Facts About Antique Cars
There is considerable debate among old car enthusiasts over the definition of antique, classic and collectible automobiles. In recent decades, the definition of an antique automobile has come to include any vehicle more than 25 years old. However, specific guidelines outlined by car clubs only apply as to what constitutes an genuine antique vehicle.
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The Confusion
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Motor vehicle departments in most American states typically identify a vehicle more than 25 years old as an antique. This permits any owner to get "historical vehicle" license plates and get lower insurance rates--presumably because the vehicle is only used occasionally, according to Dmv.org. However, the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Classic Car Club of America have published specific rules that are vastly different from state government guidelines and are considered the last word on antique cars.
Antique Cars Defined
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Any horseless carriage manufactured between 1896 and 1915 is an antique vehicle. Vehicles built between 1916 and 1925 are "vintage" vehicles. "Classic" cars are deemed luxury vehicles, such as Duesenberg, Packard, Lincoln and similar high-end cars, and built between 1925 and 1948. Collectible automobiles are generally postwar cars that have some cultural significance, such as the 1964 ½ Ford Mustang.
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The Vehicle
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By the strict standards of the Antique Automobile Club of America, pre-World War I vehicles are true antiques. Perhaps the best known antique is the Ford Model T. It's perhaps the most significant vehicle in American history. The Ford Model T was the first mass-produced automobile beginning in 1913, and was the first car that was affordable to the average worker. At the peak of production through 1927, a new Model T could be bought for $250.
Models
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Unlike luxury classic cars produced after 1924 that employed independent coachbuilders to style sleek bodies, the pre-World War I antique maintained body styles that were identical to horsedrawn carriages. Hence the term "horseless carriage." These bodies are upright and lack any hint of aerodynamic styling. Usually, the vehicle is open without doors or top. Body styles include doorless roadsters, two-seater coupes and larger town cars. Touring cars usually featured three bench seats on a raised platform that allow passengers a bettering "touring" view.
Caveats
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Some vehicles that don't fall into the classic or collectible car categories can be considered antiques if they're historically significant. Ford's engineering advancement of the flathead V-8 engine in the 1932 Model A and the aerodynamic styling in the 1934 Chrysler Airflow 8 give these vehicles antique status.
Collecting Antiques
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A classic car such as the Duesenberg can command a multimillion-dollar price tag. Collectible cars, such as the Shelby performance Mustang produced in limited numbers, can cost a buyer more than $125,000. Antique Chevrolets, Fords and Dodges can be bought for less than $15,000. These low prices can be attributed to the fact that antiques are relatively plentiful compared to the very rare Duesenberg and are not practical for modern roads.
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- Photo Credit antique car image by Joseph Chiapputo from Fotolia.com
