| The term classic car is often used in the description of | | | | CCCA acknowledges this, it still insists that its own |
| older cars, although the correct meaning is generally | | | | definition of the term ‘classic car’ is true. |
| subjected to different opinions. There are hence a | | | | However, to avert confusion, certain terms like CCCA |
| variety of applications that can be applied in defining a | | | | Classic or Full Classic are used. Most states in the US |
| classic car especially when ‘classic’ is applied in | | | | have legal time-based rules regarding this definition for |
| the form of an adjective and this is also true in the | | | | certain purposes like registration of antique vehicles. |
| case of a dictionary definition. A certain dictionary | | | | The definition in Pennsylvania is "motor vehicle" unlike a |
| defined the term "classic car" as "distinguished by | | | | reproduction, the manufacture date being 15 years |
| outstanding engineering, fine workmanship and elegant | | | | before the present year and it has been restored and |
| styling built around 1925 to 1948 ." | | | | maintained in a condition that conforms with the |
| The above definition sounded quite close to one given | | | | manufacturer’s appearance and specifications. |
| by CCCA (Classic Car Club of America) whose | | | | United Kingdom does not have a classic car definition |
| definition was, ‘unusual or fine motor cares built | | | | although there are two issues on taxation that have an |
| between as well as inclusive of the years 1925-1948. | | | | impact. All vehicles manufactured before 1st January |
| These are all special cars respectively distinguished by | | | | 1973 are not required to pay the road tax excise duty |
| their fine design, superior workmanship and advanced | | | | which is paid annually. It is usually inclusive of the |
| engineering standards. Classic cars were generally | | | | license disc as part of the windscreen. |
| high-priced while in new conditions and the built | | | | There are certain insurance companies that deem any |
| quantities were limited. Certain factors including | | | | car that is 20 years and above to be eligible for a |
| custom coachwork, engine displacement as well as | | | | policy of classic cars, although the car must be 25 |
| luxury accessories such as power clutch, power | | | | years or above to qualify for the license plate of |
| brakes and one-shot lubrication systems assist in | | | | historical vehicles in most states. In comparison to |
| determining whether a car can be considered as being | | | | modern cars, classic cars lack the basic features of |
| a Classic. | | | | safety as they are nowadays referred to. These |
| CCCA maintains an endless list of vehicles | | | | lacking basic features include rollover protection, |
| considered to be classic and although all members are | | | | crumple zones and seat belts. The handling |
| permitted to petition for a preferred vehicle to be part | | | | characteristics of the vehicle especially the suspension |
| of the list, there is careful scrutinizing of such | | | | and the steering as well as the brake performance |
| applications and it is rare to find any admittance for | | | | prove to poorer in comparison to the current |
| new types of vehicles. This definition is rather | | | | standards. Extra care is needed for classic cars. |
| exclusive and hardly followed universally, and while | | | | |