A Certificate of Description (COD) is a technical description of a historic vehicle that confirms its technical specification is accurate to its original competition period.

They provide a practical link to the relevant rules set out in the various Schedules by providing a guide for:

• Enthusiasts and participants engaged in historic and classic motorsport as to the type and range of changes or modifications that are acceptable or not acceptable, and the range and type of vehicles organisers may seek to attract or accept in planning and running historic and/or classic motorsport events.
• CODs are also a key means of demonstrating to organisers and other interested parties that vehicles are what the entrant/participant says they are.  A system of random audits aims to be implemented over time will seek to ensure that CODs are accurate and up-to-date.

CODs can be required for Historic and Classic vehicles when competing in certain classes. Some classes may require a current COD to be eligible to compete in that class.

A COD may also be a requirement set out in the supplementary regulations for some classic and historic events.

All NZRC Historic Class (Class 4) cars must have a COD.

The requirements for a COD are set out in Appendix Six, Section Three of the MotorSport Manual.

The MotorSport New Zealand technical department is also available to answer any questions you may have around CODs.

You may also find some helpful information in our COD Application Guidelines.

You can apply for a COD using the MotorSport Online system. It is recommended you read the COD Application Guidelines prior to applying to avoid additional charges.