Most classic car collectors (me included) have always maintained that a 4-door sedan wasn’t really a classic car. Usually the argument was about the styling and desirablility. A popular argument has alway been “just because it’s old
doesn’t make it a classic”. This is likely still true but all older cars that have been restored may be viewed as a classic car to some degree. It’s true that a coupe or convertible is
going to be more desirable than a 4-door in most cases, but later will give you some reasons why a 4-door might be the way to go.
Here is a brief trip through history to try and explain how the 4-door kind of got shoved aside as a classic car. If someone is restoring or making a street rod from the twenties, thirties or forties car a 4-door is sometimes more desirable than a roadster or a coupe. This is due to utility being very important as a lot of owners like to cruise with their family and friends.
In 1949 there was a big change as most cars now came with rear seats and could carry four or more people in comfort, so there wasn’t much reason to choose the utility of a sedan car over a coupe or convertible. With the utility factor gone buyers started buying classic cars based on desirability. This really kicked into high gear when the hardtops became the hot ticket in the early fifties.
When the muscle car era began in 1964 almost no one looking for a muscle car ordered a 4-door because muscle cars were built on the premise of low weight and high horsepower. Today most buyers would prefer a car from 1964 to 1972 to be a muscle car or at least have the appearance of one which of course excludes the 4-doors.a convertible there are a number of reasons why they are a good deal. Here they are:
1. First of all, the price is going to be much less than a hardtop, sometimes as much as 50% less, mainly because they are less desirable.
2.Secondly many 4-doors are still original. A lot of them will be one or two owner cars and likely be low milage. Many will be passed down from parents and will be in very good condition. This is a plus as there will be less expense for restoration and you can put your own touches on it.
3. Third the utility is greater in a 4-door because of the back doors letting people get in and out easier plus there will be more leg room. Kids, wives and older people will appreciate this.
4. Sixth and probably most important is the fact that the wife will be much more receptive to your buying a classic car if you can explain how the whole family can go cruising instead of just you and your buddy. I speak from experience.

