Photo: Business Insider
Raleigh Classic celebrates the various makes and models that betokened changes in the automobile industry, displayed some long-forgotten feature, or possessed gawk-inducing beauty. We attribute dynamic words to these vehicles, such as vintage, antique, or classic; words that immediately conjure vivid images of a Model T Ford or soft-top convertible Cadillac. The memories of the vehicle’s aesthetics are crisp, confirming their remarkable character – a window through which we gaze at past generations.
People who are fortunate enough to own a classic enjoy a certain pride, a feeling that emanates from the car and stirs among its occupants.
These vehicles have an irresistible appeal spanning generations. We somehow find no faults in them, almost excusing them due to their age. We only see their positive traits. Even simple things like an emblem can enamor us. What may be the most striking fact is that both young and old hold an appreciation for classics: the young feel intrigued by how foreign the cars seem; the old feel nostalgic because of the role the car played in their youth.
Throughout the decades, standards have changed to make vehicles legal to drive. Whether it is safety or emissions or some other factor, classics that are decades old no longer satisfy minimum requirements. That is why states across the country offer special registration for “antiques,” and each state has established its own criteria to determine a vehicle’s status.
North Carolina, for example, mandates that a vehicle must have been released a minimum of thirty-five years ago. If you have a vehicle that meets this age, you may register with NCDoT by bringing the following items to a Vehicle and License Plate Renewal Office:
- A Title Application – completed and notarized
- Certificate of Title or manufacturer’s certificate of origin
- Damage Disclosure Statement – completed
- Current odometer reading
- Inspector’s Report – this certifies that the vehicle may be on the road
The state of North Carolina does charge fees for registering an antique vehicle, but don’t let that dissuade you. There are benefits for classic vehicle registration, including reduced or waived registration, vehicle inspection exemption, and distinct registration plates. If you are interested, follow this link to NC DoT’s registration site.