How to Restore & Resell Driver Classic Cars
The term "driver" when used in reference to a classic car usually refers to a car that is fit for daily driving or at least frequent use, but is not restored to a show-winning level. The advantage of restoring a car to a driver level is that the expectations are not as high as for fully restored cars. For those willing to invest the time and money, it is possible to make a profit from buying and selling classic cars, though it isn't easy. Below are some of the factors to consider.
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Instructions
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It's best to stick with cars that have a large number of fans. For instance, if you're trying to sell British cars, stick with brands such as MG or Triumph, of which many were made and sold. Also, keep in mind the availability of parts for the cars you are selling. Plenty of companies make parts for MGs, so you won't have to spend a lot of time tracking down obscure components. If you are into American cars, muscle cars like Camaros are a good bet for being easy to sell.
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Start with the mechanical aspect of the car first. Ensure that it is safe and driveable by inspecting the brakes and suspension. A new set of shocks can go a long ways toward making a car feel like new again, so replace these if they are worn. Likewise, inspect the brakes and at the least install new brake pads. A good scrubbing of the cars underside is a good idea as well as some paint on the suspension and wheel arches.
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Interior work can be difficult and time-consuming, so stick with models that are easy to source parts like carpet kits and seat covers for. Installing a new carpet kit can usually be done by an amateur in a weekend and produces amazing results. Areas like the headliners are usually best left to a professional shop if you want the results to be perfect.
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If the driver needs of a paint job, you can probably get away with spending a couple of thousand dollars at a place like Maaco or One Day Paint and Body. Keep in mind that a high-end paint job as good or better then the factory paint can run anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 or more.
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There are many ways to go about advertising a car. There's the traditional method of placing it in the newspaper or a print publication like the Autotrader. And thanks to the internet, we have free sites such as Craigslist, which has a large audience. Another great area to advertise is by using the classified sections of automotive enthusiast forums. For example, if you are selling an Alfa Romeo, the alfabb.com is a great place. Be honest in your description in the ad. If there is rust or mechanical issues, a buyer will be far more comfortable if these are disclosed before the transaction is done.
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Tips & Warnings
For financial reasons it is best to start with a car that already runs. Things like tune-ups, new exhaust system, etc, are cheap compared to a full engine rebuild, which is costly and quite time-consuming. If you start with a car that does not run and can't be at least driven, it's an unknown quantity at best. When trying to resell cars for profit, it is crucial to minimize the investment. Cars with the majority of their original components intact, even if they need to be cleaned and painted, are more desirable than ones missing parts.
- Photo Credit Zachary Mayne
