Driving a classic car.

I think vintage cars are a winner anyway that you look at it.

A.) Unlike new cars-they will not drop in value-they may even go up

B.) In terms of status, they are close to new really expensive cars. If you can pull it off they may have MORE status.

C.) In some states there are special low insurance rates for antique cars. The reasoning behind this is that you probably only going to drive the car to and from auto shows, but it satisfies the legal requirement for insurance.

D.) In many states as long as you have the current years license plates in the car (say in the glove box) you are allowed to display plates from the car's time. You can find them in junk yards if you look. Now if you should happen to run a yellow light or be going 1 mile over the speed limit and are caught by one of the Big Brother cameras, they will send the ticket out to ........................... You should keep a record of anytime your photographed by one of these speed trap cameras so you can call up and offer to pay the required ticket amount.

E.) Driving or riding in a vintage car is like being in a car. You actually feel the little bumps in the road. I don't know know how to describe it but it's like being in a CAR and not an elevator.

My dad has a '57 Thunderbird, used to have a '56.  Tried to find a picture, but can't dig one up right now.

 

Two things to bear in mind:

 

Although they may not depreciate, to keep them in tip-top shape (not concours, but good), and still drive them, you have to sink thousands in to them every few years to fix the wear that happens from driving them.  Stuff like repainting the engine block after changing the seals.  It kind of cancels out compared to buying a new car and having it depreciate. (at least in his situation, I know a guy with two old E-types that said the same thing)

 

Second, they don't have airbags or crumple zones, so they aren't as safe.

 

 

Not saying I don't appreciate old cars, because I do, but I would just rather buy a new one every few years.

 

My favorite thing about old cars that you forgot to mention is the smell.

 

 

Here is a picture of his old boat, since I could not find one of his car.  If I can dig one up of the car, I'll post it.

 

 

This is kind of like saying you have this drop dead gorgeous SO and every few years she has to visit the plastic surgeon. Who cares? YOU'VE GOT A DROP DEAD SO!!! Seriously you do make a point in that they take some upkeep. but everything worthwhile takes some care. BTW your dad's car is a classic. Tell him it's unsafe and because your concerned about his health he should transfer title to you.

F.) They have NO seat belts and because they didn't come equipped with seat belts your exempt from the buckle up laws. A tiny freedom but a freedom nonetheless,

G.) They have cigarette lighters and your never more than 2 feet away from an ashtray. I quit smoking years ago, but I kind of like having the option.



.

Rather just get a new DROP DEAD GORGEOUS SO every few years.

There is some Incredibly Wishful thinking here.

A. Classics lose value all the time, depends on whose generation considered them a "classic". Lets see what happens when the baby boomers all start to kick the bucket though. That value is also normally dependant on keeping a 30+ year old car in pristine condition, good luck with that on a budget.
B. Thats entirely subjective
C. Great, so its a toy not something that gets me to work every day.
D. Must be an American thing, you'd never get away with that in most countries.
E. This again is subjective and kinda stupid. Sounds like you like your ride to be harsh, maybe try something a bit sportier?


Classic cars can be awesome, but (at least in my experience) you tend to end up driving around in something that is harder to maintain (parts availability), less fuel economical (due to older technology), has less safety features (again, technology), less creature comforts (aircon on a hot summers day is nice. So is having disk breaks that dont over heat and will stop your modern car significantly faster than older break technology.)

Classics look great and are fun to drive because of the experience. Driving to & from work, personally I want an appliance that is comfortable, affordable, safe & reliable. A "Classic" is usually none of these (okay, maybe comfortable.)

btau,
Yes I will admit that D.) is "American thing" much like civility and not calling someone stupid in their first post. As for the rest of it. you pays your money and makes your choice. If you don't like them don't get one. It's a matter of choice, much like I'm choosing to block any future posts you will make.

We'd ALL rather trade in for a new model, but that's not always a convent option.

I've done it. It's impractical. Do it because you love it and for no other reason or you will be disappointed.

 

~H
 

I believe I actually recall reading a very old post by you or labelking where one of you spoke about some of the downsides, including all of the other idiots on the road forgetting that your stopping distance is significantly shorter than theirs. Its something I kept in mind during the brief period that I regularly drove a 'classic'.

+infinity

I love old cars. If I lived in a home and not a Manhattan apartment I'd own one in addition to my daily driver. But no one should delude themselves into thinking that owning a classic car is going to be anything other than a labor of love. It is easier and more practical in some places (dry, warm, less populous areas) than others (the Northeast US), but it will pose challenges and compromises no matter the location.

That said, I'm all for doing it. Just go in with eyes open.