I walk down an upscale residential street where the driveways usually have BMWs, Lexuses and Volvos. I even saw a royal blue Range Rover once. But today, parked not in the driveway but in the street is this pink Dodge Challenger. This car must belong to: (1) a middle-aged man going through a midlife crisis, (2) a teenager or (3) a man who does not feel threatened by the femininity of the color pink. Whoever the owner is, it is one unique vehicle. I have not had much experience with classic cars except riding in them before they were considered classic. My grandmother used to drive a celery green 1954 Chevrolet Bel-Air that she named Pocahantas or Pokey for short. My parents drove a 1967 fawn beige Chevrolet Impala with a front bench seat that was not secured on the passenger side, so the seat would swing back and forth at sudden stops. But the best car belonged to a high school girlfriend who was an only child, so her parents spared no expense. It was a 1966 powder blue Ford Mustang and was drooled over by many a high school student.
According to Wikipedia, a classic car is an older automobile, typically 20 years or older, though definitions vary. The common theme is of an older car of sufficient historical interest to be collectible and worth preserving or restoring rather than scrapping.
Organizations such as the Classic Car Club of America and the Antique Automobile Club of America maintain lists of eligible unmodified cars that are called "classic." These are described as "fine" or "distinctive" automobiles — either American or foreign built — produced between 1915 and 1948.
Post–World War II "classic cars" are not precisely defined, and the term is often applied to any older vehicle.
United States – recognition of classic status
Cars produced in 1915 and older typically fall into the antique class and this includes the "Brass Era cars" that are defined by the Horseless Carriage Club of America as "any pioneer gas, steam and electric motor vehicle built or manufactured prior to January 1, 1916."
Legally, most states have time-based rules for the definition of "historic" or "classic" for purposes such as antique vehicle registration. For example, Maryland defines historic vehicles as 20 calendar years old or older, and they "must not have been substantially altered, remodeled or remanufactured from the manufacturers’ original design," while West Virginia defines motor vehicles manufactured at least 25 years prior to the current year as eligible for "classic" car license plates.
Despite this, at many American classic car shows, automobiles typically range from the 1920s to the 1970s. Recently, many 1980s and even early 1990s cars are considered being "classic automobiles." Examples of cars at such shows include the Chevrolet Bel-Air, Fort Model T, Dodge Charger, Ford Deuce Coupe and 1949 Ford. Meanwhile, the Concours d’Elegance car shows feature prestigious automobiles such as the Cadillac V16 or pre-1940 Rolls-Royce models. There are also terms as "modern customs," "exotics" or "collectibles" that cover cars such as the AMC Gremlin or Ford Pinto.
There are differences in the exact identification of a "classic car." Division by separate eras include: horseless carriages (19th-century experimental automobiles such as the Daimler Motor Carriage), antique cars (brass era cars such as the Model T) and classic cars (typically 1930s cars such as the Cord 812). Some also include muscle cars, with the 1974 model year as the cutoff.
Classic Car Club of America
The Classic Car Club of America describes a CCCA Classic as a "fine" or "distinctive" automobile — either American or foreign built — produced between 1915 and 1948.
The CCCA is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of select cars that "are distinguished by their respective fine design, high engineering standards and superior workmanship." Other differentiating factors — including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories such as power brakes, power clutch and "one-shot" or automatic lubrication systems — help determine whether a car is considered a CCA Classic. The cars on its list "represent the pinnacle of engineering, styling and design for their era."
Any CCCA member may petition for a vehicle to join the list. Such applications are carefully scrutinized, but rarely is a new vehicle type admitted. Moreover, no commercial vehicles such as hearses, ambulances or race cars are accepted as a Full Classic.
The CCCA maintains this definition of "classic car" and uses terms such as CCCA Classic or the trademarked Full Classic™. The CCCA has estimated that 1,366,843 "American Classics" were built.
Classic car styling
There was a worldwide change in styling trends in the immediate years after the end of World War II. The 1946 Crosley and Kaiser-Frazer, for example, changed the traditional discrete replaceable-fender treatment. From this point on, automobiles of all kinds became envelope bodies in basic plan. The CCCA term, "antique car" has been confined to "the functionally traditional designs of the earlier period" — mostly pre-war. They tended to have removable fenders, trunk, headlights and a usual vertical grill treatment. In a large vehicle, such as a Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow or in a smaller form the MG TC — with traditional lines — might typify the CCCA term. Another vehicle might be a classic example of a later period but not a car from the "classic period of design," in the opinion of the CCCA.
Safety
Drivers of classic cars must be especially careful. Classic cars often lack what are now considered basic safety features, including seat belts, crumple zones or rollover protection. In September 2009, ABC News’ “Good Morning America” and “World News” showed a U.S. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety crash test of a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu in an offset head-on collision with a 1959 Chevrolet Bel-Air sedan. It dramatically demonstrated the effectiveness of modern car safety design, over 1950s X-frame design, particularly of rigid passenger safety cells and crumple zones. The 1959 Chevrolets used an X-frame design which lacked structural rigidity; had the IIHS used a pre-1958 Chevrolet with a perimeter frame design, the results would have been much better. Vehicle handling characteristics — particularly steering and suspension — and brake performance are likely to be poorer than current standards, hence requiring greater road awareness on the part of the driver. In certain areas of the United States, using a classic car as a daily vehicle is strongly discouraged and may even be considered illegal in some places.
The British AA motoring association has urged motorists using or driving near classic cars to pay particular attention to safety. The issue received particular public attention following a 2013 case in which a driver in a hire 1963 MGB was killed immediately in a collision with a taxi.
According to Collin Woodard’s and Brian Silvestro’s May 7, 2020 article “27 Cool Classic Cars That Are Perfect For a Collector on a Budget” in Road & Track, below are a few examples.
Ford Mustang
Because Ford built so many original Mustangs, prices remain low. They're sub-zero cool, simple to work on and plenty affordable. This 1964 coupe can be yours for $26,000.
Dodge Viper
Despite its wild looks and legendary history, first-generation Dodge Vipers are still relatively affordable. Under the hood sits a massive V-10 engine making 400 horsepower. This 1994 model can be all yours for under $40,000.
Porsche 944 Turbo
For the longest time, Porsche 944s weren't too popular with collectors, but these days people are starting to show interest. Prices for Turbo models in particular have shot up in the past 12 months. Better act fast. Here’s a clean 1987 one up for bidding on eBay right now.
Autozam AZ-1
If you're looking for an affordable classic that'll most likely go up in value, consider something in the Japanese domestic market. The Autozam AZ-1 is a great candidate, with its mid-engine layout and gullwing doors.
Mercedes-Benz SL
The R107-generation Mercedes SL was produced for 18 years, meaning there are a lot of them around. Prices are still reasonable, though demand for unmolested examples has begun to increase. Here’s a 1974 one up for grabs on eBay now.
Toyota Supra
The last-generation Toyota Supra may have become an unobtainable collector's item, but the earlier versions are still well within reach. No, you won't get the same performance — or “Fast & Furious” crowd attention — but they're still lovely cars. This 1979 model is listed on eBay right now for under $15,000.
Alfa Romeo GTV-6
The GTV-6 had big shoes to fill following the lovely Alfetta and before that, the wonderful GTV. Equipped with that magnificent-sounding V-6 and a rear-mounted transaxle, it's a joy to drive.
Honda CRX
The original CRX of the 1980s was light, simple, fun and affordable. It remains that way to this day — if you can find an unmolested example, that is. They're few and far between, but worth the effort. This 1990 one has a bunch of modifications, and you can own it today.
Volkswagen Beetle
You really can't go wrong with a Beetle. It has a huge fan base, tons of support for parts and do-it-yourself maintenance and iconic style. And because Volkswagen sold so many, prices remain low. Here’s a 1975 one painted in a lovely shade of gold up for sale right now.
Toyota MR2
The original MR2 is now over 30 years old and makes for one fun piece of machinery. Some say the first-generation cars are a bit twitchy through corners, but treat it with respect — as you should with all classics — and you'll have plenty of fun behind the wheel. This 1988 supercharged model is in great condition and can be yours.
BMW 3 Series
Older BMW 3-Series models — especially E30-generation cars — have become hot items in the collector car world. M3 models have grown beyond reach for most people, but normal models like the 325i and 318i can still be found for cheap. Here’s an ultra-clean 1989 325i up for grabs now.
BMW M3 (E36)
Unlike the first-generation M3, its successor, the E36, hasn't skyrocketed in value. That's thanks to the engine; BMW gave North American M3s less power, effectively neutering them from the factory when compared to their European counterparts. But they're still fun to drive, and because not as many people are fans, they can be found for reasonable money. This one is a 1995 BMW M3 Coupe.
Datsun Z
The Datsun Z is considered one of the prettiest Japanese vehicles ever built. A sleek two-door shape with a long nose and short overhangs compliments a fantastic rear-wheel drive layout and wonderful chassis, paired to a straight-six engine. Prices are going up, but there are still deals to be found if you act fast — and don't mind a little tinkering. This 1975 example is currently on eBay Motors.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
We know it's hard to believe, but the first Miata is already nearly 30 years old. It first debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model year car, making it a certified classic. It's still one of the best cars you can buy, and since Mazda made so many, prices tend to stay low. This 1994 black one is super clean, and it's listed for sale for under $7,000.
Chevrolet El Camino
We were supposed to see a modern El Camino revival with the Pontiac G8 ST, but thanks to the economic meltdown, that didn't happen. Still, a classic El Camino is always going to be cool, and you can easily find them for decent prices. Here’s a 1986 one up for sale on eBay right now.
Fiat 124 Spider
Yeah, you can buy a new 124 Spider, but spending your money on a classic is more of an adventure. Besides, the old 124s have so much style and class. An added bonus: You''ll have plenty of opportunity for tinkering. Here’s a 1975 clean example listed for sale right now.
Ford F-100
Everybody loves a classic truck on the road, even if you're not a "truck person." If you can find an old Ford F-100 in good condition, you should absolutely pick it up — pun intended. Just look at those fenders. Here’s a 1967 fully restored example listed for just under $30,000.
Jeep Jeepster
Classic Jeeps are always great, but if you're going to buy one, why not get something a little different? Skip the go-to models and get yourself a two-tone Jeepster to stand out from the crowd. This 1970 Jeep Jeepster Commando is currently up for bidding.
Plymouth Valiant
The first-generation Valiant had a design only a mother could love, but by the mid-1960s, it was updated and looking pretty good. It was sold in several different body styles, including a convertible, and the engines are famous for lasting forever. On a budget, you can't go wrong here. This 1964 convertible model is in great condition, and it's for sale right now.
Pontiac Firebird
You can spend a lot of money on one of these if you really want to, but late-1970s Firebirds can also be pretty good deals if you keep an eye out for them. And even if it's not black, you'll still be able to live out your “Smokey and the Bandit” fantasies. Just make sure you have some Jerry Reed 8-tracks ready to go. This 1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is up for bidding on eBay.
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