A Bite of History – (by Mike Thies)

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio

When you step back and look at an Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio, you’re not just seeing a sleek Italian convertible, you’re seeing one of the last gasps of true analog romance from the 1980s. By 1988, most sports cars had started to bulk up with electronics and smog equipment, but Alfa’s little Spider kept its…

A Bite of History – (by Mike Thies)

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio

When you step back and look at an Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio, you’re not just seeing a sleek Italian convertible, you’re seeing one of the last gasps of true analog romance from the 1980s. By 1988, most sports cars had started to bulk up with electronics and smog equipment, but Alfa’s little…

A Bite of History - 1977 Chevrolet Corvette

By Mike Thies

The 1977 Corvette carried forward one of America’s most recognizable shapes while quietly refining it for a changing era. By now, the third-generation Corvette had matured into a smoother, more comfortable grand-touring machine. The tall rear window of earlier years gave way to a cleaner fastback design that improved visibility and aerodynamics. Inside, Chevrolet focused on comfort and drivability, quieter…

A Bite of History: by MikeThies

Triumph TR8

The Triumph TR8, introduced in 1978, was often called the “English Corvette.” It was essentially a Triumph TR7 fitted with a Rover 3.5-liter aluminum V8, a powerplant with American Buick origins that had been adopted by British Leyland in the 1960s. With around 135 to 150 horsepower in…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL

Introduced in late 1966 for a short, single-year production run, the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL holds a special place in the “Pagoda” lineage (W113 series) as the rarest variant, with only about 5,196 units built. Positioned between the earlier 230SL and the later 280SL, the 250SL…

A Bite of History:  by Mike Thies

American Bantam “Woody” Station Wagon

The American Bantam Car Company was a small but innovative automaker based in Butler, Pennsylvania. Originally established as American Austin in the 1920s to produce miniature cars under license from the British Austin Motor Company, the firm reorganized…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1958 Porsche 356 Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster marks the swan song of one of Porsche’s most iconic and minimalist models. Originally introduced in 1954 at the urging of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed to be a low cost, lightweight, stripped-down entry sports car that could double as a weekend racer, especially for the California sports car scene. With its low windshield,…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1948 Rover P3 Saloon

The 1948 Rover P3 Saloon marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of British motoring. Introduced in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the P3 was a bridge between prewar craftsmanship and the modern engineering ethos that would come to define Rover’s future. Although its styling retained many traditional elements, including an upright grille, separate fenders, and rear-hinged front…

The Volunteer Gap: Thoughts on Why Car Clubs Are Struggling to Fill Leadership Roles, and What to Do About It

With car shows, cruise-ins, tours, parades and varied events across the country, car clubs continue to bring enthusiasts together for camaraderie, preservation, and celebration of automotive history. But behind the scenes, many of these clubs are hitting a serious speed bump: no one wants to take the wheel. Volunteer-run clubs are facing an increasingly common…

Why It’s Hard to Recruit Younger Members to Volunteer Car Clubs, and How to Fix It

Car clubs have long been the social engine of the collector car world, bringing people together to swap parts, plan road trips, attend shows, and preserve automotive history. But in recent years, many volunteer-run car clubs have struggled with a pressing problem: recruiting and retaining younger members. The concern isn’t just about numbers, it’s about sustainability. As the…

A Bite of History: By Mike Thies

1964 Porsche 356C Coupe

The 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe represents the final evolution of Porsche’s first production model and a landmark moment in the company’s early legacy. Launched in 1948, the 356 laid the foundation for Porsche's identity, lightweight, rear-engined sports cars with impeccable handling and…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

"Ask the Man Who Owns One!"

One of the most iconic slogans in American automotive history, “Ask the Man Who Owns One” became synonymous with the quiet confidence and refined…

A Bite of History: Ford F-100

The Ford F-100, introduced in 1953, marked a turning point in the evolution of the American pickup truck. Replacing the postwar F-1, the F-100 was part of Ford’s newly named Second Generation F-Series, and it brought with it a host of advancements that redefined what a light-duty truck could be. It was the first to feature Ford’s now legendary “Million Dollar Cab,” a cabin redesign that set new standards for space, visibility, comfort,…

A Bite of History: The Hudson Essex

by Mike Thies

Let’s take a look at a pretty underrated but important part of automotive history, the Hudson Essex. This car came out of the Hudson Motor Car Company, which was based in Detroit and started producing vehicles in the early 1900s. In 1918, they introduced the Essex as a more affordable option for everyday…

What is “The Appraisal Clause” in Vehicle Accident Insurance Claims!

The Appraisal Process In Plain Terms

Even when an insurance company agrees to cover a claim, disagreements often pop up over how much that claim is actually worth, especially in vehicle diminished value and vehicle total loss cases. When that happens, it’s worth considering whether the issue can be resolved through an appraisal process before heading into expensive,…

Impact of Branded Titles on Vehicle Values

Branded titles can significantly impact a vehicle's resale value, insurability, and marketability, sometimes reducing value by 20% to over 60%, depending on the brand and severity. 

Here’s a rundown of the most common vehicle title brands in the U.S., what they mean, and…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

1958 Porsche 356A Speedster

The 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster stands as one of the most iconic and sought-after models in Porsche’s early lineage. Originally introduced in 1954 at the request of U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Speedster was designed as a lightweight, bare-bones sports car tailored to the American market. By 1958, the model had evolved into the refined "356A" version, featuring a more advanced…

A Bite of History: by Mike Thies

Cadillac Eldorado

The Cadillac Eldorado was one of America’s most iconic personal luxury cars, known for its bold styling, smooth ride, and upscale presence. Introduced in 1953 as a limited-production convertible, the Eldorado was a showcase of Cadillac’s top-tier design and innovation. It quickly became a status symbol, famously sporting high tailfins in the late '50s and pioneering front-wheel drive in 1967.…

The Role of Provenance and Documentation in the Value of Collector Cars  By Mike Thies

In the world of collector and classic cars, value isn't just about make, model, and condition. Provenance, the story of the car's life, and proper documentation can make a huge difference in both market value and buyer appeal. While some vehicles see dramatic price jumps due to high-profile owners or pop culture fame, most cars benefit in a quieter, but still meaningful, way:…

A Bite of History: 1960 Ford Sunliner

by Mike Thies

The 1960 Ford Sunliner was the soft-top star of Ford’s full-size lineup, blending postwar flair with early-'60s sleekness. As part of the B series, the Sunliner rode the wave of chrome, fins, and V8 power that defined the era’s boulevard cruisers.

With a wide…