SURVIVOR CLASS RULES

Model Year Eligibility
Cars and Trucks up to and including 1979

Exterior
Original paintwork is a very important feature of the vehicle. A Survivor needs to have at least 80 percent of its original paintwork. This does not mean that minor repairs over the years make the car ineligible. At some stage, some Survivors may have had some minor damage or rust repairs. This is acceptable as long as only damaged sections have been repaired. Original factory paint work that may be faded, weathered or showing signs of a few small rust spots and are to be expected.

Interior
Original factory interiors are a good indicator of Survivor status. Worn carpets, seats which have some of their stitching coming apart, or worn steering wheels are all features of a Survivor. Repairs to parts of the interior are to be expected. Split seams on seats that have been repaired, or such items as carpeting or headliners which have been replaced are acceptable for a Survivor car. The addition of safety items, such as seat belts, is admissible.

Powertrain
A Survivor car should have its original engine. However, sometimes mechanical failure cannot be avoided no matter how well maintained the engine is. If the engine was replaced under factory warranty or with a period correct engine sometime in the car’s life, this still qualifies it a Survivor. Reconditioned original engines are fine but, an original untouched engine (apart from routine maintenance) is best of all.

Wheels & Tires
While it is impressive to see a Survivor car still wearing original tires, in normal circumstances, this is not possible. Because a tire is an organic compound, it degrades over time. For example, a tire from an original Survivor may have decent tread and still appear acceptable, but this tire would be unsafe if driven on the road. That said, original factory tires are not a necessity. Factory type bias ply or radial replacement tires are a better, safer alternative and as such, are acceptable. Original factory wheels or hubcaps add to a Survivor’s provenance. The undercarriage of a Survivor should remain as close to factory original as possible without compromising safety.

Supporting Vehicle Documentation
Paperwork such as the original new car dealer sales invoice, owner’s service books, service history and manufacturer’s authentication such as that provided by such organizations as the Pontiac Historical Services, Chrysler Historical Services, the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) and Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) further substantiate the originality of the vehicle.