There are many varieties of classic car out there, and one that often contains certain particular needs or considerations is that of classic cars that have a racing history of any kind. Whether or not you plan to utilize the vehicle for any racing purposes, cars that have been raced in the past may require certain specifics when you're going through the process of evaluating and purchasing them.

At Andersen Restoration Parts, we're happy to offer a wide range of options for restoring a classic vehicle, including suspension rebuild kits, polyurethane kits and many others. In this two-part blog series, we'll discuss some important considerations when looking into the purchase of a classic car with a racing history - today's part one will go over tips for those who plan to continue to race the vehicle moving forward, while part two will go over some alternative approaches for those who do not have any such plans after their purchase.

Most Classic Cars Aren't Race-Ready

First and foremost, it's important for buyers to be aware that even if a classic car has a racing history, possibly a significant one, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's ready to hit the track. Age and wear can catch up with even the most well-maintained classic car, so buyers should assume that any racing vehicle will require at least some form of restoration work before they can actually get back out on the racetrack.

For this reason, you should be planning to evaluate the car's racing history carefully, learning about any past accomplishments or successes and also gathering as much information as possible on how it has been maintained up until now. If you're able to assess this data accurately, there's a better chance that you'll be able to understand the full scope of what parts and components may need replacement in order for you to return the vehicle to full racing capability.

Race Sanctioning Bodies

If you plan to participate in any kind of organized or sanctioned racing events, then you'll need to become familiar with the rules and regulations of the particular sanctioning body that governs your desired form of motor sports. Different organizations may have different requirements in terms of vehicle specifications, safety equipment and other such details; make sure to take these into account when evaluating a classic car for purchase.

For instance, there may be certain vehicle or engine types that you'll need in order to participate in a particular competition or race series. If the car you're looking at doesn't fit into those standards, then it will be important to factor that into your overall decision-making process.

Prep and Towing Needs

As you're looking at various classic car options for racing purposes, make sure to pay attention to what kind of preparation and towing needs may be associated. Once you've identified the type or model of car that you want, it's always wise to also understand the particular logistics involved with prepping the vehicle for competition as well as transporting it from track to track.

This could help you not only gauge the overall cost of ownership, but also determine if you have the necessary resources to properly take care of your new vehicle and make sure it's ready for action whenever you need it.

Will Local Repair Shops Support Your Model?

Especially if you're looking into a rarer model of classic car, it's important to do some research on local repair shops or mechanics who may be able to help you with any potential repairs or maintenance at a moment's notice. It can be tough to find someone who is familiar and experienced with very specific models, so if that applies in your case, make sure to spend some time tracking down an ideal professional.

Of course, if you have the skills to do basic repairs yourself, that can help you save a great deal of time and money as well.

Know the Classic Car Purchase Timeline

Especially if you have races coming up in the near future, it's vital to build in plenty of time for the purchase and restoration process. You'll need to take your time researching, evaluating, and shopping for the right car - don't rush into a decision if you want to be confident in what you're buying.

Once everything is finalized, there will likely be some restoration work involved as well; depending on the level of repairs needed, this could take a few days or even a couple of weeks to complete.

Finally, make sure all the appropriate paperwork is taken care of; for instance, you might need to obtain special licensing and/or registration documents in order to legally race your classic car in certain regions.

Racing classic cars can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as long as you have a good understanding of the process and research thoroughly before making any decisions. Take your time to get acquainted with the car's racing history, know what kind of preparation and towing will be involved, find out if local repair shops can work on your model, and build in plenty of time for the purchase timeline.

At Andersen Restoration Parts, we have the parts and expertise to help you get your classic car ready for racing - so don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Let’s hit the track!