Is That Hot Car Over There a Classic, Antique or Vintage?

We often hear the terms "vintage car, antique car and classic car" used interchangeably by car lovers, but I believe most people really don't know what those classifications mean and use them incorrectly when they try and describe a vehicle. I'd like to make clear what each type of automobile is, so when you speak about the rides that strike your fancy, you will sound informed and knowledgeable!

A vintage car is commonly defined as a car built after World War I, between the years of 1919 and 1930. World War I is a nice hard date to start a timeline by. It's a bit arbitrary, as no notice was sent to auto makers to start building cars that would be "vintage", but the date helps define the nature of this period in auto history. It's when the car became part of our culture. The car in 1919 was still something of a novelty. By 1930 it was well on the way to being down right common! In fact, American automobile production numbers (by 1930-ish) were not matched again until the 1950s. The British definition is strict on 1930 being the cut-off - those Brits are like that, don't ya know. American sources are looser about the matter and prefer 1925-ish because it is the pre-classic car period as defined by the Classic Car Club of America. Some experts even consider the start of World War II as the end date of the vintage period.

So this fact brings us to the definition of the classic car period. Some authorities see the classic period as overlapping the vintage period while others don't. In part, the reason stems from the vintage designation covering all vehicles of the period, while the official classic definition does not. Strictly defined, classics only include high-end vehicles of that period. The Classic Car Club of America defines a CCCA Classic car as a fine or distinctive automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. Generally, a CCCA Classic is expensive and limited in production. Other factors, including engine size, custom coachwork, sophisticated technology (for the time) and luxury accessories, also help determine whether a car is considered to be worthy of the title of "classic".

So then what is an antique car? This definition turns out to be really loose! The Antique Automobile Club of America defines an antique car as a vehicle which is 45 years old or older. To them, a classic vehicle is 20-45 years old. In the UK, "antique" often refers to any item more than 100 years old and cars of this age are generally termed "vintage". Basically the definition attempts to quantify the fact that 20 years is about twice the average design lifespan of most modern vehicles. Therefore, a car that's reached 25 is considered a classic, mainly because it's a little "long in the tooth" by then. These and antique cars are often not economical or easy to maintain as regular transportation. They tend to demand more of the driver, as well, due to less current technology being incorporated to share the burden of vehicle operation.

So there you have it! Vintage cars are different than classic cars. Here in America, at least, vintage cars are also antique cars. Elsewhere in the world, maybe that isn't as true. One thing is for sure, whether vintage, classic and / or antique; the terms refer to vehicles that catch our eye, stir our imaginations and capture our hearts. They are more than just simple transportation. They are "vehicles" to a different place and time that we just can't forget or not yearn to experience again.

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Vintage Sounds That Turn Back Time

Vintage horns that turn back time are a big thing today. Not only are they a lot of fun, they also help drivers to feel a little unique while making their rounds. The great thing is that horn kits of this type make it possible to mimic the sounds of cars and trucks from just about any era. Here are a few examples of horns that may be just what you need to add that little bit of extra class to your ride.

Some of the most popular vintage horns are the ones that bring back the playful sounds of the early 20th century. In a time when many of the horns made the familiar "ooogah" sound, life was a lot simpler. Buying a kit with this type of old school horn will allow you to recapture a little bit of that simpler era, and provide a moment's respite from today's fast paced world where multitasking is considered the only way to go. As you cruise through town and share your horn with others, some people may be startled at first, but there is a good chance that a smile will soon appear on their faces, followed by a friendly wave.

Of course, if you want something that is a little more arresting and not quite so gentle, there is always the option of going with vintage horns with something like an old fashioned police siren. There is also the option of going with the sound of an ambulance from days gone by, or even the now forgotten sounds of the Black Marias or paddy wagons that once hauled people to the pokey in New York City. Unlike the relative gentle ooogahs of the family car, these types of horns were loud and let people know that the time to clear the street was now. You're sure to get plenty of attention with horn kits like these.

The good thing about vintage horns is that it is relatively simple to find plenty of different sounds without having to spend a lot of money. While buying any type of custom horn will mean incurring some expense, kits that produce these nostalgic sounds are among the most cost effective on the market today. Take your time and explore different horns and sounds; in no time, you'll be cruising down the road and looking for any reason to bring some old-time fun into the lives of everyone you pass.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Saxe

Top 10 Must Have Auto Accessories

Personalizing the appearance and improving the driving experience of your auto is one of the great pleasures of owning your own car, SUV or truck. There are so many different auto accessories out there on the market it can be tricky to narrow down which ones you might want to consider getting to improve your vehicle. The following 10 accessories are those which we consider really are the "must haves":

1) Floor Mats - It really is pretty ridiculous that an item so basic as a floor mat is an optional extra on many new cars. If you want to protect the interior of your automobile and prolong the life of the cabin's upholstery then floor mats are an essential and worthwhile investment. Floor mats can be easily picked up from just about every auto accessory shop and even in many supermarkets.

2) Auto Covers - The last thing you want to happen to your pride and joy is for its shiny paintwork to get damaged by the elements, falling objects, or even bird droppings. By using an auto cover you can give your vehicle the protection it needs from the harsh summer sun, heavy rain and hail, corrosive bird droppings and destructive objects falling from trees or blown by the wind.

3) Cargo Liners - Like floor mats for the passenger compartment of vehicles, cargo liners are also a great accessory for keeping the trunk clean and tidy. If you are often putting dirty boots or tools in the trunk of your vehicle, for example, then a cargo liner will keep all that filth off the lining material as well as protecting against any scratches and dents.

4) Brake Dust Shields - With modern vehicles getting more and more powerful and having larger brakes, the amount of brake dust produced is increasing. Using brake dust shields on the insides of your wheels helps to prevent the dust from gathering on your shiny alloy rims, making keeping your auto clean much easier.

5) Car Bras - Bumpers on modern cars are often made from plastic which might look good but isn't able to put off with much abuse caused by stones, grit and other street debris. A car bra is a specially made protector that wraps around the bumper to shield against flying stones, insects and other debris that can cause damaging stone chips and dents.

6) Fender Flares - Travelling at speed on country roads or rarely used streets can lead to gravel, rocks and other objects flinging up and striking the paintwork of your vehicle. By fitting fender flares you can greatly reduce the amount of debris that can reach your auto's exterior. For most cars it is possible to find fender flares that match the original color and finish.

7) Mud Flaps - Further protection can be provided by the use of mud flaps which also prevent the dirty water spray containing all manner of pollutants and oil from reaching your car's paintwork.

8) Heated Seats - Driving a car throughout the long winter months without heated seats can be somewhat torturous, especially when first entering the vehicle. Heated seats can make a journey in cold weather 10 times more pleasurable.

9) iPod / iPhone / MP3 Docks - Tape cassettes and even now CDs are getting very long in the tooth. Why not make use of your iPod or MP3 player in your vehicle and invest in a dock that allows you to listen to your tunes through your car speakers. Many docks also double up as a hand-free system; much safer than talking on the phone normally.

10) Bug Shields - These are an absolute must have, particularly in the South where insects are even more prevalent. A good bug shield made specifically for your model of car or truck can do wonders in limiting the amount of insects and other debris hitting your windshield and hood. Bug shields not only help to keep your car clean, but are also a useful safety accessory helping to maintain good visibility.

Bug shields are without doubt one of the most beneficial accessories for your truck or SUV. Visit our website now to find great deals on bug shields and bug deflectors for trucks or SUVS.

Vent Visors - want to drive with your window down but keep the rain out of your vehicle? Find stylish vent visors perfectly designed to fit your automobile.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_P_Taylor