Federation wins UNESCO approval in first step to safeguard the UK’s historic vehicle movement
Published: 24/12/2025
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has succeeded in gaining UNESCO's approval to proceed with its application to have the UK's Historic Vehicle Enthusiasts' Movement recognised as an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Crucially, enthusiasts play a vital role in helping keep our vehicle heritage alive.
This is the first step in a detailed process which will hopefully result in the general public's enthusiasm for historic vehicles being officially registered, recorded and safeguarded as part of the UK's living heritage.
Obtaining UNESCO's approval is a significant achievement as it allows the Federation to now move forward with a full submission.
The approval follows detailed discussions with The Heritage Alliance led by the Federation’s chairman, David Whale and newly appointed Director of Heritage, Phil Sampson.
In 2024, the UK government joined many countries in supporting the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) – known as ‘living heritage’ – which is cultural heritage that is living and practised.
Examples of living heritage in the UK range from bell-ringing to boat-building, cèilidh to carnival, pantomime to pancake day, Highland games to Eisteddfod, Lambeg drumming to longsword dancing, and dry-stone walling to wassailing.
The Federation's application has been enabled via its links with FIVA (Fédération International des Véhicules Anciens). The Federation is the UK’s ANF (Authorised National Federation) for FIVA, a global organisation recognised as a cultural partner to UNESCO – and it is this association which gives the Federation its connection to UNESCO.
“The authority to proceed with a full submission is an exciting prospect indeed,” comments Federation Chairman David Whale.
“Every year 4.3 million enthusiasts attend events supported by our 534 member clubs. By enjoying and learning about historic vehicles, and sharing their knowledge, enthusiasts play a vital role in helping keep our heritage alive – which is precisely why we are keen to see the UK historic vehicle enthusiasts’ movement officially recognised as an example of our nation's living heritage.”
UNESCO’s core aim of creating ‘inventories’ of living heritage, is to contribute to their safeguarding: to enable a conversation about how we are collectively safeguarding our living heritage and as a key first step for identifying, recognising, and raising awareness of the range of living heritage in the UK.
More details about Living Heritage in the UK: www.livingheritage.unesco.org.uk
• The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) exists to uphold the freedom to use historic vehicles - of all types - on the road without restriction (unlike in many other countries).
• Member clubs include cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses, coaches, campers, tractors/agricultural, military and road steam.
• It does this by representing the interests of owners of historic vehicles to politicians, government officials, and legislators both in the UK and (through the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens - FIVA) globally.
• Representing more than 500 vehicle clubs, whose total membership is over 250,000 people, plus more than 50 transport museums, individual and trade supporters, the FBHVC is the largest body of its kind.
• The Federation organises the annual ‘Drive-it Day’ and ‘Ride-it Day’ each April, has so far raised almost £250,000 for the NSPCC’s Childline www.driveitday.co.uk
• The FBHVC undertakes major research. Its 2025 findings reveal a thriving and valuable sector that continues to grow, contributing £7.3 billion to the UK economy each year, supporting tens of thousands of skilled jobs. https://fbhvc.co.uk/survey
