Everyone knows the appeal of a beautifully restored classic car. But around the world, and even in Pomona, the definition of a classic car can vary. So how about some guidelines to define a classic car in the US?

Well, to get a classic, antique, or historical vehicle license plate, states generally require a vehicle to be at least 20 years old. In California, Historical Vehicle plates are available to cars that are at least 25 years old and that have “historic interest, meaning that they are collectible and are used for exhibitions and car club meetings.” Got a vehicle with 16 cylinders and that’s from 1965 or before? Well, you just might be eligible for Horseless Carriage plates! And California also happens to be working on a “legacy plate” program. For only $50, you can get some newly issued black plates. Yes, please!

Across the United States, people may recognize the following classifications:

  • The Horseless Carriage or Brass Era – vehicles from the late 19th Century into the early 20th Century.
  • The Vintage Era – cars from roughly 1919 to 1930.
  • The Classic Car Era – cars from around 1930 to the early 1970s. Of course, this includes one of our favorite periods… the Muscle Cars!
  • The Modern Classics Era – cars from the mid to late 70s and into the 80s. This is where the debate is really starting to rage.

But, as I said, there are many different definitions of a classic. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) defines a classic as a “fine” or “distinctive” car built between 1925 and 1948. The CCCA is aimed at cars that were high priced when new, that were sold in limited quantities, and that came with luxury accessories, including things like power brakes, a power clutch, and a “one shot” lubrication system. This definition is a little more narrow in scope than most.

Another group, the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) considers vehicles that are 25 years old or older as a classic. In 2013, a 25-year old car would have rolled off the assembly line in 1988. See, it’s getting tricky. Thinking of the modern car era, not too many people would expect a 1988 Ford Thunderbird to be described as “classic,” no matter what the T-Bird’s heritage is!

But, that’s the way things go, and even we have adjusted our definition of a classic. Here, in Pomona, we now accept classics as anything from 1985 or before. And, of course, Corvettes and Porsches are instant classics so any model year is good with us! Thinking of bringing your ride out to Pomona? Click here for all of our show/sale rules… then come on down on December 8th!