There are many variables that influence the true value of a classic vehicle...
Classic and vintage cars have become a lifestyle that individuals of all ages and financial brackets have engaged in. Whether you’re a one-time classic car buyer or an avid enthusiast with a vast classic car collection, there are many variables that influence the true value of a classic vehicle. I have been a “Car Guy” my entire life and so was my Father. He taught me early on that you must look much deeper when evaluating the value of a classic car.
It’s very easy to conclude a vintage car’s value from classic car shows and auctions on TV, review prices that individuals and dealers are asking on Ebay and other advertising mediums when determining a value. However, without actually looking at a car, you really have no idea of what damage is lurking behind the scenes of the cosmetics and the cameras.
In this article, I would like to concentrate on the actual body of the vehicle and how to competently inspect a classic car in order to determine if it has indeed had any extensive bodywork. After all, a competent value is based on many variables with past body damage being one of those primary variables.
When buying a classic, one must be able to properly inspect the vehicle in order to evaluate whether there has been damage and if that damage was repaired in the proper manner. A good evaluation of this potential damage will enable you to calculate a more accurate value, which in return will enhance your investment and make your classic car experience much more fun.
There are four visual areas of interest that must be focused on when searching for past body damage on a vehicle:
It’s very easy to conclude a vintage car’s value from classic car shows and auctions on TV, review prices that individuals and dealers are asking on Ebay and other advertising mediums when determining a value. However, without actually looking at a car, you really have no idea of what damage is lurking behind the scenes of the cosmetics and the cameras.
In this article, I would like to concentrate on the actual body of the vehicle and how to competently inspect a classic car in order to determine if it has indeed had any extensive bodywork. After all, a competent value is based on many variables with past body damage being one of those primary variables.
When buying a classic, one must be able to properly inspect the vehicle in order to evaluate whether there has been damage and if that damage was repaired in the proper manner. A good evaluation of this potential damage will enable you to calculate a more accurate value, which in return will enhance your investment and make your classic car experience much more fun.
There are four visual areas of interest that must be focused on when searching for past body damage on a vehicle:
- Body Lines
- Body Panels
- Paint
- Bumpers & Body Trim