I remember when the first T-Birds came out. There was a Doctor in Muskegon, Michigan who owned one. It was a white Bird with the port hole, so it must have been a 1956 model. My wife has always had a soft spot in her heart for the early Birds, too...both in her garden and on the street!
Last month, Hagerty did a great article in their magazine. (Click on the link in my sidebar to subscribe, and while you are at it, get a quote on insuring your classic car!) They tell of when their family restored a 1955 Thunderbird that went on to win some very prestigious awards.
I just received an email from my friends at Hagerty. I guess they did even more extensive writing and picture taking that you can visit and enjoy. So I am giving you not only the links, but the story they wrote to me.
If you love the '55 - '57 T-Birds, take a minute and read this article.
Hope you enjoy!! I have also included the latest info from Hagerty. Read for great information!
Dear Michael:
I've always had a special place in my heart for Thunderbirds. Classic T-Birds have always been a huge part of my family; we restored a 1956 T-Bird that later won several awards, including the AACA's "Best Post-War Car" award in 1995. It's still part of our collection. So I'm excited to introduce the online component to the recent World of Thunderbird story in Hagerty's magazine. Head to www.hagerty.com/thunderbird for an exhaustive look at the first generations of the classic marque, including a price index, vintage brochures and videos, a video buyers guide with expert Dave Kinney, and a fantastic photo gallery. And while you're there, don't miss our new Hagerty's Collector Car Report, which lets you input your VIN for a look at your car's history and value. See you on the road!
–McKeel Hagerty
News: World of Thunderbird, first Mustang
The World of Thunderbird
Dive into the World of Thunderbird with Hagerty's extensive guide to one of America's most beloved cars. Learn about the car's history, browse through vintage brochures, and watch some videos and vintage TV ads. And be sure to check out our huge photo gallery, featuring a spotter's guide early Thunderbirds. Enter the World of Thunderbird.
Woman says she bought the first Mustang
Although reports have long claimed the first Mustang was sold in Newfoundland just before midnight on Friday, April 17, 1964, one Illinois woman says she purchased her Skylight Blue convertible on April 15 - two days before official sales were set to begin. She's still got the paperwork - and the car - to prove it.
Road Trip, circa 1923: Part III
Our monthly series documenting a 1923 road trip continues as the intrepid travelers take the Yellowstone Trail into the Dakotas and run into some scary weather. "The edge of a tornado passed thru about 25 miles north of us. It killed some eight or 10 people. We crossed its path about noon, and then we realized what a narrow escape we really had had." Read about their journey.
Our Cars: Jayson Allen's British fleet
Jayson Allen has been with Hagerty for two years, but he's been a customer for 10. He was bit by the car bug early on as a kid, and has since collected quite the fleet of British classics, including two "Bugeye" Sprites and a classic Mini. Take a look at his collection.
Collector Car Appreciation Day is July 9
July is the perfect month to celebrate all-things American. This year, there's even more cause for celebration: The U.S. Senate in May passed a resolution declaring July 9, 2010, "Collector Car Appreciation Day."
Resources: Hagerty Collector Car Report
Introducing the Hagerty Collector Car Report
Every car has a story, and Hagerty wants to help tell it. Visit the new Hagerty Collector Car Report to unlock the data contained in your VIN, view photos, history, statistics, market trends and values for hundreds of popular collector cars. The tool puts the greatest collection of collector car information on the web at your fingertips. Just enter your year, make, model or VIN (if you have it) and go!
5 affordable sports cars to buy right now
Last month, we took a look at five muscle cars to buy now. This month, we take up the cause of the elbow-patch, tweed-jacket set with a look at five sports cars. There's something for nearly everyone on the list: British, Italian and Japanese, V-8, six or four. Read the list and add your own picks in the comments section.
Yesterday's misfires, today's collector cars
The Edsel is a name that has now become synonymous with failure. However, despite the legacy of its remarkable flop back in 1958-1960, surviving Edsels enjoy a cult following among collectors. On the anniversary of the ultimate "misfire," we've has compiled a list of "Yesterday's Misfires, Today's Collector Cars."
Losses and Lessons: Old tires lead to Maserati mishap
A client decided to take his Maserati out for a spin. The car had been in storage over the winter, and the tires were flat and brittle - unbeknownst to the driver. When traffic stopped short, the Ghibli rear-ended the car in front. Learn how to prevent this from happening to you.
What's New with Hagerty Plus
Top 7 issues for the Historic Vehicle Association
It's rare that collector vehicles are the direct target of legislation. The majority of legislative and regulatory issues faced by collectors of historic vehicles are the side-effects of laws and regulations aimed toward the larger vehicle population. Here are seven issues facing collector car enthusiasts and that the Historic Vehicle Association plans to tackle.
Vote now in the Young Designers Contest
Hagerty invites you to vote for your favorite futuristic design of a collector automobile in the second annual Young Designers Contest! Log onto www.hagerty.com/contest before July 13 to vote for your favorite original design, as submitted by teens from around the United States. The five finalists will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Monterey, Calif., for final judging during the world-famous Monterey Classic Car Week. Vote now!
Member Discount: Griot's Garage
Griot's Garage has been providing enthusiasts like you with the finest in car care, tools, garage organization and accessories for over 18 years. They develop, test, and manufacture the finest and most complete line of car care products you will find. Hagerty Plus members get a 10 percent discount on all merchandise. Visit our Member Discounts page and scroll down for your discount.
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In this week's Hagerty's Insider: Austin Power's Shaguar is up for sale, Corvette becomes the official sports car of Kentucky, Russia looks back fondly on its own automotive history, and we take a look at some upcoming events.
Ask Hagerty Concierge
QUESTION:
What is the difference between Agreed Value and Stated Value insurance coverage?
ANSWER:
The key difference is understanding what is being promised upfront, before you have a loss. With an agreed value policy, you know what you are going to get. An agreed value policy guarantees the policy will pay the insured amount of the vehicle - and no less - in the event of a covered total loss. A stated value policy does not promise upfront to pay the stated amount. After a covered total loss, it may pay less than this amount. With stated value policies, the insurer also has the right to pay the lesser of your collector car's depreciated actual cash value (ACV) or its replacement cost. Also, many insurers offering stated value policies require periodic appraisals to substantiate the insured amount, adding cost and inconvenience to the insurance process for their customers.
Read more tips from our Concierge.
Do you have a question for the "Ask Hagerty" Concierge? E-mail askhagerty@hagerty.com
Keeping your car's paint healthy
Some people love to polish cars. Waxing, polishing and buffing seem like second nature for these people. For the rest of us, taking care of a collector car's finish is more of a chore. Here are some basic tips to keep your car's appearance a cut above the rest:
- Use a high-quality car-wash soap to wash your car. Dish soap will strip the wax from your car. Good soap will preserve your wax job while giving an extra sheen to your car.
- If your paint's a bit dull, don't use cleaner wax. Instead, take the time to use a very light polishing compound (preferably by hand), and use pure wax to recoat your car's finish. Combining the two steps usually produces a mediocre result.
- Always wash a car from the top down. Keep a special wash mitt or bug sponge for the bottom third of your car. This will prevent you from dragging road dirt and grime across the most visible parts of your car which can lead to scratches.
Happy Motoring from McPherson College!
"Hagerty's Inside Classic Cars" What's coming?
"Hagerty's Inside Classic Cars" is America's only national radio program dedicated to collector cars. Every week, nationally recognized host Bob Long interviews leaders in the hobby on everything from car values and events to care tips and car maintenance. This weeks' episode tackles all-things Corvette with exclusive coverage from Bloomington Gold. Long talks with a representative from Mecum Auctions; Corvette guru Mike Yager; and valuation experts Rob Sass and Dave Kinney. Listen online at www.hagertysradio.com or subscribe to our podcast on iTunes .
Hagerty and RM Auctions are pleased to invite you to a special detailing seminar during Monterey car week in August. Part of Hagerty's Smart Collecting Series, and sponsored by Meguiar's, "Secrets of an Elite Detailer" will feature a hands-on demonstration of detailing techniques and strategies by Tim McNair of Grand Prix Concours Preparation. You'll also hear about the importance of proper preparation for auction and the show field from Ian Kelleher, President and COO of RM Auctions, and Dave Kinney, publisher of Hagerty's Cars That Matter. The seminar is scheduled for 2 p.m., Aug. 12, in the Serra Ballroom, onsite at RM's Sports and Classics of Monterey event at the Portola Hotel and Spa and Monterey Conference Center. RSVP.
Thanks McKeel! Your magazine always exceeds my expectations. Getting better every issue!
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