When Is a Car Considered a Classic? (2024)

FAQs

When Is a Car Considered a Classic? ›

A car is considered a classic in New Jersey if it's at least 25 years old. When a vehicle in New Jersey meets these requirements, the owner can register it as a historic vehicle, which will limit the car's use. Specifically, classic cars in New Jersey can only be used for exhibition and educational purposes.

California describes a “classic car” as a vehicle that is at least 25 years old. This distinction is made due to the fact that cars built before 1975 are excused from the California Smog Certification Program.

Before defining the characteristics of a classic car, note that there is no universally accepted definition of a classic vehicle. While any car between 25 and 30 years old is generally considered a classic, different organizations, insurers, and states have their own definitions of classic cars.

According to Hagerty, cars from 1900 to 1979 are considered either Antique or Classic. If the car is manufactured in 1980 or later, it is considered a collector car. The Classic Car Club of America is even stricter in their description of classics. They only consider cars between the years 1915 and 1948 to be classic.

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old.

Classic cars are at least 20 years old but not older than 45 years, while vintage cars are 25 years or older. Antique cars are even older, at least 45 years old. Keep these classifications in mind, as it can get even more confusing when searching for cars online.

Additionally, maintenance costs can quickly add up as cars age. Parts are harder to find, and labor is more time-intensive. If these concerns make you uneasy, avoid cars over 20 years old. This rule of thumb may help ensure your vehicle choice is still safe, reliable, and affordable.

Classic car insurance is usually much cheaper than regular car insurance. According to Baily Insurance Agency, a classic car policy costs around $200 to $600 annually. If you own an abnormally expensive vehicle, your rates may be higher. In contrast, regular car insurance usually costs over $1000 per year.

When does an automobile become a classic for insurance purposes in California? At the bare minimum, the vehicle needs to be at least 25 years old. If you wish to register it as a “collector car” with the state, you will need to follow other guidelines.

2. Older Vehicle Exemption: The 25-year rule exempts vehicles that are at least 25 years old from having to meet the full set of federal safety and emissions criteria that apply to new vehicles. This exemption recognises that older vehicles may lack the enhanced safety and emissions systems found in newer versions.

At what mileage is a car considered old? ›

Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.

Hagerty defines vehicles from 1900 to 1979 as Antiques or Classics. A car manufactured in 1980 or later is considered a collector car. Classic Car Club of America is even stricter in defining classics. As classic cars, they are only accepted between the years 1915 and 1948.

Vintage car definition: Many organizations consider vintage cars to be manufactured between 1919 and 1930 (if they even distinguish vintage cars from classics and antiques).

Additionally, collector trends are unpredictable, so you can't bank on a specific model dramatically increasing in value. That said, classic cars do often increase in value and are one of the better performing collectibles out there.

While it could indirectly affect classic cars and collectors, governments are more focused on limiting new gas-powered cars instead of old ones. In summation, classic car owners shouldn't spend too much time worrying about the future. New cars may be different, but there will always be room for classics.

Key Takeaways. For the automotive enthusiast, one way to diversify an investment portfolio is to start collecting classic cars. Most cars lose value immediately after they are driven off of the dealer lot, but classic cars gain in value over time, due to rarity, performance, or special attributes.

The starting classic car age range can generally be anywhere from a minimum of 10 to 25 years old, but there's no agreed-upon minimum age that categorizes a car as a classic. Insurance companies, car collecting clubs, and state BMVs and DMVs all have their own methods for defining a classic car.

Vintage: manufactured between 1919 and 1930. Post Vintage: manufactured between 1931 and 1949. Classic Acceptance: manufactured between 1950 and 1969. Modern Classic: manufactured between 1970 and 1989.

Classic Motor Vehicle - A motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured at least 15 years prior to the current year which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially in conformity with manufacturer specifications and appearance.