Anthony Lodati — 4 Ways to Find a Used Classic Car
Finding a classic car is half the battle. For anyone who is considering buying a used classic car as a project or an investment, learning where and how to look helps ensure that you obtain the car you have chosen at the price you want.
Like you, Anthony Lodati, a New York Entrepreneur, is a car enthusiast and he understands that finding your dream classic car is a time consuming battle. Here are Lodati’s 4 tips to finding a used classic car:
Knowledge Is Power
Just as with everything else in life, the more knowledge you have about what you are looking for, the more likely you will find a quality piece and pay a reasonable price. Get to know your dream car by studying the make and model. There are endless resources available online. As one example, a VIN decoder to allow you to learn what the car should be equipped with by discovering what the original equipment was for the car. Classic car shows are another great way to learn. Talk to other classic car owners and learn the ins and outs of buying and caring for a classic car.
Purchasing a Classic Car as an Investment
Often classic cars are purchased as an investment piece. Their parts can be used to bring an old school twist to a new car, or the owner can dive into a lengthy restoration project.
If you are looking for an investment piece, check out the following:
Classic and Collectible Car Auctions
There are many classic and collectible car auctions available, both small and large, local and state, and federal law enforcement auctions of seized property. When considering auctions, Barrett-Jackson is the most respected and largest auctioneer of classic and collectible cars.
Car Magazines
A suitable place to look for a rare classic used car are magazines that are focused on the car enthusiast market. Many people have found a fellow classic car enthusiast that was willing to let go of a good-looking, quality classic car at a fair price to someone who they know will take care of it properly.
Some examples of these car magazines include Muscle Car Digest, Classic Camaros, and Hot Rod Magazine.
The Internet
Many of the larger auction houses allow you to participate in their auctions online. Some of the auction sites that focus on the smaller collector who is only able to deal either locally or regionally, rather than nationally are available online. There are also many sites, such as Kijiji and Craigslist, where people are selling pieces or full cars.
Local Junk Yards
If you are eager to begin your car project, you can start by checking out your local junkyards. Many junkyards have the ability to look for classic cars on a regional computer network of junkyard dealers.
