What is a Pre-War Car?

26 Nov 2020 Vintage Cars

There are loads of different types and eras of classic and vintage cars and many different collectors have a specific style or age of vehicle that they gravitate towards. Different automotive societies and areas of the world use varying terminology to define the types of old cars, and one of the most common expressions that can be heard in vintage or classic car circles is the term “pre-war car.” At Vintage Rod Shop, we are experts in all kinds of classic car restorations and we specialize in pre-war cars, so it is important to define what this term could mean to different people.

What are Pre-War Cars?

When attempting to define what a pre-war car is, it is important to remember that the criteria that qualifies a vehicle as a pre-war car, classic car, vintage car, and many other definitions can vary depending on who you talk to. The geographic region that you are in, the car society you are a part of, and even your age will all influence what you might define as a pre-war car. While individuals from Europe and the UK will typically define pre-war cars as those that were manufactured before the start of World War I, many people from North America will stretch the time period that applies to pre-war cars to anything made before 1940. Regardless of where you are from, it is important to define what you mean by “pre-war car” to avoid confusion in your next conversation.

Great Examples of Pre-War Cars

The list of the best or most beautiful pre-war cars will vary depending on who you ask. The factors that a person will consider when deciding on the best vintage vehicles from any era are subjective, but there are many makes and models of pre-war cars that most agree are at the top of their class. Some examples of pre-war cars include:

• Ford Model B
• Lincoln Zephyr
• Rolls-Royce Wraith
• Duesenberg Model J
• Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
• Auburn 851 Speedster
• SS Jaguar 100
• Chevrolet Standard Six
• BMW 328 Roadster
• Triumph Dolomite
• Peugeot 402

If you would like to learn more about pre-war cars and what goes into restoring them, or to learn more about our pre-war car restoration services, please contact the experienced team at Vintage Rod Shop and we can help you find the answers you are looking for.