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MG MGA - Definition of Classic

I just spotted an Ebay advert that said 'New Vintage Tyre Pump....'

That seemed liked a conflict of definitions to me, so I have just done a very quick Google through some of the terminology. This is what I came up with:

Edwardian (UK): January 1905 to December 1918
Veteran (UK): Before January 1919
Vintage (UK & USA?): January 1919 to end of 1930
Antique (USA), Classic (UK): Over 25 years old

Anyone got any other definitions? What are cars after 1930 classified as? - just classic?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Here's the definition from the Classic Car Club of America.

"...fine or unusual motor cars which were built between and including the years 1925 to 1948. (Some cars built prior to 1925 that are virtually identical to a 1925 model that is recognized by the Club are currently being accepted on a "Please Apply" basis). All of these are very special cars which are distinguished by their respective fine design, high engineering standards and superior workmanship."

A rather elitist crow, it seems. No Austins, Chevy's or Fords need apply!

http://www.classiccarclub.org/CarList.htm

Never met any of them, but I get the feeling they've all probably got stiff necks from looking down their noses at the plebs!

Derek Nicholson

I consider a classic any car which make a significant mark on the automotive world, or on the people who drove them. Just because something is unusual or well constructed foes not make it a good design or worthy of special mention.
Steve Simmons

Here we go again... I got into a bit of a dispute on the "other" MGA forum with some guy whose contention was that since they have the word "classic" in their name, that they get to decide what is considered a classic. I expect that among that crowd, I would wear out my welcome rather quickly. Bunch of pretentious f(%$*%*$ anyhow.

Del Rawlins

Steve, I always thought that Veteran cars were 1904 and before? I'm sure that the Brighton run is limited to cars no later than this year. Mike
m.j. moore

The Veteran Car Club says Veteran is before December 1904 and Edwardian before December 1918.

The rules for entry to the London Brighton are separate and I think have to be before 1904 ie up to 31 Dec 1903.

Most of the definitions seem to have been made up by various clubs and then imposed on the rest of us. This particularly applies to the VSCC and their bizarre list of so called "Post Vintage Thoroughbreds", once defined to me as what the committee's wives drive.

Malcolm
Malcolm Asquith

Steve,
Back in the 50s and 60s, 'good' cars built after 1930 were known as 'post vintage thoroughbred'.
Shane
M S Rutter-Jerome

Steve , I don't think that there is any hard and fast definition of a "classic car" but the vintage and veteran definitions given by Malcolm and Shane sound correct. I have seen classic car magazines trying to set rules on what makes a classic car, along the lines of what Steve Simmons says - anyone got access to any old mags with the articles in? - will see if I have one at the bottom of my wardrobe! IMO "Classic" Car shows are usually full of what should properly be called "collectors" cars so that that thoroughbreds such as Marinas ,Maestros & Cortinas can be included alongside Jaguars, Ferraris and of course M.G.s - cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

This thread was discussed between 17/02/2007 and 18/02/2007

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