Classic Car Prices - Condition Counts

Classic Car Prices are based on several elements. Just because a car is old does not mean it will have accelerated value. Just because an old car has low mileage does not mean it will have higher value. Cars dated 1880 to 1916 are antique. Cars dating from 1916 to 1924 are vintage. Cars built after 1924 until the current year are considered classic cars. In the US, classic cars are officially those that are at least 15 years old.

Even more important than low mileage, condition is the number one variable to affect classic car prices. Mileage can be adjusted, so without honest verification of low actual mileage, there is no real way to say that odometer is correct. Even if the odometer is left alone, there is no verification that the engine on that car holds those miles on it.

Different options will have different values, based on what the option is and where the car is located. If you have a right hand drive car in England, that will have more value than a left hand drive. In the US, the opposite would be the case. Custom features can actually reduce the classic car prices, because then someone has to restore the car back to original condition. Even a classic car that is incomplete will have the value of its parts for resale.

Overall, car condition is still the factor that will sets value on a classic car. In a car show, there are four categories of condition: Show, Excellent, Good, and Fair. A show car is the best, is not driven, and is hauled around on a trailer from show to show. They are exceptional restorations or highly preserved originals. A car will only receive this classification after being judged so and certified at a national level classic car show at 96 to 100 percent.

A car classified as excellent is driven rarely. It is completely functional, and either highly preserved or completely restored. This car will score 90 to 95 percent at a regional classic car show. Cars that are in the good classification show some age but are very well maintained. Again, the car will either be a nice original or a well restored car. It can be driven and it runs very nicely.

The lowest category of condition would be fair. These cars work well, and are missing no major parts. This is the type of car you would buy for restoration to a higher category. They show a little age, maybe has some rust here and there. They might need a little body work. The car looks good and is able to be driven, but it needs brakes, or engine work or some important parts replaced.

You can find classic car prices in the NADA or Gold Book guides. Regardless of the guide price, when it comes to selling the classic car, it comes down to how badly the buyer wants it, and who owned the car previously, and whatever documentations are available.

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