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.

Radio Control Cars - Which Type Is Right for You or Your Child?
Michael Holland
There are several factors to consider before choosing which type of radio control cars to buy. Don't just jump in
head first.

Making the correct choices, up front, can save you a lot of time and money down the road. Take a few minutes to read this helpful article so you can start out in the right direction.

First, it is important to determine who will be the primary user of the cars. This will help ensure that you don't
start off with a car that is far beyond the child's ability to operate.

Choosing the right starter radio control car can often mean the difference between building a long-lasting family hobby, or having one more piece of plastic ending up in the toy box.

If the intended user is a young child, say under 13, then you might be better off purchasing the relatively
inexpensive mini radio control cars that run on batteries. Not only are they inexpensive (often selling for under $20), but they are safe to operate in that they use no flamable gas and they include a low-voltage battery charger.

If an adult or older child will be using the radio control cars, then you have a much wider selection to choose
from. Of course, the mini cars are fun for all ages, but there are also larger all-electronic cars as well as beefy
gas-powered vehicles, and even Nitro powered monsters!

Expect to pay anywhere from fifty dollars to hundreds of dollars for the big kid radio control cars. Not only are the cars bigger and more powerful, but they come with a much more sophisticated radio control transmitter.

Capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour (with the amazing Schumacher Nitro SST Fusion model), these cars provide intense thrills for people of all ages.

If you opt to buy the high-ticket models of radio control cars, your expenses don't stop with the initial purchase.

There are fuels costs, maintenance costs, and money that you'll want to spend on all of those very cool accessories such as custom wheels and tires, enhanced radio transmitters, light kits, custom shock absorbers, carrying cases, display stands, souped-up engines, and a lot more.

If you are just starting out in the radio control car hobby, I suggest that you purchase one of the inexpensive
electric or gas models first. This will enable you to get the hang of the hobby without investing a lot. If you
decide that you're hooked, you can always trade up to the more powerful (and expensive) models.

One of the great things about being a radio control car hobbyist is how many other people share your interests.

There are thousands upon thousands of enthusiasts in the U.S. alone.

You'll find clubs, race teams, retailers, magazines, Internet user groups, book, and even videos that will help you learn more, meet new friends, and stay current on the happenings on this great family hobby.

About the Author

Michael Holland is the creator of http://www.rc-car-fun.com. His site offers lots of free tips for buying, building, and racing rc cars and trucks.

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