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Classic and Vintage Cars – What are the Differences?

The vintage vehicle world is full of different definitions – whether you are talking classic, vintage, post-vintage or antique. There are plenty of arguments (not least among enthusiasts themselves) as to what qualifies as what.

Here Hamiltons Removals, who offer classic and vintage car transportation in Europe and across the UK, try to establish what vehicles come into what category, how they differ in age – and how, whether you are talking classic or vintage, Hamiltons Removals can help move it to a new home.

Vintage Cars

In the UK, the generally accepted rule is that vintage cars are those that were built between 1919 and 1930. These vehicles have a rarity value because after 1930 mass production was more widespread so car ownership became more than a dream for many people.

It’s generally accepted that, to be classified as vintage, the vehicles need to have survived in their original condition, or to have at least been restored to their original condition.

Other Definitions

Any car built before 1919 is classified as a Veteran car. Equally, post-vintage is defined as any vehicle built between 1930 and 1945. There is also a separate definition – Antique cars – which are generally thought to be at least 45 years old.

Examples of Vintage Cars

Because of their age and lack of numbers, there aren’t many vintage vehicles around these days. It’s also arguable that they don’t count as classics because by modern engineering standards they aren’t as stylish or as beautiful. Some widely accepted examples of vintage vehicles (from both the UK and the US) include:

The 1919 Ford Model T Sedan – this marque was among the first Model Ts with demountable tyre rims and electric starters.
The 1925 Flint Model E-55 – part of Durant Motors, the Flint was named after the city in Michigan where it was assembled.
The Rolls Royce Phantom – designed to replace Rolls Royce’s Silver Ghost, this vintage vehicle was built with different wheelbases and transmission systems in the UK and the US.
The MG 14/40 – built at Cowley, Oxford, and was the first to have an MG octagon badge on its radiator (previous MGs had retained a Morris Oxford badge). An example is pictured above.

Classic Cars

In the UK, for instance, it usually applies to vehicles over 15 years old (for company taxation purposes). However, in other countries, the age varies before it can be considered a classic – for example, in the USA it’s 20 years old and in Australia and Canada it’s 25.

And there are subjective considerations about beauty and styling. For more details – and examples – check out our previous blog post here.

Classic and Vintage Car Transportation from Norfolk-based Hamiltons Removals

Whether you have a classic or a vintage vehicle – or even a post-vintage or an antique – Hamiltons Removals will be able to transport it safely and securely to its new home. Our range of vehicle services also includes covered and single car transportation to addresses in Europe and across the UK.

For more information contact vehicles@hamiltonsremovals.co.uk or call 01379 855203.

Image: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/MG SPORTS

Removals to Lyon with Hamiltons Removals

Lyon, as the third largest city in France behind Paris and Marseille, is one of the country’s major economic centres. Originally famous for the silk trade, in recent years it has reinvented itself as a hub of high-tech excellence, particularly in the fields of software development, video games and medical research.

Here Hamiltons Removals, who can help if you are considering removals from the UK to Lyon, put a closer focus on the French city which is famed for both its history and its cuisine.

The History and Heritage

The city was founded by the Romans in the first century BC, and it was the capital of the Gallic part of their empire. As the centuries passed, it did not lose its significance, becoming a major economic hub during the French Renaissance (the city lies on the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, quite close to today’s border with Switzerland).

Many of the historic buildings have been preserved rather than knocked down, so it should come as little surprise that around 10% of the city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. This includes the districts of Vieux-Lyon, Fourvière Hill, the slopes of Croix-Rousse Hill and much of the Presqu’île.

Today, with a population of more than half a million people, as well as the high-tech industries, tourism is also an important contributor to the city’s (and region’s) economy.

Getting There and Getting Around

Lyon-Saint Exupery airport (IATA code LYS) is around 25 kilometres east of the city centre. You can get a light rail service (which resembles a tram), a bus or taxi into the city. If you are considering removals from the UK to Lyon, flights operate from Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton (for those in and around London). In total, there are more than 120 international destinations and more than 40 airlines operating out of Lyon airport, and Air France goes to most domestic destinations.

Lyon also has a TGV (high-speed) rail service to Paris and Marseille and some other European destinations (including Barcelona and Milan). If you want to drive there, six A-roads go either through or close to the city.

The city has four metro lines (A to D) and five tram lines (T1 to T5); there’s also a public cycle service, Velo’v, which has more than 300 points around the city where you can pick up and drop off a bike. However, the city centre isn’t very big and many of the major sights can be reached on foot.

The Main Attractions

Many of the must-see attractions are historic buildings – evidence of the Roman occupation can be seen in the Ancient Theatre of Fourviere, the Odeon of Lyon, and the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls – all of which were originally public performance areas.

The Renaissance influence can be seen in the churches – probably the most famous of these is the Cathedral of St John (the Baptist), which is also the home of the city’s Archbishop. The most iconic building in the city is the Notre Dame de Fourvière, a late 19th-century white stone basilica which dominates the skyline.

The city is also well-stocked with museums, including the impressive Fine Arts Museum. There’s plenty for younger eyes as well – for instance, the Musée des Arts de la Marionnette is a puppet museum suitable for four-year-olds upwards, while the Cinema and Miniature Museum houses exhibits which have been used in many Hollywood blockbusters and is ideal for older children.

Shopping Around and Eating Out

Lyon is one of the culinary capitals not just of France but the whole of Europe. Notable dishes to try include duck pate, roast pork and coq au vin. Desserts include marron glace (chestnuts in syrup) and coussin de Lyon (a mix of chocolate and green marzipan). If you want wine with your meal, then both the Beaujolais region (to the north) and the Cotes du Rhone region (to the south) are close to the city.

The best shopping in Lyon can be found on the Rue de La Republique, which runs between Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux (Lyon’s two main squares) and has most of the big retail chains and department stores.

For something more unique, try the Creation Marketplace in the Vieux Lyon neighbourhood. On Sunday mornings, a hundred or so artists exhibit and sell their wares and crafts, including jewellery and ceramics.

International Removals to France with Hamiltons Removals

At Hamiltons Removals, we can offer domestic and commercial removals to Lyon as well as Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux and many other French towns and cities. For more information follow this link or call us on 01379 855203.