A car that's 100 years old is officially classified as an Antique Car. However, the specific terminology can vary depending on the organization, with "Vintage Car" also being a common and sometimes overlapping term. The key differentiator is the vehicle's age. In the United States, the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), a major authority in the hobby, defines an antique car as one that is 25 years or older. Once a car reaches the 100-year milestone, it often earns the special designation of a "Centenarian Car" or is grouped into the "Brass Era" or "Veteran Era" categories, which refer to the earliest periods of automotive history.
The cutoff dates are important. For example, a car built in 1924 is considered an antique, but as of 2024, it also qualifies as a 100-year-old centenarian vehicle. These cars are not just old; they are rolling history. They predate modern features like electric starters, safety glass, and synchronized transmissions. Owning and driving one is a completely different experience that connects you to the dawn of the automotive age.
| Organization/Term | Typical Age Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|
| Antique Car | 25+ years | General term for collectible older vehicles; often requires historical plates. |
| Centenarian Car | 100+ years | A subset of antique cars, representing the very first generation of automobiles. |
| Vintage Car | 1919 - 1930 | Often used interchangeably with "Antique," but some purists reserve it for this period. |
| Brass Era | ~1896 - 1915 | Named for the brass fittings used for lights, radiators, and other components. |
| Veteran Era | Pre-1905 | The pioneering days of automotive manufacturing, with extremely low production numbers. |
If you're lucky enough to encounter one, you're looking at a priceless piece of heritage. Their value is immense, not just monetarily but as a preserved artifact of technology and design from a world over a century gone by.
