Digital classics at risk – FIVA

The global organisation established to look after the interests of historic vehicles is urging classic enthusiasts to save cars built after the mid-1980s now – or face losing them forever.

Echoing news analysis published by CCW in its 2 March 2016 issue The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), of which the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs is a member, says the ‘digital generation’ of classics is in danger of anihilation and that they are becoming harder to preserve due to complex electronics.

Stephan Joest, a consultant in electronic vehicle components, is quoted in the FIVA statement: ‘We have a clear window of opportunity where it’s still possible to preserve existing stocks of electronic components and their digital source codes. We need to save them.’

Bosch is also offering to help. Fritz Cirener, head of Automotive Tradition at Bosch, says he recognises the impending threat to younger historic cars.

‘To keep upcoming generations of classic cars running will be more challenging than in the past,’ he says. ‘But together with the manufacturers, we are working on this topic. There’s a long way to go but it will be worth it, if we want to preserve the technology for the younger and future user generations.’