Why are you replacing the Historic Vehicle Identification Form (HVIF)?
The Form came to be relied on as evidence of a vehicle’s authenticity when, in reality, the procedures for its issue did not adequately support this assumption.

Why is that?
Mainly because the Forms were issued by the relevant national motor sport authority (ASN) without the benefit of a central database. It was therefore possible for more than one vehicle to have the same chassis number. It was also possible for unscrupulous people to exploit the system.

Why not simply have a central FIA database?
Indeed, and we have spend the last three years assembling one using information from our national sporting authorities all over the world. However, this is only part of the problem. The fact that no other car with the same chassis number is known to any of our member clubs anywhere in the world does not necessarily mean that a given car is genuine. Nor does this deal properly with the fact that people wish to compete with “historic” vehicles which are in fact modern replicas or “bitsas” but built to the historic specification.

Will the database be on line and will it be accessible and if so by whom?
The database will not be on line and the information on it will be confidential and governed by data protection laws. However, the FIA will be able to confirm whether or not a specific car is known to the database.

What is the FIA definition of a replica and /or ‘bitsa’ and where do I find it, if I want to build one?
There is no need for a definition of these words (which are anyway widely understood), because any car will now be eligible for an HTP provided its specification is identical to that of the period model it purports to be. However, a replica is a modern copy of a particular historic car, while a bitsa is a car assembled wholly or partly from original, period parts but incorporating such modern copies of period parts as may be necessary to complete the car.

So what is the solution?
We have decided to introduce two entirely separate documents.

The first is the Historic Technical Passport (HTP). This confirms that the vehicle in question conforms in all respects with the specification of the type of car it purports to be and that it complies with Appendix K. An HTP could be issued to a completely genuine original vehicle, but could also be issued to a replica. All the HTP does is confirm that the vehicle has the correct specification for the type of car it purports to be, so that organisers and other competitors know the car does not have, for example, an inappropriate suspension system or the wrong basic dimensions. The HTP specifically states that it makes no representation as to the authenticity of the vehicle.

The second document is the Heritage Certificate (HC). This is, in effect, a statement that the FIA believes the car to be both authentic and original. It will only be issued in respect of a car which has its original manufacturer’s VIN or chassis number and can be proved to have existed as a complete car continuously since it was originally built.

What is the FIA definition, in this context, of authenticity?
A car is authentic in this context if it is the original historical car it purports to be rather than an imitation, replica or (even) a forgery of an original car.

How will the HC apply to the very many cars which clearly are old/ certainly original but either have no manufacturers identifying mark from new or have lost it over the years, or where the history of the car is lost in the mists of time?
It won’t, unless the owner of such a car can satisfy the two conditions for an HC. It is difficult to see how a car could be “certainly original” if it is unable to satisfy the two conditions.

Why two documents?
Because we need a document which confirms that the car complies with Appendix K both mechanically and from a safety point of view before it is raced. Such a car might be authentic, it might be assembled largely from authentic bits or it might be a pure replica. But whichever it is, its owner should be allowed to race it. All that is required is that the car should be of identical specification to the original make and model it purports to be.

In addition, quite apart from a document to allow a car to race, there is a clear demand for an authoritative, independent opinion as to the authenticity of historic cars, which is valid and recognised throughout the world and based on a proper investigation of a car’s origins. This need exists quite independently of the need for a passport for competition. Many old and valuable cars are not used in competitions, even if originally built for that purpose. Without an HC it will become increasingly difficult as the years go by to be certain that a given car is genuinely the car it purports to be.

But how can you allow someone to race a modern replica against an authentic car of the period?
This is up to the organisers and competitors. Some organisers of very prestigious historic events will no doubt insist that every car has both an HTP and an HC. Many owners of truly authentic historic cars would only participate in such events. But other organisers might allow any car with an HTP to compete in order to have a sufficient field. In this case it would be for a competitor with an authentic car holding both HTP and HC to decide if he wanted to race his machine in a field containing replicas and/or cars assembled from spare parts. This is entirely a matter for the competitors and organisers concerned.

What matters to the FIA is that all cars used for historic competitions comply with Appendix K and that any representation that a given car is genuine should be true. The new system is intended to achieve this. Thus everyone will know what is going on and can make their decisions accordingly.

A standard FIA requirement when entering an FIA Historic event was a copy of page one of the HVIF. Will there be space on the HTP stating that the car has an HC so that organisers can ensure what is being entered?
No, an organiser who wants to see an HC will say so and require both documents. The HTP is a stand-alone document and quite separate from the HC.

But is it not misleading to allow a modern replica to compete in an “historic” event?
There are increasing numbers of replicas in existence. It would be absurd to prevent their owners racing them if they wish to do so. What is important is that no one can race a replica or a bitsa while pretending that it is the real thing.

All replicas can race currently in any national or EU event, why does the FIA feel it necessary to take these cars up to what is perceived as the next rung of motor sport?
It is the function of the FIA to promote motor sport, not to inhibit it. There is no reason to prevent a replica running at any level if both the competitor and the organiser wish this.

It is a fair assertion that replicas are only created of successful cars; many cars were not successful in period due to technical inadequacies which have now been overcome by the use of modern knowledge. Is the FIA content to see several replicas of a single original car on a grid? As one example, of many, in 1965 a Ginetta G4 had a Lotus twin cam engine fitted for the Sebring 12 Hour race. The engine failed but with today’s knowledge, that engine is 20% more powerful and totally reliable. A replica of this car would be a very successful Historic GT car despite the original no longer existing. Twenty of these on a grid would not be historic in any sense - is this how the FIA sees the future of historic motor sport?
A car with an engine 20% more powerful than the original is not a replica of the original. The medium and long term future of historic motor sport is likely to involve increasing numbers of replicas as owners have these built for racing in order to safeguard the original car. But a replica has to have a specification identical to that of the original. Otherwise it is not a replica at all, but a different car. There is no motor sport reason not to have several replicas of a single car, provided everyone knows exactly what they are. However, there may be legal issues.

There is often a lot of room for argument about the authenticity of a car. How are you going to resolve disputes?
If the car clearly and unambiguously satisfies the criteria, the HC will be granted as soon as the FIA has examined the application. If the HC is refused, reasons will be given. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal to the FIA Heritage Certificate Review Panel. He can also submit additional evidence if he thinks this will help. The applicant’s national club may appeal the Review Panel’s decision to the FIA Court of Appeal if the club claims the proper procedures have not been followed or if either the club or the Review Panel certifies that a point of general interest is involved.

In the presentation you gave to the General Assembly you announced that the HC was a non-sporting document. Have you now changed that?
No, the HC has nothing to do with motor sport as such. It deals solely with the issue of the car’s authenticity. The motor sport document is the HTP.

In order to ensure the integrity of the HC there may be a need for long research to be undertaken either by the FIA or the owner. How will the FIA deal with the pressure which an owner may feel to get an HC for a particular event, will it be possible to get a temporary HC for example?
Long research will always be necessary if there is doubt. There is no need for a temporary HC, admission of a possibly/probably genuine car to a motor sport event will be a matter for the car owner and the event organiser. All the FIA would require is an HTP.

What does the applicant have to prove to get his HC?
The HC will be offered to any car which the FIA in its absolute discretion believes to have an indisputable claim to an original manufacturer’s chassis or VIN number and to have existed continuously as a complete car since it was first manufactured. In each case the applicant must be able to demonstrate to the entire satisfaction of the FIA a clear and continuous link back to the original point of manufacture by means of documents or other evidence including, but not limited to, invoices, bills of sale, photographs, import documentation, official paperwork, contemporary records or contemporary correspondence.

Does the car have to have a competition history to qualify for an HC?
No. An HC can be obtained for any car, whether or not it has a competition history and whether or not it is a competition car.

So a replica which was built three years ago and can satisfy the requirements as laid out above can have a Heritage Certificate?
No, because the replica would be a reproduction of a particular period car. Quite obviously the replica would not be that car and therefore would have neither the original manufacturer’s VIN/chassis number nor continuous existence since it (ie the original car of which the replica is a copy) was manufactured.

What about cars which are original but have been rebodied or extensively modified?
Cars which have been rebodied or extensively modified from new may be eligible for an HC, but this will state that the car as shown and described on the HC varies significantly from its original specification. The requirement for an original VIN or chassis number combined with continuous existence will still apply.

Can we assume that, for example, a 1957 Mk 1 Jaguar which is modified to resemble a C Type Jaguar, despite having the wrong brakes and gearbox for a C type Jaguar will get an HTP and a HC as a C Type replica; because the period specification is right even though the model specification is wrong?
No, you cannot make any such assumption.

When does this new system come into force?
The HTP is already with us. HVIFs may no longer be issued following adoption of the HTP system by the FIA General Assembly on 16 October. It is intended to start issuing HCs during 2004. Information packs on the requirements for the issue of an HC will shortly be available from the owner’s ACN or directly from the FIA.

What about fees?
The fees for an HTP or for an HC which is granted on first application will be comparable to fees for the old HVIFs. If an application goes to the Review Panel and requires significant research and investigation, an appropriate fee will be charged. This fee will not be returned if the Review Panel rejects the appeal.

The HC will significantly enhance the value of a car. Will the FIA take advantage of this increase in value by levying a significant price for the HC?
No, the FIA is a not-for-profit organisation and it cannot just go for what the market will stand. However, we will make sure that the fees adequately cover the work done and also make a reasonable contribution to the FIA’s general overheads.

What sources of information will be available to the FIA?
Apart from its own records and those of its ASNs, the FIA will rely on all the usual sources, including specialist motor clubs, independent experts and manufacturers’ records, as well as documentation of the kinds mentioned above.