What Age is a Classic Car?

Classic cars are defined differently by each state. Some states allow cars to be classified as 'Classic' at 20 years and other states at 25 years. The Classic Car Club of America defines a classic car as 'fine or unusual motor cars which were built between 1925 to 1948. All of these are very special cars which are distinguished by their fine design, high engineering standards and superior workmanship'. If you own a car and want to know if it's classic check with your insurance company. But to make sure you are covered for the real value of your classic car it will require that you have special insurance. What matters most is that you enjoy your classic car.

1930 Nash

What Makes it a Classic

A classic car is really a generic term that can cover many genres of cars worthy of being considered "collectable". There are many that would use the term "classic" for a 1924 Packard and a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 in the same breath. Here's our take on a vehicle's proper classification according to the era of its conception.

What Makes it a Classic?

Antique Cars 1880 Through 1916

The Antique car classification is used for cars built from the beginning of automotive development through 1916. They were first called "horseless carriages", and could have been powered by a gasoline combustion, steam or electric engine.

Vintage Automobiles 1916 Through 1924

Vintage Automobiles generally encompass cars that were manufactured between 1916 and 1924. These cars were the product of experimentation and innovation that brought major advancements in comfort, safety and durability for the car buying public.

1928 Bentley

Classic Cars 1925 Through Today

The debate over the proper definition of a "Classic Car" will not end here. In fact, we won't even try to voice our opinion on the matter - but you'll read about others who do.

Car Classifications: Antique, Vintage and Classic Car

If you are thinking about getting involved in the world of "old" cars, you should learn the various car classifications: antique, vintage and classic. Each class has its own meaning and mastering these is one of the most basic concepts of learning this hobby. While some of these classifications are open to interpretation and can vary, there are attempts to create conformity. In fact, in some cases there are state laws that regulate how these words are used. In other situations there are definitions set by car collector groups.

All states waive certain fees and tests for vintage cars. Most states waive those same fees and tests for classic cars also. But determining whether you have a vintage or classic car can sometimes be confusing.

Antique car. An antique car is a classification that is often set by state law. States often have a special type of license plate for these cars. For that reason they set rules stating what qualifies as "antique." In most cases it is a car that's over 45 years old. Generally the car should be maintained in a way that keeps it true to the original manufacturer specifications

1955 Chevrolet Belair

Classic car. This classification definitely overlaps with antique cars. The definition of classic car is actually quite similar to that of antique cars. A car must be at least 20 years old, but not more than 40 years old to be considered a classic car. It should again have been repaired and maintained in a way that keeps it true to its original design and specifications. In other words it should not be modified or altered. In addition, many add a stipulation that the vehicle should have been manufactured no earlier than 1925. For these reasons all classic cars are also antique cars, but not all antique cars are classic cars

Vintage car. There is also overlap between vintage cars and antique cars. Some vintage cars quality as antique cars, but not all vintage cars are antique and vice versa. Different groups set different cut off points for what qualifies as a vintage car and what does not. Generally, cars that are considered Vintage were manufactured between the years of 1919 and 1930, but some end it at 1925. Unlike the other two classifications, having had modifications does not necessarily keep a car from being a vintage car

As with any hobby, having a common vocabulary helps when you delve into the world of classic cars. Getting the distinctions between antique, classic and vintage cars down is an essential first step in helping you to communicate with other enthusiasts and is a good foundation on which to build.

1925 Packard