Recovery of Stolen Vehicles is Rare & Often Disasterous

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Today some great news came out of a stolen classic car that was actually recovered in tact! This is a rarity that anyone who has had their beloved ride stolen would love to experience, but seldom can.

In fact, recent Facebook fans have reported dream cars that were stolen and never recovered. If you are lucky enough to get it back, it is most often missing parts or damaged.

John Schnatter, founder of Papa John's sold his 1971 gold and black Z27 Camaro to help save his father's tavern in Indiana. After years of searching for the vehicle, he found it in 1971 and was lucky enough to buy it back.

Schnatter had the car at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit this weekend, where the vehicle was reported missing on Sunday. Word spread quickly of the loss, and most everyone in the classic car world felt the pain of his loss. Around 10 AM Monday morning, however, news reports emerged that the vehicle had been found along with two other vehicles stolen at the event.

While we're impressed that the vehicles were recovered so quickly, and it doesn't appear that there is damage, we throw out the caution that it is ill-advised to get too comfortable even at events where co-enthusiasts gather.

For more information on how to keep your classic car or muscle car safe, read our series of articles:

• Take Caution in Where You Take Your Classic Car or Muscle Car
• Preventing Classic Car Theft: The Big Picture
• Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are
• How & Where To Park Your Classic Car or Muscle Car In Order To Minimize The Threat of Theft
• At Home Theft Prevention for Your Classic Car or Muscle Car
• On The Road Theft Protection - How to Keep Your Classic Car or Muscle Car Safe While Traveling
• Protect Your Classic Car or Muscle Car From Theft With Specialty Insurance
• Auto Theft Series - Alert to New Theft Method Being Used
• Increase in Classic Car & Muscle Car Thefts Have Owners Concerned

ARTICLE RESOURCES:
AOL News

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  
Guy and I realize that the safety of your classic car or muscle car is extremely important to most owners. Everyone wants to protect their ride with methods that work, and that won't bust the bank. Guy Algar was an Installation Technician for LoJack at one point in his career, and served as a troubleshooter for difficult installations. A complete list of links for Theft Prevention and Theft Protection will appear in my upcoming article. Have a story you'd like to share? Leave a comment and we may publish your story! - Andrea L. Algar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Ice Cream Automobiles - Remembering "Pop"

by Andrea L. Algar

This week we lost “Pop” but rather than be saddened I feel joy in remembering his life of almost 82 years and our "ice cream automobiles"!

My dad lost his rather short battle with a very aggressive brain tumor November 19th. While his passing happened in the most peaceful non-suffering way, which is a blessing, it stirred up a lot of memories as I looked for comfort in the last weeks and again as I reviewed his obituary. I’m inspired by my husband Guy, but my dad helped make the work I do with classic cars and muscle cars possible.

"Pop" as a boy next to the family car

I’m convinced that my memory of “how one chooses a great car” was quite different than that of most kids. For as long as I can remember, I recall my dad (referred to as “Pop” ever since my oldest daughter renamed him when she learned to talk) saying that the car had to: 1) know it’s way to the ice cream shop, 2) have head room, and 3) be big enough for all of us on the long car trips our family often took.

As a matter-of-fact, when I was a little girl, I actually believed that our car “knew the way to the Dairy Queen all by itself!” That’s what our dad said every time we were on our way to get a big cone, shake, or a hot fudge sundae. He would even raise his hands in the “look no hands” style, secretly steering with his knee, exclaiming, “Look, it’s taking us for ice cream!” much to the excitement of us all! Sometimes he’d pretend to “fight” with the car to try to keep it from taking us there, with us squealing and begging him to let it drive there. On long road trips, our cars all magically found old ice cream stands in the middle of nowhere so it was easy to believe that he was telling the truth!

Looking back over all the cars we had owned, they were always ranked as to how well they transported us to the local ice cream shop, Dairy Queen, or any (and all) ice cream stands along the road.  Top dog was “The Flying Rabbit”, a 1960's big white Olds 98 that was one of his two favorite cars. Second was “Molly”, the trusty and reliable white 1955 Chevy station wagon that transported all us kids throughout our early years. 

The car with the most notorious history (and almost equally adept at getting us to an ice cream store even though we were teenagers by then) was the green 1972 Lincoln Continental that was stolen and used in a Kenmore Square bank robbery in 1975! (Yeah, I know, not much of a collector car, but he did love the room in that one.) Never could get the red dye out of the rear seat so he reluctantly sold the car because you couldn’t drive in it without your eyes tearing, even after many attempts at professional cleaning. I don’t know what they used in the red dye in those days, but it was certainly potent!

My idea of an ideal car has always varied from my dads. He was one who loved the cars that I didn’t, but that didn’t stop us from talking about them and having fun debates. He was a fan of the Fords and the square-bodied cars of the early 1960’s – ones I enjoyed calling “ugly” just to get him riled up. Being 6’5” tall, he valued cars that had a bit of head room and a large roomy interior, so he was a happy camper during the 1950’s when headroom was never an issue, and through the 1960’s and 1970’s when big cars were easy to find and just kept getting bigger and bigger. 

I, however, had a taste for something quite different. Being 10-11 years old at the time, I remember being fascinated with the 1968 and 1969 cars. Didn’t really matter what they were – Mopar, Chevy, Pontiac and yeah, sometimes the Ford Mustang – there was just something about the sexy lines of the cars that made me love them. My favorites at the time were the Firebird and the Corvette Stingray. I couldn’t put one above the other though – I loved them both even though I was far too young for driving.

My dad, at the time, talked of putting together a Cobra kit car. He had bought every book and read every car magazine on the subject, and he felt it would be a fun thing to do because you were doing all the work yourself. There is truth in the saying that it’s one thing to drive it, another to drive something you’ve built yourself.

My dad was an inspiration to me. At times when I did not conform to the “girlie” things that most little girls did, he encouraged me and liked my enthusiasm. When I was about 4-5 years old I insisted that the only thing in the world I wanted for Christmas was a set of pearl handled guns (with holster of course) so I could be a cowboy, or the time when I was about 8 and wanted to build a go-cart, which he happily helped me plan out using old parts from all sorts of odds and ends I thought would do the job. These helped set the stage for feeling comfortable doing the unconventional. While I’ve always done the “girlie” things like being a part-time modeling instructor at just 16, I’ve always preferred simple, creative things that are much more satisfying - photography, horses, gardening...and now old cars.

Pop also opened my eyes to Guy, who was a friend I felt an unusual kinship to. We shared so many things in common and could have placed ourselves in each other’s home as a kid and thought we were still in our own. While I had always liked driving cars, Guy opened my eyes to the enjoyment of them. Working on them with him taught me how satisfying it was to “wrench”. Watching and feeling the passion he felt about the old cars was like flipping a light switch – I had a sudden understanding of what men see in their cars, (you know the things we women giggle or roll our eyes over) and I must admit, I’m hooked!

My ’73 Corvette Stingray is a testament to this, and to my constant love for my two favorite cars. I am finally knee deep in my own ambitious restoration that I am completing myself  - with guidance and welding from Guy when I need it, along with some enthusiastic help from our daughter who restored her own 1985 Jeep CJ7 - complete with it's bubble-gum pink engine!

Pop has supported our work with classic cars and muscle cars, and was always thoroughly impressed with Guy’s immense knowledge of them. Pop had a lot of knowledge he had obtained from reading just about everything, but not so much hands-on experience. His experience went about as far as planning the build that never materialized due to work, kids, bills, etc. – you know, the kind of things everyone who has ever owned a classic car or muscle car has had to deal with at some point!  Some decide to stick it out and stubbornly hold onto their dream, others let the dream slide by, and some get a start with something only to let it go at the wife’s urging or insistence (more on that in another article)! But Pop always loved hearing about the projects we had both in our shop and those of our own.

I’ll dearly miss our “Pop” – my dad – but he will continue to inspire us in the work we do at Motorheads Performance.

Is Illegal Street Racing Worth the Risk or the Penalty?

by Andrea L. Algar

Guy and I both love drag racing, and get out to the San Antonio Raceway, Royal Purple Raceway and the Houston Motor Sports Park as often as possible. As much as street racing can be downright enticing, it is often considered far better to get your grudge on at the drag strip where it can be done safely and legally!

After reading the article below, it certainly gets you to wonder, "Is it really worth the decision to race someone in a grudge match on the street?" Here's the consequences you could face if caught street racing in Texas:

Drivers - Class B Misdemeanor: $2000 fine, 180 days in jail or both, automatic suspension of license for up to one year (and 10 hours community service before reinstated)

Repeat Offenders - up to 2nd Degree Felony - Up to $10,000 fine, jail time 2-20 years, suspension of license. If two convictions, next offense could be life! Caught street racing while drunk is even more severe with first offense upgraded to 2nd degree felony regardless of blood alcohol level if open containers are found in the vehicle.

Other Cautions - Passengers can receive punishments just as severe. Spectators (anyone caught watching) can be fined up to $500 and have their vehicles towed. If anyone is accidentally killed, they can face manslaughter and/or felony charges.

So, Motorheads Performance asks you: Is it worth it? Cast your vote...

___ yes, I'd still chance it

___ no, I wouldn't risk it

See Story & Video

July 11th Just Named "Collector Car Appreciation Day"

by Andrea L. Algar

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has gone to bat for all the classic car enthusiasts who love their collector cars a special appreciation day. Now anyone who loves classic cars, vintage trucks, antique automobiles or muscle cars can commemorate in an annual event to celebrate the restoration of historic and classic cars and trucks.

Photo Credit: Super Chevy Show by AAlgar

Steve McDonald, SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs stated, "We thank the U.S. Senate for its continued recognition of the collector car hobby as a valued American Tradition and pastime. With Australia and Canada joining the celebration, Collector Car Appreciation Day has now become an international recognition of the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports. A number of states and local governments have adopted similar commemorative declarations as well."

Two SEMA councils, the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), worked with lawmakers in designing a resolution designating July 11th as "Collector Car Appreciation Day". The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 493 (S. Res. 493) June 30, 2014, acknowledging the importance of collector cars in America. The Resolution was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, a non-partisan member organization.

Rick Love, Chairman of HRIA said, "Businesses and car clubs across the country will be hosting car shows and cruises. More events are being held to commemorate this special day each year." Motorheads Performance, a repair and restoration shop serving San Antonio and South Central Texas, encourages enthusiasts to take part in 2014 celebrations by attending events in their area.

Guy Algar, owner of Motorheads Performance, states, "In the past, we have hosted a fun car show designed specifically for classic car and muscle car enthusiasts, and have recently heard from many of our customers that they would like to participate in one if we put one together again. We'd like to hear whether you would like to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day with us next year." Please contact Motorheads Performance if you would like to bring a car, help organize the event, or just attend.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
SEMA - Event List for Collector Car Appreciation Day
Motorheads Performance - Contact about organizing a Classic Car Show Saturday, July 11, 2015

ABOUT SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31.3 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,537 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 909-610-2030 or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.

Muscle Car Movement Far From Dead - Mecum Auction Fetches $300,000 for Hemi Under Glass

by Andrea L. Algar

Just as Mopar celebrates 50 years of the 426 Hemi engine, and the great Plymouth Barracuda of the mid to late 1960's, I've heard grumbles of concern that the recent muscle car comeback may be waning. Could the movement be backtracking once again?

It certainly would not seem to be the case after reviewing the results of this weekends Mecum Auction where Barracudas reined supreme!  One of the cars drawing great interest was one I wrote about in a November article where Guy Algar of Motorheads Performance was surprised when Mopar's four car collection known as the "Hemi Under Glass" funny cars failed to meet reserve.

The seller, collector Bill Sefton, was determined to sell the wheelstanding Mopars he had acquired after restoration at the right price. Following the prior failure to meet reserve on all four cars as a bundle, Saturday's sale of the "crown jewel" of the four cars, a 1967 Barracuda, sold for $300,000 on it's own. This, many industry followers believe, will pave the road for good auction prices on the remaining three cars which will be sold individually as well.

The Mecum Auction this past weekend was considered successful, and another Mopar making into the top 10 included a 1971 Plymouth Hemi "Cuda" which sold for a whopping $560,000 ...UNRESTORED! Granted, it had a numbers-matching drivetrain, and the mileage was an almost unbelievable 33,000 miles, but for an unrestored car to grab such a great selling price at auction would seem to indicate that muscle car buyers are still willing to shell out top dollars for the right car.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Hemmings - Original Hemi Under Glass Plymouth Barracuda sells for $300,000
Classic Car News - Recent Classic Car Auction Yields Disappointing Results - Is it a sign of trouble?

IRS Scrutiny Of Non-Profits Penalizes Classic Car Enthusiasts

You don't really expect that the scandals that have plagued the Obama administration will hit close to home. But that's exactly what has happened to the Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA).

In May of 2011, the HCCA received word that the IRS would be revoking the HCAA's 501(c)(3) non-profit status and would now consider it a for-profit organization. The non-profit club, which was founded in 1937, had spent much of it's time as a social club for vintage car enthusiasts. It had 501(c)(7) status for many years, until it switched to a 501(c)(3) in 2007. What this did for the organization was to enable donations to the club to become tax deductible. Club organizers hoped that this would lead to larger donations, helping the organization reach out to more enthusiasts around the country.

What they didn't realize was that it would lead to a two year battle with the Internal Revenue Service, who objected to the organizations change in non-profit designation. While they still are a non-profit, what was in question was how the IRS would view the $26,000 in donations. Under the newer non-profit filing, these donations would be non-taxable. The IRS apparently does not want to view them as such, and the HCCA has withdrawn their request to change to the 501(c)(3), and stay a 501(c)(7) non-profit.

According to an article in Hemmings News, "Richard Cutler, who served as president of the HCCA in 2011 and has since sparred with the IRS on the club's behalf, wrote on the club's website that he and other club officials decided that the club wouldn't just roll over and die. They responded to the revocation with a formal appeal and in the meantime came up with a fallback plan that included the formation earlier this year of two spinoff organizations: the Horseless Carriage Education Institution, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated exclusively to educating the public about horseless carriages and early automotive history, and the Horseless Carriage Club of America, a 501(c)(7) non-profit that would assume the club's ongoing social activities - its tours, meets, and conventions."

Cutler wrote on their website, "It has been suggested by some that we continue to fight the ruling. All evidence indicates that this will only result in more expense with no change in status. It is time to get this behind us and move on."

Guy Algar states, "It is unfortunate that a club designed to be a source of community to vintage car owners and enthusiasts, offering a variety of events, tours, and educational materials would need to spend two valuable years fighting a costly battle because it wanted to improve the services it could offer." This is not a political organization that has come under scrutiny. Do you think the HCCA should be allowed to make changes that better reflect it's mission?

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
HCCA - Horseless Carriage Club of America
Hemmings - Horseless Carriage Club Shifts Away From Non-Profit Status To Satisfy IRS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920's through 1970's. Her husband, Guy L. Algar, is a mechanical engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Stu Hilborn Pioneer of Fuel Injection Dies at 96

It's hard to hear the news that such an icon in the world of classic cars has passed away. Stu Hilborn has done more for performance and power than most others in our industry.

Stu Hilborn (credit: Hilborn Fuel Injection)

When many people think of "fuel injection", they think of modern fuel injected engines. When a classic car or muscle car buff thinks of fuel injection, they're probably thinking Hilborn Fuel Injectors! There's nothing else like them! And the father of fuel injection was Stu Hilborn. That legend died Monday morning at the age of 96.

I've come to know the virtues of Hilborn Fuel Injection through my work at Motorheads Performance. Guy Algar, my business partner and Shop Manager, is a huge fan of the constant flow mechanical fuel injector that was created and built by Stuart Hilborn.

Many of the younger hot rodders know nothing of how their performance cars got their start. It seems as if "Hot Rod Heaven" is getting mighty full lately. Hilborn is an icon whose legacy will live forever. I doubt if there was a name more singularly associated with high performance than Hilborn. Hilborn Fuel Injection was absolutely everywhere in the 1970's from the race track right down to the hot rodders on the street. It was usually the first words admiringly whispered when a hot rod or racer appeared with his injection system. And, it was certainly at the top of the "wanted" list that every hot rodder or racer dreamed of. It was simply the pinnacle of performance.

Hilborn was born in October 1917 in Calgary, Alberta, the son of a migrant worker. He moved to Southern California as a child. His introduction to hot rodding came in 1938, when he joined some friends on a trip to the Southern California dry lakes to watch the speed trials there. He is reported to have said, “There were fellows up there with no tools or mechanical schooling who were making twice the horsepower that Detroit was putting out.”

After decided to build a flathead V-8-powered Model A, Hilborn discovered he knew little about how to actually build the car he wanted. A neighbor and good friend Eddie Miller, who was a former Indianapolis 500 driver, was a mentor to Hilborn and gave him a lot of practical "hands-on" knowledge. Driven to finish his V-8 project and wanting to learn more, Hilborn enrolled in college, studying the equivalent of modern mechanical engineering courses of math, chemistry, and physics.

Hilborn knew he needed an alternative to the carburetors the hot rodders were using back in the 1940's. He had identified the carburetors as a major choking point in the delivery of fuel to the engine. Hilborn applied his knowledge of physics and specifically of fluid dynamics to calculate the necessary pump size to get precise amounts of fuel to each cylinder. Taking a surplus aircraft fuel pump and using a homemade system of nozzles, he built and tuned his first fuel-injection setup. Hilborn proved it's effectiveness in 1948 by becoming the first hot rodder to break 150 MPH at the dry lakes.

Hilborn’s extraordinarily successful business, Hilborn Fuel Injection, was created and remains the leader in the field of fuel injection today. As a new wave of technology emerged with electronic fuel injection, Hilborn Fuel Injection expanded into EFI offering quality manifolds and complete systems with the same performance that had made Hilborn constant flow mechanical injectors so famous. While old-school hot rodders still prefer the still competitive Hilborn mechanical injectors, the new breed of EFI injectors have become the choice of the new-school hot rodders.

Stuart Hilborn's death was announced on Hilborn Fuel Injection’s Facebook page. He is survived by Ginny, his wife of 60 years, his daughter, Edris, his son, Duane, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. As of this writing, no funeral or memorial plans have been announced.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.hilborninjection.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Quick Thinking Lands Carjacker In Police Custody

No sooner do we do another article on car theft and carjackings when another story is in the news. Just breaking this morning as an article out of North Hollywood, California. A carjacker forced a man into his own car, allegedly by gunpoint, and had him drive, turning the initial carjacking into a kidnapping in the process.

However, the quick-thinking victim managed to drive to a local police station and alert the police, who were able to apprehend the suspect and arrest him for kidnapping and carjacking. (For the whole story, and the video, see more below.)

Just last week, Guy Algar wrote an article on this blog entitled, "They Shoot Car Thieves Don't They?". It was a piece designed to get people to think of solutions to this increasing problem. A television program over the weekend documented the issue of cars and even 18 wheelers being stolen, driven over the Mexican border and delivered to car theft rings who then sell the stolen vehicles.

Fancy imports reportedly are in big demand from mid-East countries. These stolen vehicles are smuggled out of Mexico via containers, slipped on large cargo ships and delivered to pre-arranged buyers.  The 18-wheelers are quickly becoming a favorite purchase by drug cartels who use the large transport trucks to deliver drugs and contraband back across the U.S. border.

Clearly, we have a big problem on our hands. Classic car and muscle car owners are worried. It's becoming more and more difficult to enjoy classic car ownership without driving yourself crazy with anxiety. Where to park when you do go out, how to avoid a carjacking, and even how to protect your classic car while it's parked at home are now a daily concern to many owners. These are no longer just a minor worry.



RESOURCES:
northhollywoodpatch.com - At Gunpoint, Man Drives Alleged Carjacker to NoHo Police Station
Classic Car News - They Shoot Car Thieves Don't They?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Inspiring Our Youth Through Classic Cars and Trucks

I'm always excited when I hear of youth becoming involved with classic cars and trucks. Whether their inspiration comes out of their love for muscle cars, classic cars, old trucks, hot rods or race cars, so much can be learned in the process of learning about these vehicles.



Photo credit: uccsalem.org

In the desire to learn more, boys and girls read and research. Opportunities to join groups that share similar interests can instill confidence and feelings of self-worth and satisfaction. If these youth go on to start projects one day, they learn perseverance, patience and accomplishment that are hard to achieve in other endeavors.

So, there's no wonder that Guy Algar and I were very pleased to receive the following in an e-mail to our classic car shop:

"I came across your page (http://www.motorheadsperformance.com/HotRodLinks.html) while collecting resources for a machine history guide my youth group is putting together. A couple of our young members took special interest in classic cars and trucks, and found your reference page very helpful. I just wanted to send a quick thanks for the info!

"They suggested I pass along another great article we found on vintage and antique trucks. (Link Below).

"I thought this was a very thoughtful suggestion and I think the boys would be thrilled to see their recommendation added to your page. Please let me know what you think, thanks very much! :)

I'd like to thank this youth group for their generous contribution. Guy and I are so pleased that their group has taken an interest in classic cars and trucks, and wish them the very best in pursuing these interests. I'm in the process of added the link to our site so that other visitors can benefit from their generous suggested reading. I hope you enjoy!

RESOURCE:
thetruckersreport.com - Trucking Timeline - Vintage and Antique Truck Guide

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Recent Classic Car Auction Yields Disappointing Results - Is it a sign of trouble?

I've always been a fan of the classic Corvette Stingray. There's just something about the lines of the car that are so artistic. So, when I heard of an upcoming auction that was featuring a well-known 1963 Corvette, I was ready to follow it. Of course, it didn't hurt that there were also a collection of world-famous funny cars that were part of the same auction.

Harley Earl's Personal
1963 Corvette Stingray Convertible

 Last month Velocity TV covered Mecum's Windy City auction. One of the main draws was to see one of the crown jewels of Corvettes come across the auction block. Mecum offered up almost a thousand cars. Only 64% of the cars were sold.  Some blame the weather as having an effect on both the crowd and the bidding, which was very low.

High sale of the auction was Harley Earl's, known as the father of the Corvette, personal, one-of-a-kind, 1963 Corvette Stingray convertible which experts say should clearly have sold for more than the $1.5 million. Another sign that the bidding just was not as aggressive as in years past. This has some worried over why one of the most sought-after Corvettes in history (noted as one of the five "Crown Jewels") did so poorly in comparison to other recent auctions, such as the 1967 L88 Corvette which sold for $3.2 million at  Mecum’s Dallas auction. 

1967 Corvette sold for $3.2M

Another surprise of the auction was when the “Hemi Under Glass” Mopar funny cars, famous for their “wheelies”,  failed to meet the reserve. In fact,  the seller's expectations were so shattered that the four car collection will be broken up and sold individually in Kissimmee, Florida, in January. Guy Algar remarked, "It was a big surprise when a set of true collector cars with such an incredible, documented history did not meet reserve. And this with an auction company that usually sets all sorts of records." Does this mark a slow-down in the industry? 

While some insiders show signs of worry, others simply pass this off as one of those things that can happen at an auction when the attendees just don't get hyped up and excited. Some note the fact that most of the bidding occurred from phone-in bidders, and the lack of enthusiasm from the crowd, probably had a lot to do with the surprisingly poor results. There are many more auctions to come, and it'll be interesting to see whether this was indeed a "fluke" or if this is a new and disturbing trend in classic car and muscle car collecting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

They Shoot Car Thieves Don't They?

Guy L. Algar
Motorheads Performance
ASE Certified Technician

I love old Western movies. Growing up on John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and others who fed my appetite for adventure. As I entered my teens, my attention turned to another type of horsepower...cars. And not just any car, I preferred the oldies. My very first car was a 1955 Chevy Belair that I saved up for and purchased before I even got my drivers permit. I still have that car.

Oh, I still had interest in the old Western movies, and now that I turned my training and work experience as a mechanical engineer to running my own classic car repair and performance shop, I find that my two worlds collide with the question of how to get a handle on the ever-growing problem of car theft. When I hear stories of treasured classic cars being taken from owners who have poured blood, sweat, tears and loads of money into their rides...only to have them ruthlessly parted out, I get upset.


Old West Hanging
Photo Credit: Legendsofamerica.com

That's when I return to my Western movie roots. Back in the early years of America, the horse WAS the equivalent of the car. A horse was essential to one's survival. It was a family's means of transportation and of providing food and housing by plowing fields, herding cattle and sheep, carting timber, pulling wagons and transporting people across all sorts of terrain and in all types of weather that we, alone, could not have accomplished. And, more importantly, the value of horses was widely recognized. Without your horse it was commonly thought that you were as good as dead.

This is why horse thieves were shot or hanged. To steal one's horse you were taking away their livelihood. A common phrase heard in the Old West was, "There ain't nothing lower than a horse thief!"

My opinion is that today's automobile, whether it's a classic car, muscle car, old vintage truck, antique, sports car, hot rod, or a modern car, is essential to us. We depend on our cars for so much in our daily lives in most all areas outside of the big cities where alternatives exist that can replace the need for cars.

So how do we stop car thieves?

If stealing a horse was seen as a hanging offense in the Old West, why not send a message to modern day car thieves by making the punishment for car theft just as bold?

Thieves today know that the justice system is broken. They know that with a good lawyer, or perhaps even with a public defender, they stand a good chance of getting off with a slap on the wrist. And it's a slap in the face of those of us who pour our heart and souls into the restoration of pieces of American history. If there is no fear of just punishment, the crimes will go unchecked and more of us will become victims.

The preceding is only an Opinion Article. I raise it in an attempt to get people to begin looking at where we stand in our attempts to Keep Our Rides Safe. On a much bigger scale, where we are plunging head-first in  "political correctness" that threatens many of the building-blocks that made America a great country. Preserving the "rights" of the few should not override or hinder the rights of all others, and it should not override good common sense. I realize that we can't and shouldn't return to the days of hangings and public lynchings. We all have rights of due process. At the same time, we need answers to the epidemic of car theft. Automobiles are our modern day livelihood and few can afford to have them taken from us.

REFERENCES:
legendsofamerica.com - Lynchings and Hangings in America
mnhs.org - The Waseca County Horse Thief Detectives
netposse.com - Old West: Wyatt Earp - Was Wyatt A Horse Thief?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Guy L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Guy Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together with his wife Andrea they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

First 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible Sells For One Million

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Everyone has been waiting for the first C7 Stingray Convertible to roll off the lines, and now that it has, it has Corvette enthusiasts reeling. The first production convertible sold for a cool one million at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach.

Barrett-Jackson is known for it's world-class auctions, and people buying there expect to pay top dollar for the cars offered. Guy Algar comments, "The final bid on the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible shows that the American sportscar market is poised to deliver." Power and good looks finally come together once again to tempt even the most cautious of enthusiasts to make the leap.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Lamest Carjacking Ever - What Do You Think?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Guy Algar and I had a laugh over this one. As if carjackers don't get enough attention for the sometimes lame-brain moves they make, one story making headlines today is being billed as the "lamest carjacking ever."



"Carjacker" Allegedly Stole
Boy's Remote Control Car

 35 year old Efrain Burgos-Delgado allegedly went up to a 16 year old Kissimmee, Florida boy on Saturday evening and held up the boy at gunpoint. After first taking a remote control car, the thief fled, then returned to take the boy's cell phone! 

Burgos-Delgado was apprehended by police, and allegedly told them that he had sold the car to buy drugs. The cell phone was still in his possession, giving police pretty good evidence.

The alleged "carjacker" was reported to have been charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, petty theft and resisting without violence according to the Sun Sentinel.

So what do you think? Does this rein as the "lamest carjacking ever", or do you have a story you'd like to share? Please let us know!

REFERENCE:
huffingtonpost.com - Efrain Burgos-Delgado Allegedly Steals Toy Car At Gunpoint

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

 

NASCAR May Get First Female Pitcrew Member

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

It has just been announced that a woman is attempting to become the first female pitcrew member in NASCAR racing. Joining Michael Waltrip Racing, Christmas Abbott is hoping to become a permanent over-the-wall member as an official tire changer.



Christmas Abbott
Will she become NASCAR's
first female tire changer?
Photo Credit: SportingNews.com

 Being a tire changer was not in Christmas Abbott's mind as a career goal. The petite 5'3", 115-pound Abbott claims that when a friend suggested it was something she might be good at, she wasn't enthusiastic. But she said that she got hooked when she saw how orchestrated and how fast the pit crews were.

“It’s not a gender issue for me,” Abbott said recently at Bristol Motor Speedway. “I decided to change tires because I liked what I did. I liked the excitement of it, the challenge and what it presented. That’s why I pursued this sport.”

Abbott is no stranger to hard work. Abbott herself was a CrossFit gym owner. She had also worked for a defense contractor in a war zone, living in a camp where the ratio of women to men was 6 out of 150. There, you were expected to do your share of the work load. She apparently is not intimidated by the level of competition from NASCAR pitcrew members who have worked hard to get where they are. She states, "I just hope I can perform to where I want to perform."

While she's not the first female to be involved in NASCAR, this is a first for the pits. Back in the hey-day of drag racing, Shirley Muldowney made a name for herself after man-handling her way into the sport as a driver. Yes, women were in the pits, but they were there busily preparing food for the team! She is probably the best known female drag racer, having set many NHRA records and even winning praise and recognition from "Big Daddy" Don Gartlit, "King of the Dragsters". She won three NHRA Winston Top Fuel championships and 18 NHRA national events during her career, and is widely accepted as number five of the Top 50 racers in NHRA history.

Today, we have Danica Patrick who made the leap from open-wheel racing to NASCAR. While there is some controversy on whether her weight advantage gives her an unfair edge, she has been able to produce satisfactory results for her team.

I'm not one to say women need to have a presence in male-dominated sport just for the sake of equality, but if they can prove that they have what it takes to be there, good luck to them! As Guy Algar stated, "No affirmative action, no special treatment. Just base decisions on pure skill and a great work ethic. That's what will win respect and recognition from both men and women."

We'll be following Christmas Abbott to see how she fairs in this mainly male-dominated sport.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

It's Official - Z28 Camaro IS Making A Comeback!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

I've reported on the rumors in the past, but it's now been made official! Yes, the legendary Z28 IS making it's comeback, and I have no doubt it's going to be extremely popular.

Photo Credit: Reuters

Camaro is already reveling in the success of the new line of Camaro muscle cars introduced several years ago. It captured the muscle car market with the great looks and performance that motorheads around the country have come to expect.

In many ways, the current line of Camaros have lived up to all of the expectations associated with the name "Camaro", while in the background, the real enthusiasts have been crying out (loudly) for the return of the Z28.

The new Camaro Z28 is designed for the racetrack and is build for speed, handling and great looks. It has been reported that it will be faster and almost 1000 pounds lighter than a standard Camaro. The power-house V8 engine is the same used by the Corvette. More on the specs later.

The 2014 Camaro Z28 was unveiled and on display at the New York International Auto Show held on March 27, 2013 in New York. And the world of muscle car enthusiasts is a buzz! We'll report on all the details of this iconic car. Until then, you can bet that a whole new generation of teenage boys will be dreaming about this car and the legend of the Z28.

REFERENCE:
Classic Car News - GM to Re-Introduce the Legendary Z28 Camaro?

CamaroZ28.com - Chevrolet COPO Camaro Goes from Concept to Production
Chevy High Performance - Camaro Z28 Concept

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Woman Scares Off Car Thieves With Her Finger - And Other Recovery Attempts

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Yes, news went viral last week about a woman cleverly recovered her own stolen car which had been missing for five days. It's always a good feeling when the "good guys" get the upper hand on the "bad guys", but was the risky maneuver something we should attempt?

"Kitty Hold-Up"
Photo Credit:
examiner.com

Seeing her own stolen car in a parking lot, the 50 year old woman from Washington (state) went up to the alleged thieves and demanded that they give her the keys. When they refused, she grabbed one of the men and as she did so, stuck her finger in the back of one, saying she would shoot if he didn't turn over the keys! 

While the bluff did work, and the suspects were apprehended by police, it is generally not a good idea to confront suspected thieves. This woman is lucky that her bluff worked for her.

A 2010 story out of the UK ended quite badly when a 42 year old woman who confronted her alleged thief was run over and killed. There are other tragic stories with similar bad endings if you take the time to look, but every now and then you hear stories where car owners fight back to protect their rides.

Meanwhile, right here in Texas, a car thief was stopped while attempting to steal an SUV from in front of a home in an affluent area of San Antonio. This time the gun was real and the consequences were deadly. In January 2013 the two alleged thieves were brought down by the vehicle owner, with one being injured, the other dying from the gunshot he received. No charges were brought against the vehicle owner since he was protecting his property while the crime was being committed.

The bottom line is you need to assess every situation individually. Guy Algar states, "While we don't recommend taking matters into your own hands, sometimes circumstances force us to do so. We always urge you to first contact the police by calling 9-1-1." As we've discussed in our classic car theft prevention series, "Keeping Your Ride Safe", it's always a wise idea to consider how you would react in  various situations, rehearse what you would do and prepare yourself for a variety of potential outcomes in order to ensure your own safety as well.

REFERENCE:
AOL News - Woman Bluffs Car Thieves Into Returning Her Car
KENS5 - Car Thief Killed, Another Wounded At Stone Oak Home
The Telegraph - Woman Killed After Confronting Car Thief

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Spring Break In Texas Means More Inexperienced And Distracted Drivers On The Road

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

It's spring break time here in Texas, and with it we see our youth heading out to popular vacation spots to celebrate breaks in their school year. That can mean more inexperienced drivers, distracted drivers, and typically even more inebriated drivers.  A bad mix for the roadways.

Mardi Gras Celebration in New Orleans
Photo Credit: statesman.com

Many spring breakers head out to parties on the coast, New Orleans, or even a drive to Mexican hot-spots. All this can lead to trouble with more drivers on the road and even more thieves willing to take advantage. We encourage homeowners who will be away to secure your home, secure your vehicles, and stay alert while driving.

If you've got kids who are planning a getaway, make sure you've discussed the rules of safety in numbers, risks of carrying cash, driving with a designated sober driver and/or plans to hire a ride home after a night of partying. Here are some tips:

• Plan your trip in advance
• Make reservations for your accommodations
• Be wary of overly friendly people
• Keep political opinion to yourself
• Don't look like a tourist
• Don't act like a tourist
• Speak the local language if you know it
• Stick to well-lit, populated areas

And, more specific to a day/night out partying:

• Travel in groups and stick together
• Don't go out with cash
• Don't carry purses/wallets
• Have one person pay for the night's activities on a credit card (divide it up later)
• Watch your drinking - have a few drinks but don't overdo it
• Have someone in your group stay sober or limit their drinking
• Have a designated "mother" who will keep everyone safe
• Don't drink and drive

Guy Algar explains, "We've all grown up having our fair share of parties and fun. What's different for today's youth are all the distractions that surround you while you drive. We didn't have cell phones, smart phones and iPads and vehicles that are equipped with technology that allows you to text and post to Facebook or Twitter while you drive. Couple that with driving when you've been out drinking and it's a formula for disaster." Our children have grown up with these technologies and don't see how distracting they can be.

We wish everyone a safe and happy spring break.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Could VIN Cloning Affect The Classic Car Market?

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

The disturbing new trend of criminals cloning VIN numbers is growing, and it is producing a frustrating number of problems for legitimate car owners nationwide. Could you become victim of an "illegal twin" to your ride?
 

VIN Cloning's Threat To Classic Cars
Photo Credit: newson6.com


If you're not aware of the new method of VIN cloning, you won't be for long. It's on the rise, and is currently used to copy VIN numbers off of legitimate cars that are left in parking lots or other easily accessible public places. The numbers are then used to register stolen vehicles. These newly cloned vehicles can then be used recklessly by the criminals, leaving you holding the bag for speeding tickets or accidents, used to commit a crime, or even to sell the "hot" car for pure profit.

You would be totally unaware that a crime has occurred until you begin receiving parking tickets, speeding tickets, a summons to appear in court, or even arrested for suspicion of involvement in a crime. The consequences can be costly, embarrassing and time-consuming. And, it's happening all over the country.

The FBI broke up a cloning ring in 2009 that had cloned 1,000 stolen cars worth approximately 25 million dollars.  Used car buyers can be duped into receiving stolen property if the VIN of their new purchase turns out to have been cloned. Even though you were unaware that it was a stolen car that had been tampered with, you may find yourself out of a vehicle that you still must make payments on!

In our monthly series, "Keeping Our Rides Safe", our focus is to try to prevent theft of our beloved classic cars, muscle cars and old vintage trucks. Guy Algar elaborates, "In researching this new trend of VIN cloning, we realize that there is little to prevent thieves from applying the same techniques to stolen classic cars. A visit to a car show could provide dozens or even hundreds of VIN numbers which would then be transferred to similar stolen cars, and the owner would be unaware that any type of crime has occurred." It's a frightening thought.

Guy Algar continues, "The rules of theft prevention are sometimes so simple we don't routinely follow them. We're easily lulled into a false sense of security when we're at a car show, a swap meet, or places that are known to be relatively safe. With VIN cloning, we need to be even more aware than ever before." 

Carefully consider these steps to keep your ride safe:

• Know Who Your Friends Are
• How & Where You Store/Park/Garage Your Car
• At-Home Theft Prevention
• On-the-road Theft Prevention
• Insurance Protection
• Do-it-Yourself Theft Deterrents
• Alarms
• Locks
• Car Theft Systems
• Cameras / Video
• Tracking & Recovery Systems

If you're in the market for purchasing a used classic, take the time to check the VIN plate for any signs of tampering such as scratches or alterations to any of the letters or numbers. Try to perform a check of the vehicle's history to make sure that the facts add up. And, be wary if the deals seems to be too good to be true. Thieves who have cloned VIN numbers often sell below market value in order to turn a quick profit.

If you suspect that a newly purchased classic car, muscle car, street rod, antique car or vintage truck may have been cloned because you've started receiving tickets, contact your local police department who can help determine if it is using another vehicle's VIN number. 

REFERENCES:
AOL Autos - Your Car Could Have An Illegal Twin If Thieves Clone The VIN
BBB - VIN Cloning Swindles Luxury Car Buyers
FBI - Steering Clear of Car Cloning

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Classic Car News - Preventing Classic Car Theft: The Big Picture

Classic Car News - Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are

Classic Car News - How & Where To Park Your Classic Car or Muscle Car In Order To Minimize The Threat of Theft

Classic Car News - At Home Theft Prevention for Your Classic Car or Muscle Car

Classic Car News - On The Road Theft Protection - How to Keep Your Classic Car or Muscle Car Safe While Traveling

Classic Car News - Protect Your Classic Car or Muscle Car From Theft With Specialty Insurance

Classic Car News - Auto Theft Series - Alert to New Theft Method Being Used

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.