What Makes a Classic Car a Classic?

While the term “classic car” generally refers to an older vehicle, just what makes one car a classic and another just an old car varies. By some definitions any older car, truck, or motorcycle is a classic. Others, such as the Classic Car Club of America, define a classic as being made between the years 1925 and 1959. So how do you know if your car, truck, or motorcycle is a classic?

Some Cars Are Obvious Classics

Classic Car Club of America
The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) defines a classic as a fine or distinctive automobile which was manufactured between 1925 and 1959. It can be either American or foreign built. Generally, a classic car carried a high price tag for its time when new, and was often built in limited quantities. Other factors, such as engine displacement, custom coachwork, luxury accessories such as power brakes, power clutch, and “one-shot” or automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car is considered to be a classic.

Any member of the CCCA may petition for a vehicle to join the list. These applications are carefully scrutinized, but only rarely is a new vehicle type admitted to the ranks of the CCCA classics.

However the CCCA’s rather exclusive definition of a classic car is not universally followed. The CCCA acknowledges this difference of opinion by using terms such as CCCA Classic or the trademarked Full Classic to avoid confusion.

United States Legal Definition
Legally, most states have time-based rules for the definition of “classic” for purposes such as antique vehicle registration. For example, the state of Pennsylvania defines a classic car 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.” So in Pennsylvania your 1992 Toyota Corolla could legally be claimed as a classic car, but you probably won’t see many of these sporting PA antique plates. It takes more than just a legal definition to make a car a classic.

Other Definitions

Some Cars, Like the Porsche 944, are Modern Classics

Other definitions of a classic car include the Antique Automobile Club of America, which defines an antique car as 25 years old or older.

In the United Kingdom there is no standard definition of a classic car. However two taxation issues do impact. All cars built before January 1, 1973, are exempted from paying the annual road tax vehicle excise duty. This is then entered on the license disc displayed on the windscreen as “historic vehicle”. The HM Revenue & Customs define a classic car for company taxation purposes as being over 15 years old and having a value in excess of £15,000.

Finally there is the concept of the modern classic. These are generally older cars, anywhere from 15–25 years, but are not accepted as classics according to the Antique Automobile Club of America. However due to unique features, styling, or engineering, they are popularly dubbed “modern classics”.

Classic car styling
There was a worldwide change in styling trends in the immediate years after the end of World War II. The 1946 Crosley and Kaiser-Frazer, for example, changed the traditional discrete replaceable-fender treatment. From this point on, automobiles of all kinds became envelope bodies in basic plan. The CCCA term, “Classic Car” has been confined to “the functionally traditional designs of the earlier period” (mostly pre-war). They tended to have removable fenders, trunk, headlights, and a usual vertical grill treatment. In a large vehicle, such as a Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, or in a smaller form, the MG TC, with traditional lines, might typify the CCCA term. Another vehicle might be a classic example of a later period but not a car from the “classic period of design”, in the opinion of the CCCA.

Classic Car Safety

A 1930s Car Accident

Drivers of classic cars must be especially careful. Classic cars often lack what are now regarded as basic safety features, such as seat belts, crumple zones or rollover protection. Vehicle handling characteristics (particularly steering and suspension) and brake performance are likely to be poorer than current standards, hence requiring greater road-awareness on the part of the driver. In certain parts of the US, using a classic car as a daily vehicle is strongly discouraged and in some places even prohibited.

Many people recommend retrofitting classic cars with seat belts. Retro-styled 2-point and 3-point seat belts are manufactured according to current safety standards. Wearing a light bicycle helmet is also a suggested option for drivers and passengers of older cars with no airbags. Fitting modern tires is also a suggestion to improve the handling.

Some classic cars owners are reluctant to retrofit seat belts for the loss of originality this modification implies. There have also been instances of cars losing points at shows for being retrofitted with seat belts.

Despite these concerns, classic cars are involved in relatively few accidents.

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