While it’s unlikely that your early nineties Ford Fiesta is old enough to be defined as a classic car, there are a few different terminologies to consider.
According to Money Mag, investing in cars is an asset class that has quietly risen 467% in just ten short years. As many have seen, vehicles can double in value in as little as twelve months providing that you choose the right model and the condition that the vehicle is in. However, just because a car is ‘old’, doesn’t mean it’s a worthy investment as a classic or vintage car.
The classic car market in Australia has low spreads and volatility, but with high liquidity. The prices are barely affected by supply and demand, as there’s simply not enough of these vintage vehicles still around, especially those considered to be of both high value and high quality. However, to ensure that you don’t end up with an overpriced lemon that isn’t even considered to be a classic car of value – what is the exact definition of such a model?
How To Identify A Classic Car
There’s more than just age that separates a classic car from other vehicles, and some classic cars are even technically defined as antiques. With all the terminology and technical specs thrown around by automotive industry experts and recreational hobbyists alike, it can be difficult to hash out an exact definition of what makes for a classic car.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the literal meaning of the word ‘classic’ is an item judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind. While there is no set definition or parameters that dictate what a classic car is or is not, the general rule of thumb amongst Australian classic car clubs is that they are classed as vehicles built before 1990. However, this is further split up into five sub categories.
Veteran – Vehicles manufactured prior to 1918
Vintage – Vehicles manufactured between 1919 and 1930
Post Vintage – Vehicles manufactured between 1931 and 1949
Classic Acceptance – Vehicles manufactured between 1950 and 1969
Modern Classic – Vehicles manufactured between 1970 and 1989
Within each of these time based categories, automotive enthusiasts usually also have preferences as to what types of classic cars they opt for. For some people, it’s all about muscle cars, while others prefer hot rods, pony or sports models. Some collectors even have a penchant for convertibles, so a classic or vintage car’s value can also boil down to personal preference.
To further complicate matters, there are also some overlaps between these categories. Some post-1990 cars may also be considered classics, especially if they were considered the best of their era, such as the Ferrari 550 Maranello or the Porsche 911 GT2. Given the fact that just last year a humble 1988 VL Commodore Walkinshaw sold at auction in NSW for $340,000, it’s important to remember that certain models are all but guaranteed to increase in value if you back a winner and it’s kept in good condition.
If you ignore the potentially financial appeal, there’s still something special about being the proud owner of a classic car in this day and age. Unsurprisingly, it’s not just the revheads that love the iconic vehicles of yesteryear. Iconic models don’t only appeal to car lovers, but also attract those passionate about engineering, design, art and yes, history. Before cars were built for efficiency and speed, it was about the experience, style, exclusivity and ultimately, craftsmanship – making them timeless, works of art.
How To Get Your Hands On A Classic Car
Meeting a fellow vintage auto enthusiast can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but rest assured that Classic’s Garage understands the thrill more than most. Having spent forty years collecting anything and everything from matchbox cars to hub caps, he’s successfully followed his passion to source, collect and stock beautiful and low mileage classic automobiles from around the world. With extensive experience in the automotive industry, it was only a matter of time before Wayne expanded on his love of vintage, iconic vehicles to share his knowledge and passion with the public.
Although his passion is for automobiles built before 1978, with a particular love for Buicks, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Oldsmobiles and even Fords, Wayne is just as passionate about the stories of the owners. Just like the cars, he has found that his fellow classic car enthusiasts all have wildly different attractions and logic behind their passion or hobby, and this often translates into how the car is presented. If it’s even remotely different, rare or just plain unusual, Wayne will overcome the relevant logistical and geographical challenges of bringing the cars to his showroom in Australia.
Classic’s Garage is a showroom conveniently located at Seventeen Mile Rocks, that specialises in the restoration and sales of vintage automobiles. In fact, he’s got a medley of fully restored models in stock right now, which can be viewed online via Wayne’s Collection. If you’re on the hunt for Brisbane classic cars – quite simply, Wayne is your man. If you would like to arrange a viewing or inspect any other of our classic vehicles, please get in touch with us today.
