A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Packard

Packard Motor Car Company, established in 1899 by James Ward Packard, was an iconic American luxury automobile manufacturer known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and prestige, During the Great Depression, Packard faced declining sales but remained financially stable by implementing robust marketing strategies and reducing automobile prices.…

The 2025 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 30th anniversary with an impressive showcase of over 275 historically significant vehicles across 35 meticulously curated classes. Held on March 8 at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, the event attracted approximately 25,000 to 30,000 attendees, underscoring its status as a premier automotive gathering. ​…

We have the pleasure of a contributing writer this year. Philip Carroll, an enthusaistic car guy of many decades made the trip. Thank you Philip, Mike

A Memorable 30th Anniversary at The Amelia

I recently had the distinct honor of attending The Amelia as media. While I’ve been to this event nearly a…

10 Little-Known Facts About the Iconic Corvette

By Mike Thies, Certified Vehicle Appraiser

For over 70 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has stood as an enduring symbol of American automotive excellence. From its humble beginnings in 1953 to the high-performance beasts of today, the Corvette has cemented its place in history. While many enthusiasts know about its…

Ever wonder why people think Porsches are such a big deal? So does this guy! Michael loves cars, particularly late-model cars, but he's never understood why Porsches are such a big deal, so he's decided he's going to review a bunch of them and see if it changes his mind. What a great idea! 2023 Porsche Carrera Cabriolet This was really cool to watch and hear his thoughts since, to me, Porsche cars mostly…

The 2024 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, now under the stewardship of Hagerty, marked a significant milestone in the event's storied history. Held from February 29 to March 3, 2024, at The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, this year's concours seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, attracting enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals from around the globe.…

The 2023 Werks Reunion was on site at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, held on March 3, 2023, was a resounding success, attracting over 700 Porsche vehicles and thousands of enthusiasts. This event, organized by the Porsche Club of America (PCA), has become a cornerstone for Porsche aficionados, offering a unique blend of camaraderie, automotive excellence, and a celebration of the Porsche marque.…

The History of SEMA’s Battle of the Builders

SEMA, founded in 1963, has been a cornerstone of the automotive aftermarket industry. Its annual show in Las Vegas is the premier trade event for showcasing the latest automotive innovations. Recognizing the need to highlight the creativity and technical expertise of custom car builders, SEMA introduced the Battle of the…

The Ridler Award: A Pinnacle of Custom Car Building

The Ridler Award, bestowed annually at the Detroit Autorama, stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the world of custom car building. Recognizing exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation, the award has elevated the art and science of custom car design. Its history and significance offer a profound insight into the evolution of car culture and the dedication of its creators.…

The History of SEMA’s Battle of the Builders

SEMA, founded in 1963, has been a cornerstone of the automotive aftermarket industry. Its annual show in Las Vegas is the premier trade event for showcasing the latest automotive innovations. Recognizing the need to highlight the creativity and technical expertise…

Why Use A Professional Mechanic to Start A “Dead” Car

by Mike Thies, Certified Vehicle Appraiser

Luckily, “Dead” in this case doesn’t mean gone forever.  It refers to a car that may have been running fine at some point but has been left unattended, not started, for an extended period.  Museum cars, family estate probate, life demands; the reasons fill a long list of how this can easily happen.  Members of the International Vehicle Appraisers Network encounter this fairly…

The number of inoperative classic and collectible vehicles sitting idle in garages around the country has been steadily growing. Many of these once-prized vehicles are left to gather dust due to a combination of factors, including aging parts, lack of maintenance, and the increasing complexity of restoration. Collectible cars, often built decades ago, require specialized parts and knowledge, both of which are becoming harder to find. As a result, many owners…

Are Collector Cars a Good Place to Park Your Money?  By Mike Thies

In the world of investments, the idea of parking your money in tangible assets has always held a certain allure. Among these, collector cars stand out, blending the excitement of ownership…

Are Electric Vehicles Ever Going to Be Collectible? (Maybe Electric Exotics?) by Mike Thies

Rimac Nevera

The automotive world has always cherished collectible cars, from classic muscle cars to vintage European models.…

The Heart of the Show: Why Local Car Shows Thrive on Charity

Local car shows have long been a staple of community life, bringing together enthusiasts and the curious alike to…

The Future Of The Collector Car Hobby

The collector car hobby has long been a passionate pursuit for enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty, history, and engineering of classic automobiles. As we look towards the future, the hobby stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Despite challenges such as changing demographics, economic shifts, and environmental concerns, the outlook for the…

Nostalgia, Speed, and Family Fun: Exploring the Historic Sportscar Racing's Mitty Event at Road Atlanta

Nestled in the heart of Georgia's countryside, Road Atlanta stands as a beacon for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. For decades, this iconic racetrack has been home to some of the most exhilarating racing events, but none are quite as celebrated as the Historic Sportscar Racing's Mitty event. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the rich history of the Mitty, exploring…

In Georgia, the safety of children in vehicles is a top priority, especially after an accident. According to Georgia law, parents and guardians must adhere to specific regulations regarding child car seats following a collision. Understanding these laws is crucial for ensuring the continued safety of children in vehicles.

Georgia law mandates that if a motor vehicle collision occurs and a child safety seat is…

In the unfortunate event of a total loss accident, accurately determining the value of a used car is crucial for insurance purposes. Various methods exist for assessing this value, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will explore several common methods and rate them based on their accuracy.

Market Value Comparison: This method involves comparing the car's value to similar…