Wednesday 25 February 2015

Classic Car Mysteries: The James Bond DB5

Some of the juiciest, most intriguing mysteries can be found in classic cars. Often, they sound as if they come from the pages of a book or a movie screen – and this one does, in a roundabout sort of way. In Boca Raton in 1997, under the cover of night, a very special, very expensive, very famous car vanished into thin air.

The Aston Martin DB5 that was featured in the James Bond classic “Goldfinger” is considered by many enthusiasts to be the car that really got Bond into his famous (and pretty nifty) gadgets. There were four identical 1964 DB5s that were made. Two were in the movie where Sean Connery as the dashing James Bond drove it. The other two were used for promotional purposes.

One of the cars used in the film recently sold for more than $4,600,000 at an auction in London. The other has been missing since that fateful June night in 1997. It seems to have vanished without a trace, leaving investigators and conspiracy theorists alike completely baffled.

The James Bond gadget car was stored at the Boca Raton Airport in a hangar. It was wildly popular because of the Bond connection as well as its uber cool, never before seen gadgets. It was in the hangar and then it was gone.

It has been reported by insurance investigators and police that there were tire marks that led from the hangar to a short distance outside where they abruptly stopped. And that is where the facts stop and the questions begin. Where did it go? How was it transported? Did someone load it on a plane and fly it to a far off land? We may never know.

Figuring out where you’ll go to get the lowest monthly payment on your next high end classic car doesn’t have to be a mystery! Woodside Credit makes it fast and easy to finance a classic or exotic car. Visit our site at http://www.woodsidecredit.com/classic-car-loans/ and let us put you behind the wheel of your next classic ride – mystery not included.

Source URL: http://www.woodsidecredit.com/classic-car-mysteries-james-bond-db5/

Monday 26 January 2015

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Guide for First-Timers


If you love cars and have never been to a Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, then it most definitely needs to go on your bucket list. It ranks up there as one of the most prestigious, exciting, and memorable automotive events in the U.S. Every auto enthusiast should experience the excitement and totally amazing cars at least once. Beware, though, once you go, you’ll be hooked. It gets in your blood and you will find yourself making your way to Scottsdale for the third week in January every year. But before you head out there, there are a few things you should know; things that will help make your experience as awesome as it can be.

It’s all about the plan.
Before you get to the auction; before you even step out your front door, you need to make a plan. There’s a lot to see and do there, and the better you plan the more you will be able to accomplish. If you take a fellow enthusiast, map out your plan together. If you take your family or spouse, tell them to just go on without you because even if you do plan to meet it is just too easy to lose yourself in the cars and excitement. Either that or the auction itself tampers with the space time continuum and you can’t be held accountable for missed dinners because of that.

It’s also about doing your homework.
If you think you are going to just look at all the cars and find a few to bid on when you get there, you’re dreaming. There’s too much to see, too much to do, and too much going on. The best thing you can do is do your homework well in advance. Look through the catalog and select the cars you are interested in checking out or bidding on.

And it’s about being prepared – way ahead of time.

Checking out the cars ahead of time goes hand in hand with fulfilling Barrett-Jackson’s requirements for bidders. There are certain things that bidders must do in order to be able to place bids on cars. There are financial requirements, identification verification, and fees that must be taken care of if you want to bid. Get it done ahead of time and it will save you headaches on auction day. Plus, you’ll have more time to enjoy those hot rides.

Strategize your bidding.

This is another instance where it pays to plan ahead. When you find cars you want to bid on, do a little research and set your bid limits. What is the highest price you will pay? Check out similar cars and see what they are going for so you can have an idea of what’s a good price and what’s not so great. Don’t get caught up in the bidding, stick to your guns and if you get outbid, just move on.

As Barrett-Jackson’s exclusive lender, Woodside Credit offers buyers low payments and easy terms. Check us out at http://www.woodsidecredit.com/barrett-jackson/ before you hit the auction and see how easy it is to add one of these hot rides to your collection.

Saturday 24 January 2015

Head to Head: US Classics vs European Classics


Who doesn’t love a cool classic car? There is just something about that vintage look, shiny chrome, sleek lines, and the history that draws folks into the romance of it all. While there are some classics enthusiasts who just love vintage vehicles, there are often two distinct camps that have their own ideas about which classics are the best – European Classics and American Classics.

Which side are you on? Let’s take a look at some of the top cars in each category. Maybe you’ll get hooked too.

European Classics

1.     Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967) – Only 18 of these babies were ever made so they are uber rare. They were the most expensive automobile the year they were released. They are still a highly coveted automobile prize.

2.     Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964) – This was a hot car when it was first manufactured and it is even hotter as a classic. In fact, in August 2014, a 1963 model sold for $34,650,000 at Bonham’s Quail Auction.

3.     Lamborghini Miura (1966-1973) – This was Lamborghini’s first sports car that he produced after he and Ferrari parted ways. It was also the beginning of a legend. In its day it was the fastest production car; and it’s still awesome.

4.     Dino 206 GT (1968-1969) – This “Almost a Ferrari” was the company’s attempt to create a car that affordable and accessible to consumers who were not part of the elite. You can’t keep a Ferrari down, though, and it didn’t take long for this little car to shine.

5.     Mercedes-Benz300 SL Gullwing (1954-1963) – This car was produced as a racing car from 1952 to 1953 then was a production car until 1963. It was the doors, though, that turned this hot little number into an iconic classic.


American Classics

1.     Mercury Eight (1949-1951) – In its day, this was the coolest car on the road. In fact, it made an appearance in Rebel without a Cause when it was driven by the legendary James Dean. Now collectors scramble to get just a little bit of this coolness for themselves.

2.     Tri-Five Chevrolets (1955-1957) – This design is one of the most highly prized classic among many collectors. Its popularity has earned it a place as a piece of Americana. They are definitely head turners.

3.     Ford Mustang (1964-and still going strong) – The Pony car is the epitome of muscle cars and with powerhouses like the Shelby Ford has shown it can appeal to just about everyone.
4.     Chevy Corvette (1953-does it really matter?) – This is the all American sports car that has withstood the test of time. Throughout its sometimes rocky history, it has proven to be a hardy, popular classic that won’t back down.

5.     Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (1953-1966 & 1971-1976) – This cool caddie brought home Cadillac’s slogan “Standard of the World” with its sleek lines and mile long hood. It was full out luxury and a landmark in Cadillac history.

Woodside Credit can help you pick up a classic little beauty to add to your collection – or to start one. Our easy terms and fast approval will get you on the road in no time. Check us out at http://www.woodsidecredit.com/classic-car-loans/ and see how easy it is to get a classic of your own.

Friday 23 January 2015

Which Exotic Car should you be Driving?


A. What famous personality do you identify with?

  1. Rapper and Mr. Kim Kardashian – Kanye West
  2. International man of mystery, Bond, James Bond
  3. LA Lakers’ guard/forward, Kobe Bryant
  4. Rebel without a Cause, James Dean

B.  What’s your fashion style?

  1. Impeccably tailored suits and jeans with a classic but edgy flair. Relaxed but just a little bit bad boy. You like to make a statement
  2. Always dressed to the nines but never ostentatious or flashy. Classic and confident with an attitude that matches your style: cool, calm, and collected.
  3. You are sporty and relaxed but you clean up real nice. Your suits are finely tailored but your sneakers are never far from reach.
  4. You are your own fashion brand, walking to the beat of your own drum.

C.  Which is your favorite quote?

  1. “I’m too busy writing history to read it.”
  2. “There are some things that just aren’t done, such as drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.”
  3. “If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail.”
  4. “If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live on after he’s dead, then maybe he was a great man.”

D.  Which best describes you?

  1. I am talented and in demand. I know my worth and it’s probably more than you can afford. I’m cocky in a charming sort of way that the ladies love with just enough bad boy to incite their adventurous side.
  2. I am always a gentleman with a sharp wit and an appreciation for the finer things in life. I like a little mystery and a lot of adrenaline rush. I am handsome, rugged, intelligent, but a bit of a cad when it comes to women.
  3. I am athletic and driven because success doesn’t just happen. I am at home in sneakers and sweats, but equally comfortable in a finely tailored suit. I like to stay in shape and have the body to prove it –my dedication has served me well.
  4. I’m like no one you’ve ever met. I am a rebel and a gentleman. I have a love for fast cars and anything fast or dangerous. I am handsome in a brooding loner sort of way. I have my own style and walk to the beat of my own drum.

Answers:
Mostly 1’s
You are like a beautiful peacock, flashy and proud. The car you drive should reflect that. You’d look best cruising around town in your sleek Lamborghini.

Mostly 2’s
You exude class and sophistication even though your style is slightly understated elegance. Opt for an Aston Martin – because a Rolls would just be over the top.

Mostly 3’s
You’re sporty but definitely not a jock. You can dress with the best of ‘em them spank ‘em on the court. Try a Bentley on for size. We think it’ll fit just fine.

Mostly 4’s
You’re a legend, a whisper in the wind. You are unique and just a little quirky. You need to be behind the wheel of a Porsche – customized just for you, of course.

Looking for the perfect luxury exotic car for you? When you find it we can help you make it yours with our easy financing and the best terms in the industry. Visit our site today at http://www.woodsidecredit.com/exotic-car-loans/ and let Woodside put you in the car you were made to drive.

Monday 27 October 2014

Famous Classic Cars and their Equally Famous Drivers


Classic cars are loved even by just about everyone. The crowd of admirers is widely diverse from dedicated car buffs to people who barely know how to put fuel in their own car. There’s just something about vintage cars that turns heads and elicits appreciation for an era long past. So what classic cars do the rich and famous (or just famous) have in their own garage? This list might surprise you.

Elvis – 1957 BMW 507

OK, so Elvis is not a living celebrity, but we just couldn’t leave this little beauty off of the list. Plus, it’s Elvis! With its removable hard top, Rudge wheels, and black interior, this roadster caught The King’s eye. There’s a little mystery surrounding the whole story here, but, hey, it’s Elvis!

Jay Leno – Where to start?

Jay has a special affinity for the classics and has a pretty impressive collection to prove it. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, you name it. He has some very rare – and very nice – cars in his collection. The best part? He drives every one of them. Nice.

Brooklyn Decker – 1973 Ford Bronco

This isn’t anything particularly special – unless you like vintage Bronco’s. But Brooklyn Decker is so darn cute and this is a good looking ride in Carolina Blue with a white top. Sweet.

Ralph Lauren – McLaren F1LM

Who would have thought that one of the top fashion designers in the world is also a classic car aficionado? But when you are as wealthy as Ralph Lauren you can afford to have expensive collections that include some extremely rare and desirable cars ever made. His collection (which some say rival Jay Lenos) includes Ferrari 250 Testa Rossas, Veyrons, and the uber rare McLaren F1LM – only five were ever made.

Martha Stewart – 1958 Edsel station wagon

Wait, what? Martha Stewart has a penchant for old cars? Yep, and she loves her Edsel. She also owns a home in Maine that was owned by the son of THE Henry Ford, Edsel Ford.

Jerry Seinfeld – Porsche, Porsche, Porsche

Jerry Seinfeld likes Porsches – a LOT. He has a rather impressive collection of the iconic car that includes a 959 which is said to be worth $700,000 and is extremely rare (only 337 were ever made). He also has several vintage 911s as well as some Boxsters. Pretty impressive for the funny man.
Do you want to add a classic car to your own personal collection? Woodside credit can help you make that happen. Visit us at http://www.woodsidecredit.com/classic-car-loans/ and find out how easy it is to add a beautiful classic to your garage.

Sunday 28 September 2014

Celebrities and their Exotic Cars


We love to get a peek into the lives of our favorite celebrities. We want to know what they are wearing, who they are dating, where they are living and what they are driving. Celebrity cars is a hot topic and with good reason – they always have the best stuff!

So what exactly are our favorite celebs driving?

Kanye West – He may be controversial, but he does have great taste! Kanye’s sleek, silver Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss is one of only 75 in existence. He reportedly paid $1.7 million for this sporty little number – that can hit speeds up to 217 miles per hour. That’ll get you where you want to go; fast!

Kim Kardashian – Of course, we can’t talk about Kanye without talking about Kim – and her Ferrari F430. For the record, her Bentley continental GT seems to be her first choice as a daily driver, but the Ferrari carries the heftier price tag of $186,925.

Paris Hilton – She’s a Barbie girl and to prove it she special ordered a Bentley GT Continental in pink – completely pink, inside and out. It also has a diamond encrusted dashboard for her pink car. She says that she chose pink because ever since she had the pink Barbie Corvette when she was a little girl, she has been smitten with all things Barbie. And this very pink car is her tribute.

David Beckham – He’s living the good life cruising around in his Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead. While it cost him a cool $407,000, sources close to Beckham say that the many high end customizations that he has added (custom Savini Forged wheels, for one) the price has gone up a lot more. Even at bare bones, though, the Phantom is still a gorgeous piece of automotive art.

Nicholas Cage – Back in the day when Nick was on top of the world, he was the proud owner of a saucy red Ferrari Enzo. Only 399 were ever made and he paid over $670,000 for the car. He sold it when he ran into financial troubles, but oh, what a sweet ride that was!

Jay Leno – We can’t talk about celebrities and their cars without mentioning auto aficionado Jay Leno. While he has a pretty impressive collection, his reported favorite car is his Mercedes SLR McLaren for which Leno shelled out nearly a half a million dollars. Now that is devotion!
Want to cruise around town like a celebrity? Well, our wheels need to be celebrity worthy and we can help! Visit our exotic financing page and find out how easy it is to put you behind the wheel of your favorite exotic!