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1. Definition

The FIVA defines a Historic Vehicle as a mechanically self-propelled vehicle which is at least 30 years old, which is preserved and maintained in good condition according to its historical data, which is not used as a daily means of transport, and which is therefore part of our technological and cultural heritage.

2. Terminology

  • HISTORIC VEHICLE -  A vehicle which meets the conditions set by FIVA.

  • PERIOD - The Period during which the Historic Vehicle was in normal use. This can vary from country to country and is usually 15 years.

  • PERIOD SPECIFICATIONS - The basic specifications of a vehicle until a newer type is introduced by its MANUFACTURER.

  • MANUFACTURER - A person or business that holds design rights and designs, manufactures, assembles and markets a vehicle.

3. General rules

3.1 The Historic Vehicle must be stored and used in an appropriate and environmentally friendly manner, maintained and used as it was during the original period of its manufacture.

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3.2 Out-of-season conversions and other changes should be avoided and limited to those required by law, or in cases of owner/driver disability or incapacity, so as to ensure the safe use of the vehicle on the road. These conversions must be done in the spirit of the period and in such a way that they can be restored and the vehicle returned to its historically correct and original condition.

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3.2 Conversions and changes must be recorded in such a way that in the future someone will know the differences of the vehicle from its original state.  This information must appear on the FIVA card.

4. Technical vehicle classification

Vehicle categories:​

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NORMAL

A Historic Vehicle that is in original condition as delivered by the manufacturer. Minor decorative period changes and standard "accessories" available on the market during its original period may be accepted.

 

AMENDED WITHIN PERIOD

A Historic Vehicle specially built or modified during a period for special purposes, characteristic of its type and therefore of historical interest.

 

AMENDED OUT OF PERIOD

Out-of-Period conversions to a Historical Vehicle with proven identity, but which were Period-specific made using original-Period specification components.

 

EXCEPTIONS

Out-of-Period conversions to a proven Historic Vehicle, which have been made using parts of technology not available during the Period. Such a vehicle must retain the original frame and bodywork, with Period specifications for its type.

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As long as the frame or self-supporting frame remains unchanged and three (3) or more parts of those listed  below have been replaced with Out of Period Conversions:
 

  1. Motor

  2. Transmission

  3. Wheels

  4. Front suspension / steering system

  5. Rear suspension

5. Classification of vehicles by periods

For FIVA events traditionally the vehicles are classified into the following categories:

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  • Class A "Ancestor": vehicles built up to 31/12/1904

  • Class B "Veteran": vehicles built from 1/1/1905 to 31/12/1918

  • Class C "Vintage": vehicles built from 1/1/1919 to 31/12/1930

  • Class D "Post Vintage": vehicles built from 1/1/1931 to 31/12/1945

  • Class E "Post War": vehicles built from 1/1/1946 to 31/12/1960

  • Class F "Classic": vehicles manufactured from 1/1/1961 to 31/12/1970

  • Category G: manufactured vehiclesfrom 1/1/1971 to 31/12/1980

  • Category H: vehicles manufactured from 1/1/1981 until the completion of 30 years as defined by the FIVA regulation

6. Determination of construction date and classification

6.1 Data required to determine the date of manufacture and classification of a vehicle, or parts of a vehicle, must contain all relevant information and certification. Chassis and engine numbers required.

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6.2 The responsibility for providing the necessary documents always rests with the owner of the vehicle.

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6.3 The FIVA Official Representative of the country (ANF) is responsible for determining the date of manufacture and classification of the vehicle.

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6.4 A Historic Vehicle that has been appraised by a country's Official Representative will normally be accepted by other FIVA members. If an Official Dealer is in doubt about the details of a vehicle for which they are attempting to issue a FIVA card, they can seek additional information from other Dealers. In such cases the relevant documentation must be available to the inquiring Representative or the Technical Committee.

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6.5 In the event of an insurmountable dispute regarding the timing and/or classification between the owner and the country's Official Representative, or between Representatives, the matter must be submitted to the FIVA Technical Committee for decision on payment of the relevant fee. The decision of the FIVA Technical Committee is final.

7. FIVA Identification Card

7.1 The FIVA Identification Card is issued for vehicles that fall under the requirements of the Technical Code.

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7.2 The Identification Card is an identification document, issued by the Official Representative to identify a Historic Vehicle upon inspection by FIVA or its representative. The FIVA Card remains the property of FIVA permanently and is valid for ten years, or until the ownership of the vehicle changes. 

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7.3 In a country where there is an Official FIVA Representative, the owner of a Historic Vehicle, registered in the same country, must apply for a FIVA Card to that Representative, in accordance with the FIVA Technical Code. An Official Dealer cannot issue a FIVA Identification Card for a vehicle registered in another country.

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7.4 For Historic Vehicles which have not been registered, the application for the issuance of a FIVA Identification Card must be submitted to the Official Representative of the country where the owner resides.

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7.5 In a country where there is no Official Representative, the owner of a vehicle, which is registered in that country, must apply to the FIVA Technical Committee in order to obtain a FIVA Identification Card.

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7.6 A member of a FIVA-affiliated Club, whose request for a FIVA Identification Card has been refused, or there has been a dispute as to the classification by the Official Representative, may appeal against these decisions to the FIVA Technical Committee, which has the possibility to grant competence to its sub-committee. If the matter remains unresolved, the appeal may be submitted to the Board of Appeals, to be established by the General Committee, for final resolution.

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7.7 The FIVA Identification Card is a document defined in the FIVA Technical Code.

 

7.8 FIVA, its Official Representative (ANF), or any official thereof may at any time revoke a Certificate of Recognition. In this case, the Certificate should be immediately returned to the issuing Authority with a simultaneous statement of the reason for revocation. The Technical Committee may overturn the decision to revoke an Identification Card taken by the Official Representative.

8. FIVA Youngtimer Registration Document

A vehicle can qualify as a 'Youngtimer' if it is between 20 and 29 years old, kept in good condition and is normally used for leisure purposes, and may be eligible to receive a FIVA Card when it turns 30 years old.

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Such a vehicle can obtain a "FIVA Youngtimer Registration Document" using the same procedure as for issuing a FIVA Identification Card for a Historic Vehicle.

9. Other

Additional rules or decisions that may be taken by the Technical Committee after the issuance of the Technical Code must be considered as part thereof.

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