. For start, look at some nice customized cars on the internet or maybe a magazine. Make a list of all the things you like and all the stuff you will like to add or remove. Try and sketch or visualize what you want your car to look like, if you are not very good with sketching, ask for some expert help, its better than ruining or overdoing your classic car.

Details and Specs:

The most important part of a car is its engine, choose an engine very wisely. If you wish to add a supercharger, make sure your engine can handle it. Also keep in mind that you don’t choose something that will unbalance your car. Make sure to upgrade or replace your cars suspension according to your new engine. It’s always wise to involve someone with good knowledge to inspect your car and provide you with practical and balanced options before you actually make any changes in term of engine and suspension.

Do not anything that will fatigue the delicate body of your classic car, for example adding to much hydraulics will wear down your classic car and you will need more repairs.

Be very careful if you decide to make drastic changes to your car like turning a hard top in to a convertible. Such huge body alterations are irreversible and just might destroy the market value of your car.

Safety First:

Don’t make any change that will compromise the safety of the car and its passengers. If you have used a big engine with superchargers, make sure you add sports grade brakes. Don’t forget to add good seatbelts an airbags. Plain looks are nothing if safety and comfort are missing. Always double check every nut and bolt before you take your ride out on its maiden drive.
Customizing your classic car may bring down its market value, but I some cases losing a little money to fulfill your dream means nothing. The other good thing about customizing a classic car is that you don’t have to go on a safari to look for original spare parts, you have an ocean of choices.

1965 Pontiac GTO:

This is a really cool car with a muscular built. People have been attracted to its amazing power and grace. It has long been a really inspirational car with high speed and power. Its options are many and remain inspirational while being driven out. It has amazing speed and power.

It has been named and designed by the Goat. In 6.1 seconds it comes out to be driven in full and whole power. It structure is always awe inspiring and it has some of the muscles of any coveted built of car. It has chops to control and list all the status that the car enthusiasts have to be tweaked in with warriors. It is a special prize of great power and release of energy within the hood.

1970 Buick GSX Stage 1:

This is a beefy and high handled car that runs with 360 bhp. It is tested well and comes out to be one of the highest runners with 400 or bigger valves. They have better head while they can have hotter camshafts.

This is kind of a unique supercar with a quarter mile run in 13.38 seconds. They came in the colors Apollo White and Saturn Yellow.

Hagerty Insurance Agency for instance is a great insurance business that keeps the years rolling for vintage cars, bringing them in lively state. One really gets to benefit from the premiums and insurances. The Agreed Value coverage can bring immense benefits to the liability charges. These are also good for securing the adequate protection of the cars and keeping them in good state.

The charges don’t matter as long as there are no in-house claims which can come to be hefty. The repairing shops can also be chosen according to the specialty of the vintage cars. Different cars would have separate needs and thus it is always wiser to go by the unique need of your car and consulting your insurance dealer of course. For vintage car customized insurance not only help to save the costs long run but also keep the car in great shape.
The CHROME specialty car insurance for instance, insures cars like Classic, Hot Rods, Original, Modified and Exotic.

This is how the acronym of CHROME is derived. There are additional value coverage too that gets charged through the use of CHROME insurance. Overall it is a great thing to work with! You can get spare body parts worth $500 for the maintenance of the car. There is a generous system working for your vintage cars when you are having wide mileage coverage. The mileage coverage could go up to 10,000 miles. There are roadside, service as well as flatbed towing that are often available through the incurring of insurance like this.

Grundy worldwide insurance has to be over 60 years with the insuring collector having used their cars to have new cars to offer. The Agreed Value coverage is a great thing as well for unlimited mileage and careful preservation of old cars, to keep the best of their looks and performing abilities.

Source: Autos Craze