A lot of automotive enthusiasts tell me they would love to be part of the collector car world, but they feel left out. Mostly it is because they see so many nice cars at events, most of which are very expensive, and these vehicles are far outside of their budgets.
I am here to tell you there is room for you.
You don’t need to be “Daddy” Warbucks to join the collector car club. You just need your passion and a little bit of money to climb aboard. First determine a budget and do not borrow money to get a collector car. Buy with cash and plan on spending a little bit once you have your vehicle to get it road worthy. Every old car has some kind of needs. There are plenty of options but as always, do your homework, talk to those who have the type of vehicle you are looking for (Car Clubs are the perfect place for this), and shop, shop, shop.
More and more less expensive vehicles are showing up at auctions.
I am seeing a trend at auctions these days where lower priced vehicles are available and sold. Sometimes there are some great deals. Even at the big boy auctions. This is opening the door to an entirely new group of collectors, both young and old.
Caviat Emptor
As with any purchase, buyer beware. A well-informed buyer is a happy owner. I suggest you take your time and enjoy the hunt. It can often be as fun as the capture. Most importantly, find a vehicle that you love, not something you think you can make money on. Go forth and get in the club.
The Buy Sell Hold podcast
Last month I launched a new, weekly podcast with Keith Martin from Sports Car Market titled Buy Sell Hold. Check it out here at Cars Yeah or at Sports Car Market’s website. While you’re there save $10.00 on a subscription with Code BSH.
Great article. Very encouraging and helpful. Thanks.P
Just go buy an old beater, 2 door, 4 door, no door, wagon, truck and enjoy this life. Don’t compete with other cars just learn from the experience. Allow yourself to enjoy your ride without envy.
I like that guy’s hubcaps! I have more skills than money. You too? So I design cars and then assemble them, at first by myself, but then friends show up and help. The cars are so spectacular! I win awards, far more than I would if I’d bought a classic and entered it. I start with a frame design, add what parts I have, eventually get on to the body panels. Each a little better than the last! At shows I will park next to cars that have more money in paint than I spent on the vehicle, yet I will win an award for unusual, retrospective or original. Try your imagination!
Mark, my friend, this is the very essence of the car hobby … buy what you can afford and have some damn fun fixing it, driving it, and just maybe hanging out with it in the garage. I never feel really good about myself unless I’ve got some sort of project out in the garage. I sold a Formula Vee project almost two years ago (Rick Titus has it now) and really need some sort of semi-derelict, unloved open-wheel racecar chassis up on sawhorses out there… It’s not a disease, it’s part of my DNA. And, thanks for ‘splaining it so good. -Stokes