Learn More About Windy City Auto Gallery
Windy City Auto Gallery is not a dealeship, we are a small group of dedicated collectors and car lovers specializing in the hobby of classic, collectible, and unique vehicles. All cars listed on our website are privately owned. Originally started as a car club with a handful of members hanging around talking cars, sports, etc. One day a number of years ago one of the members wanted to sell his car, we took some pictures and listed it on some websites and had it sold in less than a week. Over the years we were asked to advertise more cars and our presentation has grown more professional and detailed. Our website was started in 2005 with about 10 hits a week! We now generate over 15,000 hits a week. We are not the biggest website advertiser, but we think we are the best!
COLLECTOR CARS
The typical car seen at most local car shows is a "#3 car", and we deal primarily in cars that are rated #3 and above (refer to rating scale below). Our main concern is the needs of our customers. We honestly disclose all information we know about the vehicle, not trying to hide any negative information, as well as informing our clientele of all positives of the vehicles we sell. Naturally, we can not be aware of every aspect of every car, but we try. We understand that many of our buyers will travel long distances, so we try to show as much as possible through photos. Our aim is that when you arrive, the vehicle will look as good or better than the photos representing it. We recognize that photos on the internet do not always show the true condition of the vehicle, so we strive to give you the best quality photos from all possible angles. If you are interested in a photo of a particular detail on a vehicle, feel free to ask. If there are certain flaws on a vehicle that do not show up on a photo, we will disclose and describe the flaws so there are NO surprises upon your arrival.
*Vehicle Condition Scale:
1. EXCELLENT: Restored to current maximum professional standards of quality in every area, or perfect original with components operating and appearing as new. A 95-plus point show car that is not driven. In national show judging, a car in No. 1 condition is likely to win top honors in its class. In a sense, it has ceased to be an automobile and has become an object of art. It is transported to shows in an enclosed trailer, and, when not being shown, it is stored in a climate-controlled facility. It is not driven. There are very few No. 1 cars.
2. FINE: Well-restored, or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original. Also, an extremely well-maintained original showing very minimal wear. Except for the very closest inspection, a No. 2 vehicle may appear as a No. 1. The No. 2 vehicle will take the top award in many judged shows, except when squared off against a No. 1 example in its own class. It may also be driven 800-1000 miles each year to shows, on tours, and simply for pleasure.
3. VERY GOOD: Completely operable original or "Older Restoration" showing wear. Also, a good amateur restoration, all presentable and serviceable inside and out. Plus, combinations of well-done restoration and good operable components; or a partially restored car with all parts necessary to complete it and/or valuable NOS parts. This is a "20-footer." That is, from 20 feet away it may look perfect. But as we approach it, we begin to notice that the paint may be getting a little thin in spots from frequent washing and polishing. Looking inside we might see some wear on the driver's seat, foot pedals, and carpeting. The chrome trim, while still quite presentable, may have lost that sharp, mirror-like reflective quality it had when new. All systems and equipment on the car are in good operating order. In general, most of the vehicles seen at car shows are No. 3s.
4. GOOD: A driveable vehicle needing no, or only minor, work to be functional. Also, a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. All components may need restoration to be "excellent," but the car is mostly useable "as is." This is a "driver." It may be in the process of restoration or its owner may have big plans, but even from 20 feet away, there is no doubt that it needs a lot of help.
5. RESTORABLE: Needs complete restoration of body, chassis and interior. May or may not be running, but isn't weathered, wrecked, and/or stripped to the point of being useful only for parts. This car needs everything. It may not be operable, but it is essentially all there and has only minor surface rust, if any rust at all. While presenting a real challenge to the restorer, it won't have him doing a lot of chasing for missing parts.