Classic/Antique Car Repair: Tips on buying older cars?, 1967 chevy impala, parents and grandparents

Question
Hi my name is Lawrence and I'm a college student with a strong attraction towards older cars. My friends all think I'm crazy because they don't trust the reliability of older cars but to me it seems like they have something about them that the cars these days don't. I'm especially interested in the '67 Chevy Impalas. Do you have any advice on how to find one and what the price range for one might be? I've been teaching myself how to maintain and repair cars, and have been wondering if cars manufactured from the 60s and 70s are easier or harder to maintain compared to more recent cars? And if maintained properly how reliable can one be? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Answer
Hi Lawrence:
Congratulation and welcome to the world of classical and antique cars! Your friends don't know what they are missing! When you step back in time with a classical car, you can feel and relate to your parents and grandparents (something many just don't understand).

When your friends reach 50 years old or so, they will surely get the classic car fever. You are just way ahead of them. In addition, if you take car of your classic, it will only increase in value over the years.

So you like the 67 Impala? Nice choice. Always do your research and learn as much about the car's history as possible. Things like...How many were built, Type of engines used, options available, Famous owners, market value (I will help you with this), and reliability.

Keep in mind, you can still get parts for most cars from 1960 and greater. You can even get parts for older cars as well, but some may have to be rebuilt or special made.

A 1967 Chevy Impala in good condition will set you back about $15,000 to $20,000. A "fixer upper" would be under $10,000. For a convertible, add another $5,000 to the price tag.

You can find some bargains in this slow economy, but you have to look and wait for the right opportunity to come along. These cars are easier to maintain, but they can be a bit tricky to keep them running smoothly. Even though you are teaching yourself how to maintain the car, still find yourself a good mechanic. Preferably someone over 50 who understands carburetors and chevy engines and transmissions.

Some sources...
http://www.orlandoclassiccars.com/index.html
http://www.tedvernon.com/
http://www.barrettjackson.com/
http://www.topshelfreps.com/

Good Luck!!!