How to tell if you car is a classic car? (2024)

FAQs

How to tell if you car is a classic car? ›

The age of the car plays a primary role here. Any car that's at least 20 years old might qualify as a classic, but there's more to it than age. There also has to be enough interest in that type of car that people want to collect it. It's this combination of age and collectability that make for a classic car.

Classic vehicles might range in age from 10 to 50+ years old, and the term "classic car" may include vintage, antique, and collector vehicles. Ultimately, it depends on the classic car definition used by your state, insurer, or car collecting club — each may have its own age rules.

A collector car's value is appraised according to its rarity, condition, restoration quality, and market demand. The economic principle of supply and demand applies to classic cars, just as they would to any vehicle or valuable assets such as other precious collectibles.

A classic automobile, according to the Classic Car Club of America, is one that was built between 1915 and 1948. For registration purposes, however, many states consider such cars to be antique or vintage vehicles. In most cases, a classic car has to be at least 20 years old to qualify for insurance and registration.

How old is a classic car? A vehicle that is between 20 and 45 years old typically qualifies as a classic car for registration purposes, while insurers often require the car to also have historical significance. The exact definition of a classic car can vary between state DMVs, insurance companies, and motor clubs.

Classic cars are at least 20 years old but not older than 45 years, while vintage cars are 25 years or older. Antique cars are even older, at least 45 years old. Keep these classifications in mind, as it can get even more confusing when searching for cars online.

Automobiles typically range from the 1920s to the 1970s at many American classic car shows. Increasingly 1980s and early 1990s cars are considered "classic automobiles" and are displayed at many meets.

Color & Paint

With classic cars, certain models are associated with particular colors. As a result, changing it to a completely new shade or settling for a hue that's not quite the same as the original can decrease its value if you plan to sell.

Additionally, collector trends are unpredictable, so you can't bank on a specific model dramatically increasing in value. That said, classic cars do often increase in value and are one of the better performing collectibles out there.

On the other hand, if you purchase a classic car with high mileage, adding more miles won't impact its value nearly as much. If you buy a classic car with 100,000 miles, adding 25,000 miles will not impact its resale value nearly as much as the vintage car with 50,000 miles.

What is the legal definition of a classic car? ›

Listed below are a few different classic car types and how they are defined by the state of California: Antiques – Any vehicle 25 years or older. Classics – Cars between 20 to 24 years old. Collectibles- Models between 15 to 19 years old. Exotic Cars – Cars that are under 15 years old, but predicted to increase in ...

Usually, the classic car moniker applies to vehicles over 20 years old. Antique cars are over 45 years old, and vintage cars are built between 1919 and 1930.

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old. If you are going to register it (and insure it) as a classic, it should have been kept to its original design and specifications.

Classic car insurance is usually much cheaper than regular car insurance. According to Baily Insurance Agency, a classic car policy costs around $200 to $600 annually. If you own an abnormally expensive vehicle, your rates may be higher. In contrast, regular car insurance usually costs over $1000 per year.

Depending on the climate and how the car has been stored, a 20-year-old vehicle may exhibit signs of rust and corrosion. Structural integrity and safety can be compromised if these issues are not addressed promptly.

According to Hagerty Insurance, cars from 1900 to 1980 are considered classic or antique. And if the car was manufactured in 1980 or later, it is considered a collector car.

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old. If you are going to register it (and insure it) as a classic, it should have been kept to its original design and specifications.

When inspecting a car, look closely at the trim around the windows and bumpers for signs of paint. A tape line on a doorjamb is a red flag, as are painted nuts and screws. Crouch down and look underneath the car. Suspension components such as control arms and anti-roll bars should not have a dusting of paint.

For the purposes of a modern classic car, we're looking at vehicles that are past the Muscle Car era but preceding the last decade. Most sources look to the late 80's as the oldest of the Modern Classics, all the way through the early-mid 2000's for the tail end of the era.

Classic car insurance is usually much cheaper than regular car insurance. According to Baily Insurance Agency, a classic car policy costs around $200 to $600 annually. If you own an abnormally expensive vehicle, your rates may be higher. In contrast, regular car insurance usually costs over $1000 per year.