Confused on Definitions

[R.White]

Just for the record, definitions for historic vehicles here in the U.K. are generally clearer.

'Veteran' cars are generally those built before 1905 and are eligible for the London to Brighton run and are sanctioned by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. The really ancient cars are sometimes referred to as 'Victorian'. Those cars built from 1905 to 1918 are generally known as 'Edwardian'. More specifically, cars registered after the first world War and before 1931 are termed as 'Vintage'; a term coined by the Vintage Sports Car Club in the 1930's. (There is another group of cars which were registered after 1930 which are accepted in V.S.C.C. events, known as 'post vintage thoroughbreds' but that is getting a bit too detailed for this thread. Generally, anything made after 1930 will fall into the 'Classic car' category but many people will distinguish a car which is pre World War 11 from those made post war.

An interesting feature of British historic vehicles is that the term 'Vintage' or 'Classic' has absolutely nothing to do with quality and is simply a useful classification. That is not to say that the news media don't persistently use the wrong terms (which I personally find a little irritating.)

One last observation: we hardly ever use the term 'antique' or 'brass' to describe an old car. On the other hand, it would probably not be appropriate for Americans to associate their motoring heritage with our 'Edwardians' (British Monarchs).

Ray.