Masni Rizal Mansor asked:


For many auto enthusiasts, there is little difference between an antique car and a classic car but in reality, there is a huge discrepancy. In most states, 32 years is the benchmark for a car to be considered as an antique car. While a collector car, although usually fitting that age bracket, could be any vehicle that was unique in its time.

Back in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s, Germany’s Volkswagen was hoping to make an impression in the world automobile market. They couldn’t make any in-roads until World War II ended due to material availability and the fact that their factory was busy with military orders. One of their first attempts after the war used its small car design with Porsche engineering and they marketed the mid-engine 914. An excellent first antique car for a new collector.

Some collectors fear the often-daunting task of rebuilding an antique car, especially those from the early 1900’s. The Ford Model T was an excellent vehicle for its time and antique car collectors are willing to pay for one not requiring a lot of work, especially if it doesn’t need a lot of almost impossible to find parts.

Some Classic Cars are Antiques

A 1957 Chevy, while in age it is considered an antique car, is better known as a classic because that is a car that people remember with fondness from previous days. A 1964 or 1965 Ford Mustang, while not on the original muscle car list, is often coveted as a classic by those who owned one in the late 1960’s or 1970’s.

So beloved are some of the antique cars that car companies are beginning to bring back the name and the basic design, although with modifications. The Volkswagen Beetle, made in 1938, one of the longest-running models in automotive history, was brought back in 1998. Built on the frame of another VW model, the Golf, it is larger than the original bug but has a great similarity in its shape.

The Ford Mustang also made a comeback as few years ago, but not as the small unintimidating antique car from 40 years ago. It’s a spruced-up version with minor body modifications and a much more powerful power plant.

The Dodge Charger, long known as one of the better muscle cars and now sought after as an antique car, is making resurgence, still as a muscle car with a power engine and a slightly modified style.

Some people may view these cars as an antique car simply desired for a collection; others see them as classic cars; there for the memories.



Jeffrey

Masni Rizal Mansor asked:


An antique car can be a huge investment in both time and money, but for many it is a dream come true. Some types of antique car insurance can be very restrictive, so when shopping around for antique car insurance, make sure that you understand all of the policy and what is covered.

Insuring Your Car

When shopping for an antique car insurance agency, you will probably want to ask around or at least read message boards on line to get an idea of what kind of reputation an insurance agency may have. There will always be a few people who have nothing but ugly things to say, but if the overall feedback for a company is good, chances are they are a legitimate, upstanding company.

Some antique car insurance companies have stringent restrictions for what type of car they will register. Many companies will only register a car as an antique car if it has a certain percentage of the original, factory installed parts. Many antique cars today have been restored using replacement parts, new carpet, and new glass and so on. These cars may not qualify for antique car insurance with some companies. Of course there are also agencies that understand about restoration and that you can’t always restore it completely to the original specifications.

One big restriction some insurance companies have once you insure your car with them is that the car must be kept in an enclosed, locked garage when not in use. In addition, some companies may only let you drive a certain number of miles or strictly for pleasure use. The limitations on these cars can be pretty limiting, so you may not be able to use your antique car as your primary vehicle if you insure it with an insurance agency that specializes in antique cars.

Some antique car insurance agencies may also require an official appraisal and a photo of the car once you do decide to insure it. A few agencies even require the owner or main drive to be 25 or older with a good driving record.

Insuring the car of your dreams can be a little frustrating. With all the limitations imposed on antique car owners by some insurance agencies, it may feel a little like walking through a minefield. If you do decide to insure your antique car with a specialty insurance company, just make sure you understand all the limitations and benefits of the policy before you actually need it.



Maria