Sure, the old-time collectors and enthusiasts are still there – some of them known to be counting the number of cars and bikes they have in the hundreds, safely tucked away in their private collections all over the country. A few with worldwide linkages too. This being one of the few hobbies where a new addition brings something to the table only if it’s older or rarer than what you already possess, which means you need to have the facilities, as well as space, to keep delicately rejuvenated elders – not to mention watch out for deterioration and pilferage while adding ‘newer’ vehicles to your collection, which will typically be even more delicate than the ones you already own, and therefore require even higher levels of care.

In addition, the true collector will also spend a lot of time and effort on studying the subject, often to the point of being absolutely correct to the minutest detail. Standing on the fringes of some extremely serious and real vintage car enthusiasts for over four decades now, your correspondent never ceases to be happily amazed at the due diligence that collectors exercise not only at the point of purchase, but also at all other times – including when getting together for something as genuinely simple as sharing a bottle of wine, vintage, but not as old.

Modern technology, especially the Internet, makes it even more fun. The most intricate of details can be re-checked in nano-seconds. Actual engine sounds can be compared with what they should be, or have been. Rare parts can be sourced instantly. And subsets of collectors who specialise in very specific marques, genres and models, are now as easy to locate as are fuel filters for Maruti 800s. Think of any old car or bike or anything else on wheels, and there are bound to be multiple groups all over the world, just waiting for you to join. Usually free.

Truly, it has never been easier to become a vintage car or bike enthusiast, and then work on improving things. Ownership, however, is another set of ball bearings altogether. Some would say – get on to a variety of resources, be prepared to bargain, and then spend. As simple as that.

Or is it?

At a recent vintage car rally that I attended, there was some talk about how new enthusiasts are being fooled by shady operators, some of whom can even ‘manufacture’ cars on demand. Classic and vintage cars of the more easily available, and therefore also sought after, variety are easier to ‘manufacture,’ because documents for vehicles which have vanished or simply been scrapped are not difficult to locate, and most new enthusiasts would not be able to recognise them anyways. Rebuilding and faking documents is one thing, but going all the way from scratch, that’s something else – or running mix and match spare parts from popular, and easily available models, into rarer ones. An old Ford engine into, say, a Packard? Not unknown.

So, what do you do if you are setting out to acquire a vintage vehicle, and like most people, don’t really know too much about the subject?

Here’s a simple primer, step by step:

First and foremost, start attending the rallies and get togethers, and at this juncture leave your cash and cheque book at home. Most well known vintage car enthusiasts are genuinely helpful people, and will recognise, as well as help, newcomers who show sustainable interest, as well as true love, for such cars and bikes. A couple of seasons of going out in the pleasant winter sun, and very soon you start joining this magic group – even before you know it, you are ‘accepted,’ and then follow the invites for private events. Being helpful with the ‘service’ and ‘backup’ teams is a good way to take things forward.

Next, don’t aim for the stars right away, pick up something ‘common’ and see if your interest can get translated into action. Try to own and maintain an old Fiat-1100 or Landmaster, or even a Standard Herald – cheap and easily available, and very simple to restore. Paint them in bright colours, and see how people smile and wave wherever you go. See how far your interests go. If these perfectly interesting classics are still shining and dust free after a season, then and only then is it time to go to the next step.

At this juncture, announce your desires discreetly to the real gurus, the people who already have everything in life and keep old cars and bikes solely for passion and reasons that cannot be explained. These people, and there are quite a few of them, will not take undue advantage of your lack of knowledge, and who knows, may even pass a car that is no longer as exquisite for them now as it was when they acquired it – often they analyse whether the next owner can really provide the love and affection required before parting with it. Money, often, is not the only currency with such people. But you have to earn their trust first.

And then only do you start showing your cash and cheque book, but only to show serious interest. By now you will hopefully be aware of market values, as well as basic things to look out for. Start with documentation – old cars and bikes should have histories, which may or may not be pristine and crystal clear, but should be ready for verification. Next, take photos and put them up on the Internet with the special interest groups for that model and make, and wait for comments as well as responses. And finally, bargain, because asking for inflated prices is par for the course.

This is only the beginning. If you own a garage of your own, then you wouldn’t be reading this, so chances are that you will have to either do all the work yourself or sub-contract it to specialists. That, however, is a totally different issue. And even more complicated – more on that soon.

And meanwhile, if you do spot that rare bargain, rotting in a hut somewhere or just lying abandoned under a tree, then remember – sometimes, these things happen. The risk is worth it, especially if you have the real passion to transform derelicts into royalty.