Classic Car News: Grease is the word
March 15th, 2010 by Katie Norton
There have been many classic cars featured in films throughout the years, including the 1966 Thunderbird Convertible, which saw Thelma and Louise hit the open road in 1991, the 1966 Chevy Corvette Sting Ray in the 1999 film Austin Powers and perhaps the most famous of them all the 1948 Ford De Lux “Greased Lightning” car in the 1977 film Grease. Popular amongst men and women alike the Ford De Lux, really deserves credit for being “one of the most memorable classic cars in the movies”, according to HubPages.com.
Combining an angelic sleek appearance with devilish good looks and innovative design helped the classic Ford to seduce both movie and car fans worldwide. Cars have to have a certain appeal to attract both male and female viewers, with the Telegraph website reporting that “men might dribble on about top speeds and depreciation values, but they really buy motors to boost their level of attractiveness”.
Mel Gibson was lucky enough to find out What Women Want in the 2000 film starring Helen Hunt as his female screen partner, but it needn’t be an accident that enables men to find out what women really want – it just takes a little observation. The Telegraph website has reported that “women are less likely to be seduced by horsepower and high-tech tricks. The attributes that most women want from a car are safety, reliability and value”.
To win the adoration of women, as well as the security and reliability features, cars have to be of a certain vintage, be sexy and have the ability to go fast (even if they don’t utilise it), which means they must be classics. There are many websites dedicated to female motor enthusiasts such as Greasergrrls.com, who have the motto “whether you dig classic cars or just like getting your hands dirty, Greasergrrls.com has got to be your next stop”, that provide an online community to share their views on anything car related. Marilyn Monroe made famous the belief that Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, which is why women certainly know how to appreciate the quiet sophistication and beauty of the classic car.
“It’s got over head lifters and some four barrel quads, a fuel injected cut-off and chrome plated rods. With a four-speed on the floor, they’ll be waiting at the door”, are the words used to describe the Ford De Lux in Grease, and perhaps best describe the primary attributes this classic car possesses.
Grease may be the word in the film world, but in the real world insurance is the word. Call Sureterm Direct free on 0800 999 2030 and get a classic car insurance policy tailored to your requirements or click here for an online quote.


Officers of Scotland’s Strathclyde Police Department will be patrolling the streets in style thanks to “an impounded Audi Q7 converted from the gangster-ride to a police patrol car”, according to QuattroHolic.com. Police cars have come a long way since the first motorised vehicles at the end of the 19th century, which could barely outrun a horse and buggy. Today’s police cars have significantly evolved into sophisticated vehicles, outfitted with the latest technology to enforce the law.
Have you ever imagined having the opportunity to create the perfect 4×4? Jeep has come up with an innovative idea and is “offering off-road enthusiasts the opportunity to build their own bespoke Wrangler”, according to The Auto Channel. Jeep are launching their Special Order Programme, designed to give customers greater individuality for their 4×4s.
It’s a fact that everybody likes a bargain, and nobody likes a high price tag, which is why if you dig around you can find many classic models for under £5,000. A vintage Triumph GT6 is one of the cars highlighted as a bargain buy on the Telegraph.co.uk, and boasts “a lovely sleek fastback body, with a six-cylinder engine – providing an obvious power bulge”, according to UniqueCarsandParts.com.
“Rather like Doctor Who’s tardis, the Morris Minor travels through time pretty well”, according to the Independent website, and also comes in under the £5,000 price range. With affordable and plentiful parts, the Morris Minor is an obvious ubiquitous choice for many enthusiasts who “thrive on the battle” to keep their classic cars alive, according to the Independent website.
With a 5.3 litre V12 engine, Classic Cars For Sale website reports that the Jaguar XJS had enough power in its day to be able to “hold its own against such out-and-out sports cars as Lamborghinis and Ferraris”. This may no longer be the case, but classic car enthusiasts don’t invest in a vintage motor to race it round winding roads; instead they treat it as their pride and joy, and in most cases will only venture out in them on a sunny summers day.


Paying out for that vintage car of your dreams may leave your pockets feeling light, but in the long run you may find you have more spare cash than you thought. Modern cars depreciate in value every year, however antique or classic cars not only hold their value but also increase in value over time. 
