Classic Car Finance
Financing a classic car is a different conversation to a standard vehicle loan.
Most mainstream lenders won't touch vehicles once they fall outside standard valuation guides, which means buyers often get pushed toward expensive unsecured personal loans or told to come back with something newer.
As a specialist finance broker with access to 50+ lenders, we know which lenders have appetite for classic, vintage and collectible vehicles, how to structure the deal around proper valuations, and how to get it approved without the runaround.
Whether you're buying a matching numbers muscle car, a restored classic from a private seller, or bidding at auction, we handle the finance from application through to settlement.
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How Classic Car Finance Works
Classic car finance covers any vehicle that sits outside the standard age and valuation criteria applied to mainstream vehicle finance. In practical terms, that means vehicles older than 15 to 20 years where Redbook and Glass's Guide no longer carry reliable data.
The structure of the loan depends on how the vehicle will be used and what the lender is willing to accept as security.
Chattel mortgage is the most common structure when the classic car has a legitimate business purpose. This could include display vehicles, branding, corporate entertainment, or investment within a company structure. Chattel mortgage gives the buyer ownership from day one with potential tax benefits on GST, interest and depreciation.
Consumer secured loans are used for personal purchases where the lender is comfortable taking security over the vehicle. The key requirement here is a formal independent valuation that supports the purchase price. Not every lender will do this, which is why broker access matters.
Unsecured personal loans are the fallback when no lender will take security over the vehicle itself. Rates are higher and amounts are typically capped lower, but for some vehicles or purchase situations this is the only option available. We always explore secured options first to keep costs down.
Loan terms generally run from 3 to 7 years, with fixed rate repayments available on most structures. Balloon or residual payments are possible on chattel mortgage deals but are less common on consumer loans.
What You Can Finance with Classic Car Finance
We arrange finance for a wide range of classic, vintage, and collectible vehicles across all purchase types.
Vehicle types include Australian muscle cars, European sports and touring cars, American classics and imports, Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles, vintage and veteran vehicles, restored and modified classics, and heritage commercial vehicles. If a vehicle has genuine collector or enthusiast value and can be properly valued, we can work with it. Modern prestige and performance vehicles that still sit inside standard valuation guides are covered under luxury vehicle finance.
Purchase sources include licensed classic car dealers, private sellers and collectors, auction houses (including pre approval so you can bid with confidence), interstate purchases, and imported vehicles that meet Australian compliance requirements.
Loan amounts typically range from $20,000 to $250,000, though we can structure larger deals for high value collectibles. Most lenders require a formal independent valuation from a qualified automotive appraiser, particularly for vehicles purchased through private sale or auction. Dealer purchases with full documentation and provenance history are generally the simplest to fund.
Who Classic Car Finance Is For
Classic car finance suits a broad range of buyers, but the common thread is that these vehicles sit outside normal lending criteria and need a broker who understands how to present them to the right lender.
Collectors and enthusiasts purchasing heritage vehicles as part of a collection, whether buying a first classic or adding to an established stable.
Business owners acquiring classic or prestige vehicles for corporate use, display, client entertainment, or as a company investment. Chattel mortgage structures make this tax effective when the vehicle has a genuine business purpose, the same approach we use across business vehicle finance.
Investors purchasing appreciating vehicles with proven value history. Unlike standard cars that depreciate, well maintained classics in sought after categories have a strong track record of holding or increasing in value, and some lenders recognise this in their assessment.
Auction buyers who need pre approval before bidding. Having finance arranged in advance means you can bid with confidence and settle quickly when you win, which matters at competitive auctions where vendors expect fast payment.
Private sale buyers dealing directly with other collectors or sourcing vehicles through car clubs, forums, and social media. These transactions require additional documentation (PPSR check, written contract of sale, independent valuation) but are often where the best vehicles are found.
Why Use a Broker For Classic Car Finance
Most banks and mainstream lenders don't have a standard product for classic vehicles. Their systems are built around Redbook and Glass's data, and when a vehicle falls outside those guides, the application either gets declined or defaults to an unsecured personal loan with higher rates and lower limits.
A broker with access to 50+ lenders knows which ones have appetite for classic and collectible vehicles, which ones will accept independent valuations, and which ones offer secured lending on older assets. That means we can match your vehicle and your situation to the right lender the first time, instead of you working through multiple bank applications and getting knocked back.
We also handle the documentation that classic car deals require. Private sale contracts, PPSR checks, valuation coordination, and compliance paperwork for imports all add complexity that a standard car loan application doesn't involve. We manage this process end to end so you can focus on finding the right vehicle.
For business buyers, we structure the deal to maximise tax effectiveness. For personal buyers, we prioritise getting a secured rate rather than defaulting to unsecured lending. Either way, the goal is the same: the right structure with the best rate available for your vehicle and your circumstances.
Get a Free Classic Car Finance Quote
Compare classic car finance options from 50+ lenders with no obligation. Whether you're buying from a dealer, private seller, or heading to auction, we'll find the right structure and rate for your vehicle.
Getting Classic Car Finance
Step 1: Tell Us About the Vehicle
Share the details of the classic car you're looking to purchase, or let us know you're still searching and want pre approval before you buy. We'll ask about the make, model, year, condition, purchase source, and price range. A quick phone call is usually all we need to map out the best approach for your situation.
Step 2: We Find the Right Lender
We match your vehicle and your financial profile to the best fit from our 50+ lender panel. For classic cars this means targeting lenders that accept independent valuations, offer secured lending on older vehicles, and understand collector and enthusiast assets. We handle the valuation coordination, documentation, and lender submission.
Step 3: Get Approved and Settle
Once approved, we coordinate settlement directly with the dealer, private seller, or auction house. Most straightforward classic car deals settle within 48 to 72 hours of full documentation being received. For auction purchases with pre approval in place, settlement can happen same day.
Classic Car Finance FAQ's
Ready to Finance a Classic Car? Compare Australia's Top Lenders
Call us on 0416 960 969 for a quick chat about your classic car purchase, or fill out the form below. Most enquiries receive a response the same business day.