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© Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden

While I'm not, in general, an auto buff, I have always had a soft spot for the Jaguar. After all, the classic lines, the elegance, the history…what's not to appreciate? So when I got a bonus from my work, I had a decision to make. I could, of course, save it…couldn't ever argue with that option, especially given this economy, or invest it, or do or acquire something I've always wanted. I took my time deliberating my options, and after carefully assessing my finances, decided I could actually go ahead and get a Jaguar!…even if a second hand Jaguar. I actually felt proud to use my money as wisely as possible and go for a previously owned car and pay for it outright, rather than still have something to pay off if I went for a brand new one. There again, I took my time for a car to come along that felt just right for me and now I'm enjoying driving around in my beautiful Jaguar!…a bonus I earned and a bonus well spent!

© Toyota Motor Europe

Most people today think of hybrid cars as cutting edge technology, yet a different sort of hybrid classic cars were popular with celebrities like dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Eddie Fisher back in the 1950s. Of course these were not your energy-saving hybrids of today.

Rather, the Dual Ghias GT convertibles popular in the 50's were considered hybrids because they were part American and part European. These sleek, high-performance cars featured Dodge D-500 hemi engines and custom chassis hand-built by the celebrated Italian automaker Carrozzeria Ghia. The hybrids of the 50s and 60s were beautiful cars that led a renaissance in automobile design. At the 2011 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance in Greenwich, Connecticut these rarely-seen hybrids will be on display, including the Dual Ghia, Facel Vega, Cunningham C-3, Iso Grifo, Cobra, Allard P1, Hudson Italia, Fitch Phoenix and Nash Healy.

© Cindy7609

If you have purchased a new recently pre-owned vehicle over the past decade, you probably noticed how vehicles featuring low emissions and high gas-mileage are becoming a major competitor in the market. For classic and muscle car lovers who own or are still working on their dream rides, there is a negative stigma surrounding the damage our vehicles are causing in the atmosphere. It is becoming more important than ever to educate yourself on ways to stay green with your gas-guzzling machine.

If you need to make a commute to work everyday, it is highly impractical to take your classic car. If your auto refinance classic car is the only vehicle you have, taking public transportation a couple of times a week or riding your bike will help save money on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint. If you are worried about your environmental impact and have no other transportation options, purchasing carbon offsets can counteract the negative effects of your vehicle.

Sometimes factors like auto refinance terms, debt management, and other money related issues might make it difficult to purchase a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Doing routine maintenance checks, filling your tires to maximum efficiency, and purchasing lightweight parts for your engine will give you greater gas-mileage. By illustrating to your bank how you are taking a more proactive steps to become eco-friendly, they might consider allowing easy-to-manage payments and other ways to improve the terms of your loan.

An alternative way to associate classic cars with the environmental movement is to get involved with the community. Almost every weekend you can find a classic car show in your neighborhood. Instead of just serving fare from local fast food restaurants, take the initiative to make your event a truly local activity. Get local farmers to become sponsored vendors in order to show how classic cars are a great way to improve the closeness of your community.
Let's face it, getting behind the wheel of a hybrid isn't ever going to give the same rush as revving up a '64 Chevelle with a V8 and 250hp. In order to keep our classic rides alive and relevant, we can take proactive steps and educate ourselves about environmental awareness.