10 surprising facts about classic car ownership


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Owning a classic car is a dream for many, the idea of ​​owning something old and unique has a certain appeal that appeals to everyone, young and old. However, it’s not as easy as finding a classic online and handing it over.

Regulations, safety concerns, storage issues, and high maintenance costs are things you will need to consider before deciding to buy a classic car. Once everything is in place, the fun of driving the car of your dreams is entirely possible, with a community of like-minded people. Here are 10 surprising facts about owning classic cars.


ten
It’s less and less common



1986-Porsche-959
source: wsupercars

Owning classic cars may soon become a thing of the past, unfortunately, for a number of reasons. The problems stem from a lack of interest on the part of a younger generation of drivers. It seems that while some newer drivers enjoy classic cars, fewer are buying them compared to previous generations.



1986-Porsche-959
source: wsupercars

Financial issues also come into play, as many young people, unfortunately, simply cannot afford to buy and maintain a classic whether they like it or not. And as the prices of some classics continue to rise, ownership of classic cars is declining.

9
The value of classic cars does not always increase



1965-Ford-Mustang-Fastback
source: wsupercars

Choosing a car as an investment can be a difficult issue to manage, as the value of some cars will decrease rather than increase over time. A number of classic cars simply get cheaper to buy over time. Mileage and maintenance costs are two huge factors in the depreciation of classics.



1965-Ford-Mustang-Fastback
source: wsupercars

Luxury cars are also known to lose value quickly. This is because the type of person who buys often has the money to buy an expensive car to begin with, which leads them to sell and buy something even more luxurious soon after. Often times, reliability issues for some buyers also play a role and for luxury vehicles in particular, once-luxurious features become obsolete quite quickly, with many high-end features becoming the norm on newer cars.

8
Some states restrict the use of classic cars



1968-Chevrolet-Camaro-Z28-RS
source: wsupercars

Unfortunately, it seems that certain restrictions play a big role in owning a classic car, which means you can’t always buy one even if you have cash on hand. Over time, technology and restrictions have also evolved. Modern vehicles are designed to meet current emissions regulations.



1968-Chevrolet-Camaro-Z28-RS
source: wsupercars

Back then, manufacturers could routinely make cars with little or no respect for these kinds of regulations, and as a result, many classic car engines could not meet these standards. This has led some states to limit how much you can drive your car per year. It’s always worth checking before you get started.

Related: 10 Coolest Classic European Cars To Buy And Restore On The Cheap

7
Vintage tires are hard to find



1954-Chevrolet-Corvette
source: wsupercars

One aspect that only applies to some cars, but is always worth mentioning, are vintage tires. Of course, if your classic car is more vintage, your regular old tires won’t cut it off quite. Everything will have to correspond to the right period.



1954-Chevrolet-Corvette
source: wsupercars

This is, again, because in the past, manufacturers did not have to conform to standards like we have today, and they made their tires exactly as they wanted. Fitting the right tires may even require researching the original manufacturer to see if it is possible to get ones that will fit correctly. Obviously, only the owners of competition vehicles will go this far.



mini_classique_1959
source: wsupercars

Classic cars are one of the most specialized types of vehicles you can own, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some fan favorites. One of the most common classic cars that you will see is the Mini Cooper.



mini_classique_1959
source: wsupercars

Naturally, British drivers in particular are fond of this car, because it is of course his hometown. However, some great reasons to buy a Mini are that they are cheap, fairly easy to maintain, and due to the sheer amount produced it is easy to find parts for which. As for the United States, you’ll find a number of classic Mustangs, Dodge Chargers, and Firebirds for similar reasons.

5
Storing them well is a must



1966-Ferrari-Dino-206-GT
source: wsupercars

Taking care of your vintage car is essential to keep it as new. You cannot always keep a classic car the same way you would keep a modern car, certain precautions need to be taken like keeping it safe from inclement weather like heavy rain and snow.



1966-Ferrari-Dino-206-GT
source: wsupercars

This is especially true for soft top convertibles with lower quality roofs than we are used to on modern cars. Staying on top of any potential rusting issues can also save you money down the line.

Related: Here Are The 10 Most Reliable Classic Sports Cars The Money Can Buy

4
Classic cars can help improve driving technique



1964-Aston-Martin-DB5
source: wsupercars

We live in an age with a lot of electronic aids in our cars, which makes it easier to drive them. This cannot always be said for the classics. Older vehicles were not equipped with these aids, traction control is something we take for granted today, but it was not commonly used until recently on road cars, and early years was far from good.



1964-Aston-Martin-DB5
source: wsupercars

This leads to a more difficult time behind the wheel, which some drivers appreciate, but for the less experienced, a little caution may be needed at first. Older and heavier muscle cars in particular may be best avoided for beginners, but once you get the hang of it, it can help dramatically improve your ability to control the car.

3
Regular maintenance is vital



1968-Alfa-Romeo-Tipo-33-Stradale
source: wsupercars

All cars need proper maintenance, but this is especially important for older vehicles. Old changes will be needed more frequently than on more modern cars and rust issues should be checked as we said earlier.



1968-Alfa-Romeo-Tipo-33-Stradale
source: wsupercars

Maintaining parts and bodywork will also play a role, as older cars may have suffered damage in their time. Anticipating any potential mechanical failure can save you time and money, so be sure to recheck the engine and transmission, especially if they are well beyond their expected life.



1973-Lamborghini-Countach
source: wsupercars

Whatever car you own, there is probably a community of people who are particularly fond of this car, this is further improved for the classics. Groups of car enthusiasts can be easily found online and given the age of classic cars, generations of people from the past may have a deep love for the same car as you.



1973-Lamborghini-Countach
source: wsupercars

For this reason, you will find various auto shows and get-togethers for those with a common interest, something that simply cannot be matched with some of the more modern and slightly newer cars. Vintage cars attract people from all walks of life, and the sense of community is a big reason why some people are interested in these particular cars.

Related: These Classic Sports Cars Can Be Bought For The Price Of A New Prius

1
Some negatives to the property



1970-Nissan-240Z
source: wsupercars

It’s not all about the great community and exciting times, however, some old cars are drastically missing in some areas. The first and most obvious may be a complete lack of modern equipment.



1970-Nissan-240Z
source: wsupercars

The classics won’t come with a fancy touchscreen infotainment system we’re so used to today. Some will also have trouble starting, and owners will struggle to achieve decent speeds due to weaker engines from the past. Safety is a major issue for older cars as they lag behind our modern standards, some cars may not even come with reliable airbags or seat belts.

Sources: Classic Motor Hub, Garage Dreams, Forbes, Carole Nash, Precision Restorations, Hagerty, Oponeo


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