Trying to narrow down what constitutes a classic car isn’t easy — which is why some folks resort to the standard line about anything that’s hard to define: You know it when you see it. But if you are planning to restore a classic car , this helps to have some kind of starting point on what qualifies.

Zelle Facebook Marketplace Scam: How To Recognize and Avoid This Scam
Looking To Diversify in a Bear Market? Consider These 6 Alternative Investments

According to the Progressive Insurance website, the particular minimum classic car age can range from 10 in order to 25 years old, but there’s no standard minimum age group. Insurers, vehicle collecting clubs and state motor vehicle agencies all have their own methods for defining traditional, vintage and antique cars, so you might want to research their sites to learn more.

Randy Nonnenberg, co-founder and president of the Bring a Trailer (BAT) car auction site, told Yahoo Financial that when he was a kid, classic vehicles “were through the ’50s and ’60s and had tail fins and chrome. ” But today, cars from the ’80s and ’90s might qualify.

No matter how classic cars are usually defined, they are the hot item in 2022. Look no further than the Monterey-Pebble Beach Car Week in August, where total traditional car sales reached $469 million, Yahoo Finance reported — a gain of more than one-third from your previous year.

“People continue to be very interested in the space, ” Nonnenberg told Google Finance. “It’s a compelling marketplace plus we see increased demand that’s not letting up even within this environment. ”

If you would like to recover a traditional car and get in on the particular action, the cost to do so depends on a variety of factors. These include the particular age plus model of the car, its condition, the purchase price (if you are buying one to restore), and whether you plan to do the work yourself or hire a professional in order to do it.

Since the average person doesn’t have a classic car sitting around the garage — plus either lacks the time or expertise to restore this — let’s assume you’ll have to buy one and hire someone else to restore it. In this case, you’ll probably pay anywhere from $40, 000 to $60, 000 for a full-blown restoration project, according to the Junkyard Mob website.

You can cut that cost straight down by doing some of the work yourself, either by handling individual tasks or assisting an expert mechanic. Professional services for bodywork, paint, interior restoration, engine repair plus other items typically cost up in order to $75 to $100 an hour, Junkyard Mob noted. Cars in need of a massive overhaul will cost a lot more to bring back than those within decent condition.

Another variable is the availability of parts. You might have little problem finding parts with regard to newer, mass-market models. But for vintage, limited-edition classic vehicles, you may have to look far and wide to secure parts — and pay a premium to purchase them. Expect to spend a 25% markup upon most components as well as shipping fees if you order online.

Take Our Poll: Do You Have an Emergency Fund Established?

Finally, before embarking on the project, ask yourself the reason you’re restoring the vehicle. In case it’s the labor associated with love plus you plan on keeping the car for personal use, you might possess more wiggle room on costs. Yet if you are planning to sell the vehicle regarding a profit, make sure to stay on budget so you don’t end up spending more on the repair than the particular car will be worth.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates. com : Just how much Does it Cost To Restore a vintage Vehicle?