A heritage vehicle is
any self-propelled vehicle with two or more wheels that when
manufactured was intended to carry people and/or move goods or
equipment, and is at least 30 years old from the current year.
Heritage
vehicles include motor cars, motorbikes, trucks, buses,
traction engines and tractors.
Heritage
vehicles are AUTHENTIC and maintained in an
HISTORICALLY CORRECT CONDITION - ideally they are "DAY ONE"
vehicles, that is in the condition, appearance, equipment and
accessories as the day vehicle was sold new - with only factory
or dealer accessories of that day and not subsequent
customisations or modifications .
Heritage
vehicles can be PRESERVED as unaltered ORIGINAL
VEHICLES. A fortunate few owners have vehicles that are in
such original and unmolested condition with original paint,
upholstery and patina that these heritage vehicles are
identified as 'preservation' or 'survivor' vehicles. Keeping
them in this condition while sometimes not easy ensures that our
automotive technological and cultural heritage is protected for
the future. Some are "barn finds", others long serving family
cars that have been well cared for. These vehicles are
maintained in original condition, apart from necessary repairs
and period correct replacements for safety and normal operation.
Heritage
vehicles can be AUTHENTICALLY RESTORED to as-new
condition, with accessories that are of the period of the
vehicle. Exceptions may be made for some after-market safety
items, such as indicators, that are sympathetically fitted. The
condition of the vehicle and how much to restore and to an
"authentic" condition, or to conserve as original are the
owner's decisions. Some vehicles are restored with such a high
degree of care and skill that they are Concourse standard.
Achieving this standard does not necessarily involve thousands
of dollars but it does require considered restoration practices
and great attention to detail and authenticity to achieve an
award winning restoration.
Heritage
vehicles are maintained as close as possible to their
manufacturer's original specifications, finish and options.
Heritage vehicles are not modified or customised with
out-of-period components or accessories, vehicles thus altered
are not Heritage.
What is a Classic Vehicle?
There is no widely accepted definition, nor does classic refer to
any specific vehicle age range. You can have a classic veteran car
or a classic 1980's car, a classic hot rod or a classic muscle car.
In Australia and many other countries, a classic vehicle is
simply an older vehicle that is interesting to enthusiasts, usually
because of its styling or model.
