A lot of people are confused about what a classic car is, and how it is different from an antique or vintage car. We’ve heard the term “classic” used interchangeably to describe just about any old car that seems out of place among modern daily drivers. It’s not just age that determines whether a car is an antique or a classic. There are several terms and jargon people use when describing these cars.
If you are going to register your car, exhibit at car shows, find a mechanic who can handle your car’s unique problems, and apply for Classic Car Insurance, (link to https://www.lallisandhiggins.com/antique-automobile.htm) understanding the key differences between each type of vehicle is essential.
Classic vs Antique vs Vintage Cars
We have listed all three and their generally agreed-upon ages below:
- A vintage car is one that was manufactured between 1919 and 1930.
- An antique car is any car manufactured in 1975 or earlier (older than 45 years old).
- The classic car is a vehicle manufactured in the 1990s or earlier (at least 20 years old).
However, every state’s DMV, insurance company, and classic car club classify them differently. Classic cars are defined very broadly in California, and there is no differentiation between classic, vintage, or antique vehicles. The California DMV defines a Historical Vehicle as one that dates from 1922 or later, and is at least 25 years old.
Those with engines larger than 16 cylinders, manufactured between 1922 and 1965, get classified as Horseless Carriage. Modified cars and replicas don’t fit into either of these categories.
Insurance companies define classic cars according to their guidelines. 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.
How Old is a Classic Car?
“Classic car” is defined differently by different people. A classic automobile, according to the Classic Car Club of America, is one that was built between 1915 and 1948. For registration purposes, however, many states consider such cars to be antique or vintage vehicles.
In most cases, a classic car has to be at least 20 years old to qualify for insurance and registration. The car should have been kept to its original design and specifications if you intend to register it (and insure it). In other words, any restoration should stay true to the original design and construction, from the interior materials to the engine parts. This also means no modern touches are permitted.
How Old is a Vintage Car?
It is interesting because, in some ways, this category is very specific, but in other ways, it has the loosest interpretation. To be regarded as vintage, a car must have been manufactured between 1919 and 1930. It does not have to be in its original condition, however. They can be lifted, chopped, modded, or customized without losing their vintage status. The only prerequisite is an age range.
What Makes a Car an Antique
If you enjoy browsing antique car stores, you’ll find a lot of old junk mixed in with some treasures. Antique cars are different from other cars. The condition of an antique car can range from nearly original to nearly new, depending on the state.
Generally speaking, cars getting into this category are 45 years or older, but it can vary from state to state. In Michigan, for example, antique plates can be registered on vehicles that are over 20 years old. If the car or truck is not modified, it can either be considered vintage or antique.
Now that you know what classic, vintage, and antique cars are and you own one, you may be wondering how valuable it is. Here you’ll find a list of the top 10 classic car sites and everything you need to know about buying or selling a classic car.For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.
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FAQs
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.
Are classic and vintage the same? ›
Classic vs Antique vs Vintage Cars
A vintage car is one that was manufactured between 1919 and 1930. An antique car is any car manufactured in 1975 or earlier (older than 45 years old). The classic car is a vehicle manufactured in the 1990s or earlier (at least 20 years old).
What is the difference between vintage and antique? ›
Simply put, an antique is any item — whether it be a work of art, jewelry, carpets or everyday objects like housewares and accessories — that is over 100 years old. Vintage items are much younger, less than 100 years old, and typically have a collector's appeal.
What defines an antique car? ›
The vintage car period generally ends in 1930 with the start of the Great Depression, which greatly impacted the players in the automotive industry. Antique car definition: Antique cars are more loosely defined as being at least 25 to 45 years old, depending on the organization.
Is a 20 year old car a 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. If you are going to register it (and insure it) as a classic, it should have been kept to its original design and specifications.
What is a 40 year old car called? ›
Here is how you can tell if your car is antique, classic or vintage by the year it was manufactured: Vintage Car: Manufactured between 1919 and 1930. Either a “survivor” or restored in conformance to the original manufacturer specifications. Antique Car: Manufactured 1975 or earlier (>45 years old).
Are classic cars cheaper to insure? ›
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.
What determines vintage or antique? ›
While antiques must be aged 100 years or more to be considered genuinely antique, vintage items have no set age. Vintage simply means 'of age,' which makes it difficult to assign an exact date or age requirement for something to be vintage.
Is 1950 an antique or vintage? ›
Most antique dealers consider an item to be vintage if it is at least 40 years old. So, in the context of this blog date, a vintage item would be made between 1918 and 1978. Even though many vintage items are nostalgic, they are sought after for many reasons besides their age. This includes decorating and collecting.
How many years is a car considered an antique? ›
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.
Usually, the classic car moniker applies to vehicles over 20 years old. Antique cars are over 45 years old, and vintage cars are built between 1919 and 1930. But as with many subjects in the motoring world, not everyone can agree on a single definition.
Is a 10 year old car too old? ›
Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.5 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn't really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark.
Do antique cars have VIN numbers? ›
Finding the VIN on a classic car
Most VINs for classic cars can be found in one (or more) of these locations: On the dashboard, near the windshield on the driver's side, and visible from the outside. Inside the driver's side wheel well. Under the steering column.
Is a 1998 car a classic? ›
Many insurance companies set guidelines on what they define as a classic car. According to Hagerty Insurance, cars from 1900 to 1980 are considered classic or antique. And if the car was manufactured in 1980 or later, it is considered a collector car.
Do classic cars go up in value? ›
Value: Unlike modern-day vehicles that start depreciating as soon as you drive them home, classic cars often increase in value over time if you take good care of them.
What happens when your car turns 20 years old? ›
While the definition can vary from one insurance company to another, typically, a car is considered classic for insurance purposes when it is at least 20 years old. You must ensure that you are not using your automobile for commuting in addition to your age.
Is vintage a classic? ›
Vintage: Denoting something from the past of high quality, especially something representing the best of its kind. Antique: Having a high value because of age and quality. Classic: Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.
How many years is considered classic? ›
A 20-year-old car can be considered a classic depending on its condition, original design, and purpose for registration. Insurance companies usually classify a classic as any vehicle at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old.
How old is classic and vintage? ›
Usually, the classic car moniker applies to vehicles over 20 years old. Antique cars are over 45 years old, and vintage cars are built between 1919 and 1930. But as with many subjects in the motoring world, not everyone can agree on a single definition.
Is vintage 20 or 25 years? ›
An item should be at least 100 years old to be defined as an antique. Generally speaking if the item is no older than an antique but not less than 20 years, it falls under the term vintage.
