“Still Using Wax on Your Classic? 90% of Owners Say Yes—Here’s Why”

……. by Larry FitzGibbon

At recent classic car shows, we conducted a poll to find out what car owners are using to protect their prized vehicles. We asked:

1. Do you use polymer or ceramic coatings on your classic car?
2. If not ceramic, why not?
3. Which option do you believe offers the best protection?

The Results Might Surprise You:

Over 90% of respondents said they still use wax—specifically, Meguiar’s wax. When asked why they haven’t switched to ceramic coatings, three main reasons came up:

• Lack of trust – Many aren’t confident ceramic coatings are safe for their car’s finish.
• Lack of knowledge – Most have never been shown how to properly apply it.
• Cost concerns – Professional ceramic applications are often seen as too expensive.

What Classic Car Owners Are Saying (Among Polymer and Ceramic Users)

Opinions are split. Some classic car owners prefer the ease and familiarity of polymer sealants, while others believe ceramic coatings offer unmatched long-term protection.

Polymer vs. Ceramic Coatings: What Every Classic Car Owner Should Know

Protecting the finish of a classic car isn’t just about appearance—it’s about preserving history. Whether you’re weighing the proven performance of polymer sealants or considering the cutting-edge defense of ceramic coatings, here’s what you need to know to make an informed choice.

What’s the Difference?

Feature                    Polymer Sealant        Ceramic Coating

Durability                  3 to 6 months              2 to 5 years

Application               Easy DIY                     Requires some prep

Cost                          $10 to $40                   Same

Finish                        Warm Shine                Ultra-slick, reflective

Water repellant         Moderate                    Extreme Hydrophobic 

Recommendations: 

   For show cars that are garaged and detailed frequently, a polymer sealant may be enough. If your classic sees regular sun and road time, ceramic offers longer-lasting protection.

Top Product Picks

🔹 Best Polymer Sealant (Beginner-Friendly)

MEGUIAR'S Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax – Buy on Amazon

Great gloss, quick application, and affordable.

🔹 Best Ceramic Coating (Long-Term Protection)

CERAKOTE Platinum Rapid Ceramic - buy on Amazon 

Professional-grade protection for long-term shine.

Application Tips

• Prep is key: For both coatings, start with a clean, clay-barred surface.
• Apply polymer every 2–3 months to maintain shine.
• Use ceramic in a controlled environment and follow cure time exactly.

Final Verdict

Both coatings offer solid benefits—but if you’re looking for set-it-and-forget-it protection for your vintage paintwork, ceramic is hard to beat.

Pro Tip: Many owners apply a polymer sealant over ceramic as a “sacrificial” top layer for added gloss and ease of maintenance.

Want to Support this Site?

Some links above are affiliate links. When you click and buy, it helps support this blog—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for keeping your classics shining and our content rolling!

* Need Help Choosing a Product?

Email a comment to aadutter@gmail.com. Include your car’s make, paint type, or usage (garage queen or daily driver), and I’ll recommend the best combo for you.

 

👉 View our complete list of recommended car care products

Can You Afford Muscle? These 6 Classics Say Yes—and Still Turn Heads

Let’s be honest: we’ve all dreamed of owning a proper muscle car. That rumble, that stance, that shine. But then reality hits—can I actually afford one?

Fortunately, Hagerty always has a pulse on the collector car market, and they understand that most of us aren’t working with unlimited budgets. Their value guides and market insights are a great reality check when you're asking yourself: “Should I buy now, or wait?”

One of their latest articles really stood out:
“400 HP for Under $40K? Try These 6 American Classics”
It’s a great look at powerful, nostalgic machines that won’t break the bank—just good old-fashioned American muscle at a reasonable price.

These cars are perfect for:

• Your local Cars & Coffee

• Cruise nights and community events

• Or just a Sunday afternoon ride with your favorite passenger

For me, though, the real joy of owning a classic comes at the end of the day. That last slow buff across the hood with a microfiber cloth—the moment I get to step back and take in the shine.

I've had that pleasure for over 50 years now… and it never gets old.

*****

Whether you own a vintage beauty or a modern exotic, proper maintenance and detailing make all the difference.

Here are a few of our favorite car care products available on Amazon:

• Mothers Clay Bar System – Removes embedded contaminants and leaves your paint silky smooth.
• Cerakote Ceramic Paint Sealant – Long-lasting paint protection with a simple spray-on, wipe-off formula.
• Cerakote Trim Restorer – Revives faded plastic trim and keeps it looking sharp for months.
• 
  

👉 View our complete list of recommended car care products

Restore. Protect. Admire.

Your classic or exotic car deserves showroom-quality shine—from the comfort of your own garage.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no cost to you.

1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Sport ~ Presented by Kelly Dietrick ~ Exceptional Car Broker

 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Sport .......Price is 1.100.000.00 US 

Chassis No. 6C0312896

A well-documented, third-series 6C 1750 Super Sport, one of approximately 120 built in 1929. Delivered new as a rolling chassis to the UK and originally fitted with James Young coachwork, it was later rebodied in the early 1990s as a Zagato-style Spider. The car underwent a thorough refurbishment by Phil Reilly & Co. (1997–2000) and has since proven itself in historic events, including the 2001 Mille Miglia.

Production & Provenance
• One of approximately 120 third-series Super Sports built in 1929
• Original chassis number confirmed via stampings on crankcase, chassis tag, and frame horn (partial)
• Delivered new as supercharged rolling chassis to UK market
• First owner: UK registration (possibly as UV6097) to "Pawson" with James Young 3-seater coachwork
• Early history includes UK ownership until 1990s rebodied as Zagato-style Spider

Mechanical Specifications
• 1,767cc DOHC inline-six (original 1,750cc overbored during refurbishment)
• Engine features:

Venolia forged pistons with full-floating wrist pins

Carrillo connecting rods

Megacycle camshafts

Jim Stokes-supplied valves and springs
• Roots-type supercharger (period-correct; circumferential ribbing suggests non-original but contemporary installation)
• Single SU sidedraft carburetor
• Constant-mesh 4-speed manual transmission (non-sport ratios suggesting possible original non-supercharged configuration)
• Mechanical drum brakes with finned aluminum drums
• Rear axle with non-sport gear ratios

Refurbishment History (1997-2000 by Phil Reilly & Co.)
• Comprehensive mechanical overhaul:

Block resurfaced, crankshaft reground and nitrided

Cylinder head reconditioned

Supercharger, carburetor, oil pump and water pump rebuilt
• Modern upgrades:

Electric fuel pump

Electric cooling fan

Safety cutoff switch
• Cosmetic refresh including red repaint and black leather retrim

Coachwork & Features
• Zagato-style Spider body fitted early 1990s replacing original James Young coachwork
• Distinctive elements:

Bosch central driving light

Headlight stone guards

Dual Desmo side mirrors

Dual rear-mounted spares
• 18" wire wheels (black painted; four matching with two slightly different spares)
• Black folding top with matching boot

Documented Event History
• Completed 2001 Mille Miglia
• Participated in multiple historic events under previous Japanese ownership (1996-2023)
• Recently imported to US (October 2023)

Included Documentation
• Photographic record of refurbishment
• Service invoices from Phil Reilly & Co.
• Clean title

SEE PHOTOS HERE

*****

Whether you own a vintage beauty or a modern exotic, proper maintenance and detailing make all the difference.

Here are a few of our favorite car care products available on Amazon:

• Mothers Clay Bar System – Removes embedded contaminants and leaves your paint silky smooth.
• Cerakote Ceramic Paint Sealant – Long-lasting paint protection with a simple spray-on, wipe-off formula.
• Cerakote Trim Restorer – Revives faded plastic trim and keeps it looking sharp for months.
• 
  

👉 View our complete list of recommended car care products

Restore. Protect. Admire.

Your classic or exotic car deserves showroom-quality shine—from the comfort of your own garage.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no cost to you.

******

 

Remembering the Sarasota Classic Car Museum: A Tribute to a Local Treasure

Were you a fan of the Sarasota Classic Car Museum?

Established in 1953, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum was one of the oldest continuously operating car museums in the United States. Sadly, it has now permanently closed its doors.

The museum’s official statement reads:

“We would like to express our gratitude to the staff, volunteers, donors, members, and the community for their steadfast support. For their continued public appreciation and care, the museum’s collections have been thoughtfully transferred to other museums. While we are saddened events outside of our control brought about this closure, we are proud to have played a historic role in preserving, showcasing, and sharing the stories and rich history of its collections and extraordinary Platinum Jubilee legacy.”

As someone who moved to the Sarasota area 15 years ago—while deeply involved in brokering high-end classic and exotic cars—I still remember my first visit to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. It was a true gem, and one of our most memorable local experiences. I wish I could visit again.

The museum and its dedicated staff will be sorely missed by the car enthusiast community.

Keep the Spirit Alive: Preserve Your Classic or Exotic Car

While we say goodbye to this incredible institution, we can still honor its legacy by caring for our own automotive treasures. Whether you own a vintage beauty or a modern exotic, proper maintenance and detailing make all the difference.

*****

Here are a few of our favorite car care products available on Amazon:

• Mothers Clay Bar System – Removes embedded contaminants and leaves your paint silky smooth.
• Cerakote Ceramic Paint Sealant – Long-lasting paint protection with a simple spray-on, wipe-off formula.
• Cerakote Trim Restorer – Revives faded plastic trim and keeps it looking sharp for months.
• 
  

👉 View our complete list of recommended car care products

Restore. Protect. Admire.

Your classic or exotic car deserves showroom-quality shine—from the comfort of your own garage.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no cost to you.

The Rise and Fall of Hupmobile: Innovation, Legacy, and the Rare Skylark

 Following a successful career with Oldsmobile, Ford, and Regal, automotive pioneer Robert Craig Hupp founded the Hupp Motor Car Company in 1909 in Detroit, Michigan. His early venture into car manufacturing quickly gained traction with the introduction of the Hupmobile Model 20—a compact, affordable, and durable vehicle known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.

The Model 20’s reputation for endurance was solidified when one completed a transcontinental journey from San Francisco to New York in just 48 days. This achievement boosted public confidence and propelled Hupmobile into the national spotlight.

 

 

As the company grew, it expanded its offerings with larger and more sophisticated models to appeal to a broader market. However, in 1911, Robert Hupp left the company following disagreements with the board of directors. Hupmobile pressed on, and its 1912 Model 32, notable for its all-steel body construction, became the flagship model in the years leading up to World War I.

In 1925, Hupmobile made a bold move into the luxury automobile segment with the introduction of the Hupp 8. Equipped with a smooth eight-cylinder engine and upscale features, the car attracted wealthier buyers and expanded the brand’s prestige.

 

 

However, like many automotive companies of the era, Hupmobile was hit hard by the Great Depression. Despite efforts to appeal to more cost-conscious consumers, financial struggles mounted. In 1936, the company attempted a major comeback, but fierce competition and economic realities proved too much.

After Cord went bankrupt in 1937–1938, Hupmobile purchased the body dies for the sleek Cord 810/812 models. To bring these designs to market, Hupmobile partnered with Graham-Paige, another struggling automaker. Graham provided a modern factory, and both brands produced cars using the Cord bodies but under different names. Graham introduced the Hollywood, featuring a supercharged engine and rear-wheel drive, producing approximately 1,600 units.

 

Hupmobile did not manufacture cars in 1937 but resumed production in 1938 and 1939. In 1940, it launched the Hupmobile Skylark, also built on the Cord body but powered by a 6-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive. Only 319 Skylarks were produced in 1940, and the company went bankrupt the same year. Unsold cars were later re-titled and marketed as 1941 models.

*****

1940 Hupmobile Skylark ~ owner Alan Weinstein 

 

 For the DIY Car Enthusiasts: Keep Your Classic Shine Alive

Whether you’re restoring a vintage beauty like the Hupmobile or just keeping your daily driver looking its best, here are some top-rated detailing products on Amazon we recommend:

• Mothers Clay Bars – Perfect for removing embedded contaminants and leaving your paint silky smooth.
• Cerakote Paint Sealant – Offers long-lasting protection with an easy spray-on, wipe-off formula.
• Cerakote Trim Restorer – Revives faded plastic trim and keeps it looking new for months. 

   Restore. Protect. Admire.

Get the pro-level shine your car deserves—right from your own garage. 

*****

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost, loss of discounts, or loss of Amazon rewards to you.