Cars are usually connected to boys and it maybe a little rare to see girls who have this huge interest in cars. Askmen.com may be a site for guys and the like but the site also releases information about girls as well. Just like this new top ten list I found on their official website. I was actually looking for the best sites where I can get Edelbrock shocks and this is what I found - the top ten cars not for men. Check it out.

10. Mini Cooper Cabriolet:
This car is available in a convertible and hatchback type. Any of the two types resemble chicky personalities. There is absolutely no difference in terms of the performance only that the convertible has a slightly awkward image. This is a little non-chicky for girl who likes her car to be a little womanish.

9. Pontiac G6:
This is not girlish because Oprah had a unit given away to her show’s audience. It is more scientifically traceable. The G6 ancestor may look like a little suburban car but as soon as it was given a new-look, women went crazy over it. The new one is now running with a better character.

8. Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor:
This has a supercharged engine part under its hood. It is a hatchback matched with a retina-bumping green line but is also an unfortunate car. It is also tagged as an unfortunate chick car as Askmen.com commented. However, if you are a man and you need something manly, this car is definitely not for you. The chick features of this car will not turn you on and it only has its powertrain to boast. Not just a practical car for boys.

7. Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible:
This is not for the boys. If you hold a key to this convertible car and you start to drive, you’ll soon make a U-turn and swap it with a sedan car. This thing might happen if you try driving the PT Cruiser Convertible. The original car was made with perfection and has noted a huge amount of sales in the market. But as soon as the domestic car maker decided to give it a little retuning, the features started to become chicky. The Sebring Convertible, the sister of the PT Cruiser Convertible, is manlier than the car. Only the design and some trimmings were considered a little manly according to the site’s critic. Well, in terms of comfort, the PT Cruiser Convertible is better than the Sebring in fairness to its wide space in its interior as compared to the marginally uncomfortable lowered top of the convertible version.

6. Chevrolet Suburban:
If you think only buses can wring your ears with its horn-like beeps, you are wrong. Try to park the Chevrolet Suburban and you’ll realize how true my statement is. The 20-foot long, 7-foot wide chunk of iron beast is also considered one of the chicky cars in the US car market. Well, it doesn’t sound gorgeous with its truck-like horn and bus-like features. From its manly wagon looks before, the new car went out to become a chicky creature.

5. BMW X3:
Men are into SUVs as well but not SUVs as small as this car. If men like to have large SUVs, the BMW X3 is definitely not for him. Small SUV are for chicks. The car is also considered SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) and is so womanish according to AskMen.com. Compared to its sister X5, the X3 is less enjoyable for males and there is absolutely no reason for a man to own one. The performance seems to get a little from the BMW performance heritage and it is more complicated than the conventional SUV. Now, how does it look like? It is a hatchback and it looks like any other BMW car. So nothing is really interesting about this vehicle.

4. Acura RSX:
Previously, the RSX was named the Acura Integra and thank God the maker decided to alter its name. But just the chick factor did change. The site did not actually question the Acura about the decision because the crowd is looking for more chicky features from the car. But that is not an excuse to exclude them from the list of the cars not made for boys. Well at least they didn’t let the Hello Kitty edition out or else guys would definitely go out of the room and scream. And when the Acura noticed these comments, they decided to bring another car model which we hope is not as chicky as the RSX. They are bringing us the NSX which will come out any time in the next century.

3. VW Eos:
If the Cabriolet and Rabbit Convertible came first, then the VW Eos comes next to them as another chicky car. The VW Eos comes out on a price tag of $28,000 which is just a little too much for college and sorority girls. And even girls may be a little disappointed over getting a Volkswagen car not unless their dad’s going buy one for them after their graduation. Well at least the car is better compared to its ancestors. The car also has interesting features like its hardtop roof which has a sun roof built in as well.

2. Toyota RAV4:
The famous SUV in Asia is also tagged as a chick car. But AskMen.com regards the RAV4 as something from a fairy tale - like an ugly creature that the girls should befriend in order to learn something from it. And that is to pity the poor ugly things. AskMen.com has a rough description of the Toyota SUV and even if the Japanese car maker is trying their best to upgrade the new car, it still feels chicky to men drivers. So men chose to buy the FJ Cruiser and the 4Runner instead of the womanish RAV4.

1. Dodge Neon:
The biggest and the best car among the rest that is not made for men. It was first seen in 1994 and it actually annoys some buyers with its ‘Hi to the dam thing’ campaign. And AskMen.com labeled it as the chicky-est car among the rest of the cars on the list. Nothing is really interesting about this car for boys because the car does not have all what a man driver needs. The picture above shows the 1994 picture of the womanish Dodge Neon.

Not just 10 or 20 vintage cars are flaunted in Algarve, Portugal. Actually, a total of 50 vintage cars rolled into Algarve on Sunday for the annual Vale do Lobo Classics exhibition to the delight of hundreds of aficionados.

Now in its seventh year, the exhibition has gained quite a reputation and one of the highlights at this year’s show was a fully restored Delahaye 135 MS, worth an estimated 400,000 euros, which was a powerful race car and among the fastest in the world in 1938, reported The Resident.

Organized in partnership with the national classic cars association, Clube Português de Automóveis Antigos (CPAA), the vintage car show saw owners and collectors from Portugal and other European countries gathered on the Ocean Golf Course against the breath-taking lake with fountain background.

“All the cars have been carefully restored to their original states and there is something for all tastes,” CPAA President Luís Brito told The Resident.

Most of the cars set off from Vale do Lobo for a parade through Almancil, up to Loulé and back to Vale do Lobo for the prize giving ceremony, the report added. The other cars remained on the golf course throughout the day for spectators to be amazed.

Some of the auto giants that made an impressive participation include Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, MG, and Porsche.

Separately, a new insurance advertisement has got off to a smiling start thanks to South Canterbury car enthusiasts. Fifteen members of the South Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Vintage Car Club provided vintage vehicles for AMI Insurance’s latest commercial, The Timaru Herald reported. The promotion captures the way New Zealanders have ‘smiled’ through situations from the 1920s to the present day.

The commercial starts with a 1920s Oamaru street scene filled with bustling cars and people. Vintage car club member Bill Weir said that many of the group’s members had also starred in the commercial. "A lot of us were driving our cars in the background and they made sure we looked genuine with old costumes, even if we didn’t think we would be seen," he added.

In August, the group was approached by the company to find automobiles for the ad. "The phone rang off the hook. Everyone wanted to be a part of it and it was a fantastic day to see how things worked when filming," Weir said.

The Weirs also supplied a 1940s tractor and plough. "We were a one stop shop really," he said. Weir was also impressed with the effort involved in making the scenes pretty close to the genuine. "They put down grit on the road to cover the tarmac and re-create the street surface of the 1920s."

“The experience had been one club members would not forget,” Weir concluded. "I’m sure we were all glued to the TV on Sunday night. It was fascinating to watch."

They say time is gold, it’s a fact… and there’s one thing I know that is as valuable as gold - the most wicked vintage cars ever created!

Now if you want to know what cars are included on the top list of the most expensive vintage cars in the planet, you’re on the right path my friend. Hold on to your EBC Greenstuff because I’m telling you now, vintage value are immensely, super duper expensive! And don’t ever dream of owning one of these because even in your day dreams, you’ll be swept away by the shocking value of each and every one of these classic rides!

Now take a deep breath as we review the Top 10 Most Expensive Vintage Cars in the World courtesy of AskMen.com:  

#10 1956 Ferrari 860 Monza - $2.5 million

Maserati, Jaguar and Aston Martin were taking over racing events across the world in 1950s.

#9 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spider Corsa - $2.53 million

Real majesty can be found under the hood! The engine was set to look great while the body of this Italian wonder was created by a crowd of artisans who were confident of their skills.

#8 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster - $3.63 million

German engineering has displayed the real meaning of class and power which is very evident on the Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster. This vehicle can run like a sports car when most automobiles were hard to manage.

#7 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 - $4.07 million

In the 1920s, Enzo Ferrari and Vittorio Jano got together at Alfa Romeo and set out to build racecars that could win championships.

#6 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe - $4.4 million

Ferrari dominated the USRRC (US Road Racing Championship) racing circuit with its 250 GTO back in 1963.

#5 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo B - $5.6 million

The Alfa Romeo Tipo B was visualized for the 1932 GP Formula 1 season and it turned out to be the first single-seater vehicle on the tour that was then Informally known as the P3 or Monoposto,.

#4 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM - $6.5 million

Ferrari took center stage in the international racing events with its Testarossa series of front-engined sports cars in the late 1950s. But new set of laws were implemented for LeMans, and manufacturers were forced to use four-cylinder engines in 1962.

#3 1931 Type 41 Bugatti Royale - $8.7 million

Bugatti was all about luxury and while other car makers were interested in performance development.

#2 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $16.6 million

The beauty of the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is the blend of road and racecar.

#1 1954 Mercedes W 196 - $24 million

It was launched at the 1954 French Grand Prix at Reims, and went on to dominate Formula 1 racing for both the 1954 and 1955 seasons. Considered as The holy grail of racing cars!

Concours d’Elegance - a name for the event that will showcase a hundred historic automobiles at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Chicago. The show will be playing host to numerous restored classic cars. And the proceeds of the show will go to charity. The Antique Automobile Club of America is behind this show.  The group is backed by its 762 years of experience and a 60,000-strong membership.

Helen Burroughs will be the oldest competitor in the said event.  At the age of 97, Burroughs will be taking her 1931 Chevrolet Cabriolet. "It brought back many happy memories," said Burroughs of the Cabriolet.  "I always loved this little convertible," she added.  Although her Cabriolet is considered to be really old, it is still young compared to other vehicles that will also be showcased in the said event.

Steve Moskowitz, the executive director of the Antique Automobile Club of America, has this to say about the event:  "It’s a multibillion-dollar hobby. It’s at an extreme high point right now. Every segment is exceptionally strong."

According to the organizers of the event, the show is fueled by Baby Boomers who are investing a lot of money on the restoration of vehicles that they grew up with.  As a result, muscle cars from the 1960s are among the hottest categories.

Only cars aged 25 years above are accepted by the club.  More than 250,000 people are expected to visit the event.  Such a huge turnout would surely generate a lot of money for charity.  Attendees of the show will be given a treat.  Trucks, cars and motorcycles from the past which have been restored to their showroom glory will be on hand. These vehicles will surely brighten up the day of someone who is really into vintage cars like me.

Concours d’Elegance actually started in France in the 1920s.  The first of these events were actually just like a motor show today. A place where manufacturers and their consumers meet and talk about what the consumer wants and what the automaker is currently working on.  It was imported into the United States after the Second World War.  The premier event is held at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.  Last month, the Pebble Beach Concours raised about a million for charity.

Collectors and buffs alike often confuse antique autos with vintage cars. And such notion has to be corrected.

The history of automobiles reflects that classification of cars is divided into various eras. The cars are classified based on the common styling and technology produced at a given period. The vintage car era is just one of the many divisions. It is found between the Brass and the Classic era.

The vintage car era began in 1919 at the end of World War I. However, the end for the era is clouded by different perspectives.

Discover Cars writes:

In Britain, 1930 as the end of the vintage period is strictly defined; while in America, classic car clubs prefer the year is 1925. There are also some who feel that the end of the vintage era overlaps the beginning of the classic era.

Additionally, there is also an alternative meaning to the term vintage car. When we say vintage, it means any car from any that is ahead of its time. In the general sense of the word, it means an old luxury car still in good condition.

Antique Car further elucidates:

The Vintage Car Era followed World War I, a time when factories, machinery and men needed work and promises of better times encouraged pioneers. Vintage cars were built by would-be inventors in barns and backyards, without thoughts of warrantee or repair. Henry Ford kicked off the industrial revolution with his assembly line, but the automotive industry was truly born after World War I, during the Antique Car Era, when entrepreneurs like Ford, Daimler, Chrysler, DeSoto, Dodge, Studebaker, Olds and Hudson were household names.

After the war, military plants were quick to retool for automobile production and the lack of government regulations for safety, the environment or employees gave it a sense of the wild wild west. Industrial accidents were all too common and compensation was at the whim of the employer. There were no vehicle requirements like windshields, doors, lights, turn signals or seat belts. There were no pollution control devices or air bags, and brakes were problematic. There were over 500 companies competing for supremacy in 1910 but by the time the Great Depression hit in 1929 only 60 had survived, and twelve years later there was less than 20.

Wikipedia points out:

The Vintage period in the automotive world was a time of transition. The car started off in 1919 as still something of a rarity, and ended up in 1930 well on the way towards ubiquity; in fact, automobile production at the end of this period was not matched again until the 1950s. During this period, most industrialized nations built a nationwide road system, with the result that towards the end of the period, the ability to negotiate unpaved roads was no longer required. Cars became much more practical, convenient and comfortable during this period.

But the era seems to leave nostalgic trails at the present milieu. Vintage cars are still well regarded by auto aficionados.

If you happen to have an old car, for example a vintage Mercedes car with old Mercedes parts, brushed with a not so lively paintjob, maybe it’s about time to put a little attitude on it to divert the eyes from it’s rusted body! Well, if you have the fortune to spend on a new paintjob why not give it a makeover instead! But, if you have zero balance and you wish to make your car more attractive without spending hundreds of dollars, you can try this useful and entertaining guide in putting racing stripes on your old car. Just follow these steps which I got from WikiHow.com!

All you need is an auto masking tape, a breathing mask, 400 grit sandpaper, Duplicolor paint, (one small can for each 2 square feet), Duplicolor prep wipes, Duplicolor primer (one large can, close to your chosen color), narrow waterproof tape as a narrow flexible mask, an Exacto knife to trim and manipulate the masking tape, a pair of tweezers and lots of newspaper to mask off the rest of the car! Now you can start putting the racing stripes into your old car! Go and have fun!

Steps:  

• Categorize the kind of stripes you would like to put; you can get some ideas from the pictures galleries of cars on eBay or other web sites. Stare directly at the design from all possible perspectives and estimate the position closely, size and direction of the stripes.
• The car should be in the shade and the temperature less than 90F. No wind and good lighting are also necessary
• Wash and dry the car.
• Use prep wipe to remove grease and wax.
• Use masking tape to outline the area to be painted.
• Cautiously apply the sandpaper to the area to be painted, carefully not to smash up the tape.
• Use a thin rod like a sanding block to shape the sand paper.
• Use newspaper and tape to mask massively, to protect the rest of the car from overspray.
• Spray the area with the primer. Start the spray on the newspaper adjacent to the painted area, and keep the spray can moving past the opposite end. Remember: DO NOT STOP OR START SPRAYING INSIDE THE PAINTED AREA.
• Totally opaque coverage with the primer is not necessary
• Wait for the required time, usually 30 minutes is the least.
• Spray with the color paint, using the similar method as with primer.
• Complete opacity will be required; usually three coats will be required, applied 5 or ten minutes apart.
• Inspect your job after the last coat and take away all masking before the paint dries.
• After several days, the paint will dry up. Then, consider using a rubbing compound to bring down the edges of the stripes. Wash and wax!

Now you can kiss your rejuvenated old car with the radical racing stripes! Enjoy your ride!!!

Sure, you have this dream car… The one that you’ve been fantasizing since time immemorial… If it is a modern car, you have no worries in locating them. But if it is a classic car, now that would give you headache. It is not as easy as finding a Chevrolet Tahoe leaf spring or a Toyota radiator.

But since you want the car badly, you have to find ways to make that dream car a reality. Your dream car is out there somewhere. With a bit of diligence and know-how, you can track it down and have it babied beneath a blanket in no time.

eHow has provided the following steps:

Step One: Determine what make and model you’re seeking and how much you’re willing to spend, and decide whether your choice is unrealistic for that amount.

Step Two: Research the desired make and know what particular years and models to avoid.

Step Three: Decide how you plan to use the car. If you’re going to use it as a daily driver, don’t look for a fully restored car. If you want a car to show, don’t start with something that needs a lot of work (unless that sort of challenge and headache appeal to you).

Step Four: Choose a good local, independent mechanic who specializes in the type of car you’ll be looking for. You’ll want this mechanic to make the final inspection of the car before you buy it. The mechanic may know of one for sale or a place to start looking.

Step Five: Find a local car club, which can recommend mechanics if you haven’t already located one. It may also know of cars for sale.

Step Six: Search in your local newspaper and on the Internet. Club cars will generally be maintained well by enthusiasts, but you may find a better deal out of the local paper.

Step Seven: Look for correct vehicles with original equipment. A heavily modified car won’t hold its value.

Step Eight: Avoid cars that will need costly repairs.

eHow also provided this tip: Are you willing to travel? The best cars are often found in the West and Southwest, where the climate is milder.

Your dream car is out for grabs. Whether you want it for a pretty good cruising or as a part of your priceless collection, the fact is, it is there. Do whatever you please. Or just enjoy the ride!

Before I head back to my research about the Chevrolet pickup valve cover et. al. during late night hours, I always make sure that I won’t miss an episode of The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on the ETC channel. He is one of the greatest comedians, hosts and celebrities of all times! I love watching his show! Every segment is full of gags, surprises and fun!

One time, while I was watching his program, he mentioned something about car auctions. Yah, I’m aware that he is a passionate fanatic of cars especially the vintage ones. But I didn’t know that he has this cool web site entitled Jay Leno’s Garage which can be accessed through http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/! Wow! Now is my chance to see all his vintage collections of great automobiles!

I had an easy access to the site of course and I enjoyed browsing the pages!

One of the coolest things about the site is Jay Leno’s complete collection of vintage cars in his garage! Wow! I am totally stunned when I got familiarized with all his collections… What can I say? He’s the best collector and master of car restorations! I guess all cars are tagged to be worth millions of dollars!

Ok, to share my excitement with you, let me give you a rough picture of Jay Leno’s awesome cars in his garage! Dig this bits of info from Jay Leno’s www.jaylenosgarage.com!

• 1932 Duesenberg SJ - Part 2Duesenberg: “The World’s Finest Motorcar.” 
• 1901 Fairbanks MorseRecovered from a California desert
• EcoJet UpdateThe EcoJet’s 650-hp LT-101
• 1932 Packard Twin SixPackard’s straightforward motto: “Ask the Man Who Owns One!” 
• 1931 Bentley W.O.Bugatti referred to Bentley’s cars as “the world’s fastest lorries.” 
• 1915 FranklinThis Franklin has a California-built body by Harley Earl. 
• McLaren F1: Strap yourself in and prepare to go 241 mph!
• 1926 Bugatti Type
• 1931 Duesenberg J Murphy
• Citroën SMCitroën
• 1958 Saab 93BMade in Trollhätten by Trolls 
• 1951 Hudson Hornet
• Porsche Carrera GT
• 1927 Harley-Davidson JD
• 1909 Baker ElectricWith zero emissions
• 1969 Lamborghini Miura SFrom the House of the Raging Bull - the first supercar. 
• 1989 Ford ShogunJay’s cubular concept car
• 1966 Dodge Hemi Coronet 500
• The RocketGordon Murray and Chris Craft
• Boss HossThis American-built V-8 hoss
• 53 Hudson
• Jaguar 120 that means 120 miles per hour. 
• Chrysler AirflowAn art deco masterpiece. 
• Monteverdi High Speed 375
• 1929 Duesenberg Chassis265 hp in 1929! 
• 1946 Indian
• 1927 Duesenberg Model X
• Mid-60’s Honda 305 SuperhawkTricked
• 1916 Owen Magnetic
• 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
• 1913 Packard
• Hot Rod BusFrom
• Mazda CosmoA 1960’s
• Stanley Steamer
• The EcoJet
• 1955 Buick Roadmaster
• 1956 Chevy Nomad
• 1924 Ace Motorcyle
• 1932 Duesenberg SJA
• The Tank CarPrepare for
• 1937 Fiat Topolino
• 1870 Steam Engine Jet BikeJay 1931 Shotwell
• 1941 American LaFrance Fire Truck