To everyday people, purchasing a car will get you from point A to B, drop the kids at school, or get to work. However, with those that love anything cars, the collectors, and those who like beautiful things, a lot goes into their consideration of what model of car to buy. Hence, the problem of distinguishing between classic and vintage vehicles arises. Although some have used the terms classic and vintage interchangeably to describe old cars, especially insurance companies, there are specific differences between these two monikers.
Age
The significant difference between classic and vintage cars is their age. While cars aged between 20 and 40 and must not exceed 45 years are categorized as classic cars, vintage cars were produced between 1919 and 1930. However, some societies put it between 1919 and 1925. Simply put, vintage cars are much older than classic cars. They were the first set of vehicles to be built when the mass production of automobiles began. The vintage era saw a shift in transportation from antiques like carriages to cars. It started as a rarity, a luxury, and developed omnipresence. However, with time, the need to move from one point to another was just a single aspect of automobiles. There was the need for the cars to look exquisite and capable of transporting people in comfort, such as the introduction of cooling systems. The classic cars were a combination of aesthetically pleasing looks with capability.
Change after modification
A vintage car is still considered vintage if modifications have been made and the car no longer has its original factory setting. However, the reverse is the case with classic cars; making changes to classic cars means they are no longer classified as classic. Hence, the restoration of classic cars is costly, seeing as you want to restore the vehicle to its original factory setting, and the car must have gone out of production.
Appearance
Vintage cars are regarded as one of the earliest automobiles from the Brass Era. The era was so named because brass fittings were used as lights in automobiles. They also had huge headlights. The transition from vintage cars to classic cars saw a shift in the build of the cars. Classic cars are known for having more heavy-duty engines compared to their vintage counterparts. The bodies of the classic cars are also more compact, sleek, and modern looking than the vintage cars. Classic cars have more similarities with modern cars regarding look and what is beneath the hood than vintage cars.
Display
Vintage cars are regarded as a collector’s item, to be on display or used in movies and not to be driven around. Classic cars, on the other hand, though they can also be on display, are still capable of being driven around. Vintage cars insurance rates are usually on the high side, and they require special license plates. While with classic cars, obtaining a special license plate is at the owner’s discretion.