An Introduction To FIVA

IN 1966, A group of national historic automobile organizations came together in Paris to establish an entity which could help to both coordinate and amplify the work being done by them and other national clubs in advocating for historic vehicles and their owners. The result was the birth of the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, the international federation of historic vehicles, or FIVA.

The 12 founding member organizations came from 11 nations across Europe, Asia, and Oceania and represented the heart of what has now grown to 85 ANF organizations in 71 countries and including 2 million members.

For most of us in the United States and Canada, FIVA is not terribly well known. Perhaps it is most visible at concours events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where FIVA awards Preservation Class prizes, or when applying for certain European driving and concours events, such as the 1000 Miglia historic rally or the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. As such, those who have heard of FIVA often most associate it with rare, costly European classics and sports cars.

In fact, the reality of FIVA is so much more. The clearly stated mission of FIVA is simple and brilliantly broad: to Protect, Preserve and Promote Historic Vehicles and their Culture. Historic Vehicles are defined in this instance as those which are 30 years old (but more on that shortly) and meet certain characteristics relating to their build and current condition. Through the work of six commissions, including Technical, Legislation, Motorcycle, Utilitarian, Events, and Culture & Youth, FIVA works to execute its mission.

The goal is to encourage the owners of such vehicles to drive them and to work to ensure that they can be used on the road through sympathetic, sensible, and consistent legislation, along with events that encourage enthusiasts to show their cars out and about in as many public settings as possible, showing the breadth and depth of the historic car community to the general public and governmental entities.

FIVA encourages the exploration, study, and importance of the engineering, design, and functionality and originality of historic vehicles through the documentation of their histories and how they interacted with society the environment and their relationship to wider industrial heritage themes.

This is relatable to all enthusiasts, whether they are passionate about a 1965 Ford Mustang, a 1930 Duesenberg Model J, a 1986 BMW M3, a 1970 Honda CB750 or a 1949 American LaFrance pumper truck, all of which fall under the organization’s definition of an historic vehicle. FIVA’s goal is to encourage a sense of curatorial custodianship in owners, who then document their vehicles to add to their provenance and provide information and a guide to future custodians.

To bring FIVA closer to individual enthusiasts in the U.S., a new initiative, Friends of FIVA USA is being created. Building on the work begun in 2009 by the former Historic Vehicle Association (HVA), Friends of FIVA USA will work collaboratively and with the support of national clubs, organizations, professionals in the field, companies and individuals to both learn how the FIVA Technical Code, the FIVA Identity Card and the work being done by FIVA ANF members internationally can help to enhance the status of historic vehicles of all types in the United States.

The FIVA Identity Card is an international standardized document, essentially a vehicle “passport,” summarizing key technical data, known history, and modifications, and confirming the vehicle’s historic status, which is at least 30 years old, mechanically driven, and preserved in a historically appropriate condition.

As mentioned above, and in recognition that the realm of collector vehicles is constantly growing and evolving, FIVA also now offers Youngtimer Registration Documents, enabling owners to document authentic vehicles which have not yet reached their third decade but which when they do, will have been documented and ready for the FIVA ID Card.

FIVA wants to know how Friends of FIVA USA might best add to the enjoyment and appreciation of historic vehicles here in the United States. They feel it is a vital component in ensuring that they can bring FIVA’s mission more directly to US enthusiasts as a genuine value add. They can be contacted at FriendsofFIVAUSA@fiva.org