The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has received approval from UNESCO to proceed with an application to have the UK’s historic vehicle enthusiasts’ movement recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The application centres on the role played by enthusiasts in maintaining and passing on knowledge, skills and practices associated with historic vehicles, helping to ensure this aspect of motoring history remains active and relevant.
This approval represents the first stage of a longer assessment process. If successful, it would lead to public enthusiasm for historic vehicles being formally documented and safeguarded as part of the UK’s living heritage. UNESCO’s agreement allows the Federation to develop and submit a full application. The decision follows discussions with the Heritage Alliance involving the Federation’s chairman David Whale and director of Heritage Phil Sampson.
In 2024 the UK Government supported the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which recognises living heritage as cultural practices that are actively maintained. In the UK these include activities such as bell-ringing, boat-building, cèilidh, carnival, pantomime, pancake day, Highland games, Eisteddfod, Lambeg drumming, longsword dancing, dry-stone walling and wassailing.
The Federation’s application has been facilitated through its relationship with FIVA, the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens. The Federation acts as the UK’s Authorised National Federation for FIVA, which is recognised by UNESCO as a cultural partner, providing a formal route for engagement with the organisation. UNESCO’s aim in creating inventories of living heritage is to support their safeguarding. These inventories are intended to encourage discussion about how living heritage is protected and to provide an initial framework for identifying, recognising and raising awareness of the range of living heritage in the UK.
“The authority to proceed with a full submission is an exciting prospect indeed,” said David Whale. “Every year 4.3 million enthusiasts attend events supported by our 534 member clubs. By enjoying and learning about historic vehicles, and sharing their knowledge, enthusiasts play a vital role in helping keep our heritage alive – which is precisely why we are keen to see the UK historic vehicle enthusiasts’ movement officially recognised as an example of our nation’s living heritage.”
More information can be found here.
