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If you’re looking for a bit of fun and luxury in your life then you can’t go wrong with investing in a classic car. Whether you’re after a high-performance heritage Bentley or a cheeky Mini Cooper when viewing classic cars something always worth looking out for is a bit of provenance.

Has anyone interesting owned the car before you, are the manuals and other ephemera still lying in the glove box? All this adds value and is a great talking point at classic car events.

Here at Lancaster Insurance, we love hearing about the interesting stories behind enthusiasts’ cars when helping them find the right vintage car insurance.

However, not every car comes with such records. If you’ve finally hit on the drive of your dreams what better way to soak it all up than to look into its past. But where can you start?

Read on to find out how to research the history of your classic car.

 

Why research your classic car’s history?

As well as for your own personal interest, researching a car’s provenance can pay off in many other ways.

Before purchase, it can be a cost-effective way of making sure you’re buying what you think you’re buying and getting a fair price.

A bit of research could highlight whether you’re getting a dud or whether you’re bagging a real bargain!

Knowing the vehicle’s history will also help you to value it properly for classic car insurance purposes. You’ll want to make sure you’re fully covered by your policy.

It’s also well known among enthusiasts that a well-researched car will be more valuable and easier to sell than a similar car with little background information.

Classic car enthusiasts can be very nostalgic and will pay more for something that truly reminds them of yesteryear.

So, whether it’s an original log book, old receipts for garage work, holiday snaps, insurance cover notes and even speeding tickets or tax discs, it’ll all help build up a fuller picture of the car’s journey so far.

So what are the best resources you can call upon?

Check the car itself

Depending on where you’ve bought the car from, this could unearth some priceless background.

Perhaps it’s a fantastic barn find or has rested untouched in a lock-up since the 1970s. Who knows what vital information could lay undisturbed under the passenger car seat or stashed in the boot!

 

Contact the seller

If you’re interested in the car’s history, then chances are the previous owner was, too. They may have already done a lot of the research legwork and are only too happy to share. It’ll save you a lot of time and give you a great head start.

 

Hit the Internet

Researching the history of cars has become so much easier and quicker nowadays with the Internet.

Simply searching for the registration or VIN plate number could reveal lots of useful information. Previous sale listings can make a great place from which to begin your search.

There are also online tools available to help you decode the car’s VIN plate. By telling you where the car was built or any unusual engine or body type options could help your car stand out from a larger production run.

If your classic is UK registered then contact the DVLA and complete a V888 form.

Using the car registration, the DVLA will be able to tell you the number of previous owners, vehicle changes over time, and possibly the details of any previous keepers.

If you’re looking for information about your current car or one you were previously the keeper of, then it’ll cost you £5 per enquiry.

If the original buff-coloured log book is still with the car then you might be lucky and there’ll be names and addresses to follow up on, whether through letter, phone call or email. Be warned, though, not everyone appreciates a cold call.

Join a club

Another great source of information on the web and in person is to add your car to an owners’ club registry or enthusiast forum.

From the Volvo Owners’ Club to the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, people are often only too happy to help with tracking down a bit of history from old photographs or memories of little-known events.

Some owners clubs go further and have assembled large databases that can sometimes help you find information about specific vehicles and technical documentation.

Getting out there and spreading the word that you’re looking for information will not only help you but also any future owners.

 

Contact the manufacturer

Classic cars work wonders for the image of manufacturers showing their products still working perfectly and giving pleasure after all these years.

Contacting your car’s manufacturer might help fill in any gaps or get you started on the road to researching your vehicle’s past.

If you own a classic you might even be able to apply for a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate.

 

Check the paperwork

Any old invoices or service records kept by an enthusiastic owner could be a treasure trove of information on your beloved motor’s life so far.

Different mechanics or specialists who have worked on the vehicle may know a surprising amount – they may even have some pictures of the work being done.

For that bit extra

For the truly unique or historical vehicles then a trip to one of the UK’s motor museums or archives could uncover some surprising information.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire could well hold the key that will unlock the past of your classic car.

 

Classic car insurance

Lancaster Insurance is the favourite classic vehicle insurance broker of thousands of owners of classic vehicles. From MGBs and Mazda MX5s to Volkswagen Golfs and Morris Minors, Lancaster is a popular choice.

With over 35 years of experience in the specialist insurance market, we’re passionate about classic vehicles. Working closely with our panel of specialist underwriters, we will search for the best cover for your special car.

Call the friendly team for a quote today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.