A Car Glossary – How Automobiles are Generally Categorized

A Car Glossary – How Automobiles are Generally Categorized

Car owners, automakers, auto organizations and even insurance companies will often categorize automobiles to sort them into groups. Sometimes, however, there is confusion about these groups and there may even be some crossover. Some categories are more formal and others more flexible. Here is a general glossary of cars and how they are sorted into categories.

Vintage – This term is generally used to describe automobiles that were manufactured prior to 1930.

Antique – This label is given to cars that are 45 years or older. It may be surprising to know that if you have a late 1980s model car.

Classic – Cars that have reached 20 years of age but have yet to reach 45 years old are considered “classics”. Cars that were produced in the early 2000s are already considered classic cars.

Historic – Historic and antique vehicles have similarities when it comes to age.

Show Car – Sometimes referred to as “dream cars”, these are cars produced by manufacturers or private owners specifically to display at car shows or related events.

Exotic – Exotic cars can be wide-ranging and a bit subjective. They are generally considered extraordinary, exceptional, and likely rare. Exotic cars are usually unique and/or distinctive. While “exotic” doesn’t necessarily mean expensive, many exotic cars are costly. Exotic cars are often produced in a foreign country and may rarely be seen on local roads or highways.

Collectible Cars – People may collect cars due to their make or model, or even because of memories they bring back from a time gone by. What can make cars collectible is how rare they are, the condition they are in, and the likelihood they will continue to increase in value in the future. Collectible cars are either in exceptional condition or restored to the point where their value exceeds that of a similar car of the same make and model.

Muscle Cars – While there have been many discussions and debates regarding the exact definition of a muscle car, it is generally used to describe an American made, 2-door coupe with powerful engines.

Super-Cars – A super-car is a high performance sports car that has extraordinary acceleration and usually 200mph-plus top speeds. They are usually produced in somewhat limited runs and are often priced in excess of $250,000.

Standard production cars can easily be insured, however, some unique vehicles above will take specific policies or riders to be adequately protected. We can help. Contact one of our independent insurance agents to discuss your car, its value, and the appropriate protection. We look forward to assisting you.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

American Grandeur: Exploring the Majesty of America’s Iconic Castles

Beyond fairy tales: Discover the real-life castles of America.

Mind-Blowing Trivia: Random Facts to Spark Curiosity

From mountain heights to shoe counts: Random facts that will surprise you.

Punching Above Your Weight: Building a Strong Brand to Compete with Giants

Small business, big impact: Building a brand that rivals the competition.

Life Insurance: Investment or Protection? Decoding Cash Value Policies

Is life insurance an investment? Understanding cash value policies.

Independent vs. Captive: Choosing the Right Auto Insurance Agent

Unlock more choices: Understanding independent vs. captive insurance agents.

Deluges of Disaster: Remembering America’s Most Devastating Floods

From Johnstown to New Orleans: Remembering the fury of America’s historic floods.

Beyond the Theme Parks: 7 Unique Florida Experiences

Discover a different side of Florida: 7 unique adventures.

Turning Negatives into Positives: Mastering Online Reputation Management

Don’t fear negative reviews: Learn how to manage your online reputation.

From Picky Eaters to Healthy Habits: Nurturing Lifelong Wellness in Children

Beyond the clean plate: Fostering healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

Road Rage and Reckless Driving: Are We Forgetting the Rules of the Road?

Are today’s drivers losing their way? A refresher on essential driving skills.