If you’re a classic car enthusiast, set your GPS for the capital of Georgia! The city is teeming with old-timey gems that will definitely get your engines revving. From ’57 Chevrolets to Radford Minis, the streets of the ATL can be an auto enthusiast’s dream.
In this article, we’ll explain why Atlanta is a great city to keep classic cars and the potential types of auto insurance for your classic beauty.
Atlanta’s Climate Is Good for Car Storage
As an owner, you may be concerned with how climate will affect your vehicle over time. . Preserving your specialty vehicle is one of your top priorities, and harsh weather conditions can be the ultimate way to degrade it rapidly.
Luckily, owners in Atlanta, face fewer challenges in terms of environmental damage than those in other parts of the country. According to Road Scholars, maintaining a stable climate over time is the best way to preserve an automobile. While there are seasons and fluctuations, this city has a much more stable climate than some other parts of the U.S.
Average daily lows in A-Town rarely dip below freezing, even in the dead of winter. And summertime temperatures can be hot, but not as boiling as in some other cities. The relatively stable climate of Atlanta means that owners can store their vehicles at home in a garage or somewhere similar without worrying about significant damage.
Additionally, this southern city is landlocked and hundreds of miles away from the nearest body of saltwater. So classic cars in Atlanta don’t deal with the quick degradation that vehicles in coastal places face. Remember that salty air degrades metal five times faster.
Atlanta Is One of the Best Cities for Driving in the Nation
Another concern of classic car owners is the drivability of the city or town in which they live. Poorly kept roads or streets with limited access can be a concern. To make the most of your time cruising around in a vintage vehicle, you’ll want to be in a place with a great driving infrastructure.
Atlanta is in the top half of the favorite cities for driving in the United States and that’s because its major streets were designed for it. Unlike many other American cities, the capital of Georgia became a significant commercial center in the 1960s and 70s — long after automobiles were common. Accordingly, the city streets, highway system, and general infrastructure of this city are designed with driving in mind.
That’s why this sprawling city offers the perfect drivability for specialty car owners, as long as safety precautions are taken.
Classic Car Insurance Can Be Much Cheaper than You Think
Every vehicle on the road needs auto insurance and, lucky for classic car drivers, insurance can be quite affordable. This class of vehicles typically spends less time on the road and is often given extra care. Usually, they’re luxury vehicles meant for joy rides (as opposed to commuting or traveling). Therefore, they don’t rack up as many miles and are less likely to have accidents.
North Georgia Has a History of Classic Car Appreciation
Restored vintage and collector vehicles go hand-in-hand with North Georgia. That’s because this region has a history of appreciating these vintage rides. The Miles Through Time Automotive Museum in Clarksville, GA, about an hour and a half from Atlanta, is a testament to that fact.
This 20,000-square-foot museum houses 60 full-sized classic cars and over 5,000 model automobiles. It’s a celebration of vintage collecting. Auto enthusiasts from all over converge here to learn more about other models and get inspired.
Another spot to check out in North Georgia is Old Car City, U.S.A. This place is known as the world’s largest junkyard featuring American-made automobiles from the early 20th century. Located in the city of White, less than one hour from metro Atlanta, you’ll find thousands of super cool vintage vehicles in varying conditions. The grounds are scattered with many old models that are in complete disrepair.
But there are also some well-preserved and novelty vehicles, such as Elvis’s final purchase: A 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III.
Atlanta’s Annual Car Shows, Cruise-ins and Meet-ups
Feed your obsession with an auto show in this bustling southern town. Vintage vehicle lovers and collectors meet several times a year for cruise-ins and shows. Here, you can learn more about your favorites and even show off your own.
Or, attend a meet-up and join a community of other like-minded individuals.
Atlanta’s Many Classic Cruiser Dealerships
If you’re a collector or want to begin your collection, then Atlanta is the perfect place for you. The city is home to dozens of specialty dealerships, with new inventory coming in all the time. You’ll be able to find vehicles from all eras and makes, from vintage 50s Chevys and Fords to muscle cars from the ’60s and beautiful coupes from the ’70s.
Plus, competitive prices in this part of the country can make owning an old-school automobile easier than ever for Georgia drivers. Most dealerships even have a selection of parts and accessories in-house to customize your ride. There are plenty of specialty shops where you can bring your vintage wheels for repair.