A vintage or classic car is an object of passion, emotion and sentiment. It should not be considered a financial investment that you could cash in later. If you are in the market to acquire an old-timer, you should attend the various heritage car events that take place across the country, like rallies or exhibitions, where you can see different cars and meet enthusiasts, owners and restorers.

Most information on when a car comes up for sale is via word-of-mouth or via WhatsApp groups of the classic car community. Nowadays, online platforms and auctions are slowly emerging as alternative sources for acquiring a classic car. You can also shop abroad!

The Government has liberalised vintage car imports; however, only cars built before 1950 are allowed to be imported into the country — of course, there are import duties and other associated costs involved. The price of a vintage or classic car is extremely variable and there is no rule of thumb to arrive at a price. The following factors typically govern prices of these cars:

Condition of the car

If a car needs extensive restoration, it could be cheap, considering the cost, effort and time involved in bringing it up to a satisfactory condition.

Conversely, a well-maintained, pristine running car would be more expensive.

Rarity

The rarer a car, the more expensive it can be. Cars that have unique body styles and features, have a low survival rate or are of a limited production run will be expensive.

On the other hand, mass-produced car brands like Austin, Morris, Volkswagen, Ford, etc, should ideally be cheaper and easier to acquire.

Prestige

Prestigious marques command higher values, for example, a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley are typically more expensive than a Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Fiat or a Chevrolet.

Provenance

A car that has a historical significance — for example, if it was owned by royalty or a celebrity or if it has appeared in a movie — it can command a premium. The number of previous owners also influences price.

History

Records and title of the car are also important. Often, over the passage of time, title deeds get misplaced or lost. A car with a clear ownership chain and well-maintained records of service and repairs can add to its cost.

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