When is a classic car a classic car?

Sorry mate, its not my definition. Its always going to upset some people when they find that thier 1931 car IS NOT CLASSED as a vintage car. (My self included with my 1931 Austin 7 'Swallow' Saloon)

Its a can of worms which could be discussed adinfinitum and still not be resolved. As mentioned earlier, just enjoy your car/lorry/bus/tank or whatever it is you drive

Well they could. The problem is there is no definition. Its all subjective. There are plenty of 80's and early nineties cars that many consider to be classic. Insurers now have the concept of future classics. These are cars that are not old enough to be considred classic but considered to collecticable enough to be a classic when they are older.

Of course they aren't Jaguar C-Types (note I didn't say they were) but most people would consider them as classics, even purists would probably consider them on a scale from a welcome recreation to what the heck does that think it looks like (See Tony Dron's column in Octane recently). But most people would think they were classics.

That is the whole point, I'd consider the +4 a classic, but not an Aero.
But why 1980? would a Fiat 126 made in December 79 be a classic and Aston V8 Vantage made in January 1980 not? Why not 1960 or a rolling 50 years?


I can drink to that.
Kick back, chill out and enjoy

PS, love your car.

Oh dear, what a can of worms! Vintage was defined in 1934 when the VSCC was formed - pre 1931. A classic though? Well, a Morris Minor is a classic in most peoples eyes but is a Marina or Allegro for example? Both have their supporters and one make clubs. Now let me quote Gretchen's dictionary definition:-

a. Belonging to the highest rank or class.
b. Serving as the established model or standard: a classic example of colonial architecture.
c. Having lasting significance or worth; enduring.

Now that means that I personally am a classic but not two of my cars! Is my Lynx D a classic? personally I think not but the make does seem to have taken on a kind of mythical existance of it's own somehow. A car that is still in production isn't? Well a Morgan has been quoted but surely when the Mini and the Minor finished production the earliest models of their ranges were already classics, especially the Cooper versions. A Toyota Crown or a Talbot Tagora? Both very rare now but classics? Hmmm. Will my C type be a classic one day? I doubt it, more a curiosity even if it will have FIA papers.

No, you'll get a different answer from every person you meet, especially depending on their age. I guess some youngsters consider a 911 a classic even if it is a 993 because it is and was the car of their dreams as they grew up whereas we older farts look at a completely different range of cars.

Personally I try not to make a definition or dividing line; if I like it it's a classic and one of my favourite classics is a Bristol which can be defined as a classic the day it is registered, just like Morgan!

People that love their own cars beyond financial sense...

The VSCC (of the UK) for the purposes of better organising their events have an eligibility scheme which includes a vintage class which is before 1931. They also have Post Vintage Thoroughred (PVT) class for cars from the 30's which are considered "eligible" for events. (This includes all 30's Rolls Royces) This can be debated at length in the club and the list is added to every few years. Last year they added short chassis A7 and MG TA to their PVT list. Many people consider Veteran to be pre 1906 - eligible for the Brighton run. The VSCC has used an Edwardian class for cars pre 1920 (ish). I think the VCC now accept "edwardians". The VSCC also inivite "Historics" to race meeting, these are considered to be Post WWII. The MSA (FIA) have adopted many of these period definitions. In practice the VSCC Welsh trial and the LC&ES are now the only events which are now for pre 1931 cars only. Even the VSCC Welsh Rally this year is to allow PVT entrants. So David I think your Swallow could get an entry. We did it in a chummy a few years ago, and a Phantom 1 has done it, but a Riley or 12/50 is better to get round the lanes and up the hills.

Edit to correct quote attribution

And also, in the UK an insurqance company refines any car older then 10 years as a classic, and you can get classic car insurance for it.

But you could insure it as a classic car, reagrdless of what you think of it. Besides, it might be a classic one day. If only because people will look at it and think.....my Dad used to have one of those...we went on holiday in one... when we had things called "reps", I once did 40,000 miles in a year in one.....I wonder if it..yes! Yes it does have the original radio, without the DAB function...

This goes back to my definition. Everyones idea of a "classic" will be different, but they will think of it as a classic because it means something to them.

Model T FORD, Mini, 2cv, VW Beetle ,Austin 7 ,its cars like these that can truly be called classics .They made a lasting impression on the motoring public ,were popular and were built in very large numbers .There are also cars like the E Type, 911, Cobra etc. which were defining moments in auto history ,classics in the 2nd degree if you like .Thirdly any cars lusted after by general car enthusiasts or which competed closely with any of the aforementioned maybe deemed classics. Age alone however I feel does not constitute a classic vehicle. Austin Maxi anyone?
Andy. IMO obviously

Veteran and Vintage are clearly defined, so there is no problem in understanding what makes a Veteran or Vintage car. There is however no definition for a Classic car, and I think that in itself is the definition, as it's not something that can be defined.