ABOUT OUR CARS

PICKY, PICKY, PICKY
First off, we are very, very picky about our cars. Second, we own most of our cars. Yes, we do take cars in on consignment, but not just any car. It has to pass our standards and rigid inspection. We nose around the cars from top to bottom. Check numbers and codes, mechanical fitness, body work, paint, hidden rust, history and paperwork. We take our time and ask lots of questions. Most cars do not make the grade. It's our goal to offer great "drivable" #3+ cars and very nice #2 "show cars" that are priced right and ready to enjoy and even #1 investment grade "trailer queens." Of course, it's up to you if you want to drive the heck out of it ... after all, it's what the hobby is all about, actually driving the cars, not collecting "garage furniture."

WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT
Most dealers simply buy a car, throw a coat of wax on it and toss a for sale sign on it. Not us. Every classic we purchase and prepare for sale is completely examined and inspected. We check over every car for mechanical issues, cosmetics, functionality, brakes and suspension to name a few. We replace and repair everything we find before the car is offered for sale. We do our best to make sure each car is road ready and working as well as it should. Although we can't guarantee them, these cars are old and things happen, we know that's just the way it is, we do everything we can to make them right before they leave our shop. Cheap, heck no ... but you'll own a better car.

ALWAYS UP FRONT
We take great pride in the condition of our vehicles, however, we know no car is perfect, not even the best #1 trailer queen. It's our goal to always do our best to inform you of every detail and flaw. Since most of our cars are #2 and #3 cars, there will always be flaws. Unlike many less than honest private parties, "flippers" and commissioned sales dealerships we don't see any point in glossing over a car's imperfections. It's the way we'd want to be treated and simply the right thing to do.

THE REAL DEAL, FAKES AND CLONES
With all the recent appreciation of American metal, the doors have swung wide open for less than honest sellers of muscle cars. Fakes abound and really have become more of the norm than the exception. The world is full of more Shelbys than Carroll ever built, more hemi car and SS big blocks too. We will never represent a car for anything more than what it is. If it's a clone (we still prefer clone rather than replica or recreation), we'll be up front and clearly state that in our description. If it's real, we'll know and verify it. For us, true pedigree cars need good documentation, known history, be fully sorted and decoded by the best experts and sources out there. Nothing wrong with clones (they are great cars to drive and enjoy) as long as the price reflects it.

HOLD FOR INSPECTION
We know how difficult it can be to purchase a car long distance. We will hold a car with a deposit so you can make any arrangements you need to either have the car inspected or see it in person. We are having a lift installed soon for inspection of the undercarriage so you can leave your overalls at home. Take your time, relax and decide for yourself if this is the right car for you.

CARS YOU CAN DRIVE AND ENJOY
Our formula for taking in a car is very simple. Quality is first and "numbers" come second. Although we love to find number matching cars that are as original as possible, we don't let that get in the way of a great car. While correct high quality show cars are wonderful to own, unless you have unlimited resources, they are very hard to enjoy, relax and have some fun with. We can't tell you how many times an owner has come to us to sell their car because they are looking for something they can have more fun with. Too many times an owner finds or fully restores that special car only to experience "wheel freeze" when it comes to taking her out for a drive. Our cars are very nice, but we feel they are cars you can invest in, drive and enjoy.

HOW WE FIND OUR CARS
We search nationwide for our cars and travel to inspect them. We attend shows and classic car events all around the country. We research dozens before we even go look at one. To top it off, we've found it to be true on more than one occasion for sellers to "stretch the truth" (we are being very kind here). We can't tell you how many times that "it's a really nice car" is full of hidden rust, burns oil by the gallon and has seats in it from a 1975 Pinto. In other words, we do a lot of leg work and sort through a lot of junk so you don't have to ... and believe us when we say there's a lot of junk out there!

CONDITION CODES
For years, collectors have been using condition codes to grade cars. The scale is from one to six. Now, the hard part is to be able to actually "grade" the car. Most owners have a tendency to upgrade their car. The reality is that most "nice" cars are #3 cars although many owners grade them as #2 cars. They can be high or low on that scale (CC3-, CC3 or CC3+). You'll often see these types of grades at other classic car web sites. We'll leave off numbers five and six since they pertain to parts cars and basket cases only.

NUMBER ONE (CC1)
Rarely will you ever see a true #1 car. These are reserved for climate controlled buildings, rarely driven, usually on a trailer and would score a solid 95-100 points at a professionally judged national show. The best of the best and as original as possible. Better than showroom new. These cars set the market and many times are very rare cars.

NUMBER TWO (CC2)
These are very well done restored cars or an extremely well-maintained original. Nearly perfect in all regards. These cars might be driven from time to time, but with extreme caution. These are high scoring cars as judged in professional regional shows. True #2 cars might be described as being in or near showroom condition. Many times cars described to be in #2 condition are actually high #3 cars.

NUMBER THREE (CC3)
This is the largest category for most collectible or classic cars on the road. Yes, I said on the road. These cars are cherished, but driven with care. Your local "Saturday night cruiser" might fall into this category. These are VERY nice, well maintained cars with older or nicely done amateur restorations. Most cars seen at local car shows are #3 cars. We love high #3 cars. These are cars you can drive, afford to own and enjoy.

NUMBER FOUR (CC4)
A car in fair condition overall, but even from a distance shows its age. The car will be drivable or only need minor work to be functional. Many times these are "everyday" drivers. Generally, we won't carry a #4 car in our showroom unless it's an all original specimen that is all there and a great candidate for restoration.