Classic Car Platforms

In 1953 Chevrolet decided to compete with European automotive sport car manufacturers and introduce the Corvette. Rival Ford was not going to take the challenge lightly, so in 1955, they introduced a uniquely American answer, the Ford Thunderbird. While the first-generation Vette in ever-increasing performance and style was offered through the 1962 model year, the first-generation Ford T-Bird was only made for three years.  The press and the public loved the V8 power, sleek styling, and creature comforts of the Thunderbird and it became an instant classic, outselling the Corvette by 23 to 1. Like the Corvette, the 2nd year production of the Thunderbird featured upgrades such as 12V electrical, side vents to help cool the cabin, optional portals to reduce blind spots, and the Continental Kit that freed up space for golf clubs in the trunk.  Ford imagined their offering more as a Personal Luxury Car than a true sports car. Options such as power steering, power breaks, power-adju...

Call me agest if you like, but those of us who collect and enjoy classic cars have usually spent more time on this earth. Some feel that caring for a classic car, keeping it running and in some cases restoring it back to its original glory, can illustrate an appreciation for things of a bygone age. When successful, we are able to delay the inevitable ravages of time on the machines in our care that also relentlessly takes its toll on the physical bodies of the owners. If our cars last beyond their planned usefulness, then why not us? 1968 MG B For some cars in my collection, I do just that: I think of myself as a curator so I attempt the car as close to the original as possible. My 1967 MGB until recently still had a generator, is positive ground, and has the original hard-to-maintain air filters. For the most part, it looks and runs as much as it was intended when it left the factory. For me, there is something magical about zooming around in an 80 HP lightweight nimble sp...