There are a number of things that I like about the 2009 camaro, But will it pick up where the first generation camaro left off, or will it build a legacy all it's own, I think it's going to be somewhere in between, I don't see it raising eyebrows like the first generation camaro did.
It has it's good points, and it's bad points, I'm going to start with the good points about it, first of all Chevrolet has done a great job in the engine area of the car, using the best of new technology to build horsepower, and keeping it low in the emissions area, the 2009 camaro is a contender in this area.
The LS6 engine putting out a respectable 400 HP is a good place to start with the camaro, and the idea of optioning a six speed standard transmission doesn't hurt either, for a real muscle car freak like me a standard transmission is a must, if for nothing else, the added fun factor of driving the car.
The rear end of the car is reminiscent of the 1969 camaro, a good place to get ideas for the new camaro, but they could have used a few more ideas for the 1969 model, the 2009 camaro has a true muscle car look, with it's low slung stance, and body lines that seem to make the car look wider then it is.
The front end of the 2009 camaro could use a bit of work, it look to much like a foreign car, and not enough like an American muscle car, all you need to do is look at the new Dodge challenger to see what a true melting of modern, and classic should be, they have done it better then anybody.
The front of the camaro needs to be taller in the grille area of the car, and it should look more muscular, and less sports car in the front, it should retain the idea of a 1969 camaro in the front also, and it can be done, just think a little more like a camaro person, and less like a modern art person.
The interior of the 2009 camaro could not be more perfect, they have combined just enough of the modern, with just the right amount of the first generation camaro look, the center console and dash gauges of the car are nothing short of awesome, the work on the interior is beautiful as it can be.
The interior is very sexy, a long with being totally functional, it has the feel of an air craft cockpit a long look and idea of a muscle car of the 1960's, as I have said above, it could not be more perfect of a design then it is.
It could go either way, we'll see what the progression of the camaro brings over the years, with just a few small changes it could be a top contender for one of the best new muscle cars on the market, all Chevrolet need to do is pay a bit more attention to the people buying the car, and they will have the full idea.
It has just enough of the old to get my vote to be a real contender for the gold, it could use a few more engine options, the rear quarter panels are perfect also, but a little work on the tail lights wouldn't hurt the 2009 camaro, make them a little less import looking, and a little more muscle car.
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I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it's where my heart is.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Atkin
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
2009 Camaro - An Automotive Revolution
As far as I can see the new 2009 Camaro concept car is being very well received in the automotive community, at the first a lot of people hemmed and hawed about one thing or another, just the same as I did, But after spending some time doing a little research on it, I discovered that the 2009 Camaro is a very well put together car for a concept car.
A the first I thought that it could use a few upgrades, but after thinking about it, there were a lot of Camaro fans putting in their two cents when Chevrolet took the Camaro out of production, in 2002, and I thought that Chevrolet had made a horrible mistake at the time.
The result of a lot of people telling Chevrolet what they thought the new Camaro should be, has made it a real work of art, and I for one will give Chevrolet their kudos, they have put a lot of effort in to making the Camaro a car that most people could like, and if they didn't at the first, then they'd get used to it.
At SEMA the CEO of Chevrolet drove out in the new Camaro concept car, and their wasn't a dry eye in the house, but the return of an icon will bring out the joy and happiness to a lot of people, when the big man spoke about the car he said: a few things would be changed at the time of release, but nothing major, he'd mentioned that, right now it has 22" wheels on the rear end, and that will be changed to 20" when the car is released.
The front wheels are destined for a change also, for from 21" to 20", nothing that will be to noticeable, but it will help them save some money on the production of the car, he also said that there were going to be some changes in the interior also, they would change the center console from stainless steel to plastic, in an effort to save money on the production.
All this is supposed to keep the base price on the car down to the $20,000 range, and that says a lot for their efforts to sell their new cars, in this range almost anybody can afford to own one of them.
The Camaro concept with it's low slung stance, it has the look of a sports car, while still retaining it's identity as a muscle car, Chevrolet has done brilliant work on this car, and will get one big "YAY" form this muscle car maniac.
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About the Author
I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it's where my heart is.
Classic Car Restoration - How To Community
A the first I thought that it could use a few upgrades, but after thinking about it, there were a lot of Camaro fans putting in their two cents when Chevrolet took the Camaro out of production, in 2002, and I thought that Chevrolet had made a horrible mistake at the time.
The result of a lot of people telling Chevrolet what they thought the new Camaro should be, has made it a real work of art, and I for one will give Chevrolet their kudos, they have put a lot of effort in to making the Camaro a car that most people could like, and if they didn't at the first, then they'd get used to it.
At SEMA the CEO of Chevrolet drove out in the new Camaro concept car, and their wasn't a dry eye in the house, but the return of an icon will bring out the joy and happiness to a lot of people, when the big man spoke about the car he said: a few things would be changed at the time of release, but nothing major, he'd mentioned that, right now it has 22" wheels on the rear end, and that will be changed to 20" when the car is released.
The front wheels are destined for a change also, for from 21" to 20", nothing that will be to noticeable, but it will help them save some money on the production of the car, he also said that there were going to be some changes in the interior also, they would change the center console from stainless steel to plastic, in an effort to save money on the production.
All this is supposed to keep the base price on the car down to the $20,000 range, and that says a lot for their efforts to sell their new cars, in this range almost anybody can afford to own one of them.
The Camaro concept with it's low slung stance, it has the look of a sports car, while still retaining it's identity as a muscle car, Chevrolet has done brilliant work on this car, and will get one big "YAY" form this muscle car maniac.
Cheap Automotive Advertising
High Performance Cars
About the Author
I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it's where my heart is.
Classic Car Restoration - How To Community
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Green Concept Cars You Might Be Driving in the Next Five Years
With the price of gas steadily climbing around the country, more and more drivers are looking forward to the next wave of cars that will look great, serve their needs, and save them money at the pump (or take them away from the pump). At auto shows around the country this past year, more and more auto makers were showing concept cars that were green, ones that used little to no gas. Here are a few of those cars that you may be driving in the next five years.
Mazda Nagare
Offering a sleek style and futuristic look, the Mazda Nagare features gull-wing doors that open up to reveal space inside for four passengers, with the driver sitting front and center, and three passengers sitting in the rear lounge style seat. While Mazda hasn't confirmed exactly what type of drive-train will be used on the Nagare, they have said that it could use a hydrogen-powered rotary engine. No time table or production numbers have yet been given for the Nagare, as Mazda is currently using it mostly as a design experiment.
Daihatsu UFE-III
A third generation concept from the Tokyo auto show, the UFE-III features three seats (a 1 + 2 configuration), and an aerodynamic body that is part of the root of its fuel economy. Powered by a diminutive 660cc Atkinson 3 cylinder engine and two electric motors, the UFE-III has a fuel economy of 203 miles per gallon. It's unclear if this car will ever be seen in the United States, but the design and fuel economy are exactly that US drivers are currently looking for.
GM Saab Aero X
Taking a cue from their aviation roots, Saab has created a concept car without traditional doors, instead opting for a canopy opening similar to what one would find on a fighter jet. This two seater is made from lighter materials to help with fuel economy, and uses ethanol instead of standard gasoline to fuel its 400-hp twin turbo V6 engine. No word on when or if this car will ever see production, but more than one car enthusiast is already drooling over the possibility.
Volvo 3CC
Featuring an electric powertrain that can quietly propel the car to a top speed of 85mph, the Volvo 3CC is what many drivers are starting to look forward to - a car that doesn't rely on gasoline. Initially designed with 3 seats (2 in the front, one in the back), the current design is offering a more traditional four seat layout, while maintaining the futuristic look of many concept cars, including upswing doors for easy entrance. Included in this concept car, are added safety features such as steering wheel, instrument panel, and foot pedals that all shift forward during a collision to reduce impact.
Ford Airstream
Taking a page from the classic airstream trailers, the Ford Airstream pays homage with its classic colors and body design, all the while offering a family car for the next century. Powered by an electric fuel cell that gets the equivalent of 41 miles per gallon, the Ford Airstream can travel 25 miles before the fuel cells kick in to recharge the lithium ion batteries that give power to operate the car. With a screen for entertaining and setting the mood inside the car, this is a family vehicle that looks great and is great for the environment. Ford hasn't said whether you'll be able to find this at your local dealership yet (be that a Kansas Ford dealership or someplace in California), but with the demand for family vehicles that are environmentally friendly, be on the lookout for it in the near future.
Toyota FT-HS
A sports car for the next century, the Toyota FT-HS features seating for between two and four passengers (depending on whether or not the roof is retracted), and 400-hp or engine output from its Hybrid Synergy Drive. With a dedicated drivers cockpit that has all of the instruments and readings necessary centered on the driver, this sports car features sleek lines to help reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. Toyota hasn't said when or if the FT-HS will see production, but do keep an eye out for some of its features to start appearing in Scions.
Honda FCX
One of the closer vehicles to seeing production, the Honda FCX features a fuel cell system, but that's only the start of what makes this concept so impressive. Speed sensitive adjusting instrument panels move according to speed to be more effective, biometric systems adjust the mirrors, wheel, and pedals to your settings as you approach the vehicle, and line of sight operated switches allow you to control things like audio and air conditioning without removing your hands from the wheel. All of this, coupled with a spacious interior made from new-age light-weight materials and you have a vehicle that provides 21st century technology and green efficiency into a vehicle that suits the needs of most drivers.
Chevrolet Volt
Looking to see production in 2010, the Chevy Volt drew rave reviews at the most recent car shows due to its design and E-Flex propulsion system that utilizes a combination of plug-in electricity and gasoline to provide a car that can attain an estimated 640 miles on a single tank of gas. All of this on a car that is rumored to range in price from $20,000 to $35,000.
With most people commuting less than 40 miles, Chevy designed the Volt to travel up to 40 miles without using a single drop of gas, and then using gas only to recharge the batteries that actually move the wheels. With space for five and a futuristic design that is both appealing and aerodynamic, the Volt is well on its way to being the first of many vehicles that are environmentally friendly and stylish at the same time.
More to Come
Every year more and more manufacturers are offering concept cars that are stylish, spacious, and fuel efficient to a more and more demanding public. While this is certainly not a comprehensive list of green concept cars, there will certainly be more shown in the years to come.
About the Author
Scott Conklin is the owner of Conklin Cars, a leading provider of Kansas Ford vehicles and Missouri Used Cars with locations Newton, Kansas and Kansas City, MO. They can be found online at: http://www.conklincars.com .
Mazda Nagare
Offering a sleek style and futuristic look, the Mazda Nagare features gull-wing doors that open up to reveal space inside for four passengers, with the driver sitting front and center, and three passengers sitting in the rear lounge style seat. While Mazda hasn't confirmed exactly what type of drive-train will be used on the Nagare, they have said that it could use a hydrogen-powered rotary engine. No time table or production numbers have yet been given for the Nagare, as Mazda is currently using it mostly as a design experiment.
Daihatsu UFE-III
A third generation concept from the Tokyo auto show, the UFE-III features three seats (a 1 + 2 configuration), and an aerodynamic body that is part of the root of its fuel economy. Powered by a diminutive 660cc Atkinson 3 cylinder engine and two electric motors, the UFE-III has a fuel economy of 203 miles per gallon. It's unclear if this car will ever be seen in the United States, but the design and fuel economy are exactly that US drivers are currently looking for.
GM Saab Aero X
Taking a cue from their aviation roots, Saab has created a concept car without traditional doors, instead opting for a canopy opening similar to what one would find on a fighter jet. This two seater is made from lighter materials to help with fuel economy, and uses ethanol instead of standard gasoline to fuel its 400-hp twin turbo V6 engine. No word on when or if this car will ever see production, but more than one car enthusiast is already drooling over the possibility.
Volvo 3CC
Featuring an electric powertrain that can quietly propel the car to a top speed of 85mph, the Volvo 3CC is what many drivers are starting to look forward to - a car that doesn't rely on gasoline. Initially designed with 3 seats (2 in the front, one in the back), the current design is offering a more traditional four seat layout, while maintaining the futuristic look of many concept cars, including upswing doors for easy entrance. Included in this concept car, are added safety features such as steering wheel, instrument panel, and foot pedals that all shift forward during a collision to reduce impact.
Ford Airstream
Taking a page from the classic airstream trailers, the Ford Airstream pays homage with its classic colors and body design, all the while offering a family car for the next century. Powered by an electric fuel cell that gets the equivalent of 41 miles per gallon, the Ford Airstream can travel 25 miles before the fuel cells kick in to recharge the lithium ion batteries that give power to operate the car. With a screen for entertaining and setting the mood inside the car, this is a family vehicle that looks great and is great for the environment. Ford hasn't said whether you'll be able to find this at your local dealership yet (be that a Kansas Ford dealership or someplace in California), but with the demand for family vehicles that are environmentally friendly, be on the lookout for it in the near future.
Toyota FT-HS
A sports car for the next century, the Toyota FT-HS features seating for between two and four passengers (depending on whether or not the roof is retracted), and 400-hp or engine output from its Hybrid Synergy Drive. With a dedicated drivers cockpit that has all of the instruments and readings necessary centered on the driver, this sports car features sleek lines to help reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. Toyota hasn't said when or if the FT-HS will see production, but do keep an eye out for some of its features to start appearing in Scions.
Honda FCX
One of the closer vehicles to seeing production, the Honda FCX features a fuel cell system, but that's only the start of what makes this concept so impressive. Speed sensitive adjusting instrument panels move according to speed to be more effective, biometric systems adjust the mirrors, wheel, and pedals to your settings as you approach the vehicle, and line of sight operated switches allow you to control things like audio and air conditioning without removing your hands from the wheel. All of this, coupled with a spacious interior made from new-age light-weight materials and you have a vehicle that provides 21st century technology and green efficiency into a vehicle that suits the needs of most drivers.
Chevrolet Volt
Looking to see production in 2010, the Chevy Volt drew rave reviews at the most recent car shows due to its design and E-Flex propulsion system that utilizes a combination of plug-in electricity and gasoline to provide a car that can attain an estimated 640 miles on a single tank of gas. All of this on a car that is rumored to range in price from $20,000 to $35,000.
With most people commuting less than 40 miles, Chevy designed the Volt to travel up to 40 miles without using a single drop of gas, and then using gas only to recharge the batteries that actually move the wheels. With space for five and a futuristic design that is both appealing and aerodynamic, the Volt is well on its way to being the first of many vehicles that are environmentally friendly and stylish at the same time.
More to Come
Every year more and more manufacturers are offering concept cars that are stylish, spacious, and fuel efficient to a more and more demanding public. While this is certainly not a comprehensive list of green concept cars, there will certainly be more shown in the years to come.
About the Author
Scott Conklin is the owner of Conklin Cars, a leading provider of Kansas Ford vehicles and Missouri Used Cars with locations Newton, Kansas and Kansas City, MO. They can be found online at: http://www.conklincars.com .
Dodge Avenger Finds its Way Back
When we talk about Dodge Avenger, it identifies three cars. First is The Dodge Avenger which is a 2-door coupe produced from 1995 to 2000 and was discontinued for production after the 2000 model. Second is the Dodge Avenger Concept which was unveiled during the 2003 North American International Auto Show. Third is the newly released 2008 Dodge Avenger which is an athletically designed 4 door sedan that became the successor to the Dodge Stratus.
"The 2008 Avenger is a 4-door, 5 passenger family sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the SE to the R/T AWD. The SE is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 173-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The R/T AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 235-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard."
The Avenger looks quite good in real view than in photos. It is stronger and more muscular as it is also clean from top to bottom. The overall exterior car parts are the nose, with its cross-hair grille, large headlamps and vertical lines stamped into the hood, makes the Avanger look very sporty and muscular. It has a distinctive design that's far more unique than other boring styled sedans of the same class.
In its interior it offers a Chill Zone which is a storage box that keeps items stay cool by an extra air conditioning vents. It can cool as many as 12 cans of beverages. "Standard features on the SE include air conditioning, power door locks and windows, power trunk lid release, cloth low-back bucket seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an MP3-capable CD player with four speakers, keyless entry, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, illuminated entry and a split-folding rear seat." The Avenger has the potential to be "one of the most entertaining cars in the category. It has a MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment, an audio, navigation and entertainment system that allows the user to download music and photos to a 20-gigabyte hard drive.
According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, "In government crash tests, the 2008 Avenger earned five out of a possible five stars in driver and front passenger protection in frontal impact crashes."
Its safety features include four-wheel ABS, stability control, six airbags, tire pressure monitoring and a security system.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
"The 2008 Avenger is a 4-door, 5 passenger family sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the SE to the R/T AWD. The SE is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 173-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The R/T AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 235-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard."
The Avenger looks quite good in real view than in photos. It is stronger and more muscular as it is also clean from top to bottom. The overall exterior car parts are the nose, with its cross-hair grille, large headlamps and vertical lines stamped into the hood, makes the Avanger look very sporty and muscular. It has a distinctive design that's far more unique than other boring styled sedans of the same class.
In its interior it offers a Chill Zone which is a storage box that keeps items stay cool by an extra air conditioning vents. It can cool as many as 12 cans of beverages. "Standard features on the SE include air conditioning, power door locks and windows, power trunk lid release, cloth low-back bucket seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an MP3-capable CD player with four speakers, keyless entry, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, illuminated entry and a split-folding rear seat." The Avenger has the potential to be "one of the most entertaining cars in the category. It has a MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment, an audio, navigation and entertainment system that allows the user to download music and photos to a 20-gigabyte hard drive.
According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, "In government crash tests, the 2008 Avenger earned five out of a possible five stars in driver and front passenger protection in frontal impact crashes."
Its safety features include four-wheel ABS, stability control, six airbags, tire pressure monitoring and a security system.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Monday, June 02, 2008
The Jaguar XKE: A Classic Car or a Piece of Art?
Considered to be one of the most beautiful classic cars in the world, the Jaguar XKE has the best of a multitude of worlds. Its performance matches that of a sports car. It has a great aerodynamic design that could perhaps match that of F1s. It has an elegant and professional luster and look. Its sleek and curvy body makes it look like a piece of art. And of course, it is a true collectable classic car.
The Jaguar XKE is also known as the E-Type. It was released in 1961 in a two-seater coupe form. The concept behind it was simple: create a sports car with a great engine and aerodynamic design, and make it look sweet at the same time.
The XKE became the trendsetter for sports cars, and has a look that was way ahead of its era. In fact, the XKE was so elegantly designed that even rival Enzo Ferrari made the comment that it is "the most beautiful car ever made."
From the D to the E
Back in the 1950s, the Jaguar D-Type was the king of all race cars. It was winning LeMans races almost every year, and with its sexy aerodynamic make, was drooled over by car enthusiasts and ordinary people alike. Sensing the market needed a D-Type that was tamed for the road yet retained that luxurious look and superb performance, Jaguar made the XK-SS.
The XK-SS was not received with a popular cheer, yet it wasn't designed to be widely received. Some has speculated that the XK-SS was a mere ploy, a diversionary tactic Jaguar has used for the real deal. The D-Type was ready to retire from the race tracks, since faster cars were springing up like mushrooms. Still, Jaguar was not ready to give this beauty up into the museum stands--the D-Type was still popular.
And so, by tuning down the D-Type's for-the-race-track design into a sleeker and friendlier look, the E-Type was born.
But of course, it wasn't as simple as that. The XKE went into two test stages: the E1A--which was a top secret, 286hp car reminiscent of the first generation XKEs; and the E2A--a basic remodeling of the D-Type, which was in fact used in a LeMans race.
A Classy Road Monster
The XKE is both the beauty and the beast. The third series is equipped with Jaguar's trademark V12 engine. The V12 is a 5.3L, 12-cylinder engine--which means that it could make its competitors eat dust.
And to top it all off, the XKE has new suspensions that Jaguar was experimenting with earlier on. The E-Type has independent rear suspensions, employing U-jointed halfshafts to take power from the chassis onto the wheels AND as upper control links.
The Jaguar XKE is no doubt an outstanding classic car. With design that encompasses functionality and aesthetics, this classic car is really worthy of being considered as the cream of the crop. And did we forget to tell you that it was the number one car in the top 100 most beautiful cars in the world?
About the Author
Visit http://www.classicvehicleauction.com and find the best deals on Jaguar XKEs. Classic Vehicle Auction houses more than a hundred listings of classic cars for sale, you'll surely find what you're looking for. Peter Grizzly is an age-old classic car enthusiast, and lives by being a classic car trader.
The Jaguar XKE is also known as the E-Type. It was released in 1961 in a two-seater coupe form. The concept behind it was simple: create a sports car with a great engine and aerodynamic design, and make it look sweet at the same time.
The XKE became the trendsetter for sports cars, and has a look that was way ahead of its era. In fact, the XKE was so elegantly designed that even rival Enzo Ferrari made the comment that it is "the most beautiful car ever made."
From the D to the E
Back in the 1950s, the Jaguar D-Type was the king of all race cars. It was winning LeMans races almost every year, and with its sexy aerodynamic make, was drooled over by car enthusiasts and ordinary people alike. Sensing the market needed a D-Type that was tamed for the road yet retained that luxurious look and superb performance, Jaguar made the XK-SS.
The XK-SS was not received with a popular cheer, yet it wasn't designed to be widely received. Some has speculated that the XK-SS was a mere ploy, a diversionary tactic Jaguar has used for the real deal. The D-Type was ready to retire from the race tracks, since faster cars were springing up like mushrooms. Still, Jaguar was not ready to give this beauty up into the museum stands--the D-Type was still popular.
And so, by tuning down the D-Type's for-the-race-track design into a sleeker and friendlier look, the E-Type was born.
But of course, it wasn't as simple as that. The XKE went into two test stages: the E1A--which was a top secret, 286hp car reminiscent of the first generation XKEs; and the E2A--a basic remodeling of the D-Type, which was in fact used in a LeMans race.
A Classy Road Monster
The XKE is both the beauty and the beast. The third series is equipped with Jaguar's trademark V12 engine. The V12 is a 5.3L, 12-cylinder engine--which means that it could make its competitors eat dust.
And to top it all off, the XKE has new suspensions that Jaguar was experimenting with earlier on. The E-Type has independent rear suspensions, employing U-jointed halfshafts to take power from the chassis onto the wheels AND as upper control links.
The Jaguar XKE is no doubt an outstanding classic car. With design that encompasses functionality and aesthetics, this classic car is really worthy of being considered as the cream of the crop. And did we forget to tell you that it was the number one car in the top 100 most beautiful cars in the world?
About the Author
Visit http://www.classicvehicleauction.com and find the best deals on Jaguar XKEs. Classic Vehicle Auction houses more than a hundred listings of classic cars for sale, you'll surely find what you're looking for. Peter Grizzly is an age-old classic car enthusiast, and lives by being a classic car trader.
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