A collector car is a classic older automobile that has been restored to its former glory. In the end, you have an impressive set of wheels and a little piece of history to call your own. If you've never restored a classic vehicle before, you may not know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

A Guide to Restoring Classic Cars

1. Consider Your Investment

The first step is to consider the size, scope, and cost of the project you want to undertake. Purchasing a collector car that already has some restoration work completed is much less of a time and monetary commitment than a classic vehicle that's up on blocks and missing an engine. Also, consider if you want original parts or replacements. Original parts may be harder to track down, but they'll make for a truly authentic restoration. Replacement parts typically work just as well and are easier to obtain, but the car won't be totally original.

2. Determine Your Goals

What is your ultimate goal in restoring a collector car? If it's to get the car into drivable shape and back on the road, making the car operational is the main task. If it's to attend vintage car shows, operation is still important, but even more necessary is a complete cosmetic restoration, which is how you'll really impress onlookers. Knowing your goals beforehand will determine where to focus your time, energy, and expenses.

3. Prioritize Safety

If you'll be driving the car at all, even if it's just back and forth to car shows, safety should come before anything else. Since safety standards on older vehicles tended to be far laxer—if not totally nonexistent—compared to what they are today, some updating will be necessary to make a secure car. Install seatbelts if there aren't any and fit the transmission with power steering to ensure a more manageable and controlled driving experience.

When your collector car is restored, display it with pride at the Charlotte AutoFair in Mecklenburg County, NC. This auto show is also a great place to get further tips and advice from classic car experts. As the largest collector auto show in the Southeast, they welcome more than 100,000 car aficionados over the course of their three-day event each year. The 2019 show will take place October 17–19. If you're a vendor or car seller, you can order tickets in advance by calling (704) 841-1990 or visiting them online.