Where To Find Classic Car Information Most of us have probably had our heads turned by a beautiful classic automobile on the road at some point.  You might wonder what it takes to find, purchase, and maintain such a vehicle.  Although many automobile lovers like to test out the newest and fastest cars now available in the car industry, especially those made for Nascar races, Indy 500 competitions, and so on, the classic cars have always held a special place in the history of cars.  Antique cars catch the attention of classic car collectors and avid car connoisseurs.  If you are a classic car collector who is interested in learning more information about vintage automobiles and other classic machinery, or are looking to begin a journey as a classic car collector, there are several resources at your disposal. Classic Car Shows Some of the best information that a classic car collector can find will be available at classic car shows.  Classic car shows are well attended events that occur on a local, state wide, and international basis.  The majority of these types of car shows are held annually.  At the event, classic car collectors can find information about various models and makes of classic cars.  Competitors and car entrants usually include vehicles classified as exotic cars, muscle cars, antique cars, as well as classic cars.  These types of shows may also provide information on how particular vehicles have been preserved over time or how they have been restored. Another type of car show that is of interest to classic car collectors is the online car show.  Online car shows are not necessarily an annual competition, but a continuous display of some of the finest automobiles in the classic car industry.  The classic car collector can browse vehicles online at their leisure, and enter car show websites without necessarily having a membership, or traveling to a specific location to enter a competitive vehicle and view other cars.  The Online Car Show is a site that provides a free and easy sign up for classic car collectors.  This virtual event has rules and regulations as well as prizes for contestants. Classic Car Collector Clubs The Classic Car Club of America is a well-known association and a good source of information for classic car collectors.  The club hosts a classic car museum that provides sound historic information about the development of the classic car, and what can be defined as a classic vehicle.  Along with an “info garage” that is a good source for tips, fun, and reliable classic car facts, The Classic Car Club of America store also has resources to access manufactured car parts and accessories for different models of vintage vehicles.  The forums and discussion boards on their website allow collectors to post questions about classic cars.  In additional to a regional and national events calendar, the site also maintains a classified section where collectors can find out about automobiles for sale.  The Classic Car Club of America does host a car competition and provides an online rulebook for members seeking to enter vehicles into competition with the Classic Car Collector Club. Classic Car Books Some of the most reliable information that a classic car collector can find is in classic car books.  Well-known titles include Car Talk Classics, the Ultimate Classic Car Book, Classic American Cars, and The Classic Car Book: The Essential Guide to Buying, Owning, and Maintaining a Classic Car.  These types of texts cover information on car manuals, vehicle prices, vehicle restoration, classic car history, and so on.  If you are unable to find locate a hard copy at your local bookstore, these texts are popular enough that they can be ordered online, or found in the form of an e-book. Classic Car Collector Magazines Aside from full-length books about cars, another useful literature source is the Classic Cars Magazine.  Classic Cars Magazine has a printed version of their publication as well as an online version.  It is a popular publication among classic car collectors.  The website maintains a database of helpful articles, blogs, message boards, cars for sale, information about car competitions, and other auto events.  Vital sections of the magazine that a car collector will find informative are those that discuss auto insurance for classic cars, and the magazine directory that gives a listing of classic auto dealers.  In addition, the references to transportation, shipping, and storage for your classic automobile may be of particular interest to classic car collectors looking to ship exotic vehicles from distant locations, or transport competitive vehicles to exhibitions and shows. Classic Car Pricing   The Classic Car Gold Book is a price guide for classic automobiles.  The handbook can be found on the Manheim Online website.  This price guide has been around for almost 50 years and works similar to the Kelly Blue Book for general car sales and purchases.  Classic car collectors can find price information of vintage vehicles based on the make and the model of vehicles. Classic Car Websites As we have seen, there are several websites geared specifically towards supplying classic car collectors with information on the latest news, updates, and car events.  Another sound source of information is the website, Classic Car Show & Auto Events News, which provides, for example, a schedule of annual car shows to take place within the year.  While many automotive enthusiasts may own collection vehicles, others may simply want to rent a collectors vehicle for the day.  There are websites that offer classic car rental services.  A well-known site for this service is the website Antique Car. Insure Your Classic Car While the classic car collector loves the fun and sport of dealing with vintage cars, it is essential that a classic car collector be geared with the necessary information to insure his antique or exotic automobile.  Websites like Hagerty offer local insurance services based on the requirements of your state or international insurance options depending on the location of the vehicle.  Other services such as roadside assistance for classic cars is also offered in addition to quote services and policy alternatives.  Once you have gathered the information that you need as a classic car collector, and you have covered the insurance groundwork, be prepared to enjoy your classic car.