There’s something about those curves, the chrome and the sound of an old engine that sets the pulse racing.Owning a classic car can be a remarkably rewarding experience. It can help create new friendships, contribute to countless memories with your loved ones and offer a satisfaction that only classic-car owners can describe. On the other hand, an ill-chosen classic can devastate your bank account, hijack much of your time and severely strain relationships. |
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If you are one of the growing number of Australians prising open their wallets to own a classic car, there are many pitfalls. But do your homework and you can steer around them.
If you can’t decide between, say, a Porsche and a Mercedes, a Chrysler and a Holden, or even which era of classic you want, ask yourself this: What are you going to use it for?
The car you buy for laid-back country cruising is different to the one for cutting loose on the track. If you’ll be driving your classic car every day, it shouldn’t be that highly original model that could win awards at classic-car shows.
Some enthusiasts insist that a vehicle must be in truly original condition, right down to the brake pads. Others like the shape and the feel of a classic car but don’t mind improvements.
Rob Rowland owns the Healey Factory, which restores and sells a range of classic European cars. He says people need to buy the car that suits them.
“If you want a car that looks good and is reliable, you don’t need to worry so much about how original a car is. These cars might have been improved with better shocks, better brakes or might have a bit more power.”
There’s nothing wrong with that, he says, because that’s exactly what many original owners would have done soon after buying them.
Don’t forget that many older cars didn’t come with luxuries such as electric windows or power steering – and you can forget about cup holders. A classic car’s seats are usually not as comfortable as those of modern cars. Engine and wind noise is generally far louder than in even the cheapest car on the market today.
How long has it been since you endured an Australian summer without air-conditioning? Many older sporty cars will have manual gearboxes and few, apart from the top-end models, will have air-conditioning.
If it’s important, make sure you check that air-conditioning can be added to the model you’re interested in before you commit to buying.
With old cars, you also have to remember that they might have been brilliant performers in their day but they don’t drive like new ones.
Classic-car expert Graham Smith says expectations can be unrealistic. “Some people think an HK Monaro is going to drive like an SS Commodore and it isn’t.”
Test-driving the car is an absolute must to avoid being disappointed.
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Joining a club, or at least going to a meeting, can be a crucial part of buying a classic car. Classic car clubs are a rich source of information. Members live and breathe their cars and know all there is to know about them.
It depends on each club, but most members are so keen they would not only advise you on what to look out for, but might even come with you and check out the car you want to buy. This can be especially helpful when you’re trying to make sure you get what you pay for. |
The president of the Jaguar Drivers Club of Australia, Brian Todd, says there are other advantages to joining a club. “If you join a club, you’ll have a good chance of finding a mechanic who’s an expert, who knows your type of car and who’s not going to charge you an arm and a leg.”
The same applies to bodywork experts, electrical engineers and so on.
People who fix the cars know how to look for telltale signs that suggest how worn the vehicle is and what could go wrong. Talk to them.
“The cars have been around for long enough,” says Rob Rowland. “They’ve been tested in every possible way, in all types of conditions. We know which parts could pose a problem.”
Everyone has a different budget but the same rule applies when buying a classic car: leave enough money for repairs.
“There’s nothing nice about having a beautiful car sitting in the garage because you can’t afford to fix it,” says Brian Todd. “These cars are over 25 years old. Whichever one you buy, there’s always going to be something wrong with it.”
Generally, the most economical way to buy a classic car, according to Rob Rowland, is to spend the extra and buy the best: “People who buy the cheapest car often pay a lot to have them fixed.”
Buying a classic car is like buying any used car. Look for service history, check engine and body numbers and have a specialist mechanic look over the car. Engine and transmission problems are more noticeable but normally cheaper to rectify.
These cars are old and anyone setting out to find the ‘perfect’ classic car is bound to fail. But consider: when it comes to classic cars, an imperfection can be regarded as character.
Classic-car expert Graham Smith says people thinking of buying an older car should talk to their loved ones from the beginning.
“Get your family involved,” he says. “So many blokes don’t and they end up regretting it. I know a guy who bought a classic Mustang, spent a lot of money on it, and it just sits in the shed because his wife doesn’t like it.”
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