My Alfa Romeo is over 30 years old: how do I register it as a classic car?

When a Alfa Romeo crosses the milestone of 30 years, it doesn't just become "old", it enters another category, that of vehicles that begin to count in automotive history. However, for many owners, this change of decade raises two questions: should their car be registered as a classic, and how do they go about it without getting bogged down in red tape?

Black number plates in period style, streamlined roadworthiness tests, more flexible access to low-emission zones... the collector's registration card is the stuff of dreams. But behind this seductive image lies a very real administrative process, punctuated by precise formalities, essential documents and sometimes underestimated deadlines. Before imagining your Alfa Romeo as an official piece of rolling heritage, it's best to understand exactly what this change in status entails, and what it really brings to your day-to-day life.

The many advantages of a collector's registration card

Officially, this is more than just an aesthetic or symbolic change. The "carte grise collection" is a registration certificate bearing the words "véhicule de collection", reserved for cars at least 30 years old, preserved in their original configuration or restored to manufacturer's specifications.

In other words, a contemporary Alfa Romeo that has been restomodded, or heavily modified mechanically, runs a serious risk of falling outside the framework. The legislator didn't imagine this status as a reward for DIY cars, but as heritage recognition for models representative of an era.

In return, the benefits are tangible. Roadworthiness tests are lighter and carried out every five years, insurance is often more affordable, and the vehicle is exempt from the traditional constraints of low-emission zones (except in the event of pollution peaks). For many urban owners, this argument carries a lot of weight.

But the most overlooked advantage is the protection of the vehicle. In the event of a serious accident, an Alfa Romeo classified as a collector's item cannot have its registration certificate automatically withdrawn on the grounds that it would cost more to repair than its market value. It thus escapes the logic of systematic destruction.

The FFVE certificate, patience required

Even before submitting an administrative application, one document is essential: the certificate of dating and characteristics. It is issued by the Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Époque, the French Federation of Vintage Vehicles. FFVEthe only body authorized to officially recognize a vehicle as belonging to the automotive heritage.

This certificate is based on an analysis of the model, its year of production and its technical conformity. Detailed photographs are required, as well as various supporting documents specific to the vehicle. In the case of an Alfa Romeo imported from Italy, this document is often essential, especially when certain administrative documents are missing or incomplete. Patience is of the essence here. Delays can be several weeks, sometimes longer, depending on the season and the volume of applications. But without this attestation, no mention of "collection" can appear on the vehicle registration document.

A process that can now be entirely digital

Once the precious FFVE document has been obtained, the application can be submitted to the official ANTS platform. This is when the procedure becomes more administrative: uploading documents, filling in forms, validating information and paying fees.

In theory, this simple step can sometimes turn into a headache. Incomplete files, unrecognized document formats, data entry errors... these are just some of the details that can block the whole process.

To avoid these pitfalls, some owners choose to use specialized services. The website Eplaque offers comprehensive support for all your vehicle registration formalities, including the transition to collection. It's a practical solution for delegating the administrative side of the process, while benefiting from professional support.

Mistakes that cost time... and sometimes rejection

The main reason for rejection is the condition of the vehicle. A non-compliant engine, an approximate restoration or an overly radical transformation can be enough to compromise the application. Inconsistencies between the chassis number shown on the vehicle registration document and the vehicle itself can also result in rejection. Not to mention missing documents.

Another point that is often misunderstood about the carte grise collection is the vehicle's use. An Alfa Romeo with collector's registration may not be used for regular professional purposes. Some insurance companies also impose mileage limits, which you should check before signing.

Lastly, the "carte grise collection" is not irreversible, but its withdrawal is complex. You need to make sure that this status corresponds to the vehicle's actual use before taking the plunge.

Another way to own your Alfa Romeo

Do you own a 146, 155, 33 or 164 Alfa Romeo that's just over 30 years old? Registering an Alfa Romeo as a collector's car means official recognition that you no longer own a car like any other. Through this process, your Alfa Romeo becomes a heritage, a rolling object, a living witness to an era when design, sound and sensations took precedence over standards. For Italian car enthusiasts, it's also a way of prolonging the history of a model.