When deciding on the overall value of a collectible vehicle, appraisers often take into account factors such as the car’s history, the rarity of the model based on overall number produced, and the recent sale price of comparable models. One of the most obvious areas that affect any vehicle’s value is its condition. Shoddy restoration work or failure to store a car in suitable conditions can reduce the value of even the rarest car by hundreds of thousands of dollars. To ensure that you know the general value of your car based on its condition before you start a restoration process or take it to auction, take a look at the scale used by automobile appraisers when determining condition.

Most appraisers or automotive experts rate vehicles on a scale of 1 to 6 when conducting an appraisal. This system resembles a scale that was first published in Old Cars magazine in the mid-70’s and has since been adopted as a helpful tool for appraisers to quickly communicate the value of the car to its owner. The highest number, 1, stands for cars that are in Excellent condition; these vehicles are professionally restored to current maximum expert standards of quality in every area, or perfect originals with all components operating and appearing as new or better. They are concours d’elegance vehicles that are visually perfect with no scratches or blemishes, and never driven. Special maintenance and care for these vehicles include starting them every 2-3 months to exercise their drivetrain. When you see a number 1 vehicle at a show, it was trailered to the location and often the owner has mirrors around the vehicle to show that the undercarriage is perfect. These are the vehicles that receive invitations to concours events around the world and will compete for best of show awards.

The next tier down, number 2, is the Fine category. These are cars that have been well restored and taken care of to the highest degree possible with only a few minimal shortcomings. Vehicles that fall into this “close to but not Excellent” category often contain one or two faulty components or have been driven a bit more than would be advised for perfect upkeep. They are usually called “immaculate street vehicles,” but they are just a few degrees away from perfection. When you see a number 2 vehicle at a show, it often was driven there by the owner. The owner takes meticulous care of this vehicle and often will win best in their class at a show.

Very Good is the number three category; these are cars that are just a few steps above an everyday vehicle. They may have undergone an amateur or “older” restoration using as many NOS parts as possible, but they also have a fair few facsimile parts in order to fill in the gaps. Category 3 cars also show much more wear than either of the two above categories would. Their owners drive them often for car shows or they were frequently used before restoration, as evidenced by visible creases on interior leatherwork or small scratches on outside paneling. Most Very Good cars are a far cry from excellent, but they still show off the passion and interests of the owner and can be just as interesting to look at and learn about.

Our next tier marks the point past which cars are likely to be recognized for their conditional value and will need significant work to advance any higher on the scale. These are our Good cars, meaning that they are driveable and operational, but still need more authentic and better-working parts if they are to be recognized as significant by any appraiser. Good condition is often the result of passing interest in the car’s upkeep supplemented by a few amateur restorations. There is still a long way to go to perfect, but the car is by no means inoperable or unsalvageable.

Number five, Restorable cars, need complete and detailed restoration to all essential systems and features, such as the chassis, bodywork, interior, and the mechanics under the hood. Cars that have been under a loose tarp in a garage for a few decades or have been driven in all conditions continuously since its manufacture often fall into this category, and the amount of restoration needed is often enough to make the owner think twice about even starting the process in the first place. However, the defining feature of this car is that it is fully or partially operable in spite of all of these issues.

When a car has all of these issues and is mostly or fully inoperable, they fall into the sixth and final category: Parts vehicles. These vehicles may or may not be running, but are weathered, wrecked and/or stripped to the point of being useful primarily for parts. The vehicle is also incomplete to various degrees. This is not to say that these cars have no value; their parts may go on to power an Excellent-condition vehicle and ensure its authenticity. As far as restoration is concerned, though, Parts vehicles are almost always a total lost cause.

We hope that by consulting this guide you have a greater understanding of how your vehicle or one you’re interested in will ultimately be evaluated. Each of these categories has its own nuances and particular differences, but they all play a part in the grand scheme of present-day restoration. Keep this scale in mind as you start to collect or continue to expand your collection; it could make the difference between a pile of scrap and the Collectors’ Hall of Fame!

References:

Car Conditions: What The Numbers Mean - Hagerty Media

The 1-6 Collector Car Rating System demystified - Old Cars Weekly