Whether you’ve only recently taken the plunge into the classic car world or you’re an old-timer searching for that one car you’ve always wanted, there are thousands of gleaming beauties on show and for sale, parked under the California sun, at the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show.  But how do you know if the vehicle you are purchasing is the real deal?  Modification, customization, and restoration have been a part of the car world since the first Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line in 1908.  Over time, some classic cars have become much more valuable than others.  Especially valuable are  the rare and elite counterparts to the common production models.

But how do you tell if that 1967 GT 500 sitting in front of you is a good purchase?  Stories abound of enthusiasts getting a great deal, only to discover that their great deal was actually a great swindle and that their car is worth less than half of what they actually paid.  They may still have a great car that looks good and runs well, but it just wasn’t what they were looking for.

Homework Time

Clone cars, resto-mods, and unique-engineered vehicles all have one thing in common – they simply aren’t the same as the true-blue items.  That 1972 Camaro Z28 may be an awesome machine, but the 1974 Corvette engine the previous owner dropped into it, after he blew up the original, just doesn’t have the same charm.  Don’t walk into a deal not knowing everything you can about the type of car you want to buy.  It can be difficult to inspect VIN’s with others milling around, but by simply understanding the VIN,you gain crucial information needed to know if a car is all original.  Other hallmarks are mismatched parts or a selling price that seems too good to be true.  Talk to the seller, ask probing questions about the car’s history and any changes that have been made to the vehicle. It’s a good idea to take someone with you, who has some knowledge of the type of vehicle you are checking out. An extra set of eyes can be invaluable when looking over a vehicle.

And don’t forget that sometimes all-original just is not what you’re actually looking for.  Often, the original equipment is not as exciting as the performance parts or added amenities that have been added to a vehicle. New interiors can be much more comfortable and convenient than the original. It’s just a good idea to know what you want and to know what you’re actually getting. Sometimes original paint still looks great, but there can be advantages in new paint technology. After all, someone is probably going to fix up that rusty Trans-Am, why can’t it be you?

If you’re on the hunt for your next classic vehicle or want to learn more about them, you will always find many to choose from at the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show. Feel free to contact us with any questions about the upcoming events.