Kelley Blue Book Classic Car Values
When it comes to properly appraising an old car and getting classic car values, many insurance companies and classic car collectors rely on the Kelley Blue Book values to help them get a good understanding of how much their classic cars are worth.
Keeping in mind that there are a number of factors that go into determining how much a classic car is worth, the blue book value is great for finding a ballpark figure.
Yet, classic car enthusiasts quickly discover the limitations of traditional valuation tools when dealing with vintage automobiles. The unique characteristics that make classic cars special—limited production numbers, historical significance, originality, and restoration quality—create valuation challenges that standard pricing guides simply weren’t designed to address. You might want someone to bring a trailer immediately, or you might have a unique project car you’re looking to walk away from…
While Kelley Blue Book offers valuable insights for modern vehicles, classic car values require specialized expertise that Alex Manos has developed over 20 years of experience buying and selling classic automobiles nationwide. Understanding both the opportunities and limitations of KBB for classic car valuation is essential for collectors looking to make informed decisions about their prized vehicles.
What is Kelley Blue Book?
Kelley Blue Book has been a cornerstone of automotive valuation since 1926, when Les Kelley, a car dealer in Los Angeles, created a list of automobile values to help his dealership negotiate trade-ins. What began as a simple price guide evolved into one of the most widely-used resources in the auto industry. Today, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) provides consumers and industry professionals with vehicle valuations, reviews, and automotive insights.
KBB’s reputation is built on its methodology for modern vehicles, which incorporates actual sales transactions, auction data, and dealer transactions to establish fair market values. For contemporary automobiles, the system works exceptionally well, offering transparent price ranges that account for condition, mileage, features, and regional market variations. Consumers can easily determine trade-in values, private party values, and dealer retail prices for vehicles manufactured within the last three decades.
Looking to sell a classic Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes, Jaguar, or any of the car makers listed (HERE)?
However, when it comes to classic cars manufactured before 1992, Kelley Blue Book’s comprehensive valuation system faces significant limitations. The standard methodologies that work effectively for modern vehicles don’t account for the unique factors that influence classic car values. Rarity, historical significance, originality, documentation, and provenance all play crucial roles in determining a classic car’s worth—factors that extend beyond KBB’s traditional valuation parameters.
Alternatives to KBB for Classic Cars
When Kelley Blue Book falls short for valuing your classic automobile, several specialized resources and approaches can provide more accurate assessments of vintage vehicle worth. Classic car owners and sellers have multiple options beyond KBB that better account for the unique factors affecting collectible vehicle values.
Specialized price guides like Hagerty Valuation Tools and NADA Guides Classic Car Values have emerged as industry standards for collectible automobiles. These resources focus exclusively on vintage and classic vehicles, maintaining extensive databases of sales data, auction results, and market trends specific to collectible cars.
Auction results represent another valuable benchmark for classic car values. Major auction houses like RM Sotheby’s, Gooding & Company, and Mecum publish detailed sales results that provide real-world data points on what collectors are willing to pay for specific models. However, auction prices can be misleading without context—they often represent the very best examples of particular models.
Selling? Call 833-301-3777 or email [email protected]
Professional classic car buyers like Alex Manos offer perhaps the most accessible and realistic alternative to KBB for classic car valuation. With over two decades of experience purchasing classic vehicles nationwide, Alex has developed a comprehensive understanding of the market factors that determine fair values for vintage automobiles in any condition. Unlike auction estimates or pricing guides, Alex provides actual purchase offers based on current market conditions, the specific attributes of your vehicle, and his extensive network of collectors and restoration specialists.
The Alex Manos approach to valuation differs fundamentally from resource guides by considering:
- Actual market demand for specific makes and models at the present moment
- The vehicle’s exact condition without requiring costly pre-sale restoration
- Complete vehicle history and documentation
- Model-specific value factors like matching numbers, original components, and factory options
- Regional price variations and transportation logistics
While pricing guides provide theoretical values and auctions create artificial competitive environments, dedicated classic car buyers like Alex Manos offer something more valuable to sellers: immediate, realistic offers with guaranteed payment and no hidden fees or commissions.
This approach eliminates the uncertainty and delay associated with private sales or consignment through dealers and auction houses.
For classic car owners seeking accurate valuations, combining these alternative resources with a professional assessment from an established buyer provides the most complete picture of a vehicle’s true market value. Each resource has its strengths, but only a dedicated classic car specialist can translate theoretical values into actual purchase offers based on current market realities.
Are classic car values rising or are classic cars losing value? Is my 37 year old car a classic? Classical car prices remained high in 2022, averaging 20% increase in sales and higher prices paid. A shortage in the availability of vintage cars and the growth in HNW individuals helped fuel this market as a whole. A good way of increasing investment income is by collecting classic cars. Most classic car values gain as they become older and rarer.
Experienced valuation experts like NADA and Hagerty provide classic car valuation tools and services. Selecting by Year, Make, Model gets a ballpark estimate. But one size doesn’t fit all. Today’s value is determined analyzing supply and demand, using historical sale prices and current asking prices on available inventory. Keep in mind 70% of classic / antique cars are sold through private party sales, 20% through auctions and 10% through dealerships. No single valuation source can precisely determine a classic car’s value. Comparing results from multiple valuation sources will help determine your value questions.
Your best option when selling is to contact the Alex Manos team for assistance! Their team of friendly professionals have years of experience working with vintage autos from around the world. After a quick review of any submitted images to verify whether your car is authentic and of interest, they will make you a competitive cash offer for your vehicle. The best part about going through Alex Manos is that you don’t have to worry about restoring or repairing your car; they will do all the work for you for a seamless and painless sales process, and will pay to have it shipped to their Los Angeles office from anywhere in the United States.
Selling? Call 833-301-3777 or email [email protected]
Recent testimonials: ( link )
Explore By Year Make Model
Mercedes Benz
View detailed seller information on all Classic Mercedes by Year Make Model and more!
Jaguar
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Austin-Healey
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Porsche
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Abarth
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AC
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Alfa Romeo
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Amphicar
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Aston Martin
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Ferrari
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Lamborghini
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Lancia
View detailed seller information on all Classic Lancia by Year Make Model and more!
WE PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR MANY TYPES OF OLD CARS, RESTORED, PROJECTS & EXOTICS!
Lotus
View detailed seller information on all Classic Lotus by Year Make Model and more!
Maserati
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Rolls-Royce
View detailed seller information on all Classic Rolls-Royce by Year Make Model and more!
Sunbeam
View detailed seller information on all Classic Sunbeam by Year Make Model and more!
Triumph
View detailed seller information on all Classic Triumph by Year Make Model and more!
Bentley
View detailed seller information on all Classic Bentley by Year Make Model and more!
Delorean
View detailed seller information on all Classic Delorean by Year Make Model and more!
BMW
View detailed seller information on all Classic BMW by Year Make Model and more!
Recent Reviews:
“Amazing. Bought a car two years ago from Alex and now selling a car, both experiences were easy, quick, professional, and seamless. Would absolutely recommend and will be a repeat customer in the future.”
“About as pleasant as it can be. Besides a bit of price haggling, I had a pleasant experience selling my ’84 911 Carrera to Alex. The paperwork and financial transaction was seamless.”
“My compliments to Alex Manos. After researching and deciding to sell my Porsche 993 I contacted Alex Manos after coming across one of his ads. He is very professional and truly knows the collector car market. We made a deal on the initial phone call. The price was accurate and he did everything he said he would do. He handled everything quickly and it was the best experience I have had selling an automobile and I have sold quite a few. I highly recommend his services and I will definitely use him again!”
“So easy! Sold two of my cars prior to selling my house. I had one left, that I dragged my feet on, didn’t want to part with it. Needed by far the most work, but being all original drove the best. My other 2 deals put me through the wringer. Deals falling out, nutty buyers, and everyone wanted ‘their’ mechanic to look at them. Being that this one was an old Buick I thought it would be easy. But old Buicks are hard to sell I guess. I would say give them a shot. At least you’ll save some money on all the booze you’ll need to make it through finding buyers and selling through traditional means.”
“Alex is amazing – I was referred to Alex from a highly trusted friend/client of over 35 years who is a car collector and expert. Alex returned my call quickly gave me a fair offer for my car and offered to wire money instantly. I have been in the car business for over 40 years and I am excited to know I have an expert to sell some of my cars to that are outside of my expertise. thank you again Alex and your amazing staff!”
“Such an easy and seamless experience. They took care of everything over the phone/email and set up a service to come and pick up the car at my residence. Would definitely recommend and work with again.”
“After we agreed to Alex’s price he was very professional and efficient in coming to collect the car and the various parts that existed. His men showed up on time with a flatbed truck and had the full payment in cash.”
“I was very skeptical about the company I was afraid it would be a scam well it is Not they did everything I asked of to assure they were honest and true to what they said. They are a honest high quality business and would not hesitate for one minute to recommend them. They are First Class.”
We Buy Any Condition, Nationwide.
My name is Alex Manos, my team and I buy European & American classic cars and we’d love to talk about selling your classic car today!
Phone: 833-301-3777
