From the Shop and Showroom

One of the trickiest aspects of classic cars can be the miniscule changes made by a manufacturer throughout a car’s production run. Often these changes come about through new regulations or safety stipulations. Knowing the specifics of a car model can help us identify its accuracy, originality, and value. One great example of these minor changes is the Jaguar XKE. In the United States the car was called the XKE, everywhere else they were referred to as the E-type. Throughout our time here in Denver, we have seen over 30 of these classic Jaguars move through our shop for restoration and consignment, we have even helped a few move overseas.

Today we'll be looking at the Jaguar XKE and the variances throughout the three series.

For decades now, Porsche has been the ‘end all, be all’ in terms of lightweight, sporty, rear engine cars. Their crowning symbol of lightweight has always been the Porsche Speedster. Initially Porsche began the Speedster name after an idea from an American importer named Max Hoffman. Max wanted a lightweight, sporty car that could compete at tracks in Southern California against the MG and Austin-Healy crowd. Porsche agreed and soon produced the “America Roadster” in 1953. In total only around 17 were ever built. Today these cars are worth upwards of a half million dollars. Porsche saw the success in the “America Roadster” and soon began production on the 365A Speedster for the entire world in 1954.

Yes, you can, but the process is a little different than with modern cars. We will explain in a moment. And just FYI, the photos included in this article all show vehicles that have been financed when sold through our showroom. These include a 1970 Ford Boss 302 Mustang Restomod, a Porsche 911S and more. 

We were hired to perform a complete restoration on one of Porsche's earliest and rarest 'bathtub' cars. This is a 1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D. The D stands for Drauz of Heilbronn, the coach builder for the body. As Porsches go, very rare and desirable. Especially when restored to concours quality - our specialty. 

Negotiable, in checks or titles means you can transact it. If a seller has a negotiable title, he can transfer it to a buyer who should have no problems registering the car in his name.  Determining title status is a critical step in your due diligence, because if it isn’t completely correct, you can’t register or insure the car you just bought! Now - this is all assuming that you have already compared the title VIN number to the vehicle itself! 

An integral part of owning a special car, be it a Ferrari or a Firebird, is the necessity of selling it one day. Perhaps your interest has waned or you’re ready to experience the next rung up the ladder. Typical family cars are usually simply traded in on the next one because there are logistical advantages with taxes, finance payoffs and expediency. But a classic or collector car rarely accommodates a trade scenario very well and generally needs to be turned into cash for the next acquisition. Let's discuss why.

With a nod to my friend Dave Olimpi for coining the phrase, ‘sittin’ disease’ is a great catch-all to describe the varied deterioration all cars suffer when allowed to, well, sit. Most classic car buffs realize the problem exists, but often don’t appreciate how pervasive—and expensive—it can be to undergo classic car restoration on an old car that’s been hibernating for years.  

Summer has been busy and we just finished editing our latest Around the Shop video. We'll have a look at a Pantera project, some mechanical tuning on a vintage Ferrari and lots of other interesting classic car restoration stuff!

Farland Classic Restoration has been around since 1991. We are a leader in the restoration of investment-level classic cars. One look at the shop tells you that we are very serious about the work that we do. For those who haven't seen it, here's a quick tour! 

When every new ship is launched, after it is fully fitted out it begins what are known as ‘sea trials.’ These are short voyages with just the crew aboard that are used to test every system and its seaworthiness. No passengers are carried on these shakedown cruises and the ship is deliberately run at maximum speeds and under every stress that can be created before it is certified safe for the public or a full Naval compliment.