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How many of you know the history of your vehicle? How many have a sign to display for the public to read? (The public are normally more interested in the vehicle’s actual history than the vehicle itself.)

2011 is the “Year of the British & European Vehicles”, and I’m sure that all vehicles are not the same. They may look like each other, but each has a story to tell.

It is very important to research this history and to display it for all to read.

The history is known in the prestige vintage vehicle movement as a Vehicle’s Provenance. The more that is known about the individual vehicle the more valuable it may become.

Take for example the Cars of the Film Stars. Once it is proven that a vehicle belonged to a film star, for example, Elvis Presley, the value would increase by many thousands of dollars.

Another example is the Horch used by Rommel in the Middle East. That car has recently been restored and its Provenance proven. The value went from a mere $15,000, to well in excess of $2,000,000.

Now I’m not saying that we do have such vehicles, but do we? Only by doing your research will you find out. Only by making up an Information Board will the public know of the vehicle’s Provenance.

So where do we start. Information from the previous owner can help, but that may have been exaggerated here and there. This happens especially when they are trying to sell an item. The Archives at the Australian War Memorial are worth a visit. Access is available to the Registration Lists and you may be lucky enough to find the Registration Number, Chassis Number and Engine Number as well as to whom or where it was sent for disposal. Unfortunately they can’t tell you where it was used within its lifetime. Take your digital camera with you as the AWM won’t photocopy any more, but you are able to photograph the pages. 

The AOMC is also a good starting place with their Engine Number records.

I have just returned from Scotland (and other places), and I was fortunate to locate the Albion Archives in the town of Biggar. Four hours of searching provided me with the original build card for my 1916 WW1 Albion A10 3ton truck. This was photographed and along with other records, the history of my truck evolved. Quite a few not seen before WW1 photos were also copied showing Albions in all parts of the World and in many situations.

I discovered that my truck Chassis No 361A was laid down on the 6^th.December 1915 for completion early February 1916. I know what extras it came with and the type of body it originally had. I know its colour, tyre size, lighting and many more interesting details.

I had known some of the details, but now I can update my Information Board to share the details with those interested enough to read them.

So for the “Year of the British & European Vehicles” and further on, PLEASE make up a sign and tell the world about your pride and joy.

Rick Cove