Owning a Classic Car

If you're a car enthusiast like us, you've probably lusted after some special car for years. The guide below covers common-sense tips to ensure your love affair with a classic car is less destined for heartbreak.

When to Buy Your Car

There is no optimal month for purchasing, but January through April presents advantages. During these months, people address holiday debt and dealers clear inventory for spring convertible collections.

Consult publications like Auto Trader, CBG, and Buy and Sell. Never purchase a vehicle unseen, and always insist on a test drive. Any reluctance to offer you a test drive is a sure sign that something is not quite right.

Car shows, collector meets, and club events are valuable resources for finding quality vehicles.

Specialist Dealers

Reputable classic car dealers maintain documentation and offer warranties. Note that it is impossible to get a warranty on bodywork due to vehicle age. Use a magnet to test panels for body filler — being careful not to damage the paint.

Initial Considerations

Choose a vehicle you can afford to maintain. A budget of €4,000 can get you either a tidy Morris Minor or a great big 4.2-litre Eighties Jaguar XJ6 — with vastly different maintenance costs.

"Buying a classic is something you do with your heart, but don't lose your head in the process."

Set a Budget

Research pricing through classic car magazines and advertisements. Hold back 10 percent to cover any unexpected problems, and calculate fuel consumption costs.

Insurance Quotes

Classic cars can be covered on cost-effective limited-mileage policies. Seek insurance quotes before purchasing.

Join the Club

Owner clubs provide huge amounts of knowledge and experience buying and running your classic, plus affordable parts schemes.

Checking Authenticity

Rebuilding ordinary models to look like rare or more sporting versions is easy. Reference books and owner clubs help verify authenticity.

Bodywork Inspection

Look for rust in the sills (below doors), door bottoms, floors, and around the headlamps. Check paint consistency and chrome condition.

"Poor bodywork is the most expensive area to put right on a classic. If the body is rotten, avoid it unless you are prepared to do the work yourself."

Engine Inspection

A clean engine isn't necessarily good — sometimes cleaning is done to disguise neglect or oil leaks. Check oil appearance and listen for unusual noises. Test hot-start capability by restarting a warm engine.

Engines can be replaced or overhauled, but some are more expensive and complex than others.

Gearbox Inspection

Manual gearboxes should shift smoothly without grinding. Listen for whines in higher gears. Automatics should operate relatively smooth and silent with clean oil.

Gearbox rebuilds can be expensive, especially automatics.

Final Inspection

The test drive should last a good half hour, listening for strange noises and odd behaviour. Verify electrical switches function and review service history documentation before signing contracts.

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Tips on Keeping Your Classic

Drying

Use high-quality cloths. Cheap, coarse cloths with nylon binding will scour the surface and leave scratches. Use an up-down or side-to-side motion, rather than circular swirls.

Avoid Automatic Washes

Harsh scrubbers can dent panels, and brushes can scour the finish by grinding in grit and grime.

Waxing

Apply wax at least twice a year. It protects against sunlight, acid rain, stone chips, and bird droppings.

Fix Damage Promptly

Chips or scrapes, no matter how minor, make your finish much more susceptible to rust.

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Winter Storage

Oil Change

Change the oil just prior to storage. Old oil absorbs moisture and, if left in the motor, will cause corrosion on engine internals.

Spark Plugs

Add motor oil to spark plug holes to prevent ring corrosion. This oil will burn off in the first few minutes during spring startup.

Tyre Pressure

Increase to 40 PSI to prevent flat spotting and leaks.

Desiccants

Place desiccants in the car to prevent mildew. Common salt in a bowl works very well in absorbing moisture from your interior.

Car Cover

Use a quality car cover to prevent scratches and environmental damage.

Battery Storage

Remove the battery and put it on a charger, preferably inside where it's warm. Ensure ventilation to prevent hydrogen gas build-up.

Fuel Tank

Fill the tank completely. A partial tank will corrode from moist air.

Antifreeze

Verify sufficient antifreeze for anticipated temperatures.

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Now you are ready for that great journey of owning a classic.

— Mr. Darcy's Classics Ltd