Hemmings has been a trusted name in the collector car world since 1954. What started as Ernest Hemmings' four-page newsletter in Quincy, Illinois, has grown into one of the most recognized classic car marketplaces in the United States. In 2024, the brand celebrated its 70th anniversary while continuing to connect buyers and sellers through print and digital platforms.
Today, Hemmings attracts approximately 400,000 monthly visitors, hosts more than 20,000 active vehicle listings, serves around 20,000 registered online buyers, and reaches 300,000 newsletter subscribers. Its flagship magazine still distributes roughly 215,000 copies each month, demonstrating that collector car enthusiasts continue to value both print and digital resources.
Whether you want to buy classic cars on Hemmings or sell classic cars on Hemmings, understanding how the marketplace works can help you avoid unnecessary costs, reduce transaction risks, and make better decisions.
Buying Classic Cars on Hemmings
Unlike traditional used-car marketplaces, Hemmings specializes in classic, antique, vintage, muscle, and collector vehicles. Buyers often search for vehicles with documented ownership history, restoration records, matching numbers, or factory-original components.
Most listings fall into three categories.
Hemmings Auctions are designed for complete, roadworthy collector vehicles. Auctions run for seven days, and if bidding does not meet the reserve price, eligible vehicles automatically convert into a Hemmings Make Offer platform listing for up to six months at no additional listing fee. A two-minute bid extension prevents last-second bidding from ending the auction prematurely.
The Hemmings Make Offer platform lets buyers negotiate directly with sellers. Offers remain active for 48 hours, and buyers must have a verified payment method before submitting a binding offer.
Hemmings classified ads work like traditional classifieds. Buyers contact sellers directly without an integrated bidding system, making this option appealing for private negotiations.
Before purchasing any collector vehicle, review the documentation carefully. Restoration records, maintenance history, ownership paperwork, and factory documentation often have as much influence on value as the vehicle's cosmetic appearance.
Reduce Risk Before You Buy
Collector vehicles frequently change hands across state lines, making an independent inspection one of the smartest investments a buyer can make.
Hemmings Lemon Squad inspections provide pre-purchase inspections for qualifying vehicles. Inspectors evaluate mechanical systems, body condition, fluids, suspension, brakes, and other major components before a sale is completed. Vehicles from the 1982 model year and newer generally qualify for inspections, while 1981-and-newer vehicles may also include a complimentary Carfax report. Specialized RV inspections are available for a flat fee of $449.
An inspection cannot eliminate every risk, but it often uncovers issues that photographs alone cannot reveal.
Hemmings Pay + Title Simplifies Transactions
Large private sales involve more than exchanging money. Vehicle title escrow, ownership verification, lien releases, and payment processing can quickly become complicated, especially when buyers and sellers live in different states.
Launched in February 2024, Hemmings Pay + Title works with KeySavvy to streamline these transactions. For a flat $299 fee, the service verifies ownership, processes qualifying lien payoffs, manages title transfers, and facilitates payment between both parties. If buyer and seller agree, the fee can be split equally at $149.50 each.
Identity and ownership verification typically takes five to ten minutes, while transactions are often approved within about 15 minutes after all required documents have been signed. Payments generally verify within one business day, although transactions exceeding $50,000 require wire transfers.
Using a vehicle title escrow service can significantly reduce the risk of title fraud and payment disputes.
How to List a Classic Car on Hemmings
Learning how to list a classic car on Hemmings starts with choosing the format that matches your selling goals.
Hemmings Auctions and Make Offer listings both require a $99.95 listing fee. Sellers pay no sales commission after the vehicle sells, allowing them to keep the negotiated sale price.
Traditional classified ads offer two package levels:
Silver Package: $129.95 with up to 35 online photos and a one-month print ad limited to 35 words and one photo.
Gold Package: $189.95 with up to 50 online photos and a larger print advertisement featuring three photos.
Regardless of the listing format, high-quality photographs, complete service records, restoration details, and honest descriptions build buyer confidence. Missing documentation often affects collector car pricing more than sellers expect.
Understanding Buyer Fees
While sellers avoid commissions, buyers should understand how transaction fees work. Successful Auction and Make Offer purchases include a 5 percent buyer premium, subject to a $500 minimum and a $10,000 maximum.
For example, purchasing a collector vehicle for $45,000 results in a $2,250 buyer premium. Once the purchase price reaches $200,000, the fee remains capped at $10,000, regardless of how high the final bid climbs.
Knowing these costs beforehand helps buyers establish realistic budgets before placing bids.
Shipping Your Collector Vehicle
Transport is often the final step after a successful purchase.
Hemmings shipping operates through a partnership with ACERTUS announced on June 20, 2023. According to the company, the network maintains a 99.5 percent damage-free delivery rate.
Buyers generally choose between open and enclosed transport.
Open transport typically costs 30 percent to 60 percent less than enclosed shipping but leaves the vehicle exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport usually costs 30 percent to 50 percent more and commonly carries only one to four vehicles, compared to six to 10 on open trailers.
Every shipment should include a detailed Bill of Lading inspection. An adult at least 18 years old must be present during pickup and delivery to document the vehicle's condition.
Shipping a Vehicle with AmeriFreight Auto Transport
If you need to transport a collector vehicle after buying or before selling, AmeriFreight Auto Transport can connect customers with vetted carriers offering open or enclosed transport.
Door-to-Door Service (Location Permitting) is available on eligible routes. No upfront payment until you choose a carrier. Pickup and delivery timing depends on factors such as route availability, weather, traffic, and carrier scheduling.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Hemmings, KeySavvy, Lemon Squad, ACERTUS, and other third-party services operate independently. AmeriFreight Auto Transport is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hemmings or these companies. Platform features, fees, policies, and availability are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the respective service providers before making a purchase, sale, or shipping decision.
