Classic Car Museums

If you want to get clued up and inspired about classic cars, then you really need to go and visit a great classic car museum. The question is, which museums are the good ones? Any number of places might claim to offer a great selection of classic cars on display, but how can you sift through them to find the ones that make the trip worthwhile? Whether you are a interested in one-of-one cars, concept cars, or even classic muscle cars, there is a museum for you! 

Below is our handy guide to some of the best classic car museums in the US right now:

Gilmore Car Museum - Hickory Corners, MI

Located around 30 minutes away from our Grand Rapids Showroom, the Gilmore Car Museum is our personal favorites! Their mission is to tell the story of America's Automotive past. They showcase the history, heritage, and social impact of nearly every type of vehicle. They have an extremely impressive collection of rotating cars and exhibits that create one of the best museum experiences that can be had! The Gilmore Car Museum is constantly hosting classes, car shows, concerts, and various other events. Just a heads up for first timers, be sure to clear your whole day! You're bound to get lost in the experience. They have a collection that includes some of the best classic cars of all time. 

Website: https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/

Gilmore Car Museum

The Revs Institute - Naples, FL

If classic race cars are what you crave the most, then the Collier Collection at the Revs Institute in Florida is arguably the best one you’ll ever see. One of its particular specialties is its collection of Porsche race cars from the 1960s and 1970s. These are really a sight to behold. The Revs institute is open only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and currently they only take pre-booked ticket visitors.

Website: https://revsinstitute.org/ 

America’s Car Museum - Tacoma, WA

Residents and visitors to the Pacific northwest should pay a visit to this display, which proudly proclaims to be “celebrating America’s love affair with the automobile.”  The museum houses more than 250 examples of stunning classic cars, but also other unique hallmark exhibits like their Learning Lab to teach students about automotive technology past and present. The regular opening times are from Thursday to Monday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and it’s open for private events on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets must be bought in advance.

Website: https://www.americascarmuseum.org/

Antique Automobile Club of America - Hershey, PA

For those who see the classic car era as stretching back to before the war, and who are in the northeast will find a great exhibit in Hershey, PA. If you wanted to see how a Tucker 48 was built, since there were only 51 ever made, then you’ll find 3 of them in this museum. You won’t find more in a single location. The museum also features many pre-war cars, as well as bus and railway exhibits, and a license plate collectors display. It’s open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Tickets must be bought online.

Website: https://www.aacamuseum.org/visit/ 

National Corvette Museum - Bowling Green, KY

This museum in Kentucky was home to a bona fide automotive disaster in 2014 when a sinkhole opened up at the location and swallowed 8 cars, including the millionth Corvette ever made. Luckily, the millionth Corvette was restored to glory and returned to its place of honor. In true “keep calm and carry on” fashion, the sinkhole has now become a part of the exhibit. Until late April 2022, they also have a special exhibit called “Corvette Powered”, which features stories of Corvette engines and how they have powered some of the world’s most amazing cars. They also have an impressive collection of the 1963 Corvette. The museum’s hours from January 1 to March 1, 2022 are Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm and from 9:00am to 5:00pm on the weekends. From March 1 to October 31, it changes to 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Sunday.

Website: https://www.corvettemuseum.org/

National Corvette Museum 

“Driving America” at The Henry Ford - Dearborn, MI

Despite the name and location, this exhibit isn’t all about Ford cars. The Driving America exhibit is housed at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and showcases everything from the examples of the earliest cars built, to the most modern contraptions. They even have the Rosa Parks bus, a lasting symbol of the struggle for civil rights in America. This exhibit is the perfect choice for the family who can’t agree on which car museum to go to. It covers everything and the kitchen sink. 

Website: https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/henry-ford-museum/exhibits/driving-america/ 

The National Automobile Museum - Reno, NV

If the “Driving America” exhibit is too far, then try this museum in Reno. It’s open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm and exhibits 200 incredible cars complete with interesting handmade facades and scenes to really make it all come alive. One big point of interest is the Dymaxion car, the only one in existence, on display at the National Automobile museum. You’ll also find the winner of the 1908 NYC to Paris auto race, and James Dean’s 1949 Mercury from “Rebel Without a Cause.” You definitely won't find many affordable classic cars in their collection! 

Website: https://automuseum.org/ 

The Dymaxion Car - Image Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Affordable Classic Cars

As we move into the summer of 2024, many people think they have really missed the boat when it comes to classic cars for sale from eras they may know and understand, namely the 1960s to 1980s. Some may want to invest in these “true” classics instead of those models from the 90s and 2000s that are said to be the classics of the future. The question is, which ones are still a good buy and affordable? In today’s blog, we’re revealing some of the most affordable classic cars out there today, many of which come in at under $15,000.

Before we move forward, please keep in mind that this list is subject to change. At the time you are reading, these prices may have heavily fluctuated.

1982 Porsche 944

$16,000-17,000

The Porsche was one of a few front-engined cars designed by Porsche, who of course are much better-known for their rear-engine cars. Between 1976 and 1982, Porsche came out with a number of models, the 924, 928 and then the 944, all of which had front-mounted engines. The 1982 Porsche 944 was definitely the sportiest of them all, and was powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine outputting up to 187-hp. It also featured pop-up headlights, irresistible lines emanating from the drooping front-end, and also top-notch handling acknowledged as the best in its class by Car and Driver.

1979 Fiat 124 Spider

$22,000

Modern versions of the Fiat convertible have made a comeback in European markets, but you can pick up a classic version of this legendary Italian motor for around $15,000. The 1979 version is a particularly good deal, and is powered by a 2.0L DOHC engine putting out 102-hp. Best of all is the stunning Pininfarina body, timelessly stylish front grille, round front headlights, and even the gorgeous Ferrari-esque red color if that’s what you like.

1981 Chevrolet Corvette

$19,000-21,000

Classic Corvettes are nearly always featured among the most popular classic cars with sale price in the six or seven figure range. What may surprise you is the number of Corvettes you can still get for much less and that still exhibit all of the best qualities of this iconic Chevrolet brand. The 1981 Corvette Coupe, for example, is a bit extreme in design, but still houses a naturally aspirated V8 engine outputting 190-hp which can easily be tuned much higher for those wanting a bargain Corvette that’s easily converted to a mega horsepower factory. 

1996 Chevrolet Camaro

$14,000-15,000

This pick is more of a modern classic, but time is quickly marching on and the 1990s are quickly becoming a true classic era. This product year dances the line of what is a classic car and a modern classic. The 1996 Camaro is a 3-door hatchback coupe available usually for well under $10,000. Like the 1981 Corvette, it’s not necessarily the best-looking Camaro out there, but still features a naturally aspirated V8 with 295-hp (better than Corvette standard) and launching from 0 to 60 in just 5.8 seconds. What’s more, it’s surprisingly efficient at around 20-mpg. This is the only vehicle in this blog that may deserve a spot on a top muscle car list! 

1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II

$19,000-20,000

It’s easy to understand why you’d never expect the name Rolls-Royce to appear in a list of affordable classic cars. However, the good thing about a Rolls is that it is a brand with a long history and therefore a lot of classic models to choose from. Some of which are more common and thus more affordable. 

The Silver Shadow II is a full-size luxury sedan with a powerful V8 engine delivering 247-hp and up to 398 lb-ft of torque. It’s a bit of a gas-guzzler at 10.7-mpg, but then again all Rolls-Royce cars somewhat are. The iconic front grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament are as powerful as ever in their symbolism of luxury and success.

1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

$17,000-19,000

For those in more of a continental mood, this Mercedes-Benz roadster is yet another naturally aspirated V8 with relatively efficient fuel consumption and a very affordable price tag. The model year may be almost 40 years old, but this Benz exhibits stunning lines and timeless good looks. The front grille with chrome finishing is a particular head-turner. The engine isn’t so powerful at 155-hp and 0-60-mph time of 10.7 seconds, but this is a car bought more for the looks than the performance.

1972 International Harvester Pickup

$22,000

If you were lucky enough to get in on the ground floor and get a classic International Harvester Pickup a few years back, you might have only paid $10,000 for it. It’s still affordable at $15,000 but has been moving quickly up the price ladder and 2024 might be the last chance to get your hands on one in the affordable bracket. Americans love a pickup, and this is among the most iconic classic pickups there is. For under $10,000 you could get a rusted one that you could restore, but for a ready-made mint-condition classic, be prepared to pay more.

How to Determine the Value of a Classic Car

As one of the largest classic car dealers in the world, we mainly use our experience as the way of determing the value of the vehicles in this list. However, we know that setting a fair price can be one of the most difficult parts of owning a classic car. To share our knowledge with our readers, we released a classic car value guide. Similar to the prices/vehicles in this list, please keep in mind that the data may have fluctuated since the time of writing, but we believe the general principles will still be in tact. Whether you are simply wanting to get a price for your vehicle, or are looking to sell a classic car, the blog post should help! 

Best Classic Cars of All Time

Which are the classic cars that never fail to turn heads? Which are the classic cars that have the collectors picking up the phone and draining their savings in order to purchase ahead of others? These are questions that we are going to try and answer in today’s blog. Below are some of the greatest, most iconic, and collectible classic cars ever made. Before we get into this list, just remember that this is OUR OPINION and by no means meant to be a factual list! Our favorite part about the classic car community is the diverse tastes and preferences. 

Jaguar E-Type

The younger generation swoons over the powerful athletic lines of the Jaguar F-Type in the modern age, but many of them are unaware of the original iconic sports car, the Jaguar E-Type. Even Italian rival Enzo Ferrari couldn’t help but admire it, calling it “the most beautiful car ever made.” The elongated front end, irresistible curves, and impressive top speeds of up to 150-mph are all just a part of what made this British sports car so memorable.

Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 is among the more “affordable” of the high-end classic car set mostly because they lack the key factor that drives up the price: rarity. Collectors love getting their hands on a Porsche 911 because these German classics are everywhere. The 911 is fast, nimble, and simply beautiful to behold. Where some classic cars are all looks and no substance, the Porsche 911 is a car that delivers everything. At GR Auto Gallery, the Porsche 911 has consistently been one of the best-selling cars through our classic car consignment program!

Mercedes SL300 Gullwing

Which classic Mercedes has the look of a modern Mercedes-AMG sports car but also comes with an iconic red interior and “Gullwing” vertically opening doors --- eat your heart out, Tesla Model X. The SL300 was first made back in the mid-1950s and was the first production model car to have a direct fuel injection system. It also boasted a top speed of 160-mph, and just to prove its collectibility and appeal, many of the original SL300s are still with their original owners or their descendants. That just shows people can’t bear to part with the SL300.

Chevrolet Corvette C2 

How have we come this far without mentioning the Chevy Corvette? We specifically want to talk about the second generation, known as the Corvette C2. The C2 was made between 1963 and 1967 and was the first one to be given the Stingray moniker, although in that generation it was split into 2 separate words: “Sting Ray.” It had engines up to 7.0L in its “Big Block” variety, and 5.4L V8 engines in the “Small Block” variety. Its long hood and raised windsplit became key iconic features of the design. It was available both as a convertible and a coupe. The 1963 Corvette in particular remains one of the most popular models. For years, our inventory has always been active with buyers looking for Corvettes for sale! 

Ferrari 250 GTO

Enzo Ferrari may well have believed that the Jaguar E-Type was the most beautiful car ever made, but is it possible to even look at a 250 GT0 from Ferrari and not swoon at its elegant grace? The 250 GTO was made between 1962 and 1964, and what’s more there were only 39 models ever made. That certainly gives it the rarity factor. In August 2018, a 1962 model was sold in Sotheby’s auction house in Monterey, California for a staggering $48.4 million. 

Acura NSX

This fantastic model was made between 1990 and 2005 before being updated into the newer model that younger people might know better. Acura is Honda’s luxury wing and the NSX was a strong early attempt to demonstrate that you could have supercar specifications with everyday driveability. From that concept, we get the NSX with its terrific handling, keen brakes, and powerful engine. The first-generation spawned 9,000 models in the US between 1990 and 2005, so they are not in short supply --- though still rarer than 911 models overall!

Dodge Viper GTS

Like the NSX, the V10 Dodge Viper GTS was born in the 1990s and offers an incredible 450-hp adventure in every ride. In honesty, it’s not the most safety-friendly vehicle by modern standards, but then again many classics fit into the same category. The Viper GTS doesn’t have ABS, nor does it offer traction control. It’s raw driving power through and through, but it’s also the iconic look, especially the electric blue with the double white stripe, that catches the eye most of all.

Shelby 427 Cobra

This particular Shelby model goes back to 1966 boasting an 800-hp engine and was one of only 2 models ever made. It has been a record-breaking car in a number of respects and is the spiritual predecessor to the above-mentioned Dodge Viper GTS. The 427 had an unforgettable engine roar that would put the fear of God into most people. On the road, it was a performance monster, too, with its powerful acceleration and thundering sound as it rocketed along.

The List Goes On

These are but a selection of the countless fantastic classic vehicles. Which ones are truly best will depend on your own taste, of course. Browsing through the inventory of a classic car dealer is a great way to find your own personal favorites!

How old does a car have to be to be considered a classic?

We throw around this term classic car as if we all know and understand its exact definition, but do we? Is the term classic interchangeable with vintage and antique? There’s actually quite a lot more to it than you realize. In today’s blog, we’re taking a closer look at what really is the definition of a classic car.

What is a classic car?

According to Wikipedia, a classic car refers to “an older car, typically 20 years or older, though definitions vary.” That last part is the biggest problem of all! There are differences in opinion on what age or period the car is from to make it a “classic.” The common thread that most of the theories share is that classic cars are those of historical interest that people feel are collectible and worthy of either preservation or restoration.

In other words, in the minds of many, a classic car is simply one that has some kind of collectible, historical, or powerful nostalgic value to many, to the point that they can’t bear to scrap it and would rather preserve it instead. The key word here is “collectible.” For a car to be a real classic, there seems to be a need for some market force behind it; a demand from people to add the car to their collections.

Age is clearly an important factor, too, as we will explore in more detail below. However, age is not necessarily the most important defining feature of a classic car. There are hundreds of old cars. If age were the key factor, then everything from a 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 to a 2000 Toyota Prius would be considered classic. There hardly seems to be a clamor of buyers lining up to buy a “classic” Prius. Therefore, we can surmise that collectibility and historical value have more real bearing on what is or isn’t a classic car. This can be seen especially by browsing the types of vehicles that we have for sale at GR Auto Gallery, not every old car is a classic by default. 

In a sense, then, classic cars are really just a subset of collector cars, and the term refers generally to street-legal car models --- typically 20 or more years old --- that have a high collector’s value. But what about vintage and antique, where do they come in?

Classic Vs. Vintage Vs. Antique

The other big question is how to differentiate more accurately between the other associated terms when it comes to looking at older cars. The three big terms commonly used are “classic,” “vintage,” and “antique.” Here’s how these terms are generally understood:

• Classic refers to collectible cars that are 20-44 years old
• Vintage refers to collectible cars that are 45+ years old
• Antique refers to collectible cars built between 1919 and 1930

Once again, it’s one definition held by certain people, but others have their own ideas. One group that makes its own definitions very clear on these types of cars is insurance companies. Arguably the best-known nationwide dedicated provider of classic car insurance is Hagerty, and they divide their classic car periods into 2 distinct zones: 1980 and newer, and pre-1980 classic and collector cars.

Even cars from the last 20 years qualify for Hagerty collector insurance if they are, for instance, a limited or special edition, a supercar, or some kind of special interest or imported vehicle. That shows that Hagerty is even speculating as to what will become a “classic” by offering insurance to those who have not yet crossed that 20-year threshold but still hold clearly collectible and interesting car models.

What Adds to Classic Car Value?

We have already mentioned the key point that what really makes a classic car is collectibility, but what are the factors that add so-called collector value? We've recently created a classic car value guide to help you determine the worth of your vehicle! Being in the business of classic car sales, and helping clients buy/sell over 10,000 cars, we have the decades of experience necessary to help you determine the value of your vehicle. At GR Auto Gallery, we initiated our vehicle consignment program as a way to help owners get the true value out of selling their special interest car online. 

1. Rarity

It’s basic economics that scarcity raises prices, and the same is true for classic cars. The rarer or harder to find a car is, the more naturally valuable it becomes. It’s not an absolute or universal rule, of course. Ford stopped producing the deadly Pinto models, but their rarity now doesn’t make them more valuable. So, on top of rarity, there needs to be more.

2. Icon Status

Cars that are perceived as the greatest of their generation, or cars that were heavily featured in popular culture --- think the Ford Mustang in “Bullitt” or the 1963 Aston Martin DB5 in James Bond --- will certainly have massive collector value. They can sometimes amass a cult-like status. What’s interesting is that this can happen to all kinds of cars, from exotic supercars to the VW Beetle (thanks Herbie).

1963 Aston Martin DB5 in James Bond, “Goldfinger.”

3. Originality

Finally, collector value is garnered massively from whether or not a car still has its original features: exterior paint, upholstery, dash features, steering wheel, side mirrors, etc. The fewer modern components that have been substituted, the better. Serious collectors don’t want retromods!