Having accessories, options and features that were original to your classic car will obviously have a significant impact on the car’s value. While the value always depends on market conditions and the individual buyer, have you thought about how the value could change by simply having period-correct license plates? It’s a detail that some car hobbyists don’t think about at the start of a restoration project. Their focus is usually (and should be) on the body, the engine, and the interior. But, as they say, it’s the little things in life. Recently our great state of California introduced a new Legacy program that allows you to purchase replica plates from the 1950s, ’60s or ’70s for use on any car. So will that help the value of your car, or just make it look better?

The New York Times did an article this month about finding vintage plates as a final restoration detail. While most states offer historical vehicle plates, what constitutes a classic car is often just its age. A car generally has to be 25 years old to qualify for “antique” plates. Here in Pomona, California, we’re starting to come around, but we know that the most popular classic cars are from the 1950s through the 1970s. We see the evidence at every show.

And when you visit our show, you’ll see those period-correct vintage plates everywhere. For California cars, you can easily identify the era by the colors on the plate. During the 1950s, plates were yellow with black lettering. The 60s appropriately reversed things with yellow letters on a black background. And the 1970s went with yellow on a blue background. Each plate creates a branded color that brings a special feeling about each decade for California cars.

You probably already realize that having vintage California plates adds a certain something to the car. But even more than helping with the nostalgia, they lend a certain level of credibility.  We often here a car being advertised as a “true California car.” We’re a rust free state. Vintage California plates help the car’s provenance. Ever heard anyone promoting their ride as a “true Delaware gem?” Neither have we. No offense, Delaware!

So what if your classic car didn’t have vintage plates when you bought it? Should buying “new old” plates be part of your restoration? Absolutely! While not always cheap, they’re also not usually that expensive. For instance, the California DMV’s Legacy program charges $50 for plates. Of course, they still have to secure enough orders to implement the program. And, if you’re like us, we prefer the real thing over replicas anyway.

That’s why we prefer using a dealer or sideline collector to get a set of vintage plates. We definitely think period-correct plates help complete a classic car, and help sell a classic car. So come to Pomona on January 19th… if you need plates… if you want to sell your collection of plates… or if you just want to see thousands of vintage plates on thousands of classic cars! You won’t be disappointed.