I always thought classic was 15 years, antique was 25, and historical was 50 years old. Am I correct?o No:
I'm sure it's defined differently in various places. Do you mean a State's definition, or insurance companies?
The loosely used term "Classic" I know your question is about antique classification, which I believe in most states is 25 years. As far as the term "Classic", allow me to step up on my soap box. There is a specific list of cars classified as Classics by the CCCA. (Classic Car Club of America) Many states such as Minnesota recognize this list, and won't issue Classic plates unless the car is on this list. Here is a link. Classic Cars Having grown up with a Father that was a CCCA member, and having spent my youth at shows with these cars, it bugs me when people refer to a car like a '57 Chevy as a Classic. :blast: I will step down now, thanks!:beer
That list appears to be a little bit elitist. For example if you use that list, no buick made after 1942 could be considered a classic that just doesn't seem right, I agree that the term classic gets thrown around a lot, but this seems to far the other way.
Well... Bear in mind, the list was first compiled back in '53. with cars being added over the years. But, '48 is the cut-off, and years ago there was a big fight in the club about adding newer cars. It was, and still is my opinion that unless they add some newer cars to the list, they will lose membership over the years as the people who remembered those cars from their youth, age and die off. Cars like the '53 Skylark, and '63 Riviera just to name a couple I think are worthy of Classic status. The members of the local club here certainly weren't elitists. There was a lot of dirt under the fingernails of the group.
This is my old stand by. Classic = 25+ Antique = 50+ If you think about it, how can a 1979 anything be considered an antique? uzzled:
Going by available license plates from the state (Wis): Hobbyist: Street modified/replica of a car at least 20 years old. (Reconstructed, Motorized homemade vehicles.) Collector: Any car 20 years or older that haven't been modified. As far as classic/antique, I'd go the same way as Ken. Classic: 25+ Antique: 50+
Antique = 25 yrs At least it is here...I don't know about classic. When I think about classic, I see the old Zephyrs and Phaetons of the 30's and older. Maybe the typical 55-57 Chevy sutck in there, since people seem to have some sort of affection for them.
Hmmm....ya know, I've heard differing opinions on this also. So, I tried to look it up. I did find this definition for antique being at least 100 years old but, it seems to lend toward items other than cars. Obviously cars from the 20's & 30's are antiques and have been for some time. It's all very murky looking for "classic" or "vintage" not specific about years old. My guess in cars would be 25 for classic. Antique at 50. Here's the definition anyway. "Opinions differ as to what is an antique. However, experts consider three factors in judging the quality of a piece and its value as an antique: (1) its age, (2) its artistic value, and (3) its historical importance. According to the United States government, which levies no import tax on antiques, an item must be more than 100 years old to be an antique. Most collectors also use this standard."
My insurance company says 20 years is classic. They will not insure any cars newer than 1984. Tennesse, back years ago, considered it one when it was 25 years old.
When GM started building 80's cars that held the rear wheel cylinders in with a Jesus clip, I knew it was all over. But now what is being built even makes them look good.
Jesus clip? I get that it's probably something to do with "so small, you should pray for it to work" or something to that likeness, but would you elaborate?
The rear backing plates are paper thin and the wheel cylinders are held in place by a cheep spring clip. (when they shoot across the room you say "oh Jesus!") GM recalled these and fixed it with another cheep wrap around bracket that barely worked.........all in order to save 2 cents on a a couple of bolts. I had at least a dozen of those cars come in to Firestone where I used to work with blown wheel cylinders that actually twisted around in the backing plate. Brilliant, really brilliant.:spank:
