The years matter
If you go to enough car shows, you soon figure out that certain cars from certain years are or are not allowed to enter certain events. If you go to a concours judging event like Pebble Beach, you aren’t going to see many post WWII cars. Frequently promoters will even offer different classes with a span of years for cars to enter for trophies. Like Chevys are often broken into classes; including 55-57 and pre 42.
But as the population ages, organizations and promoters are re-considering the age limits of the vehicles they allow into the shows. After all, the public wants to see lots of vehicles, especially if they are paying for admission. And the middle aged folks with money today, didn’t grow up driving cars from the 40’s or 50’s.
The first distinction made at shows is American made cars, versus typically the Far East (Japanese) imports. I suspect as the rarity of some early Datsun (remember them?) and Toyota cars and trucks become more pronounced, the requirements will relent and shows will allow them in. At classic car auctions we are already seeing some Asian cars being sold for impressive sums.
The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) a few years back dropped their requirement that cars be from 1948 or earlier. Now they have a rolling age requirement for vehicles to be at least 30 years old. So yes, that means a 1985 Ford could be placed next to a much earlier vehicle.
Goodguys Street Rods and Customs have an interesting set up. Most of their shows limit vehicles to 72 and earlier. But at their three "Get-Togethers" in Pleasanton, CA any year vehicle is allowed as long as it's American made or powered. And many of their other “Nationals” shows offer an “All American Sunday” when any year American vehicle can enter the show on Sunday. This helps fill out the field, when many folks won’t return to show off their cars after being there on Friday and Saturday, after the picks have been made for trophies.
Even the states are getting “involved” in this age issue. In Arizona, a car 15 years old is exempt from emissions testing if it is used primarily for parades and exhibitions and has “classic car” insurance.
And then you have some holdouts like the Minnesota Street Rod Association, which holds their annual “Back to the Fifties” show. They limit the cars to 1964 and younger. Plus, they then reinforce this by saying No Mustangs. (I often have to explain to someone that Mustangs came out in 1964½ and hence can’t qualify.) But this show is still going strong with over 13,000 entrants!
My point in discussing this is twofold. First, if you are considering buying a classic, consider where you can enter your car for shows, if that is your thing. Second, if you are in a club and hold a show, consider the age limits you impose and what you might be missing out on.
Personally, if it has wheels and a motor I like it. What do you folks think?