What is a "Classic"

Within the automotive industry, there are three terms that describe old cars
1). Vintage
2). Veteran
3). Classic
In America, there seems to be an acceptable term called "antique" although from research in other countries, this term is used for most things except automobiles where the 3 terms above are quite unique.
In many automobile associations, the term Veteran is not mentioned.

Left therefore, with these three terms, there seems also to be much confusion and differing opinions on what is classified as "classic".

The terms in any case, are most often used in only two environments -
1. Auction and sale of old cars;
2. Competitions known as "Concours d'Elegance" and "Concours d'Atat", both of which are discussed in another blog.

The confusion arises as follows -
1. The Classic Car Club of America defines the term for vehicles "....produced between 1925 and 1959."
2. The Antique Automobile Club of America would appear to lump all old cars under the heading "antique" with the requirement that they be "....25 years old or older."
3. In the United Kingdom, there appears to be no definition of the term "classic" although some authorities suggest that it is simply "over 21".
Others claim that it is based on higher than normal standards of manufacture, neither of which seem to solve our debate.
4. In Australia and other English speaking countries, U.K. definitions appear to override American definitions.

I think we can conclude that there is no conclusion.

Despite that, I'm going to suggest that the AACA very nearly got it right.
I personally prefer the specific age, rather than a specific year.
Presently for example, the CCCA does not recognise any cars build since 1959 as being anything special which flies directly against entrance forms and rules used at almost every concours event in the world.

Most will argue that the 1960s and 1970s was the period during which most of the "best cars ever produced", hit the stands.
So the Mercedes Benz Gullwing, the Ferrari Dino or Aston Martin DB6 are not to be considered classics.

Let's all discuss this further but my opinion is quite firm -
a). It MUST be more than 30 years old;
b). It MUST be a vehicle of high engineering standard, witnessed by wide and popular support through annual sales;
c). It must be aesthetically pleasing and to the discerning automobile admirer, a desirable collectible.

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