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

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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

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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.

When Europeans think of American cars they don’t picture a Ford Escort. Nope. What comes to their mind is a mighty beast, such as the Mustang. Natural selection has determined these monsters will make their ripple through history.

Although muscle cars were way more popular back in the day, there is sort of a resurgence nowadays. It started in the early 2000s and hadn’t died since. But is there a market for these cars in Europe? Let’s see.

Don’t Europeans have their own muscle?

Let’s clear this question first. It all depends on how you look at it. To be honest, many European vehicles can fit in the broader description of a muscle. Are they considered such though? Not really.

Europeans think of cars more in terms of their use. It means that broadly speaking you’ll find three kinds of vehicles there – regular everyday cars, sports cars, and luxury cars. If you are willing to break these down even further, sure, you could label some of them as “muscle.” But most people don’t.

Even official company websites market their American muscle as sports cars in Europe. The term “muscle” is nowhere to be found. So there you have it.

With all that being said, the European demand for aggressive-looking, high-torque, high-power vehicles is on the rise. A lot of German car manufacturers have come up with their own versions of would-be muscle cars. So it won’t come as a surprise if the term sticks in the near future.

The most popular American muscle cars

Let me first say that I won’t be covering the classic models. I want to focus on vehicles you can get your hands on today. For a reasonable price that is.

Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, I will have to include similar models under one heading. So don’t get mad if I don’t mention every single Camaro or Shelby variant. But let’s get going!

Ford Mustang – The true American stallion

This car easily makes the top 3 of the most popular muscle cars in Europe. It has many variations, but the iconic logo has a place in every car enthusiast’s heart on the east side of the Atlantic. And that is the non-Shelby variant.

Interestingly, the Ford Mustang isn’t even among the most powerful or most expensive muscles. But is it beautiful? Of course. Add that to the fact that the new Mustang GT can get from zero to sixty in 4.3s, and you have a beast of a car. It also comes heavily sprinkled with the American spirit.

The Mustang gets a fair amount of love in Europe. It is among the best-selling “sporty” vehicles in Germany. Its UK version isn’t far behind either. And due to its reasonable price, many young people find it quite affordable. So it is indeed a good opening pick for today’s list.

As for the Shelby iterations, many of which aren’t even called Mustangs anymore – they are mostly left for Americans to enjoy. I’ll tell you why later, but here’s a hint: European regulations.

Chevrolet Camaro – You can never get enough

Camaro is another model that sits well in the minds of Europeans. There are so many variations of it that I can’t do it justice. Whatever you go with though, one thing is for certain – that’s the real muscle.

An interesting is the division in opinions people have about this vehicle. There is a very devout group of enthusiasts who fervently defend the old (read “classic”) look of this machine. Then again, fans of the new visual iteration aren’t a small number either.

While I don’t have any specific figures, it is almost certain that the Camaro sells a bit worse than the Mustang. This applies to both the US and European markets. But that’s largely due to the fair price difference. Still, it more than deserves a spot on our list.

Dodge Challenger – What muscle is all about

Many people consider this model to be the go-to muscle car of the modern age. Why? Because for a lot of folks it’s the only modern vehicle that can be called a true heir to the muscles of old. One reason is that it’s not afraid to have a not-so-modern look. The other? Power!

Its technical specs are a thing to behold. There are models, which exceed 700 HP. Impressive! But what does this mean in the real world? 3.5s to 60mph! This is what I call fast.

Sadly though, Dodge doesn’t sell well in Europe. They no longer market the latest Challenger models (among many others) on The Old Continent. So the only way to get one is through imports. But the price increase that comes with it isn’t small, which makes it hard to beat what Ford and Chevrolet are currently offering.

However, not being the most purchased vehicle doesn’t make it less famous. People still know it, and enthusiasts have a place in their hearts for it. So does our list!

Dodge Charger – The controversial pick

I know that this model has a bit of controversy about it. First, there is the whole debate of whether it’s a muscle at all. Some people consider it a sporty sedan, for others, it is way too big to be called a muscle. But then again, the new 707 HP Hellcat model doesn’t really sound like a family car.

But do Europeans know it? They sure do. Not as much as the previous three though. It often gets mistaken for a Challenger. And just like it, it isn’t marketed in Europe. Which is sad, because it could have been more affordable than a top of the line Camaro.

It is quite the opposite in the US. Millennials have quite the love for Dodge and the Charger in particular. So let’s give our respect to this beast.

Why aren’t there more muscle cars in Europe?

We have exhausted our list of muscle cars. Yes, that’s right. I know there are more worthy mentions, but most of them aren’t known in Europe. And there is an actual reason why this is the case.

Remember that we mentioned Shelby isn’t really sold on The Old Continent? And that Dodge has withdrawn from marketing their latest models there? A big reason is European regulations.

A car in Europe has to have a certain level of efficiency and is not to surpass the set exhaust emissions. If it does, you have to pay quite the premium for it (i.e. high taxes and all that).

But how come Camaro and Mustang find their way on the market? It’s because they manufacture specially designed European models. And sometimes they differ quite a lot from their US counterparts.

Exhaust emissions are just the beginning. A lot of times the European models have less horsepower, better mile-per-gallon ratio, and use different materials in their manufacturing process.

This begs the question if we can even consider such cars “American muscle”. But really, can we stamp a nationality to any car?

What is the alternative?

Frankly speaking, there probably isn’t one. Think about it, what makes a muscle car? Some would say the sound of the engine, for example. But it comes at a price: higher fuel consumption, higher exhaust emissions, etc.

Yet, there are some models, which have tried to look the part. The Mustang EcoBoost is one such. But would you consider it a muscle? Most people wouldn’t. And I don’t blame them.

With muscle cars there is something more than looks – it’s the spirit. The American spirit. And of course, we don’t want a dead pony; we want a state-of-the-art, roaring-like-thunder beast of a machine. But you just don’t get that by compromising.

However, Europeans see it differently. They want a safe car, which is fast, meets the regulations and doesn’t use up fuel as much. Did we also mention that it has to be fast?

Well, “fast” has a different meaning on The Old Continent. It’s not all about horsepower. If it feels good, accelerates well, and gives you the chills. It’s fast enough. Exactly how fast is not important.

That’s why EcoBoost has a nice niche market there. And do you know what else has such a market? Tesla.

Really? Tesla?

Yes, the company doesn’t have muscle cars. Some would even consider it a stretch to say it produces speed-oriented vehicles. But with 400+ horsepower under the hood, it’s not far off to say that Tesla offers some pretty solid choices. And Europeans are digging them.

Considering everything we’ve said so far, is this even a surprise? People in the UK, Germany, France, and the like aren’t raised on big, bulky, high-throttle vehicles. What they are actually used to is more luxurious, compact, but fast cars.

Tesla S can be found in many variations, some with a lot of luxury in mind. And engine power is pretty great, as we mention. But with an SUV and another luxury model on the horizon, Tesla is more likely to take on the European market than the likes of Dodge.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Muscles have their place in Europe, but it might not hold for long. Specially designed Mustangs and Camaros may still be around in ten years, but European manufacturers continue to run the show. Japanese vehicles are close after, and Tesla is a rising star.

Ladies and gents, we may be on the brink of a complete muscle car redesign once again. Strict environmental regulations may hit the US as well. What will happen to our favorite cars then? I don’t know.

But I do know I am looking forward to an environment-friendly, lightning-fast, engine-roaring beast. And yes, if it could keep its horsepower of 700+, it would be great.

The post American muscle cars in Europe appeared first on Altered Steel.

Car enthusiasts have always had fun with classics. That whole world is actually quite welcoming, and you can find something for everyone. Aside from the popular expensive entries, there are good classic models on the cheap side as well. The reason for that is simple – back in the day car manufacturing had a certain standard. Nowadays… let’s just say things have gotten a bit out of hand.

In our quest to make cars safer, cheaper, and easily accessible, we have robbed them of their character. The models of the 2000s had it particularly rough. Mass production hit new peaks, while their design hit new lows. This presents us with a challenge.

In just a few years the first models of the new century will become classics by the legal definition. Considering all that, we have decided to explore that niche and dig out the best models from it. That way you will know which future classics are worth it. Who knows, maybe you will even get inspired to buy one now. Are you ready to join me on my journey through the 2000s?

Culture shock – the difference between old and new classics

Before I get straight to the models, I have to warn you of something. You may have a concrete idea of what a classic car is. I had one too. For me, a classic car needed to have somewhat curvy shapes with that distinct old-timey, yet stylish look. Its rigid metal construction left you with the impression that the vehicle indeed has substance to it.

Unfortunately, most cars of the new century look rather… plasticky, for a lack of a better term. Their aesthetics show the signs of an on-going evolution, which is not quite there yet. Not to mention that the use of electronics will definitely prove a problem down the line. That being said, not all 2000s models are created equal.

While you need to look harder to find a nice future classic, there is hope. These models may not be on the level of the classic Corvette that everyone wants, but some come pretty close. Let me introduce you to them!

The American racing snake – Dodge Viper

I open this list with an entry that has won my heart since the first iteration of the model. I still remember my toy Dodge Viper with white stripes. It was the one that inspired me to start my toy car collection. And now its initial couple of generations are becoming classics!

Dodge Viper hit the market for the first time in 1992. Since then it has gained quite the fan base. Sadly, the model line saw its end in 2017 for reasons unknown. While surely unfortunate, that turn of events makes the investment in an old Viper even better. Future scarcity will likely drive prices up. You can grab one for under $40,000 and in good condition at that.

I like to say that Dodge Viper is the American Porsche 911. Both cars pay respect to their predecessors in terms of performance and design. Because of that, I think the early 2000s Viper models are the perfect future classic entries.

A British piece of art – Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

As I have made it clear, I associate classic cars with rounded aesthetics. There is something inherently pleasing about them. Well, Aston Martin V12 Vanquish definitely checks all the right boxes with its design.

I do not know how the company managed it, but this car is the perfect blend between modern aesthetics and vintage looks. You can tell it is bound to age well, like a good wine. Should I even mention that it performs great on the track too? All in all, the V12 Vanquish has proven itself to be one charmingly impressive beast.

Yet I was not sure whether I should include this one on the list. It has a higher price point, which may not make it a reasonable pick for most of us. Still, the list would not have been complete without a car of this caliber. Plus some units can be found under $80,000, which is not exactly unbearable.

One for leisure – Honda S2000

When I was compiling my list I realized I was leaning towards hardcore racecars. That is because such vehicles are usually made to stand the test of time. Of course, that makes them perfect picks for long-term ownership. But what about a car that is perfectly good for your leisure activities too? Here comes Honda S2000!

In the spirit of other remarkable Japanese classics, the S2000 stands its ground as a fast beast, too. However, it also looks like a car that you can just drive around on a sunny day. Whether you want to push that pedal hard is entirely up to you!

Honda S2000 is also affordable. You can get one under 15 grand, although you can also splurge on a more expensive version. Honestly, though, you cannot go wrong either way. The model has received a lot of praise during the years, so entering the classic realm would make it even more appealing. I think this is one of the best future classic investments for pretty much anybody.

Getting classy – Volkswagen Phaeton

If you have ever wanted a premium class, long base, limousine-like car, Volkswagen Phaeton is here to deliver. Now, I know what is on your mind – since when is VW associated with the high class? Well…

The Phaeton model is not exactly Volkswagen’s most impressive car by any means. It has never really sold well. That being said, its reputation is not bad at all. When it comes to comfort, quality, and reliability the Phaeton should be able to satisfy anyone.

It also looks like a car that has been designed to become classic in the first place. Take a few looks at its interior and you will see what I am talking about. Oh, yes, you can also get it extremely cheap nowadays. I am talking sub-$10,000 cheap. If that is not worth it, I do not know what is.

The style king – Bentley Continental GT

This grand tourer screams “classic” from miles away. Even though that is the first Bentley manufactured under VW management, the car is still amazing.

You can tell they have not skimped on luxury at all. It looks like a vehicle you would love spending time in. I can even imagine myself sitting in that nice leathery saloon without even driving the thing. And its polished wooden details? Now, this is what I consider class.

Just like the Aston Martin I mentioned, Bentley Continental GT has all the characteristics of a good classic car. Its design can easily pass as vintage without looking outdated. The worst part about it is that it will take several more years for it to become a true classic. Then again, that means you can still get it while the price has not been driven up by classic demand.

Honorable mentions in the future classics category

By now you should have a good idea what kind of models make a good pick – luxury and sports cars. That being said, there are a few other models, which managed to impress me. For certain reasons I left them out of the list, but they deserve a mention nonetheless. Here we go with them!

• Noble M12

Noble M12 was developed by an obscure British boutique brand. Yet the demand for it was quite high, and it was even sold in the US. Its manufacturing run began and ended in the year 2000, so it is bound to become a classic in just a few years. That being said, I only have it as an honorable mention, because it is quite hard to get your hands on one.

• Ferrari 575M Maranello

Can we agree that Ferrari cars are classics by definition? This model looks very stylish, considering its manufacturing date, and it will turn people’s heads even today. The price does not go that high either (for a Ferrari, of course). You can score it for under 125 grand!

• The ubiquitous Porsche 911 Carrera

If you want a classic that will age and perform well, without being that expensive, the 911 is definitely a good pick. However, the model is so well-known that many do not view it as special anymore. You can say it is “every person’s” Porsche. If you ask me though, it makes for a good addition to a classic car collection nonetheless.

What is your favorite future classic model?

With a decent number of entries in our list, you have a lot, from which to pick. Whether you want to get an American brand or you fancy foreign car marques, you can always find something interesting out there.

But maybe a great model flew past me. Is there a great 2000s car, which I have failed to include in my list? If you have one on your mind, tell me. I am always on the look for fun cars to see and read about.

In the meanwhile, I will have to personally decide whether buying a future classic makes sense for me. It may not be feasible, because I fell in love with Jeep CJ since my article on our favorite vintage SUVs. Then again, a cheap 911 and a nice SUV make for a good start of a collection, right?

The post Future classics from the 2000s that are worth investing in appeared first on Altered Steel.