A Guide To The Regular Cars In The TV Show “Mad Men”

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Mad Men (which ran 7 seasons during 2007-15) is a fictional TV series set in and around New York City spanning the years 1960 to 1970.  It was named for a slang expression people in the advertising business used to … Continue reading

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The 1980-1991 Mercedes W126 S-Class: A buyer’s overview

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The “w126 body” S-class (or “126”) body style sold from 1980-1991 is considered one of the most influential designs in Mercedes-Benz’s history.  It’s hard to argue that 126’s exude power, sophistication and continue to inspire imitation today.  Among the sleekest … Continue reading

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If you’re going to dress up as Elvis for Halloween, you should know a little about his personal cars

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If you’re considering going to a Halloween party dressed as Elvis, you owe it to yourself to know a little about the cars he’s owned.   And if you think the King only owned Cadillacs, you’d be wrong.  Why write … Continue reading

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Pictures from the Summit, NJ Downtown Car Show September 17, 2023

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More than 100 classic automobiles from all over the globe filled the streets in downtown Summit, New Jersey on Sunday September 17th, 2o23. Classic Cars Today Online was there, and captured 95% of the cars and trucks present. To enlarge … Continue reading

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Meet The “Little Pete” – A 3/5ths Scale Big Rig

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At a recent cruise night in Somerville, New Jersey, I came across something I’d never laid eyes on before – a Peterbilt truck cab that appeared to have been lowered much closer to the ground.  After more than a minute … Continue reading

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Pictures from the August 19, 2023 Jaguar Club Show at Saratoga Springs Auto Museum

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On Saturday August 19, 2023, the Capital Region Jaguar Club of New York hosted a car show at the Saratoga Auto Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York. Over 50 cars were present, ranging from a 1943 XK140 to recent F-Types. … Continue reading

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Fiberglass Roof Extension Caps Hidden Underneath Vinyl – A Cheap Malaise Era Shortcut To A More Formal Roof Look

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Whether you remember a time when vinyl roof coverings were everywhere on automobiles or not, we have a feeling you’ll find the hidden depths contained within pictures in this article both amazing and cringy at the same time. In the … Continue reading

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Commentary – Customized Automotive Coachbuilding May Make A Return Just Yet…

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This month, we’re starting off by turning the clock back 100 years to take a quick look at the automotive coachbuilding era that largely began in the 1920s, with a focus on Mercedes-Benz.  If you’re not familiar with custom coach-built … Continue reading

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Pictures from The Northern NJ Mercedes-Benz “June Jamboree” car show Bridgewater, NJ June 17, 2023

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Over 100 classic Mercedes-Benz owners and a wealth of spectators made the trek to the Northern New Jersey Mercedes-Benz Club’s 60th annual “June Jamboree” car show, hosted by the Bridgewater Manor in Bridgewater, NJ.  Vehicles competed in 13 classes of … Continue reading

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Pictures from the May 7, 2023 AACA Car Show – East Hanover, NJ

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On Sunday May 7th, 2023, the Antique Automobile Club of America held their 70th annual “Spring Meet”, typically one of the largest car shows in New Jersey.  Over 150 cars were present, ranging from a 1905 REO to early-1990s Chevrolets, … Continue reading

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I Always Thought I Was A Great Photographer Until Finding Really Bad Pics I Took At The 1988 NY Auto Show

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With high-resolution digital cameras built in to modern cellphones, it’s pretty easy to take great pictures of virtually anything – in any light setting. And with Photoshop or other apps that make it easy to adjust brightness, contrast, shadowing, and … Continue reading

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Celebrating 30 Years With a 1985 Mercedes 300D

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Ten years ago, I wrote, “Today I reached a 20-year anniversary of owning a 1985 Mercedes 300 Diesel, and felt it important to celebrate in some way.  When I bought the car, it was seven years old.  That seemed pretty … Continue reading

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How Old Are The Tires On Your Classic Car? (Probably Older Than You Think)

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At a local Cars & Coffee gathering recently, I met up with a friend Richard who I’ve known since we began working together as copywriters in 2012. Richard enjoyed seeing the car I brought because it was one I often … Continue reading

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4 Pickup Mods That Give a 1500 Series Pickup the Stature of a Heavy-Duty One

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(Re-published from November 2021)… On a recent road trip from Arizona to Florida, I was privileged to enjoy some great scenery and views that our nation’s interior has to offer. Over the course of two days driving through Texas, for … Continue reading

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Is The Porsche 911 The Quintessential Sports Car? We Talk With Several Owners To Find Out.

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PART 1 – THE 911, AND WHAT OWNERS SAY ABOUT IT: The definition of quintessential is “representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class”.  So could the Porsche 911 be the perfect, quintessential sports car? Since … Continue reading

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When your favorite fiction authors write about cars, do they get the details correct? (Part 1)

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My wife paused from reading a Sue Grafton novel to ask me, “Could a Mercedes sedan that would have been around in 1988 do a tire-smoking burnout, on a smooth cement parking garage surface?”  Having owned and driven a succession … Continue reading

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When your favorite fiction authors write about cars, do they get the details correct? (Part 2)

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(Continued from Part 1) If you’re like me when you read a work of fiction, you visualize things you read to a high degree.  You form a mental picture of characters in the story based on people you know or … Continue reading

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A Brief History Of Headlamp Styles In The U.S.

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If you were born during or after the 1990s, you’ve grown up in an automotive world where 99% of cars you’ve seen on the road feature composite headlamp assemblies.  If a bulb within those assemblies burns out, the dead bulb … Continue reading

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On the Bring A Trailer Online Auction Experience

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Fans of classic cars, we are truly in boom times when it comes to buying and selling the ones of our dreams on the internet. A current leader in the online experience is auction site Bring A Trailer.com, which has … Continue reading

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The 1976-86 Mercedes “W123 body” E-Class – Possibly The Best Car Benz Has Ever Made

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NOTE: As a Mercedes W123-body owner living in the United States, my writing has an admittedly U.S.-market bias because these are the very versions I grew up admiring. That said, I’ve always had an equal fondness and interest regarding all … Continue reading

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Does That Red 2-door Sports Car You Dream Of Need To Be An Actual Car?

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For many children of the 1970s like myself who remember that final decade when affordable British, Italian, and German 2-seaters with ragtops could still be purchased new in the U.S., the phrase “sports car” conjures up distinct memories of them. … Continue reading

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My Idea of a Perfect Bare-Bones Economy Car

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Has this happened to you? You buy a lower-priced car intending to save money only to end up dropping paychecks into it later in the interest of upgrading things. I don’t mean spending money on necessary repairs – I’m talking … Continue reading

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Do You Still Want Today’s Version Of The Car You Dreamed Of When You Were Young?

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Recently I came across two old Cadillac commercials on Youtube that effectively played on a sentimental vibe many of us car enthusiasts can relate to. The first ad for a 1971 Coupe de Ville opens in black and white with … Continue reading

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5 Unsung Hero Vehicles of the 1990s

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Today, we’re traveling in the wayback machine to the 1990s – a decade where motorized seatbelts, manual locks, crank windows, manual transmissions, carburetors, and drum brakes were still commonly found as standard automotive equipment. That said, advanced technology that had … Continue reading

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When Is It Time To Cut The Cord On Your Beater Car?

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When you’re into cars, it’s hard not to end up caring and worrying about the ones you own. You end up dodging potholes, choosing remote parking spots, spending money on maintenance items, keeping everything clean, using a car cover, and … Continue reading

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Have You Experienced The Monte Carlo Effect?

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In a recent discussion with some friends, we recalled times in our lives when new vehicle designs struck us as tremendously unattractive at first sight. The best example I could think of was when, working as a young technician at … Continue reading

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Vinyl roof coverings were created to be retro in 1925. Now the on-and-off fad is making a comeback. A brief history…

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Coming across a can of old glue thinner in the garage recently made me recall how I had used it to remove the padded vinyl roof on a ’79 Cadillac Sedan deVille I once owned.  Which got me thinking about … Continue reading

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Some Interesting Base Models You Don’t Often See

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We find base models ordered with a minimum of extra-cost items represent a unique vehicle segment.  Strippers, plain Jane models.  Sure, many are used as commercial fleet vehicles or chosen by dealers to use as loss leaders in advertisements.  Those … Continue reading

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Inside a custom-made 4-door 1970 Plymouth Barracuda

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It all started in 2010 when Dave Walden, owner of ECS Automotive Concepts in Chesterfield, Mo, came across an artist’s rendering of a light blue/gray concept four-door Barracuda hardtop.  After much consideration, it led to him and his friend, Steve … Continue reading

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Bet You Didn’t Know the 1975-84 VW Rabbit Stayed In Production Around The World Until…2009!

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Volkswagen’s Golf model, named after the wind (Golf is German for Gulf Stream), was first introduced for the 1975 model year to serve as a modern replacement for the aging Beetle and related models.  Sold in the United States as … Continue reading

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A Top 10 List of cars with the highest % of overhang. Number 1 may surprise you.

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Recently, I was reading an article on Curbside Classic’s website titled “Design Analysis: Did The Lincoln Mark VI Have The Biggest Overhang Ratio Ever?”.  After studying that new-for-1980 design, author Paul Niedermeyer comments that the fundamental problem with the Mark … Continue reading

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The top 50 longest-running car designs

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The Beetle had the number 1 longest-running automotive design.  But you may not guess what numbers 2 through 50 are… If a car design is right from the start, it does not need to be changed for the sake of … Continue reading

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The 1983-1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible: a true ’80s period piece…

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“In convertibles it’s important to remember you’re under a magnifying glass, because everyone notices what you’re doing.  It’s no place to pick your nose.  You want to look bored almost – give it some ennui” was the advice K.J. Barrett … Continue reading

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A look back at color-matched wheels and wheel covers. A design feature worthy of a comeback…

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For a very small manufacturing cost, applying paint to a car’s wheels or wheel covers that matches body color can add a lot of visual interest to a vehicle’s profile.  And if chrome trim or brightwork is applied tastefully with … Continue reading

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A look back at the 1963 – 1991 Jeep Wagoneer: A guide to year-to-year changes

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One of the guidelines in the original Preppy Handbook (1980) reads, “Never replace anything until you have exhausted all possibility of repair, restoration, or rehabilitation.  No matter what it is, they don’t make it as well as they used to.”  … Continue reading

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Alternative gear shift levers through the years

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The American Business Dictionary defines the word alternative as “One of two or more ways of achieving the same desired end or goal.  An alternative need not be a close substitute for the first choice (or other alternatives), but it … Continue reading

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Pictures from the Summit, NJ Downtown Car Show September 17, 2017

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More than 100 classic automobiles from all over the globe filled the streets in downtown Summit, New Jersey on September 17th, 2o17. We were there, and captured a few favorites. To enlarge any picture to full size, right click on … Continue reading

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The 1956-57 El Morocco – a “small Cadillac” created decades before the first Seville and Cimarron

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Once in awhile throughout the history of classic cars, truly interesting creations are born.  Interesting because they’re unique enough to stand out and catch your attention in the first place, well-done enough to hold your attention, and perceived as desirable … Continue reading

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Commentary – Giving car buying advice to those you’re not sure are listening…

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A friend recently asked me for advice on helping her select a new car.  Since I’ve worked in the automotive repair field, I get requests for car purchasing advice periodically.  I don’t mind because having been a car fanatic since … Continue reading

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A look back at a true American classic: the 1977-79 Lincoln Continental Mark V

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A star during the 1970s boom in “personal luxury” cars, 1977 – 1979 Lincoln Mark Vs are highly sought after today for their clean styling and last-of-their-kind extra large dimensions.  By the 1979 model year, every other make and model … Continue reading

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Some interesting four-door sports cars and exotic cars over the years. Ford Mustangs, Porsche 911s, Chevy Camaros, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Cadillac Eldorados and much more

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Four-door sports cars based on two-door coupes (even two-seaters) have always been intriguing.  Whether produced by automakers themselves or customized via cut-and-stretch methods by limousine builders, this classification of car represents a slightly rebellious nature.  For if two-door Ferraris and … Continue reading

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1993-1995 Mercedes 300CE / E320 Cabriolets – A look back at these modern classics

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“Few automobiles can claim to be instant classics.  The thrilling new 300CE Cabriolet might be one of them” claimed advertising introducing the 1993 E-class Cabrio to the United States market.  Truer words have never been spoken if one considers how … Continue reading

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Commentary – Popularity of today’s paddle shifters reminds us the best place for gear shifting really is on the steering column.

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(By contributor John Bleimaier) The advent of paddle shifters in today’s cars should cause us to consider once again where the gear shift lever should ideally be placed.  Paddle shifters located on either side of the steering wheel and affixed … Continue reading

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If your car had a “door ajar” voice reminder in the 1980s, you’ll enjoy these flashback videos

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My mother bought a Chrysler LeBaron convertible in the mid-’80s, fully equipped with whitewalls, wire wheel covers, digital dash, and fake wood.  But one feature it had that made it an ’80s period piece more than any other was its … Continue reading

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The 1975 – 1980 Ford Granada had a simple and effective ad campaign – we copied the cars you really want

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If you’re like me, you may have noticed car makers just don’t criticize each other the way they used to in advertisements.  By criticize, I don’t mean making value comparisons against competitors based on selling points of price, features, or … Continue reading

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Owner profile – 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible

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What Dave Balchunas has adjusted to is the fact that the 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible he’s owned since his youth is an orphan, figuratively. “When I was seventeen in 1985, Pontiac was a brand that had respect.  Guys we … Continue reading

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Commentary – If the U.S. Constitution had been written in the 20th century, the automobile would have found its way into the Bill of Rights

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(by contributor John Bleimaier)   The automobile and the concept of freedom are intimately intertwined.  The open road and the sense of mobility are at the epicenter of American culture.  When foreigners think of our country, their predominant image is … Continue reading

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1984 – 1987 Toyota Corolla Sport coupe: a last rear-wheel-drive economy car classic

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Looking for a modestly priced rear-wheel-drive car that’s fun-to-drive and has collector appeal?  How about one that gets over 40 miles per gallon? Often cars we find most collectible have a unique mixture of last-of-its-kind and first-of-its-kind attributes.  Popular “last” … Continue reading

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The Audi Museum in Ingolstadt is a must-see for any automotive history buffs visiting southern Germany

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Audi fanatics, do you know what year the marque was founded?  Where the name “Audi” comes from and how it was picked?  What major German automaker owned it before selling it to Volkswagen?   What the first Audi logo used … Continue reading

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Not sure what your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number signifies? A guide…

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Before 1981, vehicle manufacturers created their own vehicle identification (vin) numbers of varying lengths to signify facts about their vehicles as they saw fit. During the 1970s to ease confusion, the United States Department Of Transportation (DOT) mandated all vehicles … Continue reading

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A preview of what will appeal to classic car fans at the 2016 New York Auto Show March 25 – April 3

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The 2016 New York International Auto Show opens to the public at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on Friday March 25th at 10am.  As we were attending the press preview of the show on the 23rd and 24th, we decided … Continue reading

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Owner profile – 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 Limited Edition

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Asuka Kawashima’s husband had always wanted a Mercedes 190E.  In any color, so long as it was black.  After becoming engaged in the early 1990s, a new 190E was not in the couple’s budget.  “Knowing 1993 was the 190E’s last … Continue reading

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Commentary – Speed traps are more about money than morality

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(By contributor John Bleimaier) Back in the 1950s and early ‘60s, owners of sports cars from England and the rest of Europe commonly flashed their headlights after encountering each other on the road.  It was a gesture of good will … Continue reading

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Actor Bruce Campbell reflects on director Sam Raimi’s 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88

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When I was growing up, my father owned a full-size ’73 Oldsmobile from 1975 until 1983.  During that era in the United States an Olds was a respected car that middle class people of all age groups aspired to, upper-middle-class … Continue reading

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Commentary – Can Cars of the Future Be Classics, Too?

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by contributor Kristi Burns… At Classic Cars Today Online, our interest and focus  gravitates towards classic cars.  However, at one time all of these classics were “cars of the future” that someone dreamed up and pushed the proverbial envelope to … Continue reading

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The best car chases you have & haven’t seen

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To us, a good car chase is the look on a driver’s face when encountering unexpected obstacles.  It’s panic on the bad guy’s face who’s riding shotgun because he’s not in control of things.  Typically, suspension of disbelief is required … Continue reading

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Want to know what movies or tv shows have scenes with your favorite classic cars? Here’s how to find out…

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Long ago on a quiet summer night, my girlfriend was over and we were spending an evening watching television.  I had been surfing channels until my screen was unexpectedly filled with a young Charlie Sheen driving an arctic blue, rusty, … Continue reading

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The classic 1972 – 1989 Mercedes SL spanned 18 model years without one body panel change

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With a design run spanning model years from 1972 to 1989, fans around the globe feel the the third generation Mercedes-Benz SL is a model that most embodies the image of the company and the elements that led to its … Continue reading

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6 things everyone should know about gasoline

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After the Clean Air Act of 1995, gasolines do not have as many detergent additives as they used to.  This leaves engines more susceptible than ever to carbon and sludge buildup if too low an octane fuel is used.  Gasoline … Continue reading

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What a “donk” is, and why classic car fans should value them

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Being fans of all the 1971-1976 full-size General Motors models, we at Classic Cars Today Online have watched the growing trend of fitting these “B-body” platform cars with oversized rims and lift kits to create cruisers generally known as “donks”.  … Continue reading

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Restored classic New York City police cars tour regularly, this week at the 2015 New York Auto Show

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If you’re a fan of 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and even ’90s Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors full-size automobiles, you’ll really want to check out the New York Auto Show this week going on at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center.  … Continue reading

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A look back at simulated wire wheel covers. Part 4: the 1980s

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(…Continued from prior article series on 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s wire wheel covers) I’ve always been a fan of simulated wire wheel covers.  While being an automotive accessory extremely subject to personal tastes, one cannot deny wire wheel covers are … Continue reading

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A look back at simulated wire wheel covers. Part 3: the 1970s

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(Continued from Part 2) The 1970s began with carryover wire wheel cover styling from the late 1960s.  As that decade drew to a close, wire wheel covers were trending towards designs with two layers of straight, parallel spokes.  The effect … Continue reading

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A look back at simulated wire wheel covers. Part 2: the 1960s

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By 1960, wire wheel covers had become a fixture on American roads.  During the previous decade, American automakers equipped them on everything from Buicks and Oldsmobiles to sleek sports cars such as the Kaiser Darrin and Nash-Healey Lemans. Similar to … Continue reading

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A look back at simulated wire wheel covers. Part 1: the 1950s

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We have always been fans of simulated wire wheel covers at Classic Cars Today Online.  While they are an automotive accessory extremely subject to personal taste, one cannot deny wire wheel covers are uniquely American in flavor.  Mostly shunned by … Continue reading

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Two coffee table books for the true classic car fanatic that will pass any snobby-guest-test

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If you’re a car fanatic, it’s a safe bet you’ve got enough automotive interest books, repair manuals, and reference guides somewhere in your home to fill a whole shelf (two probably). A shelf that lurks in a back office room, … Continue reading

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When all is said and done, a ’65 Mercedes diesel has a higher automotive Intelligence Quotient than several of today’s microcars.

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When considering three elements of performance: speed, handling and economy – vehicle weight impacts all of them.  That’s why racehorses are lean and jockeys are diminutive.  Every race car engineer knows that weight is the single most important factor in … Continue reading

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My mother claims cars were more recognizable 60 years ago. I analyze decades and disagree (Part 2 – the 1960s))

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CONTINUED FROM PART 1… (Attempting to resolve a debate with my mother that cars from the late 1940s and ’50s on any given street were more recognizable than now, I take a look at some of the more popular design … Continue reading

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The basics of installing a car stereo

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The purchase of a new radio and speakers brings the promise of better sound, the excitement of new features, and the enjoyment of simply feeling the music that wasn’t possible with a factory stereo.  In this article, we’ll give you … Continue reading

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Digital multimeter basics

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The digital multimeter (DMM) is an extremely versatile tool when diagnosing engine performance and troubleshooting electrical systems – combining the functions of many electrical measuring devices into one.  Digital multimeters can measure voltage, electrical resistance, continuity, current, or test diodes … Continue reading

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A town with one of the best weekly classic car cruise nights in the USA – Somerville, NJ

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by contributor Pete Abbate… In the summer of 1989, a local car club known as the Classic Cruizers began a “cruise night” tradition on Friday evenings in the downtown area of Somerville, New Jersey.  A cruise night is usually defined … Continue reading

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A car museum with an authentic General Lee? Christine? Herbie? KITT? The Hollywood Star Cars Museum offers much to see…

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Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (not Hollywood, CA), The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a find for fans of historically noteworthy classic cars.  The museum features two floors of displays featuring over 40 vehicles.  Cars owned by Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Mike … Continue reading

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How to use an A/C manifold gauge set

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An air conditioning manifold gauge set is a must-have tool for anyone who’s checking pressure in a/c lines, determining if there’s a leak, evacuating the entire system before making any repairs, or recharging with new refrigerant.  Compact, hand-held manifold gauge … Continue reading

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On Parking – 5 Ways I Kept the Same Car Dent-, Ding- and Scratch-Free For 10 Years

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 (by contributor Kristi Burns) When I began dating my husband many years ago, he let me use his car, providing that I follow a few “rules” to keep it free from dings, scratches, and dents. Since I was able to … Continue reading

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Commentary – 15 ways modern cars spoil us compared to older classics

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Working in the automotive service field has conditioned me to value mechanical simplicity and to pass up optional features that add complexity, likelihood of inconvenient failure, and unnecessary weight.  Because I often only see vehicles when things aren’t working properly, … Continue reading

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Pictures from Mercedes-Benz “June Jamboree” car show Montvale, NJ June 7, 2014

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June 7, 2014 – Montvale, New Jersey. Over 100 classic Mercedes-Benz owners and a wealth of spectators made the trek to their favorite marque’s U.S. corporate headquarters for the 51st annual “June Jamboree” car show, sponsored by the Northern New … Continue reading

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The 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II: a look back at these modern classic SUVs

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The second generation Land Rover Discovery, introduced partially through the 1999 model year, was badged as the “Discovery II”.  Until production lines were fully changed over from building the original Discovery I model, both generations were sold alongside each other … Continue reading

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How to perform an automatic transmission fluid & filter service

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In this installment, we’ll give you the steps for replacing the transmission fluid and fluid filter inside your vehicle’s automatic transmission – saving you several hundred dollars by sparing you a visit to the shop.  This maintenance procedure is a … Continue reading

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Like classic Mercedes-Benzes? You won’t want to miss this annual show at M-B USA headquarters in Montvale, NJ on June 7

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Whether your favorite Mercedes is a ’57 300SL Gullwing coupe, a ’67 600 Limousine, a ’77 240 Diesel, an ’87 560SEL, a ’99 E55 AMG, or a 2014 E-Cabrio, this is the one car show all year you won’t want … Continue reading

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The benefits of a performance distributor

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A distributor is a component used on vehicles through the mid-1990s to route electricity collected by a vehicle’s ignition coil down to each spark plug.  Inside the housing of a distributor is a fast-spinning shaft with an arm (known as … Continue reading

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Pictures from Antique Automobile Club of America spring car show May 4, 2014 in Florham Park, N.J.

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On Sunday May 4th, 2014, the Antique Automobile Club of America held their “Spring Meet”, typically one of the largest car shows in New Jersey.  Despite a looming threat of rain, over 100 cars turned out, ranging from a 1911 … Continue reading

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What is the difference between a “transaxle” and a “transmission”?

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In this article we’ll look at the differences between a “transaxle” and a “transmission”.  In short, a transaxle performs both the gear-changing function of a transmission and the power-splitting ability of an axle differential in one integrated unit.  A transmission … Continue reading

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A sneak preview of the 2014 New York Auto Show April 18 – 27, with thorough picture coverage.

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The 2014 New York International Auto Show opens to the public at the Jacob Javits Convention Center April 18 at 10am, with official ceremonies beginning 8:30am the next day on Saturday April 19.  During those official ceremonies on Saturday morning, … Continue reading

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Many automakers claim they sell 4-door coupes. We beg to disagree, because here are some real ones.

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Attending the press preview of the 2014 New York International Auto Show, we heard a lot of talk from automakers about “4 door coupe” models.  We feel they need to rethink their definition of what a 4-door coupe is, because … Continue reading

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Commentary – I always vary my exercise walk to pass by driveways with more interesting cars

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It’s springtime and the sights along my daily walk are never more beautiful than this time of year.  Like most people who exercise with a starting point of their front door, I vary my 2.5-mile path to keep things interesting. … Continue reading

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Owner profile – 1982 Chrysler Imperial

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Jack Harkavy owns a 1938 Packard Eight, a 1954 DeSoto, and, as a professional driver, is regularly behind the wheel of high-end cars old and new that are used as props in major movies and television shows. Ask him what … Continue reading

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How to repair or replace a plastic painted bumper

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The purpose of automobile bumpers is to remain intact while absorbing low-speed impacts and to protect body panels from any damage.  Traditionally, bumpers that accomplished this task were chrome-covered steel bars bolted onto a vehicle’s front and rear.  Today’s vehicles … Continue reading

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My mother claims cars were more recognizable 60 years ago. I analyze decades and disagree (Part 1)

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Walking through a parking lot with my mother started the debate.  “All cars look alike these days”, she said.  “Back in the 1940s, you could distinguish the different makes easily.  I could tell the type of every car the adults … Continue reading

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Commentary – Road salt not only corrodes your classic car, but politicians as well

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(by contributor John Bleimaier)… In the culinary world, salt is one of a few truly magical ingredients which release taste and enliven sensory responses without relying on artificial chemicals that are detrimental to the human body.   Any chef that … Continue reading

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Antifreeze: what does it do, what’s full-strength vs pre-mixed, and why does my car need it?

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“Antifreeze” (also known as “coolant”) is basically a mixture of water and ethylene glycol which serves to lower the freezing temperature of the water while also raising its boiling point.  Antifreeze has been used in “water cooled” vehicles since the … Continue reading

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Classic Mercedes fans, 15-inch versions of the original 14-inch “bundt” style wheels from 1969-85 are out there. Here’s how to find them…

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From 1969 to 1985, well over 1 million Mercedes-Benz vehicles were sold new with 14-inch aluminum alloy wheels similar to the one shown in this picture.   If you’re sprucing up or restoring a vintage model from this era, you … Continue reading

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Oxygen Sensors – How they work, and how to replace one yourself

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WHAT IS AN OXYGEN SENSOR AND HOW DOES IT WORK? An oxygen sensor (also known as an O2 sensor or Lambda sensor) is a sensor designed to generate a reading based on the content of oxygen in an automotive exhaust … Continue reading

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Commentary – Mercedes needs to leave the first version of its “Illuminated Star” front LED emblem in the rearview mirror

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We’ve been curiously watching the publicity Mercedes-Benz has chosen to release about its new “Illuminated Star” grille insert. The assembly, which uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) to create a glowing Mercedes emblem at night, is a new factory option on … Continue reading

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Pictures from the Summit, NJ Downtown Car Show September 22, 2013

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More than 100 classic automobiles from all over the globe filled the streets in downtown Summit, New Jersey on Sunday September 22nd, 2o13. We were there, and captured a few favorites. To enlarge any picture to full size, right click … Continue reading

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An overview of hybrid and electric vehicle powertrains

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Today, hybrids are everywhere.  But what exactly is a “hybrid”?  Technical definitions define hybrids as, “Any vehicle combining two or more sources of power which can directly or indirectly provide propulsion.”  That can include diesel-electric hybrids as well as gasoline-electric … Continue reading

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11 must-read web sites for the classic car fan

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  If you appreciate classic cars and enjoy finding fresh commentary about your favorite models, vintage automotive advertisements, memorabilia, original commercials, or any related subject you can think of, the internet is a vast and unparalleled resource.  From finding pictures … Continue reading

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Owner profile – 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray convertible

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When Mike Grady purchased his ’66 Corvette Sting Ray convertible in September 1980, he figured he would simply clean it up a little (the body had four different paint color layers on it plus primer), have some fun cruising with … Continue reading

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Commentary – Does being loyal to one car brand make you a glutton for happiness, or punishment?

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Erica is a friend of mine who recently became the owner of a used 2006 BMW 750Li.  An enviable purchase by any stretch of the imagination, but one she agonized about due to feelings of brand loyalty to another marque. … Continue reading

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Advantages of purchasing a clutch kit vs. a clutch disc or pressure plate

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If you’ve decided it’s time to replace the clutch on your manual-transmission car, you’ve reached the point where advantages (crisp, new-feeling response) have come to outweigh disadvantages (significant labor costs or time spent doing it yourself).  Whether you don’t have … Continue reading

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Pictures from Mercedes-Benz “June Jamboree” car show Montvale, NJ June 8, 2013

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June 8, 2013 – Montvale, New Jersey. Over 100 classic Mercedes-Benz owners made the trek to their favorite marque’s U.S. corporate headquarters for the 50th annual “June Jamboree” car show, sponsored by the Northern New Jersey chapter Mercedes Club . … Continue reading

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Avoiding the inevitable pitfalls that lurk at drive-in movie theaters

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If you plan on heading to a drive-in movie theater this summer, as I did this past Saturday night for the first time in over 30 years, you will have high hopes for an enjoyable experience.  To make sure reality … Continue reading

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Some basic but effective tips on wheel care

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Wheels that catch your eye because they really set off a vehicle do so because they are clean and sparkling, not dirty.  If turning back to gaze at your own rims brings disappointment, the time is now to clean them … Continue reading

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When classics were born – a collection of assembly line pictures

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“I created you inside of me. I watched your body form, come together, and grow in size. I smiled as you first made your way along the floor. Treading slowly on all fours. You were flawless and beautiful, unscathed yet … Continue reading

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A sneak preview of the 2013 New York Auto Show March 30-April 7

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The 2013 New York International Auto Show officially opens Saturday March 30 at 10am, with festivities beginning earlier at 8:30am. Hours are 10am-10pm (Sundays 10am-7pm) through Sunday April 7, 2013.  Classic Cars Today attended the press preview of the New … Continue reading

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New vs. remanufactured starters and alternators

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Alternators and starter motors have a tough job.  Alternators are in motion every minute the engine is running, and they must be producing electricity at peak efficiency for all vehicle systems to function.  Starter motors must use electricity supplied to … Continue reading

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Biodiesel fuel – a brief history and some notable facts

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Diesel engines running on naturally-grown fuels are not a new concept.  Doctor Rudolf Diesel developed the first compression-ignition motor in the 1890s as a solution to the wasteful inefficiency of steam engines commonly in use at the time.  While he … Continue reading

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How to replace an in-tank fuel sending unit

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Fuel sending unit is a term for the mechanical assembly inside your fuel tank which measures the level of liquid within, then reports its findings to the fuel gauge inside your instrument cluster.  All sending units contain a “float” piece … Continue reading

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How to check and replace fuses

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Fuses are designed to stop excess current flow that can overheat circuits, damage equipment, or even cause a fire.  To account for normal electrical spikes and surges, vehicle designers typically specify fuses with amp ratings of double the current flow … Continue reading

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How to replace a broken hood latch & cable that won’t release

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When your hood release lever becomes inoperable, you’re literally in a catch-22 position.  One of the parts that opens the hood has broken, but you can’t open the hood to locate and replace it.  Should you find yourself in this … Continue reading

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Commentary – When you buy an old Mercedes diesel, make sure you like the color…

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…because you may end up owning it longer than you expect.  It’s not hard to do, because 4- and 5-cylinder Benz diesel models built through the end of 1985 are put together extremely well and require a lower-than-average amount of … Continue reading

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Need a gift for that car fanatic in your life? Check out our online store of vintage car ads and brochures

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If you’ve been searching for an inexpensive, unique gift that will intrigue the car fanatic in your life, our online store BEST OF THE PAST CAR ADVERTISEMENTS (Click here to visit our page) has just what you need.  Specializing in … Continue reading

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If the 1955 – 1963 Mercedes 190SL design was engineered today, here’s what it would look like…

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In 2008 when car collector Richard Mott contacted Hot Rods and Custom Stuff tuning shop in California to discuss upgrading his stock 1961 Mercedes 190SL with a more powerful engine, better brakes and lowered suspension, neither parties could even begin … Continue reading

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Do you know all the components that make up a wheel bearing? We’ll discuss it here

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Wheel bearings are as old and important as the wheel itself thanks to their ability to allow free rotation without damaging effects of friction and wear.  In this article, we’ll define and discuss the individual components that make up a … Continue reading

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The 1977-1988 Porsche 924 proves VW involvement isn’t a bad thing

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In light of the fact many are bemoaning the merger* completion between Volkswagen and Porsche AG earlier this year, we feel it’s important to remember that a number of successful Porsche models over the years would not have existed without … Continue reading

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Why does my car have a plastic air intake manifold?

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An air intake manifold is an integrated assembly that sits atop the engine, consisting of a series of tubes which distribute fresh outside air to each and every cylinder.  On V-shaped engine blocks, an intake manifold typically sits between the … Continue reading

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How to replace fuel injectors

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Fuel injectors spray fuel directly into your engine’s cylinders during the intake stroke when a piston moves down to allow air and fuel to fill the cylinder chamber. When injectors are malfunctioning, leaking, or have failed completely, they will cause … Continue reading

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Three modern reboots of iconic classic cars – the affordable 2012 Fiat 500, Mini Cooper, and VW Beetle. A roadtest comparison of base models.

This gallery contains 23 photos.

Shopping for an economical new car on a budget but don’t like the look of most “modern” economy cars?  If you appreciate classic automotive design, you have more choices than ever this year.  Witness the recently-introduced 2012 Fiat 500, redesigned … Continue reading

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Pictures from Mercedes-Benz “June Jamboree” car show Montvale, NJ June 16, 2012

This gallery contains 145 photos.

June 16, 2012 – Montvale, New Jersey.  Over 100 classic Mercedes-Benz owners made the trek to Mercedes-Benz corporate headquarters for the 49th annual “June Jamboree” car show, sponsored by the Mercedes Club Northern New Jersey chapter. Vehicles competed in 16 … Continue reading

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Some facts about #1 best-selling car models in the U.S. since 1949

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Analyzing the last 60 years of automotive trends, some very interesting data can be found among the specific and ever-changing car models Americans chose to buy the most of each year since 1949. (See slide show at end of article … Continue reading

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Fan belt? Alternator belt? Serpentine belt? Similarities and differences

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Look up “fan belt” in any modern automotive dictionary, and you’ll typically find a definition that reads, “An endless belt used to transmit power from a crankshaft-driven pulley to a pulley driving the fan, alternator, or other engine accessory.  It … Continue reading

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Commentary – My “Must-Have” Car Accessories

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My name is Kristi Burns and I am NOT a mechanic, so I don’t mind being spoiled by “modern” car accessories as my husband does. In fact, this can be a bone of contention when we both look for a … Continue reading

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20 affordable cars from the last decade that have the best chance of being collectible…

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…They may not be what you’d expect. A 1974 Chevrolet Impala advertisement once pointed out “If a car isn’t popular new, it won’t be popular used”.  To make their point, behind the ’74 Impala sits a 1957 Bel Air hardtop … Continue reading

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Commentary – Regarding automotive design, I just don’t get the modern “swollen hatchback” look

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Am I the only one that doesn’t get the “swollen hatchback” look? For the automotive enthusiast, attending a classic car show can be a great experience.  If you’re lucky, you see the very makes and models that inspired you during … Continue reading

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Pictures from Maplewood, NJ May Fest car show May 20, 2012

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Thousands of Maplewood, New Jersey residents turned out for the 2012 “May Fest” street fair and car show on Sunday, May 20th.  Over two dozen classic automobiles ranging a wide spectrum from a 1915 Ford Model T to a 1975 … Continue reading

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Pictures from Antique Automobile Club of America spring car show May 6, 2012 in Florham Park, N.J.

This gallery contains 156 photos.

On Sunday May 6th, 2012 the Antique Automobile Club of America held their “Spring Meet”, typically one of the largest car shows in New Jersey.  Over 150 cars were present, ranging from a 1905 REO to early-1990s Mercedes-Benzes. For trophy … Continue reading

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An interview with DeLorean Motor Company vice president Jim Espey about their new electric vehicle

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In the 1985 movie “Back To The Future”, Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) uses a DeLorean to jump 30 years back in time to 1955.  Today, the new DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) does virtually the same thing – … Continue reading

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After seeing the 2012 NY auto show, things seem like 1982 all over again…

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Attending this year’s New York auto show press preview April 4-5, we heard alot about fuel economy, four-cylinder engines giving performance of V8s, diesel engines, hybrid electric cars, lighter vehicle platforms, and front-wheel-drive. Those, like us, old enough to remember … Continue reading

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A sneak preview of the 2012 New York Auto show April 7-15, 2012

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This year’s 2012 New York International Auto Show officially opens Saturday April 7 at 10am, with festivities beginning earlier at 8:30am. We previewed it and offer some highlights and pictures to help you know what to expect. (A slide show … Continue reading

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Considering importing a favorite classic car into the United States? You may want to check with an expert first…

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If you’re a car enthusiast like we are at Classic Cars Today Online, you may have grown to admire specific car makes and models sold in other countries that were never available in America.  Or maybe before living in the … Continue reading

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