Why do cheap cars matter?

Before getting to the core of it, let us first understand why we should even worry about this trend. If consumers are ok with buying expensive cars, then where is the issue? The simple answer to this goes back to the reason why cheap cars were produced in the first place.

At the beginning of automobile history, not everyone could afford a car. However, mass production would bring economies of scale and significantly lower the costs of vehicle manufacturing. Therefore, cars needed to sell in volumes and nudge customers of all categories.

This is when Ford introduced the first moving assembly line for automobile mass production. And then Volkswagen came up with the concept of the people’s car. People could finally afford cars and soon, they became loyal to these brands. They would keep buying new cars for themselves and their children, too.

Nowadays, cheap cars may seem not profitable in the short term. However, in the long run, they may bring in additional customers. Small compact cars such as Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic can seem appealing to the youth or first-time car buyers. Who wants to spend a ton of money on their first car?

However, if new drivers end up liking a particular brand, they become regular customers. Thus, cheap cars can bring a way of nudging younger targets, who, when wealthier, will buy into their more expensive vehicles.

Why are cheap cars becoming extinct?

Supply and demand

The economics of producing cheap cars needs large volumes to cover factory fixed costs. This comes with the risk of not being able to sell so many cheap cars in the market.

Usually, budget vehicles are smaller, and consumers in the U.S. prefer more passenger room and cargo space, especially those with big families. This, in turn, can bring the profit margins down for car producers.

Even though automakers may optimize and use parts made for cheap cars in their more expensive models, the opportunities for higher profit are slim.

On the other hand, drivers have shown high demand for bigger vehicles such as SUVs, which now sell at a more affordable price than before. Thus, consumers are still paying above $20,000, but they feel like they are getting a great deal and value for money. They prefer the flexibility SUVs offer, higher ground clearance, bigger space, and overall comfort. This is reflected in the higher willingness to pay for such cars.

Another price premium consumers are willing to pay is related to all car tech features, such as infotainment systems, in-car phone connectivity, or voice recognition, among others. The new generation is highly digitalized. Younger drivers also want their cars to have smart options and would not compromise for a simpler-looking interior, even if the latter would be cheaper.

Regulatory factors

As the country is going towards decarbonization, there are increasing regulatory restrictions regarding the type of cars that one can buy. Thus, vehicles that are highly polluting or older than a certain year are not allowed to be sold. The era of diesel may be coming to an end. Electric vehicles and low-emissions cars are becoming increasingly popular. They also carry a heftier price tag, as they embed technological innovations and car designs improvements.

Financial factors

Last but not least, it has become easy nowadays to get loans and purchase or lease cars, even accounting for inflation. This can make even more expensive cars more accessible for lower-income buyers. Leasing can even be cheaper, allowing one to simply swap cars for new models every couple of years or so.

And if one can utilize these resources and get the car of their dreams, then why compromise for a cheaper and less sophisticated car?

Having all these factors in mind, the cheap car extinction trend makes a bit more sense. If the incentives for expensive cars are there, and consumers use them, then the outlook for cheaper cars is definitely not bright.

What is your stance on this trend? Would you prefer a cheap car, or are you into premium vehicles? Let’s start a conversation.

The post Cheap cars are about to become extinct. Why? appeared first on Altered Steel.

How did Helene Rother’s journey begin?

Born in 1908 in Leipzig, Germany, Helene was brought up in an environment that was constantly under war threat. Germany and France, where she later lived, became battlegrounds for the World Wars. Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine her childhood and teenage years resembling a rollercoaster with sharp ups and downs.

Yet, she managed to study art in Germany and then worked as a jewelry designer in Paris, before World War II. During this time, she gave birth to her daughter and formed her little family. However, as I mentioned in the beginning, there were times of danger and uncertainty.

Soon enough, she had to flee from Nazi-occupied France to North Africa. It was very hard for her and her seven-year-old daughter to travel to the US right away without a visa. However, somehow she got lucky and embarked on a ship to the United States.

Going through all these hurdles ever since she was young, then traveling across three continents with a child, shows her resilience and determination to thrive. A new chapter began for her in the US where she would make history as an automotive designer.

What made Helene Rother successful in the male-dominated auto industry?

Helene was an able professional, a beautiful woman, and a great mother who did not have an easy start in the U.S. After all, she was a refugee, and most importantly, a woman. Yet, her design skills found application in art, jewelry production, marketing, and even book illustrating. It was by chance that she came across a General Motors interior designer vacancy ad. Though Helene did not have any experience in the industry, she applied and got the job.

Interior design was an area that was just taking off in the auto industry, as people were seeking more comfort and luxury in their cars. No wonder, Helene was the first woman doing this job in Detroit, as the damsels of design were growing in number. To everyone’s surprise, she became quite good at it and soon was one of the best paid General Motors employees. Such a high salary for a woman was so unusual, that it even made headlines in The Detroit News.

But the attention and media scrutiny did not stop her. She continued gaining expertise in the industry and doing research work. She was the first woman to speak at the Society of Automotive Engineers in Detroit. Her paper titled “Are we doing a good job in our car interiors?” was highly praised. Soon enough, her work was getting awards such as the Jackson Medal.

How did the entrepreneurial career unfold for Ms. Rother?

As Helene had gained a reputation for high-quality car interior design at GM, other automotive companies started contracting her as a design consultant. Realizing that she could be her own boss, Helene opened her own studio named Helene Rother Associates.

Her designs for Nash Ramblers became famous, and her name was part of all advertisements. She turned to be a symbol of European influence on American automobile designs. She did not just design car interiors, though. Her style was also present in the stained glass of many reconstructed American churches. Expanding her work, communicating with clients like a true businesswoman, without losing quality and creativity were remarkable qualities of Helene.

What differentiated Helene Rother’s work?

Cars shouldn’t just take a person from point A to point B. They should also offer comfort and a pleasant experience for the driver. This is what Helene understood very early on. She saw the potential of interior car design as adding value to the car and ultimately giving the auto companies a competitive advantage. From a simple and basic design, she brought style, elegance, and uniqueness to each of the cars she designed. People loved buying cars that had her name as an interior designer.

As technology advanced, more high-quality materials could be nicely incorporated into vehicles, adding to their charm. The ambition to strive for more quality and more elegance, adding a modern contemporaneous touch to the dull vehicles made Helene unique.

She was a true trailblazer in the design world and her work has been acknowledged throughout the years. Lastly, in 2020 the Automotive Hall of Fame inducted her, along with other professionals who have contributed to the automotive sector. Helene Rother remains a role model for so many women who are seeking to unleash their potential and strive in male-dominated industries.

What about your car? Have you checked who designed its interior? I bet now you are curious to find out whether your car is designed by a woman. Let us know!

Image: Automotive Hall of Fame

The post Helene Rother: A trailblazer in the automotive design appeared first on Altered Steel.

Now, if we trust Hollywood, reindeer power does not translate directly into horsepower, so our comparisons may fall short. Several propaganda movies have been made to show how old school reindeer just get the job done better than an engine, for example. But come on – you and I both know that Santa loves his tech. After all, he keeps on leaving brand new smartphones for kids all over the world.

With that in mind, today we are taking a look at some of Santa’s sleigh upgrades throughout the years. He might keep showing his reindeer off, but let’s see what he is driving when no one is looking!

Santa loves luxury

The bearded jolly old man may like to give children toys and gifts, but he treats himself as well. And no, I am not talking just about those cookies and milk next to a Christmas tree. He just likes having a comfortable ride in a reliable vehicle. Which is why he has a Lexus in his arsenal!

With that said, I would not call his Lexus sleigh exactly imaginative. I mean, for a luxury brand you would expect more attention to detail. Instead, they just slapped on a red LED for a nose and added some rails to call their LC model a sleigh.

Still, I have to give it to the automaker in terms of power – with 800 reindeer power and a hybrid engine, this thing travels fast. Plus, it shows they care about the polar ice caps, which Santa also adores. So while in terms of design Toyota (and Lexus) do fall a bit short, they make up for it in all the other important aspects!

Santa’s daily workhorse – A trusty pickup truck

Before Santa had the resources to go into luxury cars, he had to make do with cheap, but trusty alternatives. And what better to replace a sleigh than a pickup truck?

Truth be told, I cannot just give you a single model, because Santa has a few of them. He understands pickup truck classes and likely has one of each to fit his needs. From the smallest half-ton Chevrolet of the ’40s to the heavy-duty GMC Sierra, Father Christmas knows what to choose for his yearly hauling needs!

In my opinion, if Santa has to ever bet on a single vehicle, a pickup would be the obvious go-to. Though he might want to consider something with a bit more presence. Perhaps the F-350 Raptor?

Honorable mentions

Prior to revealing my all-time favorite Santa machine, we should also note some other vehicles in the (in)famous North Pole garage.

• Jaguar F-Type (and F-Sleigh)

Naturally, many companies want to get on Santa’s “nice” list. Because of this, they make up prototypes for him to try out (though I am sure bribery counts as “naughty”). Of all the prototypes though, Jaguar F-Sleigh actually takes a different route. They made it out of ice! So, yes, not exactly operable, but props to Jaguar for thinking outside the box.

• Mercedes GLK (or GLSleigh)

For all we can tell, Saint Nicholas looks like a humble person. That being said, sometimes people judge your presence by the type of car you drive. Thus, for occasions where looks matter, Mercedes-Benz has gifted Santa with a proper luxury off-road machine. Not sure if he brags about it, but it doesn’t hurt to have it just in case!

• Ford Fusion/Mondeo Sleigh

Since Ford knows it cannot compete on the luxury level, the carmaker has chosen a different strategy. Its version of Santa’s sleigh bets on practicality. Over the years Ford has offered Kringle several versions of its affordable sedan, but whether Santa actually drives any of them… no one knows.

Muscle and looks – The best sleigh in Santa’s collection

If you have been following our blog for a while now, you know the love we have for muscle cars like Ford Mustang. That being said, Santa prefers Dodge. More specifically, he likes to ride around in a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Express.

Let me tell you, this beast blows away all of Santa’s reindeer and then some! With its 786 hp, the car-sleigh is almost 100 times as fast. Okay, I get it, those reindeer might be getting some special juice to bump their power-up, but even so, they are no match. The only drawback to the Hellcat version of the sleigh? Santa gets so pumped up about it that he actually forgets to do his job on Christmas Eve. So, reluctantly, he leaves this one in the garage for the time being!

With all that said, considering how many sleighs Father Christmas has, that toy manufacturing business turns out to be raking quite the profit. Who knew! But which of the engine-powered sleighs in this article do you like the most? Or would you rather Santa stick to his trusty old reindeer?

The post Santa’s sleigh reimagined appeared first on Altered Steel.

US car manufacturers do not exactly have the best reputation with their vehicles right now. Thankfully, as Americans, we can be proud to have plenty of iconic models throughout the years. So much so that we can have a heated discussion about which are the most remarkable out of the bunch. Well, shall we do just that?

At Altered Steel, we have a special place for all kinds of vintage cars. We have mentioned our favorite vintage SUVs, and we have explored the history of the American sedan. However, I think it is high time we talk about America’s most iconic classic cars… according to us! What do you say, are you up for a bit of time travel? Let’s go back a good few decades then!

More than fancy old cars

The problem with many such lists is that they take the most famous sports cars and slap them right at the top. It is not like vintage sports vehicles are not impressive or iconic though. I just like to think that the car world has more things going for it.

This is why today we’ll explore a bit of a different list. I would rather we don’t rank the vehicles, but instead, cherish each and every one of them. I will separate them into categories and pick the three most iconic models within those.

That being said, some seemingly obvious picks will actually not be on this list. You may be surprised to find that the Ford Model T or the classic Corvette that everyone wants haven’t made the cut. Don’t worry though – it is not because they are not iconic, but because they may be overly so. We should give a chance to some other models to shine, right? With this out of the way, we can dive straight into our first picks!

America’s most iconic muscle cars

Given my remark about sports cars, how come I open up the list with such a category? See, the point here is not to dwell on “sports”, but on “muscle”. All over the world, people know what muscles are. On top of that, they associate them with the States. This might as well be the only category that represents the quintessential American spirit. Due to all that I figured they make the best introduction to our list!

The undefeated stallion – Ford Mustang

Come on, which car marque and model better represents the US outside of our homeland? The original Mustang can take your breath away even now. It is one mean machine, which knows how to roar and announce itself. And not just here!

Have you ever had the pleasure to travel outside of the States and see how people react to Mustangs? For a few reasons, American muscle cars in Europe are still fairly rare. Still, people turn their heads when they see a Mustang. Though we actually have it better here, because you can still see the classic ones. They do not get to enjoy many of those on the Old Continent!

The special contender – Dodge Charger

Some cars simply do not get enough credit. In my opinion, Dodge Charger is one of those. Right from the start, it was a vehicle that broke the mold. Love it or hate it, but it was unique! With a bold design and aggressive build, it stormed the scene. To this day it makes for the perfect muscle example.

Unfortunately, it has never been as popular as the Mustang. The latter had tenfold the sales. Though perhaps that makes the Charger an even more precious classic. Being a gem like no other, it deserves a spot here!

The worthy rival – Chevrolet Camaro

ca

It has never been a secret that the Camaro was Chevrolet’s response to the Mustang. In fact, even though it may sound sacrilegious, I think the two models are kind of similar. This is why I enjoy the Charger so much – it walked its own path. Still, the Camaro is nothing if not iconic.

To illustrate my point, I want to draw your attention to the second generation of the Chevrolet Camaro. This car cemented the idea of what a muscle should be. It deserves a lot of credit for the fact that we can even talk about iconic muscle cars today. However, we should move on to a category that does not get nearly enough attention!

The classic old workhorses

All this fancy car talk is nice, but we often forget about the cars that virtually carried the US on their shoulders. After all, should we not focus more on vehicles that the general public could afford and actually drove? In my mind, they are “iconic” exactly because of their utilitarian nature!

The forgotten kind – AMC Eagle

Estate wagons may not be the most popular picks in the States today, but once upon a time they were preferable. Before we had tons of minivans and SUVs, the AMC Eagle was the perfect choice for a family person. It offered plenty of space, a lot of utility and it actually did not look half-bad.

In fact, some people consider the AMC Eagle to be the de facto predecessor of modern crossovers. In other words – we may owe the rise of the crossover and SUV segments to this very car. It had everything necessary for that with its 4-wheel drive and fairly high frame. Honestly, I think it looks rather charming even by today’s standards. Sure, nothing like a slick European station wagon, but impressive in its own way.

The poster minivan – Dodge Caravan

We don’t see many minivans nowadays. The niche has shrunk tremendously in the past decade, largely due to SUVs. And yet, minivans were the poster examples of the American dream. They embodied your success – you had a big family, you owned a house, you bought a minivan.

In light of that, there is no better minivan example than the very Dodge Caravan. Though we could also mention Plymouth (or Chrysler) Voyager, which were essentially the same car. The first generation sold incredibly well with over a million vehicles bought. Funny enough, when Chrysler was researching public demand, people considered the sketches of Dodge Caravan to be super ugly. Seems like that did not matter much, as we now view it as one of the most iconic US cars ever.

The granddaddy of pickups – Ford F1

ford

Pickups are the muscle cars of America’s workhorse vehicles. They scream “proud to be American” like nothing else. That all started with the first generation of Ford F-series, and more precisely – Ford F1. It may have little to do with modern pickup designs, but it carries their spirit regardless.

Objectively, the F1 is rather small. Yet it paved the way for monsters like Dodge Ram and Ford Raptor. People cherish it even now, with its price being close to that of classic muscles. It does look quite cute, so if you are in the market for a non-sporty vintage car, consider Ford F1!

Riding in style – Iconic luxury classics

Whether you look at modern vehicles or at vintage cars, the luxury segment always has something special to show. Many aspects of it are timeless, and some classics would be considered luxury by our standards too. Let’s see the most iconic examples that America has to show here!

The one fit for presidents – Lincoln Continental

As a car company, Ford has pioneered and pushed forward many types of vehicles. On top of that, many of its Lincoln cars are worthwhile classics in general. And yet, the Continental is the best example of what high-class cars should look like.

This is not one of those vehicles that you look forward to driving – with it you would need a chauffeur. Just sitting in one of those will make you feel important. No wonder that many other luxury cars were trying to be more like Lincoln Continental. Making one feel like a president sounds like a good selling point.

When you fancy something slick – Cadillac Eldorado

If you were not meant to drive the last car, this one is a whole another story. It is a very personal vehicle, which made people feel like rock stars. In fact, this car made Cadillac famous throughout the world. In many places, the marque’s name is synonymous with luxury because of it. Obviously, “iconic” is a well-deserved description.

Old-school futurism – Oldsmobile Toronado

I bet that most people have not heard of the Toronado. However, as we have mentioned in our post on the end of Oldsmobile, this company had had many great achievements. The Toronado model perfectly embodies their very future-minded philosophy.

The problem with this car is that it may have been too unique for its own good. Later on, Oldsmobile changed the design to fit with its competition. In my opinion, they just watered down what had been a great aesthetic. Nonetheless, it is iconic, because it represents the very American ideal of innovation and grand dreams!

What other iconic classic cars should we remember?

People have different vintage models that they love. Maybe you wanted to see some Buicks on the list. Or perhaps you are worried that I have not mentioned Pontiac at all. Well, we can always come up with another post to showcase more of the great American models.

What should those be though? There are many old vehicles that I like, but I am eager to learn about some others too. If you have a model that is close to your heart, be sure to mention it. Perhaps I will cover it one day!

The post America’s most iconic classic cars appeared first on Altered Steel.

Of course, people enjoy vintage autos for various reasons. If you talk to them though, almost all of them have a sense of respect for the car’s past. We cannot really say classics are objectively better than modern vehicles. And yet… it often feels like they are, even if it is in a sense that we cannot describe.

So, as it is with anything sacred, modernizing it will always be controversial. We explored part of that with our article on cars that have the classic look with a modern heart. However, it is still not clear: how can you preserve those vehicles? Is any modern solution going to work? Should we even want it to work? Join me in exploring just one such solution to see if saving the classics is an impossible task!

An introduction to vehicle-related 3D printing

The uses of 3D printing have spread across multiple domains already. It was only a matter of time before they also hit the car industry. And yet, most people have a pretty skewed view of 3D printing. We have been bombarded with examples of 3D-printed plastic objects, so we assume this is all there is to it. Not the case!

Firstly, 3D printing can now use a large variety of materials. Secondly, when we talk about 3D printing use in cars, we do not mean printing out an entire car. While likely viable in the future, the practical uses of 3D printing are currently a bit different.

Instead of producing an entire car, 3D printing takes on a simpler task. Through it, we can print out parts or even pieces of parts that are necessary to manufacture a vehicle. This is especially useful in situations, where a car manufacturer has no financial incentive to keep producing parts for their older vehicles. Though it goes even further than that.

Here are some examples of how 3D printing is currently being used by auto manufacturers:

• Faster prototyping. To anyone familiar with the vehicle design process, prototyping is one of the key steps. In the past, it happened fairly slowly and had many drawbacks. Nowadays, it allows for much faster vehicle development through the help of 3D-printed prototypes (often up to scale!)
• Experimenting with specialized parts. To cut down on costs, manufacturers have to re-use platforms and parts throughout their lineup. With 3D printing that may become unnecessary. Right now, they are mainly employing it for high-performance small-batch parts, but it can one day be extended to virtually all vehicle components.
• Custom vehicle additions. 3D printing gives us the freedom to fit an already existing car with custom parts. Or in other words – it allows for easy bodywork tunings. Considering how much we care about customizing our vehicles, it will probably become a serious selling point soon.
• Metal artwork. Believe it or not, manufacturers are relying on 3D printing to create pieces of art. Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 is a concept model that serves as the perfect example. Many of its decorative pieces have been impossible to make prior to 3D printing in metal.
• Making manufacturing easier. Aside from printing out components, manufacturers also print out tools for manufacturing. This is one step removed from actually affecting the cars, but still allows for cheaper construction.

Obviously, 3D printing goes beyond what most of us have seen. We can easily recognize its merits in modern-day manufacturing. The issue comes when such practices become commonplace when dealing with classics. Let’s have a look!

How 3D printing can affect classic cars

What makes the classic car market special is the scarcity. Not only of the vehicles but also of the parts. That requires you to think twice about how you treat your vintage car. You cannot simply drive it around in bad weather with complete disregard for it. Or at least you should not.

Sadly, regardless of how careful you are, parts eventually break. Through a bit of ingenuity, people have come up with solutions for many such occasions. Sometimes it comes down to salvaging parts from other cars. At other times experts would tweak things a bit to make a different part work with your model. No matter what you do though, you are not relying on newly made components. Until now.

With 3D printing, we can virtually stop worrying about any given part breaking. We can print everything – from the biggest bumper to the smallest bolt. Has your classic car been hit? No worries, print out a new fender. The brakes are acting up? You have 3D printing for that. Vehicle maintenance has never been easier!

This has plenty of positives about it. It makes the classics niche more accessible to people. No longer does it need to be such an exclusive hobby. As for the veteran enthusiasts – they get to enjoy their cars without having to worry too much about them. Sadly though, as with many other things, this also has its dark sides.

When 3D printing devalues vintage cars

Knowing that your classic vehicle has a chance to live another day is exciting. It shaves away the subtle worry that something might happen to it. Even if it does, now you can easily take care of it. Sure, it may cost you a bit, but so what? At least you have your car back!

However, that begs the question: how far can we go with that? At some point, we are bound to cross the line of manufacturing a completely new “classic”. What does that say about the future of automotive history? If we can fabricate vintage cars so easily, their value becomes less apparent.

If you have a nice old Studebaker you know those cars will no longer be made. That makes it special, even more so than when it came out. In fact, cars that have been considered “duds” are now an excellent addition to any classic car collection. Yet with such an easy way to get them anew… Will they remain special?

Even if you put eccentric examples aside, the same applies to any old automobile. I imagine that at some point we will have to put in some legislation to keep things in line. It should not be hard to justify it either, considering car design is also intellectual property. Yet even if we do not print out entire vehicles, there is one more giant problem coming…

Does 3D printing jeopardize the authenticity of classic cars?

When such issues occur, many people like to play the nonchalance card. They may enjoy the classic car niche, but see nothing wrong with what people do with their cars. Fair enough. However, we do not live in a vacuum.

If you think that using such technologies will not become an issue, you may be wrong. You can learn how to use 3D printing to save our classic cars. So can anybody else, even if you do not want to personally engage in such things. What does that mean? The classic car market will likely face vehicles with 3D-printed parts soon.

At first glance, there is no issue. Your car, your rules, right? What happens if you want to resell it though? If people know that 3D-printed components will reduce their vehicle’s value, they may not want to mention it. Plus, we will likely not be able to tell that easily. This may open a whole new can of worms…

The classics market has always run on mutual trust. While all markets do so, there is a sense of camaraderie with vintage vehicles. I know that you likely share my passion and deep care for such vehicles. This is why I expect you to treat them properly. And yet… It is tough knowing that a part broke with no “traditional” way to fix it. In that sense, I understand why some people would like to keep their cars running through modern means.

No matter how we look at it, we will soon have to face this problem. I have not found a single solution to it. The most likely outcome seems to be a simple acceptance. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, smells like a duck, and walks like a duck… Well, let’s agree to call it a duck. Or a classic vehicle part, in our case. Though even so, some of us will never be okay with that.

Should we use 3D printing with a classic vehicle?

As someone who cherishes the spirit of old vehicles, I can see both sides of the issue. On the one hand, I realize that we are bound to hit time with hardly any spare parts. Such shortage has already been noticed for some vehicles. On the other hand, if we keep modernizing the classics, are they even classics anymore?

Of course, much of this discussion relies on the type of philosophy we want to employ. Perhaps we should disconnect ourselves from the idea that classics can never be restored through modern means. Though some may say that the value lies in the very fact that we cannot bring things back to life. Or does it?

What do you think? Is 3D printing an answer to preserving our classic cars? Would you like a classic vehicle, even if it is modernized? What about a completely 3D-printed one? My only concern is that we will devalue the entire segment in the eyes of future generations. To me, that seems like quite the loss. But let us hope that I am wrong!

The post Saving our classic cars with 3D printing appeared first on Altered Steel.

Oldsmar, a small city located on the northern tip of Tampa Bay in Florida, is living proof of what a single man can achieve. Named after its creator R.E. Olds, Oldsmar today is one of the safest and coziest places to live in Florida. Even though 2000 marked the end of the Oldsmobile, the first historic achievement of Olds, his other creation, Oldsmar, continues to live and prosper to this day.

How did Oldsmar begin?

In 1913, at the age of 52, after living for most of his life in Michigan, R.E. Olds moved to Daytona Beach. He was enchanted by the warm and relaxing beach lifestyle of Florida, so he decided that he wanted to leave a legacy in the Sunshine state.

A bold idea required brave action. The audacious entrepreneur sold some valuable real estate in order to buy 37,541 acres of land for around $400,000 (or the equivalent of $10 million today). He wanted to build a city, a real community. Olds already had a vision and a plan for it.

What was R.E. Olds vision for Oldsmar?

“Oldsmar for Health, Wealth, and Happiness.” This was the slogan used to attract residents and investors in Oldsmar. This motto explains a lot about what R.E. Olds dreamt the city would represent. He wanted to build a community of workers, not just of wealthy people, who would cooperate and enjoy their family lives.

With wide tree-lined boulevards and road names such as Congress or Jefferson, Oldsmar resembled the Washington DC city plan. It was also designed and built by some of the best Boston engineers.

At some point,  he also wanted to build a golf course and a luxury hotel to attract visitors, but this plan was unsuccessful. Instead, the city received its first inn: Wayside Inn, which became a central landmark for Oldsmar. A casino and even a horse racetrack became part of the community, as the city’s population grew. Yet, even though R.E. Olds has envisioned Oldsmar to have 100,000 residents during his lifetime, the population only reached 200 – a stretch too far from his vision.

Considering that R.E. Olds had spent almost $5 million in investments for the city, he must have left disappointed of not making it grow as in his dreams. In fact, he lost $3 million more in the process of selling some of his land and properties there.

What is Oldsmar like today?

It is true that in the past Oldsmar has been a part of a few different scandals, especially during the time of Harry E. Prettyman, when charges of fraudulent sales made the headlines. However, today, Oldsmar is a cozy small town surrounded by farmlands. The city population has grown throughout the years, and as of 2019, counted around 15,000 inhabitants.

Some small businesses have decided to invest in the area, opening restaurants, cafes, and shops. But also larger firms such as Nielsen Media Research has chosen Oldsmar to place its main offices and increase local employment. Oldsmar has its own website, where any resident or visitor can find useful information on events or city services. Definitely, this place has come a long way from its inception.

So, is Olsdmar a failed dream or a long-lived heritage of R.E.Olds?

While there have been attempts to change the name of Oldsmar to Tampa Shores, they were unsuccessful. Probably because they were not representative of the city’s identity and origin.

Even though the city had its ups and downs, it has managed to thrive, while providing employment and safety for its people. Most importantly, every year, Oldsmar celebrates its origins and history during different city events, honoring its founder R.E. Olds.

This shows that although in the short term, R.E. Olds may have not fully completed his vision of a large city, the fact that a town carrying his name has lived to this day is evidence of his long-lived heritage. Because, after all, dreams have their own ways of eventually becoming true, following curious paths.

Have you heard of Oldsmar before? Are you also inspired, like me, to pay this little city a visit? Who knows, one day, you might find yourself driving your epic wheels on an epic road trip to Florida.

The post Oldsmar: A failed dream or long-lived heritage of R.E. Olds? appeared first on Altered Steel.

This November, at Thanksgiving, it would be 125 years since the first automotive race in US history. That’s right, people raced each other in cars all the way back in 1895. To put things in perspective, that is even before Ford Model T – the first mass-market car.

Join me in this post, as I dive into the history behind this first US race and see how it sparked a whole industry of competitions. Hold tight and enjoy the ride!

What was the first automotive race in the US?

With the development of the engine, people had the instant idea to check out just what their inventions were capable of. But don’t get your hopes up!

That first motor competition, called Chicago Times-Herald Race, was a course of 54 miles with just six cars. Interestingly enough, two of those ran on electricity (talk about EV racing!). Out of all six though, only two ever completed the race, with the winner, Frank Duryea, taking more than 10 hours to do so!

Of course, you cannot really expect much of vehicles with a top speed of 7.5 mph. Still, pause for a second. Just imagine what it feels like driving in an open car saloon for hours on a cold November day in the Midwest. At least Duryea won a $2,000 prize (which amounts to about $62,000 when adjusted for inflation) and a gold medal.

Nowadays, the finish marker for the race receives a lot of attention on its own. It is actually a rock that gathers around 100 vehicles each year on Thanksgiving day to remember that initial race. But things go even deeper.

How did the Chicago Times-Herald Race come to be?

Though we like to make up ways to compete, the idea for this race did not come out of thin air. It was meant to be the American answer to the world’s first competitive motor race – Paris-Rouen. That one actually took place around Paris in July 1894.

The event received a lot of media attention, with many who wanted to try their cars in it. Plus, there were car exhibitions during the days prior to the event. We can even say that the Paris-Rouen race set the ground for an entire culture around racing competitions.

After the European race, H.H. Kolsaat (the publisher of the Times-Herald) saw an opportunity to pioneer the same thing in the States. However, his plans were a bit too grand. Though he wanted the race to take place during the summer, preparations took a lot longer, pushing the date all the way to the 28^th of November 1895. Yet that misfortune turned out to be a blessing in disguise!

Why the first US car race was a great achievement

Modern vehicle competitions require a lot of effort and usually have very complex logistics. For example, do you know how Formula 1 travels the world? They have to consider not just vehicles, but equipment, tools, and other essentials.

Nonetheless, people in 1895 had a whole different set of challenges to face. Mass production of cars had yet to be developed, and every single vehicle was hand-crafted. You could even make your own, provided you knew how and had the parts. In fact, such cars made up the whole roster of vehicles in that first US race.

We have to note that actually three of the gas-powered cars were not even American, but were built by Karl Benz. Only the winning vehicle had the American Duryea behind it. As for those two EVs I mentioned, they both failed in the cold weather and could not even finish the race.

However, this race proved two very important things. Firstly, that the US can actually compete on the world racing stage. Secondly, that races could be held during cold weather, although some more preparations had to be considered. And from then on, not only the US but the universal racing stage entered a new chapter in its development.

Would you like to visit “The Rock”?

If you want to commemorate that first automotive race in the US, you can do so at “The Rock”. You can find it at 60th and Cornell in Jackson Park. Granted, this year may be a bit tough, because of all the craziness, but even if not now, considered it as a “maybe” sometime in the future.

That being said, there are plenty of other vehicle competitions that also deserve your attention. If you want to scratch that itch and learn a bit more about one such, check out our article on Formula DRIFT!

The post The birth of automotive racing in the US appeared first on Altered Steel.

While some have surely been complete flops, others just came with a limited lifespan right from the get-go. Thus, even a somewhat successful vehicle could have been doomed to failure.

Such was the case with VW Brasilia. Currently, it is one of those classic cars you didn’t know existed. Back in the day, though? A whole different story! Buckle up as we take a ride through time to see what exactly happened to the people’s car of Brazil!

What is VW Brasilia?

Market demand for vehicle types varies greatly throughout the world. For instance, Europe doesn’t drool over large pickups as we do here in the States. Some places just have completely different needs in terms of price and function. To match that demand, car companies often develop specific models for those markets. VW Brasilia falls right into that category.

After the success of the original Beetle, Volkswagen wanted to remain dominant in as many markets as possible. However, not all countries had the same idea of “the people’s car”. So, in 1970, the Brazilian VW branch decided to take on the difficult task of creating a Brazilian successor to the classic Bug.

Sadly, things went badly at the beginning. Though the automaker produced upwards of 40 prototypes in three months, they all came at too high of a cost. This couldn’t fly as other companies offered cheaper options with pretty much similar specs (e.g. Chevrolet Chevette).

So they went back to the drawing board and after three years of prototyping, VW Brasilia finally saw the light of day. Yet the model’s challenges had just begun anew!

How successful was Volkswagen Brasilia?

Because of a peculiar tax situation in Brazil, VW initially marketed the model as a small commercial van. Many consider that approach to have ultimately failed, only hurting the figures.

Yet with time, the model’s sales began to rise and by the end of its production, it went above 1 million units. That said, it did not really become the people’s car of Brazil.

For starters, many of its units did not even sell that much in Brazil, they had to be exported. In fact, the model went all over South America in order to amass the numbers we mentioned. It even crossed continents to land in Nigeria. VW shipped its parts there ready for assembly and sold it under the Igala name.

Even so, at the end of the day, VW Brasilia failed to match the Beetle in terms of success. Brazilians continue to prefer the latter as an affordable, reliable car, which ended up just too good for VW’s corporate interests. But what did Brasilia actually offer?

VW Brasilia technical details

This little car came at a time when models like the Mustang already existed. Why does this matter? Because VW was not the only company to fight for the Brazilian market. Ford and Chevy had already entered it with their more innovative budget options. In light of all this, here are some details about VW Brasilia.

• Engine – The car came with a 1,600 cc 4-cylinder air-cooled engine, an already dying breed. It had only 60 hp and abysmal performance. The car took 23 seconds to reach 62 mph with a top speed of 80 mph.
• Weight – With 1,962 lbs of curb weight you would expect this car to perform slightly better. At the same time, its competitors, although heavier, outperformed it in almost every aspect.
• Efficiency – Small engines with little power usually provide a good fuel economy. Not in this case! While not bad per se, its 31.5 miles to the gallon fell behind Chevrolet’s 36.2. These results were devastating for the reputation of a supposedly budget car.

When you take all of that into account, you can see why VW Brasilia finally got cut. On the one hand, people disregarded it as the Beetle’s successor. On the other hand, the model became known as being a worse choice compared to its alternatives, due to its outdated tech. So, Volkswagen decided to bite the bullet and start on a clean slate with VW Gol (not to be confused with the Golf).

What do you think about VW Brasilia?

When we look at its historical context, VW Brasilia looks like a giant missed opportunity. Instead of innovating to bank on the Beetle’s reputation, Volkswagen tried to squeeze the most out of old technology. And it failed.

Should the model have come out just 5 years earlier, it could have been the success the automaker wanted. Alas, time waits for no one. So, instead of being among the most desired classic cars, it will remain a fairly obscure model in Volkswagen’s portfolio.

Do you have an idea of what else VW could have done differently? I’d be happy to hear it!

Photo credit: Leonardo Lameu – Unsplash

The post VW Brasilia: The people’s car of Brazil appeared first on Altered Steel.

For instance, if money is not an issue. Would you go for a luxury car? Most likely, your answer would be yes. But what really motivates the positive answer? What are the deciding factors for your choice? How do you know they belong in the luxury vehicle segment and not other high-end cars?

Join me in this post, as I delve into the world of luxury cars and explore what makes luxury luxurious.

What makes a luxury car?

Exclusivity

If you are just looking for a vehicle to take you from point A to point B then maybe a luxury car is not exactly what you need. However, if you seek an exquisite ride that will turn a few heads as you drive by, then you might want to check that Roll-Royce Phantom or Jaguar. These luxury marques are all about sophisticated expensive looks and premium quality.

High-quality interior features

It is hard to imagine a luxury car without the superior interior comfort. The leather and supportive seats, futuristic infotainment systems, ample legroom, and preferential lights are just some features that create a superb luxury experience for a driver. Comfort and style, along with modern looks and the latest tech are intrinsic to your luxury car shopping checklist.

Brand differentiation

As more mass-market automakers are launching their premium models, it becomes essential for veteran luxury car marques to reinforce their position in the luxury marketplace. This is their niche, and in order to keep it that way, they leverage on their brand legacy and reputation. For example, Range Rover, Porsche, and Rolls Royce are relying on brand advertising to attract buyers. They offer their brand name and latest technological features as value propositions.

Price

As premium cars are also becoming quite expensive, the line between a premium and a luxury vehicle has become a little blurry when it comes to price. For example, Mercedes-Benz CLA is one of those entry-luxury cars, which is still pretty affordable. And then you have vehicles such as Audi S8 or Bentley, which are considered an ultra-flagship luxury. Their price tag that exceeds the $150k mark leaves you no doubt about their luxurious origin. Hence, when in doubt about whether the car you are looking at belongs in the luxury segment, besides price, you can rely on the previous criteria, to help you out.

Speed and safety

These are the other distinguishing features, especially when considering sports luxury cars. Their crash protection features and exterior are specifically designed in such a way that allows you to reach full speed in a matter of seconds, and yet, feel safe while on the road.

How did the concept of luxury cars evolve over the years?

The criteria above suggest that luxury car brands make it all about their drivers. It’s not all just about a car, it’s about the status. The unique ownership experience seems to be the common denominator throughout the evolution of the luxury car concept.

At the beginning of the 20th century, all cars were considered a luxury. Most of them were still hand made, and quite costly as compared to most people’s earnings. Hence, the car was a sign of prestige, which only a select few could afford.

In 1913, Henry Ford introduced an assembly line, which, in turn, reduced each vehicle’s production time and, consequently, lowered its price. Now, more people had access to cars. There was time, especially after the Great Depression, when one could see both regular and luxury cars sharing the roads. It was so easy to tell them apart.

Today, these lines have blurred. Thanks to progress in technology and machine learning, more and more features, which previously belonged only in the luxury segment, are also being added to other vehicles.

What is the future of luxury?

Futuristic technology and e-mobility seem to be the focus of future luxury cars. Artificial intelligence is turning cars into smart aware machines. Moreover, with Tesla being one of the main electric luxury brands on the market, it seems that soon, these will be two main criteria to tell luxury cars apart.

However, if you still own a classic luxury car, do not attempt at replacing it. Its value most likely will keep increasing. This is the beauty of luxury. It may get out of fashion in the short run, but it obtains incredible value in the long run.

What is your experience with luxury cars? Do you have any other criteria that you personally use to distinguish a luxury vehicle from other premium cars? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

The post What defines a luxury car these days? appeared first on Altered Steel.

Today’s vehicle of focus makes that abundantly clear. Although we have ranked Ford Mustang among America’s most iconic classic cars, many people despise what the model has become. They would say it no longer carries the old, gritty spirit with its pedal-to-the-metal vibe. Once a stallion you had to tame, now barely worthy of its name.

But is that true? Has the Mustang shed away its character with each new generation? Or maybe some of us just prefer being glued to the past? Hop on, we are going on a ride to find that out!

Is Mustang the first pony car?

Depending on who you ask, the iconic Ford model may have been a tad too late to the party. Technically, Plymouth Barracuda claims to be first, having come out two weeks before the Mustang. We can argue back and forth about how we count that, but it matters little.

Ultimately, the Barracuda failed, while the Mustang proved just how much potential pony cars have. After all, we do call them ponies, not “fish cars” for a reason.

The Ford model became a quick success, selling over a million vehicles in two short years. That being said, after six generations and more than 50 years on the market, the model sales have been steadily declining. Somehow the Mustang failed to carry the initial success through the decades. Did the changes really ruin the model?

How did the Mustang change through the years?

Even a few thousand words would not do this question justice, let alone a brief overview. Nevertheless, I will try to summarize the evolution. Wish me luck!

• First-gen Ford Mustang (1965 – 1973)

The original Mustang still holds the title for the most units sold. Its more basic versions are fairly cheap muscle cars that can make you feel rich. Though it really depends on what year make you get. It saw so many changes that some would have passed as entirely new generations by today’s standards. Ultimately, the first-gen finished with 375 bhp top V8 engine and 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.9s.

• Second-gen Ford Mustang (1974 – 1978)

On the one hand, this car built upon its predecessor’s success with over a million sales as well. On the other hand, enthusiasts do not regard it all that well. Ford had dumbed the exterior down, not to mention how boring the engine options were.

Some versions came with just around 90 hp. Even its top V8 engine only had 140 hp and took 10.5 s to get to 60mph. Seems like a bad joke compared to the original!

• Third- and fourth-gen Ford Mustang (1979 – 1993; 1994 – 2004)

Design-wise both versions are huge deviations from the initial muscle aesthetic. In terms of power, the third-gen managed to improve a bit on the second, but not by much. The fourth-gen started seeing some return to form though. The speediest versions had 390 hp and could go from 0-60 mph in 4.9s.

Many fans think that during those generations the model went from a pony car to one big confusing mess. It looked less like a muscle, more like a general everyday coupe. Surprisingly though, the third-gen sold almost as many units as the first one, and the fourth passed the million mark too.

• Fifth-gen Ford Mustang (2005 – 2014)

Thankfully, in 2005 the model veered away from complete disaster. Its design took inspiration from the original with engines and performance to match the looks. That proved enough to save the lineup, though sales continued to decline. For its 10 years on the market, it barely went over 1,000,000 cars.

The main reason for this has to do with Ford’s inability to produce a solid concept. The automaker wanted it to be simultaneously affordable, yet with a bunch of luxury features. Ultimately, Ford could not strike the balance between comfort and performance, sacrificing certain aspects of the latter for the former.

• Sixth-gen Mustang (2015 – Today)

After three abysmal generations and one that could not find its identity for a while, the Mustang lineup finally produced a worthy successor. This is the first version that somehow blends modern design without doing away with its heritage.

It drives like a sports car, looks like a beast, and does not feel hampered in any way. With its 5L V8 (460 hp) going from 0 to 60 takes you just 4.2s. At the same time, it gives you just enough comfort, without unnecessary luxury additions to drive the price up. In other words – it embodies the spirit of what the pony car was made to be: affordable, fast, and aesthetically aggressive.

• The oddball Mustang SUV (2021?)

I just had to mention this one. Oh, people never asked for a Mustang SUV? Guess Ford didn’t get the memo. Though the sixth-gen restored our faith in the model, Ford once again decides to muddy the waters by banking on Tesla eSUV’s success.

Making it an EV may have been the right decision, but slapping the Mustang logo on it is a step too far. They could have figured out another animal to start an entirely new lineup. Who knows, maybe it would have been iconic on its own. Now we see that Ford just doesn’t care about its lineup integrity. It makes me worry about the future of the stallion brand.

Which would you rather have – first or last-gen Ford Mustang?

Set aside the “classic” badge for a second. Instead consider this in terms of looks, performance, and overall experience. I know many people want to sound tough and say they prefer the good old ride. But have you actually driven one?

I would actually take the new-gen. The older I get the more I think of safety, which also includes the way a car drives. Handling, ease of use, responsiveness – these things matter more to me now. However, you may have an entirely different take. Tell me about it and maybe we can have a discussion!

By the way, if you want to scratch your muscle car itch even further, check out our article on the age-old argument: Camaro vs Firebird!

The post Mustang vs. Mustang: The evolution of Ford’s iconic pony car appeared first on Altered Steel.