Code Name “Panther”

Code Name “Panther”

The Ford Mustang had an extraordinary impact on the automotive industry after its release in April of 1964.

As you might expect, the other major automobile manufacturers immediately got to work on their versions of a pony car so that they could garner their share of this burgeoning new market.

In 1965 rumors began to circulate about the Chevrolet division of General Motors developing a competitor under the code name “Panther”.

During the summer of 1966 the company held a press conference and they invited members of the automotive journalism community. At this conference they announced that everyone in attendance was automatically a member of the “Society for the Elimination of Panthers from the Automotive World.”

The point was to let the intelligentsia know that the car was a reality but that it was not going to be called the Panther. In fact, it was going to be named the Camaro and it was purported to be a compact but capable animal that could “eat Mustangs.”

The Chevrolet Camaro was first offered to the buying public during September of 1966; of course this was the 1967 model year. The body styles that were offered during this first generation of the Chevrolet Camaro included a two-door coupe or convertible, with the most powerful engine available being a rather robust 396 cubic inch V-8.

The 1967 Camaro was the start of something big, and the vehicle remained in production continuously through the 2002 model year. If you were to ask serious fans of American muscle and pony cars to provide a list of the most important vehicles of the second half of the 20th century there is little doubt that the Camaro would be near the top of the list.

Chevrolet brought back the Camaro for the 2010 model year, and the latest models are really mind-boggling as well.

But to vintage muscle car fans there is truly nothing like a classic Camaro, and it all started with project Panther.

Like what you see? Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and on Youtube. Also be sure to look for your favorite cars on our website!

The post Code Name “Panther” appeared first on Fossil Cars Blog.

Related posts:

1. Camaro: Then And Now
2. From Old to New: The Mustang and The Camaro
3. 7 of the Most Popular Classic Cars

See original article: http://www.fossilcars.com/blog/code-name-panther/

Old Gas, Modern-Day Fuel and the Issues They Cause for Classic Cars

About a month ago we wrote an article about pulling your classic car or truck out of winter storage.  In it we recommend changing the fluids before taking her out on the road.  Gasoline is no exception. It can easily go bad during winter storage and should always be replaced with fresh fuel. Back in...   Read More

The post Old Gas, Modern-Day Fuel and the Issues They Cause for Classic Cars appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/old-gas-modern-day-fuel-and-the-issues-they-cause-for-classic-cars/

Classic Cars That Could Become Great Investments

The editors at Bloomberg Businessweek did some research to develop a list of classic cars that could become a great investments. They may not all be flashy, but Bloomberg thinks these could be winners. 1994 Toyota Supra 1991 Acura NSX  1991 Mitsubishi GTO 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 1993 Ford Saleen Mustang 1984 Ford Bronco XLT...   Read More

The post Classic Cars That Could Become Great Investments appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/classic-cars-that-could-become-great-investments/

Roadside Towing Service Made Just for Classic Cars

It might not be today, and it might not be tomorrow, but eventually your classic car is going to have a mechanical issue that could leave you stuck stranded on the side of the road.  When it happens, who are you going to call?  Do you want just some local company to come out and...   Read More

The post Roadside Towing Service Made Just for Classic Cars appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/roadside-towing-service-made-just-for-classic-cars/

Next Step Pro Sales

Next Step Pro Sales

The owners of Next Step Pro Sales have created a unique type of company in Lakewood, Colorado. They specialize not just in buying and selling classic and vintage cars, but also RVs. You can get all your specialty vehicle business done here. 

Technically, Next Step is not a dealership, which also makes it unique. They offer marketing, advertising, and networking reach for people looking to sell their vehicles. Every transaction is a private sale between two people rather than through a dealership. The company does keep some inventory to sell to customers, and you can find those options in the “additional inventory” category.

Check out the searchable inventory to find classic muscle cars, legendary vintage sports cars, a wide range of recreational vehicles, even tour buses, trailers, and modern used cars and trucks. 

What is really useful to collectors of classic cars and anyone looking to sell an RV is that Next Step provides a bigger reach. If you need to let go of one of your cars and you want to get a great price, what you need is an extensive network of classic car enthusiasts. 

And that’s just what Next Step can offer through their website and experienced staff with extensive connections. They match buyers and sellers to help everyone get the best deal. Not only do they provide the important connections and marketing, but they save sellers valuable time trying to do it on their own. There are no up-front costs to sell here, just a commission once you make a sale you’re happy with.

If you’re a buyer, you can truly find anything here. Although they specialize in RVs and classic cars, Next Step helps people sell trucks, motorcycles, and trailers too. Whatever you’re looking for, search for it on the convenient online site or contact the staff and they’ll track it down for you.

Financing is often an important part of purchasing something as costly as a vintage car or an RV. And while Next Step Pro Sales does not offer financing, they can connect buyers to some great options. They work with several banks, financing institutions, and individuals who provide great deals on vehicle loans. You can get your financing in order and find the car or RV of your dreams, all in one easy place. 

Check out the customer testimonials at NextStepProSales.com to see just how many satisfied buyers and sellers have worked with the dedicated and experienced team here. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller you can expect to have a great experience and to get the best possible deal. 

Like what you see? Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and on Youtube. Also be sure to look for your favorite cars on our website!

The post Next Step Pro Sales appeared first on Fossil Cars Blog.

Related posts:

1. Masterpiece Vintage Cars
2. Duffy’s Classic Cars
3. Hanksters Hot Rods

See original article: http://www.fossilcars.com/blog/next-step-pro-sales/

7 Parts You Need to Replace When Restoring a Classic Car or Truck

We recently came across an article by Kyle Smith who writes for Hagerty.   It is all about 7 items not to reuse when restoring your car.  We think he is absolutely correct and wanted to share this information with our readers. If you have ever been involved in a classic car or truck restoration, then...   Read More

The post 7 Parts You Need to Replace When Restoring a Classic Car or Truck appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/7-parts-you-need-to-replace-when-restoring-a-classic-car-or-truck/

The 17th annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction is Next Weekend

We were at the 48th annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona  just a few months ago.  Now the world’s greatest collector car auction is heading to Florida for their 17th annual Palm Beach Auction in Florida starting Thursday, April 11 and ending Saturday, April 13. We covered the 16th annual auction last year and this...   Read More

The post The 17th annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction is Next Weekend appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/the-17th-annual-barrett-jackson-palm-beach-auction-is-next-weekend/

American Muscle: The Oldsmobile 442

American Muscle: The Oldsmobile 442

Oldsmobile 442: Many fans of professional basketball, especially those who live in the Philadelphia area, look back fondly on the 1982-1983 season. This was the year that the team that was led by the legendary “Dr. J” Julius Irving added an integral piece in the form of dominating center Moses Malone.

Malone went down in basketball history with a simple statement: “Four-Four-Four.” He was predicting that the Sixers would win the NBA Championship with three consecutive four-game playoff series sweeps. He was close to prophetic; the Sixers did win the title, but it took them five games to win the middle series.

When it comes to classic muscle cars, the numbers to remember are Four-Four-Two– as in the Oldsmobile 442.

The 442 first saw the light of day when it was introduced for the 1964 model year as a performance option package that was available on the Oldsmobile F-85 and the Cutlass. The concept caught on among certain muscle car enthusiasts, and by 1968 the Oldsmobile 442 was no longer just a trim package; it was a freestanding model.

The Oldsmobile 442 remained a model in its own right through the 1971 model year. The engines that were offered in the vehicle included a 400 cubic inch V-8 as well as the top-of-the-line 455. An interesting thing to take note of with regard to the 1968 Oldsmobile 442 is the fact that this was the year that the company began partnering with the Hurst Performance Research Corporation.

If you are a true muscle car fanatic looking for a rare, historic vehicle there were just 515 Hurst Olds 442 specimens created for the 1968 model year. The total production figure for the 1968 Oldsmobile 442 was in excess of 33,000 units.

The Oldsmobile 442 remained available as an option package through the 1980 model year, and these cars are always going to enter into any conversation about muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s.

Like what you see? Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and on Youtube. Also be sure to look for your favorite cars on our website!

The post American Muscle: The Oldsmobile 442 appeared first on Fossil Cars Blog.

Related posts:

1. 1968 Hurst/Olds
2. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
3. 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass

See original article: http://www.fossilcars.com/blog/american-muscle-the-oldsmobile-442/

Top Gift Ideas for Classic Car Enthusiasts

Everyone who knows me knows I love classic cars and classic trucks. After all, I restore them for a living. I hang around with car guys. And as the so-called “expert” in the group, their wives are always asking me about gift ideas for their husbands. I must admit…I’m not much of a shopper. So,...   Read More

The post Top Gift Ideas for Classic Car Enthusiasts appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/top-gift-ideas-for-classic-car-enthusiasts/

Barrett-Jackson Talks Trends in the Collector Car Market

If you ask the elite collectors of “fine-art” automobiles about Barrett Jackson, they tend to dismiss that auction house.  The upper crust of the collector car market is more likely to attend auctions by Gooding & Co. or RM Sotheby’s. These collectors tend to focus on European sport cars like classic Ferraris and Jaguars.  It...   Read More

The post Barrett-Jackson Talks Trends in the Collector Car Market appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/barrett-jackson-talks-trends-in-the-collector-car-market/

AmericanTrucks Shares Knowledge for Choosing & Installing Lift Kits

We recently wrote an article Truck & Jeep Lifts 101: How to Give Your Ride the Height It Deserves that gave advice on raising your truck or jeep with a lift kit. Just after publishing that lift kit article, we were approached by AmericanTrucks.com and they were offering some advice of their own.  AmericanTrucks is...   Read More

The post AmericanTrucks Shares Knowledge for Choosing & Installing Lift Kits appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/americantrucks-shares-knowledge-for-choosing-installing-lift-kits/

The Longest-Running Classic and Collectible Cars

The Longest-Running Classic and Collectible Cars

New cars today just don’t seem to last. Production runs and product lifecycles aren’t what they used to be, with a few exceptions. Some collectible and classic cars have been around for decades and these are the brands and names that collectors love. A legacy is important to brand recognition, loyalty, and collectability.

According to a ranking by Fox News, the Volkswagen Beetle is one of the longest-running nameplates. The Beetle has a sinister origin as a car commissioned the Nazi part in Germany. It was intended to be a car for the people, and one that could get around on the newly built Autobahn. After the war, the car continued to be produced and the rest is history. Beetles from the 1960s are particularly popular with Volkswagen collectors.

Stateside, the Mustang is a brand that has been in production since 1964. Among sporty American cars, only the Chevy Corvette beats it with a continuous run since 1953. Both the original pony car and the classic sports car are hugely collectible today. Both, of course, are still in production and remain popular new cars as well.

For truck enthusiasts, there are a few modern vehicles that have a legendary history. The Toyota Land Cruiser, a favorite with off-roaders and collectors alike, has been in production by the Japanese car maker since 1951. Even older is the Jeep, which originated as an Army vehicle and eventually became a civilian favorite. There have been different models of the Jeep, but the basic idea has remained unchanged over the decades.

As reported at MSN Autos, the longest-running car brand is yet another truck, the Chevrolet Suburban. First introduced as a wagon in 1933, the Suburban has been in production for a whopping 80 years. Older versions of the Suburban are unique collectibles. Because they have been around for so long, you can get a Suburban that represents your favorite automotive decade. 

Like what you see? Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and on Youtube. Also be sure to look for your favorite cars on our website!

The post The Longest-Running Classic and Collectible Cars appeared first on Fossil Cars Blog.

Related posts:

1. How to Invest in Classic Cars
2. Pontiac Solstice: Why It May not Be the Collectible It’s Predicted to Be
3. Truck Trader Classic

See original article: http://www.fossilcars.com/blog/the-longest-running-classic-and-collectible-cars/

Hagerty Shop is Giving Back, Saving Lives and Providing Scholarships

The world leader in classic car insurance, Hagerty, has put together a few programs that really aim to save infant lives and provide driver education scholarships for the future drivers of tomorrow. McKeel Hagerty, the CEO of Hagerty, has created partnerships with non-profits and education centers to provide car seats for low-income families throughout the...   Read More

The post Hagerty Shop is Giving Back, Saving Lives and Providing Scholarships appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/hagerty-shop-is-giving-back-saving-lives-and-providing-scholarships/

Top 10 Vehicles Sold at the 2019 Meecum Auction in Glendale, Arizona

The very first Meecum Auction in Arizona has come and gone.  The event was so popular that they extended the planned 2-day event to a 4-day event that ran from March 14-17 at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. We were there to experience the excitement of the inaugural event and shared an article...   Read More

The post Top 10 Vehicles Sold at the 2019 Meecum Auction in Glendale, Arizona appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/top-10-vehicles-sold-at-the-2019-meecum-auction-in-glendale-arizona/

Meecum Auction Makes its 2019 Debut in Glendale, Arizona

There is no shortage of collector car auctions in Arizona, however 2019 was the first year for Meecum Auctions.  Their inaugural 4-day event was held at the Sate Farm Stadium in Glendale which usually plays host to the Arizona Cardinal football games. “There’s a real deep rich car culture here,” said Sam Murtaugh, VP of...   Read More

The post Meecum Auction Makes its 2019 Debut in Glendale, Arizona appeared first on Wilson's Auto Restoration Blog.

See original article: https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/meecum-auction-makes-its-2019-debut-in-glendale-arizona/

1969 Chevry Camaro walk through/start up

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iITyMr0tkos

The Fast American Production Cars

The Fast American Production Cars

Many people think you have spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on European exotics to get a fast ride. If you love good ol’ American cars, there are plenty of options available that will take you from zero to sixty in a nail-biting speed. These are a few of the fastest cars ever to come out of an American assembly line:

1970 Buick Gran Sport GSX. The late 1960s and early 1970s were the glory days for the muscle cars, but none were as fast as the Buick Gran Sport GSX. Loaded with a 455 engine that was lighter than any of the other big ones of the day, the Buick Gran Sport GSX was designed to compete with the Oldsmobile 442 and the Pontiac GTO. Despite the power under the hood and the serious speed, Buick did not sell very many.

1990 Corvette ZR1. No list of fast American production cars would be complete without mention of a Corvette. The 1990 ZR1 marked an early return to powerful cars after a decade of cars that looked nice, but did not perform. The fact that the ZR1 had over 400 horsepower made it a legend before it even took to the streets. The car set seven different land-speed records.

1995 Mustang Cobra R. The “R” stands for “Racing” which meant that the only people who could actually buy this model were those who held racing license. To make the “R” fast, Ford took out anything that was not necessary, like fog lights, air conditioning, and the back seat. These did not have the horsepower of the ZR1, but they were still speed with 300 horsepower and some serious torque.

1997 Viper GTS. Touted as the fastest production car ever, the Viper GTS had between 415 and 450 horsepower, depending on the model. Sadly, though the car topped nearly every other car in its class in all comparisons, it placed last in every braking test – making it quite unsafe for the speeds it could reach.

 

Like what you see? Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and on Youtube. Also be sure to look for your favorite cars on our website!

The post The Fast American Production Cars appeared first on Fossil Cars Blog.

Related posts:

1. Fastest American Production Cars
2. A Major Shout-Out to Bowling Green, Kentucky
3. Expensive Cars to Repair

See original article: http://www.fossilcars.com/blog/the-fast-american-production-cars/

1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 walk through

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt7Y53innxg

2002 Plymouth prowler walk through

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXVDwRygDRg

1967 Chevrolet Nova walk through

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-VMrJ4cgXg