With a recession still a part of our lives, many people may find the thought of purchasing a supercar right now pretty daunting. Many people dream of being able to purchase a pricey sports car but probably won’t be able to afford such a luxury. Well not all hope is lost, with experience days becoming readily available online there are loads of choice out there, giving drivers the chance to experience their dream car on the track. Here in this article we look at some of the top sports cars that petrol heads can get their teeth stuck into on an experience racetrack day.

The Ferrari 360 is a mid-engine mid size two-seater sports car that was built in late 1999 till 2005; the 360 model replaced the F355. The model has been considered a classic even though it was built in 2000 due to the design being considered both timeless and beautiful. Any car enthusiast will love the opportunity to drive to ride as a passenger in this sports car as the top speed is an impressive 186mph. Ferrari driving, Lotus driving and Lamborghini driving experiences is a big market and the Ferrari is probably a favourite for many drivers, considering the Ferrari such a classic supercar.

The Lotus Elise is a car that many people desire to drive; well with a Lotus driving experience anyone can enjoy that luxury for a fraction of the purchasing price. The Lotus Elise is capable of speeds up to 150 mph and guarantees any Lotus driving to be a huge thrill for any petrol head. The car has a hand finished fibreglass body shell on top of its extruded aluminium and bonded chassis, which provides the car with strong suspension. Any fans of Lotus driving can certainly enjoy a guilt free drive at an experience day then paying the full whack of a new model.

Another well known famous sports car that many people want to enjoy through the treat of a driving experience day is the Lamborghini Diablo. This high performance car is created by another Italian company and the first model was sold in 1990 for a whopping 240,000 US dollars. But with the cheaper option of a driving day you can experience the model for a few hours on a cool race track. There are so many dream cars out there for people and the driving experiences is a superb way for people to try Lotus driving, Ferrari driving and Lamborghini driving first hand for much cheaper.

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in supercars.
Find out more about Lotus Driving and how the services available can arrange amazing car driving experiences.

[tags]Lotus Driving, Supercar Driving, Driving Experience Days[/tags]

A popular Sunday night TV show in the UK is famed for showcasing expensive cars that few are able to afford. These feature super cars, sports cars and a number of concept cars that promise to take the driver round a track at breakneck speed. The high octane action often features more unusual vehicles such as tanks and trucks. We take a look at the driving days available for petrol heads to get a piece of the action usually only experienced on screen.

The popularity of driving days has boomed since television programmes have highlighted the fun to be had a number of race tracks around the world. These days often feature prestigious cars more often seen on race tracks than on the open road, and are often the only opportunity available to car lovers to try out the vehicles of their dreams. Whether it is formula 1 racing, rally driving or taking a tank through off road manoeuvres, there is an option for all tastes and abilities.

One of the most publicised public racing opportunities is on a track out in Germany. The driving days on offer here allow anyone to take any vehicle onto the track and put it through its paces. It is incredibly popular with motorcyclists and members of the public with high spec cars that just can’t be pushed to the limit on the open road. For some people though, the opportunity to drive a vehicle normally out of their league is a more attractive option.

Rally driving days are a superb solution. Not only will the car lover get a chance to race in a modified vehicle, they will also have a chance to drive off road in a way never experienced before. Depending on the experience of the driver it is possible to either book a day being the driver setting honed skills against the course with a co driver; or for less experienced driver, who feel a need for speed, a chance to experience rally driving full throttle as a passenger.

Passenger driving days are open to people of all ages who want to know what it is like to go round a track at top speed. For the more ambitious, and less fearful, a track can be used to test skills, coordination and daring under the supervision of driving professionals. These days can even be used as a package to improve off road skills for safer on road driving.

Dom Donaldson is a sporting expert.
Find out more about Driving Days for off road experience or just for pleasure at Experience Mad.

[tags]Driving Days, driving experinces, cars, racing, test drives[/tags]

Are you a classic car enthusiast? If so, you will need to know where you can purchase classic cars, the value of the cars and the basics about making sure the car is genuine. Are you looking for a 1953 Nash Rambler? With a custom convertible landau? If so, you would like to have an idea of where to begin your search. This is not the type of car you can just open the newspaper and find.

Make Sure the Car is Authentic

Classic cars - genuine classic cars - have certain aspects that make them unique and authentic. For instance, if you are interested in the 1953 Nash Rambler, you might be interested to know that out of the 3,284 that were made, there are only a few hundred left. You might also want to check and make sure the one you are considering has the Continental kit as well because this came with the convertible landau.

Here is one that will make the classic car enthusiast jump for joy. The 1965 Ford Falcon Futura Convertible 289V8 is bound to be one of the classic cars that would be a proud addition to anyone’s collection. However, when you are looking for this particular car wouldn’t you like to know what they are worth? One particular car is selling for almost $26,000.

Prices Vary

How do you know this car is worth the price? The first thing you want to do is search for the car and see what the advertised prices are elsewhere. For instance, a Falcon of the same model but with a 302 instead of the 289 recently sold for $16,000. It was also a hardtop rather than the convertible. Do these things matter that much when it comes to price? To the dedicated classic car enthusiast, yes they do.

The same place as one that recently sold was located there is another 1965 with a convertible top and 289 motor. This car is priced at $17,000. Therefore, the variance in price between these two classic cars is about $9,000. What makes one car worth more than the other or is the price of one too much? These are all questions that you will want answered when you are in the market for classic cars.

There are several aspects of classic cars that you will want to consider when deciding to purchase one or another. Here are a few pointers on what you will be looking at when comparing cars.

* In what shape is the exterior of the car? Is it rust-free or are there spots? Is one in much better condition externally than the other?

* Listen and look at the motor. Does it sound like it should? Are there leaks underneath the car or on the engine? Always check the oil. Does it look like it has been recently changed?
* Check the interior out very carefully. Lift mats and look for signs of moisture or rust.

* If the car is not going to be a restoration car, drive it. This is the best way to see if the car is going to have any problems with steering, braking, or anything that will require immediate attention.

A classic car enthusiast wants to find the best car he can find and at the best price. Knowing what to look for and where to look are two of the most important aspects when it comes to finding classic cars. If you have a particular car in mind, being ‘in the know’ may help you to be the first one in line to purchase your dream car.

If you are a Classic Car Enthusiast and want to get some excellent resources about purchasing classic cars and classic car parts, this is the best site for you. Go here and share your thoughts on our best classic cars.

Great Classic Car Resource can be found here: http://autodiner.net

[tags]Auto diner,Chevy Classic Car,Classic Car Find,Hot Rods,Muscle Cars,Auto Auctions,Exotic Car,Classic[/tags]

It doesn’t matter what kind of restoration you are doing, it is a difficult and time consuming process. It does indeed have its benefits too however. The process of restoration of a vintage car will demand a lot of commitment and staying power. The different elements of the overall task are long and could take years to complete, so you will need to have perseverance.

This type of process is ideal fro completion by a small group or a few friends. If you have more people involved then it will help complete the project more quickly and be less work for everyone. You will also see that there is much involved in the restoration of vintage cars but rewards will be abundant when you are finished.

When it comes to replacing or repairing parts for your vintage car, seek out a place that stores old cars or the parts from them. There are many places like this that specialize in the collection of cars when they are disposed of. This is always a good place to get started in your search for parts or components related to the type of car you are trying to restore.

Looking on the Internet and completing a search on Google will allow you to see the different ones in your area. Then, you should visit the different stores to see if they have any parts that match the make and model of your classic car. You will also find that many of the stores will offer free shipping for items that are not in the local area and need to be brought in.

If you are fairly new to car restoration then you may be interested in hiring a restoration company to complete the restoration for you or even to help you out with repairs or difficult jobs. You will find that this type of service will come in handy but may cost you quite a bit, so you should shop around to get the best price. Also, some people are willing to complete tasks for you only if you award them the whole job, so you should keep this in mind.

Do not make the mistake of cutting corners when restoring a vintage car. Doing everything the cheapest way may not be the best idea. Not only do you want the car to look great when it’s finished, you also want it to work properly.

Using quality parts that are designed for use in your particular vehicle is a must. You will save so much trouble and costs if you do this. Also, looking up some helpful online tips will be helpful when you are dealing with difficult tasks such as removing rust. You will also discover an array of ways to save time and work faster on your car by looking for a guide online.

You should aim to keep everything as original as possible. You may find that there are some used parts on the car that are not as old as the original car, but when it comes down to it you will need to match the era the car was bought in as some parts and types of paint won’t be produced anymore. Also, if you use a new paint that is only found on models of the current age, then you will be robbing your vintage car of the effect you want it to have on people.

Check out restoration magazines and websites during this process. They will assist you greatly as you go. When restoring your vintage car it is essential that you do it correctly in order to retain the value and the significance of the vehicle.

Ray is a vintage car expert who runs his own club on vintage car restoration tips, which teaches people what they need to do to effectively complete vintage car restorer tips so they can work on their very own cars.

[tags]vintage car restoration,vintage car restorer,vintage cars,working on your own car,restorer tips,cars[/tags]

Pontiac is arguably the best all around car that General Motors ever produced. Although, it is fair to say that the Cadillac and to some extent the Buick were more readily identified as luxury automobiles, the Pontiac has always been far more than a performance machine.

To the younger generation, the Firebird and its performance cousin the Trans Am are probably the models most readily identified with the brand, but Pontiac dealers (of those that remain!) can certainly testify to the early, glory days of the GTO.

These models were so representative of their era that they became mainstays in the popular culture, with starring roles in box office topping movies like “Smokey and the Bandit” starring Burt Reynolds and popular television series like “The Rockford Files” starring James Garner.

And back in the earlier days of larger cars with enormous tail fins, Pontiac certainly had credible entrants such as the Bonneville and the Catalina.

This classic line-up of models from Firebird, Trans AM, GTO, Bonneville to Catalina were all best-sellers in their day, and the earlier models like the Chieftain with it’s classic Indian (native American) head logo American classics in an earlier era were equally popular before the later Pontiacs that we still see on the street today.

There is no doubt, though, that an underlying theme of these cars from then to now has been performance. In recent years, there was a tremendous amount of favorable press for the original launch of the Pontiac G6 and the subsequent arrival of the updated G8, both updates of the classic Pontiac performance car of bygone days.

And it is certainly lamentable that General Motors pulled the plug on the entire Pontiac brand before the general public could become more aware and knowledgeable about these significant new entrants into the Pontiac family, and before their true sales potential could be reached.

Hopefully, there will be an ongoing and vital market for Pontiac used cars and certainly at least some Pontiac dealers may be able to successfully transform their businesses into repair centers and continue to supply enthusiasts with genuine parts for them.

The loving restoration of classic Pontiacs from the past and present will no doubt grow in popularity and cult status once new models are no longer rolling off the assembly lines.

While General Motors may have pulled the plug on the brand, Pontiac can live on forever through our memories, which are now all the more poignant knowing the clock is ticking on this classic car brand.

And now you are invited to download a wonderful item of free Pontiac nostalgia in PDF form: The 25 Greatest Pontiac Magazine Ads of the 1960s at: Pontiac Remembered blog

[tags]Pontiac, Firebird, Trans AM, GTO, Bonneville, Catalina, Pontiac dealers, Pontiac remembered[/tags]

If you are working on restoring a classic car, finding parts can be a challenge. Depending on the vintage and popularity of the model you own, parts may or may not be available through the original manufacturer. If they are, the manufacturer will charge a premium price, because there is less demand for those parts then there would be for parts for newer models. If you cannot get parts from the dealership or original manufacturer, you are going to have to get creative. Here are some options for you to consider.

Shop with Other Enthusiasts
If you can join a classic car enthusiast club or website or simply network with other enthusiasts in your area, you may be able to find some contact information for parts suppliers that deal with used classic car auto parts. Some of the enthusiasts themselves may have parts they no longer need or cars they are willing to take parts from to sell. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will find parts in this way, but it is worth a try.

Go Online
Another option to consider is shopping online. You can find many classic car parts on eBay and online classifieds websites. Shopping online opens the entire world to your disposal, so if you are searching for a very rare part, you have a greater chance of finding it. Keep in mind, however, that many stores and websites are geared toward American shoppers, so you might have to pay extra for shipping when shopping from Canada. Always watch the shipping fees before you commit to making a purchase, because these can greatly affect how much of a bargain or value you are getting for your money.

Also, keep in mind that you will not have the chance to see the parts before you buy. Make sure the online listing has very detailed photos. Even with pictures, though, you still run the risk of ending up with a rusty part, because the photographer can conveniently forget to show a side of the part that contains rust damage.

Head to the Junk Yard
Another option is to visit a junkyard. Junkyards deal with cars of all years, makes, and models, and they salvage every part possible from the cars they get. Because most of the cars they take in are older, you have a high likelihood of finding something to fit your classic car.

Most junkyard owners are experts in car parts, simply because of the nature of their work. You can ask the junkyard owner to keep his eyes open for a particular part that you need.

Some junkyards even list their inventory online, giving you the chance to see what they have from the comfort of your home. If you do not live near the junkyard, you can order over the phone or Internet if they have what you need. Shopping for parts for your classic car can be like a treasure hunt. You have to be creative and the search can be a challenge, but with these resources you are sure to find what you need.

Environmentally friendly Salvage Cars features an online parts search or choose from over 1000 used tires in stock. Schedule your vehicle, used tires, or Cheap Car parts pickup today.

[tags]auto,car,auto wreckers,used car parts,used auto parts,auto salvage,junk yard,scrap yard,used winter[/tags]

The humble Mini is something of an icon - though it is a quintessentially British vehicle, it has truly achieved worldwide status with numerous celebrities from around the world proudly driving one. Though they’re not the most luxurious of cars, they still enjoy a large and almost fanatical user base.

But just what is it that keeps the Mini in fashion? Perhaps it’s the unique design - first built in the 1960’s and keeping largely the same body shape since then, they offer a unique taste of the 60’s with which Britain has always been enamoured. From the music to the clothing, the 60’s still resonate through British culture and this iconic vehicle continues to be a common site on our roads.

Perhaps it’s the compact design, enabling the car to comfortably drive down even the most cramped of city streets. Where the currently fashionable sports utility vehicles often struggle to pass through many roads where there are cars parked on both sides, this car will quite happily cut through with space to spare on either side. The compact frame also makes them very manoeuvrable cars, with quick acceleration and excellent cornering. Nowhere has this manoeuvrability been better demonstrated than in the chase scenes from the Italian Job film and its 2003 remake where the lead characters outwitted enemies in faster cars by being able to drive through locations such as sewers and down stairs.

It has also found itself featuring in a number of other films, from the comedic Austin Powers series through to the action packed first instalment in the Bourne trilogy, the Bourne Identity. Clearly a very photogenic vehicle, it has found itself being used in pictures for numerous fashion campaigns as well, shooting with famous models throughout its history from Twiggy to Kate Moss.

Though entrenched in British culture, the Mini has also found itself gaining a large following in Europe where its compact size is useful for driving down the busy streets, and also in America where it has found a home amongst Anglophiles and drivers looking for a comfortable, compact vehicle which stands out from the pack.

Where some vehicles seem to enjoy a boom because of current trends or celebrity endorsements - the current fascination with Hummers for example, due to rappers driving them - the Mini is a vehicle which avoids trends by permanently staying in fashion. It’s never gone away and it’s almost certain that it never will.

Thomas Pretty is a car journalist with many years of experience driving Minis. Find out more about the Mini at http://www.coopermini.co.uk/

[tags]Mini[/tags]

The end of your car restoration project is in sight, and before too long you will be enjoying your newly restored classic car! You have been an important part of your car’s transition from back yard eyesore to art in motion. So, what could be left to do at this point? There are several items that you will want to be aware of as you near the finish line.

1 Understand your restoration shop’s quality assurance process. These steps should be clearly outlined on your shop’s web site. Discuss the specifics of the quality assurance process with your service manager. Does it sound like all areas of the restoration are being addressed? Are there test drives involved, and if so, what conditions are tested? Is the car driven on the highway, or only on main streets? How is the cooling system checked? How many total miles are driven by the shop before you are handed the keys? Who drives the car? Ideally, the car will be driven by the technician, the service manager and by the quality assurance manager.

2 What is the warranty for the work performed on your vehicle? How are the parts and labor addressed in the warranty? Is transportation covered if the car has to be towed back to the shop? If you are an out of town client, this is a critical item. Carefully read the warranty documents and do not be shy about asking for clarification if necessary. If there are items you are concerned about, talk to your service manager or the shop owner to see if there is room for negotiation. Be careful though, there are reasons why the warranty is design the way it is, and you do not want to push the shop to do things that will compromise their ability to run a profitable business. This is and will continue to be a partnership.

3 Are there any marketing opportunities the shop can take advantage of involving your restoration? There may be a car show that the shop can attend and feature your vehicle. Let your service manager know if you are open to this idea. Every car the shop completes is an opportunity to display their abilities. You want the shop to be there when you need them, so make it easy for them to do so. Ask for pictures from the event for your records. If the shop features testimonials on their web site, be sure to provide a write up in a timely manner.

4 Get the operating instructions, paper work and warranty information for any major mechanical or electronic components that were installed on the vehicle. Find out how the shop’s warranty and the manufacturer’s warranty co-exist. Does one override the other?

5 Once the car is back in your possession you will obviously need ongoing maintenance. Find out if there are any stipulations regarding the aftercare, and the affect this may have on the warranty. A credible shop will have a stipulation in their warranty regarding this, especially if there was extensive mechanical restoration completed on the vehicle. It may be necessary for routine maintenance to be qualified by the restoration shop. The restoration shop will want to make sure your nephew, brother in law or wife’s second cousin isn’t tinkering with their freshly completed mechanical restoration.

In conclusion, you now have accepted the responsibility of caring for a great icon of our past, a classic car or muscle car restoration project you can be proud to call your own. This responsibility is shared and accepted by all the classic car, antique car and muscle car owners that share your passion. This is a serious responsibility that should not be taken lightly. These vehicles share a common thread to our past, when America’s automotive industry was a leading economic force in the world. Yes, these vehicles are beautiful, powerful and amazing mechanical marvels. They are also memories that come alive when you drive.

Mike Marino is the GM of Precision Restorations in St Louis MO. Known for the systematic approach taken to all aspects of Muscle Car Restoration and Classic Car Restoration, Precision Restorations can be reached at 314-652-1966 or at PrecisionCarRestoration.com

[tags]Mucsle Car Restoration, Classic Car Restoration, Car Restoration[/tags]

Some of the nicest cars are those that people have had for years that they have taken the time to care for and to rebuild. Car enthusiasts the world over take the time to meticulously restore the cars of yesteryear to their original condition and glory for other people to appreciate and sometimes buy.

Rebuilding a car is an art that only the true enthusiast can appreciate. The parts are sometimes hard to come by, but rebuilding a car is a labor of love. People will travel near and far, here and there to find the right part for their car. When on the quest for car parts, there are a few places to look.

One place to look is a scrap yard. Often, people will sell their car to a scrap yard, and then others can come through and search for the part they need from vehicles that are there. People that know cars know what to look for. The scrap yard is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Another place to look for parts is in a specialty store. Often, stores will have lots of used car parts that they have purchased or acquired. This saves time for a person searching for parts because they have a place that specializes in a certain car type. Many of these stores will also have online entities that make searching for parts easier. It saves time and effort.

Online, one can also find online auction sites or classifieds that may lead to the part he or she is in need of. An online auction will allow a person to find parts that might be harder to find and are rarer to come buy. These parts might be working originals and can catch a pretty penny for the auction owner.

For many car enthusiasts, the thrill of bringing an old car back to life is inspiring. There are so many cars that are in need of love and attention, and depending on the make and model, it would be worth the time required to fix it up. Just because the car is not a collectible, does not mean that it has no value. Rebuilding a car is an accomplishment and there are many places along the way that can help in finding the right parts for the job. With a little time and elbow grease, any car can be brought back to some form of its past glory.

Are you in need of Subaru Impreza car parts or Subaru Impreza parts, look no further than Dan Perkins Chevrolet (http://www.subarupartsforyou.com). Art Gibb is a freelance writer.

[tags]Subaru impreza car parts[/tags]

If you have ever considered shopping online for VW Beetle parts but have never done so, you are not alone. There are many consumers who are still hesitant to shop via the Internet for anything, but the good news is that there are many reputable sellers that have lots of quality parts to offer. Restoration and repair of old classics and new loves is what drives many enthusiasts to the Internet to shop, and there are products available for air cooled engines as well as water cooled ones. There have been a lot of changes in the VW Beetle parts that have been used throughout the years, and since the first model rolled off of the assembly line in the late 1930s, the variety of these parts has grown considerably.

The first of these now famous cars was exported to the United States in 1949, and the year 1951 saw a whopping 390 Beetles sold in the country. In 1971, that number had risen to 1.3 million sold. That was the selling high point for the vehicle, as consumer demand for it decreased little by little with each passing year from that year on. The last original model sold in the United States in 1978. Even though there have been no new originals sold in the country in the last 31 years, there are many other countries throughout the world that had seen production of the original through July of 2003. The 2003 models had front wheel drive, a 150 horsepower engine, and a front situated water cooled engine.

In contrast, the VW Beetle parts that comprised the very first models included an air cooled engine, rear wheel drive components, and a meek 30 horses under the hood. It is the strange and backwards construction along with the cars unique history stemming from Hitler wanting a car of the people to its exotic looks that have made the Beetle one of the most recognized and beloved cars in history.

There have been new releases of the car in the United States in recent years, and the little car has enjoyed a rebirth in popularity because of it. A new version of the VW Beetle for 2007 includes a 2.5 liter inline five cylinder engine, front wheel drive, standard manual transmission with automatic transmission as an option. 150 horses now ride under the hood, and there are options that are popular like keyless entry, heated outside mirrors, power locks and windows, a sunroom, and even satellite radio available. It is an efficiently running car, and is economical as far as gas consumption is concerned. VW Beetle parts can be mixed, matched, and specially designed to create a unique vehicle all its own.

For more information on VW Beetle parts, please visit our website.

[tags]VW Beetle parts[/tags]