What are Classic, Vintage and Veteran Cars?

There’s definitely a debate as to what denotes a classic, vintage, veteran or even an antique car. To be honest, there’s probably no clear rule as these vary depending on the country, the classic insurance company, a themed show, car club or individual owner.

We all have our views and everyone’s belief on the matter should be respected. However, we have to have a cut off point for the show itself and the cars that are being displayed on the day.

Most Irish insurers do have a clear cut-off point of 30 years for a Classic Car, with stipulations and requirements that the car should be used only as your second car or if you like, as a ‘Sunday driver’, clocking up a limited amount of miles per year.

The cut-off point for entering a vehicle into the Bohernabreena Classic Car Show & Fair is therefore 30 years, that is, cars manufactured before or during 1994.

If you’re not sure whether you can enter your car this year, please check whether your car is eligible for Classic Car insurance in Ireland. If it is, we would love to invite you to attend. If not, we hope you understand, and welcome you to attend the show as a visitor and help to support Pieta House.

What is a Classic Car?

The 2024 Bohernabreena Classic Car Show & Fair defines a Classic Car as a car manufactured 30 or more years ago, that is, prior to or during 1994, and which is eligible for Classic Car Insurance here in Ireland. While we also love ‘modern classics’ and ‘future classics’, they are not eligible to enter the show this year. For more information about how the definition of a Classic Car varies around the world, read this Wikipedia article.

What is a Vintage Car?

A Vintage Car is generally defined as a car manufactured after World War I and before World War II, between 1919 and 1939. For more information about Vintage Cars, read this Wikipedia article.

What is a Veteran Car?

Veteran Cars began their lives as ‘horseless carriages’ in the late 1800s. The first American patent for a horseless carriage was filed in 1879. Veteran Cars are generally considered to be those manufactured from the late 1880s to the end of World War 1. For lots more about the early history of the motor vehicle, read this article on Wikipedia.

What is an Antique Car?

The phrase ‘Antique Car’ is usually used to describe any car that falls within the Vintage or Veteran Car periods, and sometimes to describe vehicles that fall within the Classic Car category too. You can read more on Wikipedia here.

How do I register my classic car for the Bohernabreena Classic Car Show?

Thank you to everyone who registered. Spaces booked out almost immediately, so please do book early when we re-open registrations next year!