If you’ve got a classic Porsche, or there’s one you are interested in purchasing, you might wonder if there’s a way that you can learn about the history of the car - such as its origins and details of the production process. Well, there is - or rather, there was…
Many classic Porsches will come with a previously-issued document called a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA). This certificate provides detailed information about the car as it was originally manufactured, including the engine and transmission numbers, paint colour, interior material and colour, and any optional equipment the car came with. It confirms the car’s originality and specifications straight from the factory.
If you haven’t heard about these certificates, read on and we’ll tell you all you need to know - including why you can’t currently get one in the UK.
What is a CoA?
A CoA is a comprehensive document that verifies the original specifications of your vehicle. It documents key production details such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), original engine and transmission numbers, exterior and interior specifications, and any optional equipment.
Why is having one useful?
Well, there are several reasons why owners have obtained one for their Porsche in the past.
Firstly, because of provenance and authenticity. A CoA helps to confirm the authenticity of your vehicle, and verifies that the car you own is what it claims to be - right down to the paint colour and engine. This is particularly important if you plan to show or sell the vehicle, as potential buyers and judges often look for this level of detail. Cars with a verified history tend to be more valuable than those without. A CoA acts as a pedigree document, helping to reassure buyers of the car’s origins and making it more attractive on the market.
Secondly, it’s important for restoration and preservation. If you’re in the process of restoring a classic Porsche, a CoA can be invaluable. It provides the original specifications, allowing you to return the car to its factory condition as accurately as possible. This not only enhances the car’s historical value but obviously can increase its market value, too.
Thirdly, having one might help you when applying for tax exemption or an age-related registration mark, or if importing/exporting your Porsche.
Finally, for many classic Porsche owners, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing the history of their vehicle. A CoA adds another layer to your connection with the car, giving a glimpse into its past and the journey it’s taken to finally become yours.
So in essence, the certificate obviously serves multiple purposes and gives you quite a lot of information…
Can I get one now?
Unfortunately, it seems not, as they were gradually phased out in 2018. Indeed, we spoke to the Classic Porsche Partner at Hatfield and they confirmed that they were no longer issuing them. However, it seems fairly likely that Porsche in the UK may eventually be replacing them with the Porsche Classic Technical Certificate (CTC), similar to what is offered in other countries - so watch this space!
In the meantime, if you want to find out any details on your particular classic Porsche, your first port of call would be to contact a Porsche Classic Partner - there are currently five listed on the Porsche website for the UK, in Bournemouth, Glasgow, Hatfield, Leeds and Swindon. You can give them a call and see if they can assist you.
For more details about what the CTC might look like in the UK, you can visit Porsche’s official CTC page here - there’s an example certificate on there which gives you an idea of what the document might also look like in the UK.
Do you have a CoA (or similar) for your Porsche? Let us know below if you found it useful!