Classic Cars for Sale in Los Angeles, CA (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules for classic cars in California? ›

The vehicle must be insured as a collector car and must meet one of the following requirements: The vehicle is at least 35 model-years old. (Health and Safety Code section 44011) The vehicle is at least 25 model-years old with historical vehicle license plates.

If the classic car seller is unwilling to negotiate, you should be prepared to withdraw. Sometimes, the best deal is the one you don't make. Use the car's flaws as leverage in the negotiation process. If there are any issues with the car, such as a dent or scratch, use those as bargaining chips to lower the price.

Set a Benchmark. The best way to get started flipping classic cars is to look at the trade websites like Hemmings, Dyler and ClassicCars.com. Work your way backward by looking for vehicles that have already been restored and comparing the work performed against the seller's price.

Classic cars can be a risky investment. Even if you purchase a model that significantly increases in value after you buy it, you may still put more money into it with repairs and maintenance costs. Additionally, collector trends are unpredictable, so you can't bank on a specific model dramatically increasing in value.

What vehicles do not require a Smog Check? Gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are model-year 1975 and older.

Bill amended so pre-1976 vehicles will not be banned from roads. California is continuing its push to clean up its air by trying to block more older vehicles from staying on its roads. But unlike earlier versions, classic cars still will be allowed to cruise the California highways.

Condition

The most significant factor in determining the value of a classic car is its condition. You could have the rarest car model in the world, but if it's covered in rust and in need of a massive restoration in order to be drivable, the vehicle's value will drop.

Repairs & Restoration

So, the most effective way to increase the value of your classic car is to restore the vehicle and repair broken or rusted parts and mechanical components.

The MG marque has been revived with a series of SUVs and electric vehicles but the classic MG scene is still very much alive and kicking. The MGB model was offered as a convertible or coupe and also had a range topping MGB GT version which we'd suggest keeping an eye out for.

Is there money in flipping classic cars? ›

A lot of people have made good money buying and selling classic cars over the past few decades. A common way to make money can actually take years to accomplish.

Finding a rare part can often prove to be very challenging depending on the vehicle in question. You are bound to encounter other roadblocks, hurdles and challenges when restoring a car. Finding a replacement part shouldn't be one of them. But for the right car, collectors are willing to go the extra mile.

A detrimental element that will quickly ruin your classic beauty is a salty or muddy road. Just a few rides on roads salted for snow can cause serious rust damage to your car's undercarriage and paint job. Allowing too much mud or road grime to collect on your classic can lead to serious corrosion as well.

California describes a “classic car” as a vehicle that is at least 25 years old. This distinction is made due to the fact that cars built before 1975 are excused from the California Smog Certification Program.

In California, do you need a front license plate to be street-legal or is a rear license plate enough? While in some states a rear license plate may be enough, for California residents driving passenger vehicles, all cars, trucks, and SUVs on the roads must have both a rear and a front license plate.

A vintage car is one that was manufactured between 1919 and 1930. An antique car is any car manufactured in 1975 or earlier (older than 45 years old). The classic car is a vehicle manufactured in the 1990s or earlier (at least 20 years old).

Simply put, the USA's “25-Year Import Rule” regulates the importation of foreign vehicles into the United States. It stipulates that a vehicle must be at least 25 years old before it becomes eligible for import and deemed street-legal for use on American roads.