If you’ve ever been to a classic car show, you’ve probably seen plenty of slick-looking muscle cars from the 60s and Model-Ts from the 20s. But what makes a classic car? And why are they such an enduring element of popular culture? Is your car a classic? There is a definitive way to find out, according to the rules of the Classic Car Club of America. Here are just a few things we love about classic cars.
More Than Just Age
You won’t find any modern vehicles at classic car shows. Most enthusiasts agree that to qualify as a classic car, a vehicle can’t be in production anymore. Cars that are between 25 and 50 years old may be eligible. But there’s more to it than just age. The Classic Car Club of America states that vehicles must be “fine” or “distinctive” to be labeled classic. The Antique Automobile Club of America adds in the further qualifier of “unusual.” The bare-bones structure of 1945–1953 Jeeps is just one example of an especially distinctive classic design. To learn more about how to buy a classic Jeep, use The Complete Buyer’s Guide. from The Drive.
However, in the state of New York, the qualifications are a little bit simpler. Your vehicle just has to be 25 years old to qualify for vintage plates. You can also get historical plates if you only display your vehicle at collector’s shows and exhibitions.
Monetary Value and Condition
Even if you have a vehicle old enough and distinctive enough to be considered classic, you need to take its condition into account. No one is going to be interested in a vehicle in poor repair — even if it happens to be a 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Mopar muscle car.
If the car has had significant repairs or work done on it, it may no longer qualify — a classic car should adhere as closely as possible to the manufacturer’s original design. In fact, you can even use a car’s value to determine its status. If it’s worth at least $20,000, it’s a definite contender.
Obsolete Features
As the automotive industry advances, certain features fall by the wayside. A classic car is often the only way that drivers will see these features in action again.
Examples of obsolete technology include rotary engines, turbine engines, seat belt immobilizers, and bench seats. Being able to see these design elements again is a big part of the appeal of classic cars. However, they also come with a drawback: some of these features were replaced by safer alternatives, so driving a classic car is generally not the safest way to hit the highway.
Rarity and Uniqueness
While a vintage muscle car from the 1970s might meet the age and distinctiveness criteria upon which most experts agree, the uniqueness of the car is also worth considering. Was the vehicle a special edition or part of a limited production quantity? Rarity can increase the value of a classic car, making it more “collectible” and desirable. Bragging rights are inherently part of the classic car scene, for better or worse, and having a more sought-after vehicle can only be a good thing in this arena.
Identifying a true classic car is a tricky endeavor because so much nostalgia and personal preference are tied into the equation. Ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder — but most classic cars should have at least a few of these elements in common.
If you are still interested in learning more about the history of horsepower, check out the 10 Iconic Dodge Performance Cars of the Last 50 Years. Luckily, if you live near Albany, Goldstein Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM hosts the ALL MOPAR AND JEEP Car Show every year.
