9 Reasons You Should Start Collecting Classic Cars

Classic cars are imbued with classic charm; their sleek, eccentric appearances, their rich history, and their elusive rarity make them appealing to the masses. Some people take their affinity for classic cars a step further and curate a one-of-a-kind collection of their own. Avid auto lovers collect classic cars for all sorts of reasons, from a love of tinkering, a competitive spirit, an appreciation of art and history, to the potential for profit. If the idea of classic car collecting appeals to you but you're hesitant to go all in, check out these top reasons to start collecting classic cars to give you the conviction you need to take the leap.

It's Fun

Simply put, collecting classic cars is fun! There's nothing quite as adrenaline pumping as watching auctions, as pride-inducing as receiving top marks at a show, or as socially fulfilling as chatting with your fellow collectors. You'll have a blast and make lasting memories exploring all that the classic car world has to offer.

It's Rewarding

Collecting and maintaining classic cars is hard but rewarding work. Some would compare it to raising a kid! You'll feel frustrated when you can't find the car you're looking for or when a restoration goes rocky, but you'll feel a surge of joy whenever your collection grows, whenever you finish a restoration, whenever you score well at a show, or whenever someone compliments your ride. While the road can be bumpy, in the long run, you'll feel pride for your collection and in your role in making it grow and thrive.

A Unique Pastime

Are you bored? Do you need something to do that can keep you entertained for hours, days, months, or years? Car collecting is the hobby for you. Collectors don't just spend their time scouring the internet and showrooms for deals; they also spend their time maintaining cars, restoring cars, photographing cars, driving cars, and participating in car shows. The life of a collector is a busy one. With so much to do and see, you'll never grow bored. A classic car fleet is the proverbial gift that never stops giving!

Curate Your Own Collection

The joy of car collecting is that you don't need to collect them all. Classic cars can be costly, so being choosy is to your advantage. Most collectors only buy cars they genuinely like. Some only collect red cars, some collect exclusively Fords, some only collect cars from a specific country, and some only want cars hailing from a certain era. You get to curate your collection exactly to your liking, with no pressure to pick one kind of car over another. Choose your niche and have fun with it!

A Wonderful Community

The classic car collecting community is big, diverse, and wonderful. Head to a classic car forum online or go to local shows to meet likeminded folks to chat with. The community is happy to give advice to newcomers and will welcome you with open arms. By participating in the wider community, you'll make new friends—all thanks to a shared love of cars!

Not As Expensive As You'd Think

Sure, you'll have to shell out a pretty penny for rarer and more popular cars, but most classic cars cost less than brand-new models. They do often require more TLC to look and run smooth, but with a bit of hard work and a small investment in new paint and parts, you can get a great car at a great price.

Can Be Leisurely or Competitive

Do you prefer leisurely hobbies you can do on your lonesome? Or perhaps you possess a competitive streak and like to partake in friendly competitions with other hobbyists for supremacy. Car collecting is a hobby that accommodates both sides of the coin. If you want a more relaxed hobby, start a personal collection and restore classic cars from the comfort of your garage. If you want to engage more with the community and feel like a winner, take your collection to classic car shows around the nation and show off your prized possessions for the world to ooh and ahh at. Don't worry about what other collectors are doing: do it your way.

They Can Be a Great Investment

Looking for a new investment opportunity? One reason to start collecting classic cars is because they present a unique opportunity to make money. Unlike today's cars, which start depreciating the instant you drive them off the lot, most classic cars appreciate over time. This makes them a fantastic investment if you play your cards right. Like all investments, investing in classic cars is a risk, but it can pay off big with a bit of good luck and timing. Get a quick buck by restoring worn-down classics or place a bet on which cars will soar in popularity and price for a potential top prize down the road. Some classics sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Others, like the rare 1964 Ferrari 250 LM and 1963 Aston Martin DP215, go for millions!

They're Pieces of Art and History

Classic cars aren't just cars. They're also pieces of art and history that we should strive to preserve. How would you feel if you owned the Mona Lisa or had Michelangelo's David standing tall in your lawn? You'd feel pretty special, we bet! But "traditional" art pieces often find their way into museums and are untouchable by the public. On the other hand, most classic cars are indeed interacted with by the general public. By owning a classic car, you're doing your part to keep its history alive; plus, you get the satisfaction of admiring and maintaining these artful relics personally.

If you feel ready to leap into the incredible world of classic car collecting and buy your first classic car, Ideal Classic Cars is here to help. We're a classic car dealer in Florida with years of experience dealing in classic, vintage, and antique vehicles. Our fleet contains classic cars from various manufacturers and eras, making it easy to find a car that speaks to you. Browse through our inventory to find the perfect car to start your collection.