Bringing Home a Classic Beauty

Looking for the ideal classic car, but overwhelmed by the magnitude of Barrett-Jackson’s collection? Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson and leading industry expert, shares some pointers on car-buying and maintenance.

On the Block
For many first-time bidders, the size and scope of Barrett-Jackson can be intimidating, as some people have only seen the auction on television. Davis recommends newbie bidders define a budget, determine what they are looking for, chat with the owners about the car (after all, Davis says there’s no better information than directly from the person who owns the car), align themselves with the bidder assistant and, finally, be ready for the auction.

American Beauty
Most blue-chip collector cars, like the 1960 to 1970 Ford Mustangs and early Tri-Five Chevys, appeal to a broader market because of their popularity and inexpensive parts. Their iconic body styles offer a blank canvas for hobbyists to add their own personal suped-up, tricked-out touches. “[Being] lower-priced, these highly sought-after classics represent the collector car hobby in a user-friendly way,” Davis says.

Restoring Your Car
Knowledge is key here. “You don’t want to start cutting off the fender wells of a 100 percent originally rare car,” Davis says. First, be fully aware of what it is you are attempting to accomplish with the restoration. Once decided, “buy the parts that are relevant to the restoration,” Davis says. “And be conscious of how you restore the car based on what you started with. It’s critical to consider future goals of ownership.”

Rear Viewpoint
Oftentimes, collector cars are purchased to rekindle a past memory, while others are scooped up solely for their fun factor. Whatever the reason, “it’s ultimately the individual’s likes of what the car means to him and what that car will mean once he owns it,” Davis says.

A Little T.L.C.
“A lot of people, especially first-time buyers getting into the hobby, have an expectation that [the car is] going to run and drive as dependably as their everyday car,” Davis says. “These vintage cars are sentimental and very sensitive to maintenance. Part of the pride of ownership is understanding that these cars take a little love and attention to keep going.”

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