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.

101 Gift Ideas for every occasion
H Porter
1541 People have forgotton about the meaning behind gifting, in a consumer driven society we are often pushed towards competing e.g. upstaing gifts and my gifts better than yours. Lets go back to basics, giving is far more rewarding then receiving its much better for your Karma. If someone gives you a list ignore it, the only time a list is applicable is for Weddings where this is a tradition. Gifting is all about imagination, and a little thinking time. For big events like Christmas buy people things they would never buy themselves.

Here are some top ideas of adults:

More and more adults are cooking as a hobby and for enjoyment therefore consider some of the following; spaghetti measurer, Griddle pan, pancake maker, panini press, Knife set, Chefs blow torch, Cook books

Relaxation is often overlooked in our busy lives how about some of the following;
Bath Salts, Beauty products, we recommed brands like Bathina, Dermologica, Foot Doctor & sanctuary. Best to go to a beauty store where there are gift packs. Electronic massager,
Cuddly hot water bottle, A good novel, lots to choose from here best to go for your books stores recommended list

Gadgets are great fun here are some ideas; USB computer lights, Screen cleaing kit
Games, Board games and other season toys are great entertainment best to check out Amazon, Firebox and other large toy retailers for top best selling games. REmember gifts are about things you would rarely buy yourself.

For Car fanatics how about:
Some designer interior mats and seat covers, Car Cleaning kit, personalised number plates, Mini car racers, Ferrari or porche and other miniture car collectables, for new drivers fluffy dice are fun and well appreciated.

Heath & Fitness. Some top ideas include; detox kit, hand weights, mini trampoline, exercise mat, execercise ball, Bag with towel & water bottle, execercise video, exercise

DVD's are always a simple stocking filler or gift. There are a variety of genres to choose from action, adventure, romantic, horror & documentary. Amazon is the most famous online DVD retailer and has great suggestions and best seller lists to help you along.

Travel Enthusiasts; guide books, travel vouchers, spa vouchers, hand luggage, wash bags, travel accessories or perhaps a good novel.

If you are buying for adults who have just had children how about; a hand/foot casting kit, photo album or photo frames with perhaps a photo in.

Higher price items for all the family are new TV, video camera, DVD player, Games Console

Now onto children, this may be your own, grandchildren or perhaps your godparents or a close friend. For the best ideas simply walk into your largest toy store and ask whats selling for your age group. These are usually trend toys such as the latest lego product or film toys like Harry Potter, power rangers or Incredibles.

For creative kids, visit a craft centre either online or on the high street, how about buying some materials and let the kids get creative? You can buy thin leather and beads so they can make their own jewellery or perhaps card and other craft items to make their own art.

If you want to buy something different why not buy a classi corgi toy or perhaps some jewellery like a charm braclett which you can buy charms for at other gifting times. Computer games are normally a must have for kids but can be pricey, if these are out of your budget perhaps outdoor games would be a better choice.

Kids also love DVD's so movies are a simple gift idea, some of our top tips are look out for these film distributors:
Disney who produced Micky Mouse & friends, Winnie the pooh
Disney Pixar who produced Finding Nemo, Brother Bear & The incredibles
Dreamworks who produced Shrek
Disney Film also produce some good teen movies like Freaky Friday or Confessions of a teenage Dram Queen
Warner Bros are famous for Harry Potter & Xmas 2004 classic The Polar Express
Fox is another who have produced Power ranges and some other TV classics.
Remember that your childhood favourites may be loved by your kids too, such as Transformers, He-Man, thunderbirds, captain scarlet & Thundercats

Last of all our much loved pets are a big part of our lives, which is why you will often find gifts under the Chrsitmas tree for them. Our top suggestions are; cat nip ( a herb which makes them go wild), new colar or lead, blackets, toys, new bowls, a grooming session at your pet store or why not for dogs especially a nice juicy bone.

Remember the final step for gifting is the wrapping so spend as much time on the wrapping as you did on buying the gift. For more, check out www.sorrydarling.com

About the Author

H Porter writes for top gift website /www.sorrydarling.com target=_blank>http://www.sorrydarling.com>www.sorrydarling.com

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