The muscle car genre arguably provided a selection of the most distinguished, collectable and sort-after cars in American history. People still want then, look after them and collect them. In many cases a muscle car is used only on special occasions. This means that for part of the year they are not in use. It is therefore imperative that a custom-made car cover is purchased to protect the vehicle from the weather. If the car is kept under cover, a lightweight car cover should be purchased. This will protect the car from dust so that when the cover is removed the car is still clean and shiny and ready to be used.
The muscle car, so named because of their wide profiles and the large V8 engines, became popular during the sixties and early seventies; although the first car of this type was around in 1949 known as the Oldsmobile Rocket. Development was gradual during the Fifties with the introduction of the Chrysler C300 in 1955 which combined fine looks, powerful engine and a price tag which kept in reach of many in the market for a new car.
During the Sixties manufacturers such as Plymouth, Chrysler, Ford and Dodge all produced muscle cars. Muscle cars are two door cars driven from the back wheels. Cars in the muscle car category included the Coronet Super Bee, produced in loud colors, the Pontiac GTO Judge which could achieve a speed of 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds and the Plymouth Road Runner was another.
It was the baby boom generation that went of muscle cars. They wanted the speed and status the car gave. The price also played an important factor as did the relatively low cost of gas because these cars were not known for their economy.
It was in the Seventies that the muscle car era started to have problems. Insurance companies became concerned at their speed and power. The cars were involved in more accidents, often driven by less experienced younger drivers. Insurance premiums rose dramatically, with surcharges being added which meant that the young drivers could no longer afford to buy the insurance or run the car.
Congress also played a part in the downfall with tighter emission controls being introduced and starting to take effect; leaded gasoline was banned in 1973 for instance. The final problem was the OPEC oil embargo in 1973 and gas was hard to find but muscle cars used plenty of it. Car makers changed to making more compact cars with greater fuel efficiency and further development of the muscle car had effectively stalled, effectively bringing the muscle car era to a close.
There was a slight revival during the eighties with cars like the Ford Mustang and Thunderbird, but not to the extent seen in the two earlier decades.
Today they are collectors’ cars, looked after and cherished. They are mainly owned by enthusiasts who tour together, proud of what they own and the history behind them. Most ensure that the car is garaged when not in use. They are cleaned before and after use. A muscle car must be protected when not being used. Even if in a garage, a custom made car cover should be used to protect it. It keeps out the dust and damp and ensures air can circulate freely. They are available in many designs, some have antitheft devices.
If the car has to be kept outside then the purchase of a heavy duty custom made car cover is a necessity. This will provide protection from all weather conditions. It is important to make sure that the car has been cleaned and is dry before putting on a car cover otherwise the paintwork may be damaged, and the chrome could rust. Additionally the interior could end up with mold. Most heavy duty car covers come with antitheft devices and provided they are custom made will fit the car perfectly protecting the muscle car for another day.
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