Looking to turn your classic car passion into a lucrative career?
We’ve rounded up some of the best jobs for classic car lovers that don’t skimp on the pay. Perfect for those who live and breathe vintage automobiles and want their work life to reflect that.
What Makes a Good Job for Classic Car Lovers?
We looked for jobs that:
- Provide hands-on interaction with classic cars
- Allow creative expression through restoration or customization
- Offer a blend of mechanical and historical knowledge
- Involve sourcing rare or unique car parts
- Foster connections with classic car communities
Best Jobs for Classic Car Lovers
You don’t need a college degree for many of these gigs, and they still pay really well. A lot of these opportunities come down to your skills and certifications rather than formal education. So if you know your way around a carburetor and can tell a ’57 Chevy from a ’65 Mustang, you’re already off to a great start.
Alright, let’s jump into our specially curated list of job ideas for classic car lovers.
1. Classic Car Sales Consultant
Average salary: $66,501
A Classic Car Sales Consultant sells vintage and classic cars, sometimes known as auto sales specialists for classic vehicles.
Job duties:
- Consulting with customers to understand their classic car needs
- Appraising trade-ins and purchase options
- Conducting car presentations and test drives
- Negotiating deals and finalizing sales
- Building relationships with classic car communities
Job requirements:
- 2-4 years of sales experience
- Deep knowledge of classic car models and their history
- Certification in automotive sales, if available
- Strong negotiation skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to use sales software tools
2. Antique Car Appraiser
Average salary: $63,536
An Antique Car Appraiser evaluates the worth of vintage and classic cars.
Job duties:
- Inspecting classic cars for authenticity
- Evaluating the condition of car parts and overall structure
- Estimating market value based on various factors
- Creating detailed appraisal reports
- Liaising with car owners and buyers
Job requirements:
- Certification in automotive appraisal
- 3-5 years experience in auto appraisal or related field
- Detailed understanding of classic car models and market
- Strong attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Ability to use appraisal software tools
3. Classic Car Restoration Specialist
Average salary: $45,768
A Classic Car Restoration Specialist restores classic cars to their former glory, also known as a vintage car restorer.
Job duties:
- Disassembling and inspecting classic cars
- Repairing or replacing damaged parts
- Sanding, painting, and finishing surfaces
- Sourcing rare or unique car parts
- Reassembling and testing the final product
Job requirements:
- Vocational training in auto restoration or related field
- 3-5 years of hands-on restoration experience
- Familiarity with classic car models and their history
- High attention to detail
- Solid mechanical skills
- Ability to interpret blueprints and manuals
4. Classic Car Auctioneer
Average salary: $60,000
A Classic Car Auctioneer facilitates the buying and selling of classic cars at auctions.
Job duties:
- Assessing cars for auction listing
- Conducting live or online auctions
- Engaging with buyers and sellers
- Keeping track of bids and transactions
- Finalizing sales and payments
Job requirements:
- Auctioneer’s license, if required by the state
- 2-4 years of auctioneering or sales experience
- In-depth knowledge of classic car market values
- Strong public speaking skills
- Good organizational skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced settings
- Basic accounting skills for transaction records
5. Vehicle Sourcing Specialist
Average salary: $56,137
A Vehicle Sourcing Specialist finds and acquires classic cars for restoration or resale.
Job duties:
- Researching classic car availability
- Contacting owners and dealers
- Inspecting car conditions
- Negotiating prices
- Handling the acquisition paperwork
Job requirements:
- 2-3 years in car sales or similar role
- Familiarity with classic and vintage cars
- Negotiation skills
- Basic understanding of car mechanics
6. Vintage Auto Parts Dealer
Average salary: $40,431
A Vintage Auto Parts Dealer specializes in buying and selling hard-to-find parts for classic cars.
Job duties:
- Identifying rare car parts
- Acquiring stock from various sources
- Cataloging inventory
- Pricing parts based on market value
- Selling to restoration specialists and collectors
Job requirements:
- Experience in auto parts sales
- Familiarity with classic car models and parts
- Basic computer skills for inventory management
- Strong negotiation skills
- Basic accounting for sales records
7. Vehicle Authenticity Inspector
Average salary: $50,924
A Vehicle Authenticity Inspector verifies the originality and legitimacy of classic cars.
Job duties:
- Examining car components
- Verifying serial numbers
- Checking documentation
- Writing inspection reports
- Consulting restoration guidelines
Job requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 3+ years experience in automotive industry
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of classic car models
- Report writing skills
8. Automotive Historian
Average salary: $120,293
An Automotive Historian researches and documents the history of cars, focusing especially on classic and vintage models.
Job duties:
- Researching car origins
- Archiving historical data
- Interviewing key figures
- Writing articles or papers
- Giving public talks
Job requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in history or related field
- Specialization in automotive history
- Public speaking ability
- Research skills
- Writing skills
- Ability to travel for research
9. Classic Car Magazine Editor
Average salary: $57,306
A Classic Car Magazine Editor oversees content for a publication focused on classic cars.
Job duties:
- Editing articles
- Approving layouts
- Coordinating with writers
- Managing deadlines
- Planning future issues
- Overseeing print process
Job requirements:
- 2+ years in editorial roles
- Knowledge of classic cars
- Solid time management
- Team leadership skills
- Strong writing skills
10. Classic Car Club Manager
Average salary: $50,735
A Classic Car Club Manager oversees operations and events for a classic car enthusiasts’ club.
Job duties:
- Organizing events
- Coordinating memberships
- Managing club budget
- Facilitating club meetings
- Building partnerships
- Promoting club activities
Job requirements:
- Experience in event management
- Passion for classic cars
- Leadership ability
- Budget management skills
- Public speaking ability
- Social media skills
11. Classic Car Show Coordinator
Average salary: $43,789
A Classic Car Show Coordinator plans and runs classic car events, sometimes known as Car Exhibition Manager.
Job duties:
- Booking venues
- Securing exhibitors
- Marketing the event
- Coordinating volunteers
- Managing schedules
- Overseeing setup and teardown
Job requirements:
- Experience in organizing events
- Familiarity with classic cars
- Vendor management skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Basic marketing skills
12. Auto Machinist for Classic Cars
Average salary: $51,405
An Auto Machinist for Classic Cars specializes in the mechanical aspects of restoring and maintaining vintage vehicles.
Job duties:
- Repairing engines
- Fabricating parts
- Welding components
- Troubleshooting issues
- Consulting on restoration projects
- Maintaining tools and equipment
Job requirements:
- Vocational training in Automotive Technology or related field
- At least 3 years of machining experience
- Basic knowledge of classic cars
- Proficiency in welding
- Mechanical aptitude
- Strong attention to detail
- Time management skills
13. Classic Car Detailer
Average salary: $35,627
A Classic Car Detailer cleans, polishes, and restores the visual elements of vintage vehicles, also known as a Vintage Car Cleaner.
Job duties:
- Cleaning interiors
- Polishing exteriors
- Waxing surfaces
- Applying sealants
- Vacuuming upholstery
- Restoring chrome fixtures
Job requirements:
- Certification in auto detailing or equivalent
- 1-2 years detailing experience
- Familiarity with classic car materials like leather and chrome
- Ability to use detailing equipment
- Attention to detail
- Physical stamina for manual labor
- Basic customer service skills
See, There Are Careers for Classic Car Lovers!
From Classic Car Sales Consultant to Vintage Auto Parts Dealer, the job opportunities for classic car aficionados are as exciting as a Sunday drive in a ’57 Chevy.
What job revs your engine? Share your thoughts in the comments.