There are some benefits from buying from a classic car dealership, but nearly all cars sold by these dealerships are in very good condition, meaning you will be paying more. If you are looking to buy a perfectly restored car or one in great condition, you should consider looking at dealerships. If you are looking to buy something that needs restoration or something to drive for fun but will not cost much, a dealership is likely not your best option.
Buying from a classic car dealer is similar to a standard dealer, they have connections with financiers or you can set this up yourself beforehand. Make sure you read chapter 8 on financing so you are prepared before you find the vehicle of your dreams.
Many buyers have the fear that they will encounter the same "sales push" that they experience at their standard dealerships, but I have found this not to be the case in most circumstances. When a buyer visits a regular auto dealership, sales people know that person is there to buy a car which is needed for their daily transportation, and most likely they are in need of a car NOW. This allows the sales person to push hard to make the sale, often times pushing a garbage car or an overpriced car to a gullible buyer or one in dire straits needing something that day. The main rule of a car sales person is to make the sale on the first visit by the potential customer, because they know if they leave the lot chances are they will not be back. There are other dealerships and options for the buyer to choose from if they "escape".
The scenario is quite different when a buyer visits the classic car dealership looking for a collector car, which will NOT be their main vehicle for transportation. The sales person does not need to "trap" you into buying whatever you can find that day. They know that a potential buyer will be educated in the exact model they are interested in, and may have owned the car in the past. There's no room for "hood winking" here. You shouldn't feel "squeezed" like you do at regular dealerships.
Most classic car dealerships have their own service garage and/or restoration shop, where the car has been meticulously serviced and restored by mechanics who have a background working on older cars. This is a big benefit as you can feel comfortable bringing the car in for repairs and tune-ups, as they have already serviced and possibly restored the car already. Many dealerships even offer some sort of limited warranty, although it may be through another warranty company and not the dealership themselves. Make sure you get the fine print details of the warranty as there are usually many exclusions and parameters.
One of the negatives of buying from a dealer is that there may be less “history” to the car. Some older cars are only single owners, or 2 or 3 at the most. Buying a car from the previous owner of 25 years has some value in itself. They’ll likely take interest of keeping a connection open if you have any questions about the car down the road.
If you don't live near a large metropolitan area, you will probably have problems finding a classic car dealer near you. Even where I live, in the Mpls/St.Paul MN area, there are only a few dealers. Dealerships are more prevalent on the East and West coasts, especially in the Carolina's and California. Most dealerships have an online presence you can view their inventory as well.
I will highlight a few dealerships below that are considered to be at the top of the collector car field
RK Motors Charlotte - You want the best restored cars available? Then you need to keep RK Motors Charlotte in your booksmarks (or join their mailing list). You will not find any better condition cars than at this dealership. Their eBay rating is 100% also.
Chapter 2 - Searching for a Classic Car