When Does an Old Banger Become a Classic Car?

Many people watch auto shows on the TV, visit classic car shows, join classic car clubs or just love to see a classic car drive by them on the highway. Knowing how many people like classic cars, it is rather strange that few people really know what makes a car a classic car, or how a classic car can be all original (real OEM parts), resto-mods, or even a hot rod or custom car. When exactly does an old car become a classic car, is it with age, OEM, refurbishment, original cost? Problem is than classic car clubs disagree with each other.

What is a Classic Car?

Depending upon where you live and what car association or classic car club you ask, the definitions of what makes a car a ‘classic’ differ quite noticeably. However, outside of cars referred to as a classic simply because of their styling or rarity, for example the De Lorean DMC-12, the general consensus from most classic car clubs is that a car becomes a classic as it matures with age. 

Most car associations and classic car clubs refer to a car as a ‘classic’ when it is 20 or more years old; however, this can differ greatly. Many years ago I specifically bought a 10 year, one-day old Porsche 928S2 rather than one a couple of years younger. I did this as the owners club classed all vehicles over 10-years old as classics – which meant low-cost insurance compared to a non classic model - a 75% insurance saving that kept a couple of thousand in my pocket for other projects.

As if being able to define a car as a classic was not confusing enough, as it gets older a car’s designation changes, though again, exactly what vehicle definition is correct depends on which side of the Atlantic you are on and what car association you ask. Generally, at 45 or 50 years of age, the designation changes from classic to antique, but the confusion on a cars age designation does not stop there. In the US, the term Vintage car is generally given to those built between the end of World War 1 and the start of World War 2; however, in the UK the definition of a vintage car covers only vehicles built between the years 1919 to 1930.

So if a car is over 20 years old – is it a classic?

Wouldn’t it be lovely if it was that simple? But, as if all of these different definitions of what makes a car a classic don’t muddy the clarified waters enough, the Classic Car Club of America has very strict guidelines on what makes a car a classic, as do different US State vehicle registrations, and ‘over the pond’ the UK road taxation laws. So, while a 20-year old car may be a classic to some, to others it is just an old banger.

Generally, a vehicle must have some memorable feature other than purely age to make it accepted as a classic – although a vehicle’s popularity obviously plays an important part. This said, the term used to describe a car depends upon the situation. While it is probably acceptable for an owner of a 25-year old car to say “I have a classic car”, that may not be enough for a classic car show or fanatical classic car aficionado to accept. You also have to accept that to some people a classic car must be all original (OEM), while others accept vehicles with retsto-mods, refurbishments, and even minor customizing as still being a classic car.

What is the difference between Original OEM and Resto-mod?

At most classic car shows, to be classed as 'Original,' the vehicle, whether classic, antique or vintage, must be fitted with the same parts and fixtures as those fitted to that make and model of car when it was new (original equipment manufacturer, OEM). Depending on why you have the car (for strict classic car shows, Sunday or daily driver, etc.) the exact type of part with all the OEM and original manufacturer's markings, may or not may be needed. It all depends upon how much of an 'original' classic car you want. 

A 'Retro-mod' (restoration modification), is where parts of a different type are fitted in place of the manufacturer’s originals; for example, replacing the 'original' ignition points with an electronic ignition unit. Sometimes, you can not avoid fitting retro-mod parts - complying with new laws requiring the fitment of seat belts in some areas are a good example. Other common examples of resto-mods are the fitment of power brakes, radial tyres, suspension, and modern music systems to make the car safer, faster, or more comfortable to drive.

In the US, Europe, and Australia, there are special car shows in which classic cars are judged and win high value prizes, and car auctions where a classic or vintage car that is 'all original' is usually worth considerably more money than one with retro-mods. However, because of the difficulty and cost in obtaining original parts, many people drive classic cars that have at least some some retro-mods fitted.

One thing you should not confuse is retro-mods with ‘gash’ or ‘jerry-rig’ fixes. Retro-mods are parts which incorporate newer technology than was available when the original was made. They are fitted to make the car safer, more powerful (faster), or handle better than the original parts. Jerry-rig fixes are when parts from a different make or model of car are fitted. Common examples are the fitting a different type of engine, radiator, seating, cab panels etc. because they are cheaper or easier to obtain than the original parts. Jerry-rig jobs may get the car running, but they considerably reduce a cars value from an ‘all original’ classic car.    

Do I have to use all the original makers’ equipment (OEM)?

This really depends upon just what you want the car for and the easy answer is 'not if you don't want to'. To win prizes at major classic car shows usually means that everything be original - right down to the little things like the owners manual and stickers on the trunk lid listing the tyre pressures. However, saying this, even at major shows there are a number of cars that have parts that, while not made by the original manufacturer, are still classed as original parts because they are exactly the same type as the original parts were. Common examples are brake pads, springs, tyres, points, coil, battery, etc.

If you just want a nice classic car that is reliable to run, safe and maybe with a little more power or having better fuel economy than the original, you do not have to run yourself (or your pocketbook) ragged trying to obtain 'absolute originals'. After all, unless you know what to look for does it really matter that you have different spark plugs, or wing mirrors from a different year. Remember, owning a classic car should be fun, not a chore.   

How to obtain a cars original specifications

There are a number of ways to obtain a vehicle’s original specifications. The easiest is to get the information from the VIN plate (Vehicle Identification Number). Check the codes with your car type’s manufacturer/owners club web sites (most classic cars have club web sites) or one of the many available VIN plate decoder books. From the VIN codes you can usually find your cars original production date, where it was made (which factory), the original colour, engine type, etc. Some VIN Plates also contain a number code that you can use to find the original trim type. With all of this information, you then know what your car was originally, and so can decide what parts are original, and what are retro-mods or jerry-rig parts. 

If the VIN plate has been removed, you may be able to find our all of the above details from the cars chassis number. Again, manufacturers and club websites are a mine of information for checking details. 

If all else fails, you can usually pick up a book that lists the original specifications available for your car type/year/model. These are often very helpful because you can find exact details on colour etc. and, if needs be, obtain the parts from another source. A good example is carpets and seat covers - many manufacturers make these to the original specifications, but at a much lower price than from the original car manufacture.  

Why own a Classic Car?

In a word – style. When I obtained my first classic American muscle car, a '66 mustang, my young son asked me "Why buy such an old car?" I explained it was a matter of style and being different, but I know he didn't really understand. However, some time after its restoration was finished he came with me to collect the car from external detailing. While we waited for the polishing to be finished, many people came up and asked me about the car. They looked around it, admired the bodywork and sparkling engine, and all complimented me on how good it looked - all the while ignoring all of the expensive new cars also being cleaned. As we drove home, I turned to my son and asked him "Now do you understand one of the reasons I like this car?", "Yes Dad" he replied.

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