Collector Automobile and Classic Car Appraisals & Inspections

Contact AlanColvin.com to have
your classic vehicle inspected, verified or appraised.

AlanColving.com’s founder is a Certified IAAA Member and USAAP Certified. He documents every vehicle and completes every classic car appraisal following USAAP Uniform Standards of Automotive Appraisal Procedures. These were established by the International Automobile Appraisers Association (I.A.A.A), which is the automotive appraisers association setting the appraiser industry standards worldwide.

When was the last time you had an appraisal done on your collector car or truck? Never? Or years ago. Many antique and classic car owners don’t realize this is a precarious position. Everyone who owns a collector vehicle should have an up-to-date appraisal to protect their classic auto investment. This will protect your investment as the price of your vehicle appreciates. Appraisals are a necessary tool that can be used or may be needed for many reasons.

  • Level 1 Inspections:  Many classic car enthusiasts buy vehicles through automotive sites on the Internet. The chance that the deal for your dream car could go bad is possible at the very least, in some cases probable. The first option to avoid heartache is a Level 1 ALCAA classic car inspection. The current ALCAA Level 1 inspection is a very thorough 150-point inspection, but to add more value for the customer, each AlanColvin.com inspection is tailored to your exact Make/Model of vehicle.
  • Level 2 Verifications. The value of your classic automobile is often determined by its rarity, its condition and its proximity to its original manufactured correctness. The more that you can verify these three components, the greater the value of your automobile.  A written Level 2 ALCAA verification conducted by expert Alan Colvin is a worthwhile investment.  As the author of the acclaimed Chevrolet by the Numbers book series, Alan is known as the “numbers guy” and pays impeccable attention to detail. He’ll provide an individualized and detailed ALCAA Verification for your 1955-1982 GM vehicle.  He will provide a written professional opinion on the validity and rarity of your car by reviewing the car’s original documentation, reviewing/inspecting the car itself or reviewing data sent from the owner in a digital format.  This report is sure to add pedigree to your car!

  • Level 3 Appraisals. If you would like to go another step above an ALCAA Verification of your classic car, then you should consider an expert Level 3 appraisal conducted by Alan Colvin.  The Level 3 ALCAA appraisal delivers a comprehensive appraisal on your collector car tailored to your specific needs. As part of the appraisal, you will also be provided with an ALCAA Certificate of Authenticity. Alan is specializes in 1955-75 GM muscle cars. He has been state and nationally certified by the International Automobile Appraiser’s Association (IAAA).
  • Pre-Purchase Appraisals. The pre-purchase inspection and/or appraisal are the most underrated option used when buying a vehicle, especially if being bought sight-unseen. The values of all collector vehicles fluctuate based on several key parameters. Values can be affected by specific make and model, color, specific options etc. and by the differences between each vehicle. The current market conditions based on inflation rate, economic stability and even geographical location can greatly affect the worth of a vehicle. An up-to-date appraisal will always help determine the accurate value of your new vehicle, and will be a useful tool when negotiating a final purchase price.
  • Insurance Appraisals. Almost all classic car insurance companies require an appraisal before they will issue a policy on a specific vehicle. An appraisal may also be required by insurance companies if the value of a vehicle exceeds a specific value threshold, particularly if your insurance policy is of the “agreed value” type.
  • Selling Your Vehicle. In order to maximize the highest selling price for your collector vehicle at any given time, you must first know its true value in a given market. The only way to know that fact is to have the car appraised by a professional. The next step is pricing the vehicle realistically for current market conditions. This will help you to sell your vehicle for the highest price, hopefully in the shortest period of time possible. An up-to-date appraisal is always a useful tool when negotiating a final selling price.
  • Diminished Value of Damaged Collector Cars. Most collector cars are not involved in accidents, but if you are unfortunate enough to suffer a partial or total loss, an up-to-date appraisal can be a “life saver” and will document the value of the classic vehicle prior to the loss. The diminished value appraisal can also help to establish if a collector vehicle’s value has been truly diminished as the result of a loss, even after being repaired. Most enthusiasts are unfamiliar with the concept of diminished value and loss-of-use rights after their vehicle has been repaired. On some collector cars, this can equate to thousands of dollars being left on the table with the insurer. Know your rights!
  • Alternative Classic Car Financing. Many collector cars need to be appraised to obtain the correct financing for the purchase of the vehicle. An up-to-date appraisal helps establish the value of a vehicle for loan purposes.
  • Matrimonial, Probate & IRS Litigation. An up-to-date appraisal is often necessary to determine the value of a collector vehicle as it applies to legal issues. This situation may be the result of a disagreement between a variety of parties as to the value of a vehicle following an accident, theft or other legal matter. Courts may also order an appraisal of one or multiple vehicles in cases where it becomes necessary to establish the value of a collector vehicle (or collection) as part of an estate. This is often the case in matters associated with matrimony, probate and may included the Internal Revenue Service.
  • Charitable Donations. Many car collectors donate their vehicles to charity organizations for various reasons, including tax purposes. An up-to-date appraisal establishes the value of any collector vehicle to be used for tax purposes in the case of a charitable contribution. In many cases, an appraisal is required.

To have your vehicle inspected, verified or appraised, contact AlanColvin.com