The Garage: Classic Car Talk

The Garage: Classic Car Talk - Car Insurance http://www.lelandwest.com insight, assistance, ravings and rants from a (car) fanatic to other (car) fanatics en-us Tue, 23 Apr 2024 19:59:00 -0800 Tue, 25 Jul 2017 11:31:00 -0800 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss matt@lelandwest.com matt@lelandwest.com matt@lelandwest.com no What Is Classic Car Insurance & How Does It Work? http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2017/7/what-is-classic-car-insurance-and-how-does-It-work <img alt='what is classic car insurance?' class='__mce_add_custom__' src='/blog/images/classic-car-insurance.jpg' style='float:left; height:265px; margin:10px; width:361px' title='what-is-classic-car-insurance?' />if you own an antique car or classic truck, you need a <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>classic car insurance</a> policy. vintage cars are an investment and have unique insurance coverage needs and claim status. you need the right classic auto insurance to repair or replace the car in the event of an auto claim. a classic car insurance policy recognizes the value and rarity of your vehicle and the distinctive insurance coverage needs. how classic car insurance works classic car collectors a standard classic automobile insurance policy issued by an independent agent of a typical independent insurance agency covers the "actual cash value" (acv) of the vehicle. you will only receive the original cost minus the amount of depreciation of your current vehicle. since, the acv of your vehicle depreciates yearly, insurance policies will not pay the full price of your collector vehicle, even if that vehicle is totaled, thanks to depreciation. classic car insurance coverage, however, operates under a different assumption of value. rather than depreciating the vehicle on a fixed schedule and calling that its value, the actual market value of the vehicle is considered with respect to paying for your loss. you and the insurer set an agreed value for your antique car, which matches its true current market value. if the vehicle is totaled, you receive the agreed-upon amount. the value paid out is calculated using classic car price guides, the rarity of the vehicle, auction results and other sources. some insurers require an appraisal at your expense, while others do not. classic insurance should be re-evaluated periodically. usually this is done every year at policy renewal but in special cases where values are increasing strongly you may want to do it every few months. classic autos and specialized collectibles, including sports cars, race cars, hot rods, muscle cars and motorcycles are likely to experience an increase in value. you will want to work with the insurer to raise the value of your policy if you believe there has been car appreciation (or in leaner years, to lower the value if it has decreased to save yourself some insurance premium dollars) <h2><a name='_z0x35cu9u62s'></a>what are the benefits of classic car coverage?</h2> there are many important reasons to opt for a specialized classic car insurance policy over a standard auto insurance policy. <h2><a name='_9319et2y9wh'></a>low premiums</h2> because your classic car isn't driven as often and is secure from the elements, when stored, the risk of theft, damage, or an accident is lower and so are your premiums. <h2><a name='_o11ij9k9g94d'></a>agreed value coverage</h2> classic car insurance allows you to cover your vehicle for an amount that you and your insurer agree upon. you won't need to fight with an insurance company about your car's actual value in case of an accident or damage. <h2><a name='_74fhuc7wtrq0'></a>appreciation is considered</h2> your classic car may very well appreciate in value over time, unlike most cars which depreciate rapidly. by setting an agreed value, you can factor in appreciation over time. <h2><a name='_rn2h43yyw7qv'></a><a name='_176h1txb1xug'></a>spare parts coverage</h2> spare parts can be expensive -- especially for classic and vintage cars. your specialized policy can provide $2,000 or more in spare parts coverage for lost or stolen parts. <h2><a name='_1695uit6e9la'></a>eligibility for classic car coverage</h2> there are certain eligibility requirements to meet before purchasing a classic or <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/what-we-insure/vintage-cars.cfm'>vintage car insurance</a> policy: ● drivers must have 9+ years of driving experience and a good driving record. everyone who will drive the vehicle must be reported on the policy. ● every licensed driver in the household must have a separate, insured, and acceptable vehicle available for their exclusive regular use. ● the classic, antique, or exotic vehicles covered may only be used on a limited basis for pleasure and not used for errands, daily activities, or commuting (except with a separate occasional commuting endorsement) ● the vehicle will be kept in a locked, fully enclosed garage at home. in some high-risk scenarios, a transmitter alarm may be needed. <h2><a name='_het0u8ov74g4'></a>car requirements for classic car insurance</h2> a classic car policy doesn't necessarily require that your car is “officially” a classic; it's a broad term that can refer to a wide range of antique, exotic, and classic cars with insurance needs beyond basic auto insurance policies! <h2>a classic car can include:</h2> ● exotic cars, including late models ● muscle cars ● antique cars ● sports cars ● hot rods ● collectible, classic, and rare cars if you aren't sure if your car is eligible for a classic car policy, give us a call! certain vehicles cannot be insured with a classic car policy. that includes vehicles that are used off-road or for camping, lifted vehicles, and cars fitted with "skinny" low aspect-ratio wheels unless they are original equipment. <h2><a name='_tml7txpu1dzn'></a>mileage limits of a classic car policy</h2> a traditional insurance policy is designed to cover a vehicle that's used for primary transportation, but classic car coverage is different. with most policies for a classic or vintage car, there's an expectation that the car will be used on a limited, pleasure-only basis. many classic car insurance policies have a mileage limit, or a maximum number of miles you can drive the car per year. this varies by state and insurance company. in some cases, an annual odometer reading is necessary. some policies do offer unlimited mileage. another option is a mileage rollover. if you pick an optional annual mileage limit, and then drive less than that limit, your unused miles roll over to your next policy year. <h2><a name='_cg1uz0gb9mw6'></a>classic car insurance cost</h2> the cost for classic car coverage depends on many factors, including your coverage amount, coverage terms, driving record, geographic area, and the vehicle itself. however, classic car insurance premiums are often more affordable than comparable coverage limits with standard auto insurance. why? because insurance companies specializing in classic, vintage, and exotic cars understand that the risk of a covered incident is much lower with vehicles that are only driven occasionally, very well cared for, and kept safe in a locked garage. <h2>protect your investment</h2> if you have a classic car, make certain you have the correct antique auto insurance for it. if you don't and the vehicle is damaged, you may find that your insurance doesn't cover what you have invested. popular questions: <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2019/9/how-to-find-the-best-classic-car-insurance'>who has the best classic car insurance?</a> <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2019/4/guide-to-insuring-classic-cars-and-aftermarket-parts'>when can i get classic car insurance?</a> Car Insurance Tue, 25 Jul 2017 11:31:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2017/7/what-is-classic-car-insurance-and-how-does-It-work 10 Reasons Why Classic Cars Are Better than Modern Ones http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/12/10-reasons-why-classic-cars-are-better-than-modern-ones <img alt='10 reasons why classic cars are better than modern ones' class='__mce_add_custom__' src='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/blog/images/classic-cars.jpg' style='float:left; height:351px; margin:10px; width:628px' title='10 reasons why classic cars are better than modern ones' /> if you are a classic car fan, you will know they just don't make cars the way they used to. both classic and modern cars do have good qualities to offer their drivers and passengers, but vintage vehicles seem to win when it comes to a number of factors. here are ten reasons why collector cars are better than modern ones. 1.the simplicity of older vehicles collector's cars are simple. they are not as needlessly complicated as their modern counterparts. modern vehicles typically have dozens of buttons and knobs that can be confusing to drivers. classic pieces kept things simple. they are easy to work on, there are no computers, no complicated wiring, and there is plenty of room for comfort. it is also because of their simplicity that classic cars make great diy projects since owners can get right under the hood and start working comfortably. 2.many vintage cars are smaller and lighter certain cars have grown in stature over the years. the mini, for example, has almost doubled in weight since its inception in 1959. the porsche 911 has grown approximately 100mm wider, and the vw golf has lengthened by around 500mm. what's more, it is an accepted fact that lighter sports cars tend to be better performers. while classic cars may be lighter and smaller than modern ones, most are still more durable and sturdier. modern vehicles may be made to last longer, but they are generally disposable. 3.collector's vehicles are stylish picture this scenario: you attend a car meet where two vehicles arrive at the same time. they park next to each other. one is a 1965 chevrolet corvette that has been expertly restored, and the other is a brand-new version of the corvette. most of the time, the classic corvette will garner more attention than its modern version. there seems to be something about classic cars that draws crowds. in contrast, newer offerings seem to all look similar. with older cars, there is no mistaking a studebaker for an oldsmobile. the cars have unique identities and come in memorable colors, and it is easy to tell one from another. now, it is as though the only thing that distinguishes your car from your partners' is the badge on the grille or trunk. 4.no driver aids needed... for expert drivers, or vintage car fanatics, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes are not considered a necessity. these types of driver aids tend to get in the way of fully enjoying a vehicle. thanks to the lack of technology, classic cars do not tell their drivers how to drive. if a driver wants to enjoy their car by doing handbrake turns, drifts, and burnouts, nothing is holding them back; they are in complete control of the car. 5....which makes you a better driver since there are no driver aids in antique cars, drivers are forced to become better drivers or risk crashing their car and having to use their nationwide classic car insurance. drivers have to learn throttle control, threshold braking, and how to effectively oversteer and understeer, all because there are no drivers aids to save a driver if they do something wrong. it is just the driver and the car. 6. fuel economy while modern cars may seem quieter and more economical at first, take a look at classic vehicles with small engines, and you will notice that they can be just as economical compared to today's saloon-like petrol engine ford focus, vauxhall astra, or even the bmw 316. vintage cars like the mini, ford popular, ford anglia, mg midget, and morris minor actually surpass many modern cars in fuel economy. in 1950, just two years after the first morris minor hit the market, the motor, a british motoring magazine, conducted a road test on the vehicle and found that the 918 cc engine could do 0 - 60 in just 50 seconds and with a fuel consumption yielding >42 miles per gallon. that was an exceptional result for a car first produced in 1948. 7. low maintenance as for servicing and maintenance, vintage cars come out above their modern counterparts since most servicing and maintenance work can be done by the owners. modern vehicles are packed full of electronics and having diagnostic tests run can be relatively costly. on the contrary, nearly every mechanical part on an antique car can be stripped and rebuilt. with modern vehicles, the sensors and electronics usually need to be replaced, which can be expensive. if you have the right parts for a classic car, it can be much cheaper to repair. 8. old cars are reasonably priced when you buy a new car, you may need to finance it. in the end, with interest payments, you could find you have paid considerably more than the selling price. in other words, new cars do not make good investments. alternatively, a vintage car could be far more cost-effective, particularly if you plan to restore it yourself. you may be able to find a 1966 mustang v-8 coupe, for instance, for a little more than $12,000. you can then search local parts stores for all the missing parts and rebuild or restore classic car yourself. 9.appreciation, not depreciation usually, when you buy a car it is the opposite of an investment. the average modern car depreciates as soon as you drive it off the showroom floor and is worth just half of its original value after a few years. classic cars, though, are a sound investment. when properly looked after, these cars appreciate in value as they get older. 10.more affordable insurance for classic cars when it comes to vintage car insurance, again, classic cars come out on top. a classicor collector car insurance policy is far cheaper than a modern car policy, especially when taken out with a company that specializes in classic insurance. drivers of classic cars report that their insurance policy is far more cost-effective than a policy for a modern car. considering the above 10 points, particularly when you think about the affordability of a classic car insurance policy, would you swap your modern car for a classic? <h2>stated value vs agreed value</h2> amongst car insurance companies, a battle is being waged of <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/stated-value-vs-agreed-value-classic-car-insurance.cfm'>stated value vs agreed value</a>. on the surface, they may seem similar or even the same, but in practice, they are quite different. the choice of stated value vs agreed value will affect how much money a company will pay out for a <a href='https://www.iii.org/article/insuring-your-classic-car'>claim</a>, so it’s important to understand it before taking out an n insurance policy on your classic car. popular questions: <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2019/4/guide-to-insuring-classic-cars-and-aftermarket-parts'>what does stated value mean?</a> <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/agreed-value-on-your-classic-car.cfm'>is agreed value worth it?</a> featured image credit: <a href='https://pixabay.com/en/oldtimer-chevrolet-chevelle-auto-1346828/'>tama66</a> Car Insurance Mon, 26 Dec 2016 05:48:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/12/10-reasons-why-classic-cars-are-better-than-modern-ones Classic Car Value | How Much Is Your Classic Car Worth? http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/11/how-to-value-a-classic-car <div class='wrapper'> <h2 dir='ltr'>how much is your classic car worth?</h2> to accurately find out how much a collectible car, truck or motorcycle is worth in value, there are many important factors to consider. everything from the retail pricing of the classic car to the provenance must be considered even if you are only getting a quote for<a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'> classic car insurance</a>. other important factors to consider include the overall condition of the vehicle and the classification of the car. before we get started, let's talk about some of the important terms you'll need to know in order to appropriately value a classic car, whether you're buying a classic car or you're selling a car that you own. <img alt='the pulpit rock' src='https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5613/15783134106_cf02db4bb2_c.jpg' style='height:253px; width:450px' /> <a href='https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5613/15783134106_cf02db4bb2_c.jpg' target='_blank'>image credit - michel curi </a>: https://www.flickr.com/photos/119886413@n05/ <h2 dir='ltr'>important terms to know</h2> the first thing to discuss when finding out how much your antique car is worth is the definition of the word value. for most people, value can be defined as "the monetary worth or marketable cost of an object." however, there are plenty of other factors that come into play when estimating the value of a classic or modified car. each of these factors can affect the cost and coverage of your collectible car insurance, so it's important car owners understand them. relative worth describes the factors that make a vehicle more or less valuable to an individual, whether that's a retail customer buyer or a seller. relative worth can include anything from the memories you share with the vehicle to the history of the car, including the current financial state of the buyer and the seller. these things may be very important to one person but meaningless to another; that's why it's relative worth. however, the relative worth may lead an individual to believe a used car is worth more than it actually is. another important term you'll need to learn, to value your classic car, is market value. the market value of a vintage car is the average estimated cost a typical interested buyer would pay for a used car and what a typical seller would accept in an open and competitive market. saleability is defined as the ease with which a new or used car may be sold. when a car, motorcycle or truck is suitable for sale, it is considered salable. there are various ways to determine the market value or saleability of a collectible vehicle. for example, the matching numbers of a used car include the numbers on an engine, chassis, transmission, and other significant components of a vehicle. when these numbers are all the same as when the vehicle was built, they can impact its value. this is particularly important for a modified car, where the parts may not have matching numbers. where market value and relative worth combine is in determining the provenance of a vehicle. provenance generally means "place of origin", but the definition is a bit different in the world of classic car insurance. in this case, provenance refers to the documented history that supports any claims made about the car, its accomplishments, or ownership. provenance is important for determining a collector vehicle's worth, and can contribute to the relative worth of a vintage car; for example, a used car may have belonged to a notable person or have been involved in a historic event, either of which could affect the value of the antique car. when assessing the value of your classic car, it's important to consider appropriate insurance coverage that reflects its true worth. stated value insurance is a valuable option to explore. with <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/stated-value-vs-agreed-value-classic-car-insurance.cfm'>stated value insurance</a>, you can establish the value of your classic car upfront, ensuring that you receive the agreed-upon amount in case of a covered loss. now that we know some of the important terms used during the process of valuing your classic car, we can get started! throughout this article, you'll learn how to value a classic car in a series of three steps. we'll also provide you with information about where to consult for classic car insurance advice and we'll discuss several of the possible hurdles you may run into while determining the value of your used car. <h2 dir='ltr'>what impacts antique and classic car values?</h2> the best way to value an antique or modified car involves following three simple steps. these steps are classification, condition, and comparables. during the first step of classification, you must classify the vehicle, taking the following into consideration: <ul dir='ltr'> <li>what is the car, exactly? what is the make, model, and year?</li> <li>does it have the proper markings and components?</li> <li>during the second step of condition, you need to determine the condition of the car or motorcycle:</li> <li>what physical state is the car in?</li> <li>how is the cosmetic appearance?</li> <li>how well does the vehicle operate mechanically?</li> <li>is your vintage car historically accurate (and if not, are the changes meaningful to the value)?</li> <li>the third step involves scoping out comparable vehicles:</li> <li>which similar models have sold in recent months?</li> <li>how much did similar models sell for?</li> </ul> whether you're the buyer or the seller of a classic car, it's important to know the classification, condition, and comparables of the collectible car you are pursuing. <h2 dir='ltr'>step one: classifying a collectible car</h2> it may seem reasonable to list the make, model, and year of a vintage car and expect that it should sell at the same value as other cars of the same make, model, and year, but many other factors must come into play. this is where classification comes in. as part of due diligence for the buyer, classifying a collectible car is meant to protect a buyer from purchasing something that is overpriced or even misrepresented. while it is fairly easy for car collectors to identify many different types of antique cars, it becomes a bit more difficult to classify limited production, one-off or modified cars. it may be difficult to tell whether or not a collectible car is truly authentic or a clone. muscle cars, race cars, and larger classic cars must be accurately identified since these popular collector's items and are more likely to attract replicas. in order to get your money's worth and ensure you're paying for an authentic classic car, it's important to decide whether or not the car you are pursuing is in fact the real deal and not a clone or a fake. when you're purchasing an authentic antique car, you want to make sure that it is actually the same automobile that the seller is making it out to be. for example, if you are selling a jaguar xjr and representing that it is the same car raced on the track by bob tullius in the 1980's, then it really needs to be that exact original vehicle, not one of his backup cars and not something that was constructed to match that car's configuration from scavenged parts. classifying a car is so much more than spotting a fake (or 'tribute'). as a buyer, you should be able to identify the model and equipment of the car -- is it supercharged or not? is the collectible car a rare model with a bigger engine and synchronized transmission? these may seem like minor details to someone who is outside of the car hobby, but they will impact how much you pay. many cars may appear to be identical when they're side by side, but looking under the hood is just as important! to properly classify a vintage car, you or a marque expert should confirm several things, including the major components of the car, the numbers (including the vin), documentation and provenance of a vehicle. firstly, confirm that the major components are in line with the marque or model. are the engine, rear end, transmission, interior, paint, trim, and other items in line with the marque? secondly, check the numbers. make sure the vin, parts numbers and build numbers are all appropriate to the car or model. do these numbers match the engine numbers and chassis? (assuming they should... a matching range could be just as authentic as a true match for some cars and your advance research should clue you into things like this). thirdly, confirm the documentation of the classic car. ensure the car's history and ownership are all documented with a paper trail, including all titles, registrations, photographs, bills, log book, and verbal history. obviously, more documentation is always better than less and you can't have too much of it. <h2 dir='ltr'>step two: verify the condition of the vintage car</h2> while it may seem like a no-brainer to look into the condition of a collectible car, there's more to it than meets the eye. the condition of an antique car cannot be determined by simply viewing its exterior. while it may appear to be in excellent condition, some of the most important factors are going to be hidden from view. the seller may claim that a car is in "good" condition, but what "good" means to them could mean something completely different to you. to ensure you're both on the same page, make sure you do your homework before you begin searching for a collectible car. read all you can about the car you want before you begin searching and meeting with sellers. learn about the car's weakest and strongest points and be sure to ask plenty of questions about each car you're looking into. as we mentioned earlier, there's a lot to be said about an antique car's overall condition in more places than just under the hood. learn to spot costly hidden issues such as engine noises, excessive suspension movement or clunks, rust in locations known to be a problem in your target car, poor bodywork, chassis damage, and incorrect components. hire professionals to check the condition of a vintage car if you're don't know what to look for. never assume a classic car is in good condition from photos alone -- always view it in person or hire an expert who can look at it for you. refer to a number of sources for rating criteria and cost (they will vary by source so averaging from the lot can be helpful). by doing all of your homework and learning as much as possible about the collectible car you're interested in, you'll save yourself plenty of headaches further down the road. <h2 dir='ltr'>step three: consider the comparables</h2> you would never purchase a new house without first checking out the comparables, right? in fact, your broker wouldn't even let you make an offer without researching comparable sales in the area. the same goes for purchasing a classic car. you may think a car is worth a certain amount of money until you check out comparable sales. considering comparable sales ensures your offer is in line with fair market value. to determine the market value of an antique or modified car, past sales must be reviewed. going over the sales of classic cars tells you what similar models are selling for and which direction the market is headed. sellers will point to advertisements with asking prices. anyone can ask for any value, but what matters is what was actually paid. the two numbers seldom are the same, and a buyer should weigh those values accordingly. in this day and age, a wealth of market information is generally at your fingertips. you should compare cost guides (most are available online now), online ad listings (restricting your results to completed sales is usually accomplished by checking a box on the search form), auction and private sales results (web sites that aggregate all the major auction houses' results make this easy), and seek out the opinions of other car collectors (taking a bit of care as the enthusiasm of fellow experts on web forums may exceed actual experience). determining the market value of a classic car can be a tedious and time-consuming task. however, given the amount of money involved, it is always worth the effort. it's very important to review information in as many places as possible to ensure you're making the most educated decisions possible. <h2 dir='ltr'>steps to determine the market value of a classic car</h2> we have several recommendations for making this as smooth of a process as possible. let's discuss these strategies in more detail. as stated already, interested buyers should take the time to obtain information from other collectors and look into price guides, auction results, and if you can find and verify them private sales results. buyers should never rely solely on one resource since results may be skewed, so it's important to look in as many places as possible and base their conclusion on the resulting bigger picture. <h2 dir='ltr'>price guides for antique cars & classic cars</h2> value guides are great resources because they're hugely accessible and tend to be very detailed for many makes and models of vehicles. however, they don't cover every variation of the more limited or esoteric vehicles throughout history, which is a definite downside. fortunately, these guides make great starting points for beginning your investigation. we recommend using several price guides and not just one since each guide prices vehicles differently. multiple guides help to give you a better idea of what the vehicle is worth. <h2 dir='ltr'>using the kelley blue book</h2> the kelley blue book was a well-known classic car value guide. since it launched in 1962, it has been informing values, pricing and sale of new and used cars. in 1993 the blue book became a public publication, and is now synonymous with the term "price guide". while their antique car print publication is no longer available, their<a href='https://www.kbb.com/whats-my-car-worth/'> online tool</a> can help determine the selling price of most antique cars 25 years old or newer. <h2 dir='ltr'>other value guides</h2> thankfully, there are plenty of other price guides for antique cars available online these days. some good value guides include: <ul> <li dir='ltr'> <a href='http://www.nadaguides.com/classic-cars'>nada (national automobile dealers association)</a> </li> <li dir='ltr'> <a href='https://www.hemmings.com/'>hemmings</a> </li> <li dir='ltr'> <a href='http://www.collectorcarmarket.com/'>collector car market review</a> </li> <li dir='ltr'> <a href='https://www.mecum.com/collector-cars'>mecum auctions</a> </li> <li dir='ltr'> <a href='http://www.antiquecar.com/'>antiquecar.com</a> </li> </ul> <h2 dir='ltr'>how accurate is the classic car book value?</h2> value guides and book values are a great way to get a general idea of the cost of a collectible car, though they're not perfect. even the most reliable value guides can't take into account the thousands of variables that go into every car sale. that's why they're best used as a rough guide, rather than complete fact. here are some of the factors that could affect a car's value versus its book value: <h2 dir='ltr'>the classic car dealer</h2> each car dealer operated differently, even if they are selling the same antique car. a value guide can give you a ballpark figure of what a particular car is worth, but the exact price can vary a fair bit with the dealer you choose. some will be open to haggling the price while others will be very stubborn. knowing the book value can help in starting negotiations, but the rest is up to you and your people skills. <h2 dir='ltr'>antique car age and condition</h2> no two cars are exactly the same, especially not vintage cars. one model might be a perfect replica, the other might have seen years of heavy use and neglect. the classic car book values are usually dependent on the cars being in excellent condition, meaning that you may be able to find cheaper models that need more work. if the car you are looking at is not in pristine condition, the book value is not a great marker of how much you should be paying. <h2 dir='ltr'>vintage car modifications</h2> while some owners will neglect their antique car, others can tinker away at them for years. depending on the age and condition of the car, you might find that models have various modifications to maintain performance, or even to amplify it. again, book values are based on a car in premium condition, so any changes or modifications should shave some of the cost off. <h2 dir='ltr'>using auction results to determine the value of a collectible car</h2> auction results are another great resource for determining the market value of a classic car. in order to find a good comparison, you should look for cars that are similar to the one you're looking to value. many auction websites take the time to post results on their websites which makes them hugely accessible. car collector magazines and newspapers also publish sale amounts. unfortunately, not all antique cars show up at an auction, so finding a perfectly comparable vehicle may be a long shot. this is particularly true for modified cars. that's why auction results are a great starting point but aren't the best way to fully determine the market value of a vehicle. it's important to remember that you should avoid relying solely on auction results for conducting market research -- many factors could come into play before a vintage car finally sells, including the time the car was run through the sale, the weather during the time of the auction (for outdoor auctions), the condition of the vehicle, and even the color of the car. auction websites may not include any information other than the final value, so it's hard to determine value with accuracy and precision based solely on auction data. a couple of publications that are likely to share sales costs include: this site aggregates all auction results from the major auction houses and archives the results over time believe it or not, ebay is now a mainstream forum for many classic and exotic cars. restrict your search to "completed listings only". you can also expand your search to include auctions where there were bids but the reserve was not met. the high cost reached is what buyers were willing to pay. as such these are worth considering as data points in your overall evaluation. <h2 dir='ltr'>how to use private sales data</h2> if you can get it, private sales data is useful but, as its name implies, private sales are generally unreported and kept 'under the radar'. note that reading ads in the back of your favorite classic car magazine is useful to give you an idea of what sellers are asking, but it doesn't tell you what the cars actually sold for once the negotiation started. it's best to look at the ads over a series of several months to see which cars have sold and which ones are still listed. if a car has been listed for several months and still hasn't sold, it may indicate that the asking price is too high, or too high for that car's condition. when a car does sell, feel free to contact the seller to ask for additional information. ask them about the set cost, condition of the car, and any unique features that it may have had. don't expect a response, but if you can get one, and you trust what you are told, it's more information that you can use. <h2 dir='ltr'>obtain information from other collectors</h2> other classic car collectors hold the key to valuable information that can make the selling or buying process a whole lot easier for you. when you speak to other car collectors who share the same car collecting interests, you can combine their knowledge with your own to help you come up with a ballpark estimate of the market value of your car. other classic car collectors are paying attention to the same data as you, but they might know something you don't. maybe they know to look in places you haven't checked yet or maybe they've been collecting cars for years and have more experience than you do. you never know--they may know someone who has previously sold a car similar to the one you're inquiring about! however, don't forget that if that sale is private, its also unknown to the world at large. use this knowledge as the basis for further exploration to try and find public justification for the amount you're selling for. the next time you attend a car show, consider chatting with other event attendees. networking is another useful tool.. <h2 dir='ltr'>how relative worth comes into play</h2> as we discussed earlier, relative worth includes factors that make a vintage car more or less valuable but may or may not affect the overall value. relative worth is impacted by the motivation of the buyer and the seller and their reasons for pursuing a sale, including the buyer or seller's personal finances, time, and health status. additionally, relative worth includes nostalgia and the history of the car. all of these factors are important to buyers and sellers and it's nearly impossible to avoid assigning relative worth to a vehicle. however, just because a car is worth more in your eyes, doesn't mean it's going to actually sell for that amount. relative worth may also tempt you to make a spontaneous purchase if your dream car just so happens to appear before your eyes. to avoid losing the car, you may be willing to pay well over the market value. however, you should know that the car's relative worth may be greater than market value and you may not be able to recover any premium you paid. if a vintage car has sentimental value to you, you may be willing to overpay for it. maybe you picked up your partner for your first date together in the same car or maybe your dad had that same classic car growing up. whatever the case, not everyone will agree with your relative value or see things from your perspective. <h2 dir='ltr'>consider the restoration cost</h2> if you think you can restore a car and then sell it with the classic vehicle restoration fees factored in, think again. even if you spent thousands of dollars on a restored or modified car, you cannot expect a buyer to pay for additional restoration fees. the rule of supply and demand states that, if your classic car is available in its original, unmodified condition, a restored version is not likely to attract a bigger price. especially since a fully functional unrestored, antique car is worth more than a picture-perfect restored example. instead of purchasing a modified car for more than the buyer thinks it's worth, the buyer may end up waiting for a classic car being sold at market value. <h2 dir='ltr'>the bottom line</h2> since there are no set costs for classic cars, buying and selling isn't always easy. however, using these tips will help you to make a more educated decision before selling your collectible car or purchasing one of your own. a fair selling amount is one that makes sense to both the buyer and seller, and you can do your part by participating in the three-step process of classifying the car, determining its condition, and comparing the sales of similar examples. when you do finally make the decision to purchase a vintage or modified car, truck or motorcycle and the headache is over, leland-west can help you find the right classic car insurance. we specialize in vintage car insurance and modified car insurance, as well as coverage for race cars, street rods, muscle cars, antique cars, or other types of vehicles. our collectible car insurance rates fit your desired budget -- we get that you shouldn't pay more for a vehicle that isn't intended for daily use. our pricing structure recognizes that. at leland-west, we offer you low premiums, agreed value auto insurance coverage, deductible options, flexible usage, a personalized claims service, more than 25 years of experience, and superior ratings from our customers. we get that owning a classic vehicle is your dream and that you shouldn't have to pay more for insuring your collector car. why pay for classic car insurance with services and features you don't want or even need? we're here to help you to insure your car for only the services you'll be using. to learn more about the ways in which we can help you, please contact us today. <h2 dir='ltr'>stated amount insurance</h2> <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/stated-value-vs-agreed-value-classic-car-insurance.cfm'>stated amount insurance</a> is a term used to describe the kind of payout an insurance company offers after a claim. stated amount is<a href='https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-stated-value-insurance-527189'> often confused for agreed value</a>, and is not used to determine how much an insurance company will pay for a claim. understanding the difference between stated amount insurance and agreed value is important for anyone looking to insure a classic car. popular questions: <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/faq/learning-center.cfm'>what is the difference between stated amount and actual cash value?</a> <a href='about:blank'>what does stated value mean?</a> </div> Car Insurance Tue, 29 Nov 2016 10:58:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/11/how-to-value-a-classic-car What is Classic Car Insurance & How Does It Work? http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/10/What-is-Classic-Car-Insurance-and-How-Does-It-Work <h2>classic car insurance</h2> <img alt='what is classic car insurance?' class='__mce_add_custom__' src='/blog/images/classic-car-insurance.jpg' style='float:left; height:265px; margin:10px; width:361px' title='what-is-classic-car-insurance?' />the garage: classic car talk what is classic car insurance and how does it work? if you own an antique or classic car, you need <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>classic car insurance</a> policy. vintage cars are an investment and have unique insurance needs. you need the right insurance to repair or replace the car in the event of damage. standard auto insurance rarely covers the full value of a collector vehicle (classic cars, classic trucks, hot rods, etc.). specifically, you need collectors car insurance. how does classic insurance differ? standard car insurance coverage only covers the "actual cash value" (acv) of the vehicle. you will only receive the original cost minus the amount of depreciation of your current vehicle. since the acv of your vehicle depreciates yearly; insurance policies will not pay the full price of your vehicle, even if that vehicle is totaled, thanks to depreciation. car insurance for vintage cars, however, operates under a different assumption of value. rather than depreciating the vehicle on a fixed schedule and calling that its value, the actual market value of the vehicle is considered with respect to paying for your loss. you and the insurer (an agency or an <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/why-use-an-independent-insurance-agent.cfm'>independent auto insurance agents</a>), agree on a set value for your antique car, which matches its true current market value. if the vehicle is totaled, you receive the <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/stated-value-vs-agreed-value-classic-car-insurance.cfm'>agreed value</a>. the value paid out is calculated using classic car price guides, the rarity of the vehicle, auction results and other sources. some insurers require an appraisal at your expense, while others do not. you should also inquire into their policy on auto claims. are you able to check your claim status? what’s their policy on the original replacement of parts? do you have access to monthly claim overviews? these are just a few questions you should be asking before choosing an insurer. classic auto insurance should be re-evaluated periodically. usually, this is done every year at policy renewal, but in special cases where values are increasing sharply, you may want to do it every few months. collector cars are likely to increase in value. you will want to work with the insurer to raise the value of your policy if you believe it has increased (or in leaner years, to lower the value if it has decreased to save yourself some insurance premium dollars). does your car qualify? insurers have various rules that govern what is and is not considered an eligible car. vehicles must typically meet the following guidelines to be <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/eligibility/'>eligible for classic auto insurance</a>: <ul> <li>it must be a vehicle that, by its nature, is widely considered to be a specialized collectible</li> <li>it cannot be your primary vehicle, and cannot be used as a daily driver for errands, commuting, etc.</li> <li>there may be a maximum number of miles you can drive the vehicle each year (this varies by state, but is generally around 7,500 miles).</li> </ul> all classic car insurance policies have additional underwriting rules. common across them all: drivers must have a good driving record. also universal: you must park your classic car in a garage or other shelter to protect it from the elements or prying eyes. if your car has been damaged or is in poor condition, it is likely not eligible for insurance. how does it work? classic car insurance coverage works in a very similar way to standard insurance coverage, but there are some differences. each policy is usually valid for 12 months. the policy covers physical damage from collision or other-than-collision causes, liability, uninsured motorists, and medical payments. there are a number of small additions typically given away with such policies as well. these include roadside assistance, coverage for spare parts, travel reimbursement, which pays if your car breaks down and you need to stay in a hotel while the vehicle is being fixed. if your vehicle is damaged but not a total loss, since your classic insurer is accustomed to the much more involved repair process associated with a rare classic or exotic, you will be expected to take the vehicle to the shop of your own choosing for repair, and the insurance company will be much more understanding about the costs associated with bringing the car back to its former original glory. contact us now to find an insurance quote to fully understand your coverage and know more about <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>classic car insurance california</a>.  classic car insurance quotes are vital so that you know exactly what is and isn’t covered. protect your investment if you have a classic car, make certain you have the correct insurance for it. some of the small perks, such as roadside assistance, can mean a lot when you’re in a pinch. you’ll need to work with an insurance agency that has the right type of insurance products that work with classic vehicles. if you don't and the vehicle is damaged, you may find that your insurance doesn't cover what you have invested (including costs related to car restoration). remember to grab a car insurance quote before working with any agent or individual. Car Insurance Tue, 4 Oct 2016 11:31:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/10/What-is-Classic-Car-Insurance-and-How-Does-It-Work Weird and Strange Classic Car Insurance Claims http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/9/Strange-Classic-Car-Insurance-Claims <img alt='strangeclassic car insurance claims' class='__mce_add_custom__' src='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/blog/images/classic-car-insurance-claims.jpg' style='float:left; height:150px; margin:10px; width:200px' title='corvair-classic-car-insurance' /> people often think of insurance claims as a lot of boring paperwork, and most of them are. however, every now and then there will be a really strange classic car insurance claim that makes the independent car insurance agents and adjusters laugh or simply stare at the paperwork in shock before passing it around the office. here are a few of these really interesting insurance claims. a classic insurance claim was filed on a 1967 chrysler convertible after the car was attacked by a bear. the owner had parked the car near a forested area and had gone for a walk. the bear crashed through the top of the convertible after smelling food, then left a large amount of dung on the seat. the owner filed an insurance claim for the scratched paint, the punctured top, and the damaged interior. when his 1965 ford mustang was attacked by goats, the owner contacted his antique car insurance company seeking payment for the damages. the young goats had gotten into his garage when it was open for his son's birthday party and decided to climb on top of the car and chew on it! another company that offers car insurance for classic cars received a call from a man who owned a 1971 jaguar e-type. on the first warm day of the year, he had put the top down and taken his classic car out for a drive. however, only a few minutes after leaving his house, the engine started overheating. he called a tow truck and got the car to a station. after opening the hood, the mechanic found a snake had gotten up inside the car and was tangled in with the drive-belt pulleys. one incident involved not one but three <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/what-we-insure/vintage-cars.cfm'>vintage car insurance</a> claims. three cars, a 1976 corvette, a porsche 911, and a porsche 914 were all parked together in a garage. the door was slightly ajar just enough that when a horse got out, it was able to slip into the garage. for whatever reason, the horse attacked all three cars, doing a severe amount of damage to all three of them. another incident that occurred in a garage involved a dog and a raccoon. when the dog found the raccoon getting into things in the garage, he let out a loud bark. the raccoon immediately leaped onto the parked jaguar e-type to escape, leading to a major fight between the two animals. the car was covered with scratches and needed a total body makeover. the owner was glad he had collector car insurance for that one. the final story about an interesting claim made using car insurance for old cars comes from louisiana and involves another animal. a man was driving his 1940 chevy custom coupe home late at night along the road when he hit something. he didn't want to get out of the car since he was on a dark stretch of highway, so he backed up and went around whatever he hit. when he got home, he saw that his car had some pretty major damage to it, so he decided he would drive back in his other car with a flashlight and see what he had hit. it turned out to be a twelve-foot alligator! contact us now to find an insurance quote to fully understand your coverage and know more about classic car insurance. <h2>insurance for classic car</h2> insurance is important for every vehicle, but <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>insurance for classic cars</a> is vital. the value of antique or luxury vehicles is higher than your average car, and repairing damage can require <a href='https://www.forbes.com/sites/kbrauer/2014/07/29/automotive-investment-advice-top-10-rules-for-classic-car-collectors/#513ba4861aec'>expensive parts and specialist mechanics.</a> leland west provides insurance for classic cars so you can rest safely in the knowledge that your vehicle is protected. stated value insurance allows classic car owners to establish the value of their vehicles upfront, ensuring that they receive the agreed-upon amount in case of a covered loss. to learn more about <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/stated-value-vs-agreed-value-classic-car-insurance.cfm'>stated value insurance</a> and how it compares to other coverage options, visit lelandwest.com. popular questions: <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2019/9/how-to-find-the-best-classic-car-insurance'>what is the best insurance for classic cars?</a> <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2017/7/what-is-classic-car-insurance-and-how-does-it-work'>how does classic car insurance work?</a> Car Insurance Wed, 7 Sep 2016 06:18:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/9/Strange-Classic-Car-Insurance-Claims The History of Insurance | Leland-West Insurance http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/4/The-History-of-Insurance most people have health, auto, and homeowner’s insurance, but there are more specialized types if insurance such as for boats, jewelry and of course classic car insurance policies that aren’t as common. however, where did insurance come from? you might be surprised to know how long people have had insurance policies. where did insurance come from? the concept of insurance is almost as old as society itself. archeologists have discovered tablets and other writings that showed the <img alt='history-of-insurance.jpg' class='__mce_add_custom__' src='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/blog/images/history_of_insurance.jpg' style='float:left; height:219px; margin:15px; width:186px' title='history-of-insurance' />babylonians and the chinese had the concept of insurance as far back as the 2nd millennia bc. the code of hammurabi, one of the guiding principles of the babylonian society, stated that merchants who borrowed money to fund their shipping business could pay an extra fee for the lender to agree to forgive the loan in the event of a shipwreck or theft of the cargo. another type of insurance was used in rhodes in the 1st millennium bc. a number of merchants would pay into what’s called, general average insurance. if one merchant lost their goods, the insurance would pay out the collected fees to reimburse that merchant. the first true insurance contract currently known was written in 1347 in genoa. maritime insurance became very popular in the following 100 years and saw a number of changes in the industry. insurance was now a separate entity from investments, creating the role of the independent insurance company and agent. in 1552, the first book written about insurance was published: on insurance and merchants’ bets by pedro de santarem. <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/insurance'>insurance</a> – a wiki entry outlining the history of insurance. <a href='http://www.investopedia.com/articles/financial-theory/08/american-insurance.asp'>the history of insurance in america</a> – a look at benjamin franklin and the insurance agency. <a href='https://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/car-insurance/who-invented-car-insurance.aspx'>who invented car insurance</a> – where car insurance came from according to allstate. <a href='http://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines/features/2011/01/10/185786.htm'>facts and legends of insurance</a> – the insurance journal offers up some interesting bits of information. today’s insurance <img alt='insurance-coverage.jpg' class='__mce_add_custom__' src='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/blog/images/insurance_coverage.jpg' style='display:block; height:213px; margin:15px auto; width:250px' title='insurance-coverage' /> modern insurance began during the 17th century in europe, with england playing a significant role. property insurance, for example, was a result of the 1666 great fire of london. the industry continued to grow, and today, we have a large variety of insurance policies available. <div style='width:100%'> <div style='width:50%; float:left;'> <ul style='margin-left:200px'> <li>health</li> <li>dental</li> <li>vision</li> <li>flood</li> <li>earthquake</li> <li>business</li> <li>liability</li> <li>burial</li> </ul> </div> <div style='width:50%; float:left;'> <ul style='margin-left:150px'> <li>travelers</li> <li>homeowners</li> <li>renters</li> <li>life</li> <li>auto</li> <li>classic car</li> <li>boat</li> <li>valuables</li> </ul> </div> </div> some of these insurance policies are mandatory in certain situations. those who want a loan to purchase a house must show proof of homeowner’s insurance before a bank will approve the mortgage while auto insurance is required for all vehicles that are being driven. how modern insurance is paid for has changed somewhat over the years in some areas. in the past, insurance was often paid for completely by the individual. today, insurance benefits are often provided by employers as part of an incentive to attract good employees. health, dental, vision, and life insurance may all be included in employee benefits. in most cases, the employee does still have to pay a monthly premium, but the majority of the cost is covered by the employer <a href='https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/09/02/3-types-of-insurance-you-need-and-3-you-dont'>3 types of insurance you need</a> – us news reports on types of insurance everyone needs and some that aren’t as necessary. <a href='https://www.sba.gov/managing-business/running-business/insurance/types-business-insurance'>types of business insurance</a> – information from the u.s. small business administration. <a href='http://www.iii.org/article/are-there-different-types-policies'>homeowners and renters insurance</a> – an outline of the different options available. <a href='http://www.forbes.com/sites/thesba/2012/01/19/13-types-of-insurance-a-small-business-owner-should-have/#1771ce8494fd'>13 types of insurance a small business should have</a> – information from forbes. <a href='http://www.dmv.org/types-of-auto-insurance-coverage.php'>types of vehicle insurance</a> – learn about the various options from dmv.org. contact us now to find an insurance quote to fully understand your coverage and know more about classic car insurance ny. lloyd’s of london lloyd’s of london is a major insurance provider based out of the financial district of london. the company is known for their claim that <img alt='lloys-of-london-insurance.jpg' class='__mce_add_custom__' src='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/blog/images/lloys_of_london_insurance.jpg' style='float:left; height:230px; margin:15px; width:153px' title='lloys-of-london-insurance' />they will insure anything, even body parts. lloyd’s isn’t actually an insurance company; instead, it is a corporate entity that was createdby an act of parliament in 1871. a number of financial backers work together to spread the risk of the insurance policies written through lloyd’s. when it first opened, lloyd’s was managed by edward lloyd and mainly served the marine insurance industry. today, they offer general insurance and life insurance as well as some more unique policies. here are a few of the odd things lloyd’s has insured over the years <ul style='margin-left:160px'> <li>the legs of actresses/models such as tina turner and brooke shields</li> <li>the nose of singer jimmy durante</li> <li>whitney houston’s vocal cords</li> <li>america ferrera’s smile</li> <li>professional wrestler bret hart’s body</li> <li>a grain of rice engraved with the images of the duke of edinburgh and the queen</li> </ul> <a href='https://www.lloyds.com/'>lloyd’s of london</a> – the official website. <a href='http://www.britannica.com/topic/lloyds'>lloyd’s</a> – a short history via the encyclopedia britannica. <a href='http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/financial-planning/9-odd-things-insured-by-lloyds-of-london.htm'>odd things insured by lloyd’s</a> – a list of some of the more unusual items lloyd’s has insured. <a href='http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/8-of-the-weirdest-insurance-policies.aspx#slide=1'>8 of the weirdest insurance policies</a> – more unique things lloyd’s protects. <a href='http://www.economist.com/node/21548993'>risky business</a> – how lloyd’s overcame adversity and potential failure. the future of insurance the insurance industry continues to boom. with the passing of the affordable care act, the health insurance industry has exploded. during 2014 and 2015, the auto industry has also grown, with the total number of outstanding auto loans as of april 2016 standing at over $1 trillion. all of these vehicles require independent auto insurance, resulting in a boom in that industry, too. earthquake insurance has become very popular in states such as oklahoma, which have begun seeing a large number of earthquakes every year. what does this mean for insurance? it means that the industry will continue to go strong and that health, auto, earthquake, homeowner’s, and many other types of policies will always be needed. while the way premiums are calculated or policy risks are shared may change, people will always want the peace of mind that insurance provides. <a href='http://www.lifehealthpro.com/2014/09/10/5-predictions-for-the-future-of-the-life-insurance'>5 predictions for the future of insurance</a> – will they come true? <a href='https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/cli_h_cost.htm'>how life insurance cost is determined</a> – information from the state of new york. <a href='http://www.forbes.com/sites/moneywisewomen/2013/01/08/what-really-goes-into-determining-your-insurance-rates/#32f15a4a3ffa'>what really affects your insurance rates?</a> – forbes weighs in on the issue, too. <h2>insuring a classic car</h2> if you own a classic or <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/what-we-insure/vintage-cars.cfm'>vintage car</a> you want to make sure it is protected. luckily, <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>insuring a classic car</a> is easier than ever with leland west. <a href='https://www.iii.org/article/insuring-your-classic-car'>conditions for insuring a classic car</a> depend on how the vehicle is used and stored; speak to one of our team to discuss if classic car insurance is right for you. popular questions: <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2019/9/how-to-find-the-best-classic-car-insurance'>what is the best insurance for classic cars?</a> <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2017/7/what-is-classic-car-insurance-and-how-does-it-work'>how does classic car insurance work?</a> Car Insurance Thu, 28 Apr 2016 10:16:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/4/The-History-of-Insurance Maintenance Tips for Higher Mileage Cars http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/2/maintenance-tips-for-higher-mileage-cars maintenance tips for higher mileage cars high mileage on vehicles can mean headaches for an owner, but smart maintenance can keep your favorite car running down the road for many miles to come. there are rules of thumb maintenance tips for higher mileage cars that may or may not be obvious to the average owner. buyer beware – taking the maintenance mystery out of buying used cars car dealers often replace car parts with the cheapest parts they can, and why would they not? they are in the business to make as much of a profit as they can. is that the real mileage?are there extensive wears and tears to the interior? if so, this could be a sign of a rollback on the odometer. some things to look for to see how well a car has been maintained are straight out of “buying a used car 101” handbook. <ul> <li>are the rotors rusty? cars that sit in a seller’s yard or on a dealership lot can accumulate dust. mix that dust with rain, humidity, snow, sleet or icy weather and rust can form over time. this may not seem like much of a concern, but could possibly be a headache for the buyer not far down the road. no one likes brakes squeaking, squealing or vibrating when pressure is applied to the brakes, not to mention there could be the expense of new rotors and brakes not long after a purchase.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>are there new brakes on that car you just have to have? if so, that is great, right? maybe… or maybe not, it depends. new brakes can be a used as a ploy to distract a buyer from a car’s shortcomings. even if new brakes and rotors were put on the car, it does not mean there will not be the expense of replacing them sooner than the buyer would expect to.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>ask if the rotors and brakes have been turned or rotated.</li> <li>are they new – all or specific ones?</li> <li>what brand are they specifically?</li> <li>where were they purchased? </li> <li>is there a warranty and what is it?</li> <li>ask for a copy of all parts and repair work.</li> </ul> do your homework and research the detail on those parts. it could indicate there are serious issues you cannot see. <ul> <li>does the clutch pedal have a lot of wear? if so, this could indicate the previous owner rested their foot on the clutch pedal instead of the dead pedal – foot rest – existing for the driver to rest their foot on while driving. resting a foot on the clutch pedal can wear on the manual transmission.</li> <li>tires should be replaced about every six years. check for low tread and if any cracks are on the sides of them. is there uneven wear or any smooth areas on the tread? are there any punctures or evident repairs? these can affect a tire’s longevity, for example, a long nail puncture can create a weak point and promote premature belt shift.</li> <li>check the exhaust while the car is running; is there any smoke coming out? smoke of any kind is a bad thing. <ul> <li>blue smoke – comes from excessive oil burning indicating a problem with the engine. the most common cause is oil leaking through the engine’s seals and into the cylinders. the oil mixes with fuel and burns along with it. worn seals and gaskets are common in older or high mileage cars, so this is frequently seen. only at startup – indicates worn piston seals, worn or damaged valve guides that can result in a rattling noise. an engine’s external oil leak dripping onto the hot engine or exhaust parts can cause blue smoke. worn valve seals, piston wear, worn piston rings, non-functioning or dirty pcv valve, worn engine oil seals, intake manifold gasket leak and head gasket failure due to overheating or a cracked engine block. here is all the information you need about <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/keeping-your-car-cool-in-summer.cfm'>how to keep car cool in summer</a>.</li> <li>white smoke – causes vary and can be as simple as built up condensation in the pipe(s) – common with cooler temperatures – existing as steam. however, if after the car has warmed up for bit and there is excessive white smoke, this may indicate internal coolant leaks and the possibility of a failing head gasket.an exorbitant amount of white smoke accompanied with a sweet smell isalso an indicator of an internal coolant leak. a leaking cylinder head gasket causes coolant toheat up in the combustion chambers then blow out the exhaust. engine oil contamination occurs from coolant leakage – check the engine’s oil at the dipstick for a milky, frothy appearance. main causes of white smoke exiting the exhaust, are a warped or cracked cylinder head, head gasket failure due to overheating or a cracked engine block. poor cooling system maintenance, low level coolant, dirty coolant or a non-functioning cooling fan cause an engine to overheat. tip – while the engine is hot – or running, never remove a reservoir cap or radiator cap. when cap loosening or removal releases the pressure built up, it can cause serious injury. the car should always be completely cooled down before attempting to remove these caps.</li> </ul> </li> <li>black smoke – comes from the production of excessive unburned fuel and is a fuel system problem. after the car is warmed up, the smoke may or may not disappear, or may be less noticeable. the engine may be – or may not be – starting badly, misfiring or running rough. there could be loss of the amount of power due to the air-fuel mixture. if the car has a carburetor its choke may be stuck and need repair or replacement.fuel injectors could be leaking and need replacing.the air filter may be dirty and need replacing.the ignition module could be bad – check the distributor cap and rotor.</li> </ul> is that rust under there? rust is easy to spot on the car’s body; notable bubbles, paint chips/peels and missing metal – holes – surrounded by evident rusting are obvious. look for spot “fixes” in an attempt to hide deteriorations. are there any areas with a slightly different color or vibrancy? a bad cover up job will stand out like an eye sore. vehicle suspension can be a little trickier on a high-mileage car. if possible, get the car up on a lift and do a visual inspection for any obvious damage; and take the car for a test drive. listen closely for noises and car reactions as you drive. high mileage service recommendations to keep a vehicle running well, it is important to due regular maintenance upkeep and inspection. once it reaches 100,000 miles the manufacturer recommended maintenance stops and then it is up to the owner to schedule routine maintenance. 125,000 miles is just under five times around the earth… that is many miles “under your car’s belt”. 125,000 miles recommended service spark plugs decoupler pulleys o2 sensors belt tensioner coolant alignment transmission fluid filters shocks and struts brake fluid combustion chamber 180,000 miles recommended service drivetrain seals maf sensor headlights timing chain tensioners power steering fluid engine and transmission mounts air conditioning system 250,000 miles recommended service catalytic converter fuel injector cleaning chassis inspection air conditioning system taking care of every car is important to maintain the car and its longevity, but especially important for older and cars with higher mileage. with these maintenance tips for higher mileage cars, you can stay behind the wheel of your favorite ride and keep it going for many miles. Car Insurance Tue, 16 Feb 2016 09:59:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2016/2/maintenance-tips-for-higher-mileage-cars Classic Car Insurance Guide for First-Time Buyers http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/9/first-time-buyers-guide-to-vintage-car-insurance if you have ever been to a speedway, drive in restaurant or local antiques car show you may have seen or admired a vintage car. there are many hotrods or classics humming through the streets, but what if you are a first time buyer, or collector looking to expand your collection? it is important to understand what actually constitutes a vintage car, and the classic car auto insurance for vintage cars, along with collector car insurance rates. a vintage car is a vehicle manufactured from the period of 1919 to 1930 either domestically or foreign made. the best way to determine if your vehicle is vintage versus other categories such as classic, or antique, is to find out the manufacturing date by checking the vehicle information number. a value of a vintage vehicle can sometimes be determined by the number of units, or the historic value of the vehicle. vintage cars are appealing because of their collectability, and distinctive looks, but especially because of their history, which makes them unique. originally in the late 1800's and early 1900's cars were bulky, luxurious play toys for the rich. due to the new implementation of the assembly line trial and the evolution of both the consumers and vehicle manufacturers, there are many different vintage car models with unique features were produced. for example the first road able vintage cars used levers to steer instead of steering wheels. during the vintage car era there would be the development of front mounted engines, the introduction of close bodied cars with heating systems, and safety systems. originally there were not regulations on car breaks, or seatbelts, and these were not introduced until the 1960's! similarly to the unique features of vehicles themselves, the car insurance for vintage cars is unique as well. <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>vintage car insurance</a> is different than regular car insurance. a regular vehicle insurance policy generally covers daily activities, and collision coverage. the amount a vehicle is used plays a factor in the terms of the insurance policy, and effects which policy you should obtain. a vintage vehicle is usually a secondary form of transportation, less likely to leave the drive way, which is important to keep in mind when selecting vintage auto insurance. when buying custom vehicle insurance for vintage cars be aware that it is specialty insurance and it may come with mileage restrictions or only be effective at certain events or during certain situations. it is also very important to verify that your vehicle is indeed vintage, you must emphasize the difference between the vehicle being collectible rather than simply "older." popular questions: <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/blog/listing.asp?2019/9/how-to-find-the-best-classic-car-insurance'>how to find the best classic car insurance?</a> <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/eligibility/index.cfm'>what cars are eligible for classic insurance?</a> Car Insurance Mon, 14 Sep 2015 07:15:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/9/first-time-buyers-guide-to-vintage-car-insurance Personalize Your Collector Car Insurance http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/9/personalize-your-collector-car-insurance unless car enthusiasts, collectors, and hobbyists alike have been living under a spare tire, they have been faced with the option of collector car insurance for their precious hot rod. with all the options currently available in the technological atmosphere it can be difficult to understand or obtain a classic car insurance online quote. fear not, the best collector car insurance is available with the proper understanding of why to insure a <a href='http://classiccars.com/' title='collector car'>collector car</a>, and the unique aspects of collector car insurance. it is important to preserve collector cars with the proper attention to detail in the body shop, but also within the insurance policy the owner carries. other than the sheer beauty, monetary value, and pure fun that collector rides allow for, they are an important part of history. the different looks, materials used, and capabilities of a vehicle can represent the culture, political atmosphere and technological advances from certain eras. insuring classic cars is confirming that history and traditions are passed along to different generations. other than being a catalyst to pass on knowledge, finding the best collector car insurance provides for a more pleasant, and cheaper experience. collector car insurance companies understand collector vehicles, and care about the hobbyist and collectors in sub culture. when dealing with a company that respects your passion it will be much easier to handle a claim, they will have the correct information and help you understand the specific coverage. coverage is regulated state by state, there are many different loop holes or complications that may arise, so ensuring that you are dealing with a company or independent insurance agent who truly understands what you are interested in is imperative. personalizing your collector car insurance will also save you money! regular policies for the daily driver can cost up to 50% more. although many collectors are in a place where they may be more financially stable, consider the money saved, money you can put towards your next project. what may deter some collectors from making the switch is the lack of understand of the insurance itself, there are a few key phrases or standards to understand. there are different levels of types of coverage and claims, rates, and use allowances. you might even need to be a certain age to obtain a specific policy. when looking to insure your vehicle you should research before making a final decision, other than the obvious cost comparison consider the customer service and knowledge you are signing on for. a collector car's popularity, age, and usage can impacted the agreed value, stated value, and the actual cash value, these are the three types of coverage offered if your car is totaled. agreed value insurance guarantees you will get all your money back in case of a loss, stated value insurance allows you to state a value, but it may depreciate. finally there is actual cash value, or acv, which is a depreciated book value. these factors are all things to consider, if you are interested in personalizing your collector car insurance is helpful to obtain a classic car insurance online quote. <h2>agreed value vs actual cash value</h2> when looking at insurance for cars, most major names will offer actual cash value when you make a claim: they will pay out what the car is currently worth, based on market research. however, when it comes to classic cars, there is a discussion on the value of <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/stated-value-vs-agreed-value-classic-car-insurance.cfm'>agreed value vs actual cash value.</a> agreed value is an offer that only specialist classic car insurers can offer, and may be a better choice for your vehicle. popular questions: <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/agreed-value.cfm'>what is an agreed value policy?</a> Car Insurance Mon, 7 Sep 2015 06:47:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/9/personalize-your-collector-car-insurance Classic Cars vs. Modern Cars – Find Out Which Are Better http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/8/why-old-cars-are-better-than-new-cars whether you bought a pristine model, or built it from the garage floor up, your show piece classic car is your pride and joy. it is no secret that older cars are better than new cars. even if there is no air conditioning, at least there is cheap <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/eligibility/'>old cars insurance</a> for an old car, among many other sought after features. plenty of people believe that older cars are superior to newer cars. of course the naysayers will bring up blue tooth technology, or heated driver and passenger seats, but how can those features compare to the simplicity of a classic? cars today are riddled with technology and are extremely complex. if there is a minor fix needed to an old ride, it can be done with the tools in your garage, and a few bolts in the engine. modern cars require being plugged into a computer with a million wires and settings. because of the simplicity, vintage cars are affordable. in addition to the technology of modern cars being nearly impossible to fix unless you have the right computer technology, the technology is heavy! although vehicles are more gas efficient because of technological advancements, the added physical weight to the model requires the driver to put more gas in the tank than it used to be. so the efficiency is somewhat cancelled out. with the ability to repair and improve at home, along with the reality of cheap <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/faq/'>insurance for old cars</a>, the case only grows stronger. speaking of <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/instant-quote/begin-here.cfm' title='classic collectors insurance'>classic collectors insurance</a> for an old car, let's focus on depreciation. depreciation is the difference between how much an individual spends on a car, verses how much the amount you get when you go to turn in, or sell the vehicle. as soon as a car is driven off the lots it begins to lose value, typically after the first year a car's value can drop between 10% and 40%! of course the condition of the car, and the make and model effect depreciation as well, but this is not something that impacts classic vehicles. in fact, classic vehicles can appreciate and gain value! to be eligible for cheap insurance for an old car the vehicle has to be driven sparingly, less than 1000 miles per year, and be maintained or restored to a certain level. the make, model, and safety features of the classic car are likely to score you a lower monthly premium. how much you pay can also be effected by the drivers zip code, and your driving history, so don't let the durability of a classic car allow you to become less diligent with following the rules of the road. Car Insurance Mon, 31 Aug 2015 06:41:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/8/why-old-cars-are-better-than-new-cars Antique Car Insurance http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/8/Antique-Car-Insurance owning an antique car is owning a piece of history, and it is a tribute to the era that the car was originally manufactured. there were many great eras in american automobile history, which means there are many classic cars that have been preserved or <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/restoring-your-classic-car.cfm'>classic cars restored</a> from these eras. there are still plenty of antique cars that are in desperate need of restoration and eventually they will become a project for someone. whether you <a href='http://www.antiquecar.com/' title='purchase an antique car'>purchase an antique car</a> that has already been restored, or one that still needs to be restored, it is still a big investment. when a lot of time and/or money is invested into a classic automobile, the more meaningful it is to someone, so taking care of it is important. antique car owners take great pride in their car and many of them take their cars to shows so they can display them for other people to appreciate. classic car shows are always happening in all parts of the world, and there are plenty of them that also hold auctions at the same time for car enthusiasts to buy and sell antique vehicles. some of the most popular types of classics are the american muscle cars. some of the most well-known muscle cars include the chevy camaro, ford mustang, pontiac gto, plymouth roadrunner, chevy chevelle, and the plymouth barracuda. these cars can be very valuable because of their age and since there are only a limited amount of them left. most classic car owners hold on to their cars as long as they can. the rarer the car is, the more expensive it can be. the condition of the car is also a big factor in how much it will cost. there are quite a few classic cars that were very limited when they were produced and they can get very expensive. some examples of rare cars are the 1967 ford fairlane 500 r-code and there were only 57 of them ever produced. another is the 1967 chevy camaro l88, and there were only 20 of them produced. this makes these cars virtually impossible to obtain, and makes them very valuable. owning an antique car is a dream come true for many people, and they want to protect that dream. in order to make sure that your car is protected you need to have a good <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>antique car insurance</a> policy. these special insurance policies are designed just for antique automobiles and you can make sure that you have the car covered for all that it is worth. Car Insurance Mon, 24 Aug 2015 08:06:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/8/Antique-Car-Insurance Car Insurance for a Classic Car http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/8/Car-Insurance-for-a-Classic-Car a classic car is a big investment, especially if it needs to be fully restored. when putting that much money into something, you want to do everything that you can to keep it in the shape that it was restored to. the value on classic cars will vary, but some of them can be as valuable as a house. for example, the late 60s and early 70s dodge chargers average from $26,000 up to $65,000 and some go much higher in price. some other <a href='http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/'>antique cars cost into the six figures</a>. it is possible to find classic automobiles cheap, but to get them cheap you will have to do the restoration yourself. <a href='http://https://www.lelandwest.com/restoring-your-classic-car.cfm'>restoring a classic car</a> will take a lot of time, money, and patience tough. a restoration project can be a great project for a father and son to do together. it can be a great bonding experience and it will make the car mean so much more than if it was purchased already restored. there are certain ways to make sure that your investment stays safe. one of the most important things is protecting your antique car, which means keeping it out of the harsh elements that mother nature will bring. this is especially important in regions that deal with cold, snowy winters. having a garage of your own, or access to one that you can rent to store your classic car is essential. during the winter you should keep your car stored away and not drive it at all, even if it is a decent day. regions that have a lot of snow also salt their roads a lot, and salt is one of a cars worst enemies. if you do take it out on a rare nice day during the winter you should always be sure to wash the salt off before putting your car back into your storage facility. salt is known to cause rust and other body damage over time and this is the last thing you want happening to your investment. since a car is not considered an antique for 25 years, original paint and parts will already be worn if they have not been replaced. if the car has the origin paint still on it then it will be even more prone to damage. even with the car being stored in a garage you should also consider keeping it under a car cover to give it extra protection. having good <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>car insurance for a classic car</a> is a must, and there are many companies that focus on insuring only antique cars. antique car insurance is extremely affordable ensures that your investment is protected. no matter how much you baby the car, and how safe you think it is, accidents can and will still happen. Car Insurance Mon, 17 Aug 2015 06:45:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2015/8/Car-Insurance-for-a-Classic-Car Modified Cars Don't Scare Us http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2014/8/Modified-Cars-Dont-Scare-This-Insurance-Program as an owner of a late-model, heavily-modified, car myself, i know how scary it can be to approach your insurance agent and tell them about mods. especially performance mods. it doesn't have to go far before you start worrying ... keep it simple and do a basic intake, shortie headers and catback to help get the motor breathing right. will the company freak out and cancel you? what about serious performance mods like a turbo? a blower? a different motor? suspension? forget about the go-fast stuff: what about that paint job? those wheels? the typical advice you get on internet forums is to shut up about it and keep your fingers crossed. this is what most people do. why? because most insurance companies don't want anything to do with modded cars and everybody knows it. but if the car is not a daily driver and considered collectible (now or in the future), there's a fix for this problem. here at leland-west we advertise ourselves as "mod friendly". that means we want to know about modifications. not so we can find a way to say "no", but so we can insure the auto with the mods included. old habits are hard to break. i can't count the number of times i have seen photos of an applicant's car with telltales the car isn't quite bone stock: extra gauges on the dash. a roll cage that is almost but not quite hidden by the camera angle. holding the camera high in the back to help hide the tubbed out rear end (pssst... we saw the skinnies up front, too). we even had a guy once who figured we wouldn't recognize the meaning of a parachute pack and wheelie bars on the back bumper. external fuel cutoff switch? yup we know what those mean, too. its all ok, and thats a real shock to some people. the real deal is the use of the automobile has to be within our pleasure-use guidelines, and the car can't be a 50-footer (it looks great... from 50 feet away). the car has to be well-taken care of. sure its going to cost a few bucks more if you come clean. the car is going to get a higher rate for being modified. and no, on a <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/are-modifications-covered-by-my-car-insurance.cfm'>modified car insurance</a> the agreed value isn't every dime you threw into it (we all know our toys are money pits) ... but the car is covered. with the insurance mods. for reals. at an agreed value you could never hope for on a standard policy. make no mistake: for track cars, if you wad it up on track its your problem, just like it is on pretty much every other antique car insurance policy. nothing has changed there. but just having performance mods aren't a disqualifier, and you can actually get them covered. speaking of fibbing to your insurance company, here is a big reason why you should never ever do it: should i report my car's mods? popular questions: <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/are-modifications-covered-by-my-car-insurance.cfm'>how much is insurance for a modified car?</a> <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/reporting-vehicle-modifications-to-car-insurance-company.cfm'>does modding your car increase insurance?</a> Car Insurance Tue, 26 Aug 2014 10:27:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2014/8/Modified-Cars-Dont-Scare-This-Insurance-Program Porsche History, Tips & Information – Classic Porsche Insurance http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2014/1/Porsche-Tips-and-Information <h2>classic porsche insurance</h2> <h2><a href='http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/file%3aporsche_symbol.jpg' title='i, endlezz [gfdl (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), cc-by-sa-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or cc by-sa 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via wikimedia commons'><img alt='porsche symbol' src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/porsche_symbol.jpg/512px-porsche_symbol.jpg' style='height:341px; text-align:center; width:512px' /></a></h2> porsche is a vehicle manufacturer based out of stuttgart, germany. the company's full name is dr. ing. h.c. f. porsche ag, although most people know it as porsche or porsche ag. they specialize in producing supercars, hypercars, high-performance sports cars, sedans, and suvs. while the company was originally a stand-alone business, today it's owned by volkswagen, which in turn is owned by porsche automobil holding se. the porsche brand has become synonymous with speed, power, and luxury. whenever someone thinks of the name, they immediately think of money--porsches are not cheap. this extends beyond the price, though. a porsche is a very high quality machine that, with the proper care, will last for years. if you own porsche and in need of <a href='https://www.lelandwest.com/'>classic porsche insurance</a>, allow us to give you a fast free quote. <h2>history of porsche</h2> <h2><a href='https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/file%3aporsche_356_nr._1_roadster_1948.jpg' title='by leduardo (flickr) [cc by 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via wikimedia commons'><img alt='porsche 356 nr. 1 roadster 1948' src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/porsche_356_nr._1_roadster_1948.jpg/512px-porsche_356_nr._1_roadster_1948.jpg' style='height:384px; text-align:center; width:512px' /></a></h2> in 1931, ferdinand porsche, an austrian engineer, founded his small automotive company in austria. at first, porsche offers consulting and development services, but after moving to stuttgart, that changed. the german government commissions porsche to create a car. the result was the volkswagen beetle, which would go on to become one of the most popular and best-selling vehicle designs. it provided the basis for the porsche 64, which was designed and released during 1939. during world war ii, the company manufactured several different vehicles for the military. the company even designed a few different tanks, including the maus super-heavy tank. following the end of the war, porsche was removed as chairman and the company came under the management of ivan hirst, a major in the british army. in 1947, ferdinand's son ferry porsche created his own company, porsche konstruktionengesmbh. the prototype car designed by ferry and his sister louise would go on to become the porsche 356. this car made use of a number of parts used in the volkswagen beetle because parts were difficult to get in post-war germany. in 1972, after years of successful design, including success in racing, ferry decided to take the company public. he felt that porsche needed to grow beyond a family business. the executive board was created from a number of people outside the family, while ferry and other porsche family members remained as part of a supervisory board. the public company was placed under the leadership of dr. ernst fuhrmann, who had previously worked as an engineer for the company during the 50s. in the 1980s, peter w. schutz, an american, took over the company. however, he was replaced within a few years by arno bohn. bohn's tenure as leader of porsche was marked by a number of costly mistakes, and he was quickly replaced. porsche employee heinz branitzki served as interim ceo until wendelinwiedeking was appointed in 1993. he turned the company around, and porsche once again started to turn a major profit. in 2007, the company was restructured, and dr. ingh.c. f. porsche ag was renamed to porsche se. it became a holding company for the porsche family's stake in a number of other companies, including the original porsche ag and volkswagen ag. a new porsche ag company was also formed to handle all of the porsche manufacturing. in 2009, volkswagen ag and porsche se merged their car manufacturing divisions. <ul> <li><a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/porsche'>porsche wikipedia entry</a> contains an overview of the company</li> <li><a href='http://exoticcars.about.com/od/overviewsofmaker1/p/porschehistory.htm'>porsche history from about.com</a> the history of the company</li> <li><a href='http://press.porsche.com/more_about/history/'>porsche ag from 1948 to 2007</a> a look at the company from the official porsche website</li> <li><a href='http://www.biography.com/people/ferdinand-porsche-9542414'>ferdinand porsche</a> a biography of porsche's founder</li> <li><a href='http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-porsche-completed'>june 8, 1948: a day in history</a> history channel's look at the day the first porsche was completed</li> </ul> <h2>unique features of porsche cars</h2> <h2><a href='http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/file%3aporsche_909_bergspyder_1968_frontleft_2009-03-14_a.jpg' title='by detectandpreserve (own work) [cc by-sa 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via wikimedia commons'><img alt='porsche 909 bergspyder 1968 frontleft 2009-03-14 a' src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/porsche_909_bergspyder_1968_frontleft_2009-03-14_a.jpg/512px-porsche_909_bergspyder_1968_frontleft_2009-03-14_a.jpg' style='height:384px; text-align:center; width:512px' /></a></h2> porsche has made use of a number of unique designs over the years. one of the first was the fuhrmann engine, a modification of the 547 engine by ernst fuhrmann. fuhrmann built this engine in the early 1950s before leaving porsche to work for goetze. he later returned to the company as technical director and then chairman of the board. this engine was a four-cylinder boxer engine that featured two overhead camshafts and was driven by bevel gears. porsche is one of the few cars that falls into the sports luxury category. these cars are designed to be driven every day of the week, not just on weekends or for special occasions like some sports cars are. this unique combination makes porsche more accessible to the general public. anyone can purchase and drive a porsche. most models can also be customized in a number of different ways. the porsche exclusive program allows customers to actually submit different requests for their vehicle. as long as these requests meet porsche's safety standards, they will honor them. this means every porsche driver can create their own car. <ul> <li><a href='http://www.livemint.com/leisure/lvn8jzp7fu2zqyenyhy64j/porsche--dynamic-performance-with-everyday-usability.html'>porsche and sports luxury</a> a discussion with a porsche director about the company's unique role</li> <li><a href='http://press.porsche.com/news/release.php?id=842'>the first porsche in the world</a> a look at some of these early features</li> <li><a href='http://www.autonews.com/article/20150313/oem04/303149999/porsche-may-add-electric-car-to-challenge-tesla'>porsche's electric car</a> some new unique features of porsche's electric car</li> <li><a href='http://www.natgeotv.com/ca/megafactories/porsche'>unique facts about porsche</a> from national geographic</li> </ul> <h2>different models of porsche</h2> <h2><a href='http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/file%3aporsche_carrera_rs_white_-_blue.jpg' title='by shiny things (flickr) [cc by 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via wikimedia commons'><img alt='porsche carrera rs white - blue' src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/porsche_carrera_rs_white_-_blue.jpg/512px-porsche_carrera_rs_white_-_blue.jpg' style='height:384px; text-align:center; width:512px' /></a></h2> since its founding, porsche has built a number of different models. many of these cars have been praised by automobile lovers as being some of the best vehicles in existence. of course, some of their models stand out more than others. here are a few of the top porsche cars. the porsche 911 is one of the most well-known models. it was originally introduced in 1963 as porsche's two door high performance sports car. its distinctive design was built on the porsche 356, but it used a rear-mounted boxer engine and a number of other unique features. porsche continued to work on the 911 over the years, evolving it into the 911 carrera rs, the <a href='http://https://www.lelandwest.com/classic-porsche-911-964-1989-1994.cfm'>porsche 911964</a>, the 996, and other models. the 1973 911 carrera rs is, to many, the absolute best 911 model ever made. it uses a larger engine than other models and was designed to meet the criteria for a race car. only 1580 of these cars were produced. another popular model is the 939. it was produced during the late 1980s and, like the 911 model it was based on, was designed for racing. it could hit 197 mph and had 4 wheel drive. the vehicle also featured a very expensive turbo system and body work. there were 283 porsche 939s sold, all of which cost more to make than they actually sold for. the 924 s2 was very different. in fact, some porsche fans don't really consider it a classic porsche at all. the vehicle used a front engine, rear wheel drive layout that was very different from most other porsche designs. it was only used on the 944 and the 968, two previous models. this was porsche's attempt to make a budget car, but while it did help the company keep afloat, they weren't popular with collectors. the boxster is another vehicle that was different than the classic 911. like the 924 s2, it was designed to save money and turn a profit while still looking like a traditional porsche. it was popular with those who didn't want to spend a lot of money on a car but still wanted a luxury automobile. these are just a few of the top porsche models. the company has produced many more that have been incredibly popular. <ul> <li><a href='http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/01/29/268186276/missing-for-112-years-first-porsche-is-found-in-warehouse'>first porsche found</a> the first porsche in the world was found in a warehouse</li> <li><a href='http://whoartnow.hubpages.com/hub/the-top-10-most-popular-porsches'>the top 10 most popular porsches</a> a list of some of the best models</li> <li><a href='http://www.carscoops.com/2011/08/porsche-911-timeline-of-world-most'>the porsche 911</a> a timeline of this popular model</li> <li><a href='http://ca.askmen.com/top_10/cars/top-10-porsche-models-of-all-time.html'>best porsche models of all time</a> another top 10 list</li> <li><a href='http://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/4-most-popular-porsche-sports-car-models'>the 4 most popular porsche sports car models</a> includes the 911</li> </ul> <h2>popularity of porsche</h2> <h2><a href='http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/file%3aporsche_356c_1965_cabriolet_lsidefront_lake_mirror_cassic_16oct2010_(14874718964).jpg' title='by valder137 [cc by 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via wikimedia commons'><img alt='porsche 356c 1965 cabriolet lsidefront lake mirror cassic 16oct2010 (14874718964)' src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/porsche_356c_1965_cabriolet_lsidefront_lake_mirror_cassic_16oct2010_%2814874718964%29.jpg/512px-porsche_356c_1965_cabriolet_lsidefront_lake_mirror_cassic_16oct2010_%2814874718964%29.jpg' style='height:343px; text-align:center; width:512px' /></a></h2> as you'd expect from a brand that's this well known, porsche cars have appeared in a number of places in popular culture. the car is often used in television, books, and movies as an easy way of showing that a character is rich. all it takes is showing a character getting into a porsche. characters in legally blonde, risky business, gone in 60 seconds, and weekend at bernie's all drive porches. the porsche has also been the go-to car for a number of celebrities. for example, janis joplin loved the brand. they gave her 1965 356c cabriolet a custom paint job, making it one of the most unique porches on the road. the car can be seen as part of a traveling exhibit on joplin. in 1953, just a few years after the porsche came to the u.s., it was included in an exhibit at the museum of modern art. a 1952 porsche 1500 super appeared in the exhibit for a number of years. <ul> <li><a href='http://www.complex.com/sports/2011/02/porsches-top-10-pop-culture-moments/'>porsche's top 10 pop culture moments</a> includes images and videos</li> <li><a href='https://nortonmitchel.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/porsche-powerful-pop-culture-branding/'>porsche and pop culture branding</a> how porsche has built up its brand</li> <li><a href='http://www.6speedonline.com/articles/bad-boys-great-porsche/'>bad boys, great porsche</a> all about the porsche used in the bad boys film</li> <li><a href='http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewdepaula/2012/08/15/tom-cruises-risky-business-porsche-928-sold-at-auction/'>the risky business porsche</a> the history of this porsche 928</li> </ul> Car Insurance Sun, 12 Jan 2014 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.lelandwest.com/listing.asp?2014/1/Porsche-Tips-and-Information