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Monthly Archives: June 2009

CARS is honored by the privilege of having two of our 1969 Camaros on the cover of the August 2009 issue of Super Chevy magazine. The issue is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the the ’69 Camaro which includes articles chronicling the rise of the most iconic Camaro. Both cars are featured in a 6 page spread titled “Rebuilding the COPO Past”. One of the two cars is 001 of our 1969 COPO Camaro Continuation in which we pick up production where it was left in 1969. It is build with the Anniversary 427 ZL1 crate motor from GMPP. The other is a new 1969 Camaro convertible with lots of customization. It has the massive 572/720hp crate engine also from GMPP. Both are made with new parts and can be built to order for the customer. To see more pictures of either car and other ’69 turn key Camaros we have built check out our website www.classicautomotiverestoration.com/turn_key_camaro.html

Article from SEMA’s weekly Enews:

SEMA persuaded Congress to place a 25-year limit on trade-in cars and expand recycling opportunities under ‘cash for clunkers’ legislation. Under the controversial bill, consumers will receive a voucher to help buy a new car in exchange for scrapping a less fuel-efficient vehicle. SEMA was able to mitigate the program’s effects by convincing lawmakers to include a requirement that the trade-in vehicle be a model year 1984 or newer vehicle. The provision helps safeguard older vehicles that may possess ‘historic or aesthetic value’ and are irreplaceable to hobbyists as a source of restoration parts.

The measure also allows all parts to be recycled except the engine. Lawmakers were convinced to permit the drive train to be recycled if the transmission, drive shaft or rear end are sold as separate parts. The vehicle scrappage legislation was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by a 298-119 vote. President Obama has backed the plan and passage in the Senate is expected in the near future.

Proponents claim that the so-called “Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (CARS)” may spur an estimated 625,000 vehicle sales. The program will last for one year.

“SEMA has consistently supported efforts to spur new car sales, but is disappointed that Congress ignored evidence that vehicle scrappage programs will not achieve claimed environmental benefits,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “However, we are pleased that lawmakers agreed to spare from the crusher older cars and parts that help drive the restoration aftermarket and the passions of many in the automotive hobbyist community.”

Under the program, consumers who agree to scrap a trade-in car that gets 18 miles per gallon or less (15 mpg or less for heavy pick-ups and vans) will receive a voucher to buy a qualifying new car. The voucher will range from $3,500 to $4,500 based on the new car’s fuel efficiency. The program primarily targets SUVs and pickups since most passenger cars manufactured during the last 25 years get more than the 18 mpg combined city/highway requirement. Vehicle mpg ratings are listed at www.fueleconomy.gov.

The $4 billion program will begin when it is signed into law by the president. The car buyer will receive a $3,500 voucher if they buy a new passenger car that was rated at 4 mpg higher than the older vehicle, or a new pickup truck/SUV that was at least 2 mpg higher than the old truck. They will receive a $4,500 voucher if the passenger car was at least 10 mpg higher and the truck/SUV was at least 5 mpg higher.

“SEMA continues to support initiatives that encourage the installation of specialty equipment to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy,” said Kersting. “Looking to the future, SEMA will work with Congress to pursue more efficient and business-friendly environmental approaches.”

Fact Sheet

Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (CARS)

Consumers may trade in their older vehicles and receive vouchers worth up to $4,500 toward the purchase or qualified lease of a new, more fuel-efficient car or truck. The mpg values are EPA combined city/highway fuel economy as posted on the window sticker. MPG ratings are listed at www.fueleconomy.gov.

Trade-in vehicles must:

  • Be in drivable condition
  • Be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year
  • Have a combined city/highway fuel economy value of 18 mpg or less
  • Have been manufactured in model year 1984 or later
  • Work trucks must be model year 2001 or earlier regardless of mpg

New vehicles:

  • Must have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $45,000.
  • Passenger Cars: The trade-in vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New passenger cars with mileage of at least 22 mpg are eligible for vouchers. If the mileage of the new car is at least 4 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the voucher will be worth $3,500. If the mileage of the new car is at least 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the voucher will be worth $4,500.
  • Small Trucks and SUVs: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New small trucks or SUVs (weighing up to 6,000 pounds) with mileage of at least 18 mpg are eligible for vouchers. If the mileage of the new truck or SUV is at least 2 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the voucher will be worth $3,500. If the mileage of the new truck or SUV is at least 5 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the voucher will be worth $4,500.
  • Large Light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New large trucks (pickups and vans weighing between 6,000 and 8,500 pounds) with mileage of at least 15 mpg are eligible for vouchers. If the mileage of the new truck is at least 1 mpg higher than the old truck, the voucher will be worth $3,500. If the mileage of the new truck is at least 2 mpg higher than the old truck, the voucher will be worth $4,500.
  • Work Trucks: Consumers can trade in a pre-2002 work truck (defined as a pickup or cargo van weighing from 8,500–10,000 pounds) and receive a voucher worth $3,500 for a new work truck in the same or smaller weight class. Only 7.5% of the total funds can be used for vouchers for the purchase or lease of a work truck.

If  you’re in the market for a muscle car but not sure which one you want here’s a quiz that might help your search.

http://www.find-your-muscle-car.com/muscle-car-quiz.html

Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. (CARS) is honored to be given the 2009 Automotive Hot New Products Magazine Golden Gear Leadership Award for our 1969 Camaro Continuation Series.

Each year the editors of the magazine choose a company that they believe shows leadership in the automotive industry by producing a product or products that are exciting and unique and  have blazed a new trail. Below is the write up as seen on their website:

 

LEADERSHIP AWARD — CARS, Inc. COPO/Yenko Continuation Series 
IMAGE:
Reproducing a vintage part is a big undertaking. Reproducing a whole car is huge. But the car in question, the 1968 COPO/Yenko Camaro, was too enticing, and the opportunity too great to let slide. With a flurry of new parts hitting the market to keep up with the ’69 Camaro’s unparalleled popularity, all the elements were in place. 
Using Dynacorn’s repro Camaro bodies and new crate engines from GM Performance Parts, Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists, Inc. has taken the lead in recreating two of the most revered muscle cars in the world — the 69 COPO Camaro and ’69 Yenko sYc Camaro. Using parts from top suppliers like Classic Industries, American Racing, Coker Tires, National Parts Depot, and  Master Power Brakes to build the rest of the car, the continuation series is the spitting image of the originals. But there is no crash history, no corrosion, hidden or otherwise, no restoration, correct or otherwise, and no potential of misrepresentation or fraud. You get a factory fresh car with zero miles.
Under the hood is a new GM Performance Parts 427, backed up by a 4-speed manual transmission. It’s just like 1969 all over again.
Options are not nearly as numerous as 40 years ago, but you can choose a 4-speed Turbo 400, 15-inch GM Rallye wheels or new American Racing T70 rims, and of course your choice of either chambered or transaxle exhaust system. 
Colors also recreate the 1969 choices — Daytona Yellow, Hugger Orange, Lemans Blue, Rallye Green, Fathom Green, and Olympic Gold.
The price has gone up a bit since 1969 (Yenko continuation cars retail for $139,500), but the new continuation cars will probably be even more exclusive than the originals. For the ambitious undertaking, appreciation for the originals, and breaking new ground in the hobby, Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists, Inc. receive the Golden Gear Leadership Award.
Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists, Inc.
(336) 595-3900
www.classicautomotiverestoration.com

http://www.ahnpmagazine.com/mainlinks/featurespages/goldengearawards.html