The 10 Best Places To Find An Affordable Classic Car Pt 6: Marque Club Publications

Part VI:  7. Marque Club Publications

I’ve always believed that joining the car club for the specific make of car you have is a good idea, for a number of reasons. National car clubs are the keepers of the flame for specific car makes. Most have significant histories going back many years, founded by the first enthusiasts who decided to organize, formalizing their passion for their cars. Clubs and their members are probably the best resources available to find a good car, learn more about a car you’ve got, or sell your car when the time comes.

Clubs generally have well developed publications, individual magazines dedicated to that particular marque. These publications chronicle the happenings of individual chapters and the national body. They include things like event reports, car shows, technical articles explaining particular models or mechanical aspects of individual cars or their components. All of these publications include classified sections where members can list cars for sale.

I’m familiar with several of these publications, specifically The Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s (MBCA) “The Star”, the Porsche Club of America’s (PCA) “Panorama”, and the BMW Car Club of America’s (BMWCCA) “Roundel”. The classifieds in the back of each are full of excellent, well cared for examples of classics… some affordable, others, not so much.

While I believe these publications can be a decent place to find an affordable classic, I also think that the club members listing their cars often think too much of their cars and put huge sale prices on them. It’s probably safe to say that cars owned by club members have been fastidiously maintained and cared for, wiped down with a soft cloth often no doubt, but be careful to not overpay just because someone thinks their 1969 Porsche 912 is the finest example on the planet.

I was looking through the classifieds in a recent issue of “The Star” and saw some very high prices and phrases like “Best in the U.S.”, “Mint”, “Excellent Condition”. I’m sure a lot of these cars are in great shape… but best in the U.S.? Going back and looking at the previous issue, and the issue before that, I saw the same car, same description, same insane price. The Star is published every two months… so this guy has listed his car for six months with no takers (It’s a 1976 450SLC, the coupe will never have the appeal of the roadsters). I’m sure it’s a fine car, but the market doesn’t seem to think it’s worth the $17,000 he’s asking for it even if with its 58,000 original miles.

Classifieds in these publications can be a great place to find some of the lowest mileage and nicest cars of their kind in the country, obsessed over by true marque enthusiasts, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your due diligence and try to get a great deal. If you’re going to pay up for a great car, make sure the seller can produce records, receipts and documentation for any work they’re claiming has been done to the car.

I think joining the local chapter of any national marque car club is a great idea. It will put you in touch with people who share your passion. It will open up opportunities for social events as well as track events were you can learn to drive your car to the limit of its ability… or at least to the limit of your ability. You’ll automatically start receiving the club’s national magazine and you’ll have access to quality classifieds and be privy to inside information regarding the marque. If you do join a club, make sure all the people in your local club know if you’re looking for something specific. One of them just might know where to find that BMW 3.0 CS project you’ve been looking for!