Where to find the best vintage and classic car deals in the United States
As a collector of classic cars, I have always been fascinated by the shape, design, quality and solid accessories of vehicles made in years past. Much of those qualities have been lost as today’s manufacturers, armed with advanced automation technology and mass production capabilities, compete with each other for sales and profitability. With the advancement of electronic, computer, mechanical, and engineering technology, many people would assume that such obsolete antiques will rust away in the garage, or worse, end up in the junkyard. For the rest, what remains of the car is perhaps the value of the steel and metal parts that gained some value judging by the irregular rise in scrap these days.
However, no one doubts that classic vehicles have been the “ancestors” of the modern automotive industry. Basically, vintage and modern cars still run and work in many similar ways. Of course, we have different types of vehicles on the market today powered by electric or hybrid technology, but the basic functionality of the car remains.
Classic and modern cars have not only traced their history to each other, but information technology in the form of the Internet has complemented the growth of the automotive industry and especially for classic cars, which in turn stimulates the great growth of the interest in such antiques. Before the age of the Internet, imagine the difficulties faced by classic car enthusiasts who only have a small classified publication in the newspaper to guide them or the endless trip to the local library and bookstores. The Internet has become a huge phenomenon, not only creating an international group of like-minded enthusiasts, but also accessibility to information like never before witnessed, whether it is for vehicle sourcing or spare parts.
In the United States, there is a large category of classic car enthusiasts. Since pricing varies across makes, models, and age, you can find interest in almost every category based on affordability. In general, the term classic cars in the US is a term used to describe a motor vehicle that is at least 15 years old, not a reproduction, and a substantial portion of the cars are similar in specification and appearance. from the original manufacturer. Although there are other stricter rules established by a certain club that require the conformity of the cars with a certain standard, category, price and age before the vehicle can be registered or associated with said club. Each car club or association sets its own guidelines and maintains its standard and classic car enthusiasts can register their cars with the respective clubs if the car owner can meet the set guidelines.
Obviously, there are many clubs and associations in the US Any interested classic car buyer will be able to find their dream car by doing a Google search and a list of classic car clubs will appear on their screen. Most nightclubs usually have a classifieds section for classic car sales. Others will have a classifieds section that will facilitate the sale of cars that meet the clubs’ compliance standard. There are also clubs that cater to specific car brands, but most of them usually have a section for owners to sell their cars. Apart from clubs and associations, you can also find many websites that sell purely classic cars. Check them out and also try to find and join internet forums that deal with classic cars to see if others have any experience buying and selling cars on those websites. Most car sales websites today offer photos, a full description and history of the car for sale and save you a lot of time. Instead of calling or driving around town or hitting the interstate, you can now narrow down your choice to 2 or 3 cars and pursue your interest more precisely.
As a serious buyer looking for classic cars, my first order of business is to compile a checklist before I start looking for the classic machine of my dreams. However, at times, you will find that your mind may doubt the original intent when you go through the choice of classic cars that is available on the internet market. In this case, you will have to decide based on your budget level. Here is the checklist. It may not be exhaustive, but it has served me well:
1. When you find the car on the website, look at the way the owner writes to describe their car. Although not conclusive, if the owner writes his ad with seriousness and passion for the car he is selling, it gives some clue as to the condition and if the car is well cared for. This rule applies to vintage or classic cars because it takes passion and interest to keep and maintain a vintage car.
2. Does the owner allow personal inspection of the car before selling it? Again, if you plan to visit the car, bring a qualified mechanic. Here, you will find that some owners, who have taken your interest seriously, tend to be very helpful and will walk you through the entire car and show you what is behind the hood without being asked. Be sure to bring the information you have researched, make sure the cars meet the original car manufacturer’s specifications. Also, do the documents provided match the vehicle identification number, year, make, model, chassis and engine number?
3. Have advertisers provide a complete list of paperwork and documents, if the information is incomplete. Will the owner provide the contact number for their mechanic?
4. For exterior, look for rust and color matching on entire car body, trim, bumper and grill, condition of windshield especially visibility, cracks or chips, matching door/hood handles and keys .
5. For the interior, you should inspect the door, dashboards, odometer if there is a chance to find replacement parts, check the seat and floor for rust, wear and tear.
6. Have mechanics check engine, possible oil leaks, running gear, spark plug condition, exhaust, and steering system.
7. Start the engine and check the electrical system such as dash gauges, headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers and washers.
If you are looking for vintage and classic cars like AMC, Austin, Austin Healey, Buick Electra, Ford Model A, B, T and others, Plymouth, Willys, Studebaker, Alfa Romeo Spyder, Jaguar, International Harvester, Packard, Edsel, Desoto, Shelby and many others, you will find it in the links below.