Book Values For Classic Cars

Do you possess a vintage car? Do you have classic cars hanging around in your garage? If you do, then this article is for you. Always remember that, you need to know how much the value of your car is. You might need to sell or trade your car in months time. The best thing to do is to do an appraisal for your classic car. Book values for classic cars differ and there are things to consider such as the car maker, years, condition of the car and the engine.

Book values for classic cars indeed differ according to the ones I indicated in my previous statement. The pricing of a classic car would vary on the kind of classic car you own like if its a collectible car, a special interest car, an exotic car, a classic truck or van or SUV, a muscle car, a sports car, a luxury car or a classic passenger car. As they say, the older the classic car, the higher the book value is. It actually depends on the customer who would want to buy it. For sure, you would want to choose a car that would fit your taste and style.

One thing that will also determine a classic cars book value is its body style or car MAKE. Depending on which body style you want, car make is very important consideration.The car makes add up to Book values for classic cars. There's a lot or car makes to mention, from the most famous car brands to the most affordable ones.To name a few, we have Alfa Romeo, Arnolt-Bristol, BMW, Avanti, Auburn, Cadillac, Capri, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Cord, Hummer, Jaguar, Griffith, Fiat, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Shelby Automobiles, Schwarz, Honda, Kurtis, Davis, Prowler, Oakland, Volvo, Viper or also called Dodge, Volkswagen, Porsche, Tucker, Triumph, Nash, Nissan and a lot more. I bet you already have a car type in mind with all these information I gave you. The more famous car make is, the higher the book value will be.

Granting that you already have chosen a body style and a car make, the year the classic car is made is also one of the most important considerations in appraising Book values for classic cars. You may want to make an intensive research over the internet or by word of mouth from friends who may have acquaintances with someone who owns a classic car. It is but obvious that the older your car is the higher the book value becomes. Say, you have a 1947 Ferrari sports car. Definitely, this car is worth a fortune! Each car brand has its earliest year of manufacture. Like antiques, the longer you keep it, make sure its still working, the higher the book value will become. Another vital detail you shouldn't miss in appraising the book value of your classic car whether you are the buyer or the seller is its model and trim, like if your Ferrari is a 2 door Spider Allemano or a 2 door spider corsa. Another is you need to search for options and determine its used values.

All these need to be in mind in deciding Book values for classic cars. One you have all these cards in place, it would be easier for you to assess or appraise its book value. Whether you may want to buy one or you already possess one, knowing how much fortune you will earn or you already possess gives a feeling of awe and feel-good for your own self.

Classic Cars - Elegant, Stylish, And Oh So Sweeeet

Classic cars are one of the most collected and coveted items in the market today. And they should be: vintage automobiles are not only great pieces of art; they could also be fully functional. Road-driven classic vehicles may even be more scene-stealing than brand-spanking-new sports cars. If you have already seen a fully restored and shiny Shelby GT-350H or a 60's Thunderbird on the road, you probably know what I'm talking about.

What is a Classic, Anyway?

The definition of what is a classic car is often contested. The Classic Car Club of America indicates that the last year for the 'authentic' classics is 1948. Still, other experts maintain that the term classic is applicable to all cars that are 12-years old or older.

Some would even create a classification. A popular one is as follows: 'antique' for automobiles manufactured from the very beginning of car production up to 1916; 'vintage' for vehicles manufactured from 1916 to 1924; and 'classic' for those made in 1924 up to the not-so-far past.

I would not take a stand as to what the proper definition of a classic car is. Let's leave that to car philosophers and historians (or for a more proper term, car geeks). There are many more exciting aspects about collecting classic cars that you should know.

Classic Cars Define Generations and Genres

If you are a fan of James Bond films, you might have been awed by the luxurious and sexy cars that Mr. Double-Oh-Seven has driven. From sleek Alfa Romeos to classy Aston Martins, the spy we all loved wouldn't be what he was without these cars.

And if you have eagerly followed Mr. Bond's pursuits, you can see that the cars he used are those that defined a certain era. You can see him use big cars with round edges during the 60's, long, pointed-edged cars during the 70's, and of course, macho black sports cars during our present day.

What made those cars cool wasn't because they are simply made 'cool.' It is because they carry with them great stories and pieces of history. That is also the reason why it is thrilling and fulfilling to own a classic car. And the feeling of fulfillment multiplies tenfold if you collect these cars. Wouldn't it be sweet to ride in wheels that a popular spy once drove?

Owning a Classic is No Picnic

But before you head off and click your fingers away to the first site that offers classic cars for sale, be sure to know that with a great car comes great responsibility. Almost all of these classic cars are already used (and sometimes abused). It would be almost impossible to find one in a perfectly mint condition. What you will probably see are second-hand (and possibly even third- or fourth-hand) vehicles that may need a lot of work.

Keep in mind that owning or collecting classic cars does not stop at buying them. It is a must to invest some time and money in restoring a car back to its vintage beauty. Otherwise, it will just be another piece of junk lying in your garage.

Thus, you need to be prepared to submit that vehicle to a paint job, a car parts installation (seats, carpets, steering wheel, suspension...), and if you want to drive around, a good engine. And it won't stop there: classic cars need a lot of loving and care. You need to maintain its elegance by cleaning, waxing, and polishing it regularly.

It might be a little bit troublesome, but the rewards are great. Aside from having one great scene-stealer, a well-maintained classic car increases its value as time goes by. So once you are tired of riding that vintage Benz, you can sell it and gain profit. You won't have a hard time looking for buyers too, since there are tons of car collectors looking for a great deal.

There's a Classic Car Lover in All of Us

If you are a car lover, a sentimental generation and genre fan, or simply one who would like a cool ride, buying classic cars is your best choice. Not only do you get a moving, breathing, and funky piece of art, you also get a really valuable property. Buying, restoring, and maintaining a vintage car may be a daunting task, but it sure is worth it.

Define Classic Car

Defining a classic car might sound like something that is relatively simple but you would be mistaken on that assumption. The definition of a classic car will vary depending on who you ask. It is likely that every person will have a completely different answer or opinion for you. There are many common mistakes that people make when defining a classic car. What makes a car a classic is not the make or the model or features like the body style. There are plenty of other factors that are taken into consideration for this. It is best to make use of a lot of resources for your research.

Make it a point not to allow yourself to be misled by other people's incorrect information. Even some dictionaries have certain definitions for classic car that are not actually correct. Of course, some sources simply use the Classic Car Club of America definition. Their definition states that a classic car is one that was built within the years 1925 to 1948. One common mistake most make is the referral to cars from the 1970s as classics. They are actually considered modern classics instead. This is one area where there is often some conflict. However, many car experts feel that cars from the 1960s and 70s are not yet old enough to be true classics.

There are many different reasons why one might need to know the actual legal definition of what makes a car classic. One of these reasons is if you plan to sell one, buy one or insure and register one. The definition for classic car is not the same in every country or even in every state. The best place to get started would be your local registry office. If they cannot provide you with the definition, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

It is extremely important to know if the car that you have is a true classic or not. For insurance purposes this kind of information is necessary. You certainly want to have the proper kind of insurance coverage on your vehicle. Specialty insurance is needed for classic vehicles. Regular car insurance is not appropriate for a classic car of incredible value. Do not take any unnecessary risks by leaving your classic car uninsured. This is just another reason to find out for certain if your car is a classic or not.

There are many different terms for older cars. Classic is just one term. There also vintage and antique cars. These are all very different types of cars which is why it is so important that you find out what yours really is. Seeking out a professional that knows their stuff is always a good idea. Joining a classic car club or reading up on one is also a great way to obtain the proper information. Defining a classic car can be a little bit confusing but it is not impossible. Go the distance to get the information that you need or just to appease a personal curiosity.

The Exact Definition of the Classic Cars

Cars are having amazing utilities and craze that can make the car lovers more dynamic and desperate that can make the lives easier and luxurious. The Motorcars were invented before more than one and a half century and since then the development has been upgrading gradually. There are countless car manufacturers who are dealing globally and numerous dealing locally also. These manufacturers are producing new Motorcars in larger quantities daily but still there are many car lovers who are in love with the traditional and older techniques.

The Classic Cars

The Classic cars are the Motorcars that are considered as the older Motorcars that are having better utilities and future to get used further. The exact definition of the classic car is not stipulated as it varies in the opinions. The Classic Car Club of America has defined them as the Motorcars that are 20 years to 45 years older. They have restricted the range and have offered the most quality oriented solutions for the old car lovers. They are wider in collection and have multiple options and varieties of manufacturers and models. There are many car manufacturing companies offering these classic Motorcars. The leading names in this category are the Ford Motorcars, GMC Motorcars, Chevrolet Motorcars, BMW Motorcars and many more. Classic old Motorcars are also the most demanding models of Motorcars.

Antique cars

The Motorcars that are displayed for sale and are older than the classic Motorcars are called the Antique cars. According to the Antique Automobile Club of America and some of the other agencies, the Motorcars that do have the age above 45 are called the Antique Motorcars. The vehicle registration of the car varies according to the state definition decided by the authorities. These Motorcars are having wider demands as many people buy them for the satisfaction of keeping the "antiques" with them, many buy them to get "something different" and there are the Antique car buyers who are wishing to invest in the Motorcars.

Muscle Cars

Muscle cars are considered as the high performance automobiles. These Motorcars indicate the American 2 door rear wheel drive mid sized Motorcars that are related to the manufacturing year of 1964. These Motorcars are normally equipped with the massive engine quality of V8. This V8 engines are having immense power of producing the horsepower generation that can be used for regular use of the people, drag racing and also for other non-commercial uses. They are also called the two seat sports car and are the best alternative to these Motorcars are also offered in phenomenal criteria in other countries like the Australia, South Africa and even the UK.

These are some of the most important types of Old Motorcars and these Motorcars are having amazing demands and craze in the car lovers. These Motorcars are preferred heavily by all the age groups and are supplied quite splendidly by the old car dealers. There are many old Ford cars online that are making the Ford cars more dynamic for the classic car lovers. The used classic cars are also available for sale by many of the online dealers. These cars are having a class and this class is making the car lovers more enriched and empowered to get the varieties and prestigious rides. The unique old cars are waiting for you!!

Preparing Your Classic Car For Storage

To keep a classic car looking great and to hold its market value true enthusiast owners really have to take excellent care of it. Not only is it important to maintain the body work, take care of the exterior and interior but you also need to keep an eye on the engine. If you settle into a routine and regularly polish the paintwork and interior trim, add to that regular engine checks and make small adjustments to tyre pressure, oil pressure and the timing as required, you can not only keep your classic car in top driving condition but also looking like new and slowing the effects of car depreciation down, perhaps even adding value to your motor over time.

Owners with classic cars in daily use would need to take additional care to protect their vehicles from the elements as they may even be left in an open bay at work or on the drive at home. The summer sun's ultra-violet light attacks paint work; in winter the additional road salt, spray from gritting trucks and regular rain storms rot and corrode the metal work.

We all know firsthand that the cost of motoring can be expensive; however, with a bit of preventive maintenance you can keep your classic car in mint condition. There are a variety of things you should do before you store your car for any amount of time. Classic cars that sit inactive can start to deteriorate if not properly prepared before being put into storage.

Whether you own a classic car, classic pickup van or even a used minibus from decades gone by, you should always give the vehicle a good detailing before it goes in storage. The car must be squeaky clean from bumper to bumper. Wash off all of the road grime and salt from the undercarriage as well as all the exposed body parts.

One important thing to do is to make sure every inch of the car is completely dry before wrapping the covers around it and putting the vehicle into winter storage. If you are going to use a cover make sure it is a high quality blanket made from soft fibers. You need to store your classic car out of direct sunlight and in a dust free area if possible

If you plan on storing your classic car for a short time only, drain the entire cooling system and then refill it with pure antifreeze. When planning to store your car for an extended length of time drain the entire system and leave the cap off of the radiator so that the air can circulate around the cooling system. Also change the brake fluid, oil and the oil filter before the vehicle goes into storage

During the washing process make sure you look for any scratches or chips in the paint finish. It pays to touch up any spots, chips or scratches with a paint pen or have a specialist do the work for you before you put your classic car in storage as this will help you stop metal corrosion. Remember to use primer first, as primer helps the new paint to stick and can be used to build up the base so that your paint is level. You will have to order the paint from the manufacturers to match your vehicles paint colour. If you are looking for a more professional touch, have a look at purchasing SMART for your car, it is a form of additional car insurance which is an absolute must for long term car owners. SMART stands for Small Accident Repair Technology

The Tyres

You will also want to do something with the tyres because the rubber will actually perish if they are left inflated with the vehicles full weight on them. You can either remove the wheels completely or put the car on axel stands and let the air out of the tyres at the same time. This will put less strain on the suspension system and also deter theft at the same time.

Car Batteries

Never put a car into storage with the battery connected. Always remove the battery, clean off the battery terminals and think about how you will maintain your battery while the car is not in use. If your battery has had a leak - and many older unsealed batteries had this problem - a great way to clean the battery terminals would be by using a bicarbonate of soda and water solution. For a short term storage option, often the case in harsh weather climates, placing your car's battery on trickle charge is a great idea. For car owners who either drive very infrequently or have classic cars that can stand unused for many months at a time, flat batteries are a thing these owners know only too well. There is nothing more frustrating than a dead battery and on top of that is the high cost of replacement car batteries too.

Keeping the Battery Charged Up

The short term solution is to keep the battery topped up with a trickle charger. A trickle charger charges a car battery at approximately the same rate as it is discharging, so if the car you're storing is used once a month for example this is a great option. The downfall of a trickle charger is that it continues to charge a battery no matter whether the battery is fully charged or not, so it needs to be connected and disconnected periodically or it will eventually boil your battery and permanently damage it. For a long term solution, think about using a float charger. A float charger can be left connected indefinitely without potential harm to the battery. With modern classics a float charger will help the owner ensure that immobilisers or car alarm systems won't run it down while the car sits under covers for months at a time. There is a huge choice of car chargers on the market in both the UK and America so buying the right one won't be difficult. Always place the charging battery in an open space where air is free to circulate. Constricting the airflow around a car battery is dangerous and could cause a fire!

Final Prep

You will want to replace all filters with new ones and remove the sparkplugs. By removing the spark plugs you help prevent moisture being trapped in the cylinder head potentially causing corrosion. Petrol has high water content and this causes the corrosion. You will want to grease over all areas, including points, door locks, door boot hinges and the like. At least once a month you should turn the engine over using a spanner. This can be done from the flywheel bolt. This keeps the pistons, valves and tappets moving freely preventing them from seizing in the engine when left standing for long periods of time

When you have your classic car which you use regularly, you need to be diligent about your vehicle's maintenance. Keep the interior and exterior trim polished which not only keeps it clean but also prevents the polished areas from cracking. The harsh rays of the sun will fade and crack the trim if it is not kept clean and polished and the metals in the exterior trim fade and crack in UV light too

When cleaning your classic car you should use a microfiber or cotton cloth that is designed for use on classic cars or expensive paintwork of other luxury cars. Cotton cloth, because it's made from real cotton, is softer than cheap cloth (normally made from nylon and polyester) which can leave scratches. Microfiber cloth is manufactured with fibres between 100 and 1000 times finer than traditionally made cloths. Microfiber cloth works so well because unlike when using cheaper traditional cloths, with a microfiber cloth you really don't need to use abrasive detergents. The fibres are so closely woven that they are able to pick up far more dust particles than traditional cloth would be able to, reducing the need for the chemicals needed to loosen and remove the same amount of dust as a traditional cleaning cloth would.

Microfiber cloth should be used on surfaces with very little water, use just enough to loosen the most stubborn dirt particles. A quick gentle wash with cotton cloth using a quality car wash detergent first, followed by a fine mist of water and a microfiber wipe should leave you with a great result. You want to use the correct car wash and not an abrasive detergent like dish washing liquid. Strange as it sounds, many car owners do just that and the result is not much better than washing your vehicle with petrol. The paint will fade straight away and continue to fade, losing that shine forever. It is advisable to have any small dents, cracks or chips repaired as soon as you notice them. This will help prevent rust and metal corrosion. If possible avoid the cheaper car shampoos and go for high polymer premier products that are freely available on the market. You almost always get what you pay for in the automotive industry.

Polish your vehicle in the shade rather than direct sunlight. Sunlight bakes the wax onto your paintwork rather than helping you clean it. Polishing in direct sunlight leaves you with a streaky unprofessional finish. Use a high quality polish to wax your car. If the paint is oxidized you will want to remove it first with a high quality polish or rubbing compound designed for this purpose. Rubbing compounds have tiny particles in the polish which gently scrubs off the oxidized layers of paint, leaving behind a fresh, bright layer, ready for polish. Ask an expert about rubbing compounds before you buy. This information will make your job easier as using the wrong compound will damage your paint work.

You should pull a dust cover over your vehicle at night. Make sure the dust cover is made from soft material to prevent scratching the paint surface. The reason for the paint scratching is actually tiny dust particles being rubbed against your car's paintwork, so the softer it's material the better. If you go out for a drive, take a few minutes to remove any bird, bat or seagull droppings immediately. You will also want to remove tar, dead bugs, leaves, sap and any other debris on your return. Tree sap can leave terrible marks on a car's paint work, so parking under a roof is preferable where possible. You can use a quality remover product for this purpose that does not have a high acidic content.

After every journey you should wash and dry the car properly; any water will encourage rust. Remove mud, dust, and petrol spills as soon as possible. Driving in Europe especially causes cars to rust underneath when the roads are treated with salt which prevents ice from forming. Make sure to wash the underside of your car if you have driven in these conditions. If you get in your car with wet shoes dry the carpets when you get home, that moisture can cause metal and carpet rot. If your car smells damp take immediate action. Don't forget to check the boot, sills, in corners, under the bonnet and around rubber seals after every wash that all is dry.

Owning a classic car can be a rewarding experience. You have to baby your classic car to keep it in mint condition. This is your pride and joy and the extra time spent caring for it is well worth it. This article was produced for free distribution by the Car Gap Insurance experts.

Before The Classic Cars There Was Antique and Vintage

Timeless, this is how classic cars are often described. A car is considered classic if it achieves a collectible value. The most popular classic cars don't have a particular genre. And there are many debates on how classic cars should be defined.

Let's take a look at the evolution of automobiles first and see what vehicles were like before the classic cars.

The first on the list is the antique cars of the 1880-1916. It was previously called the horseless carriages. The first horseless carriage used steam. Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot was acknowledged for creating the first full scale steam vehicle. It can accommodate four passengers. Since then, the automobile has evolved in so many aspects like, designs, colors and power source. Much is credited for the early designs of these cars. It has paved way for the creation of many other classic cars.

1916-1924 is the age for Vintage automobiles. This is the result of the horseless carriage evolution. Everything was better with the car in this era. From its machinery down to its comfort, it was more comfortable to drive and ride in. The designs were also more stylish and fashionable. There were innovations in terms of rolling windows and other car features. It was also the era where durability was given importance. More affordable automobiles were available too. It made traveling easier. It was the age of discovery and creativity.

The classic cars came after the Vintage era. The term classic is often used to describe an older car. But many would contest. According to some, not all old cars can be considered classic. It has to exude elegance and sophistication before a car can be labeled as such. For some, before a car can be considered as classic, it has to be top ranked. It should represent quality and class. It should be brilliantly planned in terms of style and engineering.

Some of the popular names of classic cars include the following:

o Alfa Romeo, an Italian automobile manufacturer established in 1910.

o Bayerische Motoren Werke AG known as the BMW. It is a German automobile manufacturer popular for coming up with top class luxury cars.

o Jaguar Cars Limited. In 1922, it was founded as the Swallow Sidecar Company.

o Mercedes Benz, also known for manufacturing high performance and luxury cars.

o Rolls-Royce is another known brand of luxury cars. And;

o Volvo, it is also a known maker of luxury cars owned by Ford Motors Company.

Since classic cars are extremely valuable, utmost care should be given to it. Some simple tips of taking care a classic car includes taking care of the car's paint. Its paint depicts the kind of owner it has. Since it is the exterior part of the vehicle, any irregularities on it will easily be noticed. To avoid repainting avoid scratching it, and learn to wash the car to maintain its beauty. Use the proper tools in washing the car. Use cotton or paint-safe washing mitt. Dry the car properly, this will prevent water spots.