What is a "Classic" Car?
There are as many definitions as there
are "authorities" on the subject. 4). Similarly, the definition of "Vintage" is equally divisive and confusing. They therefore give little help to slot the Classic in as the
most recent date. Join our Forum with your
opinions.
Here are a few -
1). The Classic Car Club of America defines a CCCA Classic as a fine or distinctive automobile,
either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1959. Generally, a Classic was high-priced
when new and was built in limited quantities.
This rather exclusive definition of a classic car is not universally followed, however, and this
is acknowledged by the CCCA. While it still maintains the true definition of "classic car"
it generally uses terms such as CCCA Classic or the trademarked Full Classic to
avoid confusion.
In the United States for the purpose of obtaining discounted registration fees and other purposes,
most states have their own legislation which can be summarised as -
"A motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured at least 15 years prior to the
current year which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially in
conformity with manufacturer specifications and appearance."
(*1)
2). The Antique Automobile Club of America defines an antique car as 25 years old
or older.
(*1)
Personally, in my 47 years of driving and as a partner in a small concours business, I have never
before heard of the word "antique" being used in relation to an automobile. The
25 year qualification is in my opinion, the closest to reality of all
definitions.
3). In the United Kingdom, there is no fixed definition of a "classic" car.
Two taxation issues do impact however, leading to some people using them as cutoff dates.
All cars built before January 1, 1973, are exempted from paying the annual road tax vehicle excise
duty. (*1)
That means that a car has to be 36 years old (at
2009) - a bit too long).
It seems to be clear that "Vintage" begins with the year 1919 but the end differs
between 1925 and 1930.
As far as I can tell, these definitions have not been altered for decades.
Conclusion.
The one conclusion you can make is that nobody has been awake on either side of the pond for the
last 20 years.
Surely, somebody will eventually realise that a car should be a certain age, not be made before a
certain year. The AACA got it half right but they are referring to an
"antique", not a "classic".
The CCCA does not recognise a car that is 50 years old.!!
What are we going to call a 1980 car in 20 years time?
The commonly used terms for old cars are "Vintage", "Veteran" and "Classic".
As for definitions of each term, it's anyone's guess. Considering that it's
a multi-billion $ industry, we should expect better guidance and consistency
from our leaders.