If you could afford a Vintage Car, which one would you choose and why?

Question

If you have one, how much does it cost to maintain? Husband keen to buy one but I'm concerned the maintenance will be astronomical.

Answer 1

All the people so far have failed to answer the question:

A vintage car is one built between c.1914-30

A veteran car is one built from 1897-c1914.

Anything after 1930 is "a classic".

Just about any Vintage car (except real exotics like Blower Bentleys, Mercedes SSKL and Bugattis) should be relatively easy to home-service. Surprising amounts of spares are still available or makeable. I wouldn't call any of them a daily driver though.

Which would I buy?

A nice R-R Phantom I laundaulette (with a nice chauffeuse to drive it!)

Answer 2

Cost in time, or money? If your husband is out in the garage all the time, detailing or admiring, you may lose "face time" with him. LOL.
But, mostly old cars aren't money hogs ( unlike boats, kids, etc. ). Once paid for, and with no major problems, they'll last a long time. And their resale value, if you chose wisely, will allow you to recoup your money, sometimes more than you paid, if it's the correct make and model.
Most of the popular ones, like '60's Mustangs or '57 Chevies, have loads of parts available new. If your husband choses some off-the-wall car that has little support from the car restoration community, it will cost more, and return less money. But, anyway, old cars are usually a good investment, and rarely drop in value much. Personally, I'd love to own a '57 Bel Air convertible, I have a '57 210 Sedan 4-door. The convertibles sadly are now so overpriced, I can't afford one at $50,000+. Even swiss cheese projects now sell for 5 figures. Maintenance is a minor cost, only restoration is a big one.
- The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 3

all vintage car costs are astronomical nowadays. although i'm fond of the early fords (1920's to 1937)., my personal preference is a 34 oldsmobile business or sport coupe. the sport coupe has a rumble seat. i like the lines and hood/grill style. they came with either an inline 6 and 8 cylinder. believe it or not, the 6 cylinder has more power. the eight runs alittle smoother is all. these are lower budget cars but extremely hard to find parts for. invest in a hollanders interchange book and read between the lines. many parts will interchange. as far as high dollar cars go, i'd prefer a 29 or 30 Viking. only made two years, very rare and huge. almost the biggest car ever made. super cool but pricey. not something you wanna make a hot rod out of. if he's looking for something to make a rod out of or modify, theres lots of low cost kit cars available. not the same as an original metal car but just as fun and more affordable. plus theres no rust!!!! just one more thing....cars from the 60's or newer are officially not considered vintage. i hope the others who wrote to you read this and learn alittle something.

Answer 4

Well, it's a money pit - to buy, and to maintain - unless it just sits in the garage unused. Does not mean you should not do it, just be aware. It's us "old geezers" who can afford these - right ?

The easiest maintenance is for those vehicles which have similar engines drive trains to this day - so Chevy / Ford V8's as opposed to a Cadillac or Packard with a unique engines.

Go to Haggerty for insurance - you'd be surprised at how cheap they are - as long as you drive only a few thousand miles a year on the "classic".

My choice - a 1968 - 1972 GM (Chevy / Pontiac / Olds / Buick / Cadillac) Convertible.

Answer 5

Mustangs are always a good choice if you like Ford classic cars. I own a '66 Mustang coupe that's waiting for me to restore. I was driving it before I purchased the '99 Mustang GT I drive now. Restoring a car is an investment and it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. Vintage cars are very high maintenance, but you will appreciate them for what they are worth at the end.

Answer 6

I already own the vintage car of my dreams. 1969 amx, the origional purchase price (for me) was $16,000. Maintenence all depends on what you plan on doing with the car, and how you treat it but I would say on a yearly average just maintenence will be about that of a newer car, the gasoline is where it is going to hit your wallet.

If you want to see 4000 or more muscle cars this wekend july 20-22 go to the minnesota state fairgrounds. We are hosting the carcraft magazine summer nationals.

Answer 7

if it's used to be a cruiser to car shows or to drive on a nice summer day it should be as reliable as any other car on the road. Maintenance is the same as any other car, too. Keep it in top shape and it will last forever. The musclecar market is absolutely BOOMING and parts are getting easier to find for just about every make and model, so nothing will be astronomical unless you blow the engine.

Answer 8

A Triumph Spitfire, my dad had one a couple of years ago and they're great! It's not so much the maintenance I don't think, it's hard to track down parts for classic cars as far as I know but if it's looked after then shouldn't be a problem

Answer 9

My husband has a 1973 dodge challenger, If I could buy one I would want the 1968 Chevy Nova! I love it's shape.
My husband doesn't have a car pymt on his classic. The only maintenance he has to do is buy new slicks, gas and change the oil......

Answer 10

ford mustang

i don't own one but i know that you'll spend a lot on restoration, there are companies that specialise in restoring vintage cars and combining them with modern gizmos as well, but that can set you back about £50,000 plus. i've heard a few that have costed £120,000 - £250,000.