A vintage car can carry an advert's whole idea in a single frame: heritage, craftsmanship, nostalgia, or simply a sense of style. CarSeen sources vintage and classic cars for TV commercials, online spots and brand films, from pre-war tourers to 1970s icons, and presents them in a way agencies and clients can sign off quickly.
Cars that tell a brand's story
Brands use older cars for different reasons. A long-established company might want a car from the decade it was founded. A food or drink brand might want a warm, nostalgic street scene. A fashion label might want something elegant and unexpected. We start from the idea behind the spot and suggest cars that support it.
Browse our catalogue of thousands of cars, from 1920s tourers and 1950s saloons to 1960s sports cars and 1970s family cars.
Ready for client sign-off
Commercials usually go through several rounds of approval. To keep that moving, we send:
- clear photos of each option, inside and out
- the year, colour and key details
- practical notes on location, timing and whether the car can be driven
Clean frames
In advertising, every visible detail matters. Badges, dealer stickers and modern number plates can all distract from the product or raise clearance questions. We flag these early, so your art department can decide whether to cover, remove or work around them, with the owner's agreement. Any plate changes or covers are for off-road and closed-set use, or can be handled in post.
Caring for vintage cars on set
Vintage cars need a little patience. Some take time to start or warm up, and some can't idle for long. Paint, chrome and trim can be delicate, so rigging and suction mounts should always be agreed with the owner first. Many owners are happy to stay on set to drive and look after the car between takes.
Related pages
For period-accurate scenes, see period cars for TV drama. For smaller, faster shoots, see cars for music videos and photoshoots.
Related
Guide: A checklist for booking a car for a commercial or photoshoot.
FAQ
What's the difference between vintage and classic?
Strictly, "vintage" refers to cars built between 1919 and 1930. In advertising it's often used more loosely for any car that looks clearly of the past, and we're happy to work with either.
Can we show the car's badges and logos?
That's a clearance decision for the agency and client. We'll tell you what's visible on each car, so you can decide early.
Can you supply more than one car for a scene?
Yes. We can source several cars to dress a street or build a scene around your hero car.
Planning a spot with a vintage car?