Classic car enthusiasts hold their interest for a reason: classic cars are unique and hold a special place in history.
Many view classic cars as special simply because they have a different driving experience than cars that you would see today.
With that being said, some car lovers will take that love and make the choice to purchase a classic car of their own.
But before diving into the benefits of owning a classic car, it’s important to know what exactly a classic car is.
What Makes a Car “Classic?”
There are three different categories of classic cars: vintage, antique, and classic.
The difference between each type of car is determined by the price, historic status, and age of the vehicle.
For example, an “antique” car is usually over 45 years old.
An antique car must also have most of its original parts. If it doesn’t, then you should restore it to the specifications of its original manufacturer.
A classic car is usually over 20 years old, and a vintage car is usually a vehicle built between 1919 and 1930.
Historic Status License Plates
The state you live in determines what kinds of special historic status plates the vehicle should have.
Some states may reduce the registration fee for historic vehicles in recognition of their limited driving use.
The most common historic status license plates:
- Vintage Vehicle Plate.
- Historic Vehicle Plate
- Custom Collector Vehicle Plate
- Classic Car Plate
- Street Rod Plate
- Antique Plate
It’s possible that if you are knowledgeable about cars, you knew these differences between classic cars, but regardless it is necessary to know the information before diving into purchasing one yourself.
# 1 – Joining the Community
Since owning a classic car is a pretty special thing, there is a community of vintage car enthusiasts out there.
You may already have a group of friends who share your love for classic cars, but it’s different once you own one.
Because of the fact that these cars are so striking, you likely will have those who share your love come to you (or you could approach them too, of course).
Many communities also have vintage car showcases you could attend as well.
#2 – Unique Driving Experience
Due to the fact that classic cars were manufactured so long ago, they function much differently than modern cars.
They simply don’t emphasize the importance of comfort that today’s vehicles do.
Classic cars typically have loud engines and exhausts, meaning you are going to have a loud driving experience.
There are also no features helping the driver with the driving process. There are no parking assistance or backup cameras.
Rather, the driver of a classic car is much more involved in the driving process.
If you are a car enthusiast in general, this could make an extremely enjoyable driving experience. Who knows, you might be interested in how to become a truck driver, too!
#3 – Attractive Appearance
Classic cars and modern cars have a long list of differences, but one could argue their appearances are one of the biggest.
Cars made today are pretty similar in appearance.
Classic cars, on the other hand, are fairly unique in style and often have their own kind of character.
They are more likely to turn heads than if you pulled up in a more modern car.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that with an attractive car comes more car washing and upkeep.
#4 – Less Expensive Repairs
Although classic cars are famous for their upkeep, the plus side is they do not need the expensive, exotic parts modern cars often require.
The exception here is if you were to buy a rare or international car, but generally, the parts should not be difficult to find.
Classic cars are easier to work on in comparison to modern cars, so that means if your car needed repairs you could do it yourself for a relatively low cost.
#5 – Compatible Parts With Other Cars
Going off the last point, classic cars were made with fairly simple technology, so that means many parts are compatible with other vehicles.
Not all parts will be compatible, but you are more likely to find parts from other cars that are compatible with your vintage car than you would be if you owned a modern car.
#6 – High Value
One of the most well-known things about classic cars is that they are very valuable. This is because of appreciation.
Appreciation begins when a car has reached its peak of depreciation, meaning it will regain value over time.
A general rule of thumb is a car will appreciate in value when they are older than 20 to 30 years. A classic car’s value will be even higher if it’s in rare condition or was not highly produced.
And of course, when it comes to cars, restoring a car will increase its value in the future.
#7 – Easy Registration
There are two different ways you can register a classic car. The first way is the way you would register any other car.
With this method, however, you would have to ensure your vehicle is up-to-date on safety features and could pass an inspection.
The other method is much more popular: registering with antique plates. There are still some restrictions that come with using antique plates, but it is a much easier process than the former.
Not only is it easier, but it is also relatively inexpensive.
Depending on the state you live in, you will either pay a one-time fee or pay a fee once every five years or so.
#8 – Low-Cost Insurance
You would think owning an older vehicle that does not have the safety features of today’s vehicle would be expensive to insure.
And while that is mostly the case, there are ways you can pay less for insurance for your classic car. If you have children, there are some helpful tips for parents of student drivers.
Informing your car insurance company you have a classic car is not the right way to go. When you do it this way, you’ll likely pay more.
Rather, your car should be registered with antique plates and then you should contact an insurance company that specializes in insuring classic cars.
Tell them about your antique plates. This will keep your rates low since antique plates come with limited mileage.