Antique Cars

The general definition of antique cars in the UnitedInitially antique cars were propelled with steam and
States refers to cars that are over twenty fivethey were horseless carriages which could move at a
years old and those driven before the world war twospeed of 12mph when going up hill and on level roads.
but in the United Kingdom they refer to cars that areThe steam engine saw a major but gradual
almost one hundred years old and also known asdevelopment over the years and by 1860 the antique
veteran cars. Antique cars are also known as classiccars had an internal combustion engine. The four
cars and date way back to when the motorizedstroke engine became characteristic with the next
system included the manufacture of auto mobiles.set of antique cars but was quickly overtaken by
According to the American Classic Car Club, antiqueBenz which had a tabular chassis which was framed
cars refer to distinctive automobiles. The club ratesand had three wheels. The styles used on antique
the classic cars to full classic and CCCA classic. Thecars may vary but most of them have removable
antique and classic term meant that the cars wereheadlights, trunks fenders and headlights. In addition
very expensive and very few people were able tothey have a grill treatment which is vertical in nature.
afford them, this made their production be in smallSome examples of antique cars include Kaiser-Frazer,
numbers. pierce arrow, 1910 Ford Toure and Duisenberg.  
Some of the factors that accord cars the antiqueAntique cars do not normally have safety related
status include the general and distinctive luxuriousfeatures such as roll over protection, seat belts and
accessory  and custom coachwork features such ascrumple zones. In addition most of these cars still use
the power clutch, the power brakes and anthe ancient and outdated standards of vehicle
automatic  or “one shot”  lubricationhandling. This is mainly in the performance of the
system and the engine displacement. The twentybrakes, suspension and steering of the car and this
five year or more time frames of the antique cars istherefore demands that one is highly alert and aware
quite astonishing since the modern cars can have awhen driving to avoid any accidents. In some
half of that life span. This rare and long survivalcountries the use of antique cars for daily
makes the antique cars not be used for regulartransportation is either prohibited or discouraged.
transportation as it is very expensive to maintain.Most antique cars qualify for the motor shows due
However, due to the prestige that comes with thisto their originality and traditional designs. Some
type of cars, most people many antique cars areowners refuse to fit in seatbelts or redesign their
kept  restore, collect and own antique cars as aantique cars so as not to make them lose their
hobby or as an art collection or for commercialoriginality.
purposes.