Portugal sees rise in classic car certification requests

In Portugal, a surge in certification requests is occurring as vehicles manufactured in 1996 reach the 30-year threshold required to potentially qualify as Vehicles of Historical Interest.

According to the Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP), reaching 30 years of age does not automatically grant classic status or tax benefits. To be officially recognized under Decree-Law no. 144/2017, a vehicle must meet several cumulative requirements: it must be at least 30 years old, correspond to a discontinued model, remain largely in its original state without significant modifications, and be well-preserved.

Final certification must be granted by an entity recognized by the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT), such as ACP Clássicos, the Portuguese Club of Ancient Automobiles, the Abel and João de Lacerda Foundation, or the Vila Nova de Famalicão Automobile Museum.