Classic Cars For Sale California Craigslist (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules for classic cars in California? ›

The vehicle must be insured as a collector car and must meet one of the following requirements: The vehicle is at least 35 model-years old. (Health and Safety Code section 44011) The vehicle is at least 25 model-years old with historical vehicle license plates.

Set a Benchmark. The best way to get started flipping classic cars is to look at the trade websites like Hemmings, Dyler and ClassicCars.com. Work your way backward by looking for vehicles that have already been restored and comparing the work performed against the seller's price.

We found that some of the best places to sell your classic car online are AutoTrader, Hemmings and ClassicCars.com. All three companies offer different advertisem*nt packages, some of which include featuring your ad more prominently in search results.

If you're wondering the best price to start your negotiations at, go in 20-25% below the asking price. A good classic car dealer will usually conduct an inspection before they sell it on. What's more, a dealer who has confidence in the car's condition will not object to any form of in-depth inspection.

California describes a “classic car” as a vehicle that is at least 25 years old. This distinction is made due to the fact that cars built before 1975 are excused from the California Smog Certification Program.

For more information, visit our Collector Car page or asktheref.org. All vehicles that are model-year 1975 and older do not require a Smog Check.

The MG marque has been revived with a series of SUVs and electric vehicles but the classic MG scene is still very much alive and kicking. The MGB model was offered as a convertible or coupe and also had a range topping MGB GT version which we'd suggest keeping an eye out for.

Flipping classic cars is a great way to make big money. But since the profit isn't always guaranteed, it would be better to consider classic car flipping as a side business and not a full-time job.

Vehicles that are tall and narrow are more susceptible to a rollover due to a higher center of gravity, which puts vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans at greater risk of a rollover crash.

Who pays the most for older used cars? ›

After comparing multiple car buying websites, our team found CarMax pays top dollar for used vehicles.

Replace any interior elements that are worn, cracked, or faded. As with any specialty car, old stock is your best bet for maintaining the value of your classic car. Enter classic car shows. One of the most effective ways to increase a classic car's resale value is by participating in car shows.

For classic cars, you want to keep things as close as they were to the original parts as swapping parts like the engine, transmission, and parts of that nature out could result in a Ship of Theseus type of situation where you still have the car but with none of the original parts that made it special in the first place ...

That said, most dealers who advertise no-haggle policies, especially larger ones, have ingrained it into their business model. This means you are usually unable to negotiate the price of a no-haggle vehicle. You may, however, be able to find exceptions at local dealerships with less strict guidelines.

California laws regarding license plates state that all passenger vehicles must include both a front and rear license plate. Both license plates must be clearly visible with no alterations that obscure the state, plate number, or registration and must be securely fastened to prevent the plates from swinging.

Bill amended so pre-1976 vehicles will not be banned from roads. California is continuing its push to clean up its air by trying to block more older vehicles from staying on its roads. But unlike earlier versions, classic cars still will be allowed to cruise the California highways.

Pre-1985 Vehicles: According to California law, pre-1985 vehicles are not legally required to have seat belts. However, it is highly recommended for safety reasons. Modification and Safety: Many vintage car enthusiasts choose to retrofit their vehicles with seat belts to enhance safety.

Classic cars are at least 20 years old but not older than 45 years, while vintage cars are 25 years or older. Antique cars are even older, at least 45 years old.