Breathe New Life Into Your Classic Car with These Modern Features

The market for classic cars continues to grow. Reports state that the industry was valued at about $1.24 billion (£921 million as of this writing) for 2021, but is expected to climb to $1.65 billion (£1.23 billion) by 2023. This indicates ongoing interest from car enthusiasts and collectors alike who purchase classic cars mostly for nostalgic purposes. And the enjoyment these classic cars provide their owners is unrivalled.

We should note that there is not an exact age that defines a car as a "classic." Rather, you'll find a variety of classic cars from across the decades, from 1930s Bentleys to some of the Ferraris of the late '80s and early '90s. Whatever specific classics interest you though, if you own or are planning to buy one, it is important to remember that some of its features may not be up to date. So, here are some upgrades you can consider to make a classic more modern, and bring it into the 21st century:

Climate Control System

If you’re buying a classic, there’s a good chance that it won’t have an air conditioning system at all, or if it did, it is probably pretty outdated. You may even run into temperature problems or leaks. Although it is possible to repair it, it might be better to install a new system in its place. And while you're at it, you may want to consider an automatic climate control system instead. Not only will this ensure a more comfortable ride, but it can also increase the efficiency of HVAC systems. A climate control system uses remote heat sensing and can autonomously control the temperature in the car. This can be a great upgrade for your classic to give it a more modern touch without having to sacrifice its aesthetically retro interior.
 

GPS

A classic car will probably not have a GPS because the technology only became widespread in the late 2000s, long after these vehicles were made. This navigation tool works through satellites sending information to you, guiding you to your destination. They typically include an antenna, LED screen, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a connector. These systems use radio frequency PCBs which prevent signal integrity issues. The boards are laid out to contain sections with digital components that can operate at high frequencies. Because of this, GPS systems are extremely reliable in terms of navigation and can be used anywhere. Most cars nowadays have a built-in system so adding one to your classic will bring it into the 21st century.
 

Backup Camera

This is another common feature in most cars today that a classic car probably won’t have. They have many benefits and are actually a requirement for newly manufactured vehicles. They can make parking easier and prevent rear collisions. These cameras are not difficult to come by and are quite easy to install as well, which makes them a convenient addition to your car. If you installed an LED screen to your vehicle for its GPS or radio, you could hook up the device to the screen meaning there won’t be that many extra expenses for it either. A backup camera is a great way to make your classic more modern and improve the driving experience.

Ultimately, classics are great cars because of their aesthetic designs and dependable builds. But if you are looking to get one of these vehicles, or if you own one already, you also have the option of upgrading it to make it an even more special ride. The improvements described above are great ways to modernize your classic without taking away from what makes it unique.