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April 2018
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Invest Smart: What Drives the Market7/20/2019 Classic car collection can be a dangerous game if you don’t know what you are doing. That is the purpose of this series, to help you make better choices and understand the ins and outs of investing. We want you to succeed. In our previous installment of the Invest Smart series we talked about classic car prices. Now we will talk about what drives the market. It is important to keep your ear to the ground regarding current trends. Currently, European sports cars are pretty hot, especially those in the mid-1950s through the 1960s. This doesn’t seem to be easing up either. Another observation of market watchers is that many of the buyers are not necessarily collectors, but rather are investors. Many hail from overseas, are paying cash, and are looking for smart places to invest – and the cars present a perfect opportunity. The difference between collectors and investors though, is emotion. Collectors tend to become emotionally attached to their cars while investors are asking what is the best price, the highest they should go to buy, and what their holding period of return should be. The relative safety of car investment trends is that they rarely experience a rapid fluctuation. Sure, it does happen and any investment is risky, but when it comes down to it, people love their cars. Picking up a classic collector car – or two – can be the nest egg that provides you and your family with the comfort that you want in your “golden years.” Plus, it’s just a whole lot of fun. While these things are driving the market, you can be driving away in your own smart investment. Woodside Credit makes owning a classic collector car fast and easy. Visit our website now and fill out a Quick Quote to see our great terms and easy classic car financing. Adding to your collection has never been easier.
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There is just something about getting behind the wheel of a high performance vehicle. You feel the power, get the adrenaline rush, you are on top of the world. Jaguar can make that happen for you with their three part Performance Driving Academy. Some of the top professional drivers in the world will guide you as you put these powerful, high performing beauties through their paces on a track. Want to know what all the buzz is about? Now’s your chance.
Level I Five hours of exhilarating high performance experience. Strap into one of Jaguar’s top models and hit the oval track. You can take her through her paces, feel the power under the hood, the responsive steering, and hit speeds that you wouldn’t dare in the real world. Best of all, this is just the intro There are two more levels of action – if you dare. Level II Things get a little more exciting in this course level. Take some autocross laps and learn how to handle an oval track – or maybe you’ll go through some skin control exercises. This level puts you behind the wheel with a driving professional at your side. After lunch, you climb into the passenger’s seat and you better hang on as one of the professional drivers takes you full throttle around the track. Level III You’ll take it up a notch at this level with a timed autocross, lessons on cornering, and a figure 8 skid pad. You’ll end the day with some hot laps and plenty of excitement. You will sharpen your driving skills while having the time of your life. Do you want to experience the power and performance of a Jag for yourself? Jaguar owners get the Level I course for free. Let Woodside Credit help put you in the driver’s seat and get you a golden ticket to this prestigious driving academy. Check us out at https://www.woodsidecredit.com/exotic-car-loans/ and see how easy it is.
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We’ve all had those days when we feel like we would have been better off staying in bed. Roberto Cinti had one of those days not long ago and his name will forever be tied to an extremely expensive mistake. Cinti was working as a parking valet at a hotel in Rome and was sent to retrieve a Dutch couple’s Ferrari 599 GTO.
And that’s where his day took a turn for the worse. But first, let’s set up the story so you can get the whole picture. This wasn’t just any Ferrari.
You have to feel sorry for poor Cinti; he was just trying to do his job. He hustled over to the vehicle, slid behind the wheel, and fired her up. All was going well until he got confused and mistook the gas pedal for the brake pedal and plowed into a storefront. The rear third of the car appeared untouched but we can’t say the same for the other two thirds which was a mangled mess or steel and glass. The shiny, cherry red beauty was totaled. The good news is, Cinti came out much better than the car did. He was not harmed, only treated for a few bumps and bruises. He may be considering a career change, though – which probably wouldn’t be such a bad idea, considering. You won’t make a mistake letting Woodside Credit finance your next exotic car. Visit us at to check out our low rates and easy terms for classic and exotic car loans; however, we would suggest that you be careful when it comes to handing over the keys.
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Life in the Soviet Union during the 60’s and 70’s was no picnic. With the Cold War looming and the government failing, the people lived in a constant state of fear. One icon of that era, though, a mythical, legendary, vehicle evoked sheer terror at the very mention of it: The Black Volga. The mystery of the Black Volga was a source of terror and fascination. It was well known across the nation as stories were whispered and imaginations aroused. To this day no one knows who was driving the high end limousine. There was speculation that it was driven by a priest or nuns. Other believed that it was driven by satan worshippers or even the devil himself. Whatever the case, when the Black Volga appeared, bad things happened. The car was sleek and black with white curtains that seemed to materialize from nowhere. It was reported that at the side mirrors were, at times, horns. When it appeared in an area, many children would be reported missing – and it was theorized that the car had something to do with it. If anyone dared challenge the evil car, he or she would be dead in less than 24 hours. No one knows why children were the Black Volga’s chosen victims. There was speculation that they were being sold or were used for more sinister things. But nothing has ever been proven because no one could get close enough and live to tell the tale. It should be noted, however, that the Volga was the most expensive, luxurious vehicle available in the area at that time. Typical owners and passengers were Soviet political officials and members of the Communist Party – those who thrived on the fears of their country’s people. Take that bit of information however you like – evil car? Or more frightening still, evil government? You can own your own Volga (not necessarily of the evil variety), or any other classic that has your fancy with Woodside Credit’s easy payment plans. Visit our site and see just how easy it is to own your own piece of history with our classic car financing programs.
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Who doesn’t love a cool classic car? There is just something about that vintage look, shiny chrome, sleek lines, and the history that draws folks into the romance of it all. While there are some classics enthusiasts who just love vintage vehicles, there are often two distinct camps that have their own ideas about which classics are the best – European Classics and American Classics. Which side are you on? Let’s take a look at some of the top cars in each category. Maybe you’ll get hooked too. European Classics 1. Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967) – Only 18 of these babies were ever made so they are uber rare. They were the most expensive automobile the year they were released. They are still a highly coveted automobile prize. 2. Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964) – This was a hot car when it was first manufactured and it is even hotter as a classic. In fact, in August 2014, a 1963 model sold for $34,650,000 at Bonham’s Quail Auction. 3. Lamborghini Miura (1966-1973) – This was Lamborghini’s first sports car that he produced after he and Ferrari parted ways. It was also the beginning of a legend. In its day it was the fastest production car; and it’s still awesome. 4. Dino 206 GT (1968-1969) – This “Almost a Ferrari” was the company’s attempt to create a car that affordable and accessible to consumers who were not part of the elite. You can’t keep a Ferrari down, though, and it didn’t take long for this little car to shine. 5. Mercedes-Benz300 SL Gullwing (1954-1963) – This car was produced as a racing car from 1952 to 1953 then was a production car until 1963. It was the doors, though, that turned this hot little number into an iconic classic. American Classics 1. Mercury Eight (1949-1951) – In its day, this was the coolest car on the road. In fact, it made an appearance in Rebel without a Cause when it was driven by the legendary James Dean. Now collectors scramble to get just a little bit of this coolness for themselves. 2. Tri-Five Chevrolets (1955-1957) – This design is one of the most highly prized classic among many collectors. Its popularity has earned it a place as a piece of Americana. They are definitely head turners. 3. Ford Mustang (1964-and still going strong) – The Pony car is the epitome of muscle cars and with powerhouses like the Shelby Ford has shown it can appeal to just about everyone. 4. Chevy Corvette (1953-does it really matter?) – This is the all American sports car that has withstood the test of time. Throughout its sometimes rocky history, it has proven to be a hardy, popular classic that won’t back down. 5. Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (1953-1966 & 1971-1976) – This cool caddie brought home Cadillac’s slogan “Standard of the World” with its sleek lines and mile long hood. It was full out luxury and a landmark in Cadillac history. Woodside Credit can help you pick up a classic little beauty to add to your collection – or to start one. Our easy terms and fast approval will get you on the road in no time. Check out our website and see how easy it is to get classic car loan of classic of your own.
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Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction – quite often actually. These five tales of mystery or outright creepiness surrounding several classic cars is testament to that. As we embark on this journey, keep your eyes peeled and your mind open to the possibility that a car may indeed be more than ‘just a car.’ James Dean’s Cursed Porsche James Dean picked up his 550 Porsche Spyder while he was filming Rebel Without a Cause. He wanted it to be unique so he had George Barris, who happens to be pretty handy with movie cars, customize it. The result was a beautiful car with a certain creepiness factor about it. In September 1955, Dean showed the car to Alec Guinness. Guinness was not impressed, telling Dean that the car was ‘sinister.’ He then is reported to have said, “If you get in that car, you will be found dead in it by this time next week.” Exactly seven days later James Dean was killed in the car. But the story does not stop there. Over the years, the car was involved in a series of bizarre incidents that killed and injured many people. Then it simply disappeared. No one has seen it since – and apparently no one is brave enough to go looking for it. The Missing Mustang Ford has a lot of information on the very first Mustang ever sold. They say that Gail Wise purchased it on April 15, 1964. The official sale date was two days later. They know it was sold in Chicago. What they don’t know is whether it was a coupe or a convertible – and they don’t know where it is today. Back when the car was sold, record keeping of sales was rather lax. In short, the serial number was not recorded. So no one really knows for sure just where the car is – although over the years many have tried to cash in on claims that it is in their possession. So far, none of those claims have panned out. Bonnie & Clyde’s Car’s Checkered Past The Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow death car had an interesting and checkered past. The V8 Ford was stolen by the infamous pair, known for going on a killing and robbing spree in early 1934 until lawmen finally cornered the pair and riddled the car with more than 100 armor piercing bullets, killing them both. Over the years the death car has been the subject of mystery. It has traveled the country in carnivals, sat at casinos, appeared at flea markets, and awed the public at amusement parks. The fakes that cropped up stirred the pot even more, shedding a dubious light on whether a car could be definitively determined to be the death car. Now in Primm, Nevada at Whiskey Pete’s Casino, along with Clyde’s bullet tattered shirt, sits the real death car – or is it? Traffic Jam in the Woods Out in the woods near Chatillion, Belgium there is an odd, and maybe just a wee bit creepy, sight. A long line of old, abandoned cars, hundreds of them, sit amongst the trees as if waiting for their owners to return. There are several theories as to who the cars belonged to and why they were abandoned in such apparent haste, but no one knows for sure. Perhaps they belonged to Americans who simply left them when World War II ended. Then again, perhaps not. “The Most Evil Car in America” We saved the creepiest car for last and after this tale you’ll want to sleep with the lights on. The story starts innocently enough. In Old Orchard Beach, Maine, a 1964 Dodge 330 Limited Edition, called “Golden Eagle,” was purchased with the intention of using it as a police car. It didn’t take long, though, for the car to get a very creepy reputation so the police force sold it to an elderly man. Only three officers ever drove the car while it was on the police force – and all three died heinous deaths where they killed their families and then themselves. According to the current owner, Wendy Allen, the car has killed 14 people but others in the area say that is a very conservative number. They believe the deaths to be much higher. Over the years various groups from different churches have assembled and vandalized the car, only to meet their own demise. Allen even claims that all of the people in both groups, 32 in all, died in very bizarre or strange ways. The readers were each involved in horrific accidents with semi-trucks – and were decapitated. There are many macabre tales that surround this car, dubbed the ‘most evil car in America.’ Are they true? Do you really want to find out? Perhaps not, but let us help you to finance classic car of your own without any drama or horror stories. You will be amazed at how low your monthly payment will be.
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When you think of McDonald’s you probably think of burgers, fries, and those iconic golden arches. The restaurant has been around for decades and it all started with that first little store in Des Plaines, Illinois. Who knew it would have such global influence that is has found its way into so many homes around the world? The building that held that very first store was demolished in 1984. A museum was erected at the site, created by the McDonald’s Corporation to show the company’s growth and its cultural impact on the world. The museum closed in 2008, but many of the exhibits were maintained, including several classic cars. Four cars that were part of that museum hit the auction block at Mecum in Chicago in late October. They were appropriately dubbed The McDonald’s Collection. The cars were intended to demonstrate the general optimism that was prevalent during that era. Their bright colors and shiny chrome took museum visitors back to a simpler, more innocent time. All four cars in the McDonald’s Collection found new homes: $30,800 – 1955 Chevy Bel Air $37,400 – 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 $38,500 – 1955 Chrysler New Yorker St. Regis $39,600 – 1955 Ford Crown Victoria There were more than 1,000 classics and performance cars that crossed the auction block along with the McDonald’s collection. Quite a few special collections were offered up, as well as individual classics and modern models. The next Mecum auctions takes place on: Kissimmee – January 3-13, 2019 You can see more about upcoming auctions for cars, tractors and motorcycles on the Mecum website. Are you looking to add a new classic or two to your car collection? Woodside Credit can make it happen with our easy terms and great rates. Visit us today and complete a quick quote to get exotic and classic car loans.
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An icon that belonged to an icon. This little piece of cinematic history will be going home with someone (maybe you?) come November 17, 2018. The 1956, Raven Black Ford Thunderbird that once belonged to screen legend Marilyn Monroe is set to go to auction later this year. Juliens in Los Angeles will auction the two-seater convertible roadster that Monroe bought in 1955 and drove until 1962. It is said that the little rag top carried her and Arthur Miller to their June 28, 1956, civil wedding ceremony and then two days later to their private wedding. Now it is hitting the auction block and is expected to fetch somewhere in the neighborhood of $300,000 to $500,000. That’s a pretty nice neighborhood. The car is raven black with black and white interior and has a detachable hard top as well as a canvas convertible top. The 1955 Thunderbird was Ford’s response to Chevrolet’s 1953 Corvette. It debuted late in 1954 and marketed as a personal luxury car. Consumers went crazy for it and demand far exceeded Ford’s expectations. Monroe’s model had a 312 cubic inch V8 that kicked out 225 horsepower, along with the Ford-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The little car was completely tricked out with power window, brakes, seats, and steering. It also included the Continental kit which had several key features, including the spare tire mounted on the rear bumper. Monroe gave her beloved T-Bird to the son of Lee Strasberg (her acting coach) for his 18th birthday in 1962. The legal transfer took place, according to several sources, just months before her tragic death on August 5, 1962. The current owner is unnamed but does claim to have the necessary documents that prove the authenticity of the car. This includes documentation from Connecticut as well as a letter that an insurance company sent to Monroe regarding the car. The car has been completely restored to its original appearance and the engine has been rebuilt. Marilyn would be proud. Whether you are purchasing an iconic collector car or a rare classic, Woodside credit can help you bring it home. Our easy terms and low payments mean that it is easier than ever to own that one in a million car you can’t get out of your head. Apply today for collector & classic car financing and bring that beauty home.
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As the last of the summer classic car shows draw to a close and the aroma of pumpkin spice is in the air, your thoughts naturally turn toward cooler weather and preparations for winter. Cover the pool, clean the chimney, check the furnace pilot light, and make sure your classic car is properly prepared for the chilly months to come. If your classic is only on the road for brief jaunts during the year, it needs special attention. Not driving it for long stretches of time, it can lead to problems that your daily driver typically won’t face. Before you put your classic beauty into hibernation, take these steps. Wash it thoroughly. Give your car a good cleaning, inside and out. Wash, dry well, and wax it to protect the paint. Clean the interior as well and apply a preservative to any leather, vinyl, or rubber to prevent cracking. Any surfaces that are not painted should be coated with a rust inhibitor. If you have a rag top, store it with the top up. This does double duty to prevent shrinkage of the top and to protect the interior. Change the oil. You should change the oil in your car at least once a year – even if you only put a few miles on it. Sometimes contaminants or water can get into your used oil. When left to sit in the engine for several months, it could cause problems that you really don’t need like pitting in the bearings. Clean oil does not have water or contaminants and it is better to be safe than sorry. Do a complete oil change, including changing the oil filter. Protect the tires. When a car is parked in one spot without moving for a long time can lead to flat spots on the tires. Many classic car experts recommend inflating your tires a little higher than usual, about 10 to 15 psi. This will make them firmer and less prone to flat spots. Other experts recommend releasing some of the air in the tires to take pressure off of the suspension. However, they all agree that the best way to store a classic is on jacks. Use a fuel stabilizer. Fill your fuel tank with the highest grade gasoline you can and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent phase separation due to moisture. Run your car for a few minutes so that the fuel stabilizer can move through the engine: injectors, fuel rails, carburetor, and other engine components. If the tank is full there is less room for air which contains moisture. This can cause rust inside the tank, cause the ethanol (which absorbs water) and gas to separate, and even lead to the contamination of the fuel, so a fuller tank means less room for the bad stuff. Store the battery. Lack of use combined with cold air can really take a toll on your car’s battery. If the temperature drops low enough the battery can even freeze. If this happens and the plastic case happens to crack, you will have some major problems on your hands. There are several ways to approach this. Some experts say you should go ahead and disconnect the battery, remove it from the car, and store it in a more protected area where you can keep it warm and charged. Others advise hooking your batter to a charger. Keep out the critters. When the temps drop animals start looking for places where they can be sheltered from the weather. You don’t want them seeking harborage in your car. Use a breathable cloth cover (not plastic) which will provide some protection from animals and help preserve the paint job. Also, take these steps:
You should also check your insurance policy if your car will be stored off-site. Some companies require that the location’s address is reported to them. Is there a pretty little classic that you’d like to put in your garage? Woodside Credit can make it happen with our best exotic and classic car loans. Check us out today and complete a Quick Quote to see just how easy it can be.e to edit.
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The Hottest Classic Cars State by State11/4/2018 Who doesn’t love classic cars? Whether you are appreciating the beautiful lines and gorgeous craftsmanship or love the nostalgia and want to be transported to a different time, there is just something about the classics. The website ClassicCars.com recently conducted an analysis of the online searches for classics and came up with a list of the most popular in each of the states. They evaluated more than 3.7 million hits over one year and listed the most popular searches by state. Looking at just makes and models, the Dodge Charger comes out on top as the most searched collectible car in the United States. The model years between 1966 and 1978 were the top picks for the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. Other cars that dominated the list: Mustang
Other states went for less conventional classics. The Chevy El Camino was a favorite in Illinois and South Dakota while Connecticut favored the Ford Custom. Oklahoma’s main pick was the Ford Fairlane and Idaho leaned toward the Ford Pickup. Interestingly, Nebraska has a yen for a classic European ride. The British MGB roadster took the most searched for prize in that state. Here’s the breakdown, state by state:
Which is your favorite? How did your state stack up? Whether you are searching for one of the popular classics on this list or you are looking for something completely different, Woodside Credit wants to help you put that classic beauty in your garage. Visit our site today and find out how easy it is with our classic car loans to make that vintage muscle car your very own. |