There are moments in life that stay etched forever. The first kiss, the first job, the first time you drive alone on the highway with the windows down. But, for those of us who have gasoline in our veins, there is one moment that surpasses all others: the first time we lay our hands on a classic car of ours, ready to be restored. That was the case with my first classic car.
The day I found my first classic car
I remember that day perfectly. I spent months searching forums, Facebook groups, auctions, and even bar conversations with other vintage car enthusiasts.
Until one afternoon, an advertisement appeared in front of me that made my heart beat faster: a 1972 Ford Taunus, abandoned but with incredible potential.
It wasn't the perfect car. In fact, it was far from it. The paint was worn, the engine hadn't been started in years, and the interior smelled musty. But there it was, waiting for me. I had no hesitation; I called the owner, negotiated a bit, and in less than 24 hours, the car was in my garage.
+My Story: How I Started My Vintage Car Collection
The challenge of restoration
If you think restoring a classic car is just about giving it a fresh coat of paint and replacing a few parts, you're mistaken. When I opened the hood and saw the engine covered in dust and rust, I knew I was in for a fight.
Every screw was a struggle. Every piece was a puzzle. But every step forward, however small, was a victory. I discovered that restoring a car isn't just a matter of technique, but of patience. It's like reliving a story, piece by piece, until it's restored to its original glory.
I learned to appreciate every detail: the texture of the original steering wheel, the sound of the exhaust as it roared back to life for the first time, the feeling of shifting through the gears in a gearbox that had come back to life after decades.
The moment of truth
After months of effort, the big day arrived. I turned the key, the engine coughed, hesitated for a second, and suddenly, boom! That roar I dreamed of so much filled the garage. The excitement was indescribable. I felt like a kid on Christmas Day. It wasn't just a restored car; it was a dream come true.
What I learned in the process
If you're thinking about restoring your first classic car, here are some tips I wish I'd known before starting:
- Choose a model with parts availability. Some cars seem like a good deal, but finding spare parts can be a nightmare.
- Don't underestimate the costs. You'll always spend more than you imagine. Allow some extra room in your budget.
- Find a good, trustworthy mechanic. If you don't know something, learn it or find someone who does. It'll save you a lot of headaches.
- Enjoy every step of the process. It's not just the final car that matters, but the entire journey to get there.
Today, when I look at my restored Ford Taunus, I don't just see a car. I see every hour invested, every frustration, and every moment of pure happiness. And that, my friend, is what makes owning a classic worthwhile.
And you? What's the classic car you dream of restoring one day?
Passionate about classic cars for as long as he can remember, Javier Montoro has dedicated his life to the search, restoration, and preservation of true gems on wheels. With years of experience purchasing, restoring, and maintaining vintage vehicles, he shares his knowledge, stories, and lessons learned on this blog.