English | Languages | FIVA website

The Past 70 years of China’s Automobile and People’s Life

China celebrates its 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 2019. In the past 70 years, great changes have taken place in China’s automotive industry. Plenty of classic cars surged during this period and profoundly affected Chinese style of life and way of travel.

Shanghai Auto Museum, China’s first professional auto museum, launches - Chinese Automobile and Lifestyle exhibition named “70 years we went through Exhibition”. Taking the development of automobile industry and people’s lives of new China as main line, the exhibition reproduces multiple of classical scenarios concerning ordinary Chinese people and automobiles in the last 70 years by displaying over 20 national classic cars produced in various generations and over a hundred of auxiliary exhibits regarding national living memory. Walking in the exhibition, visitors will fully experience the history of China auto life.

Multiple of classical national cars developed since the founding of new China are exhibited. Hongqi CA72, produced in 1959, enjoys extraordinary historical significance, marking the beginning of China automobile dream. It is the first generation of China-made high-end car put into service, the gift c [...]

Patrick Rollet, a President who made a difference

Patrick Rollet’s recent retirement from the role of president of FIVA sees us saying goodbye to one of the most popular – and inspirational – figureheads the General Committee has ever served under. Known for his diplomacy and humour, his enthusiasm and good judgement, Rollet will be deeply missed.

As an international organisation, a key challenge facing FIVA is to understand the widely varying nations that make up our membership – and to learn from each of the many historic vehicle cultures we represent.

As a Frenchman with a British wife – and a track record of repeated visits to the USA to analyse and prepare for North American FIVA memberships – Rollet had made a good start long before he was first elected FIVA’s president in 2013. But in the six years since then, he has hugely extended our organisation’s global reach. While he’d be the first to say that he was not solely responsible for the many great leaps we’ve taken in recent years, Rollet nevertheless created an atmosphere that allowed us to thrive around the world. Hence, for example, FIVA has welcomed new members from such nations as Nepal, Bosnia, Namibia and Moldova, while presenting FIVA ‘best-preserved vehicle’ awards in Argentina, in Ind [...]

Thank you, Tony!

After more than a decade in FIVA, Tony Davies has ‘retired’ and been awarded the rare status of Honorary Member

After more than a decade giving his time and effort to the benefit of us all, Tony Davies has ‘retired’ from FIVA and been awarded the rare status of Honorary Member – and when you consider what he’s achieved, it’s no wonder.

For six years, from 2007 to 2013, Davies served as the first FIVA VP Trade and Skills with the aim of raising awareness – within FIVA and among the wider community of enthusiasts – of the specialist skills that are at risk of being lost, skills vital to the continued preservation, maintenance and restoration of historic vehicles.

When Davies decided that new people with fresh ideas would be in the best interests of the movement, he gamely stepped aside… but if he thought his time would be freed up, he was mistaken. At the 2014 General Assembly, he was elected FIVA VP Strategy – a role that was needed to recreate the structure at the top of FIVA, and to implement updated and more relevant statutes and rules.

But it was in late 2016, when asked by Patrick Rollet, the president of FIVA, to become the driving force behind the Events Commission, that Davies’ contribution to FIVA really stepped up a gear. As FIVA VP Events, he clearly saw the need to increase the organisation’s i [...]

Autoclàsica Argentina

The 19h Edition of the number one classic and historic vehicle concours in South America was a success

The 19h Edition of the number one classic and historic vehicle concours in South America, Autoclásica, was successfully organized by the Club de Automóviles Clásicos de Argentina (CAC) in October in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with over 30.000 visitors.

Based on its scope, profile, quality and regional impact Autoclásica was selected as one of the four worldwide events in which the prestigious FIVA Preserved Vehicle Award was to be handed out I 2019

Considering the variety and quality of the vehicles exhibited, the choice was far from easy. The final decision was taken considering the additional importance of the preservation of racing heritage, and the Peugeot 205 T16 Gr. B, s/n C17 was selected.

This iconic Peugeot, first registered in April 1984, was one the first batch of the project internally identified as M 24, which was led by Jean Boillot and Jean Todt. It was built on a central steel cell with reinforced tubular structure, to cope with high demands, especially on gravel roads. Power was supplied by an inline 4 engine with 16 valves and 1.775 cc and a turbo set to 1.4 bar (equivalent to 2.488 cc of a normal aspirated engine). C/17 made its racing debut in [...]

FIVA elects a new president

Tiddo Bresters takes over from Patrick Rollet

On Saturday 16th November 2019, FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles) elected a new president – Tiddo Bresters, a 65-year-old Dutch national with a background in law and international relations. He takes over from long-serving and greatly respected president Patrick Rollet, whose six years at the helm saw FIVA become a more professional, forward-thinking organisation, better able to champion the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture. In electing Bresters, FIVA members endorsed this professional approach, ensuring that the good work of Rollet and his team will be continued. Bresters has served as vice president of FIVA for a total of nine years, with responsibility for the all-important Legislation Commission, where he steered FIVA’s successful negotiations at EU level to help protect the rights of historic vehicle owners across Europe. He comments: “I am deeply honoured to be taking on the role of president of FIVA at a time of enormous change in the world of mobility. In the new era of C.A.S.E. (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric), it is more vital than ever to work closely with the various governments, en [...]

FIVA International Motorcycle Week: a growing success

Just a couple of year ago, the International Motorcycle Week involved not more than 12 Countries worldwide. This year they grow up to 22 and a better result is expected for the years to come, as this worldwide reunion of the classic bike enthusiast seems more and more addictive. In 2019 took part at the Motorcycle Week, launched by the FIVA Motorcycle Commission, Andorra, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, India, Czech Republic, Spain, Great Britain, Norway, Germany, Serbia, Moldova, France, North Macedonia, Portugal, Switzerland and Bulgaria. It is a symbolic event, since the only thread that links events is the brotherhood between those who love vintage motorcycles and add to the preservation of them the normal use on the road. The date on which each Country, through a local Moto Club, decides to participate is not fixed but must still remain around the weekend in which the FIVA Motorcycle Rally takes place, which this year was held in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy from 26 to 29 June. The dates on which the events elected to represent the Motorcycle Week took place were between May 26 (Andorra) and July 14 (Switzerland). In general, the designated period coincides with the month of June. Below is a series of short [...]

ModenArt – The Sculptors of Movement

The history of the ModenArt masters of building automotive bodies is one of the most fascinating. It is also one, which is hardly known. And, it is one of the extraordinary stories of artisans who, with their talent and passion, created some of the greatest masterpieces of automotive history. The auction market is an absolute testament to this, as the five most expensive cars ever sold in the world are all without exception the work of the modern bodybuilders of Modena. Entirely hand-made bodywork in the style of Renaissance sculptors with basic tools, a set of hammers, a log, a sandbag, shears, a worktop ... and without the use of any stylist. One can imagine the prodigious talent of these exceptional artists who have elevated these sculptures to the work of art. What though is left of these great crafts men today? Industrial change and the introduction of composite materials in the 1970s pushed this activity into decline. Most modern bodybuilders have since disappeared. The creations to which they participated have joined the most prestigious car collections. In Modena, the birthplace of this brilliant talent, there is no memorial place that evokes this magnificent page of history. No archival material has been preserved, [...]

European Parliament Historic Vehicle Group restarted

On 16 October, the European Parliament Historic Vehicle Group met for the first time in the Parliament’s 2019 -2024 term under the continued Chairmanship of Bernd Lange MEP. Aside from Mr Lange, all the attending MEPs were new members of the parliament as none of the other previous members returned to the parliament after the elections in May. Consequently, the meeting was primarily devoted to explaining the objectives and procedures of the Group and to detailing past achievements of the Group and reviewing the regulatory environment relevant to the preservation and use of historic vehicles. This included explaining the importance of the definition of a historic vehicle and explaining and discussing the EU Transport policy objective to reduce the use of fossil-fuelled vehicles and protect the environment. Also Low Emission Zones, road pricing, chemicals and fuel regulation were mentioned, all of which can impact on the use and preservation of historic vehicles. The Group also discussed the future mobility environment, looking notably at the impact of automation and electrification of vehicles. In that context, Tiddo Bresters, (President of FIVA’s Legislation Commission) explained FIVA’s position on the electrification of histo [...]

Classic Drivers of Calcutta (CDC) meets for their inaugural drive of the winter season

Classic Drivers of Calcutta (CDC), an active historic vehicle group based out of Kolkata, the capital city of the state of West Bengal in the eastern region of India, held their first meet and drive of the winter season on Sunday, the 20th of October, 2019. Nine classic cars, including a sexy Triumph Spitfire MkIII in fire engine red, met under the mild noon sun in front of the city’s historic Town Hall. Traditional Indian sweetmeats were distributed to all the members present - a ritual followed in India to mark an auspicious event, such as this inaugural drive of the season. After a half hour session of catching up and swapping stories (but of course all classic vehicle related!), the group left for the suburbs of the city, stopping midway in convoy for the public to have a better look at the cars. The drive ended at a country club where again, the historic vehicles were lined up for the public to enjoy. CDC’s first drive of the season included a first time participant, an immaculately restored 1968 Fiat 1100D (Indian assembled). Another Indian assembled 1963 Fiat 1100 103H, now a regular at the drives, recently attended the 4 day long FHVI Royal Classic Dasara Drive from Bangalore to Mysore towards the end of September, w [...]

Electrification of Historic Vehicles: Statement from FIVA

An increasing number of commercial outfits are offering to convert historic vehicles to run on electric power, replacing the entire drivetrain with an electric unit and batteries. In this way, they claim, it’s possible to retain the classic appearance of the vehicle while meeting modern environmental standards. As an additional benefit, the conversion might also increase power and performance. Some conversion companies have even obtained permission from the type approval/certification authorities to retain the original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the donor vehicle, despite more or less replacing the entire drivetrain. FIVA’s view on electrification FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles) understands the motivation of some owners to electrify their vehicles – and acknowledges that, subject to legislation and regulation, all modifications are a matter of personal choice. However, FIVA – as an organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles – cannot promote, to owners or regulators, the use of modern EV components (motors and batteries) to replace a historic vehicle’s powertrain. Conversion of histor [...]

Legislation Commission went Nordic

In the weekend of 14-15 September, the Finnish FIVA ANF SAHK welcomed FIVA’s Legislation Commission (LC) to Finland to hold the second meeting according to its policy of having one of its meetings in each of the countries which at the time holds the 6 months Presidency of the European Union Council. The occasion was an opportunity for the LC members to learn about the legislative situation concerning historic vehicles in Finland and how SAHK uses its interactions with political and regulatory audiences to safeguard the preservation and use of our historic vehicles. On the Friday prior to the meeting, SAHK had also organized meetings with MEP ms Henna Virkkunen and ms Anni Antila of the National Finnish Automobile and Road Museum Mobilia. Henna Virkkunen is a member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee which is instrumental in influencing and shaping EU transport policy which can impact on the preservation and use of historic vehicles. The meeting was very valuable as it allowed FIVA and SAHK to explain the value of preserving our motoring heritage and the need for support from decision makers and politicians to do so - particularly in this fast changing mobility environment. During the meeting with Mobilia, Anni [...]

The FHVI Royal Classic Dasara Drive to Mysore, 2019

The FHVI Royal Classic Dasara Drive to Mysore, 2019 The Federation of Historic Vehicles of India (FHVI) held one of India’s largest, vintage & classic car and motorcycle gatherings between the 29th of September and the 2nd of October, 2019. With this, the FHVI marks its fifth successful pan India event. Officially known as the FHVI Royal Classic Dasara Drive to Mysore (member of FIVA), two words in the event description in particular stand out. Mysore was the capital city of the Kingdom of Mysore, ruled by revered dynasty for over six centuries. Over the course of the centuries, the Mysore Royal family built magnificent palaces, several temples, educational institutions, hospitals, dams and essentially designed the then capital city thus providing employment and guaranteed education to all the subjects in the kingdom. Now, a metropolis in modern day India in the southern state of Karnataka, Mysore attracts throngs of visitors, especially during the Dasara festivities. The festival of Dasara essentially marks the triumph of good over evil and what better way to celebrate it than in the city of Mysore where Dasara is celebrated with the greatest of pomp in India. The FHVI Dasara event in 2018 was the first such event by [...]

UNESCO Patronage for the Belgrade Grand Prix

The event Under the Patronage of UNESCO held on September 8th 2019, organized by the Serbian Federation of Historical vehicles in cooperation with FIVA Culture Commission, celebrated the “80th Anniversary of the First Belgrade international automobile and motorcycle races“. The event was held at the Automobile museum in Belgrade. Aleksandra Kovač, Secretary-General of the Serbian National Commission for UNESCO, and Nataša G. Jerina, FIVA Vice President and Chairwomen of FIVA Culture Commission, took part in the event, with both giving speeches. On this occassion Mrs. Jerina presented the FIVA plaque to the Mrs. Kovač, expressing gratitude for the support and assistance of National UNESCO for this particular and impotant local project that has received the Patronage. FIVA strives towards preserving, protecting and promoting historic vehicles. Celebrating 80 years of racing, through joint efforts, viribus unitis, we encourage young people to understand our past and to work towards preserving historic vehicles as mobile heritage, to nurture as well as commemorate car racing and motorsport for future generations. This is the first message we are here to pass – collectively, to all of us. Many connoisseurs, mobility heritage admirer [...]

Stolen Cars in Paris

These two beautiful cars have been stolen in Paris yesterday. Here are the details of the cars: Alfa-Romeo Giulia spider 1600 - 25/07/1964 - light blue - Plate FB-826-FW - Chassis 377757 2. Facel-Vega Facel III coupé - 25/02/1964 – grey – License AK-017-MN – Serial Number FB-C267 If you happen to see them, please let us know. Thank you for sharing this post.Logo: FIVA Logo 3081x1866px PNG The above material can be used free of royalties within the scope of this press release. FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture, as well as their safe use. Since April 2017, FIVA has been a non-governmental partner of UNESCO, and continues to pursue its successful FIVA World Motoring Heritage Year programme. For more press informati [...]

Colorado Grand – 2019

I, Malcolm Welford, am delighted to advise that the Colorado Grand was a big success for FIVA and in fact Miles Morris (my business partner and co-Ambassador in Connecticut) presented the plaque to the car most deserving for its originality. In the end I did not get an entry on the rally this year and then I had a conflicting appointment with US homeland security for my global entry which I could not miss, so Miles did the honours for me. Attached is a photo of Miles presenting the award to David Brynan (with beard), with CO Grand board director Tom Horan in the picture too. The organisers made a dummy Colorado number plate too, which Miles is holding, which was a lovely touch. The history of the car is fabulous: 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce (750F) - an early short-wheelbase model in Celeste Blue that was delivered new to the US.The first owner was a Mr. David Elder, an electrician from Rochester, New York. He raced the car from 1958 through 1962 at tracks such as Watkins Glen, Thompson, Dunkirk, Marlboro, Giant’s Despair, and Put-in-Bay. The car still has its race programs and entry plaques from most of its races, as well as the original side pipe, roll bar, Brooklands screen fitted. His race results can be found [...]

Colorado Grand, USA

1
2
3
…
5
»

X