Federation's latest magazine now available online for supporters

Published: 06/09/2026

The latest issue (No. 11) of the Federation of British Hostoric Vehicle Clubs quarterly magazine - Historic - is now available to read online at www.fbhvc.co.uk/magazine

Online access is available to all individual and trade supporters, plus those who are members of a FBHVC-affliaited club. A list of clubs is here:  www.fbhvc.co.uk/member-clubs 

If you are a member of a FBHVC-affiliated club, you can register, for free, for access to the members' area here: www.fbhvc.co.uk/register Registration is quick and simple; you don't even need your membership number!

Key topics covered in this issue are:

LEGISLATION

• Martyn’s Law: Further steps in this long-running process affecting club events. The law comes into force in spring 2027.
• Automated Vehicles: Following earlier consultations on this subject, the Government released a consultation on a draft set of Safety Principles. 
• In-use Emissions: A DfT consultation concerning exhaust emissions. This proposal seeks to extend the regulations to newer vehicles including Euro 5 and 6 cars whilst not prohibiting lawful modifications.
• Insurance: The Federation met with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to discuss the treatment of historic vehicles in the revised Code of Practice on Vehicle Salvage. 

DVLA

The long expected final parts of the DVLA policy revisions applicable to the registration of historic vehicles are described:

• Vehicle types with a separate chassis that fall in the reconstructed classic category are now able to retain their original registration when fitted with a newly constructed body. The only requirement is that the body is ‘period-typical’ in terms of style and materials used.
• For vehicles originally supplied in CKD form reasonable evidence of the despatch date from the mother-factory is now acceptable for first registrations.

FUELS

A report is provided of the DfT survey on the effects of the introduction of E10 fuel. FBHVC responded to this survey and stressed the importance of the E5 protection grade fuel. With the recent launch of Jet Ultra 99 a list is provided of available 99 RON E5 fuels

EVENTS

• A reminder of the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in November with its theme of ‘débutants’, i.e. vehicles that have never appeared at the show before. FBHVC will be there with its own selection of show new-comers.
• Notice is given of the FBHVC AGM and Conference at the British Motor Museum on 17 October 2026

FEDERATION ACTIVITIES

• A job advert appears with details of an opportunity to become actively involved with the Federation as its new Deputy Chair.
• Information is provided on the recently announced restrictions in the Italian Alps and of the efforts by FIVA to counter it.
• The Federation together with Heritage Skills Academy report on attempts to persuade the new Government to reconsider funding for apprentice schemes

FEATURE ARTICLES

• A brief discourse on vehicle painting, types of paint and methods of application
• An interesting study of the development of crankshaft vibration dampers.
• A story of how choosing the best charity to support can bring great rewards
• As it approaches its 10^th anniversary Borrow a Classic looks back and analyses its success.
• An account of almost 25 years with a Riley RMF
• Interesting memories of Rover's Service Department in London