Posts Tagged ‘classics’

Ford Mustangs Are Selling Better Than Our Donuts

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

When the innovative and trendsetting Ford Mustang automobile legend was introduced to the market, nobody expect its extraordinary increase in sales and fame to automobile enthusiast. It was Jon Najjar and Robert Eggert responsible to make them happened. Ford Motor Company introduced Mustang at the New York World’s Fair in April 17, 1964. Mustang was new design base on the combination of Thunderbird and Ford Falcon.Under the leadership of Ford Company president Robert McNamara Ford had pioneered such concepts as automobile safety and the conceptual marketing of “economy cars” rather than the “big boats” that the market leader G.M. ( General Motors) was famous for. The Ford Falcon was Ford’s very successful economy car model. Essentially the Mustang was built on this proven platform. Ford’s costs and time needed to bring the Mustang to market were little in comparison to a totally brand new product. Production problems as well were not an issue. Hence Ford could readily introduce a very reasonably and low priced sporty product for “60′s” generation and ramp up production in a snap.

Ford Mustangs were overall remarkable for its pony style car models but to Mustang car enthusiasts and “Mustang Guys”, it seems that no matter what every year new models got heavier and larger. The Ford Motor Company designers assigned to revive the Ford Mustangs listened. They went “back to basics” and essentially were forced to bring back to the original 1964 model after receiving several suggestions or what might be considered angry mail from Mustang enthusiasts and Mustang Sport Car Clubs members.

Mustang’s new design was made possible through General Motor Engineers and Larry Shinoda. They were hired by Henry Ford to enhance and conceptualize new car models. Sports Roof Mustang was one of their models that had three-element tail-lamps. This new feature helped drivers to have better vision of passing vehicle through rear mirrors. Mustangs produced in 1970′s were heavier and bigger compared from its first release. Knudsen designed the new Mustang using Torino / Fairline sheet metal. It didn’t succeed because car buyers preferred to have fuel economy and safety cars. Ford Company produced great car models like Boss 351, 429 Cobra Jet and 351 Cleveland. But the Mustang 351 C became the most famous among these models. Mustang 351 C have unique features such as wraparound instrumentation, hidden wind shield wipers, bolt-on facade, modular bolt-in dash board, and monster engine.

King Cobra was the enhanced model of Mustang II. It didn’t become more popular than its origin because Ford immediately introduced the 1979 models with Fox platform. The interior can accommodate four people at the rear sit, bigger trunk, as well as the engine. In addition, it was used in the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car which result Ford to produce another 10,000 replicas.

During the 1990′s, Fox 4 models became popular though it’s heavier and under-power. This is also the same era when 4.6L SOHC and DOHC V-8s models were used in the GT and SVT Cobra. The 2005 SN197 is believed the safest car of Ford with three-link suspension and axle. Finally, 2010 models will be soon released for public viewing. No doubt about it the Ford Mustang automobile line was both an innovator and trend setter in the automotive marketing marketplace.

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Advantages of Driving a Hybrid Car

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Driving a car is something that can be quite exhilarating, as it makes the person feel free, as if they can go anywhere that their hearts desire. With the unveiling of the new hybrid vehicles, there is an alternative means to get to a destination. These vehicles are some of the best for the money, while keeping things such as the environment and gas mileage in mind. They are many other advantages of driving a hybrid salvage cars, even over these huge ones that make many people convert; even if it’s just for the fact that they are cheaper when it comes to insurance.

The Environment The environment is something to take into account when purchasing a car in many people’s minds, as they are mindful of the depletion of the earth’s ‘greenhouse’ gases. By using clean energy of the electric motor, they emit less energy into the ozone layer. Not only is this better for the environment, the hybrid end up performing better gas mileage wise than the standard vehicle. They are also just as strong power wise as the traditional cars that run on fossil fuels with the advancement of technology in the field of hybrid cars.

The Technological and Monetary Benefits The hybrid cars, dubbed the car of the era’, is definitely one that is impressive. Not only do they perform just as well as the standard vehicle, they can really save people money. They get better mileage than your average car, with the implementation of electricity in their composition. With the Regenerative Braking technology, the batteries of these hybrid vehicles do not have to be charged by an external source. The hybrid car itself actually has tax benefits, which is something somewhat unheard of in the car industry, as governments implore people to make the switch over to protect our environment. On that note, there is also a nice buyer’s incentive provided to those who drive these green vehicles.

In the grand scheme, the hybrid vehicle is something that is amazing because of its overall good it can do for the environment and governments alike. Considering the dependency on fossil fuels and the rising gas prices, if everyone owned a hybrid vehicle the price of crude oil will fall, resulting in a world-wide sigh of relief for everyone dependant on it.

The future for the hybrid vehicle is a bright one, indeed. As the technology advances and the price of these vehicles lowers, a hybrid vehicle will soon be commonplace, and everyone will see the amazing advantages to driving a hybrid vehicle. With the incentives and specials that these cars have, one will find it amazing how people would consider ever driving a car that runs solely on fossil fuel alone. For those who are skeptical about the hybrid vehicle, after one drive of the vehicle they will see that there are hardly any differences between that and the standard vehicle. And if they are available to help out the environment and global economy, they are differently worth a shot.

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What Is the Average Lifespan of a Vehicle?

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Whether you are thinking about buying a car and trying to decide if the cost of a new car is worthwhile or are wondering how much money you should put into repairing your older vehicle, learning the average lifespan of a vehicle can help you with your decision. Of course, averages are not always accurate, and you may find that your car lives much longer or much shorter than the average, but an average can help you make an educated choice.

The Official Average According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, vehicles tend to last just over 13 years. Mileage also plays a role in how long a car, truck, or van will last, and the average final mileage for a vehicle is 145,000 miles. Half of all of the vehicles on the road today are 8 years old or older, with a third of them being at least 10 years old.

Thoughts for Buying Cars If you are in the market for another vehicle, the decision about buying new or used is sometimes difficult. Of course, your budget may dictate that you shop for a used car, and used cars depreciate much less quickly than new ones, but you will probably get a longer lifespan out of a new vehicle. New vehicles come with warranties, which make maintenance and repair early in the vehicle’s life convenient. Also, you will not be buying someone else’s “problem” when you buy a new car. If there is a mechanical problem or recall on the car, it will probably be covered in the warranty.

Buying a used car does mean you can end up buying someone else’s problem. On the other hand, if the used car is less than 8 years old, you have a pretty good indication that it will last a while, based on national averages. You will also be able to afford more “extras” in a used car than in a new car for the same amount of money, provided you have enough for a new car to begin with.

Dealing with an Existing Vehicle If you have an older car that is in need of some serious repair, such as a transmission job or a complete engine overhaul, understanding the lifespan of a vehicle will help you decide whether or not to put the money into the vehicle that is necessary for the repair. If the vehicle is almost 13 years old or has close to 145,000 miles, it is probably nearing its end. If you put a few thousand of dollars into a repair, and the vehicle only lasts a few more months or even another year, you will be in bad shape.

Instead, consider junking the car. The working used car parts, body, and even tires in some cases, can be salvaged and sold by the junkyard, and you can get some of that money upfront. You can use that money and the money you would have spent on repairs for a down payment on a more reliable used vehicle or even a new vehicle. Before you put money into the repairs, call the junkyard to see how much you can get, and consider using that money to purchase a better vehicle.

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Is It Very Difficult to Get Classic Auto Parts?

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

If you are working on restoring a classic car, finding parts can be a challenge. Depending on the vintage and popularity of the model you own, parts may or may not be available through the original manufacturer. If they are, the manufacturer will charge a premium price, because there is less demand for those parts then there would be for parts for newer models. If you cannot get parts from the dealership or original manufacturer, you are going to have to get creative. Here are some options for you to consider.

Shop with Other Enthusiasts If you can join a classic car enthusiast club or website or simply network with other enthusiasts in your area, you may be able to find some contact information for parts suppliers that deal with used classic car auto parts. Some of the enthusiasts themselves may have parts they no longer need or cars they are willing to take parts from to sell. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will find parts in this way, but it is worth a try.

Go Online Another option to consider is shopping online. You can find many classic car parts on eBay and online classifieds websites. Shopping online opens the entire world to your disposal, so if you are searching for a very rare part, you have a greater chance of finding it. Keep in mind, however, that many stores and websites are geared toward American shoppers, so you might have to pay extra for shipping when shopping from Canada. Always watch the shipping fees before you commit to making a purchase, because these can greatly affect how much of a bargain or value you are getting for your money.

Also, keep in mind that you will not have the chance to see the parts before you buy. Make sure the online listing has very detailed photos. Even with pictures, though, you still run the risk of ending up with a rusty part, because the photographer can conveniently forget to show a side of the part that contains rust damage.

Head to the Junk Yard Another option is to visit a junkyard. Junkyards deal with cars of all years, makes, and models, and they salvage every part possible from the cars they get. Because most of the cars they take in are older, you have a high likelihood of finding something to fit your classic car.

Most junkyard owners are experts in car parts, simply because of the nature of their work. You can ask the junkyard owner to keep his eyes open for a particular part that you need.

Some junkyards even list their inventory online, giving you the chance to see what they have from the comfort of your home. If you do not live near the junkyard, you can order over the phone or Internet if they have what you need. Shopping for parts for your classic car can be like a treasure hunt. You have to be creative and the search can be a challenge, but with these resources you are sure to find what you need.

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