Why People Love and Collect Antique Cars

Antique cars and classic cars collecting, restoring, and showing have become the number one pass time for many classic car enthusiasts. Whether you're new to antique cars as a hobby, or a seasoned collector, the internet has information on classic cars, car parts, accessories, car shows and antique car sales, and more.

The first antique automobile was made in 1672 by a Chinese monk, and was steam powered. Then, around 1769, The Cugnot Steam Trolley was capable of transporting humans was produced. Other steam engine cars followed. By today's standards, the steam car would be considered a green alternative to modern gas guzzlers. New hybrid cars still don't operate on nothing but steam power like the steam trolley did over two hundred years ago.

It wasn't until 1806 that the first car with an internal combustible engine appeared. The internal combustible engine cars began to hook us all on vehicles that were powered with the use of gas and oil. In 1885, a more modern version of the internal combustible engine car was introduced. Even electric cars were designed very early in the twentieth century, but faded out in favor of gas powered vehicles. The Ford Museum, in Detroit, MI. still has a running, working model of Ford's first electric motor on display. Antique Ford cars are highly collectible and well known in classic car circles.

There are several eras of collectible automobile history. Each era has a specific term to define the particular types of classic cars made during those time frames. Knowing certain antique car terms can help you to decide which antique car era you want to focus on as an antique car collector or restorer.

Classic cars from the 1890's and earlier are termed "Veteran Era" antique autos. From around the 1900's to 19190, those classic cars are generally referred to as the "Brass", or "Edwardian" era collector cars. A very popular area for antique car collectors is the "Vintage" 1920's era classics. Through the 1930's to the 1950's, there are "Pre-war" era classic cars. 1950's through 1970's are termed: "Post-war" classic or antique cars.

Cars that are twenty years old or older are generally referred to as "antique" cars. Another classic and collector car term you will hear is the term: "muscle cars"; which generally refer to sports cars made between the 1960's to 1980's. Whatever your classic antique car interest may be, the internet gives all the information, history, and antique car sales.

Antique Car collecting and restoration is a hobby practiced by people all over the world. Even American celebrities fall in love with them. Jay Leno, in addition to hosting the Tonight Show, is known for his huge collection of antique cars and motorcycles going all the way back to the early 20th century. Past stars known for their love of cars are Larry Hagman and Steve McQueen.

One of the reasons people love antique cars is that, for them, it brings back childhood or teenage memories. Maybe they had their first date in that car, or that is the car the family when on annual picnics, or maybe it was the car to have when they were young but they couldn't afford it. The nostalgia market is worth billions of dollars and those longing for the antique autos of their youth account for only a small piece of it.

VINTAGE LESNEY MATCHBOX ANTIQUE CAR ASHTRAY US $9.99

ANTIQUE VINTAGE CAR 1950 60s CHEVY METAL SIGN CHEVROLET PART ANTIQUE CAR US $15.59

ANTIQUE VINTAGE B W PHOTO PHOTOGRAPH OF CHILD BOY GIRL PEDAL CAR C1950 US $5.00

ANTIQUE VINTAGE B W PHOTO PHOTOGRAPH OF CHILD BOYS PEDAL CAR C1950 US $5.00

ANTIQUE VINTAGE B W PHOTO PHOTOGRAPH OF CHILD BOY PEDAL CAR C1950 US $5.00

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MARX A CART ANTIQUE TOY CAR BATTERY OPERATED US $99.99

ANTIQUE RARE CAR FROM DEPRESSION ERA CAST IRON TOY MUST LK W METAL GRILL US $85.00

Vintage Resin Still Bank Antique Sports Car with Old Couple US $6.00

antique car registration 1917 MODEL T FORD original from Providence RI US $1,000.00

b13 USA Poster Stamp Commercial Garage Antique Car US $7.99

ANTIQUE VINTAGE CAR 1960 70s CHEVY METAL SIGN CHEVROLET PART ANTIQUE CAR US $13.50

VTG Antique Marx O Scale Railroad Train Car Santa Fe Oil Tanker Metal 1940s US $9.99

VINTAGE ANTIQUE CAR BEVERAGE GLASSES SET OF 3 US $3.99

Vintage KEYLESS 8 Day Rim Wind Automobile Clock from Antique Car US $16.95

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OLD ANTIQUE TIN MOTOR CAR FRICTION ENGINE GREAT SHAPE COLLECTIBLE NO RESERVE US $59.99

THE FRANKLIN MINT COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE CAR COINS SERIES 1 BRONZE WITH BOOK US $9.99

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OLD RARE ANTIQUE VINTAGE MECCANO LTD DINKY TOY CAR AUSTIN TAXI 40H ROUGH SHAPE US $21.99

OLD RARE ANTIQUE VINTAGE MECCANO LTD DINKY TOY CAR AUSTIN A105 176 NO RESERVE US $22.99

VERY OLD ANTIQUE CAR PHOTOS PRINTED ON PLASTIC SHEET US $5.00

Antique VTG Nash Rambler Tin Car Station Wagon Friction Japan Toy Bandai US $159.99

Antique Tin Friction Race Car 50 Made in Japan US $19.95

1982 Old Vtg Antique Collectible Matchbox Toys 1957 Thunderbird Toy Car US $.99

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Antique Car Insurance for the Automobile Collector

Owning a prized possession such as an antique car can be the pride of any automobile collector. However, owning an antique car comes with the responsibility to protect and preserve its value. As the cost of replacement parts would be too expensive in the event of a mishap, an antique car insurance policy can protect your investment.

Many owners of collectible cars invest in special antique car insurance to protect their vehicles from unexpected accidents or damages. Whether you tool around the neighborhood on occasion in your venerable vehicle from bygone days or you show off your pride and joy at an antique show, you will want to ensure you protect it against damage with antique car insurance.

An insurance company determines their own classification of antique vehicles, and will have certain requirements you must meet before they will underwrite an antique car insurance policy for your vehicle. The primary test to determine whether a car is classified as an antique, is the age of the vehicle. While cars 25 to 50 years are usually termed 'classic', it is cars over 50 that generally fit into the 'Antique' category. In some cases, insurance companies may require your vehicle to be registered as an antique depending on state rules.

Many different factors will decide the antique car insurance premium you pay, including your use of the vehicle, where you store the vehicle and the number of miles driven in a particular year. Many insurers have limits on the mileage you may accumulate in each year, this reduces the chance of an accident. If you only use the vehicle to display in antique car shows your rate will generally be less than if you use the vehicle for pleasure.

You should be aware that not every insurance provider is able to underwrite your policy, however, plenty of companies are available that specialize in writing antique car insurance. Finding a quality insurance provider is quiet easy. The first place is to check out antique car clubs for a list of specific companies. The internet is another good resource, as many antique car insurance and collector clubs can easily be found. It is wise to thoroughly investigate these websites to determine a company suitable to meet your needs.

With antique car insurance, you will be protecting your assets and preserving a part of automobile history. In case of accidental damage, with a proper policy, you will be able to maintain and restore your car to preserve its natural beauty.

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Antique car show and auction draws hundreds of cars and potential buyers
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Defining an Antique Car

Having an old car can be a pretty neat experience. Everyone knows that certain older cars might be considered antiques or classics. But how is one to know which is which? It isn’t always easy, especially if you aren’t an especially extreme car lover. Determining if your car is an antique will require some time and research on your part. This is something that tends to be a little fuzzy around the edges and not always so clearly defined. Don’t be surprised if you turn up some conflicting information. Antique cars are not something that everyone agrees on.

The exact definition of an antique car tends to be a highly debated topic. The Classic Car Club of America states that an antique car is one that was manufactured before the year 1948. It is likely that you will come across sites and organizations that do not agree with this and instead have different years listed. If you need the information for insurance purposes then your best bet is to get the details directly from your insurance company. They will have their own regulations and specifications regarding what make your car considered an antique.

Most antique cars are considered to be those that were built before World War I. During the war auto production was brought to a halt and the manufacturing facilities were used to make war vehicles. Those cars made before the war are considered very rare today and many of them are worth millions of dollars due to that rarity. Of course the rareness of a certain model can directly affect if it is labeled as a classic or antique. Availability certainly does play a role in determining what makes a car antique.

There are many neat tidbits of information that comes from antique cars. Many people for instance do not know where the Mercedes received its name from. An Austrian man contracted Daimler to create a fleet of 30 cars for him. He wished them to be called Mercedes, which was the name of his own daughter. This is interesting since that name has once again become a common name for girls. Many don’t know that it started out that way all along.

The early designs of vehicles should be appreciated and respected regardless of their classic, vintage or antique status. They are the direct link to the cars we all love and drive today. The very first cars were nothing like modern day vehicles. They had no windshield and no safety features. It’s astounding to see the way the vehicle has evolved since the days of the original antiques.

It is important to note that a classic car and an antique one are not at all the same thing. They have differing definitions and are not grouped together. Classic cars tend to be sports or muscle cars from the 1950s to the 1970s. However, like antiques, the exact years seem to change depending on your source. Seek out a professional for an expert opinion on antique cars if you find these sources to be lacking.

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