Will Electric Cars Make Defunct All Classic Car Restoration Businesses?
It's a commonly posed question: with the rising popularity of electric cars, will businesses that restore classic and vintage automobiles become obsolete? The answer, fascinatingly, is that it's a complex mix of 'it depends' and historical trends from the past.
Current Trends Shaping the Market
According to historical data, it generally takes about 25 to 30 years for the U.S. fleet of cars and trucks to turn over. This means that even if electric cars become the dominant form of personal transportation, there will still be a significant number of classic, antique, and vintage cars on the road for at least another generation, if not longer. This is because new car buyers still purchase vehicles from previous decades in sizable numbers, keeping classic car restoration businesses alive and thriving.
Adapting and Evolving
Classic car restoration companies are far from obsolete. For instance, the restoration shop where the author works is currently undertaking a mechanical refresh on a Model A Ford, a vehicle that has been restored decades ago, and a restoration of a Ford AA truck. These tasks are more than just providing mechanical refreshes; they are about revitalizing and preserving a piece of automotive history.
Further evidence of the enduring demand for classic car restoration services comes from the phenomenon of converting vintage cars to electric vehicles (EVs). Competitions like the one on the UK's TV program Vintage to Voltage demonstrate that even converting classic cars to electric can breathe new life into them, offering cleaner, safer, and better-performing rides. These transformations are not merely aesthetic; they provide functional improvements while maintaining the nostalgic appeal of the original vehicles.
The Future of Classic Car Restoration
Some argue that the rise of electric cars will dilute interest in classic cars, leading to their slow and eventual decline. However, this view is akin to the perspective that the advent of the car would spell doom for the horse. Instead of seeing cars as a replacement, they were complementary. Similarly, the introduction of electric cars does not negate the appeal of restored classic cars; rather, it adds new dimensions to their appeal. The electric car revolution is more likely to transform how classic cars are appreciated, not eliminate their importance.
The transition isn't linear. Just as the invention of the car didn't necessarily doom those who made harnesses, wheels, or shoes for horses (who eventually transitioned into servicing the automotive industry), the rise of electric cars will see a shift in the automotive service sector, but not an end. Stables and blacksmiths from the past have transformed into garages and car repair shops. This might be a slow and gradual process, much like the transition from horse-drawn to motor vehicles.
Conclusion
While the future is uncertain, it's clear that classic car restoration businesses will coexist with the electric car revolution for the foreseeable future. The transformation will be slow, but it will bring about new opportunities and methods for preserving and enhancing the classic automotive heritage. So, for those who love the thrill and nostalgia of classic car restoration, there will always be a place for them in the evolving world of automotive evolution.