So you thought you’ll buy a nice long classic car. For all the might that could possibly be fitted into a brain you thought it’ll be an easy task, but it turned out it’s not. Right? Yes, of course, but it was about “till now” as you have intentionally or unintentionally stepped on a “worth paying attention to” portal. I know the rosy pictures of these indefinable beauties and their rich chromed sparkle from head to toe (oops… from top to tyre) seems alluring for sure but proves to be a real pain when you are out there trying to fit it n your garage.
Just the very thought of chasing (not literally) a classic car shoots a star right in my tummy. We all might have seen many classic cars. We don’t forget to visit any of the vintage car or classic car events happening in our city or sometimes in the other nearby cities as well. I still remember that I used to hit the pause button of my DVD player, just to get a glimpse of those vintage cars in various movies and then praise their beauty for all day long. I guess it’s not only me, I guess everybody is smitten by these sheer beauties.
Now, the point is not in how you will go ahead and purchase those motor chicks out there but rather it is to restore them and keep them in a running condition. Undoubtedly you will be praised wherever you will go inside these cars but then in order to be able to drive it you need to keep it in a good shape. So, if you are expecting a comfortable and trouble free ownership then let me stop you then and there and warn you that it is not like that. Understood?
A bit of FYI, this trend of collecting classic cars began in the late 1930 when some of the old and “not in working condition” cars were restored by some English clubs. The member of these clubs used to hand build these cars. After the completion of the job these were separated by various categories. The models which were in the pre 1919 period were termed as Edwardian, pre-1931 were called Vintage and the cars which were built during the initial phase of World War II were coined as Post Vintage Thoroughbreds. In the later phase, the divisions were then creating a point of delirium, which ultimately resulted in common term used for all of them saying “classic cars”.
Now, if we look at how much these cars serve their purpose, then I would say that undoubtedly vintage cars are really cool to collect. These cars enjoy a high status, high respect with a high value in the market. Whereas the Classic are bit lagging behind for that. But if we really speak about the overall aspect of an automobile then I would suggest that it is really a pain in the stooge to maintain the vintage cars and keep them in a running condition while the classic cars are really easy to take care of (though not really but better than the vintage cars).
Now let’s talk business baby. So, you made up your mind for buying a classic car. So the first thing to do is to figure out where you will get it. I know the first thing that people tend to do is to locate a dealer or seller of a classic car in the newspaper, call him up and get distressed with the unfruitful result it brings with it. Let me lay it in simple terms for you, getting a classic cars with a help of classifieds in the newspaper just don’t work. These are not the usual cars remember this fact and also that, the trend has changed. Now people simply don’t like to advertise about their lovely classic cars. So, the next thing is the internet. You can try your hand on it as well, but if you are seriously lucky enough and you have ample of time on your hand then I’ll say go and try but if not then there is the best way which is to get yourself enrolled in a classic car club. These clubs are basically developed to spread the word that who’s selling what, who is interested and who seems to have purchased what.
So now you spotted a car but you don’t know what to basically look for. Ok, so first and foremost make sure that the car you are thinking about is an original and clean car. Let me tell you that even though you need to play a little more extra than you will for the other cars, an original and clean car is the best bargain you can ever pull out especially in India. You know why? Because in India it is really hard to restore a classic car and also costly, wait, way too costly. Now, check the condition of the car. It should be original, mechanically. Don’t get impressed by those modified cars, because that might seem flashy to you but it is not except for the price. Also, try to get in touch with a person who knows stuff about these cars. He will help you with your dilemma. I have also developed a checklist if you are really serious about buying a vintage or a classic car keep this in mind.
- Current condition of the car
- Any acceptance from the DUDES in this field
- How rare this car is (generally the rare cars have high value and otherwise)
- Performance
- Design
- Year of manufacturing.
So finally you brought the much desired classic car home. So, the first question that arises is that, where do you want to keep it or rather where will you keep it? Oh, your parking lot. Good, that’s the best way to ruin your car. What? Seriously this is the best way how to help you get into the mess. Those parking lots are jam packed with the various features which can ruin you car for sure. The major hazards are those cute looking bubble faced kids out there, playing in the open. Then make sure you restore that car before sitting inside it and taking a world tour. You either have an option of taking it to the nearest mechanic or doing it yourself. If you give it to mechanic then it’s totally ok, until and unless you are friends with him. But if you want to do it with your very hands then you probably should go through various other magazines and books which will teach you how to do it perfectly. You can also search it on the net on how to restore your classic car by yourself. In fact there might be a possibility that we might in some time will cover the topic of how to restore your classic cars.
Now, now, now… but before anything else, you need to know what you’re up against and what has what value in the market. I’m sure my enough of what has made you confused. So, in simple terms here is a list of various different types of classic and vintage cars, their value in the market and their manufacturing years:
Cadillac:
This car usually represents the 1946 era. These cars are usually spotted as the hard top car but then in few of the rallies I have also observed a convertible version of it.
Chevrolet:
This was well represented in the 1946-52 era. Could be seen are the two models from its shed namely Fleet Master and Styleline Delux. While the Fleet Master is a 1946 model, Styleline Delux is a 1950 model. I have also spotted a Tri Chevy in some of the rallies which is supposed to be a 1955 model.
Buick:
These cars are available in both the sedans and convertible types. I have by far encountered its three cars in India namely Super a 1946 model and two other 1955 convertibles.
Plymouth:
These cars are available in very few numbers and are seen in very few places. Till now I have seen a two door convertible which is supposed to be a 1954 model and a station wagon and a sedan from the year 1956.
Jaguar:
I guess you all have seen its four door saloon which is a 1948 model. Besides, I have also seen some of its XK series classic cars which I guess are 1950 models.
MG:
These cars are easily the best classics as they are really easy to restore that’s why they demand high prices. You can encounter few 1960 MG models especially in the Hyderabad Motor Show.
Ford:
One can easily see a Ford V8 1947 model in any of the rallies. Those are the most common of all. They are still being used as taxis in Junagarh, Gujarat.
