A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Classic American Cars

Defining a classic American car can be a bit tricky. Some people say it refers to cars that are 10 years or older, while others say classic cars should be at least 25 years old. At the end of the day, it all depends on what your state, insurer, or fellow collectors have to say about it. We know this broad definition can make choosing your first classic car difficult, so we’ve come up with a beginner’s guide to help you make the best choice.

Tips for Buying a Classic American Car

Buying a classic American car can be overwhelming, especially when the market’s overflowing with choices. Here are a few helpful tips to make your shopping experience a lot easier:

Set a Budget

When it comes to big purchases, you have to set a budget and stick to it. American classic cars can be a great investment, but nothing beats getting a car you’ll enjoy driving. Instead of getting a collectible, consider going for a classic car you can drive and personalize.

Go for a Low-Maintenance Vehicle

Like most modern vehicles, old American cars will need proper maintenance. However, some classic cars are more complicated than others and will require more expertise to maintain. When buying your own, it’s better to go for makes and models that are familiar and easy to take care of. Avoid classics that require an expert mechanic, unless you want to pay for an expensive repair bill.

Classic American Cars To Consider

While there are plenty of classic cars on the market, there are a few that are a step above the rest. Here are some of the best classic American cars that should be on your radar:

1908 Ford Model T

As the first mass-produced automobile, the 1908 Ford Model T is a classic American car that paved the way for the modern cars you see today. It sold for around $260 to $850, an affordable price that allowed ordinary households to finally own a vehicle.

Spare parts were available on home shopping catalogs, making it easy for owners to upgrade their cars. By the time production ended in 1927, Ford had sold around 15 million of this classic American car.

1941 Willys Jeep

Produced from 1940 to 1949, the Willys Jeep is a symbol of darker times. The US military needed a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle that could carry three soldiers on different types of terrain. The Willys Jeep could do all that and more. With its front screen folded down, this classic car allowed soldiers to attach shovels and pickaxes to its sides.

1953 – 1959 Cadillac Eldorado

If you’re looking for a luxury car that perfectly embodies the glitz and glamor of the 1950s, the Cadillac Eldorado is the way to go. This classic car had stylish tail fins, iconic bumper bullets, and expensive chroming that attracted the biggest celebrities like Elvis Presley. Only a limited number of this model was produced, so getting your hands on this rare collectible can be hard.

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Not all classic cars boast a powerful engine under the hood, but the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray does. It packed a 327 cubic-inch V8 engine that could produce 360 horsepower. It also came with sleek aerodynamic styling with a split rear screen and rotating housings.

1964 – 1966 Ford Mustang

Available in three different body styles, the first-generation Mustang was a huge success with over a million sales during its production run.

Today, you can find affordable restored Mustangs on the market for less than $25,000, but those with the powerful 289 cubic-inch V8 engine typically sell for higher.

1968 Dodge Charger

Not all classic cars reach celebrity status during their run, which makes the 1968 Dodge Charger a classic American muscle car icon. It starred in the “Dukes of Hazzard” TV series and in a high-speed chase scene with Steve McQueen’s Ford Mustang in Bullitt. With its Coke bottle design and mighty V8 engine, the Dodge Charger looks and feels like a true celebrity.

1971 – 1980 International Harvester Scout II

If you’re looking for a classic American offroader, then the International Harvester Scout II might be the one. This truck isn’t as well known as other trucks from the same era, which makes it a lot more affordable.

1976 – 1981 Chevrolet Corvette

The classic Chevrolet Corvette might not be as powerful as the modern one, but it’s still a great choice for a beginner classic car. It comes with a cool retro interior, air-conditioning, and a V8 engine. Corvettes are reliable and great for modifications, so you can truly personalize your ride.

1985 – 1991 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

When talking about classic American muscle cars, you can’t leave out the Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z of the late 1980s. This Camaro comes with a fuel-injected V8 engine and the option to go for a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Where to Get High-Quality Auto Parts and Accessories For Your Vehicle

Classic cars are classic for a reason. They’re distinct, valuable, and, more importantly, old. You can’t expect your classic car to run the same way it once did or compete with today’s models. You’ll likely need to replace faulty auto parts and add various accessories to prolong its lifespan. Lucky for you, CarParts.com has you covered.

Find the right part for your ride in a matter of minutes by entering your vehicle’s year, make, and model into our vehicle selector. You can also use the search filters to find the part or accessory that matches your preferred brand, price range, quantity, and more.

Get the best parts along with the best prices here at CarParts.com. All our products come with a low-price and lifetime replacement guarantee, helping you get the best value for your money. Order now, and we’ll deliver your package to your doorstep in as fast as two business days.

Get back on the road in a jiffy when you shop from us. Take advantage of our awesome deals, and shop for OE-grade auto parts right here!