Vintage 1950s Pretty Woman in the Vintage Car

Salvage Auctions: Where to Find a Vintage Car That You Can Restore to Its Former Glory

For many people, nothing beats the joy of tinkering with a classic car and restoring it to its former glory. From Mustangs to Alfa Romeos and everything in between, a well-oiled vintage car can be an absolute delight to drive around town. However, it can sometimes be tough to find good vintage cars to restore. The dealerships are usually filled with more modern cars, and private party sales can often be something of a crapshoot. Luckily, there is still one place that can reliably provide gearheads with some excellent classic cars to play with – salvage auctions.
 

What is a salvage auction?

A salvage auction is very similar to any other auto auction, with the notable exception being that all of the vehicles present will have salvage titles. This designation means that the vehicle has been involved in an accident or collision of some sort and was determined to be a total loss by the insurance company. Once declared a loss, the vehicle becomes the property of the insurance company, who will then try to sell it at auction to recoup some of their losses.

What makes salvage auctions a good place to find vintage vehicles to restore?

Salvage auctions can be the perfect place to purchase a vintage vehicle to restore. There are two main reasons why this is the case. Firstly, salvage auctions offer perhaps the broadest range of vehicles that you can find anywhere. This means that you are bound to find a vehicle that you just fall in love with.

Secondly, all of the vehicles that you see at a salvage auction will have sustained some kind of damage. This damage may be purely cosmetic, or it might be more serious. You can find anything from a vehicle with a busted bumper to one that needs a total engine rebuild at salvage auctions. As such, you will be able to easily find a vehicle that suits your restoration abilities. If you are new to car restoration, stick to vehicles with cosmetic damage. But if you are ready for a challenge, you can always consider opting for a larger rebuild.

Classic car auctions

How much can you expect to pay for a vintage vehicle at a salvage auction?

Since most people prefer to purchase vehicles that are ready to drive, you can find some excellent deals at your local salvage auction. However, the amount that you will save will directly correlate with the amount of damage the vehicle has sustained. For minor damage, expect minor savings. For major damage, you can enjoy major savings. It is not at all uncommon for buyers to purchase a salvage vehicle, restore it to its former glory, and then sell it on again for a healthy profit.

If you are in the market for a modern, no-issues vehicle then salvage auctions most likely aren’t for you. However, if you are ready to roll up your sleeves and give another lease on life to a fantastic vintage car then salvage auctions are the perfect place for you.

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