Whether your muscle car is from the 1960s, or if it a fairly new model, you will need to learn how to protect it from its surroundings.  The condition of a muscle car can dramatically alter the overall value, thus making protecting these vehicles extremely important.  Prized muscle cars are designed to have the body of a compact, aerodynamic, vehicle but with a high-performance engine.  This requires special attention to the outer, and inner, workings of the vehicle.

Purchase an insurance plan that will cover this type of vehicle from any type of potential damage.  Genuine muscle cars were manufactured red mainly in Detroit for a period of a mere ten years.  Replacement parts are expensive to buy and install, so ensure your auto insurance plan will cover any and all mechanical problems.  Many insurance companies have specific plans for muscle car owners, and their annual premiums can be very reasonable.

Protect your muscle car from the environment by parking it within a garage.  Leaving your vehicle exposed to the elements when not in use can cause massive amounts of wear and tear not only on the exterior paint, but also on the interior.  During the summer, dashboards can crack, leaving unpleasing “wrinkles” in the material.  Protect your vehicle by applying a UV protector at least once a month to the dashboard, steering wheel and gear shift (if applicable).  

Maintain the quality of the engine through regular maintenance.  As well as having the standard oil change, take yourmuscle car for tune-ups at least once ever four-to-six months.  Make sure that the auto shop you visit specializes in muscle cars, and don’t go to any quick-tune-up auto shop.  To keep the vehicle in top shape, ensure you drive the vehicle.  Unlike popular belief, an idle muscle car will have more mechanical problems than one that is driven regularly.

Manufacturer recommended octane level gasoline should only be used within your muscle car.  Refer to your owner’s manual if you are unfamiliar with what type of recommended gasoline your V8 engine best runs on.  Remove any type of debris that has fallen on top of your car.  Debris, such as bird droppings and dirt, can cause irreversible damage to the exterior paint, and can sometimes be quite expensive to fix.  Wash your muscle car regularly, as well as detail the inside of the vehicle.

There are specialized muscle car mechanics in most cities; many of these mechanics are extremely knowledgeable about a particular muscle car model.  Join muscle car specific clubs and organizations to learn about these mechanics, as well as to network with similar vehicle owners.  Muscle car clubs and organizations will also allow you the opportunity to learn more about your vehicle.

If you live in harsh weather conditions, and you cannot park your vehicle in a garage, always cover it with a protecting tarp when it is not in use.  Size/model specific tarps are available in most auto shops, as well as other retail locations.  Measure your vehicle before shopping for these tarps, and ensure they protect paint from UV rays.