How to Rate Condition of a Classic Car

Walking out to your classic car or truck and giving it a condition appraisal is not as easy as you think. You may not want to see all of the rust,possible dents, interior condition as they actually look. But you have to force yourself to actually seek out imperfections on your vehicle and rate the car accordingly.

Classic Cars in Showroom Condition: #1 Rating

These are classic vehicles that a Jay Leno collector might take a glance at. These classic cars could even make their way to Barrett-Jackson. These are off-frame restorations or well-kept all original cars or trucks. The engine purrs, the interior is welcoming, and when you drive it on the road other drivers pull off on the shoulder to watch you go by.

Classic Cars in Almost Showroom Condition: #2 Rating

If people admire your classic car at a distance but notice slight wear and tear when they get close to the car, you car is basically a #2. The paint on the car looks great when you are at a distance but not up close, it's a #2. The classic car also drives smooth and tight and has been fully detailed -- #2.

Classic Cars in Looks Great,But . . Condition: #3 Rating

Now we are getting into the Rating Zone where 95% of the classic cars and old trucks we see can start to be rated. All original project car kept in a garage or somewhere out of the weather over the years. No trash in the car but it can't be called clean either. Below are some of the other rules for rating a car a #3:

1. Nicely kept vehicle but you can see obvious signs of wear.
2. The vehicle is very clean, but not detailed out.
3. No dents, no rust, repeat: absolutely no rust.
4. The paint looks shiny but a paint job is necessary.
5. Runs and drives well, although some minor mechanical or cosmetic work is needed.

Classic Cars in Driver Project Car Condition: #4 Rating

This vehicle runs and drives okay but the car obviously needs mechanical and body work. Rust is minimal and is not in any structural areas. Cosmetics, body, and mechanics all need work to some degree. This is the most common condition we see in the cars and trucks we come across. Actually, this is our favorite condition because the price is lower and the project is perfect for restoration.

Classic Cars in Cheap Project Car Condition: #5

Major restoration is necessary but total restoration is feasible. Classic car enthusiasts interested in a car in this condition specially want to restore that particular make and model of project car. They might have owned one when they were young or their father did. But these cars are seldom sold to someone who isn't passionate about that make and model. Here are some other rules that will hold a car in a #5 rating:

1. Floorboard might be rusted through, but body is strong and straight
2. Original engine turns over, not locked up, might even start
3. If any paint is left, it's probably the original primer from the manufacturer.
4. There might be broken windows, cracked windows, cracks in the dash
5. The headliner might hang down and should probably be removed
6. This car has to have something good going for it, like a popular make and model, to get even half of what the lowest price guide value states.

Parts or Salvage:

Too late for much more than parting this car or truck out. The vehicle is incomplete, chrome is missing, valuable parts are missing, the engine has been replaced and it still doesn't start. The car is worth more parted out than whole. If you check out its value on Nada Price Guide using their Lowest Rating, and then reduce your price to at least half of that amount, probably more. Like I said, probably worth more parted out