Historic Vehicle Scheme period options, accessories and safety items

Eligibility of vehicles for inclusion in the Historic Vehicle Scheme

Transport for NSW has compiled a defined list of period options, accessories and safety items which may aid motoring clubs in determining the eligibility of vehicles for inclusion in the Historic Vehicle Scheme. This list is for light vehicles it does not cover motorcycles or heavy vehicles. 

Important considerations

• The items listed below are considered acceptable period options, accessories and safety items for inclusion in the scheme.
• This list will be used to determine if a vehicle is correctly registered under the scheme.
• It is recommended that motoring clubs circulate this list to their members and that they provide appropriate education and advisory services.
• Clubs may suggest other items which they believe should be included in the list; additions will occur after consultation and shall be confirmed by Transport for NSW in writing.
• The final decision as to whether an item is added to the list will be exclusively determined by Transport for NSW.
• Clubs must retain evidence of the item being available in the period/s as nominated.

Technical considerations

• Period accessories and options relative to a vehicles age or build date are considered to be within 2-3 years (‘defined period’) of the build date of the vehicle. Note: There may be exceptions to this rule and clubs are invited to seek clarification where appropriate.
• The installation of an item must not affect compliance with applicable vehicle standards.

Period options

These may include:

• tuning kits offered by a manufacturer or dealer and fitted by a manufacturer or dealer (for vehicles built before July 1976 or not built to ADR 27A)
• tuning kits offered by a manufacturer or dealer and fitted by the vehicle owner (for vehicles built before July 1976 or not built to ADR 27A)
• wheels of period type conforming to VSI09 (Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) diameter and tyre profile for vehicles pre-1970). Both the wheels and tyres must have been available in the defined period (as stated in the technical consideration above)
• exhaust kits (for example, a Lukey muffler)
• lowering kits – maximum 25mm or 1 inch only permitted
• bonnet scoops
• sump guards
• air conditioning (including an under-dash system if not offered as an integrated system)
• water injection (for example, a Kleinig system)
• floor change conversions – OEM or aftermarket
• overdrive on gearbox – including a Laycock system or similar
• wire wheel conversion – whether optional or not
• disc brake conversions from later year of same make/model. (Note: must be complete system including wheels and tyres)
• disc brake conversions from later model of same make. (Note: must be complete system including wheels and tyres)
• optional engine fitment. (Note: must be complete package including brakes, transmission, axles, wheels, tyres and other required items)
• optional Transmission change including automatic to manual or manual to automatic conversion within manufacturer’s optional equipment.
• half cage/single hoop roll bars in an open sports car – CAMS or VSB14 → not allowed in sedans or Fixed Head Coupes (FHC)
• sun roof – OEM fitted
• sun roof replicating OEM (must have an accompanying VSCCS compliance certificate)
• Webasto-type roof conversion – OEM fitted.

Period accessories

Accessories must be able to be removed and the vehicle returned to its original “as built” condition. The accessories include:

• radio
• tape player – 8 track or cassette (not CD players) – unless OEM fitted
• mudflaps
• wheel trims and hubcaps
• rear window blinds that do not obstruct vision (for example, louvres are acceptable)
• mirrors – internal or external
• dash mounted fans (check regulations for applicability)
• additional instrumentation – dash mounted
• side window blinds
• mesh headlamp covers
• luggage racks (roof or boot)
• Halda Speedpilot or TripMaster (or similar)
• map lamps and other internal reading lamps
• driving and fog lamps – including mounts
• badge bars
• bonnet mascots
• additional chrome strips
• additional reflectors – including scotch tape or otherwise
• demisters – including hot air or electric bar type
• heater – hot water type
• windscreen washers
• bug deflectors
• sun visors – internal or external
• radiator/grille and insect screens
• water bag carriers and water bag
• period metal fuel cans and wooden tool boxes on running boards
• additional spare wheel racks – roof or boot, running board or rear mounted racks
• additional horns (for example, Klaxons). Note: Must not alternate sound like an emergency vehicle. Must not be siren whistle or bell.
• reversing lamp/s
• additional stop lamps
• tow bar
• wheel spats
• wheel dress trims and rings
• hubcaps
• white wall tyres
• hardtop for convertibles – OEM or aftermarket.
• pinstriping consistent with the period style at vehicle build date
• auxiliary lighting – forward facing
• weathershields.

Safety items

• Seatbelts – must be road approved (including, for example lap, lap sash and harness varieties). The belts must comply with Schedule 2 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2017.
• Vehicles built to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR) 4 and 5 must continue to comply.
• If a vehicle does not have seatbelt mounts and seatbelts are installed, they must be signed off by a suitably qualified Engineer.
• Child Restraint Anchorages (CRA) – a vehicle must comply with ADR 4 and 5.
• Direction indicators – can be white or amber (amber is preferred). The style must be in keeping with the defined period of the vehicle. Brake lamps flashing red for direction indicators are not acceptable. The replacement of semaphore type indicators is permitted.
• Left-Hand Drive (LHD) sourced vehicles must have Right-Hand Drive (RHD) headlamps.
• Toughened glass windscreens must have a safety zone immediately in front of the driver.
• Imported vehicles may retain OEM belts. However, if the belts are fitted after importation, they must comply with Schedule 2 of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2017.

Note: seatbelts and CRA are not mandatory if the vehicle was not fitted with seatbelts or CRA as an OEM fitment. However, they are strongly recommended for all vehicles where installation is possible.