Archive for September, 2008
Finding A Classic Car
Automotive enthusiasts know that cars are not so different from any other collectible. When it comes to the classics though finding the right car can be difficult. If you are seeking the perfect classic car for your personal collection rest assured that there are many places for classic cars to be found. In fact some of the best finds are closer to home than you may realize. Finding a classic car requires more than a browse through the newspaper. Most of them are never even advertised that way. Get creative and consider checking out places that you would otherwise overlook.
The first place you should consider is your local auto wreckers or junkyard. You never know what hidden gem you may find amid the rubble. Often people will dispose of a vehicle without realizing the potential worth in it. Many would rather not invest the time and money necessary for the restoration of classic cars. That alone is a great way to get them to unload their classic on you. There is a good chance you will find an old car at the junkyard that has been left there due to age or missing parts. If restoration is what you plan this can be a goldmine.
Try browsing online car ads for a classic vehicle. Use keyword terms to help you find something. Often people will be selling their car privately because they need the money not because they want to part with a classic. As unfortunate as that is it allows you to swoop in and nab a great car for a potential deal.
There are many great online car auction sites that may have just what you are looking for. BarrettJackson.com is a great resource that could open a lot of doors. If anything there will be a slew of great information. A Google search will help you be able to find more potential car auctions if the first ones you find do not help.
It does not hurt to post your own ad stating to others that you are seeking a classic car. This way you can list the make and model and even the year. If anyone with that car is trying to get rid of one you may find yourself in luck. If you put yourself out there then at least you are making your request public. You might be surprised how often reverse advertising works for people.
Scope out some car shows in your area or neighboring cities in order to meet other car lovers and discover potential vehicle sales. There are a lot of informed people that may know of a good classic car being sold. Asking around lets others know what you are looking for so speak to people and get to know local car enthusiasts. A connection can always come in useful later.
If all else fails try talking to some dealers or mechanics. Quite often they come across various cars for sale. Leaving your name with them certainly does not hurt. Finding a classic car is not all that difficult. Of course certain models will be harder than others. Keep your eyes open and be creative in your search.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for moneysaving tips and receive discount auto insurance quotes for young drivers from respected insurance companies.
Fiat Bids For GM Operations
Fiat is gunning for General Motors after almost taking over Chrysler. Fiat is ready to take on the Opel brand of cars currently owned by GM which will enhance the Italian companys profile as a world leader. It could also take over GMs traditional rivals the Japanese and Korean car manufacturers.
Till the year 2003 Fiat was incurring loses continuously but in a major turnaround after that it was posting profits every year. In a surprise move the Italian car manufacturer made a bid to take over Opel and other GM brands. By adding GM and Chrysler to its profile Fiat comes very near the largest car manufacturer in the world Toyota.
However the road to glory is filled with a lot of obstruction. Fiat needs to get the approval of German government which is assisting protecting the brand. Opel went into rapid descent after its parent company General Motors went down facing a recession.
But German government wasnt to protect the workforce at Opel. The government is pressing the Italian car giant to give assurances and guarantees on a range of topics. One of their conditions is that if the company merges there should be no job cuts. Fiat has promised to retain the Opel manufacturing units but has stated that will have to resort to restructuring. The current Fiat Chief Executive Sergio Machionne gave no firm assurances about cutting jobs.
The Italian car manufacturer who now holds more than 10 percent of the European market credits its turn around to Sergio Machionne. Since his take over as the CEO he has become famous for his hire and fire policy. He told the German media persons that staff levels will have to be cut and no one will be able to change that. The plants will have to become more efficient.
At present Opel has strength of 25000 employees and if Fiat moves it will resort to substantial reductions in the employee strength. Apart from Opel GM also owns Saab in Sweden Vauxhall in Britain Chevrolet GMC and Buick Cadillac and Hummer in United States. Fiat has hinted that it wants to take over GMEurope operations.
Just like GM Fiat also has the practice to share platforms and technology among its subsidiaries. This could make it the most preferred bidder for the Opel brand. As far as Fiats plans goes it wants to combine three brands Fiat GM and Chrysler which will totally manufacture more than 7 million units of vehicles every year. If Fiat wins its Opel bid it could also bid for GMs Asian operations which currently have the two biggest markets India and China.
Fiat has been in India for almost six decades ago and recently went into partnership with Tata Motors. It has also tied up with Tata Motors for construction of its new plant in Pune. There are plans to increase its supply capacity. It would render the Indian giant being dictated by the Italian company. Tata Motors has launched the Tata Nano the world cheapest car may become a smaller partner in the partnership.
About the writer: Carazoo.com
Fastest Exotic Cars
Exotic cars are probably the most fascinating thing about the car world. These cars definitely do not go for cheap; in fact they are very expensive. So expensive most people don’t even think about saving up for such a dream. Perhaps it’s the price that makes it so attractive? Or maybe the scarcity? The looks? One thing that comes to mind when we think exotic cars or supercars is the performance! So let’s take a look at some of the fastest exotic cars on the market today.
1. Bugatti Veyron
Boasting 1000 horsepower the Bugatti Veyron is the most powerful car on the market today and the most expensive. It can hit 060 in only 2.5 seconds! The top speed goes over 250 mph. In fact it’s so fast you have to use a key to “unlock” the top speed. This is to prepare the car for the top speed; otherwise it will fly off the ground! It’s literally that fast! This is definitely no cheap exotic car. It’s a limited production vehicle and it’s not surprising to find one of these listed at 1 million USD.
2. Ferrari Enzo
What can I say? It’s a Ferrari! It’s probably the most beautiful Ferrari to date. Like most exotic cars this car comes with scissor doors. This is the first Ferrari to come with scissor doors. It was styled by Pininfarina. The Enzo can accelerate 060 in just 3.1 seconds! In fact Ferrari was so impressed with the Enzo’s performance they named it after the company founder. This also is no cheap exotic car. The MSRP was a very expensive 600000 during its release in 2003. It’s not surprising to see this exotic car go for the 12 million USD price range these days.
3. Porsche Carrera GT
The competitor to the Ferrari Enzo. This is by the far the best looking Porsche. This exotic car can do 060 in just 3.6 seconds! The handling just goes to show you the wonderful engineering put into this car. With an MSRP of 450000 this car isn’t cheap either! But it’s probably the best exotic car and most expensive coming out of Germany.
Honorable Mention
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The Corvette Z06 is probably the best domestic car. It always ranks up or even outperforms the European exotic cars. The Corvette is probably the closest you’ll get to a cheap exotic car. Its 060 time is a whopping 3.7 seconds beating wellknown exotic cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago. What a wonderful car for domestic buyers!
About the writer: Dan Svinsky is an exotic car enthusiast. He teaches people how to buy Expensive Cars for cheap