Your “End Game”

Before buying a classic car, you need to decide if you intend to keep your classic.  Do you plan to pass it along to a family member, or do you think of it more as an investment, with the intention of selling it after a few years?  Unfortunately, classic cars typically aren’t good investments, since it’s difficult to predict their future value.  There’s no guarantee you can recoup your investment, particularly if you purchase a vehicle with limited appeal (except for yourself).  It’s better to recognize up front that a significant portion of your payback may not be financial but only your personal enjoyment.

Original or Modified

Whether you want an “original” or a modified classic car is a basic decision to make when planning your purchase. Although there are many unrestored and restored original cars, the hobby is currently moving more toward restomods. Some restomods have only minor changes to make them safer and more fun to drive, such as upgraded brakes and electronic fuel injections. Other restomods have complete makeovers, incorporating all-new technology. If you are more of a purist, “original” may be the only way to go for you, but this is definitely something you need to consider before beginning your search.

Show Car or Trips Down Memory Lane

What are your expectations for your new ride?  Do you want your classic to compete in car shows?  If so, will it be headed to a Concours or a AACA event, where originality is paramount, or will you be taking it to a custom car show like Goodguys, or NSRA?   Understanding your expectations for your classic car is important, because you need to start with the right type of vehicle for the event(s) you plan to attend.  On the other hand, if your primary purpose is only to recapture some of your youthful memories, it becomes a simple process of finding that one classic that brings back those memories.

Pre-Purchase Checkout

Buying an automobile, sight-unseen, is risky. For a fee, several classic car businesses can perform an independent evaluation to minimize this risk.  Cars-On-Line is one of the businesses that provides this service, which includes a check list of inspections performed and detailed photographs of areas over the entire vehicle.  The final decision is still yours, but with this independent data, you can make a more informed decision.  

Buying a Classic Car at an Auction

Although you will have the opportunity to personally evaluate the classic vehicle you are considering buying at an auction, your inspection will be limited.  More than likely, you won’t have a chance to drive it or see much of the underside of the car.  However, here is what you can do.

• Talk to the auction company to ask for any information they’ve received from the consignor.
• If the vehicle is relatively new, ask the auction company to provide a CarFax.
• Ask the auction company if the owner is on site and if so, arrange a meeting to find out about the car’s history.
• Assuming you don’t have an opportunity to drive the vehicle yourself, talk to the driver who brings the vehicle to the auction block.  Ask about how easily it starts, how smoothly it idles, and the feel of the brakes, clutch, shifting, etc.

Keep in mind that when the hammer falls and you are the high bidder, you own it “as is.”  There is no warranty provided.

Vehicle Transport

Unless you are lucky enough to find the classic car of your dreams locally, you’ll probably incur a delivery expense. You should get quotes from carrier companies who specialize in shipping classic cars, such as Reliable Carriers and Passport Transport.  Fees for these services vary, but they are based primarily on the distance the car is transported and whether you want an enclosed shipment.

Maybe your plan is to purchase a vehicle at an auction and drive it home.  This is certainly possible but be aware that auction companies are required to collect the license fee in the state you purchase the car.  And, if you live in a different state, you will need to pay a second fee to license it there.   However, if you contract a commercial carrier at the auction, the auction company will not collect a licensing fee in the state where the car is purchased, since it will not be driven from the venue.   Therefore, check out your options for transporting your classic home and factor this into your budget. 

Mechanical Work

Are you mechanically inclined and do you have the tools and facility to work on your new addition to the family?  If not, you will need to find an “old school” mechanic to perform regular maintenance. Typically, your local car dealership’s shop will be of little help. Instead, you’ll need a mechanic who doesn’t rely on computer readouts, who can understand upgrades that may have already been made by previous owners, and most importantly, shares your passion for your classic. Finding a good mechanic in advance of your purchase will mitigate a lot of frustration on your part and will help ensure that your car gets the attention it deserves.  Also, you may discover your mechanic has a wealth of information regarding the classic you’re considering.

Right Fit

If possible, drive a car similar to the one you’re considering, even if it is not the “right color” or does not have the options you want. If this isn’t possible, at least do a “test fit” by setting in your dream ride.  See how well the cockpit accommodates you. Maybe you didn’t have any problem sliding behind the steering wheel and working the peddles of a pony car or Vette back in the day, but these iconic cars may not be as spacious as you remember.

Quality Time Behind the Wheel

As irresistible as a vintage GTO Judge or a Mach 1 may look and sound, keep in mind these cars were built with 50+ year-old technology. Unless your classic has undergone extensive upgrades, you shouldn’t expect it to handle and drive as well as a late-model sports car. Driving a vintage car does take an adjustment period, but after a while you can grow to appreciate its distinctive feel. After all, you are probably not buying the vehicle as your daily driver or long-distance hauler. You’re probably looking forward to enjoying a few quality miles behind the wheel of your dream ride.

Creature Comforts

Classic cars may lack many of the normal creature comforts all of us take for granted today, such as power windows, power steering, power door locks, and air conditioning.  Specifically, A/C should be one feature that is high on your priority list when shopping for your classic.  No matter how good your ride looks on the outside, without A/C, it will be difficult to completely enjoy it in warmer months.  Fortunately, there are a number of companies that offer after-market A/C and virtually every modern-day convenience.  These include Vintage Air, Summit, Holley and Jegs, just to name a few.  Here again, your pre-arranged mechanic can be extremely helpful with any modifications you may want to make later.

Storage

There isn’t anything that will degrade the appearance of your classic car more quickly than storing it outside. Using a car cover will provide some protection, but this should be only a short-term solution. Unless you have an open space in your garage, it’s important to have a plan for protecting your vehicle from the elements during the entire year.

It’s Time to Check Off that Item on Your Bucket List

Half the fun of buying a classic car is the quest itself. Along the way you will meet some great people and see some amazing vehicles. However, because the process is emotionally driven, it is advisable to do your homework before starting your journey. You want to do everything possible to make sure when you check off that item on your Bucket List, you’ve chosen your dream car wisely. Happy hunting and enjoy the ride!