Thinking of buying a classic car?
Cars on the road these all have similar shapes and looks. Very few stand out from the crowd. So what’s a girl to do if she wants a vehicle that turns heads? Well, she could buy a vintage car.
Vehicles from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s are noticeably different from their counterparts. Owners of vintage cars will also be quick to tell you that there is a certain air of mystery and magic that surrounds these dames.
Need examples? The Chevrolet Camaro, the Dodge Charger, the Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto and the Aston Martin DB5.
So perhaps your budget doesn’t stretch as far as these cool classics, but that doesn’t mean you can’t park a vintage car in your garage. Buying and owning a classic would still entail a substantial financial investment, so here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you spend your money well:
You’ll need to know cars, or know someone who does
Classic cars typically demand more care and attention than modern cars. This could range from post-purchase repairs to on-going tweaking and tuning in order to keep the car running. You thus need to either be familiar with cars yourself or have the details of someone who does.
Tasking someone with the responsibility of looking after your vintage model would naturally come at a cost, so bear this in mind when deciding how much you can afford to spend on a vehicle.
You’ll also need a garage
The space you store your vehicle in will serve three purposes. Firstly, it would keep your vintage model safe from harsh weather conditions. There really is no point in spending thousands on a vehicle, only to let sun, rain and potentially hail have their way with it.
Secondly, it would act as reassurance for insurers. They would want to know that a vintage car, or any car for that matter, is kept safe during the day and at night. Especially at night! Being able to say that the vehicle is in a lock-up garage at night will most probably save you a considerable amount in insurance costs.
Lastly, a garage could be used as a mechanic’s room whenever work on the car is needed. This is the perfect situation if your mechanic is private, as they can come and do whatever work is necessary at your home.
Some factors affect the price
Classic cars in rare colours tend to be more expensive. This could be, for instance, a dusty pink exterior with white leather seats. A small production run will also push up the price, as that makes the model rare. Mileage might also affect the price, as it does with modern cars on the market. It’s generally accepted that you will pay more for a car with fewer kilometres on the clock, while the same car will be much cheaper if it has racked up kilometres.
Act like you’re buying a modern car
When you buy a used car from the last two decades or so, you’d inspect it thoroughly. You need to do the same with a vintage vehicle. In fact, you need to triple check everything. A classic car has obviously seen more years and have possibly been through a few owners. Again, if you are not overly familiar with cars, ask a professional to join you when you view the car.
On a lighter note…
Prepare for trips to the shops to take a lot longer. Remember you wanted this car to be different? You will be and interested people will notice, ask questions and start conversations.
To start your research into available classic cars, visit car auctions, trawl the internet for vintage car information or join a local club. To find a club, speak to the South African Motor Club Association (SAMCA). You’ll be able to connect with people with a passion for vintage cars and have access to a wealth of information you might not have otherwise.
Heed all this advice and you would’ve covered all your bases. All that’s left to do is put down the money, sign on the dotted line and drive off into the sunset in your new beauty.