Top tips for buying a classic car…

Every car lover has envisaged themselves at one point speeding down the open road in the car of their dreams. Whether you dream of owning a 1963 Aston Martin DB5, a classic American muscle car or perhaps yearn to have a Miami Vice moment in a 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS the reality is buying a classic can be a tricky business.

Knowing what to look out for and which model you should be investing in is key if you want to make sure your new weekend drive makes you money down the line. So before you go out and splash the cash these tips will help you get a plum and not a lemon!

Leaking Engine Seals

Engine seals expand and contract due to changes in pressure and temperature over time and they deteriorate even faster when a car is left sitting without being driven for long periods of time. Look out for signs of oil leaks as well as this can indicate expansive engine works being needed.

Body Rust
Cars that spend most of their lives in harsh climates and are not garaged are more prone to exhibit rust in the undercarriage and around the window seals. Salt and moisture are devastating to a car’s chassis, and the cost of a proper repair can significantly exceed the original car’s purchase price. Don’t be fooled by mild to moderate signs of rust this can often indicate more severe hidden corrosion.

Fading or Peeling Paint
Faded cracked paint usually mean one thing; a complete repaint. Which can run into the thousands. As a car ages it is impossible to only repaint a panel or two. So if you want your classic in tip top condition then your only option is a complete repaint.

Cracked Or Sagging Interior
Seats, dashes, and door panels crack and fade with prolonged exposure to the environment. Finding original replacement parts can be challenging for an older car and new reproductions can be extremely costly. A good detail with help but not restore the original finish unfortunately.

Wiring
You often hear stories about a new owner turning on their radio only to have the windscreen wipers start going. Classic cars might seem sparse when it comes to gadgets but checking the vehicles original wiring in the long run with save you time and money. Chances are there has been some home tinkering in the intervening years between leaving the factory and arriving in your garage which can make diagnosis of wiring issues time consuming, expensive and very frustrating.