The CHVA History

The Contemporary Historical Vehicle Association (CHVA) was first presented as an idea in December 1966. By March 1967, through small advertisements, enough nationwide interest had made it clear such a club was wanted by many old car fans. CHVA was born at that time, and endeavors to give all the benefits of a large, all-encompassing club dedicated to the preservation of the Depression/World War II era and later vehicles. CHVA has by-laws, which assure democratic operation, both now and in the future, and is a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Virginia.

The purpose of the club is to provide a place where publications and activities will be designed to cater to this particular era of vehicles and auto-related memories. We feel these vehicles deserve a place where those people who consider them to be of historical and sentimental value, can follow those convictions in fellowship with people of similar interest. At the time of its founding, CHVA considered 1928 as its earliest historical boundary, and included all vehicles manufactured through 1948. By exception, the 1927 LaSalle, was and is included. These passenger and service motor vehicles are known as "ACTION ERA VEHICLES," or AEVs.

The year 1928 was selected because it marked the end of the famous Model "T" era, chrome plating was beginning, and the first Plymouths, DeSotos, and Chrysler-built Dodges were introduced. These and other things make 1928 quite a year of change in the automobile industry. Beyond that, 1928 was just one year before the stock market crash, which brought on the great depression that marked the early historical boundaries of the club.

The year 1948 seemed to be a logical stopping place, at the time, because almost all vehicles through that year were carry-overs in design from the pre-war era. Further, they are well remembered as part of those first three years of the return to normalcy when new post-war cars were purchased after the buyer's name had worked its way up a long waiting list, often taking years to do so.

In 1974, cars were recognized as they became 25 years old. By member vote, CHVA currently recognizes all highway vehicles from 1928 thru 20 years of age.

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