Ask any car enthusiast what counts as a classic car, and you’ll probably get a dozen different answers. Some will talk about chrome bumpers and carburetors; others will say it’s about the feeling you get when you turn the key and hear that engine rumble to life.
The truth is, defining a classic car depends on who you ask and why. Whether you’re trying to register your vehicle, find the right classic car insurance, or just settle a friendly debate at the next cars-and-coffee meet, it helps to know how experts, insurers, and collectors define what makes a car truly “classic.”
How Old Does a Car Have to Be to Be Considered Classic?
When it comes to a classic car definition, age is the easiest place to start. Most experts, from car clubs to DMVs, agree that a vehicle generally needs to be at least 20 to 25 years old to qualify as a classic.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Antique Cars: Typically 25 years or older. These are pre-2000s vehicles — the ones you see at Concours shows or small-town parades.
- Classic Cars: Generally 20 to 24 years old. This category includes cars from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s that are now turning heads again. Think Think rare Porsche GT3s, Nissan Skyline GT-Rs, or Ford GTs.
- Collector Cars: A broader group that includes vehicles with special historical, cultural, or enthusiast value, regardless of age. A 2012 Boss 302 Mustang could qualify as a collector car.
So, what’s the difference between antique vs. classic cars? Age is the first clue, but collectability, rarity, and condition seal the deal. An unrestored 25-year-old family sedan used frequently probably won’t be a “classic,” but a well-preserved muscle car or performance coupe from the same era just might be.
It’s Not Just About Age
A car doesn’t become a classic just by getting older. It becomes a classic because people care enough to preserve it.
A classic car is typically well maintained, restored, or kept as close to original condition as possible. These vehicles aren’t daily drivers, they’re prized possessions that represent a piece of automotive history. Whether it’s a frame-off restoration or an untouched survivor, what makes a car classic is the effort to keep it alive and authentic.
As any owner will tell you, there’s a big difference between an “old car” and a “classic car.” One sits in a driveway collecting rust; the other sits in a garage collecting stories.
DMV Definitions of a Classic Car
If you’re registering your vehicle, your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may have its own classic car definition, especially when it comes to special license plates.
- Antique registration: Usually applies to vehicles 25–45+ years old, used only for shows, parades, or limited recreational driving.
- Classic registration: Typically for vehicles 20–25 years old in good condition that aren’t used for daily commuting.
Owning a car with classic plates can come with benefits like lower fees, relaxed emissions testing, and the satisfaction of official recognition. However, there may also be restrictions on how often and how far you can drive the vehicle.
If your classic sees more weekend cruises than weekday commutes, these designations are worth exploring.
What Insurance Companies Consider a Classic Car
When it comes to collector car insurance, not every older car qualifies. Insurance companies have their own criteria to protect vehicles that hold sentimental and financial value.
Generally, insurers consider a car “classic” if it meets the following guidelines:
- Age: Usually 20 to 25 years old or older (though some modern performance cars can qualify sooner).
- Condition: Well maintained, restored, or preserved.
- Usage: Driven occasionally for pleasure, shows, or club events — not a daily driver.
- Storage: Kept in a secure, enclosed garage or climate-controlled facility.
Classic car owners tend to baby their vehicles, which is why specialty insurers offer policies that match that level of care. Many provide agreed value coverage, meaning you and the insurer agree upfront on the vehicle’s true worth, no depreciation, no surprises.
If you’ve invested time and money into your car, collector car insurance ensures it’s protected for what you and the company feel is its true collector worth, and not just what a standard vehicle valuation guide says an old car is worth.
The Rise of Modern Classic Cars
Here’s where things get interesting. Certain vehicles from the late ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s — once seen as “used cars” — are now being recognized as modern classic cars.
Models like the Acura NSX, BMW E30 M3, and Toyota Supra are leading the charge, fetching serious attention (and serious money) at auctions. Why? Because the generation that grew up drooling over these cars on posters and video games can now afford them and they want to relive that excitement.
“Modern classics” represent a bridge between old-school analog driving and the dawn of digital performance. They’re fast, fun, and full of personality, and they’re proof that the definition of a classic car continues to evolve with each generation.
What Really Makes a Car “Classic”?
So, when someone asks you “what counts as a classic car”, you can tell them it’s part age, part condition, and all passion. A classic car is one that’s worth preserving, not because it’s rare or expensive, but because it tells a story.
Whether it’s your father’s old pickup, a perfectly restored ‘67 Chevrolet Camaro, or a lovingly maintained ‘94 Toyota Supra, a classic car is more than metal and rubber. It’s a memory you can still drive.
And if you’ve got one sitting in your garage, make sure it’s protected with the right classic car insurance because what you’re really insuring isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a legacy.
