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Classic Auto Insurance Illinois
Why You Need Classic Car Insurance in Illinois
Cruising around in a stunning classic vehicle never gets old in Illinois, where drivers can enjoy historic highways, explore small towns, and take in magnificent natural landscapes. If you’re the proud owner of a classic ride, you need Classic Auto Insurance: Illinois to preserve your vehicle. After all, you may want your historic beauty to pass down to your family’s next generation, or perhaps you want to eventually sell your classic once it appreciates.
Regardless of what you plan to do with your timeless vehicle, you should opt for specialized classic insurance from Classic Auto. Classic insurance differs greatly from standard insurance, which is based on stated value and is often far more expensive. When you purchase a standard policy, your auto insurer dictates how much your vehicle is worth. In contrast, Classic Auto underwrites insurance policies based on agreed-upon value, meaning we’ll work with you to calculate your car’s real worth. We’ll then create your policy based on this agreed-upon amount.
Classic Auto Insurance Illinois also crafts individualized policies, ensuring that our coverage suits your unique needs. Our policies also include competitive benefits that can save you money while protecting your classic ride. These benefits include inflation guard, rollover miles, pet injury, trip interruption, 30 days of new purchase coverage, spare parts covered to $2,000 or more, and flexible mileage plans.
Vehicles Classic Auto Covers
Classic Auto Insurance has got you covered, no matter what type of classic you have in your collection. Our premier classic auto insurance in Illinois can protect:
- Antique Cars: Classic cars that are fully restored and over 25 years old.
- Exotic Cars: High-end sports and luxury vehicles from acclaimed international automakers.
- Classic Trucks: Durable and rustic pickups and utility vehicles, often reminiscent of the golden age of American automotive craftsmanship.
- Collector Cars: Historic and often rare cars that frequently have lucrative investment potential.
- High-Performance Cars: Precision-engineered vehicles built for top-tier speed and power.
- Hot Rods: Custom-built for speed, style, and unparalleled fun, hot rods are often crafted from antique Fords, like the Model T and Model A.
- Luxury Cars: High-end classics offering premium comfort and refined, head-turning craftsmanship.
- Modified Cars: Personalized vehicles altered for enhanced performance and one-of-a-kind aesthetics.
- Muscle Cars: Bold and stylish American-made coupes that boast powerhouse engines.
- Vintage Cars: Automobiles full of history with timeless designs and nostalgic charm.
3D-Printed Classic Car Parts
There’s much to enjoy about the car collecting hobby in Illinois. That said, a frustrating and disheartening challenge that many collectors face is finding proper classic parts. Sadly, this problem is becoming more and more of a reality, especially for historic models. Factory-correct parts are becoming increasingly hard to track down – sometimes even impossible.
With the recent surge of 3D-printed products, you may wonder if you can realistically 3D print parts for your classic. Of course, these parts must fully function and perfectly fit your classic ride as if they’re factory correct. Fortunately, 3D printing classic car parts is already a reality. Acclaimed classic collectors, including Jay Leno, advocate for the process, and it’s even on the rise in restoration shops.
3D printers can create assembled objects that can function as vehicle parts, no matter how complex or intricate they may be. The 3D-printed parts can be perfectly fitted to your classic vehicle, and you can even experiment with custom designs.
While proven effective, this new technology has prompted disagreements in the car collecting world. The question of whether or not 3D vehicle parts are “original” is now a heated topic of discussion. Even more importantly, is a vehicle truly “restored” if it features 3D parts, or should it be considered a modified car?
There may not be definitive correct answers to these questions, but you can certainly count on these 3D parts functioning sufficiently. 3D printing has empowered collectors to bring their classic rides to life even when there are no replacement parts available.
Pop Culture Legacy of the 1933 Ford “Eliminator” Coupe
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Illinois motor connoisseurs have enjoyed crafting one-of-a-kind hot rods using the bodies of Ford Model Ts and other vintage cars. Interestingly, this exciting and creative hobby dates back to the 1930s, when Model Ts were only recently discontinued.
One of the most famous hot rods in history was the brainchild of famed rocker Billy Gibbons, guitarist and vocalist of the iconic 1970s band ZZ Top. His creation was the stunning 1933 “Eliminator” Coupe. Gibbons’ custom ride was important for the classic car hobby, as his stunning hot rod helped bring renewed interest in crafting hot rods.
The story of the 1933 “Eliminator” Coupe began with the 1974 TV Movie The California Kid. Although the film is not popular today, it did catch the attention of ZZ Top’s bearded frontman. Gibbons was a fan of the protagonist’s stylish hot rod, which featured flames along its body. This inspired Gibbons to enlist the automotive expertise of Don Thelen and Pete Chapouris to create his own one-of-a-kind hot rod. Don Thelen was known for his work at Buffalo Motor Cars, and, humorously, Pete Chapouris was the original creator of The California Kid’s featured vehicle.
Chapouris constructed a custom chassis for the project, which Thelen then used to craft “The Eliminator.” Thelen utilized genuine steel from a 1933 Ford as opposed to a fiberglass replica, making Gibbons’ celebrated ride an official hot rod.
The 1933 “Eliminator” Coupe quickly caught the public’s attention, as Gibbons repeatedly showcased his hot rod while promoting ZZ Top. The band featured the hot rod on the cover of their albums Eliminator – a fitting title – and Afterburner. The custom car also made its television debut in the ZZ Top music videos “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.” These popular music videos aired during the height of MTV, disseminating Gibbons’ iconic ride to countless people.
The hot rod’s success ushered in a new period of hot rod appreciation, with many recreating the stunning, flame-adorned vehicle. The custom ride inspired a renewed interest in crafting one-of-a-kind hot rods, making Gibbons’ 1933 Ford “Eliminator” Coupe an important milestone in automotive history.
You can now see this iconic ride for yourself in all its fiery glory. It’s on display in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, as ZZ Top was inducted into the prestigious pantheon of musicians in 2004.
What Makes a Ford Mustang GT Authentic
While “The Eliminator” was certainly iconic and important, it’s hard to beat the impact of a truly historic classic ride. One of the most beloved and monumental classic cars in Illinois and across America is the first-generation Ford Mustang. Ford’s immensely popular model has been a staple of the automotive world since its release in 1964. Ford’s first-generation Mustang prompted a whole new world of powerful American muscle cars.
Upon the Mustang’s release, Ford introduced an impressive equipment package that remains highly celebrated and sought after today: the Ford Mustang GT. The original 1965 Ford Mustang GT sported a powerhouse 289 cu in (4.7 L) small-block V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor, boasting an impressive 225 horsepower.
If you’re on the hunt for an authentic classic 1965 or 1966 Ford Mustang GT, you need to be cautious of fakes. Someone could be selling a standard Mustang while trying to pass it off as a genuine GT. GTs, of course, are rarer finds than standard classic Mustangs and are often worth much more.
Don’t get swindled by a deceptive seller – pay attention to these subtle details that can give away a fake 1965 or 1966 Mustang GT:
- The GT’s Rear Panel: One of the most obvious differences between Mustang GTs and standard Mustangs from this period is the rear panel. The GT features two dual exhaust cutouts for its notable trumpet tips.
- GT Styling Differences: The Mustang GT featured rocker-panel stripes and the GT badge. The car should also display the correct “MUSTANG” lettering above its badge. Further, the car’s front fender should NOT feature the standard Mustang emblems.
- Fog Lights: The Mustang GT featured fog lights with horizontal bars. Plus, it should feature fog light wiring holes underneath its hood.
- GT Suspension: If the vehicle has its original suspension, it should feature the GT’s heavy-duty shock absorbers, rigid front coils, rear springs, and a 13/16” diameter sway bar.
- GT Undercarriage: The classic GT’s undercarriage came with a dual exhaust hanger bracket and reinforcement for the exhaust components.
- VIN Number: A tell-tale sign of whether or not the GT is authentic is its VIN code. The high-performing V8s residing within the GTs of this period featured an A-code or K-code. The A-code or K-code should appear on the VIN’s fifth digit.
If you spot a supposed Ford Mustang GT from 1965 or 1966 lacking these distinctions, you should question its authenticity.
Museums and Clubs for Classic Cars in Illinois
Whether you’re the proud owner of a classic Ford Mustang GT or another historic ride, you should consider participating in classic car events. Clubs and events across Illinois allow you to tap into the state’s car culture, and you may find invaluable connections and friends along the way. You can also check out Illinois’s exciting museums, car shows, and other automotive events.
A couple of great Illinois car clubs to check out are:
Here are some museums that celebrate Illinois classic cars:
Check out these fun Illinois car shows:
Protect Your Ride With the Best Classic Auto Insurance in Illinois
Collectors need to protect their classic cars in Illinois. Luckily, you’re in the right place for top-of-the-line insurance to preserve your cherished ride. When you invest in a policy with Classic Auto, you can count on our robust insurance to help safeguard your vehicle for years to come.
Get premium protection for your classics today by calling 888-901-1338, or you can request a quote here.
