Vintage car in the context of Cadillac V-16

An antique (from Latin antiquus 'old, ancient') is an item perceived as having value because of its aesthetic or historical significance, and often defined as at least 100 years old (or some other limit), although the term is often used loosely to describe any object that is old. An antique is usually an item that is collected or desirable because of its age, beauty, rarity, condition, utility, personal emotional connection and/or other unique features. It is an object that represents a previous era or time period in human history. Vintage and collectible are used to describe items that are old, but do not meet the 100-year criterion.

Antiques are usually objects of the decorative arts that show some degree of craftsmanship, collectability, or an attention to design, such as a desk or an early automobile. They are bought at antique shops, estate sales, auction houses, online auctions and other venues, or estate inherited. Antiques dealers often belong to national trade associations, many of which belong to CINOA, a confederation of art and antique associations across 21 countries that represents 5,000 dealers.

An alternative investment, also known as an alternative asset or alternative investment fund (AIF), is an investment in any asset class excluding capital stocks, bonds, and cash.

The term is a relatively loose one and includes tangible assets such as precious metals, collectibles (art, wine, antiques, vintage cars, coins, watches, musical instruments, or stamps) and some financial assets such as real estate, commodities, private equity, distressed securities, hedge funds, exchange funds, carbon credits, venture capital, film production, financial derivatives, cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, and Tax Receivable Agreements. Investments in real estate, forestry and shipping are also often termed "alternative" despite the ancient use of such real assets to enhance and preserve wealth. Alternative investments are to be contrasted with traditional investments.

A car dealership, or car dealer, is a business that sells new or used cars at the retail level, typically under a franchise agreement with an automaker or its authorized distributor. In addition to vehicle sales, dealerships often provide after-sales services such as maintenance, repairs, financing, insurance, and the sale of spare parts.

In the United States, car dealerships have historically been a significant source of revenue for local and state sales taxes. They possess significant political influence and have successfully lobbied for franchise laws that prevent automakers from selling vehicles directly to consumers. By 2010, all 50 states and the District of Columbia had enacted laws prohibiting direct manufacturer-to-consumer car sales, ensuring the survival of independent dealerships. Most states also restrict the establishment of new dealerships that compete with existing ones. Economists have described these regulations as a form of rent-seeking that increases consumer prices and limits competition, while raising profits for incumbent dealers.

Definitions vary based on how old a car must be to qualify as an antique. The Antique Automobile Club of America defines an antique car as over 25 years of age. However, the legal definitions for the purpose of antique vehicle registration vary widely. The antique car era includes the Veteran era, the Brass era, and the Vintage era, which range from the beginning of the automobile up to the 1930s. Later cars are often described as classic cars. In original or originally restored condition antiques are very valuable and are usually either protected and stored or exhibited in car shows but are very rarely driven.