The demand for luxury cars may have slowed down in the past couple of years due to the economic downturn, but it gradually picked up when the economy started to bounce back. This goes to show that ultra expensive vehicles are still relevant despite diminishing purchasing power or declining wealth. This also means that people pay a premium for prestige, and one way to do this is to buy cars that only the filthy rich can afford. However, just like in the ordinary car category, these expensive cars have their own segments as determined by the car manufacturers themselves.

The categorization is further fuelled by public opinion and critics’ no holds barred reviews. In short, the segmentation has evolved based on the perception of the movers and shakers. Automobile manufacturers have created these cars with the wealthy big spenders in mind, and for good reason. There is a niche market so exclusive that it is highly profitable for carmakers.

Unlike in the ordinary car segments, luxury cars are categorized mainly for its price. The higher the price, the more appealing it is to the buyer. Since the cars are not mass produced, they are considered scarce and ownership of the car says so much of the person’s stature. Although the price is the main factor, other variables are still being considered, such as engine type, build, design, and other discretionary features not found in ordinary cars. From the exterior alone, the cars already wear the badge of prestige, but the real kicker is the interior with all the built-in features that would make even the Batmobile look drab.

While a car in the $20,000-$30,000 price range may be considered a tad expensive for the common man, it can hardly be categorized as a luxury car. It just barely makes it in the category. A little over that price point is considered an entry-level prestige vehicle. These entry-level wonders elicit enough admiration and attract too much attention, but they are considered lightweights in the luxury car segments. In other words, they are not prestigious enough. After all, some people from the upper middle class can still afford cars in that price range.

It’s when the car price reaches the $60,000 to $100,000 price range that the disparity becomes evident. This also quickly separates the rich from the ultra rich. In this price range, high-end vehicles such as Audi, Mercedes Benz, Cadillac, and Jaguar, dominate the scene. And then, of course, there are the ultra luxury cars, which command a sickeningly high price above and beyond the $100,000 mark. Only multimillionaires and billionaires would dare own cars with emblems of Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Aston Martin, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari, to name a few. They may be in the shape of a limousine, a hatchback, a sports car, or a convertible, but regardless of the form, they sure exude prestige and opulence. Having one or two of these cars parked in the garage already shows that the owner is no ordinary person. He or she can be a Hollywood actor, a sports figure, a tycoon, an heiress, or simply a person with deep pockets.

Ever watch an old movie and wonder why they do not make certain cars anymore? Like everything else in our world, things are constantly changing and just because something is loved does not mean that manufacturers will continue to produce a good. It’s one of the annoying things that happens as time progresses. But is out with the old and in with the new always a good motto? When it comes to some cars, there are some that we wish were still made in today’s world. This article will explore these cars and discuss what made them great in their time. Don’t expect to see them anytime soon though, unless you are at a classic car show.

One of the most sought after collectible cars would be the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. This car was only produced for a few short years before Chevy discontinued making it. So what makes this car so desirable? This car was ahead of its time in terms of speed. The iconic car could go from zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds which was amazing in the 60s.

Who doesn’t remember what an El Camino looks like? This car is one of a kind. Many try to place this car to certain class levels and demographic stereotypes, but everyone should enjoy this car. The notion behind this original design was to have the utility of a truck but the mindset of a car. Obviously for Chevy this did not work out for very long, but it didn’t stop them from trying to reinvent the wheel and give it a new name. The SSR was another short lived car from Chevy that could presumably be modeled with the El Camino in mind.

Though Ford still makes the Mustang, it looks nothing like the version that appeared in the 60s. Car lovers everywhere can appreciate the beauty that was put into the mustang when it came out in 1964. This car is the one on the list that I would put my vote behind revisiting. You hear that Ford? The classic design just draws people in. I dare you to look at this car and tell me that it is not a beauty. Especially when you think about driving it around town on a gorgeous day with the top down. And yes, while you are driving people are staring because they are jealous!

Another 60s iconic car would be the 1961 Lincoln Continental. Lincolns of today aren’t necessarily known for making their way onto an iconic list but this one did. One of the best features of this car was the center opening, suicide doors. How awesome would it have been to sit in this beauty?

Like we said, these are just a few of the cars that we wish were still made. By that we don’t mean the reinvented version that these cars may have become. No, we mean these cars, as they are, here on this list. The 60s were good to American car manufacturing. Car companies should think about using some of these designs in the future.

We all know that it can be a hard thing to find just the right classic muscle car for restoration. Obviously you need to be very picky if your going to get just the right car to start with. It’s just not an easy process to locate a good car for a restoration project.

In this article I will try to demystify the process of locating just the right car for you. If you have done one of these projects in the past, you can obviously handle a little tougher of a project car. But for this article like most of my other articles I will stick to the beginner theme.

A restoration project is supposed to be a fun thing. You should not get a complete junker to start with, the idea is to find a car that you can complete the restoration on. A car that won’t be pushed to the back yard to rot in the elements.

With that in mind let’s talk about the price you should plan to spend on a good car for restoration. There is no such a thing as a $2,500 dollar classic car that is anything more then junk. Remember what I said at the first. Unless you have already done a restoration you should stay away from junk to start with.

You should put aside about $10,000 for a good starter restoration project car. In my eyes a good starter car is one that has very little to no rust in the body and no burned electrical wiring. Get a sound car mechanically, you can find this for about $10,000.

You should evaluate your skills to restore the car, and get a car that fits in to your skill set. If you’re a good mechanic you should look toward a car that may need more mechanical work then body repair, or electrical work. Keep in mind that you will enjoy the project a lot more if the car leans more toward your skill set.

I’m by no means saying that you can’t learn all of the processes that you need to know to perform a car restoration. What I am saying is this, if you are able to get a lot of the work done by yourself it will build your confidence and you will have more fun.

When looking for cars for restoration, you should consider how hard the parts my be to find. If the parts are readily available for the car that you choose to restore the project will flow a lot smoother. If you think of all of the things that may slow you down during the project, and look for the ways around those problems you should be all good with the work.

It’s a good day when you realize that you have found the perfect car for restoration, and you know that you can afford to buy that car and start the project. You buy the car and load it on the trailer, or if your the lucky type of person you drive it home.

Now you can begin the project, you can inspect the car and start to develop your parts list. Yes the time has come to do your first car restoration project. Good luck enjoy the process and learn all you can about the car “KUDOS” to you for having the balls to do it.

I’ve been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it’s where my heart is.