Classic & Vintage Cars for Sale in Milford, MI
LaFontaine Automotive offers classic cars to meet the needs of car enthusiasts. The selection below represents the most popular classifications of classic, vintage and antique cars. While some classic car shoppers like to search for a specific year, make and model, others just want to click and browse their way around the best classic cars on offer. LaFontaine Automotive Classic Cars has a high-value selection of cars and classic trucks for even the most keen-eyed collector, give us a call today or search below!
Differences between Antique, Vintage, and Classic CarsÂ
For many classic car buyers, antique, vintage, and classic cars are one and the same thing. However, quite a few unique features classify a car as vintage, antique, or classic. Knowing the critical difference between the three is essential, whether you are an experienced classic car buyer or a beginner collector. A car’s classification can help you obtain an appropriate comprehensive insurance policy and understand its true value. Here are some of the critical differences between antique, vintage and classic cars:
Age
One of the key differences between the three types of collectors is their age:
Vintage cars:
Vintage cars generally refer to vehicles that are between 20 to 100 years old. Cars from the 1919s to the 1930s, such as classic muscle cars like the Ford Mustang or iconic models like the Volkswagen Beetle, are often considered vintage.
Antique Cars:
An antique car typically refers to vehicles that are at least 45 years old. Cars manufactured before 1975 or earlier are often considered antiques. They may feature outdated technology, such as wooden frames, manual controls, and early engineering designs. Examples of antique cars include the Ford Model T, early Cadillacs, and early Rolls-Royces are examples of antique cars.
Classic Cars:
Classic cars are typically more than 20 years old but less than 50 years old. They are among the most sought-after vehicles by collectors and enthusiasts due to their appeal, design, performance, and historical significance. Cars manufactured in 2000 or earlier, like the Chevrolet Bel Air, Porsche 911, or Mercedes-Benz 300SL, fall into the classic car category.
Historic Status
The historical status of a car can also determine its classification. Generally, the historical status of a ride may vary by state, with each state providing specific guidelines that a vehicle needs to meet to qualify for a historic status license plate. Depending on the criteria that your collector meets, you can apply for antique, classic, or vintage classification and have the terms printed under or adjacent to the license plates. Some of the specific historical status license plates to obtain include:
Antique plate
Street rod plate
Classic car plate
Vintage vehicle plate
Custom collector vehicle plate
Price
Although price isn’t the primary criterion for determining a vintage vs. an antique vs. a classic car, it can serve as an indicator of the value and appeal of a collector’s vehicle. A collector car’s sale price hinges upon several factors, including the rarity and desirability of its make and model, its condition, the quality of restoration, and its mileage. Generally, antique cars are often the most expensive, followed by classic cars and then vintage cars.
Different Ages of Vehicles and How Restored Cars Are Classified
Although many collector vehicles fall under the traditional classifications of vintage, antique, and classic, there are other classifications for restored collector vehicles. Modified or restored classic, vintage, and antique cars tend to be well-built, faster, and fun to drive. The classification comprises:
Street rods:
These cars were manufactured before 1949 but have since been modified from the original manufacturer specifications to enhance their functionality and safety. These cars are also known as “Hot Rods.”
Resto-Mods:
These are classic cars that were upgraded from original manufacturer specifications to integrate top-notch drivability, safety, or performance features while maintaining their original exterior appearance to a great extent.
LaFontaine Classic Cars sells ready-to-drive collector vehicles, from antique models to meticulously restored classics and vintages. Each collector in our inventory undergoes rigorous inspection and maintenance to ensure it meets our stringent safety and performance standards. We take pride in presenting our classic car buyers with vehicles that retain their original charm and deliver exceptional performance and reliability. Contact us today to explore our curated inventory.
Choose Your Next Antique, Vintage, & Classic Car From LaFontaine Classic CarsÂ
Beyond selling iconic cars, LaFontaine Classic Cars is committed to preserving automotive heritage. Our showroom in Milford, MI, boasts a diverse range of iconic vehicles, meticulously restored to ensure the highest standards of quality, authenticity, and beauty. From muscle antique cars to elegant European vintage and classics, we have a vehicle to suit every taste and preference. Contact us today to explore our inventory of classic vehicles. Alternatively, you can also sell us your classic vehicle. We can pick up your car from any location in the U.S.