How to Determine if Your Car is a Classic
Car enthusiasts and spectators alike take great pleasure in viewing, hearing and driving classic cars. According to the Classic Car Club of America, a classic car is any car that was manufactured prior to 1948. Aside from knowing the year that your car was made, there are many other hints that can help you determine whether or not you own a piece of classic history.
- Determine the correct age of your car. There are many classic replicas on the market, so the first step to determining whether or not you own a true classic is to verify the age of your vehicle. Every vehicle has a unique VIN number. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. You can use this number to obtain a complete history of your car. Use a vehicle tracking service such as CarFax to determine the true age of your car.
- Review your car's history. Your VIN report will be helpful in seeing a complete history of your car, including the year it was manufactured, accidents or incidents it has been involved in, as well as any major repairs it has had. Any major repairs or re-building might inform you that your car is not truly a classic.
- Contact your insurance company. Inquire about the company's car classification criteria and see if they view your car as a classic. Speak directly to an insurance agent and provide them with all of your vehicle information to determine whether or not your car is a classic.
- Inspect the car carefully. A true classic car, even a well-maintained one, will have some wear and tear from years of use. Check the engine to see if any of the parts have been replaced. If the engine appears to be new, it likely means that your car is not classic and has not been driven in it's original form since manufacturing. Examine the undercarriage of the car, as well. Most classic cars will have some rust and damage from years of use. Even in the absence of rust, the steel of the undercarriage should look weathered and worn from years of being exposed to the elements.