Buying a Classic Car?
A Gentle, Amusing Reality Check

You have decided that modern cars are far too reliable, comfortable, and predictable, and that what your life really needs is something with character, history, and at least one smell you can’t quite explain.  Congratulations — you’re shopping for a classic car.

Before you fall in love with shiny paint and romantic backstories involving “little old ladies” and “Sunday drives,” let’s go over a few key truths that every seasoned enthusiast learns the hard way.

Ideally, you’ll learn them before you own a car that sheds parts like a nervous dog.

1. Beware the Fresh Respray (a.k.a. Automotive Makeup)

Nothing should make you more suspicious than paint so fresh you can still smell it.  A recent respray may look stunning, but remember: paint is the classic car equivalent of a heavy Instagram filter.  It hides sins. Deep, structural, wallet-draining sins.

An older restoration — one that’s had time to crack, fade, and reveal its secrets — is often safer.

At least you can see what’s wrong.  Unless, of course, you personally know who did the work, especially the bodywork. In that case, fine. Trust them.  Otherwise, assume the paint is whispering, “Don’t look underneath.”

2. “Originality” Is Mostly a Myth We Tell Ourselves

Very, very few classic cars are truly original.  If someone tells you theirs is, what they usually mean is “original-ish, except for the engine, gearbox, suspension, electrics, interior, wheels, exhaust, and everything that ever wore out.”

And that’s okay.

Classic cars are survivors.  They’ve lived long enough to need replacement parts, upgrades, and the occasional creative decision made in the 1980s. Don’t get too hung up on originality unless you enjoy being permanently disappointed.  Condition, correctness, and quality of work matter far more than whether the hose clamp is period-correct.

3. Mileage and Number of Owners Mean Almost Nothing

Low mileage sounds impressive, but on a classic car it often translates to – “Sat doing nothing for long periods while quietly deteriorating.”

Likewise, a long list of owners doesn’t mean the car is cursed. It may simply mean people enjoyed it, used it, and passed it on before it emptied their bank accounts completely.

What matters is how the car has been maintained and used. A well-driven, well-serviced car with a heroic mileage is often healthier than a “barn find” that hasn’t moved since cassette tapes were cutting-edge technology.

4. Buy the Owner, Not Just the Car

If you can, buy from a long-term owner. These people tend to know every noise, quirk, and mild personality disorder their car possesses. They’ll tell you things like, “It always does that when it’s hot,” or “You have to jiggle the key and insult it gently.”

Dealers and short-term owners aren’t necessarily dishonest — but they often don’t know the car.
A long-term owner usually does, and that honesty is worth more than a glossy advert and free air freshener.

5. Beware the Car That Has Been “Standing”

A car that hasn’t been driven regularly is not “rested.”  It is stiff, grumpy, and quietly plotting financial revenge.

• Seals dry out.
• Fluids turn into soup.
• Brakes seize.
• Fuel systems develop opinions.

As a rule, avoid cars that haven’t been used for more than a year unless you enjoy replacing everything made of rubber and learning new swear words.

Classic cars want to be driven.  Motion is medicine.

Final Thought

Buying your first classic car is an emotional decision masquerading as a sensible one.  Go in with your eyes open, your expectations realistic, and your sense of humour fully operational.

Because you won’t just be buying a car — you’ll be buying stories, friendships, minor mechanical crises, and the deep satisfaction of waving at strangers who inexplicably approve of your poor life choices.

Welcome to the the world of Classic Motoring.

More seriously, this is a link to our pre purchase check list