| Collecting antique cars is a pleasure. But | | | | can use there on-line search tool to find the |
| one of the most frustrating things is trying | | | | sold prices for thousands of antique makes |
| to figure out just what a particular car is | | | | and models. This can give you a good baseline |
| worth. | | | | as to what others think the car is worth. |
| | | | |
| Every year more become classified as antique | | | | What is the condition of the car. This is not |
| or collector cars. With so many antique cars | | | | as much of a factor as supply and demand but |
| on the market these days, it's getting harder | | | | it is nevertheless an important factor. First |
| and harder to keep track of market prices. | | | | off, you can ignore the odometer readings. |
| Luckily there are a number of guidelines you | | | | Many antique cars, especially those that have |
| can follow to come up with a fair price for a | | | | had significant restoration work done on |
| classic automobile. | | | | them, have simply had their odometers rolled |
| | | | back to zero. Unless you're a mechanic |
| Antique car prices are determined by a number | | | | yourself, bring one along to evaluate the |
| of factors, but the most important one is | | | | physical condition of the car. Listen to the |
| supply and demand. The more popular a car is | | | | engine, check the wiring, inspect the engine |
| and the less of them that are on the road, | | | | mount and ignition systems, take it out for a |
| the greater its market value. Forget about | | | | test run. Any problems will normally cause |
| how much the car sold for originally. Forget | | | | the evaluation price to be adjusted |
| about how much money has been put into | | | | downwards. |
| restoring a car. None of that matters. How | | | | |
| popular is the car and how many are there? | | | | Has a celebrity owned the car? Celebrity |
| That's the most important question of all to | | | | ownership raises the price of everything. |
| ask. | | | | That the bid price of a piece of chewing gum |
| | | | spit out by Britney Spears reached $14,000, |
| So how can you determine supply and demand? | | | | tells you what celebrity ownership can do to |
| Where can you find a price list for antique | | | | the price of a classic car. If you are buying |
| cars? If you want to buy a used car, you can | | | | a classic car from someone who claims it was |
| go to the Kelley Blue Book, the standard | | | | owned by a celebrity, be sure to get some |
| authority for used car prices in the country. | | | | sort of document of authenticity - as there |
| Is there something similar for classic cars? | | | | is no shortage of shysters willing to take |
| | | | your money. |
| Fortunately there is. The Gold Book has been | | | | |
| around for nearly 40 years, and similarly to | | | | And lastly, keep in mind that collecting |
| Kelley's Blue Book, it is the defacto | | | | antique cars usually turns into a lifetime |
| standard for antique and classic car prices. | | | | hobby. You'll no doubt meet fellow collectors |
| They not only monitor auctions all over the | | | | at future auctions and events that can give |
| U.S. but also monitor private transactions | | | | you further advice about not only valuating |
| between individuals - as long as they can be | | | | antique cars but also can help you find some |
| verified. They also have a web site where you | | | | really great deals. |