How To Find Out How Much Your Ride Is Worth

March 26th, 2009

It might look like a dusty, junky old heap sitting in a garage surrounded by boxes, but your classic car could be worth a small fortune. If you’re ready to find out just how much money might be hiding under the hood, there are some specific places you’ll want to turn. Classics aren’t your average vehicles and they aren’t typical for valuations either.

There are some places you can look online to discover a ballpark pricing for just about any type of classic or antique car imaginable. Keep in mind, though, that book values don’t always tell the full story. If you want a more accurate pricing appraisal, you’ll want to seek out an expert in the field.

There are several excellent sources online that can be very useful for estimating the value of classics. They include:

  • NADAguides.com – This is the site of the famous auto valuation company. The company does offer price guides for collectible and exotic cars. It even has a special classification system for muscle cars. Estimations are given on a number of different makes and models at no charge via the site.
  • Manheim Auctions – This auction house specializes in classic cars and offers its own “Gold Book” valuation system. To check out the pricing estimated by Manheim, visit 

While online pricing guides can provide a good estimation of the value of a classic, it’s still a good idea to get an official appraisal. It’s all too easy for buyers to haggle over the condition of a car and try to lowball, as a result. If a full appraisal is in place, however, the wiggle room gets taken out of the equation. There are certified appraisers all over the country that specialize in classic cars.

Even a dusty old “heap” can be worth thousands. When it’s time to find out just how much, you’ll discover there are great places to turn to help you discover the true worth of an old ride.


Before you buy a classic car, check out more tips to make your classic car purchase as smooth as possible.