Every classic passes a 168-point inspection before it’s yours
Originality, structure and rust come first on an older car. We document what is original, what was replaced and what was repaired.
Condition matters more than mileage
On a classic, the odometer tells you almost nothing. What matters is whether the structure is sound, whether the rust is cosmetic or structural, and whether the car is what the seller says it is.
So our inspection is built around documentation and metal. We verify numbers, photograph every repair area, measure paint thickness for hidden bodywork, and record what is original versus reproduction.
- Originality documented — engine, transmission and body numbers recorded and cross-checked.
- Rust mapped, not hidden — floors, sills, frame rails and wheel arches photographed individually.
- Honest about repairs — paint depth readings and prior bodywork disclosed up front.
All 168 points, grouped into 16 areas
Big things and small — checked, measured and recorded before anything is cleared for delivery.
Identity & numbers
VIN, engine, trans & body tags
Documentation & history
Title, build sheet, prior owners
Originality assessment
Original vs reproduction parts
Structure & frame
Rails, crossmembers, alignment
Rust & corrosion mapping
Floors, sills, arches, trunk
Paint & bodywork
Depth readings, prior repairs
Chrome, trim & badges
Pitting, fit, correctness
Road test & drivability
Cold start, tracking, braking
Engine & tune
Compression, timing, leaks
Fuel & carburation
Tank, lines, carb or injection
Cooling system
Radiator, pump, hoses
Transmission & rear axle
Gears, clutch, differential
Brakes & lines
Drums, discs, hard lines
Suspension & steering
Springs, bushings, box
Electrical & wiring
Harness condition, gauges
Final reconditioning
Detailed, preserved, QC sign-off
We drive it, gently but properly
A sample of the checks behind every “cleared for delivery” result.
Covered well beyond delivery day
Every purchase includes a 90-day limited warranty on major mechanical components, at no extra cost.
90 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first
Engine
Internal lubricated parts, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing chain, cylinder head and block.
Transmission
Torque converter, valve body, internal gears and shafts, and the transmission pump.
Axle & transfer case
Drive axle, differential and 4WD/AWD transfer case internals.
Battery
Complete battery failure within the warranty period, confirmed by diagnostics.
Specific to Classic Cars
- Originality and value — we document what we find, but we do not warrant authenticity, matching numbers or appraised value.
- Cosmetic age — patina, paint crazing, chrome pitting and interior wear consistent with the car’s age.
What a warranty doesn't cover
A warranty protects against mechanical defects — not everyday running costs or accidental damage. The following are normally your responsibility, on every category we sell:
- Routine maintenance — oil changes, fluids, filters and scheduled servicing.
- Wear-and-tear items — tires, wheels, alignment, brakes, wipers, belts and hoses.
- Accident & environmental damage — collisions, hail, flood (that’s what insurance is for).
- Cosmetic conditions — paint, glass, trim and upholstery.
- Infotainment & electronics — navigation, audio, entertainment and communication systems.
- Aftermarket & add-ons — non-factory equipment and added electrical accessories.
- Exhaust & emissions components — catalytic converters, sensors and exhaust parts.
- Air conditioning recharge — topping up refrigerant is a service item, not a defect.
- Pre-existing conditions — anything we disclosed to you in writing before the sale.
- Neglect or misuse — skipped maintenance, overheating, racing or unauthorized repairs.
How to make a claim
- Stop using it as soon as you notice a problem, so a small fault doesn’t become a big one.
- Tell us in writing within 3 business days of spotting it.
- Wait for our written approval before any repair begins — work done without it isn’t covered, even if the part is.
Always protected first
Everything we sell still ships with the 90-day limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee — so you're covered from day one.
Buy the classic, not the story
Browse classics with their condition, rust and originality documented before you bid.