Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Auto Loans Best Classic Car Loans: Top Lenders and Tips for Financing Updated Oct 31, 2024 7-min read Expert Approved Expert Approved This article has been reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner™ for accuracy. Written by Taylor Milam-Samuel Written by Taylor Milam-Samuel Expertise: Student loans, credit cards, debt, budgeting Taylor Milam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator who is passionate about helping people take control of their finances and create a life they love. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching. Learn more about Taylor Milam-Samuel Reviewed by Michael Menninger, CFP® Reviewed by Michael Menninger, CFP® Expertise: Comprehensive financial planning, tax planning, investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning Michael Menninger, CFP®, and the founder and president of Menninger & Associates Financial Planning. He provides his clients with financial products and services, always with his client's individual needs foremost in his mind. Learn more about Michael Menninger, CFP® Classic cars can be more expensive than newer models, and financing them often requires a specialty loan. Many traditional lenders avoid financing older vehicles, so classic car enthusiasts often turn to specialty lenders who understand their unique value. This guide covers the steps to secure a classic car loan and highlights the top lenders offering competitive rates and flexible terms for collectors. LenderRates (APR)Loan amountsLightStream7.24% – 24.99%$5,000 – $100,000Collector Car LendingStarting at 6.25%Starting at $10,000J.J. Best Banc & Co.Not disclosed$6,000 – $2 million Best classic car loans The best classic car loans offer competitive rates, straightforward applications, and high loan limits that allow you to purchase the car you want. Here are the top lenders that provide the best classic car loans. LightStream Best for Excellent Credit 4.7 /5 View Rates Why we picked it LightStream is a popular online lender that offers flexible auto loans for purchasing classic and collector cars. Borrowers can benefit from competitive rates and the ability to borrow substantial amounts, making it a top choice for financing high-value vehicles. LightStream’s secured and unsecured auto loans come with no prepayment penalties, allowing borrowers to pay off their loans early without extra costs. The application process is straightforward and efficient, often providing funding within the same day, which is crucial for buyers needing immediate access to funds. Competitive rates and flexible loan amounts No prepayment penalties Quick approval process with same-day funding available Loan details Rates (APR)7.24% – 24.99%Loan amounts$5,000 – $100,000Repayment terms36, 48, 60, 72, or 84 monthsClassic vehicle requirementsNo appraisal, or restrictions on age or mileage.StatesAvailable in all 50 statesCredit score660 minimumAnnual incomeNot specified, but you must have sufficient income, assets, and credit score Collector Car Lending View Rates Why we picked it Collector Car Lending specializes in financing classic and exotic car purchases, catering to borrowers with various credit profiles. It is one of the few that consider applicants with less-than-perfect credit, making it accessible to a broader audience. Its minimum loan amount starts at $10,000, covering various car types, including those aged seven years or older. Collector Car offers competitive rates and flexible loan terms extending up to 144 months, providing borrowers with manageable monthly payments. Collector Car Lending’s quick and straightforward online application process ensures timely responses, often within 20 minutes during business hours. Loans for classic and exotic cars Terms up to 144 months with no prepayment penalties Loan details Rates (APR)Starting at 6.25%Loan amountsStarting at $10,000 Repayment termsUp to 144 monthsClassic vehicle requirementsMust have a guaranteed or agreed-value insurance policy and a 10% down paymentStatesAvailable in all 50 statesCredit score600 minimum J.J. Best Banc & Co. View Rates Why we picked it J.J. Best Banc & Co is a leading lender in the collector car financing market, known for offering loan amounts as high as $2 million. This makes it an excellent option for borrowers looking to finance rare or high-value classic cars. J.J. Best provides competitive auto loan rates and a variety of term length options to suit different financial needs. The application process with J.J. Best Banc & Co. is efficient, with quick responses during business hours and potential funding availability as soon as the next day. Depending on your credit profile, it offers secured and unsecured loan options and may require a down payment of up to 30%. Borrow up to $2 million Competitive auto loan rates with multiple term options Quick funding responses, often within the next business day Loan details Rates (APR)Not disclosedLoan amounts$6,000 – $2 millionRepayment terms60 – 84 monthsClassic vehicle requirementsSpecial interest cars from 1900 to 1985 and some newer classic, sport and exotic carsStatesAvailable in all 50 statesCredit scoreGood to excellent credit scores—typically starting at 670Annual incomeNot disclosed, but debt-to-income ratio cannot be higher than 45% Can I get classic car financing with any auto lender? No. Most traditional auto lenders don’t offer loans for vehicles over 10 to 20 years old because older cars present challenges in valuation and reliability. Specialty lenders, including those mentioned above, cater to classic car buyers by offering flexible loan terms and expert valuations. These lenders understand the unique value and market for classic cars, making them better suited for financing vehicles that traditional lenders often won’t cover. How do classic car loan rates differ from other auto loan rates? DetailNew car loansClassic car loansInterest ratesLowerHigherCostLess MoreValuation difficultyEasierHarderSpecialty lendersNot neededOften neededLoan amount and termsStandardHigher with specialty lendersInformation availabilityEasy to findHard to find Classic car loans often have higher interest rates than other auto loans. Used car loans, including loans for classic cars, cost more than new car loans. Interest rates tend to be higher for used cars because it’s more difficult for lenders to accurately determine the car’s value—especially for classic cars. Specialty auto lenders have more experience with classic cars and can better evaluate their value, meaning you might qualify for a higher loan amount or better terms. The downside is that it’s usually harder to find information about rates online, and you might have to apply with a specialty car lender to view sample rates. How to get a classic car loan Getting a classic car loan involves additional steps you don’t have to complete with standard auto loans. It’s essential to understand the process before you begin. Here’s how it works. Estimate the cost: Determine the type of car you want to buy and the price. Most specialty car lenders ask for details about the car’s make, model, and year when you apply. You should also consider the size of the loan you need and the down payment amount. Some lenders require a down payment of 10% or more. Compare lenders: Create a list of two or three lenders and gather details about each loan program, including repayment term length, interest rates, and fees. Some lenders don’t provide much information online. If that’s the case, call to request more information. Apply for a loan: You can apply online for specialty car loans. To complete the application, provide information about yourself and the car you plan to buy. Most lenders will follow up within 48 hours and let you know whether you need additional information or documentation. Secure the right insurance: Most specialty auto lenders require that you get specialty insurance before finalizing the loan. You must have a guaranteed or agreed-value insurance policy. The lender can connect you with insurance companies that provide policies. Finalize the loan: After you complete the process and get insurance, you can finalize the loan, including the amount. FAQ What is the oldest car year you can get a loan for? This varies by lender. Some lenders may offer loans for vehicles up to 10 or 15 years old, but the ones discussed above specialize in loans for classic or antique cars, which can be 25 years old or older. What credit score do you need to finance a classic car? Financing a classic car often requires a good to excellent credit score of around 660 or higher. The specific score required can vary by lender. Those with higher credit scores generally get more favorable loan terms and interest rates. Why don’t banks finance older cars? Many banks and traditional financing institutions avoid financing older cars due to the increased risk associated with their depreciating value, the potential for higher maintenance costs, and difficulties in assessing a fair market value. Older cars are seen as less reliable investments compared to newer vehicles. What is the average interest rate on a classic car loan? The interest rates on classic car loans can be higher than those for newer cars, which may range from 4% to 10%. Factors such as the loan amount, term length, the borrower’s credit score, and the car’s value and condition can influence the rate. Specialized lenders that understand the unique value of classic cars might offer competitive rates for well-qualified buyers. Recap of the best classic car loans LenderRates (APR)LightStream7.24% – 24.99%Collector Car LendingStarting at 6.25%J.J. Best Banc & Co.Not disclosed