by Gabrielle DeSantis

Maybe you live in the sunshine state, or maybe you’re there on vacation. But if you’re by Orlando, heading to Disney or Universal, and have an automotive addiction, you need to check out Dezerland. It’s a normal shopping mall turned automotive paradise, a full collection of genuine movie stars, classic cars, and oddities from around the world.

One of the largest classic car collections in the world

Dezerland Main Entrance | Dezerland

What makes Dezerland different from a museum is that, in actuality, it’s a car collection. Or rather, a collection of collections. Mr. Dezer, the owner of Dezerland, buys entire car collections and brings them to his museum. That way there are very few “holes to be plugged” or things missing from every exhibit.

For example, there are over 1,300 cars a the Orlando location alone (there’s another one in Las Vegas), and of those 1,300, only 20 are replicas. And that’s mainly because they’re of cars that were destroyed or of cars that never existed. To put that number into perspective, Jay Leno owns 181 cars, so he’s got nothing on Dezeland.

And there’s something for every automotive enthusiast. From classic microcars to motorbikes from every corner of the globe. Though, the crown jewel of the collection might be the James Bond exhibit.

They’ve got all things Bond… James Bond

Dezerland Bond Museum
Dezerland Bond Museum | Dezerland

This isn’t just any bond collection, it’s the largest collection of Bond vehicles in the world. Most of the cars (and even the jet) in there are from the movies, and there’s a reason many of them are convertibles. From stunt cars to background vehicles, if you know your Bond flicks, you’ll love every bit of this exhibit.

But tucked away in the back there’s an even more impressive stash. Mr. Dezer met a man who spent his entire life collecting Bond memorabilia. James Bond the lunchbox, James Bond the Nintendo 64, that kind of stuff. And Mr. Dezer bought that collection from him, which includes one of literally everything. It’s the largest collection of Bond memorabilia in the world, paired with the largest collection of Bond cars.

But what’s more insane is that, unlike most museums, most of the cars on display are running and driving models. There are pieces of cardboard under each one, indicating that they leak oil (which some of them do). But more so than that, almost every car in the building is for sale.

Almost every oddball and classic car in the building is for sale

Dezerland For Sale Sign
Dezerland For Sale Sign | Dezerland

Now, we say they’re “for sale,” which they are, but it’s not as simple as walking in and writing a check. On the Dezerland Car Sales website, every vehicle is listed with a “call for price” label. That’s because you have to call in and make an offer. And remember, you’re talking to a billionaire (or his accountants).

So while these vehicles are for sale, they’ll cost you a pretty penny. But if you have the cash, Mr. Dezer is more than happy to part with any piece of his classic car collection, from Classic Americana to Strange (and somewhat terrible) electric cars. Just don’t lowball him, as he likely wouldn’t take that too kindly.

Did we mention the go-kart track, bowling alley, and trampoline park?

Oh yeah, Dezerland is a legit play place. Bring the entire family, whether they’re car nerds or not, and enjoy activities such as indoor go-karting, bowling, and a trampoline park. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as a Cinemark movie theater. In other words, there’s no shortage of things to do at Dezerland.

So pack your backs, grab your friends, and take a trip to what might be the automotive capital of Florida. It’s the Disney World for die-hard classic car fans. And whether you know every model by name, or just like looking at the quirky cars, there’s sure to be something for you.

RELATED: 1 of the Coolest Car Museums in Florida Started as a Private Collection

The post If You’re in Florida and Love Classic Cars, Go Visit Dezerland appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The sedan is dead; long live the sedan! Four-door cars were once the most common mode of transportation. Today, the crossover SUV has dethroned the sedan as the default people-mover. Auto manufacturers have pivoted by turning their sedans into up-sells of their crossovers. These new sedans are faster, more fuel-efficient, and stylish. Even entry-level sedans such as the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata now boast fastbacks and “sensuous styling.” It is no wonder that among the coupes and hypercars of Car and Driver’s “Most Beautiful Cars of 2021” are many sedans. Here are the six most beautiful sedans of 2021.

#1: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia | Stellantis

When Stellantis-owned Alfa Romeo introduced the Giulia Quadrifoglio, many critics called it an automatic-only M4. But while BMW’s motto is “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” Alfa Romeo’s insists “Without Heart, We Would Be Mere Machines.”

Nowhere is Alfa Romeo’s heart more evident than in the design of its Giulia Quadrifoglio. Unlike previous modern Alfa Romeos (I’m thinking of the 8C and the 4C), the Giulia Quadrifoglio is a four-door car, with plenty of room for four adults. Yet it is still stylish, it is cool, and parked in a row of lesser sedans it gives you an undeniable “wow” factor. This Giulia looks best going fast. And it can keep up with almost any German sedan in the corners. The Giula tops the Car and Driver list. This Alfa Romeo starts at $75,250.

#2: Audi RS7

Press photo of a red 2021 Audi RS7 cornering, one of Car and Driver's most beautiful sedans of 2021
2021 Audi RS7 | Audi

Audi has always underpriced and often outperformed its rival BMW. Today’s Audis are dialing up the style as well. This year’s lineup are especially aggressive and at the head of the pack is the redesigned 2021 Audi RS7. 

This car has wider fenders and a lower height than its S-trim and A-trim siblings. The most eye-catching feature of the RS7 is its dramatic fastback roofline. This “luxury sportback” packs a twin-turbo V8, so the RS7 has the power to back up its muscular looks. The 2021 Audi RS7 price starts at $114,000.

#3: Bentley Flying Spur

Press photo of a black 2021 Bentley Flying Spur parked on the street, one of Car and Driver's most beautiful sedans of 2021
Bentley Flying Spur | Bentley

When it comes to sedans, Bentley has been the brand to beat for decades. Many have tried to topple the king, none have succeeded. The 2021 Bentley Flying Spur proves that the 102-year-old bespoke British brand still has it.

The most amazing thing about this generation of the flying spur, is that it manages to look sporty and cutting-edge, while still very much being a Bentley. Bentley accentuates the width of the rear fenders with dramatic creases. With classic, “coke bottle” styling, this Bentley narrows at the doors and then swells again to a wide, unmistakably Bentley front-clip with a squared-off grille and four headlights. Inside, the Bentley is as opulent as ever, and this luxurious interior is one of the reasons the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur starts at $196,000. And selecting the supercar V12 engine option launches the Bentley Flying Spur into the supercar price range.

#4: Mazda 3

Press photo of a gray 2021 Mazda3 sedan driving a mountain road, one of Car and Driver's most beautiful sedans of 2021
2021 Mazda3 | Mazda

The 2021 Mazda 3 is completely redesigned. Its styling benefits from a confident restraint many modern supercar designers lack. While other sedans bulge and bend at odd angles, the Mazda is simple. Its two defining features, its sculpted roofline/trunk curve and its shark nose, complement one another perfectly. Its few creases are thoughtful, perfectly reflecting the light during both day and night.

Do not confuse “simple” with “boring.” The Mazda 3 is a sorted sporting sedan, and a blast to drive. The 2021 Mazda 3 weighs just three thousand pounds. As always, Mazda offers a manual transmission. This “little car that could” handily won Car and Driver’s 2021 Editors’ Choice Award. Best of all, this Mazda starts at $20,650.

#5: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan

Press photo of a black Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC, with the caption: (Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert (WLTP): 19,5 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert (WLTP): 442 g/km); Exterieur: onyxschwarz metallic; Interieur: Leder Exclusiv sienabraun/schwarz;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert (WLTP): 19,5 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert (WLTP): 442 g/km* Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption (WLTP): 19.5 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions (WLTP): 442 g/km); exterior: onyx black metallic; interior: Leather exclusive siena brown/black;Combined fuel consumption (WLTP): 19.5 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions (WLTP): 442 g/km*, one of Car and Driver's most beautiful sedans of 2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Mercedes-Benz

The redesigned 2021 Mercedes S-Class can be summed up in one word: balance. The available 496 horsepower V8 is balanced by smooth-riding air suspension. Cutting-edge 3D displays are balanced by a timeless, expertly crafted interior. And the increased size and of the Mercedes flagship is balanced by thoughtful, elegant styling.

The looks of the new S-Class are defined by the style lines running the length of the car, both atop the hood and along the bottom of the body panels. To keep our focus on these breath-taking lines, the German designers have removed every excessive detail, pulling the sheet metal tight around these creases. The result is sublime. Like every aspect of the new S-Class, its price has increased as well. This car starts at $109,800.

#6: Porsche Taycan 

LONDON, UNITED KINDOM - AUGUST 09: The Gray Porsche Taycan seen in Knightsbridge, London. The Taycan is Porsches All-Electric Sports car, which is also the Marques highest selling sports car in the US. (Photo by Martyn Lucy/Getty Images), one of Car and Driver's most beautiful sedans of 2021
Porsche Taycan | Photo by Martyn Lucy/Getty Images

Porsche designers pulled out all the stops with their Mission E prototype. They lengthened and smoothed out the 911, maintaining much of what makes this masterpiece timeless. Critics swooned. Porsche bravely built the Taycan, carrying over an unprecedented amount of the prototype’s design. The result is one of the best-looking electric vehicles to-date.

The resulting car drives like a Porsche, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. It is a conversation piece, a showstopper, and gives us hope for the future of the car.

RELATED: 5 Best Electric SUVs for 2021 According to TrueCar

The post The 6 Most Beautiful Sedans of 2021: Porsche, Alfa Romeo, And A Surprising Mazda appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are many facets to buying a car aside from buying the actual car. You have to think about its registration fees, taxes, any repairs needed (if it’s used), as well as insurance for it. However, shopping for car insurance can be just as much of a hassle as shopping for the car itself. Fortunately, Money Geek made it easy by gathering up a lot of data on different insurance companies. Apparently, finding the cheapest rate depends on more than the car that you’re trying to insure.

The cheapest car insurance for most drivers

StateFarm | Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

When shopping for car insurance, it’s easy to get caught up in the different types of coverage, rates, etc. Also, car insurance rates can vary greatly from driver to driver as different ages, locations, and cars to insure can have a great effect on the rate. Money Geek knew this when collecting its data, so the universal coverage amounts for “full coverage” were as follows:

  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $300,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $100,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Using these parameters, Money Geek found that drivers can save an average of 27% off their insurance rate by simply shopping around. As such, the cheapest car insurance rate for most drivers across the board is from Geico with an average annual premium of $1,047, which is $300 less than the national average.

However, current and former military members can save even more money as USAA offers the lowest average rate of $883 per year. Here is how other insurance companies stacked up on their list:

The cheapest car insurance companies for most drivers
The cheapest car insurance companies for most drivers | Money Geek

The cheapest car insurance rates for liability-only policies

While full-coverage insurance is highly recommended and required for new cars, it’s not always necessary if you drive a much older car. After all, what’s the point of having full-coverage insurance and a high premium if your car is only worth $1,000? Fortunately, Money Geek has you covered on the liability-only insurance rates as well.

They found that USSA members can get the best rates with an annual average of $490. But if you’re not a current or former member of the military, then you can still save a lot of money by going with Geico, which has an average rate of $628 per year. According to the list, Geico’s superb rates were followed by those of Nationwide and State Farm.

Here are the rest of the rates:

The cheapest car insurance companies for liability-only insurance
The cheapest car insurance companies for liability-only insurance | Money Geek

Tips for finding the lowest rate possible

A Metromile car insurance form agreement
A car insurance form agreement | Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Here are some money-saving tips when it comes to finding the best auto insurance rates possible:

  • Raise the deductibles: The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly payment will be. For example, if you have the funds to afford a $1,000 deductible, as opposed to a $500 one, in the case of an accident, then opting for the higher amount will lead to lower monthly payments.
  • Combine policies: If you’re able to combine your auto and/or home and renter policies, then bundling them up can save you some money every month.
  • Lower your coverage levels: If you’re insuring an older car, then you can typically insure it with lower levels of coverage (or liability-only) to lower your monthly bill. But if your car is leased or financed, then your lender likely requires you to have full coverage.

Finding the best insurance rate for your car is almost as daunting as shopping for the car itself. With different coverages to learn about and different regions around the country, the insurance rates can vary greatly between companies. According to Money Geek’s results, it does look like Geico, State Farm, and Nationwide are your best bets across the board for the lowest rate.

You can check out the rest of Money Geek’s findings including the best rates for drivers with bad credit and the best rates for student drivers. Be sure to shop multiple quotes in your area to find the best rate possible.

RELATED: What’s the Most Useless Area of Coverage on Your Auto Policy?

The post The Cheapest Car Insurance Rate Depends on More Than the Car You Drive appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Overland camping is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the world. Many outdoor fans love exploring the remote wilderness and camping out with the added comfort of their vehicle. Many off-roading enthusiasts find that adding a camper setup to their 4×4 enables them to hit the trails for an entire weekend–or longer. But what is the best overland camping shelter option?

There are several different options for camping while overlanding:

  • Sleeping inside your vehicle
  • Setting up a ground tent or hammock
  • Installing a rooftop overland camping tent
  • Buying an off-road camper

Each overland camping shelter option has pros and cons. Read on to find out more about each option, and decide for yourself.

Sleeping In Your Vehicle is a Cheap Overland Camping Shelter Option

Overlanders using a van camper to explore Oregon. | VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

For many overlanders, sleeping in their vehicle is the obvious choice: their vehicle is comfortable, warm, and dry. They fold their back seats down to fashion a comfortable sleeping surface, or they may crawl into the bed of their truck. One downside of sleeping in your vehicle is moving any gear stored there every time you set up camp.

Depending on your sleeping surface, some sleeping pads or an air mattress may be a must. Most truck owners use a camper shell for weather protection and warmth. When sleeping inside a vehicle, ventilation is key, so cracking your windows and hanging some mosquito netting may be vital to getting a good night’s sleep.

A Ground Tent or Hammock is a Versatile Overland Camping Shelter Option

Overland Camping Shelter Options: Hipcamp campers hanging out tent camping in farm fields on the weekend. (Photo by: Edwin Remsberg/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Overlanders camping in a field | Edwin Remsberg/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Many overlanders prefer to park their vehicle, then set up a campsite nearby. Some people set up a ground tent, others hang a hammock, and a few prefer to sleep under the stars. 

Many outdoorspeople swear by their ground tents. Once you invest in a ground tent, you can use it for multiple adventures–including overlanding. You will need to find a flat spot and take several minutes to set up their tent, but then you are good to go. Consider that some climates require specialty winter tents. Valuable upgrades to your tent include a tarp to use as a ground cloth and sturdier aftermarket tent stakes.

Camping hammocks are lightweight and comfortable–it is no surprise they are exploding in popularity. Overlanders can rig a hammock between two trees or between a tree and vehicle bumper and climb in for some shut-eye. In many climates, you will need to hang mosquito netting or a tarp over your hammock.

Rooftop Tent Pros and Cons

Overland Camping Shelter Options: A campsite set up under the wondrous night sky , Helmeringhausen, Namibia. (Photo by: Edwin Remsberg/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Overlanders using rooftop tents to explore Namibia | Edwin Remsberg/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

You may have seen sweet rooftop tent setups on an increasing number of overland vehicles. On the pro side: Many rooftop tents are very comfortable, even featuring a thin built-in mattress. Some overlanders prefer the security of camping on top of their rig, far away from animals. Rooftop tents are also very fast to set up and close down.

On the con side: Rooftop tents are an expensive option, ranging from $800 to $4,000. Rooftop tents are also very heavy, heavier than most other overlanding gear–and not ideal for every car. In addition, they need a roof rack which adds more cost and weight. This added weight can slow your vehicle down and waste fuel. Finally, in windy conditions, rooftop tents can blow back and forth, and the fabric can make a lot of noise.

Softshell Rooftop Tent or Hardshell Rooftop Tent 

Overland Camping Shelter Options: Overlanders use both softshell and hardshell rooftop campers while exploring Landmannalaugar. Iceland. (Photo by: Mikel Bilbao/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Overland campers use rooftop tents to explore Iceland | Mikel Bilbao/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A hardshell rooftop tent is packaged under a solid roof. This roof is either hinged at the front of the tent or sits on four hydraulics; setup is as simple as lifting this roof. Hardshell rooftop tents are the quickest rooftop option to set up. But hardtop tents are limited to the width of your vehicle, so some models are shorter on sleeping space than softshells. The hardtop shell offers added protection–both while driving and while camping in extreme rain or sleet. Hardshell tents are also the more expensive rooftop option, usually costing between $2,000 and $5,000.

A softshell tent is essentially a normal tent, mounted to the roof of your vehicle. Many softshell rooftop tents unfold to twice the size of your roof–thus offering tons of sleeping space. Softshell tents usually take a few minutes longer to set up than hardshell tents, but they often cost less. You should budget between $1,000 and $2,000 for a softshell tent. You can see Popular Mechanics‘ 2021 rooftop tent ratings. 

An Off-Road Camper is a Convenient Overland Camping Shelter Option

Overland Camping Shelter Options: Mike Hallmark oversaw the creation of the 'Hellwig Rule Breaker' - a 2016 Nissan Titan fitted with a 2017 Lance 650 camper. Mike and his team at Hellwig Suspension Products came up with their unique design for the 2016 SEMA car show. The company's Big Wig airbags in the vehicle's wheel wells allow this one of a kind souped-up pickup to ride level with maximum comfort while navigating any terrain. Mike said: "When you think of a camper you think of a white truck and a white camper, with a white-haired dude driving it at 45 miles-per-hour. We wanted to go the complete opposite, so we did a yellow truck, black camper with some graphics on it to really catch your eye and make a splash in the market." The addition of the Hellwig rear sway bar provides enhanced control while carrying the camper, which features a full audio system, TV, fridge, bed, full-size wet bath, and living area. To accommodate all the added weight, Mike and his team also added Falken Wildpeak AT3W LT 325/65R18 tyres, which beefed-up the truck's on and off-road handling capabilities. Mounted on the front bumper are Baja design lights, fog lights, projection lights, and a full light bar that allows the driver visibility while traveling at night or off-roading. The whole thing is powered by a Cummins 5.0L V8 turbo diesel engine.
Overlanders use a truck bed camper to explore California | Brandon Hickman/Barcroft Media via Getty Image

Some overlanders take a camper with them into the wilderness. Popular camper options include truck-bed campers and overland-ready camper trailers. Many campers take little or no time to set up. But they are also the most expensive option: often costing between $10,000 and $20,000 dollars. There is a dizzying array of campers available: The outdoorsy website has a great ranking of off-road-ready trailers, and truck camper adventure maintains a list of lightweight truck bed campers fit for off-roading.

RELATED: Are Rooftop Tents Worth the Money?

The post Overland Camping Shelter Options Pros and Cons appeared first on MotorBiscuit.