F.I.V.A Classic car definition

carchaeologist

Just saw this on page 6 of januarys practical classics,The federation internationale des vehicules anciens(F.I.V.A.) has announced the universal definition of a historic vehicle..It must be at least 30 years old in 2010,preserved and maintained in a historically correct condition,and not used as a means of daily transport.It doesnt look like thats a rolling thing though,so 80s cars might be left out in the cold..

macplaxton

The FIVA definition is:

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.

That comes into effect for 2010 with FIVA, there's nothing fixed about the date.

Just Practical Classics slipping into a bit of "Super Soar-away Sun" journalism, I think.

Read more PDF (Federation British Historic Vehicles Clubs - P9)

carchaeologist

Thanks mac!

bugsntinas

oh well that rules our's out as it's used daily:D

Eric318

Would what the FIVA say really change your own perception of cars? Does it really matter?

commited

This won't affect VRT laws etc, will it? I was going to buy a couple of cars now whilst they're cheap and put them away for a few years!

trevorbrady

it's a load of bull if they lock it in at 30 years from 2010 on, do they mean that in the year 2110 that 1981 cars won't be considered historic?

and the "historically correct" and not used as a daily thing, that's a bit nazi of them isn't it?

I wonder do these folk have nothing better to do than come up with this rubbish... :rolleyes:

I fully expect to be able to say that my '93 Corolla will be a classic by 2023. It'll be long gone by then but I'll put on the rose-tinted glasses, suck a Werther's Original and tell my kids about what a fine car it was etc etc

galwaytt

trevorbrady wrote: »

it's a load of bull if they lock it in at 30 years from 2010 on, do they mean that in the year 2110 that 1981 cars won't be considered historic?

and the "historically correct" and not used as a daily thing, that's a bit nazi of them isn't it?

I wonder do these folk have nothing better to do than come up with this rubbish... :rolleyes:

I fully expect to be able to say that my '93 Corolla will be a classic by 2023. It'll be long gone by then but I'll put on the rose-tinted glasses, suck a Werther's Original and tell my kids about what a fine car it was etc etc

+1

I'll join you on the porch - pass the Ovaltine, thanks - and wax lyrical about my '93 968 as well. And the lucky b'stard whose 88 D Corolla got there before us, and how he's being rubbing it in ever since 2018....

hi5

Who are FIVA,are they French, is what they say a European directive?

carchaeologist

hi5 wrote: »

Who are FIVA,are they French, is what they say a European directive?

Not quite sure,i was just going by what i read in the magazine,im sure someone knows more?

Ballykine43

Best to have a look at the FIVA website. They are not French nor is what they say a European Directive. They represent the Historical Vehicle Movement in over 70 Countries. As Macplaxton says they are in process of moving from 25 years for eligibility to 30 years in their draft rules from 2010.
See http://www.fiva.org/E/Tech/Code.htm for the actual text.

VanhireBoys

So the 80's didnt happen then according to the FIVA Gestapo :rolleyes:

Dustpuppy

That's a bad definition.
All car's over 30years and modified are out, like all daily driver.
Stupid i think.
A 1930 Ford A rebuild to a Hotrod is a classic for me like a classic beetle in original condition used as daily driver is one and i give a **** of what they say about.

alpina

Unfortunately there appears to be quite frequent rumblings within the past three months about 'Classic Car' status & cut off points. Let's hope it literally is that 'rumblings' & stays as such. Personally I made the jump in '03 for a 1981 'classic' as it was so clean I was prepared to wait, thus maintaining the condition also. Am sure there are many here in the same boat so let's keep fingers crossed..;)

ErnieY

I think a little calm and realism is called for.

There are ongoing threats to older cars of all types from many quarters and whist what the FIVA propose may seem a bit draconian they point out that:

"Without defining what a classic is and how it's used we can't sell any exemptions for historic vehicles to the politicians. FIVA's criteria are largely political phrases. We don't want to put off drivers from using their cars every day or from upgrading them but in order for legislative exemptions to be made we have to set a benchmark"

I think we should be thankful that they are being proactive with the EU mandarins rather than waiting for a decree which could do far more harm to the movement.

Let's not forget that these guys are enthusiasts too :cool:

Ballykine43

Well put Ernie. These are also the guys who have convinced the insurance companies that there should be special rates for Classic Cars....And remember that this normally means NOT a daily driver, of whatever age, pedigree or worth.

unkel

ErnieY wrote: »

Let's not forget that these guys are enthusiasts too :cool:

Museum enthusiasts maybe?

A classic car is no good to anyone here on boards unless it is driven. And for most of us that means driven daily.

FIVA can stick its head right up its arse and forever be silent for all I care...

ErnieY

I disagree.

I don't know about members here but I think in broader terms it's very safe to say that the vast majority do not drive their historic or classic cars on a daily basis and of those who do I would venture we are likely talking vehicles which would fall outside of the FIVA definition.

Additionally a sense of proportion has to be maintained. Post 1980 classics probably represent a very minor section of the whole out of which maybe 30% are in fact driven anything like daily.

It can be argued that, by definiton, anything post 1980 cannot logically be termed 'historic' at all, indeed with the current nil tax cutoff of 1973 one could contend that this is already a benchmark. This leaves us with the term 'classic to consider' and many seem to regard this as automatically applying to anything old but that is patently a false notion, to be labelled 'classic' a vehicle must surely display at least some unique or outstanding features. For example, and let me say that I have nothing against them, is is the Morris Marina really a classic example of anything other than the lamentable state of the British car industry in it's era ?

It is your right to criticise or course and if you feel so strongly that what is being proposed is wrong or unfair then you should petition the FIVA or your local MEP with a reasoned and balanced argument, opining on forums in florid and offensive language terms is futile.

unkel

ErnieY wrote: »

opining on forums in florid and offensive language terms is futile.

You got me there

Ballykine43

Ireland is represented at FIVA. see link http://www.fiva.org/E/WW/Ireland.htm

bugsntinas

i don't care what some muppet says our cars are classics,26 years,29,30 and 37.whether they're used every day or stuck in the field as long as they have classic insurance i'm happy.

corktina

bugsntinas wrote: »

i don't care what some muppet says our cars are classics,26 years,29,30 and 37.whether they're used every day or stuck in the field as long as they have classic insurance i'm happy.

totally agree with you...beauty is in the eye of the beholder....