At All About Detail LLC, we’ve always known that the classic car world is more than just a hobby, it’s a vibrant culture and a booming industry. Whether you’re restoring a ’67 Mustang or cruising in a vintage Porsche, every enthusiast contributes to a powerful economic engine. Back in 2010, the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) conducted a groundbreaking study to put hard numbers to what many of us already felt: this passion fuels jobs, events, and billions in economic activity across the U.S. and Canada.
Now, over a decade later, new research shows that the classic car community has grown beyond all expectations in size, influence, and market value. Let’s take a look at how far we’ve come.
Everybody involved in the hobby knows that historic vehicle enthusiasts contribute greatly to the economy. But until now, no one could accurately tell you just how much.
The ability to measure the economic impact associated with buying, restoring, and maintaining historic and collector vehicles provides a powerfully tool for persuading regulators and policy makers.
Research findings are based on survey data collected from more than 13,000 historic vehicle owners, enthusiasts, and representatives of businesses who serve this vast community.
Key findings are as follows:
- There are estimated 2.75 million historic vehicle owners in the United States and Canada (2.5 million in the U.S. and 250,000 in Canada), each who own an average of 2.0 vehicles. The number of historic vehicles in Canada and the U.S. is estimated to be 5.5 million.
- The average value of a historic vehicle is $25,000.
- Average annual spending (repairs, maintenance, storage, etc.) of each historic vehicle enthusiast is $12,500. Applying this figure to the 2.75 million historic vehicle owners in Canada and the United States reveals total spending of nearly $35 billion in 2009.
- More than 80 percent of participants indicated that they attended one or more historic vehicle events in 2009.
- Enthusiasts spent an average of 18 hours per month in 2009 watching TV, reading books and magazines, and reading online content related to historic vehicles.
- The average historic vehicle was driven just 484 miles in 2009 and the majority are driven 300 miles or less.
Historic car owners in the U.S. typically own vehicles that are at least 25 years old and often participate in clubs and events celebrating automotive history, such as the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA). These organizations help promote the cultural significance of classic cars and provide resources for enthusiasts.
Overview of Historic Car Ownership in the U.S.
Definition of Historic Cars
In the United States, a historic car is generally defined as a vehicle that is at least 20 to 25 years old, depending on state regulations. These vehicles often hold significant cultural or historical value and are typically preserved or restored rather than scrapped.
Organizations Supporting Historic Car Owners
Several organizations cater to historic car enthusiasts:
| ORGANIZATION | FOCUS AREA | MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) | Promotes cultural significance and documents historic vehicles | National Historic Vehicle Register, educational programs |
| Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) | Celebrates cars 25 years and older | Events, extensive automotive library, community support |
Demographics of Historic Car Owners
- Average Age: 56 years
- Average Household Income: $144,000
- Enthusiast Statistics:
- 34% are retired
- 22% have children under 18
- 58% enjoy driving for fun
- 46% appreciate the visual appeal of their cars
Market Trends
The collector car market has seen significant growth, with around 43 million vehicles classified as collector cars in the U.S. This market is valued at approximately $1 trillion. Younger generations, including Millennials and Gen-Z, are increasingly driving this growth, with many acquiring their first collector vehicles in recent years.
Events and Community Engagement
Historic car owners often participate in various events, including local car shows and rallies. These gatherings provide opportunities for enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate their passion for vintage automobiles.
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What started as a beloved pastime for a niche group of enthusiasts has evolved into a powerhouse market — with over 43 million collector cars and an estimated value of $1 trillion in the U.S. alone. This community, once viewed as a retro hobby, now spans generations and fuels an entire ecosystem of businesses, events, and cultural preservation.
At All About Detail LLC, we’re proud to be part of this movement. We don’t just detail cars — we preserve rolling pieces of history. As highlighted in our article, posted 1/22/2011, “An Article for Classic Car Women”, this isn’t just a boys’ club anymore — it’s a global celebration of passion, craftsmanship, and legacy.
Here’s to driving history forward — one polished fender at a time.
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