Antique Car How Many Years
The Difference Between Classic, Antique, and Vintage Cars
Many people are unsure what truly defines a classic car—and how it differs from an antique or vintage vehicle. The term “classic” is often used loosely to describe almost any older car that looks out of place among modern daily drivers. In reality, age alone does not determine whether a car qualifies as classic, antique, or vintage. Each category has its own criteria, and the terminology is often misunderstood.
Understanding these distinctions is important if you plan to register your vehicle, display it at car shows, find a mechanic familiar with its unique requirements, or apply for specialized classic car insurance. While the definitions may vary slightly depending on location and organization, there are generally accepted guidelines.
Classic vs. Antique vs. Vintage Cars
Below are the commonly accepted age ranges for each category:
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Vintage cars are vehicles manufactured between 1919 and 1930.
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Antique cars are typically defined as vehicles manufactured in 1975 or earlier, making them at least 45 years old.
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Classic cars are generally vehicles built in the 1990s or earlier, meaning they are at least 20 years old.
That said, classification standards can vary widely between state DMVs, insurance providers, and car clubs.
For example, in California, the distinction between classic, antique, and vintage vehicles is not clearly defined. The California DMV instead uses the term Historical Vehicle, referring to cars manufactured in 1922 or later that are at least 25 years old. Vehicles equipped with engines larger than 16 cylinders and built between 1922 and 1965 may be classified as Horseless Carriages. Modified vehicles and replicas generally do not fall into either category.
Insurance companies apply their own definitions as well. Hagerty, a well-known classic car insurer, categorizes vehicles manufactured between 1900 and 1979 as antiques or classics, while vehicles built in 1980 or later are considered collector cars.
The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) takes an even stricter approach. According to the CCCA, only vehicles produced between 1915 and 1948 qualify as true classics.
How Old Is a Classic Car?
The term “classic car” means different things to different organizations. The Classic Car Club of America limits the definition to vehicles built between 1915 and 1948. However, for registration and insurance purposes, many states classify these same vehicles as antique or vintage instead.
In most cases, a vehicle must be at least 20 years old to qualify as a classic for insurance and registration purposes. Additionally, the car must remain largely true to its original design and specifications. Any restoration work should reflect factory-correct materials and components—from interior finishes to engine parts. Modern modifications are generally not permitted if the vehicle is to retain its classic classification.
How Old Is a Vintage Car?
The vintage category is both specific and flexible. To be considered vintage, a car must have been manufactured between 1919 and 1930. Unlike classic cars, vintage vehicles are not required to remain in original condition. They may be modified, customized, lifted, or altered without losing their vintage designation. The defining factor is strictly the year of manufacture.
What Qualifies a Car as an Antique?
Antique cars stand apart from other categories due to their age and historical significance. Their condition can range from unrestored originals to fully restored, like-new examples.
Generally, a car is considered antique once it reaches 45 years of age, although this threshold varies by state. In Michigan, for instance, vehicles over 20 years old may qualify for antique registration plates. If the vehicle has not been modified, it may also be classified as vintage or antique, depending on its age and condition.
Understanding the Value of Your Car
Once you understand whether your vehicle is classic, vintage, or antique, the next question is often its value. Market demand, originality, condition, and historical relevance all play a role in determining worth. Numerous specialized resources and marketplaces exist to help owners buy, sell, or insure classic automobiles.
For expert guidance on protecting and insuring your vehicle, consulting a specialized insurance provider such as Lallis & Higgins Insurance can help ensure your investment is properly covered.
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