How Old Is a Classic Car?

 

In 1908 Henry Ford's Model T became the world's first readily available automobile. People soon became fascinated by the power and beauty of the new technology and remained captivated by the feeling of the freedom and excitement the driving experience brings for decades. Many car enthusiasts have collections of older models due to their love for the car's style and design. They are usually referred to as "classics"; however, there's a debate over what qualifies a car as classic versus an antique or vintage. For car enthusiasts, nailing how old an old car is is likely to be a crucial aspect of collecting cars. Find out what makes a car classic and how you can maintain the old cars you have in top condition.

What Makes a Classic Car Classic? The definition of the vintage of a car is more complicated than you think. The three types of cars that are older include classic antique, vintage, and classic. The criteria for each car depend on who or what company you're communicating with. Official car clubs as well as insurance companies, car enthusiasts as well as state DMVs every state has their criteria for how old an old vehicle is. For example, the Classic Car Club defines a classic car as a luxury automobile made in America as well as Europe between 1915 to 1948. The term is more precise than the standard notion of what is considered to be classic in the context of automobiles. This definition aligns with what people consider to be antique and vintage automobiles. Most insurance companies describe classic cars as vehicles older than twenty years of age but not older than 45 years. This broadens the definition of the term "classic car" definition to include models produced in the 1980s and 1990s. Some collectors don't consider these vehicles to be classics, but each state has their definition of a "classic" vehicle when registration of the vehicle. Most people and organizations agree that vehicles registered as classics must not have modernizations, and any restoration work must be in keeping with the car's original appearance and material.

Classic vs Antique and Vintage when looking at classic cars compared to antique or vintage vehicles, look at the broad definition of a classic vehicle, along with vintage and antique models.

·         Antique

Most cars are classified as antique when they are more than forty-five years of age. Most antique cars have designations that make them historic, while traditional cars do not. Antiques were popular during the 1950s, '60s and the '70s, including Jaguars, Mustangs, Corvettes, Cadillacs, Model Ts and more. As with classic cars, vehicles that are considered to be antique are repaired using materials and specifications that are in line with the original style.

·         Vintage

Many organizations consider cars manufactured from 1919 to 1930 as vintage. Vintage cars lack modern amenities such as air conditioning and automated transmission. These vehicles are rarer than classic and even antique automobiles. The popular vintage car models are 1929's Hudson 7 Roadster and 1920 Rolls Royce Phantom Limousine. Vintage cars are loved for their distinctive design and their retro-inspired driving experience. Historical status is also awarded to cars from the past to distinguish them from other vehicles on the road.

How to Maintain your Classic Car As a car collector, you invest lots of money, time and consideration into the way you maintain your car. Whether you think of your car as a genuine vintage, an antique, or an old model, maintaining your vehicle in good condition is an important consideration. To ensure that your car is in pristine condition, use these tips to help you maintain your vehicle.

1. Maintain Critical Areas

Check the critical areas of your classic car, including the engine's components and paintwork. Make sure your vehicle uses the correct amount of oil, and change it every 3,000 miles to avoid damaging your engine. If your car is equipped with air conditioning, flush your coolant at least once every year to avoid damaging deposits that could erode your system. Ensure your car is kept out of the water as much as possible, and then treat the rust spots promptly to avoid damage.

2. Keep It Clean

Classic cars need a bit more attention than other cars. Make sure to clean your classic once per week. Wash the exterior of your vehicle with a special soap designed for classic cars, as well as a soft sheepskin wash mitt. Each six-to eight-week interval, you should take the time to wax your vehicle after cleaning it. Ensure that your vehicle is protected with UV-blocking car covers designed for old-fashioned cars until you decide to take the car for a ride.

3. Store It Properly

One of the most important aspects of caring for your beloved car is to ensure that it is kept in a safe place when not in use. Place your vehicle in a safe location from the direct sun and the harsh elements that could cause corrosion to the car. The most effective way to store your automobile is to keep it in a garage with flooring constructed of asphalt or concrete with good drainage, but it prefers to be indoors. If your car is inside a garage, protect it with a customized car cover that's custom designed for your particular vehicle to protect it from any indoor elements that could harm the car's surface or damage windows. This Black Satin Shield at CarCovers.com is our softest option and is perfect for protecting your car's paintwork from dirt and dust from your garage. The elasticized hems in the front and the rear guarantee a perfect fit, and double-stitched seams offer long-lasting shield durability. Which is backed by our 10-year guarantee.

Take care of your Classic Car While the criteria that determine the age of a classic vehicle differ based on the source, The most significant person who can make the distinction is YOU. The classic car is older, but most importantly, it brings back memories of relaxed cruising and fascinating historical events. Whatever your choice is, whether it's an antique, vintage or classic car, be sure that you keep it safe and operating to the maximum extent possible by using the highest-quality semi-custom or custom car covers from CarCovers.