Classic Car Models

Classic Car Models

The Ford Motor Company: a Lifetime of Classic Cars

What started out as a simple ingenious way of putting things together became a great well of classic cars. The Ford Motor Company started out as a small group of three people working together to form a few simple cars. Each person would work on a different component, thus making the process much quicker. And when this style of work grew onto large scales, it defined how car creation would be.

Ford is undeniably a legendary creator of classic cars. Here we will take a look at some of the great defining vintage cars that this company has made.

The Model T

Made in 1908, this car made all those horse-powered carriages become a simple tourist novelty. The Model T heralded the real start of popular automobile usage. Its success came with the fact that it was affordable. Ford's assembly-line way of production paid off. It was so popular that it was in fact considered to be the world's best selling car design before the Volkswagen Beetle dominated the race--which was almost 60 years after!

The Model A

Ford had it strange with the alphabet. After Model T, the next fashionable car that Ford has introduced was the Model A in 1927. It was a simple and elegant car, but with additions that would define what a car would be for years. Take for example the four-wheel mechanical brakes, as well as the hydraulic shock absorbers. It had a starting price of around $300-$400. And now, a not-so-restored Model A roadster sells for $20,000 at the least. How's that for a classic car value.

The Model B

The Model B could not have made it to this list of classic cars because it looked so much like the Model A. But it carried a very important artifact--the V8 engine. Yes, Ford Motor Companies created this monster of an engine, and they put it in one of their signature cars. The V8 engine also defined how a car's performance should be: powerful, speedy, but affordable.

The Fairlane

Jump to 15 years after the Model B and the V8, and we have the first set of big cars. The Fairlane would start the trend of hood-and-trunk cars, with a classy look to boot. The Fairlane was in fact, the car for the '50s and '60s that it has permeated into the milkshake culture of that era.

The Thunderbird

The T-bird is also one of the defining cars that Ford has made. It is literally a sports car available for normal people, and which could be driven safely on the road. The Thunderbird is really a beauty, demand on the classic car market for first to third generation ones reached great proportions.

The Mustang

The Mustang is another trendsetter. Large muscle cars abound in the 60s, but Ford is not a company that conforms. The Mustang was the first of the 'pony' cars, with the long hood and short deck make. This car was so sweet and sexy that it was given a starring role as Mr. Bond's car in Goldfinger.

Aside from these cars, Ford provided us with quality trucks, buses, and even tractors. Though they may not be collectible, Ford Motor Company's versatility showed through these utility vehicles. Still, what defines Ford is its ability to set a trend in automobile making, be it an affordable car, a high-performance engine, or new designs. And this trendsetting ability is what makes Ford's vehicles valuable classic cars.

About the Author

Find affordable classic Ford cars at http://www.classicvehicleauction.com Classic Vehicle Auction houses a wide variety of classic cars for sale, you'll surely find one within your budget. Peter Grizzly is an age-old classic car enthusiast. He makes his living now by being a classic car trader.

So I'm thinking about buying a classic car...?

It's either gonna be a classic mini or a classic muscle car. I'm going to buy it running so the only thing I'm investing in is the looks... It's going to be my main car. Is there any advice or tips that you can give me so I know what to watch out for when buying, or if I should even bother?
Also, anyone know the mpg on any classic mini model?

P.S. this is going to be my first car, so be very thorough on advice (:

"I'm going to buy it running so the only thing I'm investing in is the looks... "

You are in for a big surprise then. When you buy any 'classic' car, there is more to it than the skin. Just because its running, and shiny, that doesnt mean you are getting a reliable car.

Old cars are fussy. They are carbuerated first off, that means they will run differently in different climates, with humidity changes, and with weather changes. Parts are getting more and more scarce every day, so when you need something simple like brake parts, you may be in for a search. Mini's (the original Austin Mini) are cool as heck, but when you need to buy anything for them, they are not cheap. Of course the same can be said for classic muscle.

Insurance on these cars is tricky too. If you were to buy, lets say a 69 Camaro, as a daily driver, you would need specialty insurance. State Farm and their colleagues don't insure classics as daily drivers. The ones that do charge a good bit for decent coverage.

Check ALL the angles when looking at an old car. While it may look great on the surface, old cars were prone to rust in areas you wouldn;t be able to see with a normal inspection. The corrosion protection was not as good in the 'old days' as it is now. Seam welds were especially succeptible to rust (where panels meet - ie trunk floor meets fenders)

Theres a lot that goes into buynig a classic. Make sure you have a knowlegable, qualified mechanic inspect anything before you buy

Good luck

Classic Car (Thomas Flyer Model L) Toyota Automobile Museum