How To Increase the Value of Your Classic Car

The value of an older car is a fragile and fickle thing. Like any other collectible, there’s not much separating the most high-prized asset from one that’s a dime-a-dozen. If you want to increase your classic car’s value, our guide below will show you how!

Repairs & Restoration

One of the most significant factors in a classic car’s value is its condition. So, the most effective way to increase the value of your classic car is to restore the vehicle and repair broken or rusted parts and mechanical components.

But classic car owners should be wary when considering a car restoration because, while the condition of an old car is crucial to its value, so is the authenticity of its original parts. Collectors want a classic car that’s as close to its original production as possible. While a classic that’s undergone a significant restoration will look nice, it won’t have the authenticity of a classic that’s original and kept in excellent condition its entire life.

The Levels of Classic Car Restoration

When undergoing a classic car restoration project, car owners should consider what level of restoration they want for their vehicles. The four levels of classic car restoration range from least-intensive to most-intensive: driving, street show, show car, and concours.

The driving level is purely a functional restoration with little resources toward the classic’s aesthetics, while the street show is a step up with the car looking and driving well. The show car level is closer to a professional restoration where every aspect of the car is restored, and concours is the highest level of professional restoration and is typically reserved for cars that will likely never be driven.

Restore the Paint

One area of the car that owners can restore without worrying that it’ll sour the value is the paint. A classic car’s paint job is typically first to go as it ages and starts to chip, fade, or rust after years of exposure to the elements.

But a simple paint restoration is a quick and affordable way to restore the luster and shine of a classic’s exterior and make it look new again. Owners can opt for a custom paint job to make it more unique, but as we’ve discussed, it’s best to stick as close to the original as possible for the vehicle’s value.

Spring for New Tires

Another quick and simple method to boost the value of an older car is to swap out the old tires for new ones. New tires improve the aesthetics of a classic car and make it safer and more comfortable to drive for the owner—a win-win.

As with every vintage vehicle part, the owner should attempt to make the replacement part as close to the original as possible. Older tires in quality condition can be harder to find and more expensive. Still, many companies manufacture vintage tires exclusively for classic cars to cater to collectors and vintage car owners.

Can You Put Modern Tires on a Classic Car?

Some classic car owners may be tempted to put new tires on their vehicles. After all, modern tires are better than the industry used to produce, so why not give your classic the best possible tires?

New tires on a classic car would be a massive mistake that would not only harm the value of the vintage vehicle but make it dangerous to drive and even damage the car. Older cars are built to be driven on older tires, and modern tires are so different that if slapped on an old vehicle, they’ll be incompatible and awkward or even dangerous to drive. Classic cars have different suspension setups than modern vehicles, so it’s always best to get tires specifically from the vehicle’s manufacturing era for comfort and compatibility.

Keep It Sparkling Clean

The oldest rule in automatic care is that clean cars run better for longer. So, the priority for every classic car owner should always be to keep it as clean as possible inside and out.

Dirt and grime in the mechanical components of older vehicles can wreak havoc and cause a litany of issues. Salt and dirt on the exterior can accelerate rust—a nightmare for any older vehicle. Keeping a classic car clean doesn’t just mean washing the interior occasionally but frequently waxing the exterior, vacuuming the interior, and probing the engine compartment and undercarriage for leaks and buildups.

Don’t Forget the Maintenance

While getting your classic car a tune-up won’t make it dramatically more valuable to collectors, regular maintenance is integral to maintaining a vintage vehicle’s value. Some may think that since they don’t drive a classic as often as a daily driver, it doesn’t require the same amount of maintenance, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Older cars and their mechanical components become much more brittle and fragile as they age, so basic maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotations, battery checks, and wheel alignments, is critical to their long-term health and value. Like our bodies need more TLC as we age, so do vintage vehicles.

Enter It in Car Shows

If your car is in tip-top shape, another way to boost its value is to enter it into some classic car shows. These events are excellent opportunities to display your pride and joy to other enthusiasts and make valuable connections in the local car community.

If your vintage vehicle wins any awards at the show, that will be great for its resume if you ever intend on selling it and making it more attractive to collectors. To make your car stand out at the show, make sure it’s as clean as possible, and consider displaying some before and after photos if you’ve put it through a significant restoration transformation.

Conclusion

We hope our brief guide has been helpful and informative to every classic car owner that wants to squeeze as much value out of their vehicle as possible. If you’re interested in adding to your collection, Ideal Classic Cars has many custom vintage cars for sale from all different eras and manufacturers around the globe. Browse our selection online or stop by our showroom today!