(April 8, 2011) PHOENIX (PRNewswire) — ClassicCars.com, the world's largest online marketplace for classic and collector vehicles, has launched an industry-first vehicle certification program specifically targeted to the classic and collector vehicle market. 

Under the program, vehicles for sale undergo a comprehensive 50-point inspection by an independent ASE-certified technician, at one of more than 5,000 locations nationwide. Vehicles in sound mechanical condition earn ClassicCars.com Certified Classic Vehicle Certification and are offered with a 3-month/3,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and one year of nationwide roadside assistance at no additional cost to the buyer. 

The inspection, certification, warranty, and roadside assistance program are paid for in advance by the seller.  The warranty and roadside assistance program take effect upon the vehicle's sale and are written in the buyer's name.

The program's powertrain warranty covers mechanical engine components, the transmission, and the drive axle.  Emergency roadside services include towing, battery service, flat tire assistance, fluid delivery, and lock-out assistance for a full year.

Listings for ClassicCars.com Certified Classic Vehicles receive preferred placement in search results and bear an exclusive certification emblem that clearly distinguishes them from non-certified vehicles.  Certified listings include a copy of the signed inspection report in Adobe PDF format along with other details about the vehicle's certification and its buyer benefits.

"Our certification program is an industry changer," said Roger Falcione, ClassicCars.com CEO.  "Our buyers' greatest concern has always been the unknown mechanical viability of the vehicle they want to purchase, especially when it's from a non-local seller. The availability of pre-inspected, certified vehicles not only gives our buyers peace of mind but it also helps our sellers sell their vehicles faster and at a qualified premium." 

Early reaction from both buyers and sellers has been extremely positive, according to Alan Gill, ClassicCars.com's Director of Operations.  "This service is seen as a true win-win value proposition," said Gill. 

"Our job at ClassicCars.com is to bring buyers and sellers of classic vehicles together.  We are always looking for effective ways to promote vehicles on behalf of our sellers.  Our Certification program does this by giving great cars the recognition they deserve while bringing peace of mind to the buying process."

The Certification process typically takes two to three days, and once certified, the vehicle remains certified until sold.  Not every vehicle qualifies for certification; only those in sound mechanical condition as determined by the independent ASE-certified technician earn certification.

Get more information about the ClassicCars.com Vehicle Certification Program.