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Archive for May, 2010

There are many classic automobiles that have gone down in history. Car enthusiasts hold certain makes and models of car especially high. There are certain models that everyone has heard of even though they are not into cars. Yet, there are also those that get missed somewhere along the way. The 541S Jensen is a British classic car. It is not nearly as popular as many others but it has just as rich a history as any other. Perhaps there is not enough general coverage on these fine older vehicles but the information is there for those who seek it.

The 541S Jensen has gone greatly overlooked by many auto enthusiasts. This is largely because there were not all that many of them produced. They did not manage to earn the greatest reputation either though that does not mean this car is not worth some recognition. The first production year for this car was the year 1960. It was only produced for three years which makes this car relatively rare and not all that easy to find. Because of this, there is significant value for one that is in good shape. Since it is a British car, it may be even harder to find outside of Europe. North American collectors will have their work cut out for them.

Just 127 of these cars were produced. They were all hand built by the Jensen brothers. They had originally wanted to use the V8 engine from Chrysler for these cars but at that time they were unable to. There were supply difficulties that led them to have to use a different engine instead. Most cars manufactured during this time had a manual gearbox inside them. However, the 541S Jensen had a hydramatic gearbox instead which was a relatively new feature. One interesting feature was that these cars came equipped with seat belts. They were the first of their time to have them since it was not a legal requirement then.

Safety was important to the Jensen brothers which is why they included the seat belts. Soft padding was included around the dash and the door panels. The 541S Jensen was also the first car to have disc brakes. These cars won the silver medal for coach work, which is an impressive feat. For a car that was not all that popular at the time, it is now winning many of the best awards that are available to classic cars.

This classic car is also extremely luxurious. The interior is incredibly nice when well kept. There is plenty of room inside the car, including ample leg space and head room. The maintenance of the interior is especially important. Since these cars are rare, keeping them properly maintained is essential to their value. The 541S Jensen has a unique look to it that is similar to the early Jaguars. It can be a beautiful car in appearance when well kept. These cars were fast, stylish and rare. What more could a car collector want in a classic?

With the arrival of the nice weather, perhaps you are contemplating a road trip this summer. Exploring the highways and country roads in your own area of the country is a great way to get away, without much hassle.

Of course, you will not be relying on other modes of transportation such as a taxi to the airport, or those large-winged birds that carry us across the ocean to other countries. You will be depending on your own vehicle, so now’s the time to get it ready.

Whether you are a “hands-on” type of person, or someone who would like to leave things to the professionals, here are some basics that need to be covered. If you are handy, and have a garage and access to the essential tools necessary, then go for it. If not, take a list to your local auto service dealer and have a mechanic do the honors.

The first thing to remember is that it’s summer, and even if the real hot weather has yet to kick in, be sure and check the operation of your car’s cooling system. If you haven’t had the air conditioner on yet this spring, turn it on. Make sure that it’s working because no one wants to revert to the fifties, flying down the road with all the windows open and bugs stuck in our teeth.

Now’s the time to top up all the essential fluids that keep your auto purring like a kitten. Get your ownership guide out of the glove box and learn how to check and add what’s needed. Switch to a thicker oil to counteract the thinning effect of the hot summer weather. That way you’ll be assured the engine’s parts are adequately protected.

Check the brake, power steering, transmission, and differential fluids. Top up your windshield wiper reservoirs, and consider taking an extra bottle along with you. There is nothing worse that driving into the sun and straining to see through a bug-spattered windshield.

It is important to have the correct coolant in your car’s radiator. Never use just plain water. Make sure it includes antifreeze in the proper proportion to keep your car from overheating when the mercury starts to climb. Usually a fifty fifty mix will work.

Next comes an inspection of your tires. The two main things that need to be measured are tread and pressure. For this you’ll need to purchase the appropriate gauges from a car part shop. Then, either get out your manual, or look at the notice located on your vehicle’s door jam for the proper pressure reading. Next, ensure that each tire has at least 2/32? of tread. Don’t forget to include your spare tire in this routine. Read the rest of this entry »

Classic and vintage car owners often find themselves hard-pressed to decide how to handle a cross-country move with their baby in tow. Fear of allowing someone else to move the vehicle is only topped by concerns over driving it themselves, facing road hazards along the way. Amtrak car moving is a great solution to both problems.

Providing a way for classic and vintage car transport to include professional assistance and enclosed carriers, Amtrak car moving eliminates a lot of worry. At the same time, since the owner of the classic or vintage car is along for the transport, there`s no fear of having to be too far away from the car during the long trek.

Amtrak car moving operates out of two stations along the eastern seaboard only, so it won`t be a solution for everyone. However if a move to the southeast from the northeast, or vice versa, is on tap, this is ideal for classic, vintage car transport. The train company`s two stations of call for this service are found in Lorton, Virginia, which is near D.C., and Sandford, Florida, which is very close to Orlando and Daytona. It`s also a stone`s throw to almost any destination in the Sunshine State.

The benefits of Amtrak car moving for classic, vintage car transport are many. Topping the list, of course, is the fact the car is enclosed and isn`t facing wear and tear while the owner can be accommodated in style onboard the train. The wear and tear issues involved in long treks are the number one concern most classic, vintage car owners harbor, making transport a necessity in many cases.

Next on the list is the fact that Amtrak car moving enables those who are moving to pack their cars pretty tightly with items they`d like along for the ride. While they won`t be able to access them during the trip, important papers, clothes, immediately needed household goods and so on, can all be stowed within the vehicle for fast access upon arrival. While Amtrak car shipping doesn`t allow for storage of items outside the vehicle during transport, i.e., on luggage racks or bike racks, this likely won`t be a concern for a classic or vintage car transport job.

Even as Amtrak car moving enables a virtually pain-free way to enjoy classic, vintage car transport, there are some other perks for those riding along. Inside the train, passengers can enjoy great dining, fantastic scenery and even onboard entertainment during the haul. This provides for a great way to relax prior to having to deal with all the unpacking. The total trip generally takes just under 17 hours, which beats the travel time on the road and removes the headaches involved in air travel, too.

Due to its limited stations of call, Amtrak car shipping won`t be for everyone, but for those needing classic, vintage car transport to or from the northeast from the southeast, it`s a great alternative that can cut miles and miles off a trip for the car and driver.