What is an Historic Vehicle ?

There has been much discussion and argument about this one over the years.
Is it a 1920′s Blower Bentley?
Or a 1960′s Aston Martin?
Or maybe a 1977 Mk3 Cortina GXL?

For every person you ask you get a different opinion.
Well, now the FIVA (Federation Internationale Vehicules Ainciens) has provided one :-

“FIVA defines a historic vehicle as a mechanically propelled road vehicle:
Which is at least 30 years old;
Which is preserved and maintained in a historically correct condition;
Which is not used as a means of daily transport;
And which is therefore a part of our technical and cultural heritage”

You may wonder what this organisation’s definition has to do with you and your ownership of an ‘Old’ vehicle.

FIVA is the largest body representing ‘Historic’ vehicle clubs and owners in Europe and as such are listened to closely by National and European governmental organisations when it comes to legislation that may affect old cars. By defining the ‘Historic’ vehicle FIVA have presented a framework around which this legislation can be considered.

The FBHVC admit that this definition covers a very limited amount of vehicles and they see it as a benefit because it adds to the ‘Historic vehicles are far too small a minority to really concern anyone’ argument and are hoping that this will stave off some of the more repressive legislation that the EU may consider.
As they say on their site: Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs

“For example, the EU Commission have given indications that while they are happy to consider legislative exemptions for a reasonably small number of vehicles, used for relatively low mileages, they would become concerned if the number of vehicles or the mileage they covered grew too large. It is hoped that by lifting the defined age to 30 and excluding vehicles used for daily transport, this will be avoided.”

This may help the limited number of people who have machines that fit the definition but unfortunately the it leaves a large number of enthusiasts and their vehicles cut adrift.

The definition also opens the door for authorities to apply legislation to modified vehicles and those that do not fit the FIVA definition while still being able to say ‘We considered the needs of the Historic vehicle owner before framing this restriction’.

More about FIVA HERE