Miguel Sánchez
Even if we finally understand each other, the truth is that using different words imprecisely does not help to clarify the terms of the conversation. Thus, in many meetings and even publications, statements such as “This car has a classic license plate" or "A historic car cannot enter the centre"when in truth they want to express other similar issues -yes- but not the same.
Because of this, we are going to try to shed light on what we express when we talk about classics; a necessary question in order to fully understand the field to which we belong, using dictionaries and legislations as far as possible, while in other cases the semantic debate will have to be tolerably more open.
That said, it is reasonable to begin by defining what we mean by “Historical"A term that we can reach from the objectivity of the law, resorting to what was expressed by the DGT; an institution that, although some may dislike it, is today the authority to be obeyed.
WHAT IS A HISTORIC VEHICLE
"A historic vehicle is considered to be a vehicle that, due to its age, interest or uniqueness, deserves special consideration to protect its representative character. The historic vehicle figure offers protection that allows the vehicle to be safeguarded. cultural heritage and symbolic of our time, while allowing the use of the vehicle with the necessary technical and mechanical safety.".
"A vehicle that is at least 30 years old since its first registration or manufacture and is in a state of emergency may be considered historic. original state. It cannot have undergone any changes to its characteristics or main components such as engine, brakes, steering, suspension or bodywork.".
With these coordinates on the table, it is quite clear what Spanish legislation understands by "historic vehicle”, thus allowing an exact definition of the term thanks to objective criteria such as the years of antiquity, the state of the factory - or at least a respectful conservation towards it - and, of course, the possession of the license plate or identification .
In short, apart from likes and dislikes, any vehicle with more than three decades and a respectful original state can achieve the legal status of “Historical”. Therefore it is perfectly possible to see a simple Ford Fiesta in such a situation while a Ferrari V12 from the sixties may not be if the owner prefers to continue with the registration and service”normal".
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT CLASSICS
As we have seen, there is no doubt about the term “Historical” in relation to a vehicle that possesses the legal certificates created for it. However, when we move on to the consideration of “classic"Things start to get more complex because of the subjectivity with which we can apply this qualifier; which, when resolved, is not precisely synonymous with "Historical"even if they move in comparable chronologies.
In this context, it is most appropriate to frame the debate within the definitions recorded in the RAE. Based on this, the 8th meaning understands “classic"that"that does not deviate from the traditional, from the rules established by custom and use".
A statement based on which current electric cars could never become classics - although Ferdinand Porsche himself already created them hybrids before the end of the 19th century– since they were born deviating from the norm; exactly the same as the Ferrari 288 GTO, which marked a turning point with the use of turbochargers within a brand traditionally attached to naturally aspirated engines.
BE CAREFUL WITH TERMS
In other words, it makes no sense to apply discretionary consideration of “classic” to our free will We could be wiping off the map designs that, although over time they have become canonical by marking new and prolific references, in their day were anything but continuators of the classic, of the established.
Likewise, the 4th meaning gives us a playing field very interesting to say “belonging or relating to the historical moment of a science in which theories and models are established that are the basis of its subsequent development”. A statement that could move wonderfully with a Ford Model T, capable of exemplifying like no other car the transition from small-scale artisanal production to large-scale production on assembly lines.
WE CONTINUE TALKING ABOUT CLASSICS
Moving away from the center of the controversy, the 2nd meaning presents us with something very interesting when understanding how “classic"that"It is belonging to classical period”; that is, to the one of “greater fullness of a culture, a civilization, an artistic or cultural manifestation".
An approach where we do find more reasons for objectivity, since it is not really complex - as long as we see motor racing under a encyclopedic look– to point out which designs have been the most representative when it comes to illustrating the different trends, fashions, segments or uses of motoring.
At this point, as much as it may upset you to see a Prius next to an E-Type, the truth is that both fully deserve the epithet "classical”. The second for being an epitome of the British canon while the first based on representing the beginning of a new time for mass motoring, thus fulfilling the 3rd definition of the RAE: “which is considered a model worthy of imitation".
OTHER TERMS TO KEEP IN MIND TO KNOW WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT CLASSICS
In short, looking at it coldly, the consideration of “classic"It can take unexpected turns because, although it may seem paradoxical, if a sober and dull vehicle has introduced new features capable of establishing a new canon For motorsport this may be much more “classic"What a spectacular but ultimately unrepresentative Lamborghini Diablo.
Furthermore, apart from the contrast between objectivity and subjectivity inherent in facing the terms “classic"and "Historical"The most distinguished fan of motor racing has other words to take into account.
To begin with there is what some call “youngtimer" while others prefer to call it "preclassical”. That is, the car that has gone from being simply “old age"-from 10 to 25 years old- to enter a temporal environment where the coleccionistas they begin to show interest.
And be careful, because although a priori this may be excellent - in fact it is, putting interesting cars in value before time and neglect have scrapped almost all of its production - is currently driving up prices due to the fact that more than one profiteer with high doses of self-esteem is getting ahead.
In other words: it is not at all normal to see how quite a few owners ask for real outrages for cars that are not only simple and popular but even quite recent, all of this arguing that they are in possession of a supposed "classic"because this one is only about 25 years old and even though it is a really massive production.
Furthermore, the growing enthusiasm for these models - as well as the excessive attention given to them by the specialized historical press - is cornering dangerously to the most “ vehiclesold"And"veterans”; two terms with which we approach the cars of “prewar”; which, by the way, usually unite in perfect harmony the adjectives of “classic"and "Historical".
