Properly Storing Your Classic Car

If you’ve never owned a classic car, there are a number of things you’ll need to brush up on — cleaning the vehicle, performing maintenance on it and learning about its core components, to name a few. Furthermore, you’ll need to find a safe place to store the vehicle. As you’ll find, storing an antique vehicle can be considerably more challenging than storing a contemporary car. When looking for the perfect place to store your classic car, take the following factors into account.

Don’t Leave It Outdoors for Extended Periods

Antique vehicles, particularly European classic cars, aren’t as adept at standing up to the elements as their modern-day counterparts. Since classic vehicles are far more prone to rust and weather-related deterioration, it’s generally not a good idea to leave them outdoors for extended periods. If you have no choice but to leave a classic car outside for more than a day or two, place a resilient protective cover over it.

Avoid Damp Enclosures

The ideal space in which to store classic vehicles is dry and airy. For best results, store your antique car in a wooden barn or a wood or brick-based garage. If possible, avoid garages made from precast concrete, as they have an unfortunate tendency to “sweat” when the weather is cold. Since dampness is the enemy of classic vehicles, make an effort to steer clear of these structures.

If All Else Fails, Use a Tent

If a proper barn or garage is unavailable, consider storing your classic vehicle in an inflatable plastic tent. Plastic isn’t conducive to dampness, so you can rest assured that your vehicle will be well-protected. Of course, in the event of a severe storm, it might be in your best interest to find a sturdier enclosure. 

A classic car is best viewed as an investment — and in order to protect such an interest before you opt to sell it, proper care must be taken. Not only does this entail washing the car and performing maintenance as needed, it also means storing the vehicle in a suitable environment. Keeping the car in the best condition possible ensures it remains valuable.