A Bite of History:  by Mike Thies

American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon

The American Bantam Car Company was a small but innovative automaker based in Butler, Pennsylvania. Originally established as American Austin in the 1920s to produce miniature cars under license from the British Austin Motor Company, the firm reorganized…

Why It’s Hard to Recruit Younger Members to Volunteer Car Clubs, and How to Fix It

Car clubs have long been the social engine of the collector car world, bringing people together to swap parts, plan road trips, attend shows, and preserve automotive history. But in recent years, many volunteer-run car clubs have struggled with a pressing problem: recruiting and retaining younger members. The concern isn’t just about numbers, it’s about sustainability. As the…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

"Ask the Man Who Owns One!"

One of the most iconic slogans in American automotive history, “Ask the Man Who Owns One” became synonymous with the quiet confidence and refined…

A Bite of History: The Hudson Essex

by Mike Thies

Let’s take a look at a pretty underrated but important part of automotive history, the Hudson Essex. This car came out of the Hudson Motor Car Company, which was based in Detroit and started producing vehicles in the early 1900s. In 1918, they introduced the Essex as a more affordable option for everyday…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Peerless

The Peerless Motor Car Company, founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1900, earned its name by producing automobiles that lived up to its title—peerless in quality, performance, and innovation. As one of the famed “Three Ps” of early American luxury motoring—Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and Peerless—the brand was celebrated for its engineering precision and elegant styling.

Peerless was…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Packard

Packard Motor Car Company, established in 1899 by James Ward Packard, was an iconic American luxury automobile manufacturer known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and prestige, During the Great Depression, Packard faced declining sales but remained financially stable by implementing robust marketing strategies and reducing automobile prices.…

Why Use A Professional Mechanic to Start A “Dead” Car

by Mike Thies, Certified Vehicle Appraiser

Luckily, “Dead” in this case doesn’t mean gone forever.  It refers to a car that may have been running fine at some point but has been left unattended, not started, for an extended period.  Museum cars, family estate probate, life demands; the reasons fill a long list of how this can easily happen.  Members of the International Vehicle Appraisers Network encounter this fairly…

The Heart of the Show: Why Local Car Shows Thrive on Charity

Local car shows have long been a staple of community life, bringing together enthusiasts and the curious alike to…

The Future Of The Collector Car Hobby

The collector car hobby has long been a passionate pursuit for enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty, history, and engineering of classic automobiles. As we look towards the future, the hobby stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Despite challenges such as changing demographics, economic shifts, and environmental concerns, the outlook for the…

In Georgia, the safety of children in vehicles is a top priority, especially after an accident. According to Georgia law, parents and guardians must adhere to specific regulations regarding child car seats following a collision. Understanding these laws is crucial for ensuring the continued safety of children in vehicles.

Georgia law mandates that if a motor vehicle collision occurs and a child safety seat is…

In the unfortunate event of a total loss accident, accurately determining the value of a used car is crucial for insurance purposes. Various methods exist for assessing this value, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will explore several common methods and rate them based on their accuracy.

Market Value Comparison: This method involves comparing the car's value to similar…

Unveiling the Thrill of Collector Car Poker Runs: Where Excitement Meets Classic Automotive Elegance and Charity - Drive Toward A Cure For Parkinson’s Poker Run

Rev up your engines and embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure! Collector Car Poker Runs fuse the allure of vintage automobiles with the exhilaration of a classic poker game, creating an experience that merges adrenaline-pumping drives with camaraderie and strategic card play. Picture…

• Flag City Open Car Show

  Sat, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

  Glory Days Grill, 3933 Arkwright Rd

  Macon, GA…

  

Supply Chain Problems with Classic Car Mechanics

By Mike Thies – Certified Vehicle Appraiser

The shortage of automobile mechanics to work on classic cars is a growing concern among collectors and enthusiasts. Classic cars require a unique set of skills and knowledge to maintain and repair, and there simply aren't enough trained professionals to keep up with demand. Let’s take a closer look at the…

Ten Sacred rules to Safely Buying a Car Long-Distance

The top ten things every buyer should do before contemplating a long-distance purchase.



Published 6/25/2010

10) Understand your needs and curb your expectations! Take time to think about your intended use for the vehicle. Is…

Never mind your Trans Ams, your Boss Mustangs, even your Hemi Charger Daytonas.



For the most awesomely named performance car, I give you the Apperson "Big Dick" -



1907-1908 Apperson Big Dick, 96hp For those with $15,000 to spend, Apperson would put their race engine in a 50hp Jackrabbit runabout to create the Big Dick. A 96hp racing runabout, the Big Dick…

I admit it it. I'm superficial.

I suppose as a custom, automotive photographer I deserve a pass. After all, I absolutely love cars (and motorcycles and even some trucks); but not because of how they handle, or how fast they can go zero-to-sixty, but because of how they look!

Why bother photographing something that is already…

JAGUAR!

2018 Atlanta British Car Fayre -Norcross, GA

Featuring over 400 distinctive British Automobiles & Motorcycles. 10 AM - 3 PM in Historic Downtown Norcross, GA. This year's featured marque is Jaguar. This is year 18 of this favorite September…

Big cats roar again: Jaguar Land Rover opens classic car works

•  Alan Tovey, Industry Editor 

Jaguar Land Rover has thrown open the doors of its new £7m plant which is home to legendary cars…

Caffeine and Exotics Wows Car Enthusiasts  by Marilyn Pearlman

Five thousand people who own exotic cars or just like to look at them paid $5.00 to join a parade of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens, Rolls Royce, Aston Martins, Porsches, Lotuses, Maserati, Bentleys, Audis, GTR's, Corvettes, and Vipers on Sunday, April 17 at Lenox Square. The occasion was appropriately called Caffeine and Exotics, a unique show partially…