How to Price an Antique Car
Price an antique car by learning about the market. Each make, model, and year has specific characteristics that attract buyers. Identify original stock cars in good condition. Experienced antique car mechanics may find opportunities to repair an antique car. Auctions provide an ideal opportunity to evaluate the market for almost any antique car of interest. Because many antique car purchases require a substantial investment, evaluate the car in person. Obtain a qualified mechanic's report of the car's condition and any warranties from the seller prior to purchase.
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Things You'll Need
- Antique and collectible car price guide
- Auction calendars
- Antique and collectible car association memberships
- Capital
Instructions
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Attend auctions to learn about prices and price ranges of antique cars. According to the Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles, automobiles are considered antique at 25 years of age or older. Auctions such as Barrett-Jackson maintain searchable records of prior auctions.
Set up automatic eBay auctions to provide daily information about your favorite antique cars. For example, daily search results for 1928 Packard Model 533 Phaeton will appear when sellers offer this car. Ask many questions about condition, maintenance, ownership, and other relevant details before arranging an in-person viewing of any antique car offered via online auction.
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Buy an online subscription to Hemmings to access current sales listings and information. Without a subscription, search "Hemmings.com car make, model, year" for recent listings. The forums on the Hemmings site provide access to other buyers and sellers. Opportunities to learn more about the market exist by communicating with others on the forum. Remember to safeguard your personal and financial information in every online environment.
Search NADA Guides online for price and buying information about the antique cars of greatest interest. NADA Guides help antique car buyers know the market for any vehicle at a glance.
"The Collector Car Price Guide" provides an easy to use directory when you're looking and evaluating antique cars for purchase. The price guide recaps more than 100 manufacturers from 1901 to 1996.
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Join the Antique Automobile Club of America. Learn more about the market, supply, and prices of antique cars. Find other members with whom to trade antique cars. Forums on the AACA site are free to non-members.
Find antique car clubs in your area. Members enjoy teaching others about where and how to find opportunities to buy your dream car.
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Read everything you can about buying antique cars. Savvy antique car buyers network to potential sellers of their most desired cars. Let others who share your passion know about your desire to purchase the right car. Wait for the right opportunity --- antique car collectors may need to sell a fine car for cash during a financial crisis.
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Purchase antique cars needing mechanical restoration if you're an experienced mechanic. The "Ultimate Collector Car Price Guide: 1900-1991 Parts" by the editors of Cars & Parts Publishing puts you in touch with resources necessary for restoring your antique car with original stock parts. Original and unmodified antique cars maintain higher values.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy good condition, original stock antique cars. Find a mechanic to maintain your car. Keep your Packard in pristine condition for many years to come.
Most buyers lack the skill to properly restore a fine antique automobile. Rust and lack of original parts may stymie the best plans to fix and sell for profit.
References
Resources
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