Storms And Extremes In Weather Affect Classic Car Industry

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

There's no doubt that 2013 has started with a bang in terms of wild weather patterns across the United States. While some may argue the cause and whether it's all due to global warming or not, those of us affiliated with the classic car industry in certain areas of the country have seen a slowdown of activity, and it's not all financially motivated.

Boston's 2013 Blizzard "Nemo" Blanketed Boston With Snow
Reddit user "Foreverrrrr" Posted Photo Went Viral

What Guy Algar and I are hearing from callers across the country are stories of having to "wait for the weather to clear," before starting up or continuing a planned restoration project. We've also seen delays in part shipments which can really throw off a schedule. Huge amounts of snow has hit the Midwest and Northeast in the last couple of weeks, and this has caused projects to come to a screeching halt for some. Anyone from Boston was mesmerized by Blizzard Nemo, with flashbacks to The Blizzard of '78, and the record amounts of snow it dropped in Connecticut and across the entire Northeast. Hurricane Sandy hitting the Northeast earlier in the year, and odd weather in just about every corner of the country has many just waiting it out.

It has been a tough winter, and in some areas we've still got quite a way to go before warmer temperatures creep back. But, I think what we'll see is a big surge of activity from owners of classic cars, muscle cars, antique cars as well as old vintage trucks. After surviving difficult years like this, it only takes a few days of warm weather to get people thinking of hitting the road again.

Luckily, here in Texas, we usually experience mild winters that don't last too long. It allows us to continue work on repairs, upgrades and restoration work on our customer cars and trucks, and to prepare for what we believe will be a very busy spring.

REFERENCES:
huffingtonpost.com - Boston Blizzard PHOTO: Aerial View of City Post-Nemo

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.