Definition of terms

Below is a brief list of definitions and terms used across this site. A cursory knowledge of these terms helps us to better convey the state and restoration of each car in our inventory.

Antique/Classic — 25 Years old or older.

Concours d’Elegance — Organized events where vehicles are shown and judged

California Yellow Plates — This is a license plate that was used in California before the 50’s. When a car still has a yellow plate, it means that the vehicle has been in California since the 1950’s.

California Black Plates — This is a license plate that was used in California before the 60’s and after the 50’s. When a car still has a black plate, it means that the vehicle has been in California since the 1960’s.

California Blue Plates — This is a license plate that was used after 1969 and before the white California plate was issued in 1989.

Clear Title — Term used when a vehicle does not have a salvaged status on the Title, prior accidents or open liens.

Matching Numbers — Most commonly used in Jaguar descriptions, this term is used when guaranteeing that the Engine, Transmission, Gearbox and Body of the vehicle is original to the car and has never been replaced.

Show — Highest level of restoration and extreme attention to detail while adhering to factory specifications for the mark. Please see Show level restoration for further definition.

Show/Driver — Restoration that is customized to be occasionally driven while adhering to factory specifications for the mark. This level is one step below a Show level but typically offers many of the same components of a Show level restoration. Please see Show/Driver level restoration for further definition.

Preservation — Minimal restoration work and customized to stay as original to the day that it came off of the factory floor as possible. Usually this level involves a complete service and detail only. Please see Preservation level restoration for further definition.

Bill of Lading — A document issued by a carrier to a shipper, acknowledging that non specified goods have been received on board as cargo for conveyance to a named place for delivery to the consignee who is usually identified.

Spats — Also known as a ‘Skirt’. This is a piece of sheet metal that attaches to the rear wheel well of the car. Spats are only used on metal car bodies with steel wheels.

Marque — A general term for make and model of a vehicle.

Bonnet — British term for the front hood of a car.

Hood — British term for a convertible top.

Boot — British term for a trunk lid or convertible top cover.

Lid — British term for cap door and a trunk lid.

Britework — Term for chrome.

DMV — Department of Motor Vehicles.

FHC — Fixed Head Coupe (Closed body style found on a Jaguar).

OTS — Open Two Seater (Convertible body style found on a Jaguar).

DHC — Drop Head Coupe (Convertible body style found on a Jaguar that has a higher back where the convertible top drops into the car).

Unknowns — Any unforeseen condition of a vehicle that cannot be determined by standard inspection and usually is not uncovered until specialists have already started the process of repair work.