When hiring a vintage or classic car, besides the costs and minimum driving requirements, what else is there to consider?
Is the car suitable for the task it is needed to achieve?
Older cars have idiosyncrasies that can affect how the steering works and how the engine performs. Of course, these will be taken into account when you look over the vehicle. A careful eye over the bodywork and all paperwork will be scrutinised with any concerns noted too. However, the condition and marque of the model can affect other things too.
What is the car going to be used for?
Some cars, especially older models may have a slow leak, cough or splutter. If you are arranging a car for a wedding, the bride may not arrive whiter than white and a parade of greasy shoes up the aisle may leave the guests wriggling around on a surface more suited to a bowling alley. So depending on what you are going to use the car for, ensure you have suitable clothing or choose another more suitable model.
What is the weather going to be like?
Likewise, if it rains, an open top car or a convertible with a flimsy roof may not also be suitable for its purpose. Don’t necessarily depend on the weather forecast too. If you live in Britain you will probably be wise to this but elsewhere a freak storm, a snap rainfall or sudden blustery winds will seriously dent that special occasion. Not to mention the personal embarrassment of turning up at the church worse for wear or the personal costs of all involved getting expensive wedding clothes ruined or forking up the cost to replace rented clothes.
Who is going in the vintage or classic rental car?
In 1979, Britain introduced a bill making the wearing of seat belts compulsory. However, the law requires that a seat belt must be used if one is fitted. As nearly all vintage and some classic cars are not fitted with them then it is not compulsory. Though, it does state in a private hire vehicle if a child restraint is not available then a child under three may travel unrestrained but only in the back seat. In another section of the law it states: in older vehicles with no rear seatbelts children three years and over may travel unrestrained.
However, check with your vintage and classic car rental company as they may forbid it completely and stipulate it as a rental requirement. Also remember any breach of contract that your vintage and classic car insurance covers may be violated and you may find yourself having to pay a significant amount if any accident does occur. It may be safer for any children to travel in another vehicle.
