Classic Cars - find out what you’re really buying
Our attraction to classic cars is widespread, but knowledge around these rolling pieces of history is much less so, meaning that there are traps out there for buyers. If you’re in the market for a classic and think you’ve found the perfect car, engaging a professional pre-purchase inspection can ensure there’s nothing sinister under that sparkling paint and shiny chrome.
A Classic Cruize conducts pre-purchase vehicle inspections Australia-wide, with their team of qualified assessors bringing peace of mind to buyers of collectable cars.
While they’re based on the Gold Coast, the team of inspectors at A Classic Cruize can travel all over the country to assess vehicles. Each inspector is a former panel beater and/or motor assessor, including head inspector, Glenn, who brings extensive hands-on experience from more than three decades in the smash repair industry.
Initially working as a panel beater, Glenn learned how to make new panels from scratch, so he has a great understanding of how bodywork repair should be done. Glenn then ran his own successful smash repair workshop, where he was exposed of all manner of Australian, British, European, American and Japanese cars.
Moving into quality repair auditing and motor assessing for a well-known insurance company, Glenn often assessed cars from panel beaters to check if they had been repaired to a safe standard and to meet manufacturer’s requirements. As such, he knows many of the “tricks” used by less scrupulous operators.
A Personal Passion
In addition to customer repairs and restorations when he was a panel beater, Glenn built a number of cars for himself, friends and car club members over the years, so he understands the emotional and financial investment tied to classic cars and is passionate about ensuring people don't fall victim to hidden faults in a vehicle, be they accidental or intentional.
"It's part of what drove my wife and I to launch A Classic Cruize,” Glenn explains. “We find so much joy in taking our collection out for a spin that we wanted to ensure other enthusiasts looking to invest in a classic car reap the same benefits without spending money on repairs that could have easily been avoided with a comprehensive inspection."
Post-WWII to 1980 vehicles are A Classic Cruize’s specialty, but they can inspect older and newer cars on request - from Brass Era veterans to cars from the new millennium.
How it Works
A Classic Cruize's approach to inspections isn't merely a checklist of functionalities; they ensure that the car aligns with safety standards, as well as the intent of the purchaser. For example, the expectations of a customer looking for a simple weekend cruiser is different to someone considering a high-end restoration project, so those factors are taken into consideration.
Inspections go beyond scrutinising brakes, window seals and wipers, delving deeper into the vehicle's structural integrity and overall roadworthiness. It should be noted, however, that in most instances, inspections are stationary and non-mechanical, meaning the vehicle isn’t road tested or put on a dyno. Similarly, A Classic Cruize do not verify a car’s provenance – their service is purely a comprehensive visual inspection on the vehicle’s physical condition, not its running condition or history.
Each inspection aims to reveal hidden repair history, from significant issues to seemingly minor flaws - like a panel loaded with filler - that can signify that the vehicle has been in an accident. On request, paint density can be measured in multiple areas on every panel to identify problems like excessive use of filler, which can indicate poor quality repair work or untreated rust.
A Classic Cruize checks for existing damage, what repairs have been done and the standard of those repairs, so the potential buyer fully understands the condition of the car before purchasing or re-negotiating a fairer price.
Importantly, A Classic Cruize are not affiliated with any insurance companies, auction houses or car dealers, meaning each inspection is free of bias or the need to satisfy anyone other than you, the customer.
A Full Report
The comprehensive report filled out by A Classic Cruize assessor usually runs over multiple pages, detailing their findings with comments on the condition of panels, glass, seals, interior and so on, based on visual inspection and supported by photos of any areas of concern.
The fact that each assessment takes two to four hours reflects how thorough A Classic Cruize is with their approach.
Pricing starts at just $350 for a comprehensive report with photos, or $450 for a report with photos and paint readings. Pricing can vary, though, depending on the vehicle and its condition, accessibility of the vehicle, customer requests, travel time and so on. Ultimately, spending a small amount like this now can potentially save spending a much bigger amount later.
The $100K car – that wasn’t
An example of the commitment to excellence by A Classic Cruize includes an incredible classic car that was advertised for $100,000 and said to have undergone a complete restoration. Inspection by A Classic Cruize uncovered critical safety hazards, from bent chassis rails to the body not being bolted to the chassis in certain areas.
A Classic Cruize inspections are designed to assure those looking to invest in a classic car that they make informed decisions and don’t waste their money.
A Classic Cruize - Hire
In addition to their vehicle inspection service, A Classic Cruize also operate a chauffeured car fleet for hire in the Gold Coast and Mount Tamborine region of Queensland. Available for weddings, formals, TV and movie productions, photo shoots and other promotional work, the fleet consists of post-war American Fords and Chevys, led by a stunning 1960 Corvette and a pair of Mustang coupes. Some of these have been restored by Glenn himself, so he’s particularly proud to see a car rebuilt with his own hands being enjoyed on special occasions.
Finally, A Classic Cruize will be at the wedding showcase held by Wedding Collective Gold Coast on 18 February, 2024, at The Grounds Estate on Tamborine Mountain. If you’re attending, look for the immaculate cream ’65 Mustang! Rochelle from A Classic Cruize will be on hand to answer questions about their vehicle hire and pre-purchase inspection services.
For more details on A Classic Cruize’s vehicle inspections and their Gold Coast-based vehicle hire, go to: aclassiccruize.com.au
