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Audi History
by Kalin Staikov
From GO Articles (http://www.goarticles.com/)

Two years later in 1928 the first DKW car appeared. That happened because Rasmussen finally got the powerful engine he needed. That engine is 600 cc, 15 hp in the form of two-cylinder motorcycle unit. Rasmussen got the majority of shares in Audiwerke AG. in 1928 and he made the DKW small car be with front-wheel drive. It was later produced in large numbers in the same company. This event happened in 1931 and the car had a wooden body. An imitation of leather was made on the wooden body and the old two-stroke engine was used to power the car. Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer got together on 29th June 1932 to create the new Auto Union AG. This was a pretty big event because these 4 brands were the Saxon car manufacturing giants. Together they made their head office in Chemnitz. They were able to serve the complete production process and they made many models - even luxury saloon cars. In the next year - 1933 at the Berlin motor show Auto Union AG presented to the general public the first standard-size passenger car with front-wheel drive. For that car a six-cylinder engine was used. A year after that a new design for a better aero dynamical appeal won a race and it greatly increased the popularity of Auto Union. The winning racing car was based on designs of Ferdinand Porsche. The six-cylinder engine was installed on the back side of the vehicle behind the driver. That made possible for the less aero dynamical resistance to occur and less power was lost due to that. A new head office of the company was founded in Chemnitz in 1936. During the same year the whole manufacturing process was placed there too with the main facilities for design, development and testing. In 1937 a speed of 400 km/h was exceeded by an Auto Union racing car. That world record proved that this company made the most of their cars - lightweight, extreme engine power of 545 horsepower and a fine aero dynamical design. Even today we talk with respect about such a high speed and we could only imagine what a high-tech product these cars were for their time. In 1938 Auto Union AG were the first to make crash tests. They wanted to see the different ways that could happen and this made possible for further and better designs regarding the safety of the passengers. This is a major issue in the industry today and we should pay our respect to the first one whom though about it. Civilian production was interrupted because of the war in May 1940 and the company began production mainly for military purposes. Special vehicles were developed during that time which were more durable and with the ability to last even in more harsh conditions. In 1945 Auto Union was wiped from existence with the orders of the Soviet military administration in Germany. The plants were dismantled as reparations and all assets of the company were lost during that process. In 1948 the company was deleted from the Commercial Register and 17 August 1948 is stated as its last day. On 3 September 1949 a new company was established by the name Auto Union GmbH in Ingolstadt. Some loans from the Bavarian state government and Marshall Plan made that possible. The production process started in the same year. Many events occur in the future of this company and everything that happened made possible for the foundation of Audi as we know it today. New world records were made and new designs were created. In 1991 design studies made possible for Audi quattro Spyder to occur and another good design with the name Audi Avus quattro. In 1993 some aluminum elements made the cars more lightweight which was a tendency for many years. One of the latest significant things that happened was in March 1994. This is when Audi AG presented a new car model - the Audi A8. This was a major attraction in the Geneva Motor Show.

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Knowing the Ford Crown Victoria as the classic sedan
by Jason Moore

From GO Articles (http://www.goarticles.com/)

The Ford Crown Victoria is also popularly known as the Crown Vic. This vehicle is a vehicle manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and it has been in production since 1955 up until the present. It is a full size vehicle. It has been made in one body style only and that is a sedan. The Ford Crown Victoria holds four doors and it has been built on the Ford Motor Company's FR Panther platform, thus making this sedan a relative of the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Mercury Marauder, as well as the Lincoln Town Car. The competitions for this vehicle include the Buick Lucerne, and the Toyota Avalon.
Despite the very fact that the Ford Crown Victoria has been in the rounds for many years already, decades in fact, this vehicle has not quite got the attention of the general public. However, the sales for this vehicle are quite high among fleets as well as rental car companies. This vehicle also has a twin which is the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Ford Crown Victoria shares some of its components with the Lincoln Town Car, however as per the exterior parts, everything on the Ford Crown Victoria is original.
At present, this classic sedan has been made available with many choices available for interested parties and for Ford Crown Victoria owners. As per the seats, only one material is used though and this is leather. However, there is a variety of available colors which comprise of Charcoal Black Leather, Light Camel Leather, and Medium Light Stone Leather. On the other hand, the exterior has a much wider array of color choices. These choices comprise of Dark Toreador Red, Silver Birch, Black, Tungsten Clearcoat Metallic, Arizona Beige, Light Tundra, Dark Blue Pearl, Vibrant White, Smokestone, and Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic. By giving interested parties the chance to choose what color they would like the Ford Crown Victoria gives these people the chance to customize the sedan.
Preserving the history, and the performance as well as the sustained mobility of vehicles are just a few of the goals and targets that dominate of every automobile manufacturer at present. That is the very reason why Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts continually offers superior Ford auto body parts so as to assist vehicle maintain their capacities and perform well. And this action by Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts is very much in support of the previously mentioned goals of auto makers.
This online store has a huge collection of quality and durable Ford Crown Victoria parts as well as Ford vehicles parts and accessories. The list of these include accessories, air intake, body parts, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, cooling system parts, diesel fuel injection parts, drive belts, driveshaft and axle, electrical parts, mechanical parts, service tools, steering suspension parts, and transmission parts among many others. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts have proven reliability for genuine and quality Ford auto parts that has kept customer loyalty for years.
About the author
Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.

How to buy classic car insurance
by Michael Modica
From GO Articles (http://www.goarticles.com/)

How to Buy Classic Car Insurance
If you are fortunate enough to own a classic car - or any collectible automobile - then you want to ensure that your luck does not run out because of having inadequate insurance coverage. Call it covering your butt - or covering your "asset" - but by all means, call one of the major providers such as American Collectors, Haggerty, or Parish Heacock insurance companies and let them put you in the driver's seat in terms of professional protection of your cherished automotive investment.
How to Kick the Tires on Classic Car Insurance
The whole idea of insurance is that it needs to do what you expect of it in an emergency, when the rubber really hits the road. And classic car insurance is as different from conventional auto insurance as, well, a classic car is from your run of the mill generic vehicle.
When you buy a classic car insurance policy, you are essentially purchasing protection for those times when - God forbid and knock on wood it doesn't happen - disaster strikes in the form of a fire, a collision, or an act of theft or vandalism. Just as we now have modern airbags to save us in the event of a crash, we also have collector's car insurance, to protect us with adequate moneybags when calamity throws a wrench in the works.
The time you invest in choosing the right classic car insurance coverage is well worth the value and peace of mind that a quality collector's insurance policy delivers for owners of classic motor cars.
The Nuts and Bolts of Classic Car Insurance Coverage
Collector car insurance is not the same as the insurance you buy for normal coverage of your daily transportation. Collector car insurance, or classic car insurance, is made especially for the needs of the car collector. And while ordinary insurance does offer some protection, no matter what you drive, it can leave you high and dry in the event of a loss that it not effectively covered by the terms of the insurance contract.For example, you may have a garage-kept Cadillac Sedan DeVille with swooping fins your grandparents bought for $7,000 brand new back in the 1960s. But dealers have offered you three times that much, and you saw another one sell at an auto show for $35,000. If you don't have special collector car insurance or classic car insurance, and the car is totaled, you will be lucky to get $7,000 for it. With depreciation calculated in, the insurance statisticians may decide that it is worth only half that much, or less, and you could wind up with two or three grand in exchange for your dream machine.
Stipulations or requirements normally encountered while shopping for collector car insurance or classic car insurance:
* A decent driving record. * At least 10 years driving experience * No teen drivers on the policy or drivers with poor driving records * Secure and out of the weather garage * Proof that you have another car for daily transportation * Collector vehicle insurance is sometimes limited by the age of your car, and if your car is too young it may not qualify for a particular policy. * Limited mileage. You probably don't want to drive your creampuff car all the time, and your insurance company doesn't want you to either. Mileage limits have increased recently, though, so if you can live with 250 miles a month you're probably okay.
Coverage with collector car insurance or classic car insurance:
Three kinds of value are important to understand when buying your policy.
1) Actual cash value:
This is what you usually get with ordinary insurance, and is based on replacement cost minus depreciation.
2) Stated value:
The insurance company pays up to the stated value of the car, but may not guarantee the full stated value. And deductibles of up to $1,000 usually apply.
3) Agreed value:
In most jurisdictions, those who provide collector car insurance or classic car insurance are allowed to insure for a value that you and your insurer agree upon. And for most autos, there is no deductible. If your $100,000 vintage Rolls get trashed, you get a check for 100 grand, plain and simple - which is exactly why collectors use special classic car insurance coverage.
Do a periodic review of your coverage limits, because classic car prices are rising. What you insured your cherry classic for ten years ago may be a fraction of what it's worth today. And if you are restoring a vehicle, ask your agent to give you appropriate insurance. There is no need to pay extra based on mileage statistics, if your car is up on blocks with no engine inside it. And as the car's value increases thanks to your hard work of restoring it, you should raise the coverage to keep up with the added value of the restoration.
Keep all your receipts and paperwork - for everything from parts and labor to expenses incurred to take it to a classic car show - so that you can document the total investment your collector's car represents. And take photos and keep them updated, for the same reason.
And Last But Not Least: Special Savings Opportunities
As long as you meet the criteria in terms of how you use and take care of the car, you can usually buy a policy.
Traditional insurers will either refuse coverage, offer only a replacement value based on the nuts and bolts (minus heavy depreciation) of the car, or will charge you a prohibitive amount for the premium. But many collectors find that special collector's coverage saves them money - as much as half - while insuring them for higher limits, sometime three or four times what a traditional company gave them.
Yes, it's possible to get collector's insurance coverage for full market value for your car, and save up to 50 percent off of the premium you'd pay with ordinary insurance. That makes classic car insurance a must-have for any serious car buff.
Below is information about three of the most reputable and dependable collectors and classic car insurance companies in the USA (All information listed below subject to change, please contact the insurance companies listed to be sure.):
Hagerty Insurance P.O. Box 1303 Traverse City, MI 49685-1303
Email: auto@hagerty.com Toll Free: 800-922-4050
Qualifications:
* Similar to the others listed below, but please contact Haggerty for details.
American Collectors Insurance P.O. Box 8343 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Email: info@americancollectors.com Toll Free: (800) 360-2277 Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).
* At least 15 years old * Garage-kept * Driven on a limited, pleasure-only basis (up to 5,000 annual miles - available in most states)
You may also qualify by:
* Having at least 10 years driving experience * Having a good driving record * Having at least one "regular" vehicle for every licensed driver in the household
You may request a policy application either directly from American Collectors Insurance or through your local insurance agent (rates are the same either way).
Parish Heacock Classic Car Insurance P.O. Box 24807 Lakeland, FL 33802-4807
Email: info@parishheacock.com Toll free: (800) 678-5173
Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).
* Each household member of driving age must have at least 10 years driving experience or be excluded. * Each household member must have a regular use vehicle less than 15 years old that is insured with liability limits equal to or higher than the limits being applied for on the collectible vehicle. * All licensed members of household and any other drivers of the vehicle must be listed on the application. * Maximum of two accidents or violations in the household, maximum of one per licensed household member in past 3 years. No major violations permitted in past 5 years. * A Driver Health Questionnaire must be completed for all drivers over 70 years old. * Auto must be stored in a locked permanent garage facility when not driven. * Auto may not be used for commuting to or from work or school, used for business purposes or as a substitute for another auto. * Autos not covered while on a racetrack or when being used for: racing, speed, driver's education, or timed events. * Must display pride of ownership: well maintained, in restored or well-preserved condition. * Vehicles under restoration must be stored at residence or a restoration shop, with a target date for completion. Agreed value coverage is not available on cars under restoration. Eligibility subject to company review. * Replica Vehicles and Pro Street vehicles are subject to company review. * Trucks and Jeeps must be over 25 years old, and not be used for towing, hauling, off-road or utility use. * Generally do not require appraisals, but may ask for one if vehicle value is difficult to determine.
About the Author
Michael Modica is an avid muscle car fan. He appreciates all classic muscle, but his real passion is the Second Generation Chevrolet Camaro (1970 - 1981). Mike is the webmaster of NastyZ28.com as well as this reference site for automotive paint codes. He can be reached by email at mikem79@nastyz28.com. 

Finding Truck Parts For Your Restoration
by James McDonald
From GO Articles (http://www.goarticles.com/)

During your search for older truck parts you may become frustrated trying to find specifically what you need. This is especially hard since these parts are no longer made, forcing you to hunt through used inventories at a variety of locations. So where do you look for accessories for the old truck? There are some places to start that can aid in your searching.
One place to start looking is right on the internet. There are alot of websites specializing in cheap parts for old cars and trucks. Many update their inventory frequently so you can quickly see if they stock just what you need for your vintage pickup truck. Shopping this way is convenient since you don't have to leave your home and can have the parts shipped right to your door.
Another great place to find vintage truck parts is at your local junkyard. This can be a hit-and-miss proposition, depending on how large their lot is and what types of vehicles have been junked lately. Don't underestimate the importance of trying this though as you may be pleasantly surprised at what you can find. This is also probably the cheapest method of finding old parts for any type of vehicle.
You can also visit truck shows and talk to the many vendors that sell products there. These people will travel from all over the country trying to sell their most popular items. You may not find the exact part you are looking for, but someone will certainly be able to get it for you. The contacts you can find here make it worth the price of travel and admission alone. And alot of them will specialize in specific makes.
Finally, you can look through newspaper classifieds or swap sheets. This is another good method to locate older items for your pickup, but finding what you need is more luck than anything else. If the used parts section of the paper is large and has alot of readers, the selection may be greater but you still are hoping someone will have the exact year and model you are looking for. But similar to shows for trucks you may find people placing ads for old truck parts in general. When you contact them they will surely know how to locate what you need. That makes this method a viable option as well.No matter what year or model your truck is somebody surely has parts for it. It may take work on your end to find them, but rest assured they are out there. Restored vehicles are a large part of today's culture. This insures that there are many vendors out there stocking just what you need.
About the author
James McDonald writes for www.yourtruckaccessories.com where you can locate high performance truck accessories for a variety of makes and models. We strive to provide information and choices to help you out.

Preserving your old Chevrolet Impala
by Terry Brown

From GO Articles (http://www.goarticles.com/)

A prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen." This was said by Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 50s when he was asked to describe the Chevrolet Impala. This sedan-based automobile is indeed one of the most successful and prestigious cars built by Chevrolet, having endured the industry's tough competition for more than three decades. Its name seemed to have brought much luck to Chevrolet that it was revived twice--in 1994 and in 2000 after eight and four years of hiatus.
The Chevrolet Impala was introduced in 1958 as an up-level sporty trim package of the Chevrolet Bel Air, Chevrolet's most expensive line of coupes and convertibles then. It featured six unique taillights and a distinctive body styling. In the following year, it became a separate model and eventually became Chevrolet's best-selling car for many years. It was also the best-selling full-size passenger car during its production life. Particularly in 1965, Chevrolet produced more than a million units of Chevrolet Impala, a record which has never been matched until now. 
Just like all other cars, the Chevrolet Impala also underwent several changes through the years. The most significant change was made with the 1977 Chevrolet Impala. The redesign was due to the rising gasoline prices that hampered production of muscle and full-size passenger cars. As a result, most cars in the US including the Chevrolet Impala got smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient. Although downsized, Chevrolet Impalas still possessed good qualities of the older models in terms of styling, high quality auto parts, safety and performance. What's remarkable with the new models is their increased head, leg and trunk space.
Only a few Chevrolet Impalas were produced during its last year of production in 1996, which made it a good choice for auto collectors. If you are one of those car enthusiasts who are fond of collecting and driving classic or old vehicles, older model of Chevrolet Impala can be a great addition to your collection. Maintaining an old Chevrolet Impala should not be a problem with the host of auto parts stores in your vicinity and even online. Replacement Chevrolet Parts abound in the market nowadays so even older models like your Chevrolet Impala can still be in perfect shape and driving condition. You can customize it and give it a new look by adding accessories or replacing some of its parts.
There's one online auto parts store that sells high quality Chevrolet Impala parts, Auto Parts Inner. Anything you need from accessories like Chevy carpet and Chevy hubcaps to bigger auto parts like Chevy hood, Chevy grill and Chevy wheels are all here. If you care for your Chevrolet Impala, you must get replacement auto parts only from trusted sources. Auto Parts Inner is one of them, but Inner Auto parts doesn't only give you wide variety of hard-wearing and high quality Chevrolet Impala Parts but a wealth of auto parts information as well. As part of the company's commitment to help you preserve your car, it also gives you means to learn more about the mechanics of your car through ample amount auto parts information. So whenever you need finest quality Chevy parts, don't forget to visit Auto Parts Inner. 
About the author

Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.

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