The guidelines for consideration for the National Historic Vehicle Register have been created in conjunction with the Department of the Interior. This program is a work in progress and specific language will continue to be refined and developed over the course of the coming year. Each of the initial vehicles will help to act as a case study to perfect the process of nominating, documenting and collecting vehicles and their histories and specifications.
Draft Criteria for Historic Significance
Criterion A: Associative Value – Event
A vehicle associated with an event or events that are important in automotive or American history.
- 1903 Packard “Old Pacific” – early transcontinental traveler
- 1953 Ferrari 375 MM – President’s Cup winner Andrews AFB race
Criterion B: Associative Value – Person
A vehicle associated with the lives of significant persons in automotive or American history.
- 1932 Duesenberg SJ – Fred Duesenberg’s personal car
- 1909 White Steam Car – first US Presidential automobile
Criterion C: Design or Construction Value
A vehicle that is distinctive based on design, engineering, craftsmanship or aesthetic value.
- 1948 Tucker (design/engineering)
- 1925 Doble (engineering – steam)
Criterion D: Informational Value
A vehicle of a particular type that was the first or last produced, has an element of rarity as a survivor of its type, or is among the most well-preserved or thoughtfully restored surviving examples.
- 1953 Corvette EX122 (prototype)
- 1899 Packard (first Packard built)
All of these criteria should be considered on national, state and local levels.