Vintage Cars
A car is considered vintage if it was made from 1919 towards the end of 1930. However, there is debate on the cut-off of the vintage period. The British consider 1930 as the cut-off, while Americans prefer the year 1925, as defined by the Classic Car Club of America. There are people who think that the vintage period overlaps the classic period, while others consider the beginning of World War II as the cut-off date for the vintage period. Most of the cars made during this period are more practical and convenient. Accessories such as car radio and car heating were introduced, while the introduction of antifreeze has allowed water-cooled cars to be useful all year round. A much more reliable four-wheel braking system using a foot pedal and hydraulically-actuated brakes were also introduced in this period. Fuel octane rating, which allowed comparison between fuels, and the power steering, was among the innovations in this period as well. With the popularity of these cars at this time, society adjusted its lifestyle as well. Among the common adjustments made were the introduction of drive-in restaurants, motels, and suburban shopping centres.
1926 Morris Meteor
Tips on Caring for your Vintage Cars
- It is important that you have a good storage for your vintage cars to keep them away from the elements, such as extreme cold or sunlight, which can do much damage to your vehicles. Storing your cars in a garage is an excellent idea.
- Cover your vintage car to protect from dust and bugs, which could ruin the car’s seat cushion.
- Leather interiors and rubbers (such as tires and hoses) need lubricants and moisturizers to help keep them strong and supple.
- Engines of vintage cars should be protected as well. Current levels of ethanol on gasoline today may differ from the gasoline used before, which could have an unfavourable effect on your car’s engine. Older cars were designed to use pure gasoline, so adding ethanol to the fuel of your vintage car could cause corrosion in the engine and damage cork parts and natural rubbers.
- Use a non-alcohol fuel stabilizer on your vintage car as it contains additives that may protect your car from rust.
- It is recommended that you set up a fuel filter and water separation filter. You need also to ensure that you keep a spare in hand.
- You could also consider replacing your o-rings or gaskets and fuel lines with ethanol-resistant materials.
- It is also advisable that you periodically take out your vintage car for a drive to clean out the valves and carburettor, while at the same time allowing oil to circulate and keep your car running longer.
1923 Ford Model T