LET’S face it. You’ve seen those nice, shiny classic cars everywhere now. On the road, in car shows and in your neighbours’ driveway. And your thoughts fly back to your dad’s Fiat or a rich uncle’s Citroen.
You have the resources and now it’s time to look for one that’s exactly the same colour or model.
Starting a classic car hobby (for that is what it is) is not simple. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
BEING REALISTIC
First things first. You have to identify the type of classic car you want. Simple? Not really. That uncle’s Citroen may not be particularly numerous in the first place and maybe your dad’s Fiat was a magnet for rust when it was new, let alone now. Cast your rose-tinted spectacles out and make a list of realistically available cars.
While making that list, keep in mind that vintage cars are cramped, noisy, cold, smelly and unreliable, not to mention expensive and unobtainable. Try to concentrate on classics from the 1980s and 1990s that had air-conditioning (or are easily modified to accommodate one) and a roof.
Yes, that MGB is a pretty car, and it suits you perfectly. But a Mazda Miata is nicer to drive and you won’t get drenched the first time you try to put a fiddly soft top up in a rainstorm.
Try to whittle down your list (if it’s too numerous) by Googling “problems related to the make and model” of the cars on your list. Avoid problematic cars if you can but I know you will choose one anyway. That’s the problem with your rose-tinted specs.
SETTING A BUDGET
The budget is not just the cost of the car itself. Unless you have owned one before, you will come to realise that the budget includes other costs such as reinstating the car on the road (not repairs). This includes insurance, documentation fees, inspection fees, auction fees (if any) and towing. Include some money left aside to solve any post-purchase problems.
This sum is your budget.
DON’T BUY THE FIRST CAR YOU SEE
The temptation is difficult to resist and seeing the car at night is also a big no-no. Uncountable basket-cases change hands at night. There are plenty more out there and you will be kicking yourself when you see a similar one cheaper and/or nicer than the one you just bought. By all means consult your list and try to convince yourself that you might find a nicer example elsewhere.
LOOKING FOR THE CAR
The classifieds and used car yards sometimes have nice examples. But usually the Internet and government or private auctions yield results, too. In between the numerous late-model cars you might find a nice early 1990s example that most of the regular buyers would pass up.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
There is one thing that takes the fun out of running a classic car - rust.
Older cars will have been repaired/restored at some point in their life. The engine and running gear is usually cheaper and easier to repair than the bodywork and chassis, so concentrate on looking for rust and poorly executed repairs.
The exceptions are the late 1980s and 1990s modern classics, many of which had galvanised bodywork. However, poorly done repairs will still promote rust, so be forewarned.
The other thing is to look for a stack of bills that provide the car’s history and is the evidence that supports it. The further back the bills go in time will give you a good indication of the car’s condition. It pays to pay a bit extra for a well-documented car because you’ll get it all back if and when you decide to sell it on.
LOOKING AFTER IT
Do a full service as soon as you get the car. This way you start with a known baseline and everything else will start from there. Do the essential, safety-critical items as a matter of course. Do the shiny stuff when your classic is solid and reliable. Invest in a trickle charger if you are not likely to drive the car regularly. This saves a lot of grief when you have the time to drive but the car just won’t start.
KEEP INSPIRED
Drive the car regularly and join a club (either catering for the marque or otherwise). Read literature concerning the marque and visit the now-numerous car shows. Do use the car for long(er) trips and buy a workshop manual. Nothing beats bonding with your car by working on it yourself. This will also help you if you suddenly come to a stop which is a common and likely occurrence with this hobby.
Have you taken the leap and bought a classic car? if so, we’d love to hear all about it!