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6 minute read Published on Jan 1, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
What exactly makes a car “classic”? It’s a question that comes up a lot, and the answer actually matters more than you might think. Whether you're restoring a vintage model, applying for classic car insurance, or attending an auto show, knowing the definition helps set expectations.
Generally, a classic car is at least 20 years old and has some historical or collectible appeal. And with Canada making up about 20% of the North American classic car market, according to Credence Research, it’s clear that classic cars are a big part of car culture here. But since definitions vary, and people can get them mixed up with other terms like vintage and antique, let's break them down so you finally know the difference.
People often throw around terms like “antique,” “vintage,” and “classic” as if they all mean the same thing, but in the car world, they do have different meanings. The problem, though, is that those definitions can vary depending on who you ask, from associations to car clubs to insurance companies.
Generally, a car that’s at least 20 years old with standout design, engineering, or cultural impact qualifies as a classic. That lines up with the Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada (ACCCC), which requires vehicles to be at least 20 years old for membership. But other organizations set the bar a little differently. The Volo Auto Museum considers cars at least 25 years old to fall into the classic car category, while the Atlantic Nationals, a five-day automotive extravaganza that takes place annually in Moncton, New Brunswick, allows vehicles manufactured before 1988 to enter their classic show. Meanwhile, according to the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), a "full classic" must have been produced between 1915 and 1948.
The truth is that what defines an antique car is a bit of a grey area because the definition changes depending on who you ask. According to the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), an antique car is classified as one made before 1916. Other online sources say a car is considered antique if it’s 45 years or older. Then you have ServiceOntario, which defines antique vehicles as 20 years or older.
Now, “vintage” is a more specific term. Vintage cars often have eye-catching, intricate designs that reflect the style and innovation of the Roaring Twenties. They’re rare, have historical interest, and are often extremely prized by collectors.
According to Hagarty, while there's still some grey area, most people agree that for a car to be considered "vintage", it has to have been built somewhere between 1919-1930 and remain mostly unmodified. But for the Vintage Car Club of Canada (VCCC) to categorize historic vehicles as "vintage", they must have been made between 1916 and 1927, according to their judging guidelines.
It's not just age that defines what a classic car is. While age does play a role, classic status also comes from identifiers such as rarity, originality, and cultural significance. A vehicle that was produced in limited numbers, like the 1971 Plymouth HEMI ’Cuda Convertible, becomes instantly more collectible.
Others earn their status by leaving a cultural mark, like the 1965 Ford Mustang, which helped shape the identity of American muscle cars and showed up in movies like Bullitt and Goldfinger. Some classics are iconic because of the stories they carry or the era they represent. Whether it sparks nostalgia or stands out as a design milestone, a classic car earns its title by leaving a lasting impression.
Classic cars hold deep cultural and historical importance in Canada. As we mentioned earlier, Canada makes up about 20% of the North American classic car market, which is projected to grow from USD 17.8 billion in 2023 to USD 37.2 billion by 2032, driven by rising interest in restoration and collectible appeal. But this is no surprise given Canada's rich auto heritage and vibrant classic-car scene.
Classic cars tell a story of Canadian ingenuity. Though Canada didn’t have as many domestic automakers as the U.S., it played a major role in manufacturing vehicles and supplying parts throughout the 20th century. Some cars, like the Canadian-only Pontiac Parisienne or the Mercury Meteor, have become unique collector’s items due to their limited production and distinctly Canadian styling.
In Canada, classic cars aren’t just admired—they’re celebrated. Take classic car shows and events, for instance. Ontario alone hosts major car show gatherings, like the Burlington Car Show, drawing over 30,000 visitors annually, and Ottawa's Ferrari Festival, attracting over 200,000 people every June. Further, Chatham-Kent prides itself as the “Classic Car Capital of Canada,” and hosts year-round classic car events.
Then there's the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, the country’s largest auto expo, which features classic and exotic vehicles in its 1,000+ car display and welcomes over 370,000 visitors each year.
Then there are the car clubs, ranging from the NAACC to the ACCCC to hundreds of regional groups, many of which have been around for decades, further anchoring classic car culture. These groups not only preserve automotive history but also engage in advocacy, mentorship, and community outreach.
In the classic car community, there’s an ongoing debate between keeping cars in their original condition versus modifying them. Original classics are vehicles that remain as close as possible to factory specs, often prized for authenticity and historical accuracy.
On the other hand, modified classics, including restomods and custom builds, blend vintage style with modern performance, safety, or comfort upgrades. Organizations differ in how they view these changes. The NAACC, for example, permits modifications to cars 25 years and older, as long as they’re safety-related or minor enough not to drastically change the car’s appearance. The Historical Automobile Society of Canada (HASC), however, is open to modified vehicles, welcoming personalized touches and restomods within its community.
Now, here's another area where the definition of classic car can vary. Different companies have different standards for what qualifies. Some might consider a car “classic” if it’s at least 15 years old, while others set the bar at 20, 25, or even 30 years.
That said, there are certainly exceptions to the rule. Even if your car doesn’t meet the typical age criteria, some insurance companies might still cover it if it has collectible value or is a limited-edition model, as long as it meets certain requirements. So if your vehicle is rare, unique, or in high demand, it might still qualify for classic car insurance.
Classic car insurance (also called collector car insurance) isn’t like your regular auto insurance policy. These policies often factor in your car’s appraised or agreed value, how often you drive it, and how it’s stored. Since classic cars aren’t typically daily drivers, their insurance needs are as unique as the cars themselves.
As most classic car owners don’t drive them every day, they usually save them for sunny weekends, car shows, or special events. Classic cars are generally at a lower risk of accidents. Insurance companies know this, and it’s one of the reasons why classic car insurance often comes with lower premiums than regular auto insurance.
That said, such cars still need to carry their province's minimum required car insurance coverage, which should be some form of:
Third-party liability coverage
Accident benefits coverage
Uninsured automobile coverage
Direct compensation-property damage coverage
We also recommend collision coverage, as classic cars often cost more to repair or replace due to their higher value or less accessible parts. Further, even if you don't drive your classic car often, we strongly recommend adding comprehensive coverage, as parked cars are still at risk of damage from things like fire, vandalism, theft, water damage, and even falling objects.
Not sure if your car qualifies for classic car insurance? Just give one of our insurance advisors at BrokerLink a call. We’ll walk you through it and help you find the right coverage.
Are you thinking of buying a classic car? Contact BrokerLink today. We can help you determine whether or not the car you've been eyeing qualifies for classic car insurance, and we'll help you find the best coverage for your exact needs.
You can reach us by phone, by email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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