I'm heavily involved in the HRCS scheme in NSW & IMHO there is too much 'abuse' of the system. Now I'm only talking about the NSW system here, other states' rules are totally different.

The RTA (now the RMS) have laid down some very simple rules & have left it up to the car clubs to administer, in other words it should be self regulating.

To quote the RTA:-

"1. An historic vehicle must be 30 years of age or older as from the year of manufacture.
2. Vehicles must be as close to original condition as possible, with NO alterations except for
safety features such as seat belts and turn indicators or period accessories and options,
if desired."

No mention of big blocks or triples carbies in there !!

Many clubs out there have 'stretched' the term "period accessories and options" to mean just about any modification that was around at the time. Does the RTA's wording "NO alterations" mean no modifications ? I think it does.

The main bone of contention from my point of view is, what is that fine line between an accessory & a modification ? Period (legal size) alloys & chrome air cleaners etc. are accessories (to me anyway), engine transplants, monster brakes & 20" alloys are modifications.

In the future there may well be a scheme for modified cars & street machines etc., along the lines of street rod rego, but it doesn't exist at the present time. But bending the rules of the current historic system can only end in grief & we could possibly lose what we have now.

Dr Terry