The Difference Between Classic, Antique, and Vintage Cars? (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Classic, Antique, and Vintage Cars? ›

Classic vs Antique vs Vintage Cars

Before defining the characteristics of a classic car, note that there is no universally accepted definition of a classic vehicle. While any car between 25 and 30 years old is generally considered a classic, different organizations, insurers, and states have their own definitions of classic cars.

Usually, the classic car moniker applies to vehicles over 20 years old. Antique cars are over 45 years old, and vintage cars are built between 1919 and 1930. But as with many subjects in the motoring world, not everyone can agree on a single definition.

Simply put, an antique is any item — whether it be a work of art, jewelry, carpets or everyday objects like housewares and accessories — that is over 100 years old. Vintage items are much younger, less than 100 years old, and typically have a collector's appeal.

The vintage car period generally ends in 1930 with the start of the Great Depression, which greatly impacted the players in the automotive industry. Antique car definition: Antique cars are more loosely defined as being at least 25 to 45 years old, depending on the organization.

A vintage car is one that was manufactured between 1919 and 1930. An antique car is any car manufactured in 1975 or earlier (older than 45 years old). The classic car is a vehicle manufactured in the 1990s or earlier (at least 20 years old).

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. Keep these classifications in mind, as it can get even more confusing when searching for cars online.

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old.

Vintage: manufactured between 1919 and 1930. Post Vintage: manufactured between 1931 and 1949. Classic Acceptance: manufactured between 1950 and 1969. Modern Classic: manufactured between 1970 and 1989.

The general definition of a vintage car is one built during the Great Depression era, between 1919 and 1930. Antique cars are usually between 25 and 45 years old, while classic cars are typically the newest of the old cars, clocking in around 15–25 years old.

How many years is officially vintage? ›

What Is Vintage? Vintage items are much younger than antiques. These pieces are typically defined as being at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old. The term "true vintage" is a sub-category for items that are at least 50 years old.

Most antique dealers consider an item to be vintage if it is at least 40 years old. So, in the context of this blog date, a vintage item would be made between 1918 and 1978. Even though many vintage items are nostalgic, they are sought after for many reasons besides their age.

According to the new rules, all four-wheelers that are at least 50 years older than their first date of registration are now considered “vintage”. However, these cars need to be in their original form with no “substantial overhaul”.

When does an automobile become a classic for insurance purposes in California? At the bare minimum, the vehicle needs to be at least 25 years old. If you wish to register it as a “collector car” with the state, you will need to follow other guidelines.

The "classic" term is often applied loosely by owners to any car over 20 years old. In the United States, most states have time-based rules for defining "historic" or "classic" for legal purposes such as antique vehicle registration.

Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.5 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn't really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark.

The term antique refers to something 100 years or older, says Rebecca Rau of M.S. Rau Antiques. This criteria helps to distinguish antiques from more contemporary collectibles and decorative items.

In the tradition of cars becoming classics at the age of 25 years, we can now say that the 1990s are Classic with 1999 a comfortable 25 years in the distance.

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old.