Car Collecting and Restoration

Posted by The Popular News Today on Thursday, September 22, 2011

By Al Smith


The collection and restoration of classic cars is one of the most widespread and dedication-inspiring hobbies in the world. For these devoted motorheads, automobiles themselves are works of art, and taking an unloved, rusted out hunk of metal and restoring it to the glory of its factory condition is an exercise of skill, patience, art and inspiration.

The motivation and inspiration behind the automotive endeavors can very as widely as the backgrounds and lifestyles of the individuals who seek them out. The automobile industry is like no other in the world. It inspires more loyalty and competition than almost any other, and the preservation of its products has launched entire industries of their own. The invention and development of cars and trucks dramatically altered the landscape of the entire world, as distances became less of an obstacle and opportunities for travel and expansion increased exponentially.

Classic car restoration can take on many incarnations. You are just as likely to find an old hot rod under a drop cloth in the barn of a rural farmer as you are in the suburban garage of a corporate accountant. There is more to restoring these old cars that simply replacing parts and picking out a new shade of paint. The people who take on the projects view them as an outlet. They choose their vehicles carefully - usually based on a personal connection with a particular make or model - and treat them with the same (or better) regard than their everyday drivers. These projects are not for the faint of heart or the casual tinkerer. Restoration jobs can last months, and unexpected complications can arise that can be costly in both effort and expense. Depending on the age and popularity of your chosen project car, it can be incredibly difficult to find replacement parts, and costs can build quickly. Without access to a surplus of funds, it may be necessary to move on to other aspects of a restoration job, or survive long delays between making noticeable improvements.

Car collecting is a different kind of hobby that is more common among the wealthy, simply due to the fact that it requires having the ability to spend large amounts of money at one time. As a matter of fact, collecting vehicles, both new and old, is a very popular trend among celebrities and entrepreneurs. Jay Leno, for instance, is one of the most famous "car guys" in the country. His collection is recognized worldwide for its variety and good taste.

Like restoration projects, automobile collections can vary widely depending on the tastes and preferences of the collector. One collector may specialize in muscle cars and high-performance vehicles, while another seeks out antique automobiles like Model-Ts and Depression-Era work trucks. Whether their interest lie in making a profit or simply preserving history all demonstrate an interest and dedication in an industry that has changed the face of the world dramatically over the past century.




About the Author:



{ 0 comments... read them below or add one }

Post a Comment