Outstanding Customer Reviews 
THE HCVA - WHAT A LAUNCH IT HAS BEEN!
The HCVA (Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance) was formally launched on May 25, hitting headlines not just in the UK but around the world. This was the culmination of six months of hard work by the founding directors, sparked by concerns that the historic vehicle industry was being excessively hampered by bureaucracy in the short term, and in the longer term was being slowly but inexorably swept aside and marginalised.
Several excellent organisations already campaign on these matters and have done outstanding work, but in talking to major industry players and enthusiasts, the feeling over and over again was that a louder voice is needed NOW, before it’s too late. HCVA plans to work with all existing organisations to present a united voice, and has been actively seeking their co-operation both before and after launch.
You can read the launch reports here
Look out for reports from – Daily Express, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Scotsman, Classic & Sports Car, Magneto and more.
The HCVA have had a tremendous response, from the Press and public, from new members joining and from key people offering their help, ranging from top-ranking F1 engineers to respected members of the House of Lords and experimental fuels engineers.
What is a classic?
One of HCVA’s key precepts is to be inclusive, and to do our best to help younger owners – and owners of younger classics – as well as those with older vehicles. So what is a Classic car?
Having worked on Classic Cars magazine since the 1980s, Malcolm McKay coined our definition:
Once enthusiasm for a vehicle is such that owners gather to help each other restore, preserve and enjoy it, we consider it a classic – regardless of its age.
For legislation, of course, more precise definitions are required – but there is much confusion:
• 40+ years – cut-off recognised by DVLA/VOSA for “Historic Vehicle” tax and MoT exemption in the UK
• 30+ years – cut-off recognised by FIVA internationally and accepted by HMRC for VAT
• 20+ years – cut-off recognised by FIVA internationally as Youngtimer classics
• 15+ years – cut-off recognised by some insurance companies for reduced-rate classic insurance, and by HMRC for certain taxation matters with value of £15,000+ Variable – HMRC will allow the VAT exemption on import for cars under 30 years old if a car is of historic interest, defined as having been involved in a historic event or a racing car that has achieved significant sporting success.
HCVA is committed to widening government definitions to protect younger cars from punitive taxation and driving restrictions. They are working hard forging alliances with all other relevant organisations, to ensure the entire old vehicle sector campaigns with one united and powerful voice.
What can the HCVA do to help you?
Please get in touch with the HCVA with any issues or feedback that you feel the HCVA might be able to help with or areas where you feel our focus should be directed. We're really keen for our valued members to get involved.
The HCVA are particularly interested in details of issues and problems encountered with regard to vehicle and/or goods movements to and from the UK. This is in relation to our upcoming campaign and they would welcome your stories and experiences.
The Future
There is SO much work to do – rest assured that the HCVA Team are working flat out to spread the word, influence decision makers, forge links with other organisations and bring a more secure future to classic and historic vehicle ownership and careers. Please help us by spreading the word among your colleagues and friends!
Join the HCVA today!
Please help us by spreading the word – the HCVA's approach to the government and decision-makers will be taken far more seriously, the greater our membership and representation of the historic vehicle sector: there is a direct correlation between the size of our membership and how seriously the HCVA will be taken at government level.
New members can sign up here
