Buying Your Dream Muscle Car
by Malcolm Zack
So you have decided that you want a hobby and have always loved old cars. The garage is open; the space inside is cleaned up and is ready to be filled with one of Detroit’s meanest machines - a 60’s muscle car…where do I start? Start by asking yourself a few key questions.
The first step in buying a muscle car is to narrow down your search.
What is my budget? Establish the amount of money you want to spend as a starting point. This amount might (and probably will) change once the official search begins. Look in your local classic car directory to get an idea of the muscle car market value in your area.
What state will the car be in? Considering that an unrestored or semi restored car will cost you less money up front however, there will be an investment required once you have purchased the car and then decide to put it on the road. It is usually better to purchase the most you can upfront; restoration parts can be expensive.
Can I do the work myself or will I pay someone to work on my car? One of the most appealing aspects of muscle cars is the beautiful simplicity of these vehicles. If you have the ability, and have the proper tools and space, restoring a muscle car in a two-car garage is possible. Restoring a muscle car is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. If you are not planning on restoring the car yourself the cost of paying a professional to do the job will be expensive.
Which car/model appeals most to me? Realistically, your budget will dictate which models you can afford. In recent years the price of original big block cars have sky rocketed and for most individuals their prices are out of reach. However, if you plan on undertaking a frame off restoration prior to putting the car on the road there may still be a 396 Chevelle (most likely not numbers matching) looking for a new home. Every individual has some sentimental attachment to an automaker whether it is GM, Ford, Mopar or AMC. Pick your badge and let the search begin!
Research
Once you have answered the above questions it is time to start doing your research. The Internet is a great place to spend hours looking up details on specific models. It is very important that you spend at least 6 months (in the beginning) reading up on the car that you would like to buy and become familiar with the details of the vehicle. It is also a good idea to spend some time talking to the guys at your local cruise night. Most muscle car owners appreciate inquiries about their car and are generally more than happy to answer any question or give you some free advice on what to look for if buying a similar car. In some cases they might know someone who has one for sale. If that is the case, it is a good idea to follow the lead and go look at the car using your new “good” friend as a reference.
Now that you have spent a car season worth of research it is time to look for a car. There are many directories that list classic cars.
www.trader.ca
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