How to Search for Classic Cars

A classic car is one that typically 30 or more years old. Often, classic cars are collectors' items and antiques, and as such, they can be quite valuable. People often buy classic cars not for functional purposes but because enjoying classic cars is a hobby or sentimental pursuit for them. Searching for the classic car you would like to purchase can be an ongoing project, but the process you will follow can be fairly simple.

Instructions

1

Educate yourself on classic cars by reading and doing plenty of research, as well as asking classic car experts, such as dealers who specialize in classic cars, many questions. Places to read include the magazines "Classic Car," "Classic Cars & Parts" and "Car Craft." Decide which make, model and year of car you would like to purchase. If you do not have specific details on this, your search can be broader until you narrow down the specifics on your ideal vehicle. Your personal preference will be one of your guides. Perhaps you have a sentimental reason for getting a car that is the same make as your first car, for example. Or you might prefer a German sports car, because you like the engineering of German classic cars. Price and mechanical condition of the car will likely play into your decision on which car to buy.

2

Peruse local classified ads and nearby classified ads in your region, either in the hard-copy publications or online. Publications to check include cities' or towns' newspapers, car-specific publications and any other newspapers, magazines and Web sites that have classified ads for cars. Hemmings.com, ClassicCar.com and Hubcap Cafe are all great places to check. You might need to search far beyond your immediate geographic area for the vehicle you want.

3

Inquire with local and regional car dealerships that specialize in classic cars, to see whether they have any classic cars for sale in the make and model that you would like to purchase. If they do not, you can check back with them over time, or give them your contact information so they can contact you if a vehicle becomes available. HubcapCafe.com has an extensive listing of car dealers in each state.

4

Place ads in classic car publications, specifying the make and model of classic car that you would like to purchase. Online classifieds such as Hemmings.com and AutoTraderClassics.com are well-known sources of this type of ad.

5

Search key Web sites, such as Hemmings Motor News at http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/, which is a prime place for classic car advertisements. ClassicCar.com and Hubcap Caf are other potentially good sites to peruse. You can also place an ad for the car you want in the Cars Wanted sections of the sites.

6

Search eBay.com. You could find some hidden treasures and good deals there.

7

Check HubcapCaf.com for a listing of car shows near you, and attend these shows. The site lists classic car shows by state. If you are looking for an American-made car, for example, and certain shows cater to domestic cars, head toward those shows and avoid the shows that have mainly British- or German-made cars. At the shows, meet people and tell them what type of car you seek. Ask them for ideas on where you can find that classic car.

8

Attend auctions, such as McCormick's, to search for classic cars. This auction's site is at classic-carauction.com. Consider contacting the people who run this auction, held twice per year, in between auctions to ask for leads on the classic car that you seek. ClassicCarBids.com is another potential resource and also has online auctions.

9

Have the classic car that you are interested in buying checked by a mechanic who specializes in classic cars to assess any potential problems. Often, a standard mechanic is not well-versed in classic cars.