Officially documenting the history of a classic car

[Dave Sumner Smith]

The 'Classiche' service from Ferrari enables owners of cars aged 20+ years to have an official 'history book' of their vehicle, thereby documenting the provenance of their vehicle (and helping to ensure its value as a genuine classic).

Are there similar schemes from other manufacturers?

[Chunkychucky]

Would be nice if more of them did, I believe a couple of manufacturers may do - shame for the most part old British stuff you can only get a BMHT certificate for.

[mph]

What exactly is in the "history book" that's not on a Heritage type certificate ?

Given the current approach to data protection I can't imagine that ownership data could be included.

[Stevepolly]

There isn't much on a heritage certificate that you do not already know, you have to supply most it to them.

[Mark A S]

For the last 10 years or so I have kept a detailed history of any work done, or I have done on the various cars/classics I have owned.

All dated with a brief description on a word doc, along with any invoices IMO is a worthwhile “history” of the vehicle which is always greatly appreciated when I have moved them on.

Yes, its not a manufacturers history file, but, its still a worthwhile History in my view.

[aeropilot]

Mark A S said:

For the last 10 years or so I have kept a detailed history of any work done, or I have done on the various cars/classics I have owned.

All dated with a brief description on a word doc, along with any invoices IMO is a worthwhile “history” of the vehicle which is always greatly appreciated when I have moved them on.

Yes, its not a manufacturers history file, but, its still a worthwhile History in my view.

I have done the same pretty much the same, but in an excel spreadsheet so mileage and costs logs can be cumulative etc (not a great idea perhaps!!!)

I have found out though, that some traders will bin anything given by a previous owner, in terms of a history file and not pass it on, due to issues with DPA etc.

[lowdrag]

I am not far short of 40 years of ownership of my E-type, and I have four ring binders of bills (shortly to be increased having purchased a new header tank and hoses) and have correspondence with all previous owners bar the very first. He lived in Soho, which was very interesting in the sixties! With over 100,000 miles and over 20 countries behind us, and with hundreds of photos, I am starting to write the history as far as I know it.

[mph]

aeropilot said:

I have found out though, that some traders will bin anything given by a previous owner, in terms of a history file and not pass it on, due to issues with DPA etc.

I bought a new car recently and the salesman shredded all the paperwork that accompanied my two year old trade-in. Apparently it is their company policy that all paperwork addressed to previous owners must be destroyed.

My own classic car has a large suitcase full to bursting with it's history from new, including owners letters from the 1950's. It would be criminal if it were to be lost IMHO.

Hopefully classic car owners and dealers are more sensible when it comes to documentation.