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Assessing The Value Of A Classic Car - Some Thoughts
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Classic car ownership is that passion that sees dedicated men taking care of vehicles from bygone eras, vehicles that have a cultural significance, are a beauty of design, or just possess a certain je ne sais quoi that ensures that they still have value long after their production run is complete. In some areas, the actual concept of what constitutes a classic car is set in stone. The Classic Car Club of America points out that a `classic car` is one that is a "`fine` or `distinctive` automobile, either American or foreign built, and produced between 1925 and 1948". However nowadays the term classic car loosely applies to any interesting old vehicle.
The United States has produced many a classic car. Some, such as the achingly cool Mustang GT Fastback that Steve McQueen threw around the streets of San Francisco in Bullitt and The General Lee, the 1969 Dodge Charger from the Dukes of Hazzard, gain their classic status due to their cultural importance. Other American cars now considered classics include the 1964 Pontiac GTO and the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette, the latter beloved for its iconic yet short-lived split back window. It might seem easy enough to merely go out and buy yourself one of these classics but, like buying any car, you must be careful how you do it.
Assessing the value of a classic car is a case of good research. There are guides, such as Hemmings or NADA`s Classic, Collectible and Special Interest Car Appraisal Guide & Directory that can give you a value for your model. Furthermore, the internet is a rich resource, with a plethora of car articles, and searching for your model will bring up sites with all sorts of information on your desired car for you to view.
So you are off to view your favourite model and you want to know what to look for? In the case of classic cars, it is much the same things you would look for when buying any car. Ensure you inspect the entire vehicle, checking the body for rust or damage. Make sure the lights work and that the interior is in good condition. If you are worried about forgetting anything, print out a full and detailed checklist and work through it. Do not be shy in asking questions, take notes, and insist on a test drive. Then, if you are happy, use your research and negotiate a fair price. Andy, from the magazine Classic American, gives the buying tip that you should always buy the best you can afford and look after it, and to only take on a restoration job if money is no object, as it will cost three times what you initially calculate.
Now you have got your classic car you have also taken on the job of maintaining it. However, it might not be the huge chore you might expect. As an example, Classic American says that American classic cars were over-engineered, and as such are very reliable and easy to work on. Equally, getting spares for classic American cars is not too difficult, due to their enduring popularity.
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