For The Joy Of Vintage
Check out any home interiors magazine, lifestyle website and high street shop, and the world of vintage is seeing a resurgence. The same is true of the automotive industry. Petrol heads across the nation, while still enamored by the potential concept cars of the future, are beginning to look fondly at the automobiles from forty years ago or more. Vintage vehicles are cool, edgy and hugely appealing to the younger generation in particular. They look back on the swinging sixties with relish and hanker after the hipster-esque MGs and Triumph Vitesses. Rarer, cooler and more aesthetically pleasing to the eye than today’s SUVs and hatchbacks, vintage vehicles are seeing a surge in popularity. Take a look at what you need to consider if you are tempted to step into the world of vintage automobiles.
Maintenance
As with anything older, the chances are the vehicle you choose, whether an Austin 7 Chummy or a Dodge Charger, will come with its fair share of niggles and issues. Cars were built without the catalytic converters of the noughties and didn’t have exhaust emissions as a priority when they were being manufactured. Oil leaks, chassis damage and electronics failures are some of the most common problems with more mature cars. If you are a bit handy around an engine, enjoy getting your hands dirty and love tinkering with your vehicle, then a classic car might be just what you are looking for. If you love air conditioning, a DAB radio and parking sensors, you might be better staying with concept cars and vehicles of a modern age.
Protecting Your Asset
When buying a more classic car, you are purchasing it as an asset. While a brand new SUV will lose value the moment you drive it away from the forecourt, a vintage vehicle will do the opposite. Treat it well and look after it, and you could be investing in a worthwhile asset in the same way you would with property, fine wine or antiques. Ensure that you look into suitable car storage that is well ventilated, protected from the elements and secure. You cannot keep a classic car outside. It needs to be in a garage or lock up away from prying eyes and in a space where you can get under the hood and enjoy carrying out everyday maintenance yourself.
Being The Center Of Attention
If you are an introvert and pride yourself on being relatively antisocial, you might want to think again about owning a classic car. Vintage vehicles are made to be enjoyed, stared at and made the center of attention. You may find yourself invited to vintage car fairs to show off your asset. Being proud of your vehicle and showing it off in all its glory can fill you with a sense of accomplishment especially if you have restored it yourself. Other people will appreciate your efforts, and you can feel happy in the knowledge that you have restored a feat of engineering from a bygone age.
Owning a classic car isn’t for the faint-hearted. To maximize the joy of all things vintage, you need to put in the effort, maintain your vehicle and relish the opportunity to be part of a classic car revolution.