What’s the Difference Between Classic, Vintage & Antique Cars?

older man driving a red vintage carFor car enthusiasts, restoring an older vehicle can be a dream come true. But not all old cars are the same—there's a big difference between a simple "old" car and one that's truly considered antique, classic, or vintage. Each category has its own criteria, and understanding them can make all the difference in your restoration journey.

The General Guidelines

While there's no universal agreement on the exact definitions, most organizations and states use similar standards to classify these vehicles:

  • Classic: Typically defined as any car that is at least 20 years old.
  • Antique: Usually refers to vehicles that are 45 years or older.
  • Vintage: Generally includes cars built between 1919 and 1930.

Of course, the specifics can vary depending on where you live, what insurance company you choose, and how you restore the car. The quality of restoration, originality of parts, and even the insurer’s policies can affect how your car is classified.

State DMV Rules

Many states have their own classifications for older vehicles. For example, if a car was made after 1922 and is at least 25 years old, it may be labeled a historical vehicle by the DMV. Cars made before 1965 with a 16-cylinder or larger engine might be called a “Horseless Carriage.” These designations usually require the car to remain in its original condition without modifications or replicas.

Cars over 45 years old may be classified as “antique” and need a special license plate. These vehicles must also maintain their original design, including original parts, to qualify for this status.

It's important to check your state’s specific rules and regulations when purchasing and restoring a car. Always ensure you have proper insurance, such as a classic car policy, which offers more tailored coverage than a standard auto policy.

Insurance Considerations

Most insurance companies consider vehicles from 1900 to 1979 as either antique or classic. If a car was made in 1980 or later but isn’t considered modern, it may be classified as a collector car. These policies often come with restrictions, such as:

  • Limited driving locations

Before you commit, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to avoid any surprises down the road.

Organizations and Standards

Some clubs and organizations have even stricter guidelines. For instance, the Classic Car Club of America defines a classic car as one manufactured between 1915 and 1948. It must be fully restored, meet high standards of design and engineering, and have no modern modifications like power brakes or air conditioning.

The Antique Car Club also has strict rules, though they are slightly more flexible in terms of age. They generally consider any car 25 years or older as an antique.

What Makes a Car Vintage?

Vintage cars overlap with antique and classic classifications but have some key differences. They were typically built between 1919 and 1930, and unlike antiques, they can include modified or altered designs. Custom cars, hot rods, and exotic models often fall into this category, even if they don't meet the strict criteria for being antique or classic.

If you're working on restoring an older car and need expert help, DaSilva’s Auto Body is here to assist. Whether you're dealing with a classic, antique, or vintage model, we have the skills and experience to bring your project to life. Give us a call today to learn how we can help with your next restoration!

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