Vintage vs. Antique

Handpicked & Handcrafted - est. 2014

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Can an antique be classified as vintage?

What is the difference between the two? The terms vintage and antique have sometimes been used just as an adjective to describe a specific look of a particular item, but in their purist forms the terms are meant to classify an item by date or age. Most items should specify the age, date or era especially if they are listed as vintage, classic or antique. If not, ask questions before purchasing.

Terminology

The terms antique, vintage, classic or retro can sometimes be used as adjectives, nouns or verbs.

Some of the information used to describe these terms can also be found in the Oxford English Dictionary or Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

  • Antique - A work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years old with the exception of motor vehicles. Typically a classic car is any vehicle older than 20 years while an antique as more than 25 years old. Definitions differ from state to state and between insurance companies with some having different classifications like street rod, custom/modified, classic, antique or historical. Usually requirements for antique registration include that the vehicle be at least 25 years old with no modifications and can only be driven to car shows, exhibitions, parades, public displays, meetings and on weekends or holidays. As a verb, the term antiqued or antiquing can used to describe the way/process to finish or refinish giving an appearance of age.

*See below for more information about classifying vehicles*

  • Vintage -

  • Classic -

  • Retro -

Vintage vs. Classic vs. Antique Cars

Source: American Collectors Community / Insurance

What are the differences between a classic and antique car? - While a lot of people tend to use these two terms interchangeably when describing collector cars, there are some agreed-upon criteria for what makes a vehicle "classic" or "antique":

  • Model Year/Age: Generally speaking, antique cars are 45 years or older while classic cars are 20 years or older.

  • Historic Status: Certain states have specific designations for antique vehicles, deeming them "historic" as opposed to comparatively newer classics.

Vintage vs. Classic vs. Antique Cars - To make things even more complicated. There's a third classification: vintage cars. If you're wondering "what is a vintage car," it is the oldest of the three categories. Below are all three and their generally agreed-upon age standards:

  • Vintage Car: Manufactured between 1919 and 1930

  • Antique Car: Manufactured 1975 or earlier (>45 years old)

  • Classic Car: Manufactured 1990 or earlier (>20 years old)