Vintage Classic Collector Cars For Auto Restoration

Submitted By: Syd Z. Nohcud
Automobile enthusiasts have taken much interest in the models manufactured right after World War II up until the early 1970’s. It’s nostalgic for these collectors since the American auto industry was at the top of its game. International brands could not have penetrated the domestic market yet. Special attention is given to vehicles like the Crosley, Packard and Metropolitan who even became valuable to many collectors since the disappeared in the industry. Variety and exuberance dominated the market during that era. Today, it is quite the opposite as most vehicles are products of the lowest common denominator in market researches. A real collector owns or would like to own a car not solely for economic reasons but for the pure enjoyment of it.
There are many to choose from and one good investment in the postwar American vehicles is the luxury car division. Contrary to the name, many of these are truly affordable and cost only a fraction of the amount of a new luxury car model. Older models don’t depreciate anymore because they’ve already maxed out on it. In fact their values are already increasing and if you make some improvements to the cars’ condition, you can sell it at a higher price.
Maintenance shouldn’t be a problem either because these cars don’t have sophisticated computerized systems like we have today. Repairs are relatively cheaper for them. Fuel consumption for these classic models shouldn’t be a problem either. When these machines were created people could not spend for expensive means of transportation. During that time a ferry ride or New York subway ride cost only a nickel. In order to compete with such, these cars had to be economical. This quality is beneficial to drivers even today.
Another benefit of collecting postwar American cars is that you’ll meet people who have the same passion. People usually get acquainted and share thoughts on how to fix, or enhance the same model. Since the classic cars are popular, the owners have some of that too. Every generation has youth who grew up still attached to the thought of owning a particular model. For whatever reason, whether it’s fond childhood memories in that vehicle or simply a lasting desire for a classic, they individuals eventually turn out to be automobile enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to purchase a postwar American car, here are some of the best ones in the market. The Ford Mustang GT or any Mustang that has a 5.0 engine was the first of its kind to launch high performance American cars in the 80’s. They were specifically aimed at car enthusiast. The SVO models were not as popular but is still a fine ride given the turbocharged four-cylinder version and with modified suspension. The only two-seater car with a mid-engine produced in America during its time was the Pontiac Fiero. It can brag about its body that was made from steel framing with molded plastic panes. The car was truly unique.
Other popular models include the attractive outer body of Corvette models from 1984 and up which also had forged aluminum suspension and excellent cornering performance, the Shelby GLH which was top notch for autocross competitions, the two-seater Buick Reatta by General Motors and Cadillac Allante with 200 horsepower and V-8s lead in luxury convertible brands.

Published At: Isnare.com

The F4U Corsair

Submitted By: Christopher P Clark
The Navy F4U Corsair saw service in both World War II and the Korean War as a carrier-flown fighter plane, most notably in the Marianas and at Okinawa. It was one of the most famous planes to be developed during the war, and production lasted until 1952.
Prototypes of the plane were built in 1938 and 1939, and the production contract was awarded to Vought in June of 1941. The first carrier trials began on the USS Sangamon in late 1942. The design of the plane presented many challenges due to its high speed and the availability of new technology. Because of these problems, and because the simpler F6F Hellcat had already begun production, Corsairs did not find their way aboard U.S. aircraft carriers until 1944.
The F4U Corsair was designed to be the fastest fighter plane ever built. Using the largest engine available, the 2,000 horsepower 18-cylnder Pratt & Whitney engine helped the Navy F4U Corsair become the first U.S. fighter plane to fly faster than 400 miles per hour.
The F4U was a single-engine fighter plane with a range of 1,000 miles. It featured a relatively large three-blade propeller measuring over 13 feet in diameter, and was the first U.S. Navy plane to feature fully retractable landing gear. Measuring 33 feet 4 inches long and with a wingspan of 41 feet, the Navy F4U Corsair weighed 14,000 pounds when loaded. The Corsair’s most unique feature was its “bent” wing, the result of a powerful engine and large propeller. The wing design lowered the overall height of the plane, gave the pilot improved visibility, and reduced drag.
The production F4U Corsair featured 6 wing-mounted .50 cal Browning heavy machine guns. Despite its new technology, the Corsair was also the last American fighter plane to use fabric skin on the top and bottom of each wing as well as for the ailerons, elevators, and rudder.
Despite its impressive performance, early Navy pilots to use the Corsair often termed it the “hog,” “hosenose”, or “bent wing widow-maker” due to the poor visibility over its long nose. However, opinions turned favorable after kamikaze attacks prompted more Corsairs to be moved to aircraft carriers. Known as one of the most formidable American fighter planes of its era, the U.S. Navy racked up an 11:1 kill ratio with the F4U Corsair. The F4U compared especially favorably to most Japanese aircraft, with a 12:1 kill ratio against Japanese planes. The Corsair dropped over 15,000 tons of bombs during the war, or 70 percent of the total bombs dropped by fighters. Although designated as a carrier fighter, more Corsairs were flown from land-based runways. By the end of the war, Corsairs could be found on Okinawa, in the Philippines, and elsewhere.
During the Korean War, the Navy F4U Corsair began to be replaced by the AU-1 Corsair and other models. Over 12,500 F4U Corsairs were manufactured by Vought overall, in 16 different variants. Over two dozen U.S. Navy F4U Corsairs are believed to be still airworthy, and restored planes can be found in museums and other locations, mainly in the United States.

Published At: Isnare.com