Antique vs. Classic vs. Vintage Cars: Understanding the Differences

For many car enthusiasts, owning a classic is a long-held ambition. However, you’ll need a solid understanding of this specialized area of the auto market in order to make the most of your purchase. For example, do you know the difference between classic vs. vintage cars and antique vehicles?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Main Differences Between Vintage vs. Classic vs. Antique Cars

If you have a real affection for cars, owning something older—with a little more character—is one of those life goals that you just must tick off the bucket list.

But what should you buy?

Before you commit, it’s worth asking yourself how far back in automotive history you want to go. The era you choose will affect not only style and performance but also cost, upkeep and even how often you can drive your vehicle.

The difference between classic vs. vintage cars and antiques vs. classic cars isn’t just age. In some states, classification can impact registration fees, annual mileage, auto insurance requirements and more. So, check the state laws that will apply to you, especially if you plan on crossing state lines to take part in classic car club events, parades or restoration projects.

Vehicle Age and Manufacturing Era

Vintage vehicles are generally cars manufactured between 1919 and 1930, representing a unique post–World War I era in the motoring world when engineering and design rapidly evolved. Generally speaking, antiques are defined as being at least 45 years old, so it’s a rolling age, not a fixed era. Meanwhile, classiccars are usually 20-40 years old, which now includes cars from the early 2000s.

Historic Registration and State Classification

Whether a vehicle qualifies as vintage, antique or classic affects how it’s titled, registered and even how it can be driven. For instance, many states have specific guidelines for vintage status, often requiring cars to maintain their original design and be used for exhibitions and parades only, rather than as modern daily drivers.

Registration rules also differ for antique and vintage vs. classic cars. For instance, a vintage vehicle might be eligible for “Horseless Carriage” plates, while an antique vehicle could qualify for “Antique” or “Historic” plates. A classic car might get “Collector” or “Classic Car” plates.

Market Value and Rarity Influence

Whether a vehicle is considered classic, vintage or antique can have a significant impact on price and desirability in the collector car market. Rare vintage models often command the highest values, especially if they’re in a well-preserved condition.

Ultimately, value comes down to rarity, place of origin and demand, not just the category.

While age range and condition are good general indicators, there’s no hard-and-fast rule for determining value, as prices vary greatly depending on the make, condition and demand within classic car clubs and auction houses.

Here’s a side-by-side overview of the key differences between vintage, antique and classic cars:

Modified Car Classifications

Not every collectible fits neatly into traditional definitions for classic vs. vintage cars. That’s because some owners customize their vehicles for better performance, comfort or style, creating modified cars that fall into one of these categories:

• Street Rods: Typically based on pre-1949 models, these cars often feature extensive custom work, like engine swaps and updated suspension. The only prerequisite is that they maintain the recognizable body style of their era.
• Resto Mods: Short for “restoration and modification,” these combine a period-correct exterior with modern mechanicals such as fuel-injected engines, disc brakes and upgraded electronics. A well-executed resto mod can be a great car for regular use while still retaining its original charm.

While purists may see builds that blend history with modern upgrades as straying from authenticity, others view them as a way to keep vintage and classic cars on the road and enjoyable for everyday driving.

Types of Cars: Classic vs. Antique vs. Vintage

Definitions based on age are important, but it can also be helpful to look at real-world examples to gain a deeper understanding of classification criteria and determine when a vehicle might transition between categories.

What Are Classic Cars?

Classic cars are typically between 20 and 40 years old, although the precise definition often varies by state. Generally speaking, vehicles must retain their original design to be considered a true classic. Vehicles with extensive alterations fall into the category of modified cars.

What Kinds of Cars Are Considered Classic?

As time marches on, the window that defines a classic shifts, making cars of a certain age ineligible for the status, while at the same time making others newly eligible. For example, while many cars from the 1960s were previously stone-cold classics, now the category also includes vehicles from the ’80s and ’90s. And some of those classics from the ’60s are already considered vintage.

These models offer a blend of nostalgia and usability, making them popular among automotive industry enthusiasts who prioritize style, performance and relatively easy access to parts.

What Makes a Car an Antique?

According to the official definition used by the Antique Automobile Club of America, an antique car is one that is over 45 years old. However, there are some exceptions based on varying state laws. For example, the state of Michigan defines an antique car as one that was manufactured at least 26 years ago and is “used as a collector’s item.”

The bottom line here? Ultimately, there are numerous factors that help appraisers decide whether a vehicle is considered an antique.

What Kinds of Cars Are Considered Antique?

Many of the kinds of cars that would previously have been considered classics—like those from the automotive golden eras of the 1960s and ‘70s—are now old enough to be considered antiques. Like classic cars, antique vehicles should be as close to their original specification as possible, although modern spare parts are often permissible due to the difficulty of obtaining rare original parts.

Examples of antique cars include:

• Ford Mustang Fastback
• BMW 507
• Toyota 2000GT

Antiques represent a higher tier of preservation and historical significance, often valued for their rarity, craftsmanship and place in cultural memory.

When Does a Car Become Vintage?

As with classic and antique vehicles, what constitutes a vintage vs. classic car depends on who’s defining it. However, most clubs and collectors agree that a vintage car is from the early days of motoring, specifically vehicles manufactured between 1919 and 1930. This makes the classification for vintage cars a fixed era, unlike antiques and classics.

It’s important to note that the Brass Era (roughly 1896–1915), with its early pioneer cars featuring brass fittings, is generally treated as a separate category and not included within “vintage.” Modified vehicles like hot rods may borrow vintage styling, but true vintage status applies only to original or authentically restored examples from that 1919–1930 window.

What Kinds of Cars Are Considered Vintage?

Vintage cars reflect a pioneering age of motoring, driven forward—quite literally—by leading manufacturers like Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. Their vehicles set benchmarks in engineering and design that still influence the automotive industry today.

While fewer people drive these vintage models regularly, such cars are far from being old junk. For collectors, they serve as centerpieces offering a tangible link back to the earliest days of motoring, preserving a legacy of innovation and craftsmanship.

What Makes a Car Collectible?

There are numerous factors that go into deciding what makes a car collectible, many of which are purely emotional or nostalgic.

However, there are three basic areas that influence a car’s collectability:

• Age: The older a car is, the fewer there are likely to be around, especially ones in full working order. But the car’s historical significance and its place in automotive culture could raise its collectability. A car might have heralded the dawn of a new design language or a new technology that will pique the interest of classic car fans.
• Rarity: Special-edition or limited-run models are clearly desirable, because ownership bestows a sense of exclusivity – the knowledge that you’re a member of a very small club. Sports car and supercar manufacturers are particularly keen on producing small batches of cars with higher performance. These cars are very sought-after right from their initial launch, something that doesn’t erode as they get older.
• Design: We all like to own beautiful things, and cars are no different. A well-designed and aesthetically attractive automobile, such as the Lamborghini Miura or Jaguar E-Type, will always have collectors queuing up to buy into ownership. So demand will always be high.

Ultimately, a car’s collectability hinges on how powerfully it stands out to serious buyers when all these factors come into play.

Insure Your Antique, Vintage and Classic Cars With The Hartford

Whether you own a rare vintage vehicle, a well-preserved antique or a cherished classic car, having the proper insurance is essential. In the past, many owners simply added these vehicles to their standard auto policy, often paying higher premiums without getting coverage tailored to their needs. But today, you have better options.

The Hartford’s Nutmeg Agency specializes in connecting you with the best carriers to ensure comprehensive antique and classic car insurance at a price that fits your budget. Not to mention, your vehicle may still qualify for many of the same discounts as newer cars, too.

You’ve put time, money and passion into your car. Now it’s time to make sure it’s fully protected. Contact us today to explore your options for comprehensive coverage that preserves both your vehicle’s value and your peace of mind.

FAQ On Vintage vs. Classic vs. Antique Car Classifications