How old to be a classic?

What in your opinion is the age at which you can call a car a "classic"? Is there a magic cut off point at which cars are XX years old can be considered a classic? I tend to think if you're going to catagorize cars this way then thirty years would likely be the magic number?

I realize some cars will become classics earlier than others if they are high performance/limited edition, etc. Also there are "future classics" and any car will eventually become a classic if it gets old enough.

What are your thoughts on what officially qualifies a car as a classic.

I liked the formula a mate of mine came up with to determine if a bike is a classic or not:

http://www.unixconsult.co.uk/bike/ukrmcfaq.html#classic

I'm the FAQ keeper, but I take no credit for the actual formula. Works for classic cars, too.

The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) was formed in 1931 and considers cars 25 years and older to be antiques. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) was formed in 1952 because they considered the AACA too restrictive for the "newer" cars they were interested in. The CCCA set the cutoff at 1948, and have maintained that year rather than rolling it forward every year like the AAAC. Consequently, the club that was originally less restrictive is now the more restrictive. So much for definitions.

One man's old car is another man's classic. Some old cars may never be recognized as classics. I think any car could be considered a classic if there is a dedicated group of owners. Market interest is certainly a factor. Maybe one milestone is when the price of a "used" car exceeds the original new selling price. Cars that have a long production run can be classics even while they are still being produced. Some cars may be almost instant classics, like the Miata and the new Mini.

In reply to lasttr:

I tend to like the thirty year rule. That way my 1980 TR8 just flies under the radar.:-)

Actually, every other classic I've owned was pre 1972, most from the 60's.

I did have a 87 Dodge Shelby GLHS bought new that I seriously regret selling. I consider that as a future classic.

Something like thirty years is a good rule of thumb, now that our 1980 TR8s fit! I think the Dodge Shelby is definitely a future classic, but I don't know that the Dodge Aries will ever be anything but Red Green Show BBQ and lawn mower conversions....

I think when you're just short of being eligible for social security, and it's a car you saw/had before you were 25, it's can qualify for classic status. That said, not all of those that fit that criteria will be considered "classic." If they are in "survivor" condition, they'll be interesting as a relic of a bygone time, but as Iasttr pointed out, a Dodge Aries will never be a "classic".

So, which ones will be "classics"? Let the market place decide that one.

You guys make me want an Aries. My in-law had one and it worked fine with decent A/C. Treat one like a collector car and you will have a hundred people all over it at a car show. Don't expect much value in it... ever. But, fun for the buck would be high. I like to say that anyone can buy a $60 bottle of wine and drink well but you need to know your stuff to drink well for under $20. 30 years is a good rule. My Spider was just old/cool when I bought it. Now it is considered at least worthy of collecting/showing. What did change was higher level of restorations and interest as the car reached 30 years. Prices have yet to go high but they have risen well off the bottom. Some collectors look for a car on the cusp but that is very tricky and timing is more like over 5 years than 5 months for the change to stabilize. I would choose a third generation Mercedes SL as a good choice. Bought today and owned for 5 years as the value rises. Cheers Ron

BoxheadTim wrote: I liked the formula a mate of mine came up with to determine if a bike is a classic or not: http://www.unixconsult.co.uk/bike/ukrmcfaq.html#classic I'm the FAQ keeper, but I take no credit for the actual formula. Works for classic cars, too.

I think that's my favorite answer to this question yet.

Yep, seems to work.

Perhaps I was too harsh on the Aries. As I've noted before, when I bought my nine-year-old MGA in 1966, people told me it would never be a classic because it was too modern. Some folks still say that about my 30-year-old TR8.

In reply to lasttr: You are right to be hard on them. The Aries is the Citation of its class or is it the other way. A Tempo would fun to see running well again.

Cheers Ron

I think this is a question that will be debated as long as we appreciate cars.

I'm not sure years are the benchmark for a classic. I think it's a combination of age, innovation, esthetics/beauty, rarity, weirdness....etc.

There are many old cars that might only be curiosities of that time. I am sure somewhere Pinto's are loved and adored. (eeesche!) 100 years from now, they might qualify because there will be so few, good examples.

Legally speaking, in terms of registration, the definition of an "antique" vehicle is based on how the DMV in any partuicular state defines it. I think for most states that would be a vehicle that's at least 25 years old. But obviously all antiques are not classics. I agree with Series6 that it's a combination of things. But I don't necessarily think old age is a major factor in determining a classic. The MGB and the original Lotus Elan were treated like classics not too long after they were out of production. And first generation Miatas are now being called classics in hushed tones in some enthusiast circles. I don't think the newer MG-F, or later Lotus Elans, or even the second and third gen Miata / MX-5 will ever be considered classics by enthusiasts.

How bout being able to get classic car insurance = classic? I'm not sure but the XR4 just turned 25 this year, but I'm doubting you could get classic car insurance on it...

I think it's like pornography: You know it when you see it.

David S. Wallens wrote: I think it's like pornography: You know it when you see it.

Best answer yet...

Raze wrote: How bout being able to get classic car insurance = classic? I'm not sure but the XR4 just turned 25 this year, but I'm doubting you could get classic car insurance on it...

I'm not sure about that. I have my '88 BMW 325is insured as a classic through Hagerty. At the same time, I also asked about insuring our '07 MINI convertible since we basically use it like a classic and the rep I spoke with was open to the idea saying that in PA they couldn't, but since the car is registered in NJ, they might.

In PA, classic registration is available for cars 20 years or older and I plan to get this for my BMW (mainly to avoid the annoying dyno emmisions testing the car would otherwise require).

I'd say classic would be a desirable or interesting vehicle (trucks and vans can be classic too!) 25-30 years or older. Anything newer but interesting would something else - maybe a specialty vehicle or something.

The classic cars are still favorite among people and they love to own one….Classic Cars are really fantastic and they has amazing design and there parts are very rare to get….it also has good engine speed which drives very smooth and long last….and important is maintenance so that it should not go for restoration….I love BMW classic car….and its really awesome!!!!...CarInsuranceClassic.co.uk

I usually go by the 25 year mark to be an antique, but a classic is something else entirely. And nothing in the world would make me want an Aries.

Before my sister went off to college in the late '80's, my mother made her sell her Fiat Spider and got her a year old Aries. Let's just say the Fiat looked pretty good after that.

What a POS. It didn't do anything good, and was broken down more than any Fiat I've ever seen.

David S. Wallens wrote: I think it's like pornography: You know it when you see it.

And some pornography is better (worse) than some which are worse (better).