Power, speed and performance – those are the three major traits of a muscle car. When first produced, muscle cars were just pretty darn amazing because they combined the efficiency of a lightweight, mid-sized body with the performance of a high- power V8 engine and special design features that further increased the cars? acceleration capabilities. Because muscle cars topped all other vehicles in terms of power, speed and performance, they were ideal for racing.

Muscle cars were produced from the mid-1960s into the early 1970s, but the production of such beasts fell drastically due to a number of factors. First was the controversy over whether it was wise and responsible to make such powerful vehicles available to the general public, primarily due to road racing. Because muscle cars were often used irresponsibly, liability relating to them was pretty high which forced insurance companies to increase rates for insuring muscle cars. Emission control requirements intended to curb pollution also played into the picture making it near impossible for automakers to produce muscle cars that met the standards they had to adhere to.

Needless to say, the muscle car industry changed quickly due to these influences. Demand decreased because many ?would-be? buyers of muscle cars couldn?t fathom paying the enormous insurance rates for a high-power vehicle and automakers had to meet the challenges presented by pollution control standards.

Since muscle cars were produced for a limited number of years, they are valuable items for collectors and are still highly desirable to those who enjoy racing or desire a quick, powerful, mid-sized car. Since the decline in the production of muscle cars, some automakers have attempted to bring the muscle car era back to life by producing powerful vehicles that resemble the legendary muscle cars, but in my opinion, they don?t hold a candle to classic muscle cars like the GTO, the Road Runner or the Chevelle SS.

It will be interesting to see how the history of muscle cars plays out. Will present day automakers renew production of true muscle cars that are fast and powerful? Will there be enough demand to make muscle car production worth it to them? Or, will muscle cars continue to be limited to those classic models that were produced in the 60s and 70s?

Classic muscle cars are pretty amazing pieces of machinery. One that is restored and in cherry condition is really worth a lot of money. As time goes on, there are fewer muscle cars available which makes them even more valuable to classic car collectors and muscle car enthusiasts.

Are You Soccer Mad?.. Soccer Crazy?.. Then try these Rome Soccer Tours.
Les Sheppard
1815 If you are fanatical about soccer, as you read through this article you're going to learn that it's easier than you think to travel to Rome, and see a classic soccer match, with the fans of Roma or Lazio at your side. Wouldn't it be amazing to tell your friends that you were there, in the Stadio Olimpico, when the winning goal was scored!

Whether you are coming to Rome on vacation or business, you simply have to experience the thrill of a football match! Rome soccer tour packages give you tickets to AS Roma or SS Lazio home games, hotel accommodation and breakfast daily. But don't delay, tickets sell out quickly because both teams attract fanatical support.

The Stadio Olimpico is home to both Roma and Lazio and was built for the 1960 Olympic games. An impressive 82,000 plus venue it has housed European Cup Finals and the 1990 World Cup Final. It is also the first choice home of the Italian national team, and a great venue for these Rome soccer tours.

And you can be reassured... it's easy to get there. Rome's principal airport, Fiumicino, lies 30kms south of the city and connects to Rome's major train station, Termini by regular hourly trains. The second airport, Ciampino, lies 15km south east of the city and is connected to the centre by bus to Anagnina metro station, where a direct train and then a tram will quickly get you to the stadium.

You can even save time and money and book your airport transfer services before you go! You can use a shuttle service that will take you from Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport to your Rome Hotel, without the hassle of picking up a rental car, negotiating unfamiliar traffic and maps.

The history of both Roman Football Clubs is equally littered with glory and frustration.

AS Roma were born in 1927 from the fusion of three different clubs - Alba, Fortitudo and Roman. A fine record in the 1930s eventually led to the first Giallorossi Scudetto in 1942.

Difficult years followed until their one and only relegation in 1951. With an immediate return to the top flight, Roma quickly captured a third place and the 1961 UEFA Cup. The Coppa Italia came in 1964, the first of seven in this competition.

Roma's most glorious years were the 1980s as aside from the two Italian Cups, the club's second Scudetto was lifted by Coach Nils Liedholm in 1983. The following year only a penalty shoot-out against Liverpool at the Stadio Olimpico kept them from winning the European Cup.

Fabio Capello's Roma led the 2000-01 Serie A table from start to finish for their third Scudetto and the club's first medal in a decade.

Rivals Lazio were founded in 1900 as Societa Spotiva Lazio, a multi-purpose sports club. The Biancocelesti began football full-time in 1906. Winning one wartime Roman title in 1944, the club lifted their first national trophy - a Coppa Italia - in 1958 but were relegated three seasons later.

Several trips up and down the Divisions preceded Lazio's first Scudetto in 1973-74 when they were led by the legendary Giorgio Chinaglia. But within five years came the club's darkest hour as Lazio was relegated for financial irregularities and only a play-off prevented the club from slipping into Serie C in 1987.

Sergio Cragnotti took over the club in 1992 and with his financial backing Lazio have become a force both in Italy and Europe. Since 1997 the Biancocelesti have won their second Scudetto, a Cup-Winners' Cup, an Italian and European Super Cup and two Italian Cups. However, only massive sales and a restructuring of contracts allowed the club to avoid bankruptcy.

Both clubs continue to ride close to the top of Italy's Serie A, and the rivalry is intense, especially during the annual derby matches where the teams and tifosi face each other. So, if your passion is football, then don't miss the opportunity to see your favorite Roman team play a home game this season, and be there with The Ultras!

Why book ahead?.. Well, here are my thoughts: * The most popular matches can sell out well in advance. Don't risk being disappointed! * Reduce stress! Don't waste time haggling with the hotel concierge for matchday tickets. * Lock in your price! Currency dips & price hikes won't effect you. * Save vacation time! Plan & book now, not when you're there. * Balance your vacation budget! Charge tours on this month's credit card bill.

Believe me (and I've been in Rome during a major soccer tournament!) there's nothing like the atmosphere of a match day, and the city buzzes with excitment. So, try one of these great value Rome soccer tours. Take the easy way - and book this efficient service online now and save time in Rome. You could have your match tickets secured in the next fifteen minutes!

As an extra resource for readers, I have posted this article onto my website, and provided quick links to these great tours.

Lets-Travel-Rome.com/RomeSoccerTours

I hope you'll agree that these special Rome soccer tours offer real value, and I know that you'll return home with some special memories of your stay in the Eternal City.

Best wishes for a great trip, and let me know the score!

Les Sheppard

Les Sheppard's website gives essential information about planning your trip to Rome, including flight deals, Rome accommodation tips, Apartment and Villa rentals,tour planning and tips on all the top Rome attractions: Lets-Travel-Rome.com You can also grab our free hotel guide and newsletter from the homepage, and keep up to date at our Travel Rome Blog: Lets-Travel-Rome.Blogspot

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