A Bite of History - By Mike Thies

Current Value Trends for Brass Era Cars (1896–1915)

Over the past decade, values for Brass Era automobiles (1896–1915) have followed a familiar but revealing pattern. The late 2010s saw steady appreciation as collectors sought early, historically significant cars with craftsmanship that…

Pre-WWII Collector Car Market: A Shifting Landscape by Mike Thies

The market for pre-World War II collector cars has undergone a marked shift in recent years. Once considered untouchable crown jewels of the collector world, many pre-war classics are now experiencing declining values amid changing demand. A combination of shifting buyer demographics, broader economic pressures, and evolving tastes has reshaped this segment’s trajectory. This analysis summarizes the key…

A Bite of History – by Mike Thies

The 1948 Ford F-1 Pickup

The 1948 Ford F-1 wasn’t just a new truck, it was the start of something big. When Ford introduced it, they launched the very first F-Series, the truck line that would become America’s favorite for generations. This was the first Ford pickup built on a dedicated truck chassis rather than a car-based frame,…

A Bite of History – by Mike Thies

If the hot rod was about shine and polish, the rat rod was about grit and guts. These weren’t built for trophies or perfection, they were built to run, to rattle, and to raise a little dust. The idea came from guys who were tired of trailer queens and six-figure show cars. They dug through junkyards, swapped parts in driveways, and welded with whatever they had. A true rat rod looked like it might’ve been found behind an old barn,…

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 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

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

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: 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: 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.…

Where Have All the Craftsmen Gone?

The Challenges of Finding Skilled Builders for Pre-War Hot Rod and Restoration Projects

Building or restoring a pre-war car, especially when blending originality with hot rod performance, is one of the most rewarding but increasingly difficult pursuits in the collector car world. Whether you're aiming for a faithful restoration of a 1930s Ford or crafting a custom pre-war hot rod with modern drivability, one of the biggest…

A Bite of History: By Mike Thies

10 of the Rarest Cars in History

Here is a list of 10 of the rarest cars in history, known for their limited production runs and high value:…

A Bite of History - Mike Thies

1950's Nash Metropolitan

The Nash Metropolitan, introduced in the early 1950s, holds a special place in automotive history as one of the first American-designed cars…

A Bite of History - Mike Thies

1954 Chevrolet Corvette

The 1954 Corvette was only the second year of production for what would become America’s most iconic sports car. Built in a time when European roadsters were dominating U.S. roads,…

A Bite of History -Mike Thies

1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS Z/28

The 1970 Camaro marked the beginning of the second generation for Chevy’s popular pony car, and the Z/28 with the RS (Rally Sport) package was one of the most desirable configurations. With a more European-inspired design — longer, lower,…

A Bite of History – Mike Thies

Saab

SAAB: The Jet That Turned Into a Car

Ever wonder what happens when airplane engineers build a car? You get Saab. Born in Sweden in the late 1940s, Saab (short for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget) started life making fighter planes. Then one day someone said, “Hey, what if we made a car that drove like a cockpit?” And boomm, Saab 92 hit the road in 1949.

Saabs were…

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…

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…

Due to Rainy Weather the Poker Run and Cruise In for Toys For Tots has been changed to a reception at the Lanier Raceplex. Bring family and an unwrapped toy to the new track and enjoy free hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate, donuts and meet a Marine!  See Santa's Elf!…