Thinking about getting into the classic car market but don’t know where to begin?
It’s tough to know where to start when you’re new to classic cars. There are thousands of models across dozens of eras and everything is priced for anywhere between a few thousand dollars all the way up to a few million.
But…
It doesn’t have to be complicated to get started. And actually… there’s never been a better time to buy classic cars than right now.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this beginner’s guide to buying classic cars:
- Why The Classic Car Market is Booming
- Best Classic Cars For Beginners
- Classic Mustang Performance Upgrades That Add Value
- How To Buy A Classic Car The Smart Way
- Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid
Why The Classic Car Market is Booming
Classic and collectible cars are rapidly gaining popularity. Fast fact: the market isn’t slowing down anytime soon either.
Sales of collectible cars at auction and online were up 10% in 2025, according to CNBC. They totaled $4.8 billion. In fact…
Interest is coming from older generations and new buyers entering the market.
Research from Hagerty predicts that collector car ownership among Gen Z will be at 60%. That’s nearly twice the amount of interest than seen with Baby Boomers.
If you’re wondering what that means for beginners… it means you should get into classic cars while they’re still accessible. Because demand is increasing and those same cars may be twice as expensive just a few years from now.
Best Classic Cars For Beginners
You can’t just buy any old classic car and hope for the best. Some models are too expensive and others are impossible to find.
Sticking to the classics listed below is the best approach for beginner buyers. They’re priced reasonably, parts are widely available, and they’ll all retain value.
Below are the best classic cars for beginners:
- Ford Mustang (1965-1970): The Mustang is America’s most famous muscle car. Hundreds of thousands are still on the road today which means you can find parts easily when you need them. Beginners looking for a mustang fastback for sale will find prices ranging from budget builds to full restoration projects ready to show. Plus all the classic Mustang performance upgrades out there today make these cars extremely fun to own and drive.
- Chevrolet Camaro (1967-1969): Famous rival to the Mustang with excellent resale value.
- Porsche 911 (1970’s – 1980’s): Great option if your budget can stretch a bit. The iconic German classic is highly sought-after by collectors.
- Datsun 240Z/280Z: Don’t sleep on Japanese classics. They’re rising in popularity too.
Buyers should always focus on the Ford Mustang first when getting started. Finding parts and learning about these cars is easy. Not to mention there’s a huge community of helpful owners and mechanics out there. Want a weekend cruiser or a fully resto-modded Mustang? You can do that — and more.
Classic Mustang Performance Upgrades That Add Value
Believe it or not, not all modifications are created equal.
Some upgrades you can make to your classic Mustang can actually increase its value. Others can dramatically decrease it. Understanding which upgrades are best is important before you start buying parts.
Classic Mustang performance upgrades that are sure to add value (when done properly):
- Suspension upgrades
- Brake upgrades
- Engine rebuilds
- Upgrading the exhaust for better sound and power
Classic Mustang performance upgrades that decrease value:
- Drivetrain swaps
- Cheap body kits
- Low quality paint jobs
- Cut or altered bodywork
The best advice is to keep things tasteful and reversible whenever possible. Learn how to do the upgrades yourself and always use high-quality parts. A smartly upgraded classic Mustang will command higher prices at auction. A poorly modified Mustang can go unsold for months.
How To Buy A Classic Car The Smart Way
Purchasing a classic car isn’t the same as buying a used car from a dealer.
Beginner buyers should always take these steps before spending any money.
Do your research. Learn everything you can about the model you want before opening up your wallet. Join online forums, attend car shows and talk to as many people who own and work on the platform as possible.
Set a realistic budget. The out-of-the-door purchase price is just the beginning. Consider costs of restoration, insurance, storage and ongoing maintenance too. You can quickly go over-budget on a project car with a poor plan.
Pre-purchase inspection. Bring a trusted mechanic to look over the car before you buy it. Structural damage, rust and engine problems are easy to overlook when you’re excited about a new car.
Verify VIN numbers. VIN numbers should match on the engine/transmission/block. Once again… pay attention to details others may not. If you’re buying a valuable classic, find one that has documentation and history you can verify.
Buy the highest condition car possible. Restoration is almost always going to cost you more money than buying a clean car at a premium. This is especially true for beginners without mechanical skills or restoration contacts.
Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid
There are quite a few rookie mistakes beginners make when buying their first classic car. Here are the ones you should keep eyes-open for:
- Falling in love with a car too soon. Taking your emotions out of the buying process is easier said than done when buying classics. However, buying a car without getting it properly inspected is the quickest way to kick yourself later.
- Skipping the repair budget. All classics need repairs. Even if you buy a car in great condition, it will need work down the road. Never buy a classic car without first setting aside funds for repairs and restoration.
- Choosing a car without aftermarket support. Some classic cars have total killer looks but have zero aftermarket support. That makes finding parts (and repairs) nearly impossible. Stick with popular models that are supported by large communities when you first get started.
- Over-modifying your new classic. It happens too many times. New owners want to make EVERYTHING on their new car different RIGHT NOW. Take your time. Live with the car for a while. You’ll make much better decisions in the long run.
Bringing It All Together
There has never been a better time for beginner buyers to get started in the classic car market. Between skyrocketing demand, reasonably priced models for beginners, and Millennials entering the market with money to burn… classic cars are more popular than ever.
