Overhaulin'

How old must a car be to be considered a classic, and does the value go up?

I have an '86 BMW in fantastic condition.

Public Comments

1. I think twenty years is considered "antique". It all depends on the car, as to if it increses in value with age... As for an '86 "Beamer", I don't know...
2. 25 years is the minimum. Value only goes up when there is collector interest.
3. I believe it varies from state to state...Here in Md it's 25 years old...Value is based on original parts, matching body/engine VINs and condition.
4. 20 yrs to be a classic. Value is kinda tricky. It depends on what it is, what condition its in, how big the demand is for the auto you have and how bad the buyer wants what you got... I hope you make a million ,,, good luck d
5. i own a shop and its 20 years to be a classic,and 25 years to be an antique,so actually yours is considered to be a classic now,and sometimes the value goes up depending on the car that one being a BMW id say it will go up some,those don't really loose their value,so hang on to it ,good luck hope this helps.
6. a classic has more to do with styling than with age. yes, the value is higher for a classic. classic is hard to define. it is a first of its kind or a unique design of some sort, that appeals to many people. if a car is over 25 years old it is considered an antique.
7. 20 years. The car price will only go up as high as people are willing to pay for it. I don't think you can get too much for a 20 year old Ford Pinto but a 20 year old Lambourgini will fetch more.
8. Not sure how old a car needs to be to be a classic, but when it does make it to the classic years the price does go up some but when it hits the collector years the price jump alot.
9. 25 years. It also has to be certified.