Historic Vehicle Facts

HISTORIC VEHICLES – THE FACTS

Successfully representing historic vehicle clubs and enthusiasts for 38 years.

Historic Vehicles are formally recognised by the UK Government when they attain an age of 40 years.

The global qualification for a Historic Vehicle is 30 years as defined by the Fédération International des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA). The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is the authorised national representative of FIVA.

What is a Historic Vehicle?

FIVA answers this question very simply: "FIVA defines it as a mechanically-propelled road vehicle at least 30 years old, preserved and maintained in a historically correct condition, which is not used as means of daily transport and which is therefore part of our technical and cultural heritage. A Youngtimer is a similar vehicle between 20 and 29 years old." https://www.fiva.org/en/about-us/faqs

In the UK, the Scottish Government recognises vehicles over 30 years old as 'Historic' for the purposes of exemption from compliance with its low-emission zones.

FBHVC was formed in 1988 and for the past 38 years has protected and maintained the right of UK citizens to use ‘yesterday’s vehicles on tomorrow’s roads’ - without restriction. In other parts of the world, there are often restrictions on the type of use, seasons of use, number of days useage per year and/or mileage travelled.

Historics include cars... and all other vehicle types!

The FBHVC treats all historic vehicles equally and recognises cars, motorcycles, buses, coaches, lorries, light vans, military, agricultural and steam vehicles. The FBHVC represents over 500 historic vehicle clubs and museums, individual and trade supporters who choose to recognise our work.

Since 1996, FBHVC has recognised the value of consistent research into the historic vehicle movement and uses this data in negotiations with governmental and non-governmental organisations.

The latest data was compiled from surveys completed in 2025 by 19,943 Owners, Enthusiasts, Trade, Clubs and representatives from the wider UK Public.

The FBHVC conducts formal research every five years and the latest key facts are published in our Historic Vehicles Fact Sheet (download link below).