Typing Your Antique Car

Shopping online for car parts, cars, equipment, manuals, repair services and the other things you need to care for your classic car has become the way to do business. If you're looking for parts for a very old car, you might want to become familiar with some terms to help you along. Insurance companies class cars a certain way, and those designations are also used industry-wide to describe the cars.

For example, Veteran vehicles are cars or vehicles that were made pre-1905. A great bit of history here is that HRH Prince Michael of Kent, President of The Royal Automobile Club, is a regular participant in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Some examples of the veteran cars he has driven include the royal 1900 Daimler, the RAC's 1900 Simms and the VCC's 1902 Wolseley. These Veteran vehicles are sterling examples of this class of vintage vehicle.

Another division you may not be so familiar with are the Edwardian class. The Edwardian class includes cars built from January 1, 1905 to December 31, 1918. Examples of these cars would include the likes of a 1904 CGV, a 1908 French Grand Prix Panhard and a 1906 Fiat. This group hit the news back in 2003 when a group of a dozen enthusiasts commemorated the 100th anniversary of the seminal 1903 Paris to Madrid road race using vehicles that were Edwardian vehicles produced between 1904 and 1918.

Vintage cars are those made between 1919 and 1933. When people think "antique cars" it is this class that they usually have in mind. Finally, Classic vehicles are those that are usually made from 1934 to 1973, but there are exceptions. Many insurance companies also make rates for "cherished" cars, which are collectible cars aged to ten years old for which the owner might want special insurance.

Knowing these designations may help when searching for parts or equipment, or even if you want to see or join in an event or locate a club. There are events for all categories going on all the time all over the UK, and no finer time can be had anywhere than at such an undertaking. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, you can always learn something new by attending, and if you have an interest in these older vehicles, it is sure to be shared with the new friends you'll make.

For more information on how to care for your aging classic car or motorbike, breakeryard.com has a plethora of information and tips, including a spare car parts finding service...