Many people wonder what a classic car is worth today. That’s a tricky question because it depends on several important factors. Let’s explore what to consider.
First, documentation is essential for current owners and prospective classic car buyers. Make sure to have the VIN handy.
Original documentation, like warranty cards, registration, window stickers, and build sheets, is good. A full-service record is essential, too. Any extras like the original factory book are a big plus for serious classic car buyers. Need to include some paperwork? You can locate the vehicle history with online services like Auto Check, which can help.
Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate to see what happens. The Year, make, and model will also be taken into consideration every time. Classic car enthusiasts understand that every vintage auto isn’t the same. Some are limited editions, and first editions in great shape may command a higher price. Even in the classic car realm, there are some real duds. For example, the boxy 1970s Porsche 914 is still a controversial choice for many classic Porsche enthusiasts.
We can’t deny the appeal and popularity of a particular brand either. Some cars are just considered iconic. They show up in a movie, like the Porsche 928 from the 1980 film Risky Business, and take our breath away. That same car recently sold at auction for 1.98 million dollars.
Research can uncover insights into market trends and help discover a classic auto’s current worth. But that’s not enough. Online valuation tools are a good start, but if you own a classic car, it’s important to get a professional appraisal from an expert. A valuation tool can only provide basic information based on the data. It can’t “visit” the car and thoroughly inspect the condition.
The overall condition of a classic auto car plays a pivotal role as well. A vehicle with authentic parts and few modifications will be more valuable. In comparison, a classic car with a hack mechanic or novice restoration work may be less valuable and need extensive repair. And if the paint job is sub-par, that’s going to drop the valuation, too.
All of these things can help when searching for a valuation on your classic car, such as a Jaguar or Porsche. At this point, you may be wondering how to get a Porsche 911 appraised.
The shift that rocked the Porsche brand from the 1980s to the 1990s
These were pivotal decades for the Porsche 911, and it evolved significantly during that period. For instance, the 1980s (https://dustycars.com/news/the-1980s-was-a-radical-time-to-own-a-porsche/) kept some prior features like round headlights and a rear-engine layout. By the 1990s, the design had modernized into a sleeker aesthetic, introducing integrated bumpers and aerodynamic enhancements throughout the body.
Safety features changed between the decades, too. Airbags were not a standard feature for a 1980s Porsche 911, but they became a requirement in the 1990s. Plus, essential comfort upgrades brought the 90s models new features like climate control and power seats.
But we need to focus on collector appeal. Even today, the 1980s 911 ST and Carrera RS are popular among collectors for their rarity and performance. And 1990s models like the 964 and 993 are pretty hot, too. But maybe you have a 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa (https://dustycars.com/classic-cars-for-sale/1988-porsche-911-carrera-targa/) or a 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe (https://dustycars.com/classic-cars-for-sale/1996-porsche-911-turbo-coupe/)? We’ve helped owners learn how to get a Porsche 911 appraised and sold for both these models!
Again, the valuation for your car will depend on many factors, including those we’ve mentioned, but we can promise that every Porsche we’ve made an offer on has worth. If you need to know how to get a Porsche 911 appraised, contact us, and our Dusty Cars team will help you determine its true value.