Do your own a classic car or special vehicle? Has your regular insurance company turned their backs or made the premium so high that you are thinking of selling your car to buy bread?

Well, fret not.

Here are a few quick tips to get your car insured.

Tip 1

Contact your regular insurance company and check that you are getting the best rate. You may be entitled to a reduction based upon good driving history.

Tip 2

THEN, search on the net for classic car insurance, classic auto insurance, kit car insurance etc. Whichever suits your type of vehicle. You will be pleased to know there are now lots of specialist insurers.

Tip 3

Get a number of quotes from each and perform due diligence. I suggest making phone contact with them and asking them a few questions. i.e How long have you been in business? What is your financial backing? Do they have a physical address?

Check around for good recommendations from sites you trust before you make a decision.

Tip 4

Make sure you don't forget to check all the terms, conditions and restrictions.

Tip 5

Be insurance savvy! Your regular insurance company just wants to crunch the numbers. A specialist insurance company knows that you look after your car like one of your children. This is often reflected in a lower premium. So shop around and enjoy.

If you know me then you already know how I like to talk about the preservation of the classic American cars and muscle cars, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to keep these cars on the roads, so we have a presence of them around.

Isn't it enough that our country is getting inundated by imports, and the fact that people are always saying how much better other countries are building cars then we do, well without Henry Ford none of them would be building cars as we know them today, and if I remember correctly he was an American.

We need a heavy presence of American cars, just to help put way the dull drab looking imports, you know cars that have a little style and character to offer, not just these cookie cutter expensive, yet cheap built imports, how much better is a BMW, Mercedes or any other import then a good old American car.

Buy American people, all I hear is people bitching about the economy, well it seems to me that if we were to buy our own country's products, it would improve our well being, and that we would have a better economy, we would all be a lot happier, if you buy an American car from an American dealer or an individual, you have done your part to help the economy.

Let's say that you bought a car from a dealer, he'd have to pay taxes, and that would help the economy, and the car manufacture of American cars would hire Americans to build the cars, and that would also help the economy by keeping the money that the manufacture pays it's employees in our country, and buying things from American companies, therefore improving the economy.

This brings me to the whole point of this little rant, if we were all to buy an old classic American car and restore it to it's original glory, we'd be buying parts from American companies and having American businesses restoring those cars, and thereby infusing money back in to the economy, to help build our country's economy back to it's stable old self, we all need to think more like this.

The Noble M12 GTO-3R - A close look at this sports car including performance, technical data, features, comparing rivals, history, used prices

from Classic to Modern

THE CAR

The Noble M12 GTO sports car was launched in 2000. Following its success, the company then introduced the M12 GTO-3 in 2003 which featured:

An extensively tuned 3 litre Ford Duratec V6 engine, fitted with twin Garrett T25 turbochargers, that ran 0.7 bar of boost, and an intercooler
Composite glass fibre body on a tubular steel space frame chassis
A substantial carbon fibre rear wing and a front splitter which, between them, produced a marked increase in down force

Then, in 2005, Noble launched a variant aimed specifically at the track.

This was the two door, two seater, rear wheel drive Noble M12 GTO-3R, which took over where the GTO-3 left off.

An important feature, only on the GTO-3R, was referred to as an automatic torque biasing differential, produced by Quaife Engineering.

It was a form of limited slip differential that utilised helical gears, instead of clutch mechanisms, that were activated either by mechanical means or by computer.

The benefit of this system was that power was concentrated on the particular wheel requiring additional torque, such as when coming out of a fast turn.

The cabin's particularly spacious interior had leather trim, there was additional sound-deadening to reduce noise from both the engine and track, it included an engine start button, both seats and steering column were adjustable, and there was a full roll cage

In terms of distinguishing between the two variants, the GTO-3R was fitted with twin covered headlights, and a specially designed alloy steering wheel incorporating ten spokes.

It used AP Racing's 13 inch vented and drilled discs all round, and had a curb weight of just 1080 kg, only 100 kg more than the GTO variant.

Priced at $50,000, only 165 of the GTO-3R's were built, with a substantially lower figure in respect of the GTO and GTO-3 variants.

THE ENGINE

Powered by the same all-alloy, DOHC, 24 valve mid-engine as in the GTO-3, the five speed manual gearbox was replaced with a six speed manual Getrag unit in which the gear ratios were revised with the result that, when travelling at the legal speed limit, the engine was turning over at only 2700 rpm.

The engine of the M12 GTO-3R developed 360 bhp at 6200 rpm, well below the redline of 7200, and 358 ft/lbs of torque at 3500 rpm, with most of the power being available around 3000 rpm.

With a compression ratio of 8.5:1, the car produced a top speed of 170 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 secs. Technical data:

COMPETITION

Typical competition for the Noble M12 GTO-3R included the following sports cars: Porsche 993 GT2 Club Sport, Corvette ZO6, and Ford GT. Noble performance:

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

On the second hand market, the typical selling price of an M12 GTO-3R sports car, in good condition, was between $51,000 and $58,000.

This concludes my Noble M12 GTO-3R Sports Car Review.

The Noble M15 - A close look at this sports car including performance, technical data, features, comparing rivals, history, used prices

from Classic to Modern

THE CAR

The Noble M15 sports car, introduced in 2006 and priced at £74,950, was targeted at the market sector dominated by the likes of the Porsche Turbo, Audi R8, and Ferrari F430.

In this respect, new features added to the car included traction control, ABS, satellite navigation, air conditioning, and electric windows.

Although performance was still to the fore, it was interesting to note that this two seater, fixed head coupe was to be positioned as a grand tourer, rather than a track day racer, as was the case with some previous models in the M-Series.

It featured a composite fibreglass body on a steel space frame chassis, incorporating an integral roll cage for additional safety, that was significantly stiffer than that used in the M12, resulting in much improved handling characteristics.

The new chassis had been reinforced with additional aluminium panels, and designed primarily to incorporate the new engine format. Consequently, it had a curb weight of just 1250 kg.

It was fitted with AP Racing 330 mm vented and drilled discs all round.

Of note were the sweeping curves of the front wings, and the distinctive headlight assembly in the shape of an arc, together with enormous air intakes and a fastback rear.

Furthermore, the huge rear diffuser increased down force to ensure that the car was planted firmly on the ground at high speed.

Unlike previous sports cars from Noble, the engine was positioned longitudinally, which significantly increased both cooling and turbo performance.

By moving the engine and gearbox forward slightly, front/rear weight distribution now stood at 40/60%.

It used 18 inch rims at the front and 19 inch at the rear, and the rear track was increased by 2.5 cm to improve high speed cornering.

With compartments at both front and rear, there was adequate room for luggage.

Both the interior and carbon fibre framed seats were trimmed in leather.

The rear spoiler seen on previous models was removed to portray a more civilised aura in a car designed for everyday use, rather than the track.

THE ENGINE

The Noble M15 was powered by a Ford Duratec 3 litre, DOHC mid-V6 engine, with four valves per cylinder, and fitted with twin Garrett T25 turbochargers plus an intercooler.

With a compression ratio of 8.5:1, it developed 455 bhp at 6800 rpm (with redline at 7200), and 455 ft/lbs of torque at 4800 rpm.

As such, it ranked as the most powerful sports car produced to date by Noble.

Fitted with a Graziano six speed manual gearbox, it produced a top speed of 185 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 secs.

Production ended in 2011 when the M15 was succeeded by the Noble M600. Technical Data:

COMPETITION

Typical competition for the Noble M15 included the following cars: Porsche 996 Turbo S, Ferrari F430, and Audi R8. Noble performance:

This concludes my Noble M15 Sports Car Review

The Variants of the Aston Martin DB4 - A close look at this sports car including performance, technical data, features, comparing rivals, history, used prices

from Classic to Modern

Aston Martin DB4 Convertible

The four seater DB4 sports car convertible, based on the Touring saloon, was introduced at the London Motor Show in September 1961, priced at £4,449, when a detachable hardtop was also made available.

The standard 3.7 litre, six cylinder, twin cam engined variant had a top speed of 136 mph, with 0-60 mph in 8.5 secs.

Only 70 convertibles were ever built when production ended in 1963, with 30 of the Series 4 variant, and the other 40 from the Series 5.

Furthermore, 11 of the Series 4 convertibles were fitted with the higher output Vantage engine, as were 21 of the Series 5.

Aston Martin DB4 GT

Introduced at the 1959 London Motor Show, this was a lightweight version of the earlier DB4 fastback, and designed with racing in mind.

This involved shortening the wheelbase of the standard car by 5 inches, replacing the rear seats with a luggage platform, and using lighter 18-gauge aluminium body panels on a steel chassis.

Together, this reduced the overall weight of the car by 91 kg to a curb weight of 1270 kg.

It had distinctive front cooling vents, and a larger air scoop on the bonnet, with leather upholstery and wool carpeting on the inside.

What made the GT so special was that it was powered by a tuned 3.7 litre, or optional 3.8 litre engine, with two distributors, three twin choke Weber carburettors, and each cylinder having two spark plugs.

With a modified cylinder head and a 9.0:1 compression, it developed 302 bhp at 6000 rpm, and 270 ft/lbs of torque at 5000 rpm.

Fitted with a four speed manual gearbox, it produced a top speed of 152 mph, with 0-60 mph in 6.1 secs.

It used non-assisted Girling disc brakes all round, and featured faired-in headlights with perspex covers, and wire wheels on alloy rims with knock-off hubs.

Works cars, in the hands of Stirling Moss and others, provided a strong challenge to Ferraris commanding position in GT racing, at that time.

It was entered, alongside the race-winning DBR1, in the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hour race.

This sports car was comfortable on both the race track and as a GT car.

Interestingly, one of the cars received body styling by Bertone, and was designated the Bertone Jet.

By the time production ended in 1964, 75 GT's had been built.

Aston Martin DB4 Vantage

With the DB4 Series 4 launched in September 1961, a version was offered with the higher output Vantage engine, which was fitted with a modified cylinder head, together with three SU carburettors, which increased output to 266 bhp, and 255 ft/lbs of torque.

This produced a top speed of 149 mph, with 0-60 mph in 6.3 secs.

Fitted with the faired-in headlights as used in the DB4 GT, a total of 136 saloons and 32 convertibles received the Vantage engine, and were designated as the DB4 Vantage.

Aston Martin DB4 Vantage GT

Series 4 and 5 DB4 Vantage GT's were fitted with the GT-style front section, containing recessed, Perspex-covered headlights.

Six of the Series 5 coupes, five of the Series 4, and three of the Series 3, none of which were GT's, were fitted with the GT twin plug engine, and were designated as DB4 Vantage GT cars.

COMPETITION

A selection of the sports cars that were competitors of the Aston Martin DB4 variants included: Jaguar E-Type Series 1, Porsche 911, and Ferrari 250 GTO.

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

The Series 5 DB4 Vantage sports car from Aston Martin had, depending on condition, a value ranging from $180,000/£115,000 to $340,000/£215,000, whilst the Series 4 Vantage was valued between $350,000/£220,000 and $420,000/£260,000.

This concludes my Aston Martin DB2 Sports Car Review

In the market for a classic car restoration? When you have a car that is considered a classic, you may want to take it to a body shop to have it professionally restored. The process involves more than just a new paint job, and implies that it is being put back in its authentic condition, just as it was when it was new on the showroom floor. Not all body shops are equipped to handle a true restoration.

What is Classic Car Restoration?

A classic car is defined by the Classic Car Club of America as a vehicle between 30 and 49 years, while one between 50 and 99 years is considered a pre-antique and cars 100 years and older, an antique. Not all older cars meet the definition of "classic car." The crucial thing with classics is that they represented "fine or unusual motorcars" distinguished by "fine design, high engineering standards, and superior workmanship." Often costly at the time, they often have other distinguishing characteristics, based on their engine displacement, custom coach work, and luxury accessories. Other car organizations have different criteria, while some states consider it a classic after 20 or 25 years for licensing purposes.

Is Restoration Really what you Want or Need?

Restoration means that the body shop might need to tear the car apart to examine the condition of the components and either refurbish it with original parts or find reproduction parts and install them in an authentic way. If the car is updated or re-created to look like a fancy limited edition model, the work is not considered a restoration. Typically, the reason that people undertake a restoration is to create something of value for sale or to enter in car show.

Not every car is a good subject for restoration. The fact is, many old cars are just that - old cars. You may want to refurbish one and have it repainted for your son, but the car might not be considered a classic. When you are looking for a shop to work on an old car, you must be clear in your goals in order to select the right shop. Anytime your pay money to have work done, you want the shop to do an excellent job for you. However, your standards for repainting an older car that you love are different than if you have a car that meets the definition of classic and that you intend to use as a classic car. Having a 1947 Chevy is not the same as having a 1947 Cadillac 90 series.

Can your Body Shop Handle Classic Restoration?

Many body shops boast that they do custom work on classic cars. If you have a car that is a true classic, your standards should be higher to make sure that you have a finished product that is show worthy or able to command a higher price. You need to ask some questions of the shop. Specifically, you need to know:

What do they consider a classic car?
What have they restored?
What assurance do they offer that the parts they use are genuine?

If you have found a good shop with a track record of making older cars serviceable and attractive, you may have a great place to take your older car that you will love, but unless the shop has had experience restoring your Alfa Romeo or your 335 BMW, you might need to find a shop that specializes in the type of classic car restoration you need.