Is it time to make room for a new-to-you vintage car project by selling your classic car? Before you list it or sign a For Sale at the weekly meet-up, you will want to get it ready for a fast sale and happy buyer.

Detail Your Baby from Bumper to Bumper

Whether you have lovingly restored your classic car or ran out of steam on the project, giving it a wash and wax will help it show off to advantage.

Remember to clean:

  • Ashtrays
  • Floor mats
  • In between seat cushions
  • Upholstery
  • Knobs, dash, and inner doors
  • Wash the windows
  • Wire brush the wheels or hubcaps
  • Package shelf

Don’t gloss over old dents, rusty spots, or visible damage. One of the benefits of waxing your classic car before you sell is that you are honestly presenting the aged beauty precisely as is. Potential shoppers will feel more confident when making an offer.

Take Pictures in the Shade

You will likely be listing your vehicle online, including pictures. At the same time, it is tempting to snap some pics on a sunny day that can hide flaws or make its paint job look uneven. Park your car in a shady spot on a bright day. The indirect lighting shows off that dazzling detail work while presenting any areas on the ride that may require further attention.

Pictures should be from every possible angle. More is better. Open the trunk, the hood, and all the doors. Do a close-up of wheels, tire tread, upholstery, and carpeting. If something is broken, show that, too.

Replace Wear and Tear Items with OEM or Premium Parts

Now is the time to do all the regular maintenance your vintage car needs. Use branded parts that meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specs or a certified rebuilt part if possible and appropriate. Freshen up the floor mats, replace the radio antennae and find the missing hood ornament. These small details make the ride look finished and ready for a slow Saturday night cruise.

Don’t Try to Hide Old Problems

It might be tempting to paint over a rusty fender or change out the chrome trim around the window, but if you do it cheaply and without experience, you can damage the car and lower its value.

If you own a unique collector car like a 1970 Pontiac Le Mans or a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, your buyer may want a ride with all original equipment. They may be ready to pour thousands into a premiere restoration, so if you aren’t familiar with working on classic cars, talk to a professional.

They might want to retain the vintage look.

Find Your Permit and All Maintenance Records

Presenting the buyer proof of ownership will make the process fast and easy. Open the jockey box and ensure your vehicle permit is current. Gather all your receipts from parts stores and repair shops. You may want to run a CarFax on it as well.

If you have some parts you bought for the car but never installed, add those to the trunk for the buyer.

Consult with an Auction House to Find the Right Asking Price

The older your classic car is, the more comprehensive range the asking price can be. As the vintage car market ages, some models become more valuable as some cars end up at the recycling center. At the same time, if your ride is known for longevity, the ripped back seat may negatively affect the asking price. The best way to get the highest price when selling your classic car is to have a professional traditional car auction house do an appraisal. They are up to speed on the always-changing market and will know exactly what you should fix or if you should leave that oxidized patina alone.

Keep the Classic Car Insurance Active Until You Receive Full Payment

It might be tempting to drop the insurance once a purchase and sales agreement is signed. But until you have the cash, and they have the key, you must maintain your classic car insurance policy from Wayfarer Insurance Group. Last-minute accidents can be costly and could prevent you from closing on the deal.

Want to learn more about your coverage or interested in getting insurance with Wayfarer? Click or call 1-844-929-4768 to receive a quote today and protect your investment as soon as possible.

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