Over the last decade, a growing number of people have started to invest in classic cars. From the 1950s to modern classics dating back to the 80s and 90s, many cars that were previously considered commonplace have become major collectors items.

Although the classic car market isn’t quite as hot as it was three or four years ago, many cars remain valuable assets today. They’re also a huge amount of fun to own, offering an incredible amount of weekend fun when the weather and road conditions are right. 

Below, we’ve shared four items and accessories that are must-haves for owners of classic cars, from car covers and other essentials for keeping a vehicle in top condition to other accessories that add a touch of personality to your vehicle.

A Car Cover

Dust, dirt, mould and other substances can seriously affect the appearance and structure of your car, especially if it’s an older vehicle with delicate parts or intricate details.

Because of this, it’s important to invest in a good quality car cover if you own a classic car. The right cover will play an important role in protecting your car from the elements, helping to avoid preventable damage and ensure your vehicle retains as much value as possible.

If you store your car inside, a single-layer cover will often be enough to keep it protected. If it’s stored outside, it’s important to invest in a multi-layer cover that provides full protection against moisture, sunlight, wind, dust and — if you live in a cold environment — extreme temperatures. 

Personalised Number Plates

Personalised number plates are great for adding personality to your vehicle, helping it to stand out from the crowd. They’re especially good on classic cars, which naturally attract attention on their own.

There are several different types of personalised plates available in the UK. Some plates use a traditional number plate format, allowing you to choose a number that’s a match for your car’s model number or a series of letters that are similar to its brand name.

These plates are relatively inexpensive. For example, if you own a Ferrari 360, you can pick up personalised number plates with the number combination “360” in them for just a few thousand pounds. 

Another option is to choose a dateless plate. These allow for more customisation, as they use a different format from conventional UK number plates. However, some combinations attract high demand, meaning they’ll often cost more than a typical number plate. 

Show Number Plates

Show number plates, or show plates, are number plates that are designed to display a certain word, number combination or message. They aren’t road legal, and they’re typically designed for use when your car is either stored at home or on display at a car show.

If you plan to display your classic car at events or competitions, the right set of show plates is essential for standing out from the crowd and attracting attention. 

Since show plates aren’t subject to the same legal restrictions as personalised plates, you’re free to customise them to your heart’s content. You can also choose from a range of shapes, colors and designs, including customised plates designed to suit your vehicle model.

Cleaning Tools, Protectants and Other Care Items

Finally, it’s important to have a car care and protection kit that includes everything you need to keep your classic car clean, protected and aesthetically pristine. A good care and protection kit should include:

• An interior cleaning kit and protectant
• Protectant for magnesium and aluminium (especially for older European and Japanese cars)
• A waterless car washing set (especially if your car is prone to rust)
• An automotive fire extinguisher (especially if you own a performance car)
• A comprehensive tool kit
• Motor oil
• Metal polish

Finally, if you work on your car yourself, it’s important to keep a copy of the manual either in the car or in your home. This way, you’ll have all of the information you need in front of you, should you ever need to replace a part or make a repair. 

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