Making Money With Classic Automobiles

By: Norm Stamm


Many people list classic automobiles as one of their passions, however the opportunity to make money from classic automobiles is often overlooked. Like anything, adding value is often the best way to ensure that you make money from being involved in something you love. However, another important aspect you are going to have to grasp, should you wish to make money from cars, is that you cannot keep them forever! You are going to have to buy them, do them up, fall in love, and then let them go!

Choosing The Right Car

When it comes to buying cars and doing them up, with a view to making a profit, you are going to have to ensure that you buy the right kind of car in the first place. So, how is that done? Well, first you have to consider demand. If you buy a classic car, with a view to improving it, and the car is not very sought after then no matter how much work you do it is not going to pay off. That's why you have to get involved in classic car communities online, read classic car magazines, and go to shows – that way you will get a feel for the kind of cars that people are looking for. Perhaps you will be able to decide on a decade, type, brand or model of car that you wish to target. Once you have decided which car to buy, it's time to consider how you are going to go about buying it!

Classic Automobiles Auctions

Classic car auctions can be the best way to pick up a bargain. When you visit a classic car auction you will be presented with a variety of models to choose between. If a model comes up that interests you, don't feel like you have to go all out to take it home with you. Going in with that approach will almost guarantee your purchase will be too high and your profits are going to suffer as a result. Decide on the maximum price you can afford to pay for a car before you start bidding, and as soon as the price goes over your maximum budget stop – it is as simple as that!

Doing It Up!

Before going on to sell your car, you are going to have to "do it up" to add value to it. This stage is often the most difficult (but fun). It is always possible to add value to a car by investing hours and money into it. Consider giving your classic car a paint job, or anything else that will make it look better and ultimately perform better.

Going, Going, Gone!

When it's time to sell your classic automobile, make sure you are going to be selling it at a price that will more than cover your costs and will leave you with a tidy profit. As you have bought your car from an auction, consider a more specialist outlet for selling it. This could include a collector, or a company/auction for the particular brand or genre of car that you are selling.


Norm Stamm is the co-founder of the Web's premier site for showing off hot rods and classic automobiles. Visit his antique car show site, MyOwnCarShow.com, and learn how to make your own car show online (for free).