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This is an excellent book. Formula 1: Car by Car 1950 – 59 is not only a handy resource that every gearhead curious about racing history should own; it’s also well written and entertaining. Posing as a reference book, which it sort of is, it really works as an early history of the most popular sport in the world.
New Beginnings
Formula 1: Car by Car 1950 – 59 was authored by Peter Higham, the guy who wrote for Motor Sport magazine (one of the longest-running and most respected Brit racing periodicals). As the title implies, this book only covers the first official decade of F1 racing. Technically speaking, Formula 1 racing started in 1950. There was a form of it before The War, but what we know as Grand Prix racing today was first formalized in 1950. And the early years were a bewildering hodge-podge of mechanic’s specials, barnyard rebuilds, and serious, wondrous cars from the likes of Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, and Italian newcomers Ferrari.
Part of the reason why things didn’t get revved up until 1950 was largely due to the devastation of World War II. With large sections of Germany bombed flat, Italy in shambles, France reeling, and Britain barely dealing with post-war rationing, the fact that Europe was able to go from Dresden in 1945 to racing cars at Silverstone in 1950 is a minor miracle.
And also a testament to peoples’ desire to move on, rebuild, and start having fun.
Cobble Something Together
As I said a moment ago, the first few years or so brought out some interesting creations. Higham covers this in the year-by-year, chapter-by-chapter layout. As you might imagine, parts of the book are chock full of pretty goofy cars. And I don’t mean just the French ones. Up until the late 1960s, Formula 1 was only a set of regulations about how your car had to be built. And if you were good with tools, had a bit of mechanical ingenuity, or the desire to go racing, you could cobble something together, show up at the track, show it to the scrutineers, then race against guys like Farina and Ascari and Fangio.
I know. It sounds crazy if you think about it for more than half a minute, and it was, but it was a great way to fill out the grid, get people involved, and it made for some very entertaining racing. On top of that, more than a few of those guys that said, “I think I’ll give this a try” turned out to be people like John Cooper and Ken Tyrrell and such. I mean, hey, you gotta start somewhere.
From Formula 1: Car by Car 1950 – 59 by Peter Higham, published by Evro Publishing Limited. Photo: Motorsport Images.
Visually & Intellectually Appealing
All this craziness is lovingly documented and illustrated by Mr. Higham in a very entertaining fashion in this book. Given its title, it’s part of a series of similar books from Evro Publishing. In this particular installment, there are tons and tons of fantastic photos. Even the cover is graced by a tremendous shot of Fangio himself hustling a big V12 Maserati along the waterfront in Monaco, nose down alarmingly under heavy braking.
Not only does every season get a nice rundown, but every car that entered into a GP is covered. Somewhere in my brain, I had remembered that people like Simca ran in F1. But here it is documented, with photographs showing a car with a face that only a mother could love.
The best part is how super thorough this book is. Higham even covers the Indy cars from the 1950s. Wait, what? Here’s the deal. During the 50s, the Indy 500 was officially part of the Grand Prix World Championship. If you go back and check the official records of the governing body, people like Wilbur Shaw and Bill Vukovich are credited with Grand Prix wins and points towards the driver’s championship. So, their cars – Millers and big honkin’ Offy powered beasts created in Speedway, Indiana – all get covered here. Bravo, Mr. Higham, bravo!
When the World Championship was first held in 1950, red Italian cars predominated, from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati, and continued to do so for much of the period.
But by the time the decade closed, green British cars were in their ascendancy, first Vanwall and then rear-engined Cooper playing the starring roles, and BRM and Lotus having walk-on parts.
Learn more about the early years of Formula 1 in this work by author Peter Higham.
Worth Every Penny
Go out and get this book. I’m not kidding. No equivocations, no nothing. If you’re a gearhead and you like racing, you will enjoy thumbing through Formula 1: Car by Car 1950 – 59 as much as I did. As of this writing, you can grab it on Amazon for about $45.00, with slightly used copies running a little less.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Formula 1: Car by Car 1950 – 59 Gallery
Photos: Motorsport Images.
Formula 1: Car by Car 1950 – 59 Info
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 1910505447
ISBN-13: 978-1910505441
Item Weight: 3.66 lbs.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 1 x 11.25 inches
Publisher: Evro Publishing Limited
About The Author
Peter Higham works in motor racing as a writer and project manager. For nearly 30 years, he worked for Haymarket Consumer Media, publisher of motor racing magazines and websites. For half of that period, he was director of LAT Photographic (now Motorsport Images), the world’s largest motor racing photo archive. A motor racing enthusiast since watching his first race in 1973, he has written seven books, including the acclaimed International Motor Racing Guide and World Encyclopaedia of Racing Drivers. He has been a columnist for Autosport and Motor Sport and was instrumental in running the prestigious Autosport Awards for over 25 years. He lives in Twickenham, Middlesex.
A GM extended warranty is an optional protection plan for your vehicle.
We go through frequently asked questions about GM extended warranties.
An extended warranty from an independent provider may be a better fit for you.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Thinking about buying a new GM vehicle in the near future? We dug into the details to explore the GM extended warranty and broke down what coverage is offered for each GM brand.
Since GM’s extended warranty coverage is not the only way to cover your vehicle, we’ll also discuss other options you should consider, such as a vehicle service contract from one of the best extended car warranty companies. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how you can protect your Chevy, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac through a reputable third-party provider. You can start your research process by clicking below to receive free, no-obligation quotes from our top recommended providers.
Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top extended auto warranty providers, and here are our featured picks.
A GM extended warranty is available for all GM brands, which include:
GMC
Buick
Chevy
Cadillac
This extended warranty is essentially an extension of the factory warranty. While many manufacturers’ extended warranties provide reduced coverage, this is not the case with GM.
GM Brand
Standard Warranty
Extended Warranty
Chevrolet
3 years/36,000 miles
5 years/60,000 miles
GMC
3 years/36,000 miles
5 years/60,000 miles
Buick (2020 models and newer models)
3 years/36,000 miles
5 years/60,000 miles
Buick (2018-2019 models)
4 years/50,000 miles
6 years/70,000 miles
Cadillac
4 years/50,000 miles
6 years/70,000 miles
Part of the reason for this is to give a warranty option for the average car owner. According to IHS Markit, most of us buy a new car and own it for 11 years. The new GM extended warranty gives you the choice to have your new car under warranty for about half the time you own it – five or six years depending on whether it’s a Chevy, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac.
What Is An Extended Warranty?
A traditional extended warranty is actually a vehicle service contract. Service contracts are often called extended warranties, even though they aren’t warranties at all. Also known as vehicle protection plans, auto service contracts cover certain vehicle components and keep you from footing the bill for expensive repair costs.
Some key differences between a factory warranty and a vehicle protection plan include:
Factory warranties are included in the price of your vehicle. They are usually only offered on new vehicles, though some used vehicles, such as certified pre-owned ones, may also have them.
Factory warranties usually begin on the car’s purchase date. Service contracts begin when the contract is put in place, even if the car is used.
A protection plan or traditional extended warranty is an additional service you can purchase to protect your vehicle after the factory warranty expires. They can also be used to add protection not offered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
You’re not required to buy an extended warranty, and you also don’t have to make the decision when you buy the car. Service contracts can be added later.
GM extended warranties can differ from other extended warranty options.
How Is the GM Extended Warranty Different?
The GM Extended Limited Warranty is different than traditional extended warranty programs. Unlike service contracts, it’s a true extension of the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty. There are no added perks that come with the extension other than the length or mileage restrictions of the warranty. There’s also no deductible. All GM dealers are supposed to perform warranty-covered repairs, no questions asked.
GM Extended Limited Warranty Details
The GM Extended Limited Warranty provides extended coverage of your existing factory warranty. Below we’ve broken down the standard warranties and extended warranties for each of GM’s brands.
Chevrolet
Buick
GMC
Cadillac
Standard Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles
4 years/50,000 miles (2018-2019 models)
3 years/36,000 miles (2020 models)
3 years/36,000 miles
4 years/50,000 miles
Extended Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
6 years/70,000 miles (2018-2019 models)
5 years/60,000 miles (2020 models)
5 years/60,000 miles
6 years/70,000 miles
This GM extended warranty option is available for new vehicles. According to Chevrolet, and identical across Buick, GMC, Cadillac, both the regular limited warranty and extended warranty include the following:
“The entire vehicle is warranted for repairs, including parts and labor, to correct defects in materials or workmanship, excluding routine maintenance. Needed repairs will be performed using new, re-manufactured, or refurbished parts.”
GM Extended Limited Warranty Exclusions
Being an addition to the factory limited warranty, this GM extended warranty has the same exclusions. In addition to the routine maintenance mentioned above, GM warranties for Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac don’t cover any improper or non-regular use of the vehicles. Below are some of the warranty exclusions you might see across brands:
Damage caused by aftermarket products
Damage from improper or low-quality fuel
Damages due to bed liners scratching bed finish
Damage caused by improper or insufficient maintenance.
Tire and wheel damage, including normal wear and tear or damage caused by potholes, nails, or debris
Damage caused by an accident, misuse (such as racing, driving over curbs, or overloading), or alterations to the vehicle not approved by General Motors
GM Protection Plans
In addition to the Extended Limited Warranty, GM offers a range of protection plan service contracts. The primary plan is called the Platinum Protection Plan. This is a traditional vehicle service contract that covers up to 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Platinum coverage is bumper to bumper, meaning the majority of parts and systems are protected, including:
Brakes
Engine
Steering
Electrical
Drive axle
Transmission
Transfer case
Cruise control
Air conditioning
Seal and gaskets
Enhanced electrical
Turbocharger/supercharger
Safety restraint system/air bags
The GM Protection Plans come with a few additional benefits like roadside assistance, lockout services, trip interruption reimbursement, rental car reimbursement, and towing. You can also get a service contract through a third-party warranty company. These providers are usually more flexible on coverage, terms, prices, and repair facilities.
For example, if you purchased both the GM Extended Limited Warranty and the Protection Plan, your car would be covered for a total of up to 10 years/120,000 miles or 11 years/130,000 miles by GM. Many third-party companies protect cars well past that mileage – some as long as 250,000 miles.
Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top extended auto warranty providers, and here are our featured picks.
You’re probably wondering about the GM extended warranty’s flexibility and cost. Below, we’ve put together the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the GM warranty program.
Is it transferable?
Yes, the GM Extended Limited Warranty is transferable even when sold. GM considers this a possible selling point for future resale of your extended warranty vehicle if you choose to sell it before the warranty expires.
How much does it cost?
Dealers are allowed to choose their own pricing for a GM extended warranty. It should fall somewhere in the $1,000 to $2,000 range.
If you continue your coverage through a GM’s protection plans (specific to each car brand), GM extended warranty prices depend on the make, model, year, mileage, whether the car is still under warranty, and your location. You can use each car brand’s online tool to get an estimate. We found that prices ranged from $1,700 to $7,700 for 2020 models.
Where and when can I buy a GM extended warranty?
The GM Extended Limited Warranty is offered by GM dealerships. Each dealership can choose whether it sells this GM extended warranty.
Also, this warranty can only be purchased at the time you buy a new GM vehicle. If a dealer does not choose to offer the Extended Limited Warranty, you may be given other protection plan options.
Does GM offer a lifetime comprehensive warranty?
The addition of an extended warranty is the longest available comprehensive warranty for GM-brand vehicles. GM does not offer a lifetime bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Can I cancel my GM extended warranty?
You can’t cancel the GM Extended Limited Warranty. However, you may cancel a GM Protection Plan or a third-party extended warranty for a GM vehicle.
Should I consider purchasing one?
The Extended Limited Warranty offers a unique opportunity for new car buyers. If your GM dealer offers the new warranty, it could extend the length of your factory warranty by two years. This is a great way to receive continued manufacturer protection if you plan to keep your vehicle long term.
Additionally, if you should choose to sell your vehicle before the warranty is up, the extended warranty may increase resale value. Used car buyers want to know their new-to-them vehicle is going to keep running. The extended warranty protects the vehicle and shows that you, the first owner, took proper care of it.
Endurance and CARCHEX offer extended warranties for new and pre-owned cars.
We compare Endurance and CARCHEX and their available extended warranty plans.
Why buy an extended warranty? An extended warranty can increase resale value and save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Should you choose an Endurance or a CARCHEX warranty for your car, and why does it matter?
An extended auto warranty can cover the cost of expensive repairs once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, but choosing the right provider can make all the difference. You want to be sure to select the best extended car warranty for your vehicle. In this guide, we compare Endurance vs. CARCHEX – two of the leading providers of extended warranties – including its coverage, cost, and customer service.
As two key players in the industry, Endurance and CARCHEX, have provided vehicle service contracts for over 15 years. Even though both of these companies specialize in extended car warranties services, an Endurance warranty and a CARCHEX warranty are different in terms of coverage and benefits.
Endurance Quick Facts
Started in 2006
Coverage up to 8 years or 200,000+ miles
The official name is Endurance Warranty Services, LLC
Located at 400 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 105, Northbrook, IL 60062-7937
CARCHEX Quick Facts
Started in 1999
Coverage up to 10 years or 250,000 miles
Located at 118 Shawan Road, Suite 210, Hunt Valley, MD 21030-1318
Here are the highlights of both companies:
Provider
Pros
Cons
Endurance
Six comprehensive coverage plans
Coverage not offered in California
Special plan that combines warranty and maintenance coverage
Not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Free year of Endurance Elite Membership
Endurance Protect App
CARCHEX
Five comprehensive coverage plans
Limited coverage for luxury vehicles
Over 20 years in the extended warranty business
Extra cost for hybrid vehicles
Partnerships and endorsements from industry leaders
No-haggle guarantee
Endurance Warranty Overview
Who is Endurance?
Endurance offers six levels of coverage, from powertrain to exclusionary.
All Endurance plans come with a free year of Endurance Elite Membership.
Endurance handles all claims, so you only communicate with one company.
Endurance has relatively positive reviews, though it is not accredited by the BBB.
CARCHEX Warranty Overview
Who is CARCHEX?
CARCHEX is BBB accredited and has a high satisfaction rate.
CARCHEX is endorsed by many reputable companies, including Edmunds.com, CARFAX, and Kelley Blue Book.
CARCHEX offers five coverage levels, from powertrain coverage to CARCHEX’s exclusionary Titanium plan.
Endurance vs. CARCHEX: Coverage
Below, we’ve outlined each of the extended warranty options offered by CARCHEX and Endurance as well their additional perks and exclusions.
Endurance Plans
Endurance offers six coverage plans:
Secure: The Secure plan covers powertrain components, including the engine, drivetrain, and transmission. It is the most basic and affordable plan.
Select Premier: This plan is a step up from the Secure plan with additional coverage for cooling system components, fuel delivery systems, and electrical components. This plan is best for high-mileage vehicles and used cars.
Secure Plus: Slightly more comprehensive than Select Premier, this plan also covers steering components. It has a short waiting period of 30 days or 1,000 miles.
Superior: With the highest stated component coverage, the Superior Plan covers almost all vehicle system components, except for seals and gaskets.
Supreme: The Supreme plan is a “bumper-to-bumper” or exclusionary plan, meaning the service contract only lists items that are excluded from coverage. This is the most extensive plan and therefore the most expensive.
EnduranceAdvantage™: This plan covers mechanical breakdowns as well as maintenance, like oil changes, engine diagnostics, and brake pad replacements.
While Endurance offers coverage up to 200,000+ miles under certain plans, some coverage information and terms are not readily available or easy to find on their website. Though sample contracts are available for each plan, customers may find it difficult to obtain important information.
Additional Benefits
Endurance warranties include additional “coverage” for drivers under their Endurance Elite Membership, a one-year program that comes with all plans and includes:
Key locator
ID theft protection
Key fob replacement
Endurance Protect app
24/7 roadside assistance
Up to two annually replaced tires
Repair finance loans up to $5,000
$250 in member rewards with partnered merchants
Live personal concierge for reservations, directions, emergencies, etc.
Exclusions
Like many extended warranties, Endurance coverage excludes repairs and replacements due to wear and tear, neglect, weather, and accidents.
CARCHEX Plans
With terms ranging from five to 10 years, CARCHEX offers five coverage levels with several plan options under each tier:
Bronze: Bronze powertrain coverage cuts the cost of repairs on your engine, drivetrain, transmission, and cooling system. This is the most basic and affordable coverage plan.
Silver: This coverage plan includes the powertrain, fuel delivery system, air conditioning, and electrical components.
Gold: This plan is best for vehicles with more than 60,000 miles. It covers all components under the Bronze and Silver plans, as well as steering and braking components.
Platinum: Like Endurance’s Superior plan, this plan is the one with the highest stated component coverage. It also includes coverage for heating/cooling, advanced electrical components, and suspension.
Titanium: This is CARCHEX’s exclusionary coverage plan, and therefore it is the most comprehensive and expensive option.
In addition to the components stated above, CARCHEX Care Gold, Platinum, and Titanium plans offer seal and gasket coverage.
CARCHEX provides sample contracts online and makes it easy to find terms and information for each contract.
Additional Benefits
CARCHEX offers the following “coverage” for all of its customers:
Key lock-out service
Battery jump service
24/7 roadside assistance
Rental car reimbursement
Towing and wrecker services
Emergency gas delivery service
Limited trip interruption reimbursement for hotels, food, etc.
Exclusions
Coverage plans limit repairs and replacements in a similar manner to Endurance. Damages caused by wear and tear, weather, neglect, and accidents are excluded from coverage. In addition, CARCHEX plans do not cover replacements for tires, brake pads, windshield wiper blades, and other routine maintenance items.
Most car warranties don’t cover damage done by weather or other environmental elements, such as snow or salt.
Endurance vs. CARCHEX: Cost
While coverage is one factor to compare between Endurance and CARCHEX, the cost is another. When it comes to which provider has cheaper coverage, CARCHEX is slightly more affordable than Endurance.
Endurance Cost
One of the advantages of having an Endurance extended warranty is that all processes are handled by Endurance itself. Unlike some other providers, Endurance doesn’t simply promote plans offered by other companies.
Unfortunately, this means only one contract is available under each level of coverage: an Endurance contract. This can limit your competitive pricing options. Currently, a deductible with Endurance is typically between $50–$200.
In our research, we found Endurance costs to run about $69 to $180 per month with an initial down payment between $150 to $350. The cost of the monthly payment plan is average, if not slightly above, but not all extended car warranty providers will require a down payment.
By clicking below, you can get a free, personalized quote from Endurance to start comparing its price point to other providers.
Industry veteran that handles your plan directly, from quote to claim
CARCHEX Cost
Most CARCHEX warranty plans cost $100 to $150 per month. However, the cost of an extended warranty will depend on the model and year of the car, as well as your current mileage. CARCHEX deductibles can range from $0 to about $200.
Though CARCHEX is not the direct provider, it has a larger number of available contracts to choose from based on the number of reputable providers it markets. Therefore, you have more competitive pricing options.
Top-rated provider with unmatched customer service and affordable coverage
Endurance vs. CARCHEX: Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can be a helpful resource when it comes to deciding a provider’s overall quality. Below, we’ve outlined each providers’ industry reputation as well as a few customer reviews.
Endurance Warranty Reviews
Endurance has an overall positive reputation among third-party warranty companies, but the company’s BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating is not the highest among its competitors. They have a current BBB rating of C+.
This is what one Endurance customer said on Trustpilot:
“My issues have been resolved with Endurance. Initially the process was stressful, but ultimately they resolved my vehicle’s damages and fully covered the repairs for both parts and labor.” – Daniel R.
The majority were pleased with the service, though some customers complained they could not immediately download their policy or had to wait longer periods for reimbursement.
CARCHEX Warranty Reviews
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, CARCHEX has mastered customer service, thanks to their easy claims process, direct payments to licensed repair facilities, and prompt responses from specialists. They are BBB accredited with a current BBB ranking of A+.
Here’s what one CARCHEX customer said about their service on Trustpilot:
“My alternator went out on my 2011 Nissan Maxima. I called CARCHEX to set up a claim within minutes they told me it was covered under warranty. CARCHEX saved me a lot of money!” – Jackema W.
The majority of CARCHEX customers were satisfied with their service and the claims process, especially the low pressure to buy.
An extended auto warranty can cover the cost of expensive repairs, but choosing the right provider can make all the difference.
Is An Extended Car Warranty Really Worth It?
Before you even start comparing providers, you may be wondering about the benefits of having an extended warranty. The answer to this question depends on your vehicle and your driving habits. Is your car an ultra-reliable brand? Do you expect to put more than 100,000 miles on your vehicle? Does your vehicle’s manufacturer offer a shorter warranty than you expected?
Here are a few reasons why an extended warranty is a good option:
An extended warranty can give you peace of mind.
Extended warranty companies help you in the event of a breakdown, so you don’t have to negotiate price or repairs with the mechanic on your own.
Manufacturer warranties don’t last forever. In fact, many only last three years or 36,000 miles. An extended warranty continues your coverage sometimes up to 10 years.
Vehicles are lasting longer and going greater distances, meaning you may be more likely to need a major, costly repair. A service contract can save you thousands on replacement parts.
There is an added benefit to choosing a third-party warranty company. Edmunds.com explains:
“The only benefit to getting an extended warranty as you purchase a car is the ability to wrap the warranty’s cost into your financing. But unless you’ve shopped in advance and can negotiate a lower price for the extended warranty on the spot, this route could cost you more in the long run.”
Endurance vs. CARCHEX: Our Pick
When it comes to Endurance vs. CARCHEX extended warranties, we believe either company could be a good solution for affordable protection, easy claims procedures, and no-nonsense customer service. The best way to find the right fit for you and your vehicle is to compare quotes between providers.
A Direct Competitor Comparison
When choosing the best extended warranty provider for your specific vehicle, there are several factors you should take into account:
Competitive prices
Ease and convenience
Plan flexibility and customization
Transparency (understanding the fine print)
Both CARCHEX and Endurance offer high-level service, but it’s the details that matter. It’s a close race, but you can see for yourself with this head-to-head comparison of Endurance vs CARCHEX.
Endurance
CARCHEX
Coverage Levels
6
5
Contracts Available
5
21
Deductibles
$0–$200
$0–$200
BBB Rating
C+
A+
BBB Complaints
726
112
Years of Experience
14
21
Accepted Repair Sites
30,000+
30,000+
Transferable Plans
Yes
Yes
Cancellable Plans
Yes
Yes
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Yes
Yes
Endorsements
Courtney Hanson, Katie Osbourne, and Vehicle Protection Association
CARFAX, SiriusXM, RepairPal, DMV.org, CarAdvise, AutoBlog, Zubie, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, and more
Your car isn’t getting any younger. To find the most affordable prices and the best level of coverage for your specific vehicle, we recommend calling CARCHEX, Endurance, and any of the best extended car warranty companies for quotes. A specialist will contact you promptly to discuss coverage options without the pushiness of other warranty companies.
