"Classic," "vintage," and "antique" are terms frequently used in the collector car community to describe the car and set it apart from normal, daily driving cars. There can be a great deal of confusion on what is considered a classic car and what differentiates them from vintage and antique cars. Many people lump classic, vintage, and antique cars together but they each have key differences.

Is Your Car a Classic Car?

Determining whether a car is "classic," "collectible," "vintage," or "antique" can be a bit of a gray area. State DMVs, insurance companies, and classic car clubs may classify each differently, and some classifications overlap!

For example, most states consider a car to be a classic if it's over 25 years old, but states like New York and Montana consider a vehicle to be a classic if it's over 30 years old. California doesn't differentiate between classic, vintage, and antique cars. If a vehicle was manufactured after 1922 and is over 25 years old, it is considered a Historical Vehicle. Car clubs like the Classic Car Club of America will only consider a car a classic if it was manufactured between 1915 and 1948.

The Difference Between Classic, Antique, and Vintage Cars

The most common criteria to classify your car as a "classic car" is it should be 25 years or older. The standards are more clear for antique cars. For a car to be considered an "antique," it should have been manufactured before 1975. Generally, antique cars are over 45 years old or more. So your 1969 Camaro? Yep, that baby's an antique! Then there are vintage cars. According to American Car Collectors, cars manufactured between 1919 and 1930 are considered vintage. If a car was manufactured after 1980, it is considered a collector car.

A new generation of classic car buyers and sellers is coming to the market, and the term "classic car" is starting to include cars from the 80s and 90s. This new generation of classic car customers makes the cars of the '80s and '90s sought-after collectibles. Of course, we love hot rods and muscle cars from the '60s and '70s, but if you're ready to sell your '80s or '90s sports car or truck, let us help!

 

What kind of insurance does a classic car need?

Collectible, classic, vintage, and antique cars are all moving pieces of history. This makes them all unique and special! It's important to have an insurance policy that matches the vehicle's uniqueness.

Classic, antique, vintage, and collector cars are no ordinary, and regular auto insurance won't protect your vehicle against damage and loss. Many insurance companies set guidelines on what they define as a classic car. According to Hagerty Insurance, cars from 1900 to 1980 are considered classic or antique. And if the car was manufactured in 1980 or later, it is considered a collector car.

Consign or Sell Your Car With the Pros

Since Fast Lane Classic Cars opened its doors in 1994, we've sold thousands of classic and collector cars to customers worldwide! We know classic cars and how to sell them. If you've got a piece of driving history and would like to sell it, Fast Lane Classic Cars are more than happy to help! Selling with us is easy, and you won't have to deal with the stress and hassle of selling privately.

One of the biggest reasons why we love cars is the community. Even though there are many different categories and styles of vehicles, the great thing about them is that there is something for everyone. Regardless of the type of car, the love for classic vehicles binds the community together.

 

 

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