SAVVA Affiliation
Preserving South Africa's motoring heritage - the Southern African Veteran and Vintage Association.
Preserving South Africa's Motoring Heritage
The Eastern Province Veteran Car Club (EPVCC) is affiliated to the Southern African Veteran and Vintage Association (SAVVA).
A Southern African Association
Formed in 1968, SAVVA is the association representing veteran and vintage vehicle clubs throughout Southern Africa. Its role includes promoting the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of historic vehicles, supporting its affiliated clubs and representing their collective interests when dealing with relevant authorities.
Recognised Worldwide
SAVVA is affiliated to Motorsport South Africa (MSA) and is the South African representative of the Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA), the international organisation for historic vehicles.
What is SAVVA?
SAVVA brings historic vehicle clubs together.
A Recognised Framework
Through its affiliated clubs, SAVVA supports the preservation, restoration, dating and use of historic motor vehicles and motorcycles. It also provides a recognised framework for vehicle dating and for various club and competitive activities.
A Link to the Wider Movement
For EPVCC members, SAVVA provides an important link between our club and the wider historic vehicle movement in Southern Africa.
Vehicle Categories
SAVVA classifies historic vehicles according to their year of manufacture.
| Class | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ancestor | Before 31 December 1904 |
| B | Veteran | 1905 - 1918 |
| C | Vintage | 1919 - 1930 |
| D | Post Vintage | 1931 - 1945 |
| E | Post War | 1946 - 1960 |
| F | Post 60 | 1961 - 1969 |
| G | Post 70 | 1971 onwards, subject to the SAVVA age limit |
These classifications are based on the current information published by SAVVA. The applicable classification should always be confirmed with SAVVA where a vehicle falls close to a category boundary.
Get Your Vehicle Dated
SAVVA has a standardised system for dating and identifying historic vehicles and motorcycles.
Documented and Recognised
An officially dated vehicle receives a SAVVA Dating Certificate and Dating Plaque, providing recognised documentation of the vehicle's recorded date.
Dating can be useful for:
- confirming a vehicle's recorded year of manufacture;
- participating in events where dating is required;
- supporting licensing requirements where applicable; and
- assisting with insurance documentation.
SAVVA recommends that owners of eligible historic vehicles have them dated.
Start With the EPVCC Dating Officer
EPVCC members should contact the EPVCC Dating Officer for assistance.
The SAVVA dating process requires the appropriate application form, supporting information and inspection of the vehicle. The current SAVVA application procedure places responsibility on the owner to provide evidence supporting the claimed date of manufacture.
Have your vehicle's supporting information ready and speak to the EPVCC Dating Officer.
Vehicle Status and Ownership
Not every historic vehicle is completely original - and ownership records can change.
What If My Vehicle Has Been Modified?
Where a vehicle has been substantially altered, or where a later reproduction or replacement body has been fitted, SAVVA may classify it differently from an original vehicle.
Such vehicles may be recorded as a replica, special or non-authentic reproduction, depending on the circumstances.
If you are unsure about the status of your vehicle, speak to the EPVCC Dating Officer before applying for dating.
Bought a SAVVA-Dated Vehicle?
If you have purchased a vehicle that already has SAVVA dating, the ownership record should be updated.
Contact the EPVCC Dating Officer for guidance on the current SAVVA Change of Ownership procedure and documentation.
S-Licence Important!
Special vehicle licensing is subject to specific conditions.
Some historic vehicles may qualify for special classification in respect of motor vehicle licence fees.
However, this should not be regarded simply as a cheaper form of ordinary vehicle licensing.
The South African Government confirms that special classification is subject to specific requirements and is administered through the relevant registering authority. The current government information also identifies particular categories of vehicles and uses that may qualify.
Check First
- Check that your vehicle qualifies
- Confirm the current requirements with your registering authority
- Make sure you understand the permitted use of the vehicle
- Check that your insurance arrangements are appropriate
- Obtain current advice before relying on special classification
Licensing requirements and procedures can change. EPVCC recommends checking the latest requirements with the relevant registering authority and the South African Government before making an application.
Keeping the Wheels Turning
The preservation of historic vehicles is about more than keeping old cars in garages.
It is about history, engineering, craftsmanship, friendship and enjoying these remarkable vehicles on the road and at events.
Through EPVCC's affiliation with SAVVA, our members form part of a wider Southern African community dedicated to keeping our motoring heritage alive for future generations.
Useful Links
Official sources for SAVVA information and South African licensing.
Southern African Veteran and Vintage Association
Official website, dating information, vehicle classifications, forms and club resources.
Licensing Information
Current information on special vehicle classification and motor vehicle licensing.
The information on this page is provided as a general guide for EPVCC members. It is not intended to replace the current SAVVA Constitution, SAVVA regulations, official application forms, South African legislation or instructions issued by the relevant registering authority.
Where there is any uncertainty, members should refer to the current official information or contact the appropriate EPVCC Committee member or Dating Officer.
EPVCC acknowledges SAVVA as the authoritative source for SAVVA classifications, dating procedures and related requirements.