Who is BEHVA?
SCUDERIA BELGICA is proudly and fully supported by BEHVA – the Belgian Historic Vehicle Association, the only officially recognized federation in Belgium dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and the culture that surrounds them.
BEHVA is the sole Belgian authority representing FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) and is officially responsible in Belgium for the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) Historic Vehicle Department .
This unique mandate positions BEHVA as the exclusive national reference for historic vehicles at both international and institutional levels.
At the heart of BEHVA's mission lies a long-term vision:
to ensure that future generations can fully benefit from the authentic preservation of our historic automotive heritage and all its related elements — original vehicles, technical authenticity, archives, research documents, publications, posters, and cultural records.
To achieve this, clear guidelines and structured instructions are essential, guaranteeing respect for authenticity, historical integrity and responsible use.
Historic vehicles must be used responsibly and sustainably, through:
- the evolution and adaptation of legislation,
- constructive dialogue with political decision-makers,
- and the implementation of targeted actions,
- all carried out with the support of national and international authorities.
By aligning itself with BEHVA, SCUDERIA BELGICA stands firmly within the highest level of legitimacy, responsibility and international recognition, actively contributing to the safeguarding of Belgium's historic vehicle heritage within the global framework defined by FIVA and the FIA.
History
BEHVA is an umbrella organization for clubs. The deed of incorporation was signed on September 7, 1988, marking the beginning of a very important organization defending the interests of all classic car enthusiasts in Belgium. The foundation took place at Autoworld.
When Autoworld opened its doors in 1986, things became serious. Under the leadership of Autoworld's Conservator, Ivan Mahy, the idea grew to build a legal and permanent infrastructure.
A working group was set up, and several meetings were held between the end of 1987 and the beginning of 1988.
The founding meeting eventually took place on September 7, 1988. The founding members consisted of 39 classic vehicle clubs and 4 private individuals well known in the classic car world: Ivan Mahy, Jacques Bougnet, Gérald Lesne, and Arnaud Massant.
The Evolution of Classic Vehicle Clubs
The Royal Veteran Car Club Belgium was founded in 1956 and the MG Car Club Belgium in 1958. For many years, there were only two classic vehicle clubs in Belgium. It should not be forgotten that when the Royal Veteran Car Club Belgium was founded, the age limit was December 31, 1930, meaning they accepted cars that were only about 25 years old.
In 1971, the first classic motorcycle club—the Vétéran Moto Club Belgium, a section of the Royal Motor Union of Liège—was established.
The first wave of new clubs emerged in 1972 with the Historical Vehicle Club of Belgium, the Ancient Ford Club Belgium, the Morgan Sports Club Belgium, and the Ferrari Club Belgio. In 1973, the Club Belge des Anciennes Citroën was founded, followed in 1974 by BRAVO, a club for owners of historic racing cars.
The first regional (multi-brand) clubs were founded in 1976: Westhoek Pioniers and AVAC in Charleroi. By the end of the 1970s, the Studebaker and Binocle Club (1977); Renault, Mercedes, MG (Antwerp), the Flemish Vehicle Club; the Jaguar Club, Peugeot, and Rolls-Royce Club (1979); as well as motorcycle clubs such as Early Riders and the Limburg Scooter Club (1978), joined a list of classic vehicle clubs that then counted barely 20 clubs.
Between 1980 and 1987, nearly fifty clubs were founded by enthusiastic initiators. Today, there is virtually a club for every brand (and even model), and a regional section in almost every village.
Objectives
BEHVA was founded to efficiently defend the interests of owners of historic vehicles.
The non-profit association is open to classic vehicle clubs, including brand clubs, multi-brand clubs, regional clubs, clubs for vintage motorcycles, military vehicles, commercial vehicles, and agricultural vehicles, as well as supporting members such as museums and event organizers.
The more clubs that join BEHVA, the stronger their position in negotiations with the competent authorities.
BEHVA will not interfere in any way in the internal affairs of the clubs. The independence of affiliated clubs is a fundamental principle of the federation.
Contact
Website: www.behva.be
Telephone: +32 2 377 13 46
Email: sec@behva.be
Office hours:
Monday to Thursday – 09:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00
Friday – 09:00–12:00