The FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, preservation and promotion of historic vehicles. Founded in 1966, it operates in more than 80 countries and represents millions of historic vehicle enthusiasts around the globe.
Since 2017, FIVA has been a partner of UNESCO with consultative status, representing automotive world heritage and related culture.
Link FIVA Guide
FIVA sees it as its mission:
To advocate worldwide for the preservation and use of historic motor veterans in their original condition, to facilitate the study of historical-technical information about motor veterans, to establish connections between clubs, countries and groups of car enthusiasts on an international level, to awaken the interest of the general public in the preservation of our automotive tradition, and finally to advocate for the future use of our motor veterans not only in museums, but also in use on the road.
The field of interest of the FIVA is wide and varied. All types of mechanically powered veteran motor vehicles are united in FIVA, from gigantic steam traction engines to the smallest moped, from luxury to utility vehicles, from high-performance sports cars to farm tractors – all have their place in FIVA.
Just as the vehicles cover the entire range of all veteran motorists, so the half million vehicle owners who belong to the organizations in 30 countries that ultimately make up FIVA are universal – from the employee to the banker, from the student to the senior citizen, from the craftsman to the international businessman, from the garbage collector to the surgeon – all walks of our lives are actively united in FIVA life with all its aspects.
Every day, every weekend, car enthusiasts all over Europe dedicate their hobby to the preservation, maintenance and movement of all kinds of historic vehicles.
Some car enthusiasts spend small fortunes to restore the vehicles to their former glory, while others spend a great deal of time and energy restoring these vehicles themselves.
Many are proud to show their vehicles to other enthusiasts and the public by participating in events. Others have no time for this, but enjoy it, which derives from the original purpose of being on the road with the classic cars on special occasions.
Whether the vehicles are used for pleasure, club events or competitions, the public admires and marvels at the veteran vehicles maintained by their owners.
The interest in old vehicles is now so great that many small companies and countless specialists are working to provide the necessary conditions to keep the vehicles always ready for use and roadworthy. Many jobs have been created in companies that deal exclusively with the restoration of classic veteran vehicles and that also retrofit these vehicles for the required road safety.
These jobs would be endangered if the legislation would prevent the car lover to use his vehicle at any time on the road as he used to do in the past. If you take away the freedom to use your historic vehicle, you also take away any incentive to keep it roadworthy.
Throughout Europe, there are literally thousands of veteran automobile clubs, marque associations, nationwide and regional organizations, all of which are involved with veteran motor vehicles. Some are very large, others small, but all thrive on the enthusiasm of their members.
Some take care of single vehicle brands, others of special types. Some organize interesting exhibitions, while others are more z.B. Deal with reliability driving, i.E. The use on the road. Some limit their activities to exclusively social events, and others provide special assistance, such as the organization of exhibitions.B. In the procurement of spare parts.
On an international basis, these clubs are united in the FIVA. It was founded in 1966 and was built by the F.I.A. (Fédération Internationale Automobile) recognized as the sole international association in matters relating to historic vehicles.
FIVA controls and regulates the activities of its member organizations through elected committees and a general assembly.
A permanent secretariat will be maintained whose function will be to exchange information and maintain communication among member organizations (and others).
It deals with many details, such as.B. With safety regulations and the handling of technical and environmental protection regulations for the organization of events, the documentation of technical-historical data and records.
At the request of national FIVA clubs, FIVA has awarded so-called FIVA A or B rallies. A for international participation. B for national participation.
World rallies are organized by national FIVA clubs, participation is on an international level. Cooperation with national authorities is always sought to the greatest extent possible, and places with tourist attractions are particularly suitable for this purpose. The holding of a FIVA rally promotes tourism. The public travels long distances to witness meetings of historic vehicles on these occasions. Legislation must not restrict the variety of vehicles at such meetings.
Within the various committees of FIVA, there is the European Affairs Committee, which has set itself the task of continuing to ensure the unrestricted use of historic vehicles on the public roads of Europe.
A full-time lobbyist represents the interests of the historic vehicle movement in Brussels and Strasbourg. The address of the new office in Brussels is: Rue de la Loi 44, B-1040 Bruxelles.
A certainly necessary general European legislation for new motor vehicles could seriously jeopardize the interests of owners of historic vehicles with the diversity of their vehicles if appropriate exemptions were not allowed. The FIVA asks all decision-makers for their understanding and support in this matter.