Classic Car Mechanic Job Description Template

Use this free classic car mechanic job description template to create a clear and effective job posting for your shop.

Replace the words in brackets with your information. Remove any skills that do not apply. Be specific about the vehicles, projects, pay and experience your shop offers.

A classic car mechanic inspects, maintains, diagnoses, repairs and restores vintage and collector vehicles. The work may include mechanical repairs, electrical diagnosis, engine rebuilding, fabrication, tuning and complete restoration projects.

For more help with the hiring process, read our guide to staffing a classic car shop.

Classic car mechanic job description at a glance

A strong job posting should tell candidates:

• What kinds of cars they will work on
• What work they will perform
• How much experience they need
• What the position pays
• What benefits the shop offers
• Where the shop is located
• How to apply

The more specific you are, the easier it is for the right mechanic to recognize a good opportunity.

Copy-and-paste classic car mechanic job description

Classic Car Mechanic / Restoration Technician

Company: [Shop name] Location: [City, state] Job type: [Full-time, part-time or contract] Pay: [$XX–$XX per hour or annual salary range] Schedule: [Days and typical working hours]

About our shop

[Shop name] is a [restoration, repair, performance or specialty] shop located in [city, state]. We work primarily on [makes, models, countries or vehicle eras].

Our projects include [mechanical service, engine rebuilding, restoration, fabrication, electrical work, performance upgrades or other specialties].

We are looking for a skilled mechanic who takes pride in careful work and wants to build a career around special vehicles.

Position summary

The Classic Car Mechanic will diagnose, maintain, repair and restore vintage and collector vehicles.

The right candidate will have strong mechanical skills, close attention to detail and respect for each vehicle’s history. This person should be able to solve problems, communicate clearly and complete work to a high standard.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and diagnose mechanical and electrical problems
• Perform scheduled maintenance and general repairs
• Repair or rebuild engines, transmissions and driveline components
• Service brakes, steering and suspension systems
• Diagnose fuel, ignition and cooling-system problems
• Work with carbureted fuel systems and older ignition systems
• Repair or replace wiring, switches, gauges and related components
• Install and adjust replacement or restored parts
• Help locate parts for vintage and limited-production vehicles
• Document work with notes and photographs
• Provide clear updates about project progress
• Keep tools and work areas clean and organized
• Test vehicles and confirm that repairs were completed correctly
• Follow shop procedures and safety standards
• Protect customer vehicles while they are in the shop

Remove any responsibilities that do not apply to your opening. Add duties that matter to your shop, such as fabrication, paint preparation, upholstery, machining or race-car setup.

Required qualifications

• [x] years of professional automotive repair or restoration experience
• Working knowledge of engines, brakes, steering, suspension and electrical systems
• Ability to diagnose problems without relying only on modern scan tools
• Ability to read repair manuals, wiring diagrams and technical information
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools and shop equipment safely
• Strong attention to detail
• Good communication and time-management skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to perform the physical duties of the position safely

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working on classic, vintage, collector or specialty vehicles
• Experience with [specific makes, models or vehicle eras]
• Knowledge of carburetors, points ignition and older electrical systems
• Engine, transmission or differential rebuilding experience
• Welding, machining or fabrication skills
• Restoration or preservation experience
• ASE certification or related technical training
• A portfolio showing completed repair or restoration work

ASE certification can be useful, but it does not need to be required for every classic-car position. Many strong candidates prove their skills through hands-on experience and completed projects.

Review our guide to the most in-demand skills for classic car mechanics when deciding which qualifications matter most.

What we offer

• Competitive pay based on experience
• [Health, dental or vision insurance]
• [Paid vacation and holidays]
• [Retirement plan]
• [Tool allowance]
• [Training or certification support]
• [Relocation assistance]
• A clean and professional work environment
• Interesting projects involving special vehicles
• Opportunities to develop new skills
• A team that values careful, high-quality work

Only list benefits that your shop actually provides.

How to apply

Apply with your résumé and a short summary of your experience.

If available, include photographs or examples of vehicles you have repaired, restored or built. Tell us about the kinds of cars you know best and the work you enjoy doing.

[Add application instructions, email address or application link.]

[Shop name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

What does a classic car mechanic do?

A classic car mechanic repairs and maintains older vehicles that may not use modern computers or readily available replacement parts.

Their work can include:

• Diagnosing mechanical problems
• Rebuilding engines and transmissions
• Repairing brakes and suspension
• Tuning carburetors
• Troubleshooting older electrical systems
• Finding or making hard-to-find parts
• Preserving original components
• Supporting full or partial restorations

The exact duties depend on the shop. A service shop may need a mechanic focused on repairs and maintenance. A restoration shop may need someone who can take a vehicle apart, document every component and help complete a long-term build.

Skills to include in your job posting

Do not list every possible automotive skill. Focus on the abilities the person will use most often.

Mechanical diagnosis

Classic vehicles often require a step-by-step approach to diagnosis. The mechanic may not have an onboard computer that identifies the problem.

Look for candidates who understand how mechanical, fuel, ignition and electrical systems work together.

Older fuel and ignition systems

If your shop works on older vehicles, say whether candidates need experience with:

• Carburetors
• Mechanical fuel pumps
• Points ignition
• Distributors
• Ignition timing
• Vacuum systems
• Analog gauges

This helps modern automotive technicians understand what the position requires.

Restoration and preservation

Restoration work requires organization and patience. A technician may need to label parts, photograph assemblies and protect original materials.

If originality matters to your customers, explain how your shop balances preservation, safety and reliable operation.

Fabrication and problem-solving

Replacement parts are not always available for classic vehicles. Some shops need technicians who can repair, modify or reproduce a component.

List welding, machining, metal shaping and fabrication only when these skills are part of the job.

Communication

Classic-car projects can last weeks or months. Good notes and clear updates help the shop explain progress, costs and changes to the customer.

How to customize this template

1. Describe the cars

Name the types of vehicles the employee will work on.

For example:

• Prewar American cars
• European sports cars
• Air-cooled Porsches
• Classic British cars
• American muscle cars
• Vintage trucks
• Collector and exotic cars

A general mechanic may skip an opening because the title sounds too broad. Specific details can show that the job matches their interests.

2. Explain the work

State whether the position focuses on service, restoration, fabrication, performance or a mix of work.

Also explain whether projects are small repairs, complete restorations or ongoing maintenance for private collections.

3. Set the correct experience level

Decide whether you need:

• An apprentice who will receive training
• A general technician with strong mechanical skills
• An experienced restoration technician
• A marque specialist
• A lead technician who can manage major projects

Avoid asking for senior-level experience if the pay and responsibilities are entry-level.

4. Include a pay range

Pay is one of the first details candidates look for. A clear range helps people decide whether the opportunity is right for them.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $50,620 for automotive service technicians and mechanics in May 2025. Pay for classic-car specialists can differ based on location, experience and the skills required.

Research pay in your local market and check the wage-disclosure rules that apply to your location.

5. Explain why your shop is different

Qualified mechanics often have choices. Give them a reason to choose your shop.

You might mention:

• Interesting vehicles
• High-quality equipment
• A clean workspace
• Paid training
• A strong team
• Consistent project flow
• Opportunities to learn rare skills
• Relocation help
• A clear path to higher pay or responsibility

Be direct and accurate. Candidates will learn what the shop is really like during the interview.

6. Ask for relevant work examples

A résumé does not always show the quality of a mechanic’s work.

Ask candidates to share project photographs, a portfolio or a short description of a difficult repair. During the interview, ask what the problem was, how they diagnosed it and what they learned.

If you use a hands-on skills test, keep it short, job-related and paid.

Once candidates apply, use these interview questions for classic car mechanics to evaluate their experience.

Classic car mechanic job title examples

Choose the title that best matches the actual work:

• Classic Car Mechanic
• Classic Car Technician
• Vintage Vehicle Technician
• Automotive Restoration Technician
• European Classic Car Technician
• American Muscle Car Technician
• Restoration and Fabrication Technician
• Collector Car Service Technician
• Lead Classic Car Technician
• Apprentice Restoration Technician

Do not use a creative title that candidates are unlikely to search for. Put the specialty in the title and describe the shop’s personality in the job posting.

Frequently asked questions

What is a classic car mechanic?

A classic car mechanic is an automotive technician who works on vintage, collector and specialty vehicles. The mechanic may perform maintenance, repairs, diagnosis, rebuilding or restoration work.

What skills should a classic car mechanic have?

Important skills may include mechanical diagnosis, carburetor tuning, electrical troubleshooting, engine repair, brake and suspension work, parts research and careful documentation. The right skills depend on the vehicles and services offered by the shop.

Does a classic car mechanic need ASE certification?

ASE certification can show knowledge and professional development, but it is not required for every position. Relevant experience, completed projects and strong diagnostic skills may be more important for some classic-car shops.

How much should a classic car mechanic be paid?

Pay depends on the location, experience level, vehicle specialty and work required. Shops should research their local labor market and publish a realistic pay range. Highly experienced technicians, fabricators and marque specialists may command higher pay.

How can a shop evaluate a classic car mechanic?

Review the candidate’s work history and ask for project examples. Use interview questions based on real situations the employee will face. A short, paid skills assessment can also help confirm practical ability.

How can a shop keep a good mechanic?

Competitive pay is important, but mechanics also value respect, useful equipment, steady work and room to grow. Read our guide to retaining top mechanics for more ideas.

Where can I post a classic car mechanic job?

You can post a classic car mechanic job free on Classic Car Jobs. The site is built for shops hiring people who work with classic, collector, restoration and specialty vehicles.

Ready to hire a classic car mechanic?

Create a detailed posting with the template above, then reach mechanics who want to work on special vehicles.

Post a Job Free on Classic Car Jobs

Posting is free. Shops that choose Premium can get added visibility and recommendations for mechanics whose skills and experience match the open position.