The Best Classic Car Auctions

Many people wonder about the best car auctions? When in all reality there are so many different kinds of auto auctions and automotive expos out there that it really depends upon what kind of classic automobile that you are looking to purchase. However, across the nation, everyone knows about the Barret-Jackson Auction, one of the best! The first Ford Thunderbird ever produced and sold at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson Car Auction was quite a site. Someone got lucky!

If you are looking to get your hands on a vintage and rare classic vehicle, there umpteen amounts of classic car auctions that take place globally, and they all have different names attached to them. A great way to find them is by merely looking them up online! If you are not seeking classic automobile, you can always opt to check out some hot rods and muscle car auctions, which can offer you a rare glimpse of some smoking hot and restored cars that really emanate the spirit of the pony cars of America's pastime.

For the most part, however, many people are seeking online car auctions these days, at popular websites that offer any kind of car that you could nearly think of. Sometimes these car auction websites even have luxury cars, classic cars and muscle cars for sale. The listings tend to change on a daily basis, and since these sites offer listings from owners nationwide who are selling the automobile, in some cases you may have to do a bit of traveling to get the one you are trying to buy back to your garage. However, if you really have your heart set on garnering yourself a great buy on a classic car, generally speaking, auctions are an excellent route to travel with this endeavor.

Can You Repair a Classic Car?

The question should be why would you restore a classic car, not can you repair a classic car. You answer your own question, which ever way you say it, and it's very easy to answer.

To answer the question for me at least it goes back to when I first started to drive. The new cars that I learnt to drive in were the mk2 ford escorts lovely cars at the time. But compared to today's cars there is no comparison the cars were basic and no refinement about them, but its what driving is all about.

The first car that I bought was in 1978 it was a Vauxhall viva sl90 and it was all mine and it was the best car on the road well I thought so. What I would give now to find one and restore it why did I ever sell it. Because you don't think a head to when your older and the cars that you owned when you were younger are the cars that you want to have in your garage to take out on a sunny day. That would be so good.

So why would you repair a classic car well for the love of it to bring back your youth as the saying goes they don't make them like they used to well its true, it's like buying a house a lot of people buy a house with character its the same with classic cars you have got to want to do it and have the time to do so when the kids have grown up you can nip into the garage and have some fun. After all who doesn't think about the cars that they grew up with I had the Vauxhalls my mates had fords remember the anglia, escorts, cortina's mk1 &mk2 capri's and whole lot more.If you go to a car show which one stands out. For me its the immaculate classic car not the popular family car after all we are all kids at heart and lets face it who wants to grow up.

Classic Car Values in Today's Market

With prices hitting the silly season about 18 months before every bubble was burst, the LAST thing you want to do is leave money on the table. You would think with all the sources of information, it would be easy. After all, if you want to sell your house now, you can get comps from the MLS from any realtor.Some sellers have not gotten reality and are trying to recoup losses by keeping prices high while others forced to fire sale their cars to cash buyers who can move fast.

There is not just one method in my opinion. In order to get the right range, you need to triangulate on a price using several data points. Go to the traditional sources to get a ball park (many are listed below). I use the NADA guidelines for starters, and then check out Manheim-Gold and Hemmings. Prepare for shock at times because the estimated prices can vary. For example, a recent search for a 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible, original, matching numbers, standard options ranged in Excellent condition from $44K to $99K!

And Excellent did not mean #1, show quality where the car is never driven, just stored in a climate controlled environment. Good condition was $28K to $54K. Again, quite a spread. When I checked some of the listings (did not drill, just read the specs), many read the same, recent (within 2 to 3 year restoration), matching numbers, many original parts, complete documentation, etc. So, you would have to inspect the cars yourself to see who was blowing smoke. At least you have a data point. Next, check as many classic auto dealers as possible to poll them for recent prices. Many list the SOLD on their website. If not, then call them and tell them what you are looking to buy. They have the pulse of the market and you will be able to zero in on a better sense of reality. Remember that a dealer will be high, maybe even 20 to 25 percent. So bank that information.

Another source is looking at recent car auction results. Sometimes hard to find, there is one site that is helpful is at sports car market dot com. It is a paid subscription site (we have no affiliate association). You can pay by the day, month or year ($99.00), so a small price to pay for great information. Using these three resources should get you pretty close to what you will pay for your car. The next step is to thoroughly understand the valuation system for classic car cars so you know where your car fits, and consequently how much you have to pay. The rating system below is standard. Excellent: The vehicle in perfect and near-mint condition, either completely restored or an original vehicle with little wear. This is NOT a #1 show quality car that is never driven. Very Good: Solid vehicle with minor scratches or engine and other wear and tear. This car is near perfect and a great driver.

Good: The vehicle has repairable damages and still needs a little effort to restore. The car is a decent driver.

Fair: A vehicle that needs a lot of restoration work. If a car is not drivable because of engine, brake, or other mechanical failures, but has a solid exterior look, it will fall in this category.

Parts car: Not restorable and bought only for its reusable parts.

You may also see ratings such as Low Retail Value, Average Retail Value and High Retail Value. These basically line up to Good, Very Good and Excellent. Lastly, do not forget the many online clubs and forums. There is one thing great about classic car lovers, we all love to talk about our cars. There is a huge collective wisdom out there to tap into. If you want someone to take the hassle out of finding the right car for the right value, then contact Your Dream Car Finder and discover how easy it is, Handy Resources: Google - Manheimgold, NADAGuides or Hemmings Motor News.

Taking Care Of A Classic Car Adds Years Of Enjoyment

If you want to prolong the life of your prized vintage vehicle, taking care of a classic car requires some diligence and loving care. The first thing you might think about is the car's exterior and certainly, a gentle washing and careful drying can prolong the paint job and leave your vehicle with a flawless finish. There are many people that keep their car in the garage, but you should still be careful, when it comes to removing dust and when removing foreign matters you might encounter, when it is not garaged.

You might need to remove paint-damaging things like tree sap, bird droppings, or leftover bug splats, but be sure you use the proper formulations. When taking care of a classic car, many people use car detailing polish, but you need to be careful before using solvents, rubbing compound or harsh cleaners, because they can damage the finish on your vehicle. It does not matter whether it is a 1965 Ford Mustang or a new model, this fact is true.

Taking care of a classic car might require a regular mechanical inspection, especially if your vintage vehicle is seldom driven. It is best if you can start the car and drive it short distances once a week, but at least if you move it occasionally, you can avoid flat spots on the tires. Keep in mind that your hoses and belts can become dry and brittle, if they sit for long periods of time. Using lubricating and protective oils or cleaners might be recommended on many of the rubber parts, hinges and regular mechanical inspections might be in order. Be sure to check all of your fluids because leaks can develop in gaskets that have dried out, causing severe engine or transmission damage.

If you think about taking care of a classic car in the same way you would a newer vehicle, you might need to consider a regular maintenance schedule. Protecting the interior surfaces can keep it from drying out and cracking, even if you think taking care of a classic car means keeping it garaged or under a car cover. While these covers are breathable and water impermeable, there can still be damage lurking, once you remove the storage cover.

Taking care of a classic car might involve regular waxing and constant examination for chipped paint or surface rust, which are things that develop over time. These can wreck the stability of the vehicle's structure, besides ruining a custom paint job. Even the sun's rays can cause a breakdown of the materials in these covers and your paint job can become damaged through blistering. You would hate to think that mindless neglect was responsible for damaging a prized vintage vehicle, like a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, which was kept covered and you assumed was adequately protected, for example.