If you have a classic car, you have surely at some point dreamed of having the famous black plate.
It's that little metal rectangle that turns your machine into a official collector's vehicle And, in the process, it gives you certain benefits, such as exemption from some traffic restrictions and instant respect among classic car lovers.
But getting the black license plate isn't as easy as it seems. I myself went through an odyssey to achieve it, and here I tell you my story, with all the details, frustrations, and, of course, the ultimate satisfaction.
First, what the heck is a black plate and why did I want it so much?
For those who don't know, the black plate is a distinction awarded to classic cars that meet certain requirements. It's not just a pretty license plate, but a certification that your car is a historic vehicle.
Having a black license plate means your car has undergone a rigorous evaluation process and has been recognized as a collector's item.
In addition, it gives you some advantages:
- Exemption from some technical inspections (depending on the country).
- Exemption from specific taxes in some cases.
- Permit to drive in areas where other older cars cannot.
- And, of course, an increase in the value of the car (because a certified classic is always worth more).
I wanted the black plate because, after passing Years restoring my 1967 Mustang Fastback, I felt that he had earned itI wanted that recognition, that seal of authenticity that says, “Yes, this car is a gem.”
But what he didn't know was the bureaucratic ordeal he was about to face.
Step 1: Check if my car met the requirements
It is not enough for your car to be old to obtain the black plate. Must meet certain criteria:
- Must be at least 30 years old (in some countries, even more).
- You must retain at least 80% of your original parts.
- It must be in excellent mechanical and aesthetic condition.
When I saw these requirements, I became confident. "My Mustang is a '67, it's immaculate, and almost all original. This will be a piece of cake.", I thought.
How naive I was.
Step 2: The first inspection (and the reality check)
To start the process, I took my car to the classic vehicle inspection. There, a group of experts examined every inch of the car with an imaginary magnifying glass and the attitude of an old-school detective.
As soon as I arrived, one of the inspectors looked at my car and, without even getting close, said:
— Original painting?
— No, I restored it two years ago —I replied proudly.
The guy nodded and jotted something down in his notebook. Something told me it wasn't good news.
Then they started to check each piece:
- Engine: Ok, original.
- Upholstery: Damn! I had changed the seats because the originals were destroyed.
- Rims: They were vintage, but not the ones that came from the factory.
- Electrical system: I had modernized some things for safety.
After an hour of review, they gave me a report. Nor had passed the inspection.
— The car is in excellent condition, but it has non-original modifications. You'll need to correct this or justify each change with historical documentation..
How to justify it? With a will signed by Carroll Shelby himself?
There I learned the first big lesson: if you're going to restore a classic car and want the black license plate, keep all the original parts, even if they're in tatters.
Step 3: Correcting the "mistakes"
In order not to lose all the work, I had to:
- Search for original seats (with an absurd price of 2,500 € the pair).
- Getting factory rims (others 1,800 € less on my account).
- Justify the updated electrical system with documents from a Mustang club showing that my model year had factory electrical faults.
When I finally did all this, I went back to the inspection hoping that this time I would pass without any problems.
Step 4: The Second Inspection (and the Final Victory)
The second inspection was less tense. This time, the experts reviewed everything with the same meticulousness, but with less criticism.
One of them even smiled when he saw the original seats.
— Now it does feel like a classic, he said, and that already gave me hope.
After a long wait, I received the long-awaited verdict:
— ¡Approved!
I didn't scream or jump with excitement because I wanted to look like a tough guy, but inside I was celebrating like I had just won a race at Le Mans.
Step 5: The paperwork (because not everything can be happiness)
Passing the inspection was just part of the process. Then came the bureaucracy:
- Pay administrative fees (approximately 500 €).
- Wait for official documents (which took a while three months to arrive).
- Request a new registration (others 250 €).
When I finally had my black license plate in my hands, I looked at it like a war trophy. I mounted it on my Mustang with pride, knowing every penny and every headache had been worth it.
Is it worth getting the black plate?
Many people ask me if this whole process is really worth it. My answer is YES, but only if you're truly passionate about classic cars.
Getting a black license plate doesn't make your car faster, improve its engine sound, or turn it into a mechanical unicorn. But what it does do is give it a special status, an official validation that your classic is a collector's item and not just a restored oldie.
Plus, in some places you can save on taxes, avoid certain restrictions, and even increase your resale value.
But beyond that, for me the real satisfaction was knowing that my car was officially recognized as a piece of history.
If you own a classic and are thinking about getting a black license plate, my advice is: do it with patience, information, and, above all, don't throw away the original parts. Believe me, you'll save yourself a lot of headaches.
And now tell me, have you also gone through this process, or are you thinking about it? Tell me about your experience!
He's been passionate about classic cars for as long as he can remember. His story began in his grandfather's garage, watching the painstaking restoration of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It was in that space, amid the smell of grease and the stories told, that he discovered his love for old four-wheelers.