Can You Rent a Classic Car from a Dealership?
From the roar of a 60s-era V8 to the muscle-bound stance of a 70s American legend, classic cars effortlessly evoke a kind of nostalgia that modern vehicles struggle to replicate. But as iconic as these vehicles are, there are some cases when acquiring one just isn’t a viable option at the moment.
Still, you may want to drive one without having to buy right away. So the question most people wonder about when it comes to fulfilling their lifelong dream of driving a classic is: can you rent a classic car from a dealership?
The answer to this actually isn’t as straightforward as a simple “yes” or “no”. But the good news is that even if you can’t find a traditional car dealership that will rent out vintage vehicles, there are many other avenues for you to explore.
Here we are going to dive into some of the common reasons why people rent classic cars, whether dealerships offer these rentals, and what you can expect in terms of cost. Let’s take a closer look.
Why Rent a Classic Car?
The short answer is yes, it’s possible to rent a classic car from a dealership, even in this modern era. But before we get into the logistics, it’s worth asking: why do people want to rent classic cars in the first place? Here are some of the most common reasons:
Weddings and Special Events
Classic cars add a touch of elegance and sophistication to weddings, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations. Arriving in a vintage Rolls-Royce or cruising off in a '60s Mustang convertible makes for an unforgettable entrance or getaway, while also providing a stunning backdrop for photos.
Photoshoots and Film
Speaking of photos, classic cars are often rented for their authentic aesthetic. From retro fashion shoots to period films, classic vehicles help set the tone and time period perfectly, providing filmmakers, photographers, and content creators with an eye-catching and historically accurate prop.
Test Drive Before Buying
As you may already know, some enthusiasts buy vintage vehicles to add to their investment portfolios. But since purchasing a classic car is a significant investment, renting one first is a smart way to test the waters. This gives prospective buyers a real-world feel for the car’s performance, comfort, and quirks before committing to ownership.
Bucket List Drives
For many car enthusiasts, driving a classic muscle car or vintage roadster is a dream come true. There’s no need for any deep or practical reason—you may simply want to try it for yourself. Renting offers the opportunity to take that bucket-list drive—whether it's along the Pacific Coast Highway or through winding mountain roads—without the responsibilities of ownership.
Car Shows or Promotional Use
Businesses and car aficionados alike rent classic cars to stand out at auto shows, trade expos, or brand promotions. A beautifully restored vintage vehicle can draw a crowd, boost visibility, and add an extra layer of charm and prestige to any display. This way, you can participate in the excitement of the classic car community without just being a bystander.
Whether you’re marking a special occasion or fulfilling a lifelong dream, classic car rentals offer a unique and memorable way to elevate any event or adventure.
Do Dealerships Rent Out Classic Cars?
Here is where it gets tricky. Most traditional car dealerships don’t rent out classic cars. This is because classic cars are rare, expensive to maintain, and often considered collector's items. They also require specialized maintenance and expensive insurance.
Your local Ford, Toyota, or Chevy dealership is unlikely to have a 1965 Mustang or a 1957 Bel Air available for rent. In fact, their business model will probably prioritize selling and leasing new cars instead of preserving automotive history.
That said, there are exceptions. Some specialty or niche dealerships that focus on high-end or classic cars may offer rentals. Just keep in mind that they are few and far between. These businesses are often family-run or boutique in nature. They're passionate about car culture and may offer rentals on a case-by-case basis, especially to trusted clients or car club members.
You might also find a dealership with a side business in renting classics for film productions or private events. However, this is more the exception than the rule.
Where Can You Actually Rent a Classic Car?
Renting a classic car isn’t as simple as walking into your local dealership and picking out a vintage Mustang or Corvette. So if standard dealerships aren’t the go-to place, where should you look?
For those looking to cruise in style for a weekend getaway, wedding, or photo shoot, there are a few reliable and exciting alternatives. Here are some options to consider if you want to get behind the wheel of a classic:
Classic Car Rental Agencies
Even today, there are dedicated classic car rental agencies that specialize in vintage and collector vehicles. This is your best shot at renting a classic car. These businesses often have a carefully curated fleet of well-maintained classics, ranging from American muscle cars to European sports cars.
They typically offer flexible rental packages for short or long-term use, and their staff are usually knowledgeable about the unique quirks of each model. Locations can vary by region, but major cities often have at least one agency catering to this niche. Some of the most notable names include:
DriveShare by Hagerty – Think of it as Airbnb for classic cars. Owners list their cars, and you can rent them for a day, weekend, or longer.
Turo (in select markets) – While mostly known for modern vehicles, Turo occasionally features classic cars depending on the region.
Vinty – Offers a wide selection of vintage cars for events, photo shoots, or recreational drives.
Collectors Car Garage or Classics&Exotics – These companies offer curated collections for rental, often with concierge service.
These businesses focus on matching car lovers with unique, well-maintained vehicles and often include insurance, roadside assistance, and delivery.
Local Car Clubs or Enthusiasts
If you can’t find a classic car rental agency near you, you can still find some leads with the help of local car clubs and fellow classic car enthusiasts.
Some vintage aficionados are open to renting out their vehicles for special events or short-term use, especially if they know the renter will treat the car with care. Joining a car club or attending classic car meetups can open doors to these types of opportunities.
While less formal than a business rental, these arrangements can often be more affordable than traditional dealerships.
Luxury Car Rental Companies
Some high-end or luxury car rental companies include classic cars in their offerings alongside their lineup of exotic and premium vehicles. These companies usually operate in major metropolitan areas and cater to clients looking for a showstopping vehicle for high-profile events.
Just remember that their prices tend to be higher, given the “luxury” tag. But these businesses typically offer top-tier customer service and delivery options. You can even get some peace of mind, knowing that their vehicles are professionally maintained. It’s a good choice if you want both convenience and class in your classic car experience.
What Does It Cost to Rent a Classic Car?
The exact cost of renting a classic car may vary depending on factors like the vehicle’s make and model, rarity, condition, and even location.
Iconic vehicles like a 1965 Ford Mustang or a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air typically command higher prices than more common classics. On a similar note, vehicles that are rare and well-preserved generally cost more to rent than a well-worn driver. This is especially true for fully-restored classics in pristine shape.
Insurance is another factor—some companies include it in the price, while others charge extra, especially if the renter doesn’t have suitable coverage.
As for the location, classic car rentals in high-demand cities like Los Angeles, Miami, or Las Vegas often carry premium rates due to popularity and availability. Location also impacts delivery and pickup services, especially if the renter is located far from the classic car provider.
The length of rental will also impact the price. Daily rates can sometimes decrease slightly for multi-day or week-long rentals. If there are additional services, these could affect the overall cost. For example, some rentals are self-drive, while others are chauffeur-driven only, particularly for ultra-rare or high-value vehicles.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 per day, depending on these variables. While renting a classic car may involve higher costs and specific terms, it’s still a good option for anyone looking for a unique driving experience. Overall, it’s still much cheaper than buying and maintaining your own classic vehicle.
Tips for a Smooth Classic Car Rental
Renting a classic car can turn any occasion into something unforgettable, whether it's a wedding or a dream weekend drive. But these vintage beauties require a little more care and consideration than your typical rental. Follow these essential tips to make sure your experience goes smoothly:
Book Early
Classic cars aren’t sitting around in fleets like standard rentals. They're rare and often in high demand for weddings, anniversaries, and events. If you have a specific date in mind, especially during peak seasons, it’s a good idea to book well in advance to secure the model you want.
Inspect Thoroughly
Before driving off, take time to carefully inspect the car. Look for scratches, dings, or interior blemishes, and document them with time-stamped photos. Just like a rental home, proof of prior damage can protect your deposit and prevent you from being held responsible for pre-existing issues.
Ask About Breakdowns
Classic cars are charming, but they’re also older and more prone to mechanical hiccups. Before renting, ask if roadside assistance is included or if there’s a backup plan in case of a breakdown. Knowing someone’s got your back makes the ride much more relaxing.
Drive Carefully
Vintage vehicles don’t have the safety features or responsiveness of modern cars, so keep that in mind. Expect no anti-lock brakes, no power steering, and sometimes stiff gear shifts. Ease into your drive, take turns slowly, and give yourself extra room to stop. Respect the era the car comes from.
Bring the Right Shoes
This one might sound odd, but it matters—classic car pedals are often narrower and closer together. Bulky shoes or thick soles can make driving awkward or even unsafe. Go for slim, flat-soled shoes to better feel and control the pedals.
Know the Rules
Every rental company has different policies, so don’t just assume. Some cars might be smoke-free zones, while others could prohibit pets or food. Always read the rental agreement carefully to avoid unexpected fees or violations of contract.
Work with Classic Car Deals to Find the Best Classic Cars for Sale
So, can you rent a classic car from a dealership? The answer is yes, but it’s rare, so you need to look for more practical options. Boutique dealerships and specialty businesses may be more open to renting out these vintage vehicles, especially if they cater to car collectors or film productions.
For most people, the best bet is to rent through specialty rental agencies, peer-to-peer platforms like DriveShare, and local car enthusiasts or clubs. While the process isn’t as simple as booking a Toyota Corolla at the airport, most people consider the payoff to be worth it.
Few experiences compare to sliding behind the wheel of a true automotive icon—even for just a day.
If you’re after the rumble of a classic V8 or the elegance of a vintage Rolls, don’t be discouraged by dealership limitations. A little research can go a long way.
Now if you’re ready to purchase a classic car of your own, you can always work with Classic Car Deals. Located in Cadillac, Michigan, this is the world’s largest online consignment company. We offer the widest selection of well-curated classic cars (and trucks) that are available via consignment.
Visit our showroom and check out all the classic cars we personally have in stock at our headquarters. You can also try our website, which features all the available vintage vehicles online. Classic Car Deals has consignment cars all over the country and the team will help you find the one that matches your exact needs and preferences.
Don’t worry if you don’t see the ideal classic right away: Classic Car Deals will help you find your dream car.
Call Classic Car Deals once you’ve found your ideal classic car to double check on the location. They provide an easy and hassle-free way for you to shop classic cars for sale nationwide, offering the widest selection of vintage, exotic, and collectible cars and pickup trucks.
Your first step to buying your dream car is to contact one of our reps today. Visit the Classic Car Deals consignment page today for more details.
*While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with Dealer.